PENTABLOGAVERSARY 4-10-11

PENTABLOGAVERSARY 4-10-11

I learned about blogging five years ago.  I had recently finished self-publishing a book, and thought blogging might be a way to get people interested in my masterpiece.  Previously the only people who read my book were family members who received free copies, or the few friends who bought it and actually read it.  I received only a little feedback on the book, some said they liked it, some semi-mocked it and made jest of the fact that I was a faux-author.

I shortly realized that I still had stories to tell and opinions to rant and this blog thing was an excellent way to enjoy the writing for free and also meet some interesting people along the way. 

I did sell three more books.

My blog did not go viral as I expected so I was initially disappointed, but I realized I enjoyed the writing as much as any hobby.  Because I am retired, I have the luxury of lots of time to pursue this hobby and before long I began posting every day.    

In five years I have only failed to post on just a few days.  I now follow many other bloggers and read all blogs that I follow every day.  Did I mention I have a lot of time? 

I have made many friends; for the most part bloggers are unique and wonderful people. I have run into a few readers who have different agendas and consistently made annoying comments.  I learned to unfollow and ignore…I don’t have that much time.

I did go on to self-publish a second book which received even less accolades than my first attempt, but I realized at my age, who really cares.

So I won’t be a great author.  I also won’t be a great golfer, I will never be a great bowler, I will never play guitar well enough to perform to an audience, and yet I still enjoy all these endeavors.  So I will continue to write and post.  Stories, opinions, whatever crap happens to come to mind.  It keeps me busy, keeps my brain working, and I just enjoy it.

If a story happens to spark a memory and somebody enjoys it, so much the better.  If someone finds some random crap to be humorous, that is wonderful.   If an opinion or idea causes someone to think or explore a new position, that is special.  If I write something that ticks a reader off, they need to stop reading or just brush it aside; I probably disagree with myself as often as anyone, and really, how important are the ramblings of a cranky old man?

So as of this date five years ago I started this blogging stuff, and I don’t intend to stop.  I plan to celebrate many more blogaversaries.  

Thanks for reading.