The Five Reasons YOU Should Invest More Time Into Your Blog

  Posted on by Kendall Fredrick Person

  576 Comments

BLOGGING

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The Five Reasons You Should
Invest More Time in Your Blog
by Kendall F. Person

forestI was a late bloomer when it came to blogging, not entering the scene until August 2012, and only at the suggestion of a close friend and fan of my work. When I posted U.S. Open: the drama in sports, it was not because I had suddenly seen the light and wanted to join the blogging community, which as it turns out, was the best decision I could have made, but it was because,  after a 12 year self-imposed exile, I wanted to discover if I were still able to write. I was not working at the time, having only recently returned from a 30-day project in Philadelphia, so time, as far as hours in a day, was on my side. Locating an apt subject was simple, for as a huge tennis enthusiast, the approaching United States Open afforded the perfect topic. Blogger, Google’s easy to use blogging platform, gave me the tool and my good friend had given me the motivation.

I had spent 15 years in the marketing arena, five of those years marketing my own work, so I knew about promotions and the need to promote my first post if I expected anyone to read it. My confidence was not low, it was non-existent, so I chose an inventive way to promote my work, while protecting my fragile ego in the process. I derived a pen-name, hence, thepublicblogger.

Knowing the importance of statistics, after conducting a generous amount of promotional work, I sat back and stared at the counter, which is a built-in part of the blogging platform. While tennis is a niche sport in my home nation, it is a major attraction in most other parts of the world, and to my surprise, U.S. Open: the drama in sports took off (on a relative scale). I would gain a 1000 views in the first week of that first post, and even some infighting in the comments section. And then, something remarkable happened….Kendall F. Person the writer was given a second life.

gardenI began searching for permanent employment, but continued to write and soon after published my second post, Rudyard and Michelle: A Literary Union forms a Century Apart. While the numbers were not nearly as impressive, the comments reaffirmed that the literary world was where I belonged. I continued to blog, even confirming – via the series BREATHE – rumors among close friends that thepublicblogger and Kendall F. Person were one in the same. Nearly one year, 30 posts, and 12 promotional videos later, I realized that investing more time into my blog, can only make me mentally stronger, more visible as an author, more determined as a writer

and more knowledgeable about the

world around me.

So without further ado, I give you The 5 Reasons why YOU should invest more time into your blog.

If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run  – from If, by Rudyard Kipling

 

five

Time
For those who enjoy a comfortable and refreshing night’s sleep, consider it a one of life’s guilty pleasures. Those who suffer with insomnia, either on occasions or as a way of life, perceive a peaceful, uninterrupted night of slumber a gift straight from the heavens. Lack of sleep does not simply leave you tapped for energy, it actually becomes painful as one tosses and turns, slugging pillows, throwing the blanket on and off of your tired body, begging for the sandman to take you, which he never does. But why suffer in silence, or disturb your loved one, if there is one sleeping beautifully next to you, or drain more brain cells watching television shows you would not normally watch, when you can invest that time, not being used by anything else, into your blog.

Rather it is a rant about not being able to sleep, or a piece of work worthy of a Nobel Prize for literature, producing new posts, adds depth to your site, material for readers and yes, writing a full post at two in the morning, even acts as a natural tranquilizer, allowing you to get some much needed rest.

In vain have you acquired knowledge if you have not imparted it to others. – from Deuteronomy Rabbah

four
Share the Wealth
There is nary a challenge, problem, question or quandary that is unique to any individual person. And while I completely understand that just reading about another person’s struggles, that are similar to ones own, will not solve your problem, it sure can make you feel a whole lot better. I use my own posts as examples, simply because I know them, I do not pertain to be an expert in all fields that I write about, so read the comments under your own posts or others’ you follow, and you will note the truth of what I state. When I posted about operating under the confines of bipolar disorder (Elevators: Using Mind Games to Cope with Depression), readers who battle depression, anxiety or other mental blings, joined in the conversation. Some were grateful of my personal anecdotes, while others left messages of their own successes and challenges. BULLY opened the doors wide to a societal discussion on worldwide crime, and my music reviews introduce artists to new listeners. Whatever direction your blog has taken or the platform you have chosen, there are others who can be assisted by your strengths or, in turn, even offer meaningful suggestions to the one that made the posts.

Omwana ni wa bhone  (It takes a village to raise a child) – Kijita (African) proverb

threeThe Blogging Community Depends On It. 
In the small, working-class neighborhood of Strawberry Manors in the city of Sacramento, California, it is not uncommon for police helicopters to hover overhead or gunshots to be heard through the silent air of a warm summer night. The local elementary school, at one point, ranked dead last in academic performance in the state of California. The neighborhood and its residence were thought so little of, when the great floods of 1986 threatened to inundate expansive land geared for development, even though it was vacant, developers purposely diverted flood waters that  drowned nearly ever single house. But Strawberry Manors proved that the strength of its community would be measured by its residence and fought back against every challenge that threatened their pursuit of living a normal, happy life. They embraced wayward youth rather than shooing them away. They demanded a strong academic program for their children and they waged a winning class-action battle against those same developers, being awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair their washed out homes. But if not for the active participation of most of the home and property owners alike, Strawberry Manors could have easily fallen into despair.

In writing post and maintaining our blogs, we are making a contribution to an institution with a world wide influence, allowing everyone to voice their opinion and deliver sound, experience-driven advice. Each contribution deepens the level of the well. Rather your contribution is entertainment, how-to or a rant about your bad day, it allows the blogging platform to earn the mantle of being an expansive, online community that brings the world closer together.

Just make me feel good. – Halle Berry, Monster’s Ball

 

twoReleases Negative Energy in a Positive Way. 
Leticia Musgrove, Halle Berry’s character in the brilliant, but depressing Monster’s Ball, had lost her husband through capital punishment, her only child was hit by a car, she was evicted from her home, and literally thrown out into the streets. Alone with Hank Grotowski, (immortalized by Billy Bob Thornton) who had problems of his own, he asked but one question “What can I do for you?” Her reply, “Just make me feel good.”

Venting frustrations, even at an unchangeable situation, or presenting your self-produced podcast, video or book, blogging has a way of making each of us feel good. There is a sense of accomplishment whenever we complete and publish a post. Rather it is a photograph of the sunrise, taken from a mountaintop somewhere in paradise or the final episode of a 5-part serial post, we exhale at the small wonder we achieved, and revel in victory when readers find solace or passion within our art. We feel good because we have taken a step toward reaching our goal, or simply because we find joy in being ‘Liked’ by someone that we may never know.

Say it forget it, Write it regret it. – Unknown Origin

 

oneOur Contribution to the World
‘Say it, your words will be forgotten. Write it, your words will transcend time’ should be the bloggers motto. Following the Columbus High School track team debacle, I joined the discussion via telephone and in person. But I found the incident extraordinary, for whatever reasons, which incited to me to write the post A Lonely World. My life is still a work in process. I am humbled by both my readership and the incredible comments that readers leave. While I am a confident writer and do comprehend its craft, there is still much for me to learn and room for me to grow. So when I say, A Lonely World is a special post, please accept my words in the spirit in which they are given, and by no means a braggart or conceited boast. And that spirit is to prove my final point. Had I not written the post and only stated verbally the exact same words, what has turned out to be my most read, most liked and most heartfelt piece of work, would have found no further listeners then those few people that I spoke with, who have no doubt forgotten, the words that transpired about such a meaningful topic.

Everyone has a story or a song or an experience that once immortalized through blogging, will produce comfort or force thought or a reaction, somewhere around the world. Investing more time recording those experiences, assures that our imaginative creations, valued opinions and wealth of knowledge will find audiences to enjoy and learn from them, long after we are gone.

– an opinion from thepublicblogger (Kendall F. Person)
music, ‘My Motivation Inspiration Everything’ courtesy of P-Shaw Productions

 Category: #thelists, the lists      Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

576 Comments on “The Five Reasons YOU Should Invest More Time Into Your Blog”

  2. ‘Write it and your words will transcend time”. Thank you for confirming what I already believe.

    Like

  3. Thankyou for following my blog! I am new at all this – an even later bloomer (!) but I am so grateful to have read this post of yours. It made me realise that there are many people who can be reached and encouraged at all hours of the day (and night!) and it encouraged me to post content that is applicable to a wide range of people. It also uplifted me, to be reminded that someone out there identifies with what I am writing – even the more obscure topics.

    Like

  4. Pingback: 8 ways to reduce Panic and Anxiety | abnormallydesigned

  8. Thank you so much for making me feel good ( for following my blog. 🙂 ) After reading this one I consider myself regarded as part of a larger family…. Yayy ..
    And for someone novice to blogging, this is a real INSPIRATION.. Loved it .. (And one of those novice is me)

    Like

  10. Thanks for the follow!! You are one of my first followers, and I am so grateful to you for your support and interest. I am so new to the blogging community, and I am learning something everyday. I love your post about investing time into blogging. I really resonate with your message. Looking forward to exploring more of your work! …warmest wishes

    Like

  11. Kendall…fellow blogger and writer…you are awesome…one of those people i fall in love with instantly..and i only read a little of your stuff so far!

    Like

  12. dear sir, fellow bipolar, insomniac, and intimate philosopher, i love how easy it is to read your work, some of which includes much research and personal device, i am honored you chose to follow me: just a beginner, and i am blessed to follow you

    Like

  13. Hi! Thank you for following my parenting blog making me curious to open your page…and wow, I just found one blogger who makes me want to write and write and write! Your post is so inspiring, thank you!

    Like

  15. Great advice Mr.Public Blogger! I just wanted to say to Dwight right at the top of the replies – some people actually like to read long blogs and there is nothin’ wrong with that. I prefer the written word myself. I don’t so much mind the length so long, as long as the content has substance and I am getting something from it. The same with speakers. If you are a great orator, I am inspired. If not, I switch off.

    Like

    • I appreciate you adding your voice to this forum. You are so very appreciated. (fyi) If you would like to speak to a neighbor or another responder directly, hit the reply directly under their voice, and this will assure the response is delivered to their Notifications. Not necessary to do so, your voice is just fine right where it is. Welcome to the neighborhood oracle16blog. So glad you are here.

      Like

  16. You have a quote that saying something, and your words will be forgotten, but writing in, and your words stay forever. Not only do I respectfully disagree, but what about great speeches? Are those words forgotten? I prefer to have videos on my blog because my hands cannot keep up with my mind. Plus I love to speak. I identify myself as a public speaker. So please clarify for me as someone as established as you. When I see a super long blog post such as this, I don’t want to take the time to read it when I’d rather listen to it instead. Thanks! And Thames for following My blog.

    Like

    • Dwight P. Dillon – Thank you for adding your voice to this forum. You are appreciated. I invite you to read #2 once again {…or producing your podcast, video or book…} and the last paragraph {Everyone has a story or song or experience…and once immortalized through blogging…} I am a writer so I speak more directly about the written word. But the post is about self-expression via blogging (art, music, etc.), and is all-inclusive of the practitioners within the medium. Thank you again for taking the time to add your voice and you are quite welcome for me becoming a part of your blogging community.

      Like

  18. “But why suffer in silence, or disturb your loved one.. when you can invest that time” very good!

    Like

  19. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I just started blogging so it’s very encouraging. I particularly agree with Number 2 in this post. 🙂

    Like

  20. As a new and not confidant blogger I am amazed that you are following my blog. Thankyou. My 52 yr old son Phil is a newcomer to blogging and he is telling his journey through prostate cancer. His blog is philblog100.wordpress.com. He is told he is terminal with less than two years to live. He encouraged me to tell my thoughts of Mother…Thankyou . from Barbara

    Like

    • Thank you for introducing me to your son’s community. I will make it my business to pay him a visit. And I wish him all the best with his journey. Thank you as well and welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you are here.

      Like

    • lol…believe me when I say, so am I. I do not take for granted my platform or the neighborhood that we are still building, and now I welcome you to the neighborhood too. So glad you are here. Please make yourself at home. Oh, and absolutely my pleasure to be a member of your community too.

      Like

  22. hey thanks for the article on 5reasons you should invest more time in your blog. Just like you am a later bloomer when it comes to blogging and i had put my writing on hold but from your article i have a new perspective and zeal. And thanks for boost of confidence by at least following my blog. Most appreciated

    Like

  24. I love this line: “I realized that investing more time into my blog, can only make me mentally stronger, more visible as an author, more determined as a writer and more knowledgeable about the world around me.”

    Like

  25. As a newbie to the words game your response to my latest blog post is so very welcome. It inspires to just keep going and opening further to my own thoughts being out in the world. The inner dialogue loop seems to go nowhere, whereas the opening made through writing allows more territory for new directions. Thanks.

    Like

  26. You’re persuasive – the marketer in you plays well with the writer. My intention, having written all summer to complete #myfirstnovel, was to engage more actively with the blogging community come September – you’ve provided inspiration and encouragement for what appears at present to be a daunting task. All good.

    Like

    • It is quite the balancing act, when one wears multiple hats, especially if it is for ones own self. I appreciate your words very much. I may be a ‘teacher’ within the post, but I am a student in the forum and within your community too. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you are here.

      Like

  27. Some good advice, I think too often blogs which could be something wonderful die off and never become. Thanks for the reminder, and the follow!

    Like

    • I understand your comment very well. There are blogging forums and platforms where many bloggers are posting, few are reading and the potential benefit of sharing escapes all. And visiting other bloggers communities can be just as fulfilling as when visitors and neighbors arrive at ones own. Its the total experience that works so well. Thank you for adding your voice and welcome to the neighborhood.

      Like

  28. A truthful tale this is.
    but the problem is I hardly get visitors to my blog and it’s hard to keep myself motivated as a writer then..
    like you said..” we find joy in being ‘Liked’ by someone that we may never know..”.
    I hope the discover the joy soon.

    Like

      • Ok, in case you are wondering why I had to go through this route to post my comment…it’s because, everytime(tried twice, on two different posts) I did my browser keeps taking me to a page with these words- ERROR: type a comment.Thank God I could go through this route,…here goes my comment.
        Please, permit me to blow your trumpet…had my eyes glued to my little android phone screen as I devote intense focus reading this post, making sure I didn’t leave a single word out. A “Big thank you” to you, just reading your post “makes me feel good already”, as though I did acquire some wealth of knowledge, something better than a bowl of cholate…I am definitely inspired; inspired to write and read more…to contribute all that I have learnt and those am presently learning. Somehow, I feel am blessed to know you, still wondering how you found me though but that’s not as important as saying “thank you for the follow”. Bless your darling heart!

        Like

        • Anuoluwapo Ademuyiwa – It has happened before, but not to often, when I am left speechless. Thank you for such kind words and your persistence in making sure your voice has been heard. I do not take this platform for granted and I understand the power of the written word. I do my best to choose them carefully, and make sure I am delivering the most sound advice, or entertaining story or trusted review possible. You have just told me that I am doing all right. You are appreciated. Welcome to the neighborhood. So glad you are here. >> I imagine I was searching blogs on faith, which led me to yours. Unfortunately, I do not know for sure if that was the precise topic, but it was of that nature. Continued success to you my friend and new neighbor.

          Like

          • Kendall F. Person- aww… you are welcome dear, I just couldn’t give up after really enjoying your stories. Thanks for the appreciation my friend. Same here, loving the neighbourhood already. Oh okay, great…it’s alright, hope you found something useful about the subject? And you too my dear.

            Like

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  31. All these reasons are key to why blogging has caught on in the recent years. It’s part of this awakening process we are all experiencing right now. The story is changing and #5 is a catalyst for this change. Keep up the great work. I will keep reading your contributions! Thanks for following mine 🙂

    Like

  32. I love this. You are an amazing writer! I was just wondering- are you good with marketing/promoting or even managing musicians? Or strictly literary? Without giving away my identity on here- my email is angmusic@gmail.com if its something you do and we can go from there. If not its okay and never stop writing! And I just started blogging too. I couldn’t sleep. 🙂

    Like

  33. I really liked your reasons, especially the ones about the blogging community adding to the world. I just started my blog and you are one of my first few followers. I really appreciate it. You’re right, It does feel good to get a ‘like”, even from people you don’t even know 🙂 Thank you and I hope you keep liking my posts. I think you’re doing an awesome job here.

    Like

  35. Hi, I am into the second paragraph of Why you should spend more time. I understand your friends encouragement, you draw a very nice picture with your words. Now I will finish reading the article.

    Like

    • Welcome. How nice of you to stop reading, break bread, then continue reading. Like having a conversation with a new neighbor. Perhaps I received your comment prior to your finishing The Five Reasons, which meant I would have communicated back…right on schedule. Welcome my friend. Hope the entire article finds your interest.

      Like

  36. You’re doing an awesome job here. I like your flow of thoughts and how you make connections. Keep it up brother.

    Like

  37. We can in a sense be immortal with our words and experiences. We have influences that can inspire us and people who follow blogs! Great thoughts man!

    Like

  38. Hi there!
    I’m not even one week into my blogging experience and I do agree with what you say.
    Thanks for visiting and following!!
    Paula

    Like

  39. Wow, what an inspiration! That’s a very motivating post, and it really brings up points that I hadn’t considered before, particularly the unavoidable influence we all potentially have on the world, no matter how small the following. You never know who is going to find your blog, and if my blog can help just one person have a better day, then every ounce of energy spent has been worth it. Thank you for sharing your considerable talent and insight into blogging that few of us may have yet realized, regardless of our level of experience.

    Like

    • Thank you for adding your voice to the forum. I am strong believer that the real wisdom is found within the open forum where there is a vast exchange of ideas. I am so grateful that you were motivated by The Five Reasons and I welcome you to the neighborhood.

      Like

  40. Depth cannot be hidden, knowledge speaks and wisdom is more powerful than anything. Your choice of words are uncomparable and your message is easy to decode. Thanks for sharing.

    The Secret Man
    Rotimi Adedokun

    Like

  41. thanks for the info on Sacramento. I have a student from the area, and this went well with the stories he told me. I look forward to sharing it with him.
    — winch

    Like

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