Thoughts on Blogging Part 4
Spending time in the company of others who have similar interests and passions can be an invaluable shot in the arm and a great source of motivation. For example, I recently joined a Facebook group associated with The Evolution of Horror Podcast. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to pick over the bones of a movie such as The Wicker Man and explore its finer points. You don’t have to adjust your level of conversation for fear of boring people, or dial back your enthusiasm due to concerns of being labelled a nerd or fanboy. Finding these online havens where you feel comfortable are invaluable, regardless of whether your passion is sport, knitting, Lepidoptery or Phrenology. Remember this point. I shall be returning to it shortly.
Those who are familiar with my writing, will know that I’m a firm advocate of blogging, podcasting and other forms of online content creation. Such undertakings touch upon so many positive things. Learning new skills, personal improvement, sharing ideas, building communities and making friends. Content creation can also bring a degree of self-discipline, provide a means to navigate the complexities of day-to-day life, as well as help rationalise and collate one thoughts and opinions. However, despite all these advantageous aspects, sometimes just taking the first step on some new project can be a major obstacle. Similarly, it is very common for bloggers, streamers and the like to run out of momentum after an initial burst of spontaneity and motivation. I should know, as I’m really struggling with my writing schedule at present.
We’ll here’s some good news. Returning to my initial point, it appears that someone has grasped the nettle and decided to run an event to help bring together and motivate new and existing online content creators. Belghast from Tales of the Aggronaut will be running Blaugust Reborn throughout the month of August. An event that encompasses all the best aspects of the Newbie Blogger Initiative and his own Blaugust writing festival. The aims of this event are simple; to encourage people to take that first step into online content creation, nurture them, as well as share resources, pass on advice and welcome people in an existing community, thus reinvigorating it. Some veteran bloggers will be acting as mentors. Others (such as myself) will be creating bespoke material and supporting things via this blog. There’s also the obligatory Discord channel which allows participants to stay in touch and access useful links and material. Throughout the month there’ll be creative prompts and activities.
I am very pleased that an event of this kind has returned and am happy to be part of it. I’m hoping I can round up a few folks and may be record a bespoke podcast of some kind. But most of all, I’m looking forward to reading new blog posts and watching new streamers. There’s nothing more catching than enthusiasm and watching someone do something that they thought was going to be so hard, only to find out that it was actually not so bad and even fun. I also think that it is especially important in these troubling times to keep the art of writing alive. Furthermore, this forthcoming Blaugust Reborn event has broadened its scope and isn’t limiting itself to merely encouraging game related content. The skills required to create online material remain the same, irrespective of what you are a fan of. So why not take the plunge and join in with Blaugust Reborn? See you over at the Discord server.
