Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Who are you talking to?

About a year and a half ago, I discovered my good friend Tiffany's blog, and thought it was brilliant! Not just because she does a good job with it, but because it was my first experience with a blog, and I thought that she had created something original and amazing.

Then other friends told me about their blogs, namely Nicole and Kelli, and I loved those blogs because I felt like I was still in touch with friends who I didn't see much anymore, and I liked knowing what was going on with them (of course, Tiff, you're still original and amazing, just not the only one blogging anymore :).

When I decided to do this myself, it was for that same reason - so that friends and family could know what's up with me. It's been fun, really fun. I honestly don't know that my family reads my blog, I'd like them to, but I have very little evidence that they're paying attention. But I do get regular comments from Tiffany, Nicole and Kelli. I consider them my audience, and always have them in mind when I'm writing. Sure there are others who read, and sometime I'll think, "Sierra will laugh at this." or "My mom might like this." Marla has told me that she checks in now and then. But still, I know for sure that those three friends are constant, and so they, in my brain, are who I'm talking to.

Lately I've learned that others are looking at my blog. Some are folks I know, others are people I've never met. The blog world reaches far, and yet is so small (kind of like the real world), and all it takes is hitting a link on a friend's blog to find something from a total stranger that you like to read and then start checking regularly. It feels a little strange to know that these people are reading what's here, and it makes me wonder if I should be more careful or thoughtful about what I write, but then I think no, I'll still just write to Tiff, Nicole and Kelli. They're my friends, and have always brought out good things in me, and I'm comfortable with them.

(Clarification - What I've written here in no way means that I don't want others reading my blog. All are welcome. Please keep checking in.)

So who are you talking to? Do you have anyone specific in mind when you write, or are you just writing? It would be interesting to know.

1 comment:

Tiffany said...

Such a good question that I had to think about it for a couple of days. Honestly, I don't know who I'm writing to, but I agree that suddenly becoming aware of a wider audience can momentarily freak you out and make you wonder about these strangers.

However, it doesn't surprise me at all that people are finding your blog and sticking around--it's fantastic.