Bloggerversary

A Day That Will Live In Infamy?

It was May 19, a year ago, when I posted my first blog article.

It was published in the afternoon. I went home from work a little early that day and placed myself on the chaise lounge on my back porch. From my blackberry, I then posted an identical comment to a number of blogs that I followed (haunted) to announce my new blog.

These people were very kind to make initial comments and offer advice and encouragement.

Steve Williams, Scooter in the Sticks.

Joe, Scootin' da Valley.

Charlie 6, Redlegs Rides.

Lance, The View over the Handlebars.

Irondad, Musings of an Intrepid Commuter.

Bobskoot, Wet Coast Scootin'.

Jack Riepe, Twisted Roads.

Sharon, Sojourners MotoTales.

Conchscooter, Key West Diary.

Orin, Scootin' Old Skool.

Stacy, Bolty.net.

Torch, Midlife Motorcycle Madness.

John (Mad Dog) McClane, A Scooter in Turkey.

I was amazed at the response. Some of the comments were received within just a few hours after my post. That prompted me to make a reply comment to the effect that some of you people need to "Get A Life"!

But then again, we all realize how much fun and potentially addictive blogging can be. I still do most of my blog reading from my phone and I sometimes compose the text portions of a post on my phone. I fully admit that I probably look at my own blog maybe as much as 8-10 times per day to look for comments and new posts from other authors.

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It's so bad that I recently changed the web home page on my phone to my blog, just to save a few keystrokes. (Nerd I am)

Many of the first comments offered advice, others congratulations, but one comment from Conchscooter was one I have never forgotten. In essence he said to "Publish or Die!"

I chuckled when I read it, but also recognize the wisdom. We all know that he lives by that motto.

I have apparently made a little over 80 posts in the first year. Little did I know how prolific (or punishing) I was.

Jack Riepe also offered up some advice about starting a post with an attention getting statement. I try, but full well know that I will never be able to match his writing abilities.

Ironically, the first person to make a comment (Steve Williams), maintains one of the first motorcycle/scooter blogs I ever found and started to read. I followed a lot of his links to find others and the list kept growing.

I learned a lot from everybody about blogging and motorcycling. I remain to be amazed about how strong the connection is between us all. This is in spite of the fact that most of us have never met each other face to face. We come from many different walks of life and locations, but have one common passion.

I find the whole thing fascinating.

What is remarkable to me is how much you can learn and understand about the personalities and idiosyncrasies of various bloggers from their posts and comments.

I consider all of you as being a good friend. Some of you feel a lot like brothers and sisters, others maybe more like parents or mentors. All of you are appreciated.

As I reminisce, I think some of what I wrote is crap. Some stuff maybe not so bad. Keep in mind that writing for the blog is a major departure from what I usually write in my profession where I need to be a bit technical and legalistic. I have enjoyed the opportunity to be a bit more creative.

In some sense, the writing is part of a very introspective process for me. It is just as much for myself as it is for my readers.

I am very much in awe of the photography abilities displayed by many of you. I freely admit that most of my pictures are very amateur, but I like taking pictures generally. I just don't feel real motivated sometimes to take the time and really compose a picture and to use special settings. Maybe that will change as I gain more experience.

As I began the blog, I knew there were things I wanted to write about. There were also pictures I wanted to share. I anticipated that the writing would be more important to me and I think that has turned out to be the case for me. I always wanted to start a personal journal, but never got around to it. Blogging gave me a convenient opportunity.

Scootering started a new journey for me almost 2 years ago. Becoming a blogger was part of the consequence of scootering. I plan to stay on the roads of each and see where they take me.

Happy Trails!