Goodbye... for now

Well, I suppose this is goodbye. My M COM 320 course is complete, the exam is next week, assignments are done, I've had my fun.

Its interesting to me that, as students, we can be so preoccupied and weighed down with something one week, and the next week the associated stress and pressure is completely gone. I'm speaking of the sweet release that comes after finals are done and one is between semesters.

Its an amazing phenomenon, one that I don't think exists in any other sphere.

Its not cake all roses though, because to even enjoy the sweet release of break and no expectations there must be great strive and discomfort to begin with.

I suppose thats life: we need the good and the bad together to appreciate what we have.

Its just a shame that its taken final projects, essays, and exams to figure that out.

But I digress. I suppose I may return here one day, I'm sure by then I'll have an even greater appreciation for the good times.

A successful blog...

I recall how I reacted when I heard that I would have to keep up a blog for this class. In short, it was a bout of mild discontent. Deep in my bones I've felt that blog should only be written by those with something to say, and I did not think I had anything to say.

And, I still feel that way. BUT, I did learn tricks that will come in handy if I ever decide to take another crack at making a blog.

1) Advertise

I suppose it would be ideal if I could pay for advertising, but what I'm talking about here simple sharing on Facebook or other social media. No one will simply stumble upon a blog, it must be thrust upon them... or something like that.

2) Stick to relevant content

I started with good intentions on this blog, but eventually I copped out and deviated from the original purpose: Japanese (this post itself is a copout actually). Part of the problem was I didn't have any readers, but if I did I would want to stay loyal to them and post content that got them interested in the first place.

3) Pick a topic that you care about enough to write about for a looooong time

Whatever the topic, it needs to be deep enough and interesting enough (to you and to readers) to write about for an extended period of time. 

Next time I make a blog, I'll be ready.

Blogging

I admit, I have never felt like I have so little to say than when I am struggling to come up with a topic for one of these posts. I suppose this is a good sign that I should not try to run a blog... though it may also be an indication that a lack of readership contributes to a lack of motivation.



I suppose this picture really sums up the whole experience.

Seriously though, writing a blog that no one reads is discouraging. I have always valued communication and dialogue. I enjoy discussing and sharing ideas with friends and associates, as such communication can broaden the views and knowledge of everyone involved. And I actually feel that blogging can do the very same thing... as long as people are reading and responding.

So, I suppose the real conclusion here is that I need to (a) write things worth talking about and (b) advertise that I've written them, because otherwise no one will ever know they exist.