Blogging and Knowledge

Undermining the efforts of blogging platform by putting the entire endeavour into a narrow Social Media category is disconcerting. It’s an attempt to curtail the scope of essaying in-depth narratives where writers put in a lot of effort in terms of research and creativity (not measurable by algorithms).

There are so many wonderful writers and authors presenting articles which are worth reading, but unfortunately, due to social media culture are either not read or completely ignored. It is time to recognise the ‘weblog’ or ‘blog’ the seriousness it deserves. Over a period of time, blogging has matured from a mere digital journal to a much more knowledge-driven experience.

We have a penchant for making sweeping comments without considering the relevant efforts or importance of this platform, which no doubt is to network and meet people across the globe but predominantly to exchange and share knowledge. Erasing the ‘knowledge’ aspect of blogging will relegate this platform to just other social media experience where people make their presence felt without really contributing effectively.

Extreme oversimplification by overthinking and over smart minds really stretch the narrative thin and tries to create a new frivolous definition for blogging.

There will be different types of blogs catering to various categories/genres such as lifestyle, literature, photography, food, personal, and science; we cannot deny the fact that everyone is trying their best to be creative and presenting their experiences and creativity while supporting it with relevant literature. Rather than labelling blogs as social media, I prefer to call it ‘knowledge-based digital media’.

I follow so many blogs from different genres (Food, Lifestyle, Travel, Literature, Poetry, Arts & Culture, Parenting, Personal, Photography and Scientific blogs) and as far as I am concerned as a reader, I have seen the respective bloggers share wonderful write-up along with visually pleasing photographs. So, essentially, the writing is for me to ‘know more’ about a particular topic in detail.

It is not a wise thought process to oversimplify too much and strip off the seriousness that adheres to a rich blogging experience. As a traveller, one has to visit destinations to share their experience and anecdotes, scholars have to research to bring more credibility; with comparative study and present articles with authenticity.

Blogging and a blogger will get noticed gradually. It is a time-consuming effort and not a nonsensical Social Media network affair as it is perceived to be by some. I find the idea of aggressively promoting a blog even as they lack quality articles on a regular basis, a bit over ambitious.

Images and ‘infographics’ can be introduced to inform with less text and precise information to the intended target audience. There are ways to make a blog quality based so potential readers can have a serious perception of a blog.

Creativity opens up new dimensions of thoughts and critical analysis by writers can present new ideas to allow an inclusive culture of ‘brainstorming’ in the online world. It won’t be too far-fetched to say, the next big idea which can transform the future may emanate from these sincere efforts.

With different genres and subjects blending together with a comprehensive and open-minded communication can open a new world of knowledge that can provide an inspiring design for a platform where curious and intelligent minds can contribute in their respective field of interest.

In the end, let me emphasise, everything that is ‘Digital Media’ need not be only ‘Social Media’, they may be known as ‘knowledge-based digital media’. Learn from successful bloggers- how they present their content, their initial struggles and successes, and also their ultimate growth in traffic.

Last but not the least, drop the lazy habit of not visiting a blogger’s Main Website and remaining unaware of the type of writing and the topics that are available for reading; you miss out a lot when you glance over the WordPress Reader only. Be inclusive, yet, create a niche for yourself and the blog you have.

~Amitav

(Originally published on 1/9/2017)