Today I turned 25. A quarter century. Wow. Not that old in the grand scheme of things, but I think at some point I am no longer a kid right? But enough of those thoughts, let’s worry about that later.
I have been blogging for 8 months now, my how time flies. But it sure is a time consuming, is this how I want to spend my limited time on this planet? People ask “Brian, you strive for efficiency everywhere else in your life, why waste so much time on Pedantic Posts?” After 61 posts it is time to reflect upon the experience and why I continue to post my thoughts for the world (hint: the favor is related). I suppose as you get old you reflect on the past and why you do the things that you do …
Many articles have been written on the benefits of blogging. I don’t want to go into the many aspects, but here is a concise post to use as a starting point. Just like being a vegetarian* there are so many reasons it is hard to pick just one. They are all obvious to me now and each contribute, but when someone asks the simple question of why, it is difficult to talk about one reason over the others.
Well tonight I finally put my finger on one reason that I can point to above all the others for why I invest my time in this blog. Connection and community. In the world of cookie cutter social networks of “friends”, I want a place where I can communicate on my own terms, where my friends, acquaintances, and complete strangers can come together and be a little nerdy with me. In Seth Godin lingo, I desire to have a tribe.
This is where the birthday favor comes in. Now that I have identified this desire (I’m not the best at identifying feelings), I would like to make it a reality. It’s not a desire to have Pedantic Posts have thousands of daily readers, but rather to have a core of involved readers. I want to hear your thoughts – start commenting or send me emails with insights and ideas. You are the reason I am doing this! As Chris Guillebeau says, my payment comes in the form of comments and emails from my readers.
There is also the above and beyond option: write a guest post. In the blogging world it is common for one author to write an article on someone else’s blog. Sharing is caring. Ramit gives a great overview of how to write a guest post for his blog. I have numerous smart friends keeping all their knowledge stored away – share it with the world, you can use Pedantic Posts instead of the commitment of your own blog.
I’ll start posting on more topics that are open for debate or creative ideas. Many of my friends are not “blog people” – they don’t read other blogs and don’t have the tools setup to know when I have a new post. I’ll create a mailing list option for a weekly blast of the latest posts. And it’s not a bad thing for more people to join in the fun – I’ll create easier options for sharing the posts you love with your own tribes.
Feedback is also appreciated on what category of posts you like best. What is your all-time favorite post? Thanks for letting me know you’re reading!
*Today I discovered yet another advantage of being a vegetarian. On the rainy drive to SF I was headed straight to an event without any time for dinner, and decided to stop at In-N-Out for a quick bite in the car. Upon arriving, the driveway entrance to the parking lot was blocked by cars waiting for the drive-thru line and spilling into the street. Rather than waiting in line like a sheep, I opted to drive in the exit, park, and pop inside to order. There were only two people in line, apparently the rest weren’t willing to get a little wet on the walk inside. When it was my turn I ordered the grilled cheese meal (a hamburger without the patty) and asked the cashier “would it be possible to get it quickly since I didn’t get any meat?” Two minutes later they called my number – 15 orders ahead of where I would have been had I ordered meat! The icing on the cake: two 8-year-olds were patiently awaiting their number to be called – when the lady called number 3 both children gasped in dismay that they were so blatantly and grievously skipped over. Maybe one day they too will order grilled cheese …
Photo: John Curnow
Big guy – I love your blog. You are a thinker, and I dig it. Constant learning is how I’d define PedanticPosts.
Add me to your list of folks who want to guest post, and let me know when my turn arises!
You are a thinker too! No posts on Valley Snippets since August 2nd, what gives?
There are no lists or turns for guest posts. Some folks are working through the idea stage, but let me know if there is a topic you would be interested in and I’ll prod you along!
Dude, this is intense. I feel like you’re giving me hw for your birthday haha but since i read most of these bad boys anyway i hereby promise to try to add some interesting thoughts…starting next one.
Someone needs to make sure you are doing your homework – I hope it isn’t the most intense homework assignment you have ever had though.
Nice. Making children cry – the best birthday present ever?
The only thing that could have made the present any better would have been tears.
Genius on the grilled cheese order. Pure genius. But I have one question, was it a girl or a guy who took your order?
To get a little crazy on future grilled cheeses, try adding pickles (only if you like pickles of course..). I’m glad we are part of the vegetarian tribe.
It was a girl that took the order, and yes, she may have just helped me out because of my stunningly good looks. I’ll give the pickles a try next time, I don’t think I have ever tried that at In-N-Out!
Excellent. You try the pickles and I’ll try the wooing.
Excuse Me!
Do you want to wait an hour to get our grilled cheeses with pickles?!?! Plus, if it’s a girl at the counter, you might have to be the one doing the wooing. Survival of the fittest (and most charming)!
‘People ask “Brian, you strive for efficiency everywhere else in your life, why waste so much time on Pedantic Posts?‒… Who asks that?
I’m excited for when I get an email blast about Pedantic Posts, but probably more excited for Buckshot tonight!
I make up 93% of the quotes on Pedantic Posts. It sounded good though.
I’ll make sure to ask that next chance I get.
Happy Birthday, to my main man. I love the blog post today. Even though I’m a new-ish reader, great work, and keep it up!
My value-add to the blog today is this–especially if you’re a Stanford fan–Stanford football’s road whites are the best uniforms in college football. Discuss.
People, read this if you haven’t yet:
http://www.bothsidesofthetable.com/2010/12/02/whose-life-are-you-going-to-change/
Brookby, great to have you at Pedantic Posts – you are already fully embracing the sharing of thoughts! Good stuff, super emo! Are you a big Suster / startup world reader?
As for the Stanford road whites, I have to agree they are pretty impressive. At the beginning of the game they are sparklingly clean and by the end they show how hard the boys have worked. But doesn’t Oregon have to be included in any uniform discussion? It’s hard to pick just one of their 1298 uniforms thought …