A bit like a repetitive dream that has the same ending, I have multiple conversations with friends and colleagues about why I blog and tweet. For people who don’t blog or read blogs they just don’t get the whole online community thing. I’ve “met” some truly inspiring people on-line and from time to time have ventured into meeting those people for real. I’ve never been disappointed.
True, it was a little unsettling to find out that foodie tweeter I follow turned out to be a member of staff of one of my favourite clients. That’s an occupational hazard in a place like New Zealand where everyone knows everyone with around two degrees of separation rather than the usual six. And yes, I still swop tweets with this said person who is a remarkably savvy foodie who blogs some amazing self developed recipes that I would never think of in a million years. As a rule I find tweeters and bloggers enthusiastic and social people who like to share. Not just links and information but their knowledge, ideas and encouragement.
Photographers are some of the most prolific online social networkers and I would never have progressed so far with my photography so quickly without consuming terabytes of photographic geekery and artistry. From time to time you find someone online who you can relate to. I lurked (read silently without comment) on the blog of a remarkable woman, Sabrina Henry, who like me was learning photography for a long time before I finally left a comment. Over time we’ve swopped tweets and I’ve continued to be touched by her candid tales of being a photographer.
A few weeks ago Sabrina asked if I’d be prepared to be “interviewed” for her blog. Although it took an age for me to select a photograph and respond to her questions, I am honoured to have been featured on her blog The Chronicles of Learning. If you’re a photographer in training (aren’t we all) I’m sure you’ll be touched by Sabrina’s generous nature and infectious enthusiasm for photography. You can also follow her on twitter.
What started as a way to keep family and friends in touch with our lives in New Zealand, blogging has now become part of my life opening up a new window on the world that is as interesting and fun with the added benefit that you can pretty much keep up your relationships in the digital world as and when you want. And it gives you a topic to debate with friends in the real world!
Julie, the pleasure has been all mine! I have to agree with you on the benefits of blogging. I have met so many wonderful people who also happen to be photographers through blogs and social media. My goal is to meet all of you in person and until then I will have to be satisfied with enjoying your images and posts 🙂
Thought-provoking post, thank you. I too have “met” some wonderful people in the blog world, and I’ve learned so much, and been so inspired by their talent and generosity. Interestingly, these relationships aren’t fraught with the usual hazards of making and maintaining friendships; they are very easy, and tightly focused on the common interest.
I started my blog because I wanted to see if I had enough stamina and material to write a food column. At first my only reader was my sister. Gradually it’s turned from a personal test into a piece of work with a handful of regular readers, and it’s a big part of my life. I was pretty shocked though when I was introduced to a colleague’s spouse at a party, and the first thing she said was “I read your blog all the time!” I felt oddly exposed for a moment. And then relieved that we’d immediately identified a mutual interest, and the evil trap of small talk was averted.
Hi Sue – occupational hazard in NZ! I agree with you on the common purpose though – a basic foundation for any meaningful connection. Better than small talk any day!