I have been blogging for a while and have found many interesting people sharing their thoughts and their knowledge online. I enjoy that a lot. I also enjoy the process of composing my own posts and am delighted when they seem to touch another person.
Lately I have given some thought to the whole blogging process and have come up with the following – The Five Stages of Blogging. This is offered with much gratitude to the classic developmental psychologists whose influence you will recognize in these descriptions.
Five Stages of Blogging
Infancy – the exploratory phase
- What is a blog and who are these people?
- Do I have anything to say?
- Will anyone read this?
- Look at what people are writing – I can certainly do this – and better, too!
Launch phase-gaining in dependence
- Choosing a blogging platform
- Choosing a picture and avatar
- Crafting my about page
Angst and inadequacy
- I spent all this time designing my page why isn’t anyone reading me?
- Am I not interesting?
- Could my blog be more attractive?
- Maybe I would attract more readers if I were more sassy, sexy, vulnerable, assertive, . . . ?
Elation, validation and obsession
- I have followers!
- From Malaysia!
- I received a blog award!
- I’m thinking I can quit my job and make money at this
Self-actualization – reality is re-established
If you have read this far, please give yourself the following blog award and know that you are my favorite reader.
Gunsmoke and Knitting 