Yesterday, I read a blog post by Christian Long about why people blog and what sacrifices they may make for blogging to be such a significant part of their lives. I guess I fit into his last group:

Some are still figuring where they stand in the aforementioned mix. They have a blog. Sometimes they actually use it. Or they are still wondering if this blogging-business needs to take up precious time otherwise spent with their families and friends and hammocks. They might be in your audience, in your faculty room, or reading your blog right now. They may be looking for Google Juice by linking to you so that you’ll link to them, if they’re clever (he smiles).

I have a blog. I have had one for a few years. I documented some personal ramblings and saved some pictures on another “blogger” page. I was using it as a kind of “therapy” for that mystical experience of figuring out who I am and what I want to be when I grow up. I wasn’t really sure I wanted anyone else to read it, yet I really did want someone else to read it and respond…maybe. But was I up for criticism of my writing?

Now, through a few serendipitous clicks of the mouse, I have discovered a fountain of “Google Juice” inspiration. I am totally guilty as charged of linking to someone, hoping they’ll link back to me, creating a network of “experts” that I can learn from. In my mind, anyway, this may be the antidote for feelings of isolation during the school year.

I had a recent discussion with someone not in education about blogging, and why anyone would want to do it. He said he was a private person, to which I responded “Don’t you ever want to share ideas with someone?” His answer, of course, was that he would much rather do that face to face with someone he knows. I can understand that, but I have identified a particular character flaw in myself. I can’t get past a need for affirmation–someone, anyone, saying “YES! Exactly!” or “I think you’re on the right track” or even “You might want to rethink that one.” I have a limited number of people in my school that I feel I can turn to without being tiresome.

Perhaps, even if I am tiresome here in my own little blogworld, someone I don’t have to face on a day to day basis might have an easier time telling me to stop whining. I think I can be more open to criticism in writing because I have more time to reflect on it before responding. Whatever the case, because of this whole “new world” that has opened up on my screen, I am almost looking forward to getting back to school, collaborating with colleagues, and helping to create the kind of school I envision.