Blogging has been one of the more consistent activities I have done from begin a graduate student at USC (I started this blog right after I completed my eligibility for track) to now as an Assistant Professor in StratComm at the University of Louisville.
One of the elements I have thoroughly enjoyed about blogging is the fact that it does allow you to share your point of view. I get a lot of inspiration from what I see both in and outside of the classroom, as well as in research and practice. I also found several bloggers who I think are exceptional in their writing and sharing stories and best practices to the community. Mark Schaefer, Shonali Burke, and Jason Falls are a few I follow and highly recommend for their engaging content and point of view.
My family blogs and are all very active as well on their blogs. Mom writes about neuroscience and psychology while Dad writes about cooking and hunting. Kristin has done a great job with her blog in creating a balance between personal and professional interests.
Why is blogging so important? It does seem wherever you look – students are required to blog and write on particular topics related to class. However, it is not only about writing about content that is relevant for the class, but also it helps establish your digital presence and voice online. Other benefits include the following in my opinion:
- Huge networking opportunities: You never know who may read your blog and offer you consulting jobs, internships, or conference presentation opportunities. It is exciting to see how a post can showcase your insights and voice to help you establish your presence in the professional industry as well.
- Platform to practice writing: I told my students in my classes where I do have a blog requirement for them on how I look back at my first posts in 2006 now and I am amazed with how much my writing has improved. In order to become a better writer, you have to practice, practice, and practice!
- Serves as the hub of your online persona: You want to have social media be the extensions of your identity and who you are online, but your blog is where you want to have everyone go back to for more information, content, and updates from you. Share and cross promote your blog through multiple social media platforms to engage your readers and brainstorm ideas that can spark new contacts and conversations.
#Freberg13 meeting #Freberg14. Diana, Jessica, Amanda, and Rachel all talked about the importance of blogging to the class today.
With all of these benefits, I am asking my social media class (#Freberg14) this semester to maintain a personal blog to help establish their online reputation in the field of social media. I would like to highlight a few I think are good not only for the content they have already shared, but for being creative and having a unique point of view on social media.
Hunter has done a good job in producing good content that is insightful and well documented with good resources to spark further conversation on. If you want to find someone who know all about Tumblr, you need to follow and look at what Giselle writes about – along with fashion, swimming, and social media. I would also say that Maggie has done a good job not only having a distinctive voice, but she does display her point of view confidently on your blog as well. If you are interested in following sports, Zach , Molly, and Brittany are the students to look at for their blogs.
What is great is the fact we have so many #Freberg14 guest speakers as well who have blogs (personal as well as professional) and are engaging in writing great content to share their point of views to their respective audiences. Here are some I would like to share:
- Diana Riesenberg
- Amanda Roberson (and LocalView)
- Rachel Cleary
- Jessica Bledsoe
- Nick Stover
- Jonathan Bernstein
- Melissa Agnes
- Dennis Yu
In summary, blogging is a lot of fun and can open so many opportunities! I will make sure to share relevant blog posts from the class and guest speakers as the semester goes on. If you want to see what the students are writing about, make sure to follow the #Freberg14 hashtag on Twitter.
Have a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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