“Why Blog?” Reflection

Either way, for one semester of a college english course I will be trapped into blogging. The good news is, I discovered the benefits of blogging and so far enjoy this style of writing much more than essays. So while reading Alex Reid’s article, I found it information and agreeable. “Why Blog?” captures essential elements of a blog, different types of blog, how to set up a blog, and the benefits of blogging, which I have experienced even though I have not been blogging for very long (two weeks, so you can probably refer to me as an expert). A main topic that the author discussed is how blogs create personal motivation to write about any topic a writer desires. Blogging creates a channel for writers to express their individualism to anyone they wish, a formal journal that combines formality with opinion. Blogging is the bridge between writing a formal research paper and short social media posts, or microblogging. In my classroom, our blogs are seen not only by our professor, but also fellow peers. As a student, you may relate to the feeling of pressure when showing work to peers, rather than just turning an essay in for the professor. At first, I was terrified of this fact, but by writing through my own words and using my own thoughts, I’m comfortable and willing to write more through my blog. Not only do I agree with Reid’s prediction that blogging will create a greater desire to write, but I also agree that academic blogging provides a path away from standard schooling that aids students to become better writers. For years, the practice of writing formal essays have been driven into students’ heads, and any other style is rare. Reid states that essays and standard curriculum takes away the ability for students to write about subjects that truly interest them, and don’t dare write in first person. The reality is, a lot of writing forms are not structured as an intro, thesis, 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion. Books, poems, and scripts are just a few forms of writing that includes opinion and individual input. By blogging, an individual can practice the important skill of balancing by being both formal and opinionated for a topic of self-interest.

Reid also points out how blogging specifically develops one of the most important elements to any form of writing, the ability to hold a reader’s attention continuously. While viewing social media, posts only need to catch attention, and then you move on. On the other hand, a blog usually needs to hold a reader’s interest for a longer period of time. Blogs are optional, and the current generation has the shortest attention span ever. By mastering the ability to draw readers in to read and consider other’s ideas, any type of writer will go far. Reid does exaggerate although, because his type of blogging is not as popular as it used to be. Instead, microblogging is taking over, which takes form in sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Yet, blogging should not be over looked, because it truly does provide motivation to write with free-will, ties individualism to formal writing, expand a person’s writing styles, and develop important skills of becoming a good writer. In this day of age, the majority of people are always looking for ways to express themselves, so why not blog?