Today marks 13 years of blogging here, with 2,901 posts. I have just returned from 3 weeks in Europe, working with several people and organizations who first connected through my blog. Next month I will be contributing to the Arts in a Digital World Summit because the organizers found me through this blog. The ability for anyone to publish their work to a global audience is one of the most important attributes of the web and our digital world: for better and worse. In spite of the rise in fascist thinking and post-truth moments, being connected can be liberating for humanity. However, it will always be a work in progress, like democracy. I am deeply thankful for our connected world, remembering what it was like before the web, and for the many friends and colleagues I have gained over the past 13 years.
Here are a few of my thoughts on blogging over the years.
2006: I’m also finding that this year I have not had to go out and market my services. All of my projects to date have been referrals and I believe that this is partly due to my blog. I continue to promote blogging for free-agents, and those considering going out on their own, as the most effective marketing tool there is.
2007: I can’t imagine stopping this blog, as it’s been a wonderful way to take my half-baked ideas and get some great input from a worldwide community. I must say that I have been the primary beneficiary so I’ll continue to selfishly plug away.
2009: I’ve also taken up micro-blogging on Twitter this past year and that is enabling different kinds of conversations. What might have been a few comments here are now many 140-character tweets. This blog is still central to my Web presence but I have other windows on the world now.
2010: The ability to publish anything at anytime has been not only empowering but enlightening. I have learned so much from so many people, especially other bloggers, and I truly appreciate all the comments added to my own, often half-baked, thoughts.
2011: I have tried to keep this blog true to my principles and beliefs but still professional and courteous. I cannot say the posts here have a neutral point of view. I was an advocate of open source software before it was popular with the mainstream. I have commented on oligopolistic practice, suggested that the LMS is not the centre of the universe and have advocated for de-schooling. While not radical, this blog has not been corporate mainstream either. Of course, there is always a price to pay for that, as I continue to learn. However, I cannot see how I could remove myself from my online life. For instance, I never comment online under a pseudonym. My writing reflects me and nobody else, though I try to be restrained and provide balance.
2014: Given the usefulness of blogs, it’s amazing that many professionals still cannot be bothered with them.
Congratulations in achieving this milestone! Well done.
May we have the chance to share in your ideas (half as well as full baked) for 13 more! Congratulations!
Congrats on 13 years of sharing. The community is better for your contributions. It’s going to be fun to see where the next decade takes us.
Yes, I think the next 13 years will be an even wilder ride!
I would like to echo your comments about the value of blogging. I have found it useful and rewarding in itself for the past 14 years regardless of how many people read what I posted. My public blog has been a personal project, not attached to any employer. I’ve also blogged at work, internally, which is a much more targeted audience and different purpose. Both have been enjoyable.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful writing with us all. I have found your comments a useful basis for reflection and your workshop on PKM a great start to a long apprenticeship.