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This is part of the the book BLOGTASTIC! Growing and Making a Difference Through Blogging. You can read the table of contents and follow the book on this page:
See the table of contents for the book here: BLOGTASTIC project
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BLOGTASTIC: Blogging can be a serious addiction
I don’t have any personal experience with crack cocaine, but I can only imagine and state that blogging can be as addictive as crack.
If you don’t believe me, ask the family members of reasonably successful bloggers. Bloggers wake up early in the morning and stay up late at night typing their latest insights. Some bloggers will even interrupt dinner-table conversations and say to their families, “that would make a great blog post.” In those moments, family members might even wonder whether there’s a twelve-step program for bloggers.
Why can blogging become addictive?
There are many reasons but here are some of them:
1. Ease of Use: Blogging tools have matured so much, and the barrier to entry is very low. This makes it easy for anyone to blog.
2. Rapid Initial Growth: When you start blogging, your blog starts at zero. So every small gain seems huge. This initial experience sets the hook.
3. Recurring Successes: You start tracking every new link and mention. Each traffic milestone you achieve will enhance your love for the blog.
4. Side Benefits: A blog can influence your real job or business. There’s the possibility of a promotion, a new lead for your business, or a new speaking opportunity. Any event that comes about as a direct result of your blogging will cement your addiction to the blog.
Let me be clear. There’s a huge difference between being passionate about something and being addicted to something. You need to be careful to ensure that you are not confused about these two states. If you’re telling yourself that you’re just passionate about blogging but everyone sees you as addicted, then you probably need to look within yourself.
Blogging Tip: Anything (even good things) in excess can cause a problem
Like everything in life, blogging must be about balance. Remember, if you spend all of your time blogging, then you will likely neglect your offline brand. It’s all about balance.
Like anything you do in excess, blogging can lead to addiction. While you can always do more with your blog, think about what other opportunities you have neglected during your quest to dominate the blogosphere. Maybe you have a family member (spouse or child) who would like to share time with you. Maybe your business colleagues need your help on a project. Maybe friends would love to share lunch with you.
Rajesh Setty is an entrepreneur, author and speaker based in Silicon Valley. He maintains another blog called Life Beyond Code and tweets as @UpbeatNow
