Why Do I Blog?

ProBlogger says there should be a purpose to your blog. Providing that ProBlogger is the "end all" of blogging rules, then what is my purpose? The question I am pondering today is why I have a personal blog.

1. I like to write - I have always had an interest in writing, but I have never pushed myself to learn or practice the art. Blogging is micro-writing. A few paragraphs on whatever subject seems to be swirling in my head. Writing for someone with ADD (focusing is not my strong point).

2. My mind holds a ridiculous amount of stupid crap - Blogging 3 - 5 paragraphs is an outlet for the thoughts and ideas that I don't usually bring up in casual conversation with friends. Thoughts that don't seem to fit in between discussions of FSU football, the next trail ride, dressage versus jumping, or the date of the next Bedhead Betty concert.

3. Blogging forces focus - Referring back to Number 1, focusing is not my strong point. A blog post is graduated focus. Start with a subject, then follow the subject through with some line of logical thought, finishing with a conclusion and/or question. Good practice for someone whose focus is suspect. I haven't quite mastered the process.

4. Blogging fine tunes my thinking - If I follow the general process in Number 3, I push myself to think through a subject in a different manner than when its just "in my head". Working through a thought for others to read requires creativity, insight, and logic. I admit. I am lazy with my own thoughts and rarely do I get there when its just "in my head".

5. Blogging forces discipline - Another of my "not so strong points" is discipline. Having a blog and knowing that people read it pushes me to keep it up to date. Over time, I am incorporating this into my day. I am not where I want to be yet, but I am getting there.

6. Blogging allows me to have contact with friends that I don't get to see much - A personal blog communicates who I am and what I am thinking to my friends. I don't see folks as much as I would like.

7. Personal blogging is a test run to decide if I want to include blogging as part of my professional brand - Launching a blog that compliments one's profession can be beneficial to branding, marketing, networking, and client contact. But, before I jumped in, I wanted to see if blogging would be something I can follow through with. Can I keep a decent posting schedule? Are my writing skills strong enough? Personal blogging has been excellent in preparation.

Here are some general reasons why I blog. If you blog, what is your purpose? If you don't blog, why not?