Just Because You Can Post Anything On A Blog, Doesn't Mean You Should!
In late 2006, a friend of mine in the Vacation Rentals and Sales Business called me with an idea. "I'm thinking of putting up some blogs on the company web site. 'Ya want in?"
At the time, I was wary of the whole blogging thing. All I had witness to was the MSN "livespace" debaucle and further the general impression that blogs were just online dream journals for tech savy , angstful teenagers to share their detailed fantasies. But, I was curious. My friend mocked my childish curiosity saying, "Deb, you're like 4 years behind the times, girl. Everyone has a blog now. Even old people." (Well that sure got my juices flowing. Old people. How dare she!).
Two weeks, three asthetically challenging blog make overs and one cute picture of my cat sniffing a butterfly later, we went live. I was excited. Time to get my blog on. I assumed (remember never to assume) that it'd be like writing a non-edited column for the news, that could cover anything as long as it related to with my department. (Owner Services) Plus, I could post pictures and Videos (muhaaaaahaha). This was my chance to let my "voice" explode into the world, no editors, no bosses and no owner to strip it down. Finally, I thought, here's a chance. People will see the real me! (the uncut directors version) They'll love it!
It started easy enough. I wrote an intro. Daily blog entries were easy enough. (off season, there's plenty of time to devote to issues), but when the "snow-bird" season was over and spring break began, the wheels began to fall off. Once a day entries turned to once a week entries, turned to every 15 or so days. My formerly coherent, informative posts turned to personal stories revolving around the kids on the beach and traffic patterns. My clever "Debbie-ness" wasn't exactly exploding across the net as I had planned, it was in fact imploding on my career.
"So, I um read your blog", my neighbor said. "You're not drinking during the day, right????"
A blog is a complicated beast. Its filled with meta-narrative moments, unbridled prose and emoticons. The immediacy is what is so addictive. Type it, press publish and BAM ! Your work is out there. In an industry that prides itself on slow turn arounds and keeping the snail mail folks in business, the instant gratification of seeing your work "published" is no small thing. But that leads down a slippery slope without discipline and the ability to stay focused.
For now, I set my word counts, deadlines and photo shoots. I also ask for feedback from my friends and peers occasionally. Consistent posting has upped my visitor numbers, and forced me to focus, preventing me from indulging in marathon screenings of 24 or CSI. For now, I'll keep working and self motivating, improving my blogging and writing skills. Once those are in the pocket, I can kick my feet up, and wait for that amazing book deal. After all, that book isn't going to publish itself!
