Bloggers united!

Twenty adults turned up for the bloggers meet - but I was the only who openly admitted to being an active blogger. The meet would have been more appropriately called - Meeting of new and old friends. Yes, I met a number of Malaysians for the first time last night.

No, we did not talk much about blogging. For a start, we chose a cafe which did not have WiFi services.

Why people blogs?

I researched the internet to find what peopleare saying why they blog and I found the following five reasons

1. As a way of documenting one's personal life - activities, events and emotional experiences. When illustrated with pictures, a personal blog is very effective in capturing memories and experiences. In my own blog, I do capture both special and mundane moments with my family.
2. As a forum to provide documentary and opinions - on topics ranging from hobbies to nation building agendas. Some poltical blogs are dedicated to this motive. In the recent Malaysian General election for example, it is now an agreed view that poltical blogs played key roles in influencing views or voters.
3. Some people blog to talk out and solve their own personal issues. In doing so, the authors may even choose to blog anonymously to ensure they can express themselves candidly. Listening to their own voices and also to comments from readers can help in healing process or in finding solutions to personal issues.
4. There are people who think and build on ideas by blogging. Blogs made archiving possible for future reference as well as a possibility of seeking readers views and feedbacks which can be helpful to further shape up a certain thesis or creative writing.
5. For many, they blog simply to fill in the time and be part of a community. Bloggers communities can be virtually supportive and some even transcend into real physical network as well.

I need to say, the above reasons are not mutually exclusive. I for example find some level of motivation from all five.

Blogging provides me with a avenue to go public with my writings which otherwise I would not have the confidence to do so. Some people blog to improve their English, therefore it is also universally accepted that grammar and literature used are acceptable as defined by the authors.
A blog should only be judged by quality of content, its purpose and how well that purpose is fulfilled by the blog. If it solves a purpose, if it inspires the readers towards a better understanding of the theme underlying the blog, it will be popular amongst readers.

If judged by quantity, I can be considered as an active blogger. I write almost everyday and maintain two blogs. The quality of my blogs can be judged only by my readers. One of my ex-bosses once said, "Ariffin is a great writer - but that does not mean he writes great stuff!" Hehehe! Yea rite!!!

Latest, this morning I received a text message from one of the attendees last night to inform me he has started a blog. It is brand new - and will find its contents and shape as he nurtures it to full bloom. I wish saudara Norhisamuddin lots of joy blogging!! You can offer him encouragement HERE. Din, thanks for all the photos too....
I am waiting for Imran / Zaida to start their own blog as well now.

If you want your blogs to be listed, please leave behind a comment with the url link. That is one way of reaching out to more readers.

Hey, Bloggers or not - I had fun last night. TQ all!