Does reading Shakespeare make you a better blogger?

Here’s something funny: blogging makes me think about Shakespeare. Well, not exactly… but it does make me think about being a better writer.

When I first started blogging a year or so ago, I used to agonize over each post, even printing out drafts for a rigorous self-edit.

As you know, I’ve moved on, routinely blasting out posts after a quick scan or two (I don’t think I’ve printed anything in six months).

My hope of course is that the whole experience (writing included) is better this way — more natural, heartfelt and flowing (even with a typo or too).

This is the blogging way… The hours I once spent agonizing over meaningless edits, I now spend reading, scanning the web and hopefully, creating my own stories.

I also try to put more thought into each post, before I start writing (you seem surprised?). Which brings me back to Shakespeare…

Tech - your friend or foe?

A few famous bloggers died on the job last week and this has cast a spotlight on the blogging lifestyle, which can become an obsessive, 24/7 affair.

The New York Times ran an article on the subject, ‘In Web World of 24/7 Stress, Writers Blog ‘Til They Drop’. Here’s a sobering snippet:

“I haven’t died yet,” said Michael Arrington, the founder and co-editor of TechCrunch, a popular technology blog. The site has brought in millions in advertising revenue, but there has been a hefty cost. Mr. Arrington says he has gained 30 pounds in the last three years, developed a severe sleeping disorder and turned his home into an office for him and four employees. “At some point, I’ll have a nervous breakdown and be admitted to the hospital, or something else will happen. This is not sustainable.”

Bloggers need to balance passion with truth

Not to toot Rupert & Gill’s horn, but here’s a sensible snippet from their web site:

“The good news is that people in general have become much more concerned about the environment. The bad news is that the doubters on the right coupled with the dispiriting doom and gloom from the left, are preventing the mainstream adoption of ethical and sustainable lifestyle choices.”

I think this is a good reminder for us passionate bloggers, or “citizen journalists”, not to rant too much, and to try and present an accurate, balanced picture to our readers.

I will strive to do that here on IBC, in the interest of getting closer to the truth, and to help spur widespread INDIE “adoption of ethical and sustainable lifestyle choices”.

Small businesses (indies) have an important role to play in affecting positive change, and there’s lots of green to be had along the way… (just ask Gary Hirschberg).