all the freaks

Why, indeed? Some of us are frustrated columnists. As the freelance writing market dries up, it becomes difficult to get your work out there.

I blog because I can combine writing practice, self expression, communication at the same time and get immediate gratification (feedback) for all of it.

You know, those of us who presently stay at home (or who have done it) KNOW how much the world shrinks down. God...my world is so freaking small right now. To blog about your day. To ask a question. To shout out in joy or despair to the wider world that can't be seen...and to have it answer back.Some days that's what holds me back from the brink.

I think we do it because, if we don't, we think we're the only people in the world who feel the way we do.

Ultimately I have to ask myself if blogging has made my life better or worse. And the answer is a resounding "BETTER".

Because we're exhibitionists! Woo hoo! I'm naked!!

Ok, really, though, I started mine as a means of letting family and friends who are live far from me keep in touch with me and feel like they were still a part of my life. I wish everyone I knew who lives far away had one -I'd love to feel like I was sitting down with them every couple of days and listening to stories about their days, from the most mundane to the most intimate and intriguing. Over the years I feel like it's given me better communication skills -both written and oral. I feel much more comfortable about myself and my thoughts.

Anyway, I'm a closet stationery fetishist, that's who. It's the only reason I can handle working when I could be home with T.

Well, my blog is nowhere near as widely read as yours, but I do it to keep track of myself.

I find myself examining my life a bit more closely when I know that I will update on what happens, and in retrospect it's good for me to review where I was a couple of years ago when I'm in a downswing - reminds me that things will get better.

I am so thankful for folks like you who are so brave to post and to promote your sites. Y'all make me realize that I'm not alone in scaryland, depression, wants, etc.

I like being able to make a connection with people, even people I don't really know. I do it so people can see that while it may look on the outside like I have it all together, that's not the way it feels on the inside! And I do it to motivate myself to write all this stuff down.

I'm a new stay at home mom who is trying to get used to not seeing people everyday. Before I became homebound, I loved to talk to people and share stories. People open up to me (I'm one of those people - you know, the bartendar/therapist types) and this is my (first) chance to open up without exposing who I am unless I want to. I just started my blog and I hope that it be a healthy outlet for me. Does that make any sense? I hope so...

and oh yeah - why I read your site is because I can relate to you even though I only have one child. I understand where you are coming from 95% of the time because I've experienced alot of the same things, darker moments and those wonderful highs!

I like the invisibility of it. Being able to reach out and connect with people without having to actually bring our bodies into the same room.

And I feel like at this stage of my life, I want to put myself out there and say whatever the fuck (that one was for you, baby) I please, without worrying about what anyone thinks.

I read your site because for whatever reason, I feel a kinship with you. Most of what makes us feel close to someone else is invisible, anyway, right?

It's suprising the reasons I can come up with and at the same time, I don't know WHY. Make sense?

I am very social and like to get feedback and ideas from anyone.

I like to write. I think my life with my kids is funny and weird. I write down all of this stuff shaking my head and thinking "How did I get here? This is not what I planned!"

It's suprising the reasons I can come up with and at the same time, I don't know WHY. Make sense?

I am very social and like to get feedback and ideas from anyone.

I like to write. I think my life with my kids is funny and weird. I write down all of this stuff shaking my head and thinking "How did I get here? This is not what I planned!"

My reason to blog is (as you know) a lot sadder than most. After Bug passed I was out of control with grief. I needed to be able to connect with other people with out being pitied or shunned. Blogging has allowed me to cope, to heal, to laugh. Along the way I have learned something about myself and discovered some really cool people. Like you. So I'll keep coming back until you ask me not to. Your own Albertan stalker....

i have no idea. i like to write, i like to say private things at inopportune moments, i have no modesty... it all just comes together.

i read mom blogs because i want the truth about it. i'm not ready. every day, i read something that reminds me that i'm not ready. i also find something assuring me that when i finally am ready, i'll be able to handle it. because handling it is all anyone really does...

i'm your maryland stalker (i even stalk your husband on myspace).

I do it for the money. And the international noteriety. And, I do it because if i didn't i would lose my f-ing mind. That is the main reason. None of my friends blog, most of them think of this hobby as a cry for help. I read your blog, Jess, because you are so honest about all the joy and the woe. You say things that I barely have the gumption to think and it helps. It helps a lot.

I do it because even though I have wonderful friends in real life, the honesty is sometimes swept under the rug. We don't always cry out for help or let others in. I can do that on my blog even though my friends do read it. I also continue as a way to keep up with all of the wonderful people I've "met" through the Internet. Those that share my opinions, those that don't, those that are humorous, those that are insightful. And, in most instances, those that are parents.

I have a blog for a mixture of reasons the others list. Mainly it's for my venting on my life, keeping up with old friends, and as a personal diary for myself to look back on.

I love that shirt!

Hey, I just found your blog in SJ's comments. I'm on the island too! Anywho, my blog is not very intimate, it is more of a way to keep my family up to date about my son. But I think that it is a creative outlet for me, which is important for me to have right now.

I don't blog. I admit I'm not up to it for several reasons, "weirdos" are on the list but not at the top (it's the workload! yikes!) My hat is off to you (and other bloggers.)

I'm sitting here questioning your friend's attitute. Was it fair to try and cause you worry, those insecure feelings? when it's clear you get so very much from blogging, despite doubts.

Your writing is great.

Like so many other aspects of life the benefits may outweight the risks. I'm not sure why I READ blogs, so I can only imagine how hard it can be to pinpoint the urge to write one. But I just wanted to offer some support and say how much I value your work here.

GL!

It's because I can. Simple as that. Why the hell not is what I say.

I'm not a writer and don't want to be, I don't want a great readership like some of those blogs (cuz then I feel obligated to put out ;-) ) and it keeps me sane from being a SAHM, especially during those winter months! I figure it's like a more detailed pen pal sort of relationship or creating a small community with others who might have some similiarities or want to know about how others live and how different it can be.

Because I live on an island. It's a conversation I can have with someone even when I'm not able to reach someone on the phone, by mail . . .
It keeps me writing every day. I need that, badly.
Because I want to scream "Look at this!" a thousand times a day when my baby does something cool. But no one's ever around (whine).
Because other great people do it and I like being a part of something that involves great, real, concerned, and lovable people like the folks above.

Whenever I tell "real people" about my blog/website I get one of two reactions...

1. they have never heard of a blog and don't know what it is
2. they look at me like i'm weird because I do have a blog

Personally, I think most people have heard of a blog, read one, or even written one at one time but they are too "ashamed" to admit it. I don't know about everyone else but why wouldn't you be proud of your blog? I work really hard on my blog to make it pretty and at least help other people in some way of course I'm going to shout it from the rooftops! [especially now that I am paying for my own domain, btw congrats on getting your own domain as well] I hate the misconception that people have with the internet and that it is this big black hole of deception and creepy 40 yr old men praying on innocent woman. More than likely that isn't the case at all. Once people see that the internet isn't a big black scary hole of deception they start to loosen up their mindset a bit. Example...my father used to be all anti-internet till I started blogging and doing other things on the net that requiring comments. I tell my father of this and he is still anti-internet. He gets back into photography and finds a site that would allow him to upload photos to share with the WORLD. In doing so, people began to comment on how great a photographer he is. And on that day the "fear of the unknown" was lifted. Most people just don't want to put themselves out there...to them I say "JUST JUMP!"

Side note ---> I came to this blog from your blogger blog. This is my first time visiting.

Oh, forgot to mention, get the shirt. Makes the girls look perky and nice.

The reason I blog is simple -- because i CAN. Having a voice on the web (regardless of what your blog is about) can be very empowering and those who don't blog, don't know what they're missing. :)

I'm one of those crazies out there...
No that's not it.

I do it for the Money.
??? What money? There's money in blogging? Nobody has offered me any ;O)

I read another blog and got hooked. Thought I'd give it a try.
Since I am trying to think of something funny to write about I find more humour in my day. Remember, one day we'll look back on this and laugh.

I blog because I like to rant, and my girlfriend doesn't always want to hear it. It's also a natural extension of being on message boards, so I'm not overly shy about my personal life. Of course, I accidentally gave my dad my url and now I sometimes can't get as personal as I ordinarily would, alas.

Plus, it's a great way to make new friends. I met my first blog friend last weekend (I've met lots of people from message boards over the years) and it was lots of fun.

[a little late to the party]

I keep asking myself this question, too: Why *do* I do it?

I dunno. Something about putting something new into the world, creating, writing, expressing. Cave paintings for the 21st century. Ever since I was little I've been fascinated by publishing, publications, zines, magazines, newspapers. A blog is such a pure form of self-publishing, to me; it fills a need that I'd otherwise have to satisfy by xeroxing hundreds of pages of chickenscratch and distributing at coffeeshops.

I've always loved your honesty and forthrightness, Jess. I'd hate it if you stopped.

I'm quite new to blogging but I really enjoy it. For me, it provides a place for creativity that I can't express elsewhere. I would love to write and blogging gives me a place to do that.

I don’t really consider myself a blogger, although I have a blog. I consider myself a reader. I have always liked reading stories about people- real people with real lives- it makes me better able to understand my own life. I read a lot of blogs written by people that are married with kids because I am 23 and I think a lot about my future and try to imagine what it would be like if my partner and I got married and had kids.