While I gingerly dip my toes in the cool waters of blogging, I can’t help but ask myself: Why am I doing this? What’s the point of personal blogging? I don’t run a business; there is nothing to sell. I am not an expert in any given field, but more of a generalist; there is no expertise to share and no eager clients lining up for my advice. What can I possibly give to the blogoworld that anyone else can’t? Besides, there are millions of blogs out there. Who needs one more personal blog?
I guess I do.
I am sure that anyone familiar with the subject of blogging would have to admit that a blog, personal or otherwise, is an investment with a very sketchy promise of return or no promise at all. Although, with free hosting and basic blog service, you often don’t have to spend a dime to get your blog started, your contribution can still be hefty as you invest your time, effort and passion. So there must be some incentive apart from an instant gratification (which can be sketchy too, if your blog, like mine, has no readership to speak of, at the moment.) I obviously can’t talk for the rest of the world, but I can try to explain what’s goading me into the terra incognita that blogging is to me.
Sand Castle at the Beach; Photo credit: thaths (Creative Commons)
1. Blogging as a creative outlet
As an ordinary person leading an ordinary life, I am not extremely overloaded with creative challenges that make me stretch my imagination and flex my creative muscle. I view a personal blog as my sandbox, where I can build my sand castles. And like any good kid, I will gladly share it with others. (Some conditions apply 
)
2. Blogging as a workshop and a lab
Over the years, I’ve had numerous creative aspirations. Some of them have evolved into a career, and others remained at the level of a hobby. Naturally, I’ve invested more in what helped me advance in the workplace — within the constraints that came with the territory. Yet I need a playground, a workshop, and a lab to master what skills I’ve got and to explore new avenues outside of work; a personal blog seems to be a perfect venue for that.
3. Blogging as a way to connect with kindred souls
Of all reasons for blogging the most important one for me is the opportunity to connect with kindred souls. I recently finished an online writing course, and what a great experience it was! It proved once again that there is no substitute for a supportive community of like-minded individuals. You can bounce ideas off each other, provide feedback and reviews, share tips and resources, and overcome the sense of isolation that a blog-loner may experience from time to time.
So, these are my main reasons for blogging. How about yours?
And I for one am thankful that you have started blogging, as, whatever your reasons, you do it with style!
As for my own reason: I started my writing blog also as a personal accountability tool – well, the image I have is more of a Jeremy Cricket sitting on my shoulder and whispering: ‘What, no writing today…? And what’s your excuse this time?’
It’s early days yet (about 3 weeks), but it seems to be working. What I hadn’t realised is what a great way this is to discover kindred souls. That’s the bonus!
Using a blog as personal accountability tool is a great idea! As long as it doesn’t suck all your spare time
Thanks for your comment! I’ll be sure to stop by your blog and check it out, and leave a comment or two 
I relate easily to your reasons for blogging – I touched on mine at http://lynneayersbeyondthebrush.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/tickled-pink-or-green/ but suffice to say that I had not foreseen just how much i would enjoy it.
When I first started my blog, for a couple of months I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but by and by it has become my favourite hobby. I am totally hooked on it! Thanks for your comment!
That is why I blog
Best, Jenny
Jenny, I figured most bloggers I know think along the same lines. It’s so nice to be able to connect with like minded folks. thank you so much for stopping by!