Blogging: Is it Still Relevant?

Adam (This Boy Elroy) and DanNation meeting for the first time, February 2006.

It seems that blogging is dying. I’ve been writing and posting since 2005 and know that blogging has changed my life in so many ways. It’s opened me up to an entire world of gay men whom I would never have met otherwise. Some of my nearest and dearest friends are guys I met through this blog. I’ve learned to say and share whatever I want – a feat that is huge on my mental development side of things. Yet, I miss my blogworld friends in the online world. We are all real world friends now, so no need for a blog to keep in touch. Shit, we have Facebook. We can talk on the phone. We are living our lives.

Things have changed in so many ways. That’s what life is all about. I remember when blog comments were the Twitter or Facebook status update of the moment. Now, I communicate with Adam and others in totally different ways. Like, we go out. We have a beer or get dinner once in awhile. We are real friends, so no need for the random post on “50 Things About DanNation.” Maybe us gays are always just ahead of our time on societal trends? It seems that we were doing what everyone is NOW raving about regarding Facebook five years ago through our gay blogs. Back then, I would actually click through to a blogger’s profile and comment as much as I could. Now, it’s all about my Google Reader and the hundreds of blogs I read everyday, both for pleasure and for work.

This post isn’t the gay blog death knoll “I’m done with my blog” message or anything like that. I just felt like commenting on how I feel about blogging at this moment in time. Many of my blogroll buddies have slowed posting (or quit altogether), and our world is a completely changed and crazy metamorphized place. I am trying to determime my own personal role in the gay blogging world. My life has moved so much since 2005 that I don’t know what to make of it. It’s all good.

So, see you here tomorrow…if you are still reading! Do you think that blogging is still relevant?

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http://rls1971.blogspot.com Richard

I have been thinking the same things, Dan. It seems that I spend a lot of time updating my Facebook page, but not as much time writing my thoughts on my blog. When I started blogging, I was just coming to terms with my sexuality and the dissolution of my marriage. Now that these crises have passed, I find it harder to muster the energy and creativity to post regularly.

On a completely different topic, I’ll be in SanFran in late June. Yeah!
http://www.spiritofsaintlewis.blogspot.com A Lewis

I must disagree. I don’t think that blogging, twittering, or Facebooking have much in common at all…except communication. In fact, I believe that Facebook and Twittering will have limited shelf-life spans. The biggest, most brightest, flashes in the pan have a shorter life span….think Sarah Palin. I’m here for the long haul….the consistency, the depth (well, except for those underwear shots which are cheap and easy), the longer exposes on my life. I don’t think you can commpare those three mediums at all.
John

I miss reading what Darin, Jimmi, Chad, Jason et al. are up to. I’ve read your blog since before you moved to San Francisco. Every best wish, Dan.
http://nathanexposed.com Nathan

Blogs have changed a lot since you and I both got started in 2005. But Facebook and Twitter pale in comparison to a blog. Take my recent events for example. There’s no way I would have even attempted to cover it on a Facebook update. And it wouldn’t have offered the in depth communication that a blog can.

I do think the format has changed though. The Huffington Post is a news site, but it’s also one gigantic blog. It’s integrated so seamlessly that you don’t even realize you’re on a blog anymore. I think we’ve become so accustomed to blogs that we don’t even realize when we’re on them sometimes.

Facebook and Twitter are great for sharing quick thoughts. But I think blogs will continue to be relevant for a very long time. I’ve enjoyed seeing the growth through your own blog
http://www.sfmoby.us moby

I disagree. I think blogging has matured as a medium. It is no longer “new” or “fresh” which will turn some off as they move on to the “next big thing”. For others, they get bored or the purpose behind the blog ends or is resolved.

Blogging has infiltrated our way of life and is here to stay IMHO. I can’t say if I’ll always continue to blog. I’ve certainly had my dry spells. My original reasons for my own blog have come to a resolution. However, my blog continues to be a chronicle, of sorts, of my life. I blend the new boys life Facebook and Twitter into my blog as just another facet of my need to communicate with the outside world.
http://jimmichronicles.blogspot.com/ Jimmi

I’m still reading Dan, just not posting anymore. I thank blogs for allowing me to meet such great people as yourself and Adam and the others who have made the last few years really interesting. I wouldn’t give THAT up for anything!

Luv ya Mare!

Rhoda
http://www.sporeflections.wordpress.com Urspo

I feel blogging is alive. Twitter seems a bit of a fad; and Facebook is too busy.
Blogging is ultimately about expression, with viewers/comments as secondary. So long as there are people wanting to write to express themselves there will be blogging. Or so I hope.

On the other hand, they are all ‘hobbies’ and peoples interest in hobbies come and go. Some of us kooks love our hobby to no end.
http://www.margohchanning.blogspot.com MargOH!

hey doll,

I’ve always thought blogs were more of a personal diary of sorts. I’ve been attracted to blogs for the personal story, not so much the Perez Hilton’s or for news. I think blogs will be relevant as long as those writing them keep sharing their honest and open view on their lives.

I gotta run, I’m coaching a girl named Wanda Lee for her “Little Miss Perfect” pageant. She is 13 and had double d’s. I’m teaching her a routine to “The Best little whorehouse in Texas”…

Kisses, M
http://lisa-lee.com Lisa Lee

Well now it’s all about “what are you doing” in 140 characters or less. Pretty soon, that’s how people will talk in real life! ;-D Ha!

Seriously, I feel that people want everything in quick condensed forms. No long blogs to read or post. People seem to be getting lazy that way. 140 characters or less.

Not all of us though.