Take notes, there will be a test

Kimmylyn over at Jogging in Circles tagged me for this Blogging Meme. Get ready to get the warm fuzzies all over… this is a long one… take notes, there will be a test later.

How long have you been blogging?

Since July, 2007.

What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors?

At first blogging was a function of my job as a content writer for an Internet news organization. I resisted at first because I have a tendency to talk too much – too much about myself and my family. There was the fear that I would reveal things that would embarrass me, or worse them. I finally relented when it was no longer a ‘will you’ request, but a ‘when you’ assignment.

I have a few close friends stopping in and commenting which is great. Most are still lurkers, but they will tell me personally they enjoyed this or that post. Both of my SILs read it and will add their own observations occasionally. I love this because I think it’s a way for them to see the ‘real,’ more relaxed me, since we rarely get the opportunity to visit. I don’t think I could quit blogging now without going through some seriously, heinous withdrawal.

As to who my mentor is, I love reading so many other blogs, I would hate to inadvertently leave anyone out. I comment when I think I can add something, I lurk all the time, and never stop learning from all these wonderful people.
 
Are you trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun?

I started out writing the first version of my blog for money – no matter how it was disguised. It was very limiting because there were topics I was worried about addressing and language that was part of my everyday vernacular that I avoided using. There was always the concern in the back of my mind that this or that advertiser would complain.

The freedom I have now is worth not having an income linked to this blog.

What 3 things do you love about being online?

1. I joined cre8Buzz, this wonderful social network (forever in Joeprah’s debt for his invite), and began meeting more bloggers from literally all over the world. I was amazed how many had some sort of connection to me – through where I was born, live now, lived sometime, music, kid issues… it just goes on and on. That was so cool.
2. Anonymity and the freedom to write about anything I want, no matter how boring and mundane.
3. Being able to share and commiserate with other parents about struggles our children are having, and them truly understanding my frustrations, fears, anger and triumphs.

What 3 things do you struggle with online?

1. I am a very visual person. I rely a lot on facial expression, body language, and voice tone and inflection when I interact with someone. I also have a habit of being very somewhat sarcastic. I’m always afraid someone will be offended by a genuinely joking comment. Many times I will type out a comment or reply, and then delete it out of paranoia.
2. HTML code – it has a mind of it’s own and it hates me.
3. Whether I want to build numbers and write about something I think will generate a lot of interest, or just write for the fun of it, hits be damned!