Let's check out this weeks Musing Monday question, as always from MizB at Should Be Reading ... This week’s musing is about reading…blogs!
As a book blogger, does reading others’ blogs spark ideas for what to write on your own?
What does this question have to do with Old Blues Eyes, the Chairman of the Board, a good New Jersey boy, Frank Sinatra? Well like him, I think ever blogger has to be able to say "I did it my way".
OK, anyone else out there old enough to remember Frank, yet alone that song of his?
Maestro, cue the orchestra!
"For what is a man? What has he got?
If not himself - Then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way.
Yes, it was my way"
OK, a bit dramatic, but you get the idea.
While I read a lot of other blogs, I can't say that I use them to find ideas for my own.
I am not sure that if I read something on another blog, something I had my own opinions on, that I would necessarily write about it.
Of course, part of that is that lately I have sort of gotten out of the habit of writing many posts about bookish ideas or happening or even things in popular culture..well, except for my posts here on Musing Monday!
I did more so when my blog was younger and perhaps that was a good thing, something that I need to reconsider going back to. Actually, I always found those post very easy to write because I have a lot of opinions about just everything. But when I did, I rarely got the idea from a post on one of the blogs I read. They may have come from things I read online, but to take them from one of my regular reads would have been a bit like 'borrowing' too close to home.
I guess I have always seen my blog as being more about me than other people. On my, does that sound a bit self centered? Well, yes, maybe, because it is.
Yes, I want others to look my blog and enjoy it and hopefully add a bit of themselves in a comment. But my ultimate concern is creating something that I am happy with. I write about books that interest me, I post pictures on Wordless Wednesday that I love, and I write about things that capture my fancy. And then put it out there and hope that some other people find it interesting too.
That is the wonderful thing about blogs.
I read mostly bookish blogs...and yet every one..every one that I like and keep reading, is so different. Each has their own look, their own structure, their own slant. They review all different sorts of books, sometimes books I too love and am reading but often books that I would not normally pick up. If the blogger can convince me, by sharing their enthusiasm for it, that this is a book I need to checkout...well, I think that is fantastic! Even with a meme like Wordless Wednesday, that I take part in along with several hundreds of other bloggers, it is amazing how unique each entry is. Each is great and interesting in their own way, hopefully reflecting their author's taste and interests. Sure, some take part in some sort of Bookish Blog community events and that can, no doubt, be fun.
But I think the best way to create a real community is for each blogger to bring their own unique Voice to the mix.
Since I'm the first to comment, I will answer your question so you won't feel lonely or, (ahem) slightly oldish. I do remember the crooner Frank Sinatra. There, I said it. And like I say every week, I always look forward to reading your answers to MM...well written again.
ReplyDeletewell, of course, Frank is timeless.. even if we are not ;-)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate it that your blog is about you. That's what I want to know about. I want the authentic voice. And that's what I intend for my own blog. And of course, I remember Sinatra. :)
ReplyDeleteDonna
Great answer! It seemed really well thought out! I haven't actually heard of the Old Bles Eyes song before. Feel free to check out my Musing Monday here.
ReplyDeleteRumana @ Relook the Book (YA)
This is why I like your blog so much!
ReplyDeletehttp://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/alexs-blogs/
Here's my MM:
Well Frank, I will have to say that almost all my reading lately comes from suggestions from other bloggers. I can just see us on the playground. You're the leader; I'm the follower. sigh.
ReplyDeleteSee, this is why I keep coming back to your blog . . .because you do it YOUR way! Wonderfully articulated answer, as always.
ReplyDeleteWhile just about everything I read comes from recommendations, I really suck at coming up with "discussion starters" on my blog. No editorial-type posts, I just editorialize within my reviews. I am such a stick in the mud. Movies on Monday, pictures on Wednesdays, reviews Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, day off on Saturday, Sunday chit chat. So goes my life!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and...well...yeah, I admit it...I remember Sinatra :)
ReplyDeleteI really don't write opinion posts since I like to avoid controversy, so my posts are pretty run of the mill.
ReplyDeleteHello! Thanks for visiting my blog!
ReplyDeleteI do like to borrow other people's ideas if they appeal to me but I definitely give my own unique take on it. Wanting to make the world hear my voice is the reason I blog in the first place. Just copying someone else's' thoughts kind of defeats that purpose.
I agree that we each need to bring our own unique voice to the web -- otherwise it would be sooooo boring!! But I will admit to "borrowing" a good idea when I see one.
ReplyDeleteI too, remember "Old Blue Eyes"
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed your MM this week, but as the old saying goes..."Better late, than never."
I agree with your answer, and I always find your posts interesting.