Blogging

I'm having an interesting conversation with Ginger Lewman about individual blogs. We both clearly recognize the benefits of group blogsites, such as the one I use - Class Blogmeister. The children create a network of readers, just by being a part of the site. The audience is ready made and easily increased by commenting to other blogs and leaving URLs. Having an audience gives writing a purpose, which leads to better writing (at least that's the desire).

And blogging in a social network, like Classroom 2.0, also affords one the opportunity to begin discussions, simply because of the ready-made audience. The blog, then, becomes the discussion starter. Comments lead to connections, people read what you have to say, you feel like people are really interested in your thoughts and ideas, and you can find like-minded people to work with.

But individual blogs...where's the audience? I link my blog everywhere hoping to attract an audience so I don't feel like I blog for nothing. Without an audience, I might as well write in my diary that I keep at my bedside. I'm not sure how long I can keep this blog going without an audience. But I'll try for a while longer.

Maybe next I'll attempt to podcast without an audience. That's Ginger's next project. And just to help her out..check out her podcast at http://gingerl.podomatic.com/. It's really fabulous and, since this is her first, she needs an audience. Good luck, Ginger. Your podcast is worth listening to!