Do You Write for Yourself or for Your Reader? // General Discussion // BlogCatalog

9/26/08

ModelElaine

Definitely the reader. But writing is therapeutic, so for myself as well

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9/26/08

howisbradley

I'm with Elaine. I write for my reader. It's very cathartic for me, but I always keep my readers in mind.

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9/26/08

offendedblogger

I write for Elaine. Er, I mean myself. Because I truly am my own #1 fan!

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9/26/08

ekim941

That's a fact, she is her own biggest fan.
9/26/08

offendedblogger

I am yours, too, don't worry!
9/26/08

ekim941

With fans like you, who needs Haters?
9/26/08

offendedblogger

Hey, is that a personal attack???

HAVE YOU READ THE RULES HERE?? HAVE YOU??!!!!!!!
9/26/08

ekim941

From me? Oh c'mon, you know me better than that.

It was merely showing my appreciation for your work.
9/26/08

offendedblogger

Dammit, I ran out of time to totally change my last comment. I love that about this place, I can send you secret notes and then change them if I remember to come back before the timer is up!

Like right now, I should post a topless photo and then come back and take it down....

9/26/08

Norski

Both, actually.

Even when I was writing advertising copy, I was 'writing for myself,' in the sense that I derived pleasure from making a well-crafted sentence, or clearly stating a thought.

But there wouldn't be much point writing, if someone else isn't going to read it: so the reader's view comes into play pretty fast. Nowadays, it's generally when an idea gets definite enough to be describable.

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4/02/09

tinatina

Same here. I work in advertising too:)

9/26/08

farangrakthai

Nobody writes for itself on a blog.
This can only be done on a diary that you keep in your bedroom.
Whatever you write on blog, you do it for money or for feedback on your thoughts.
If for money, the reader comes first and you adapt your blog and writing accordingly. And well, you only accept good comments. Bad comments are bad for business.
If for yourself, you just like to get as many comments as possible, good or bad.

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10/30/08

Janezworld

I'm with you on this one, all writing if it is made public is to vent creativity and ego. We all like to think that what we do will interest someone so I suppose feedback and reward are the main drivers. I can't say though that I particularly have the reader in mind, although choosing topics that will stimulate has to be at the back of my mind.

9/26/08

Phoenix1962

I write for my readers because I think that people should be exposed to more than what the mind controlling traditional media feeds them.

www.newyorkparalegalblog.com/

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9/26/08

ernestlobo

Both. Although it does help me more when I'm venting..

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9/26/08

ModelElaine

I actually look at search words and if I see search results that I don't have a post directly answering the question I will write it

9/26/08

CreativeJunkie

I think both? I write for my readers but like others above, I enjoy it immensely.

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9/26/08

ekim941

I never write for the reader, even when I am writing "How-to" articles, I write in the manner that I would want to be instructed.
The way that I see it is that I am my own biggest critic, if I can write for myself and be happy with it, I have satisfied the only critic that I have to live with. Nothing else matters.
I don't really promote my blog because it's just for fun. I'm currently working on a screenplay that I am writing for myself. I wouldn't put my effort into a movie that I wouldn't want to see.

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9/26/08

offendedblogger

Wow! A movie??? I want to be your red carpet groupie. I am breaking out my spandex and Aqua Net now baby!
9/26/08

ekim941

Don't forget to go commando for the tabloids.
10/12/08

rosebud33

Thanks for that insight. I know what you mean about writing as you want to read it. I do presentations that way. Keep it exciting because I enjoy exciting and entertaining workshops. I feel the same way about blogging. I aim to engage, educate and entertain as much as possible.
It is only fair, in my opinion.

9/26/08

ThriftShopRomantic

Hopefully a balance of both.

I select topics based on story ideas that intrigue me--

But I write the post with the goal of drawing the reader in and giving them enough humor and visual imagery that they hopefully feel a part of it, too.

I also try to mix up my topics a bit so my readers and I both get variety.

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9/26/08

roadgurl5

For the most part I write for myself because I don't know what readers will come my way and what they might be interested in. I just write about what I think is interesting, in a style I'm comfortable with, and then hope for a readership that likes both. Actually, I hope for any readership!

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9/26/08

PrincessQuello

Both...Whatever I'm writing, I have to have an interest in or the blog/article will sound forced. I write for my audience in a way that still stays true to myself. Adding my personal opinion/viewpoint always helps make the piece easy to relate to, which is what brings people back to read.

I'm pretty random as a person so my thought process is always different and creates a variety of topic that I use in my writing.

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9/26/08

RomeosMadWorld

i am my own only fan.

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9/26/08

plotwhisperer

Thanks for all your comments. Now, I guess the question is: how do you keep your audience in mind? In what way do you tailor your writing to bring deeper reader enjoyment? Do you consider the readers expectations in terms of how the piece moves energically?? Or any other way??

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9/26/08

earthlingorgeous

I write for myself, but then what I write influence others or help others that's great

well my audience, based on what I see on the analytics provided for me

most are moms with kids with autism, some are bloggers and some are having relationship problems, some likes to read news about my country. So when I write a post in my blog I keep them in mind too.

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9/26/08

robinj

both although it is tempting to write purely to get traffic with controversal topics and key words of the day I am sure if I wrote Britney dates a duck a would get more people in lol

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10/11/08

plotwhisperer

Robinj, both you and ModelElaine, write of key or search words. Never knew about them. Fascinating!!

Princess Quello, I like what you say about writing for your audience in a way that still stays true to yourself. That is key above all, I'd say.

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10/11/08

kat822

I write for both myself and my readers

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10/11/08

Sebastyne

Definitely for myself, as I don't like reading nearly as much as writing, so I wouldn't have a clue how to please my readers. (My train of thought goes: Why would you want to buy a book when you can write one yourself?) The only person I know exactly how to please is me.

The readers come to play when I consider if I will offend people by saying this or that, or is the possible offence worth the idea or thought I put out there. In other words; whether or not I will be able or willing to stand by what I said, if and when someone gets offended.

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10/11/08

agapelife

I do write for my readers but with the traffic I'm getting from my blog (not the same with my website), I might as well be writing for myself. I am sharing valuable information where some sites charge subscription!!

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10/11/08

mizztinez

i definitely start writing for the reader but end up on a tangent and talking about something out of left field that has been bothering me. So both I guess.

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10/11/08

jackpayne

I've always written for myself, and let the chips fall. Perhaps that's not too bright though. I had a movie deal fall through, for my novel, Six Hours Past Thursday, mostly because of "reader slant." (Whatever that means.) The producer wanted revisions I was unwilling to make. Oh, well, I'll continue down the same path, and hope for the best. If a miracle happens, great. If not, so what?

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10/11/08

colormesunshine3n

both. sometimes i write just because i want to get things off me. to put my thoughts into words. But i always find someone who is interested in that. they read it, comment on it sometimessss, and i guess that's when the line blurrr.

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10/11/08

plotwhisperer

I guess my concern for readers is due to the work I did early on with kids with speech, language, and learning problems. It takes but a bit to craft a story in such a way as to invite the reader in.

I mostly believe that writing comes in two stages: that which flows from the muse, purely for and from ourselves. That's where the magic and the joy of writing begins. What follows is the actual craft of writing. Crafting the project so that it rises and falls in ways that are pleasing to the reader and keeps their interest, on the edge of their seats, turning pages faster and faster, to the end.....

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10/30/08

MidwestMom

From the perspective of one who writes creatively, but doesn't publish, I would say I agree with you. (My blog and my creative writing are separate entities for me.)

When I am sitting down to write at first, I am always driven by something 'essential' I want to convey. I write with fury but pay little attention to structure.

Then I sit down with the beautiful English language and try to ensure that my words convey my intended meaning in as economical and beautiful way as possible. It's like perfecting the idea I first sat down to write about.

I think there have only been about three times in my life that I've been able to get it perfect.

Everything else? Work in progress.

Thanks for a great set of questions.

10/11/08

loverofjazz

myself. but there's nothing wrong with writing for commercial purposes, it's just not something i could or would do.

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10/11/08

COOLINGSTAR9

I write blogs for human.

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10/12/08

tjefferson85

I write for myself, and I let my readers interpret what they want from my writing, it's how you feel about it individually.

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10/12/08

Theresa111

I write to communicate and to share a part of myself with others.

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10/12/08

SweetViolet

When it comes to blogging, there is no reason they have to be mutually exclusive.

Other types of writing need to be more targeted: for marketing materials and ad copy, the reader must be foremost; journalling is for oneself. And I doubt fiction can be successful unless the reader is foremost in the writer's mind.

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10/12/08

plotwhisperer

SweetViolet, I agree about when it comes to blogging, there's no reason they have to be mutually exclusive.

I'm surprised by the responses here overall. I assumed bloggers want an audience as much as a novelist or screenwriter would, yet it seems by writers responses here that most are blogging simply for themselves and if others like it, great. If not, too bad.

Hmmmm, I don't quite get it. I would think that a following would feel satisfying, to know others have related to your words and been moved by them. I understand if you're simply journaling -- that's a personal thing.

I guess I'm just confused. Most of the writers I work with are looking to get their prose and fiction in print. I guess that's not as important to bloggers????

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10/12/08

SweetViolet

I think there are basically two kinds of bloggers: one type are those for whom blogs are a means to a financial end. They want to make money through ads, etc. Some of these bloggers write with the reader in mind, others just write enough to get someone to visit their blog and get the "clicks" that translate into money.

The other kind of blogger is the person who has something to say. They may be seeking a following, but a lot of them are simply seeking those who agree with them. That explains the "if others like it, great. If not, too bad" attitude. I read quite a few of these blogs and they are often conceits...poorly reasoned and written conceits at that. These people just want to have their say in as public a forum as possible.

Some of us are frustrated writers who have decided to forego the arduous route of publication. I'd love to get my writing into print, but if it means dealing with barrels of rejection slips on my way to a sale...sorry, just not worth it. So, I guess I ultimately fall into the "if others like it, great..." category myself.

Most bloggers just aren't good enough writers for print publication; I suppose those who are good enough but stick to blogging just aren't willing to bash their brains against the brick walls of rejection by publishers and closed doors of agents. That's my reason, anyway.

10/12/08

piodalcin

4 my reader and for myself togo and get feedback in what i wrote was interesting

piodalcin.wordpress.com

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10/12/08

latewire

> Do You Write for Yourself or for Your Reader?

neither

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10/12/08

DiggaDominus

For my readers ofcourse. When I write for myself, I call it thinking.

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10/12/08

freespirit76

On my abuse blog, I write for my reader. I also have a private blog, which I have only shared with 1 person. On that blog, I write for myself.

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10/12/08

aningeniousname

I write for a bloke in Newport Pagnall called Barry, God bless you Barry!!!
This one is for you too!!!

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10/12/08

dosox

Sometimes I write for my tiny and trusty readers, Sometimes I write for myself...

I am in the middle... i write for myself and for my readers too

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10/12/08

Friday13

Primarily for myself, and ... wait, I have readers? Lies! All lies!

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10/13/08

ranist22

If I write only for my readers I will have to technisize my writing to fit what they want...what DO they want, by the way! I write about uinversal emotions and hope that they will find themselves in it. Judging by the mail I receive there is a response in their hearts. I cannot write about an emotion that I 'judge' should provoke a reponse in the readers. The reader-response to writing is elusive, however much has been written on it and however much it has been analysed.

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10/13/08

morgantj

Some people say they write for themselves, and some say they write for their readers, and others say they write for both.

However, I am convinced that everyone writes for themselves. Even if they write for others, they are writing for others for themselves. That’s right, our motives are intrinsically selfish. If you are one who says that you write for others, you do so to please your readers, but pleasing your readers pleases you. The root motivation is selfish. Selfish is not a bad thing, it’s a natural thing. Our root instinct is to survive, to preserve ourselves. Everything else we do branches off of this basic instinct. So yes, everyone writes for themselves.

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10/13/08

Bayho

i actually dont write.. but i love reading what people write.. and i love giving my feed back. i mean its great to see what people are doing and whats going on in there life.. not that im noisey or anything its just when people write .. whether it be a blog or a poem or something of that sort.. there thoughs and feelings come out in it.

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10/13/08

anicam

i write for my readers, but yet i still have myself in mind when writing.
the techniques i always adopt this days when writing, is to write as if i am talking to a friend.
I really love it.

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10/13/08

plotwhisperer

I agree morgantj, that we ultimately write for ourselves. I just wonder if there comes a time to step back from what we have written and view it with a critical eye while keeping our potential readers in mind. Does it make sense? Does it build in tension and significance? Is the character engaging, the action compelling?
I wonder about things like that.....

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10/30/08

Louise

I write for myself, in that it's my way of maintaining my identity and my sanity in the face of two small children and one very large hill (carminesuperiore.blogspot.com/2007/10/una-piccola-complicazione.html). However, I've seen that blogs where people think out loud or describe their holiday, or go on about their kids aren't too interesting to me, so I try to avoid doing this and to write stuff that will amuse and interest other people. Stuff that might chime with other people's experiences. Stuff that might make people laugh. In this sense, I write for other people.

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10/30/08

saiffarooqi

i would definitely like people to read whatever i write, but while writing i dont keep others in mind ... i wont change my style of writing for others ... i believe if i write something good, i'll definitely get readers ...

to answer the question ... i write for my own satisfaction, but i would of course like people to read it, bcoz i intend to spread awareness through my blog posts, but as mentioned above, without altering my own style of writing.

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10/30/08

sisterofmercy

I write as if I'm speaking to the reader, but I write my blogs for me really, so I remember things that have happened to me and what new bands I've found so I don't forget them.

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10/30/08

cranelegs

great question.

first, i'm a strong believer that if you blog you are ultimately writing for readership and not yourself, otherwise a personal journal would really be more suitable and certainly less humbling.

second, a few folks have already pointed out that style and structure are the "me" part. in my case there is a certain rhythm and phrasing structure that i like to use to deliver humor to a reader. it's what seems to work for me. anyway, that's the part that is "me" and not up for grabs.

however, most subjects and some word selection are determined by what my targeted audience might want to read about and how best to deliver it. not easy stuff really!

having said all that, i still don't have a feel for whether or not it's working. it's not like i have a large number of returning readers, but with a break here or there, who knows? right? and i think it's that "you never know" that is a common thread among most serious bloggers.

thanks a gain for the question. it gave me pause to think about this and that's always a good use of time.

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10/30/08

Hangingonahyphen

I write for myself. I've got enough trouble thinking what I want and how I feel so for me to also worry about what other people want would most likely drive me crazy. It would be nice to please people but I don't think I have the talent to do that, at least not in writing...

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11/01/08

plotwhisperer

Cranelegs, interesting point = "if you blog you are ultimately writing for readership... otherwise a personal journal would really be more suitable..."

And even a personal journal, I wonder sometimes if writers don't hope that the journal may be discovered someday in the future and be read?

I believe we all long to be hear / read, and by considering our readers we may help facilitate that.

Also, Cranelegs, I agree about the part that is "me" and not up for grabs. We writers often run into trouble, when we forget that our own individual voice is ours alone. Often in a writer's attempt to please everyone, we end up losing ourselves.

A fine line we walk as writers.....

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11/01/08

Arcticulates

If your writing for yourself then wouldn't the blog be worded something like this.
"I looked around I couldn't believe my eyes.. there they were!"

as opposed to writing to others:
I looked around and you will never believe who I saw there!

I agree with morgantj, only I don't like calling it selfish, but maybe self gratification.

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11/04/08

Friday13

Argh, you forgot to close the EM tag!

TEST

Yay, no more italics.
11/04/08

Arcticulates

oops! I could have sworn that I did, cuz I am always afraid of forgetting.. I'm Sorry!
11/04/08

Friday13

Don't worry. The powers that be will forgive you.

This time.

11/02/08

lordiwanttobewhole

This may not sound correct, but I write for myself first because my writing has to sound authentic and not what someone else would approve of. Some people have told me that I write too honestly. This works for me because its real.

I do consider if my writing would be appealing/interesting to readers though

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11/02/08

denharsh

i started writing for myself...and then i write according to users and readers,..,coz in the end u need good comments from them..and comments are something which always encourage you to write more and btr

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11/02/08

plotwhisperer

denharsh, your comment gets to the heart of what I'm most curious about -- how do we write from our hearts and still keep our readers in mind?? The only fear -- if the good comments encourage more writing, what happens if there's a negative?? Can't let that stop us, can we??

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3/21/09

lynnh96005

I will not allow a negative to stop me from writing, but I access the negative to see if it is valid. If valid, I work to correct. If I decide it is not valid, I blow it off.

I started blogging about three months ago and write for myself, to develop the skill and a style but with the reader in mind. I strive to improve "something" with each entry. Writing presents a challenge to me and I love a challenge.

11/02/08

ElleB

Good question! I started writing for myself and it was really crappy work. Then I began to try to make more thoughtful entries as I received feedback from people who liked my reviews. Now I barely have time to watch a movie let alone write about one, so I'm back to 'bare bones' which doesn't matter much as no one seems to be reading me as of late!

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11/02/08

irtiza104

to me blogging is a medium of self development. it's a medium of connecting with people. i have one blog registered here at BC. but i have another one. i spend equal time on that one too but i dont spend time on publicizing it. i write that blog to find inner peace and i do it coz i love it.

i blog for me. i blog for my readers.

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11/02/08

lunaticg

certainly both...
some story i just want to share and don't want them to be missing.

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11/02/08

lordiwanttobewhole

If you write for the reader....well...there are soooo many possible readers. You can't possibly please everyone. Write from the heart and those who understand what your heart is saying will be true fans.

♥

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11/04/08

plotwhisperer

Commented on your blog LisbethPixFlix, irtiza104, and lordiwanttobewhole.
lunaticg, visited your blog with interest in coins. Plus, I LOVE your picture!
lordiwanttobewhole, your comment here is truly sublime.......

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11/30/08

lordiwanttobewhole

thank you...sublime....thats beautiful!

11/04/08

Friday13

Wrong spot.

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11/04/08

bradhart

It all depends on where I am writing. Some of my blogs are professional and made strictly for the reader and to do well with advertisers. Others get a bit of both. Then there are a few personal pet projects that I say what ever I please and am not above chastising some of the people for rude, obnoxious or spam comments. Some days when you are stuck being nice to clients it is good to have a place where you can go be a prick and get it out of your system.

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11/04/08

Ryleigh

I write for myself. I write what I want.. when I want to write it.. If I start writing for someone else.. i think it would loose it's... Ry'ness

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11/07/08

plotwhisperer

Love hearing everyone's comments.
On another note:
Taking a poll. Have you achieved your writing goals this year???
plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/

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11/07/08

drjay1966

I write for people whose minds work somewhat the way mine does....

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11/08/08

Bayho

As a blogger, I would definitely write for myself. If I started thinking about other people then my thoughts would start catering to what I think my audience would say, so my thoughts would be unoriginal and influenced. But if I was marketing something or writing for a certain audience, then I would ofcourse consider who's reading and cater more to them.

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11/08/08

rileycentral

For yourself would be a log not a weblog aka "blog." The fact that it's broadcast means you care about what others think. This is simple logic. Livejournal and a few other platforms have a checkbox that will make your blog private. Unless that is "checked" on your blog, you should be writing for others first. That's my 2 cents.

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11/08/08

mikia328

I write for the reader. Whenever I add a new post to my blog, I think of how I will make it interesting for the reader because I don't want to bore anyone. Don't get me wrong, I love writing. I feel it challenges me, but I also have a strong desire to provide content that I feel readers will enjoy.

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11/11/08

plotwhisperer

Interesting how the comments are so strongly one or the other. Wonder what contributes overall to the difference??

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11/11/08

FuriousToaster

I do an advice column, so...for the reader, mainly. Rarely do I blog about myself.

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11/11/08

mountaincat

For friends, not myself.

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11/11/08

aroomofonesown

I write for me first and foremost. But, I strive to find the balance of getting the chance to express myself and producing something that other can enjoy.

C.S. Lewis said that we read to know we're not alone. I write for me and hope that people read it and know they're not alone.

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11/12/08

creemos

the reader who is searching...

www.codybateman.org

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11/12/08

rosebud33

I try to write for others but it also helps me. For example, if I share a presentation or blogging tip it also helps me to record the information or if it is a story the experiance. I want to share the way I want to recieve the information. I MESS UP OFTEN, but sometimes those are my best posts to share.
Thanks for asking

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11/14/08

plotwhisperer

I like that creemos -- the reader who is searching...... aren't we all???

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11/14/08

lnclark1950

Great question!

I would have to say both. What I write is usually about my life but I share the point I have learned with the hope that someone who has experienced a similar event can benefit.

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11/14/08

angstless

Well I write my rhymes for ME, but I am attempting to put a mp3 up so that they do not have to read them actually but can hear them sorta like they were written..since I do not have a mike and depend on "mary in the hall". Lotsa commas, spaces and periods on the mp3 that are not in the poem.

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11/14/08

Anok

I write because writing benefits me. I keep my readers in mind because I'm just sweet like that

In all seriousness, I write what' son my mind, I write to vent, I write to get my ideas out there. That helps me. Hopefully, it can help others too, but mainly it helps me.

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11/14/08

salildhawan

I write for myself too but at same time express it with how readers like it

views-point.blogspot.com

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11/14/08

siralmo

i write for me.

if readers like what i say, that's a bonus

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11/14/08

hermanblog

I write for all. to share whatever I know, and hope any feedback from you

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11/16/08

MissAttica

I write for myself, but I must admit it is nice to get readers as well.

Check out my lates post: missattica.blogspot.com/2008/11/there-is-time-for-everything-or-so-says.htm...

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11/16/08

hatingtherain

Both, but mostly me.

I like to rant.

But I like to show off when I'm in a good mood as well.

I have multiple personalities, and they don't always get along.

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11/16/08

Epicharis

I write for myself. I write so that I'm comprehensible to other people, but what's the point of writing a blog for readers and not for you? Isn't the point of blogging that you're sharing your uncensored thoughts with anyone who wants to read them? I use my blog to express the opinions that I don't get to express in general conversation, if my friends or random people are interested in reading, great, if not then I've had an outlet for my views without having to bore anyone who isn't interested.

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11/16/08

timmcdoniel

I write for the reader, but it is certainly geared for things of my interest. I find my blog serves two purposes, sort of a detailed record of things in technology I find interesting, and something to share with those that might be interested.

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11/17/08

plotwhisperer

SiuilARuin, I guess that's at the heart of the issue -- I don't know what the point of blogging is. You say to share your uncensored thoughts. Hmmmm I thought perhaps it was to communicate, which implies a reader. A back and forth. Interesting. I have no idea about the origins of blogs -- why and how they got started. Maybe knowing that would help my understanding of this.

Anyone????

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11/17/08

Blabbergurl

Both, really...blogging is letting my steam out for the day and all the excess creativity that keeps buggering me & you always have to consider your reader too, continually scheming to get them hooked.
Bwa,ha,ha,ha...that's my evil laugh.

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11/20/08

TheTrickster

As a creative writer, published writer, and writing teacher, my perspective is that at first you write for yourself and at the last you write for yourself; it has to come from your need/desire to express yourself, your originality; otherwise, you're pandering. As for the audience, if it is good creative writing, you need to know the techniques for manipulating your writing to express what you want to express, and then if no one is getting it, you go back to the board and recraft. But the final say remains yours. As for essay and other types of writing that inform, the audience becomes more crucial since understanding, the communicating of information is the point, more than the depth, layers, creativity, etc. Target the audience to reach them. But if you leave out the unique, creative, etc., altogether, no matter how informative, no one will read it.
So, I'd say it's a continuum and depending on the type of writing and who your audience determines the crossroads. That's how you get either brilliant literature such as Gore Vidal and Kafka or you get pulp fiction, fill in the blanks formula writing at the opposite end of the continuum. Personally, I suggest the raise and enlighten over the "give the consumer what they want."
But still, that's a horrible simplification of the process and variety out there.

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12/01/08

myriadlife

Yes that's true Trickster. If you write a story you like you want to share it.

My market blog is definitely written for the reader as otherwise there would be no point. But short stories I write for myself first and then if I want comments/exchange of views I publish them on my blog.

11/30/08

plotwhisperer

TheTrickster, I like that -- determines the crossroads...
I'm thinking the more we understand readers' expectations, the more that info becomes integrated in our writing without much thought. Not to interfere with the flow of the muse but to create the sandbox in which the words will reside. Or something like that...
Thanks for the comments.

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11/30/08

UniqueCommodities

Both!

www.uniquecommodities.blogspot.com

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11/30/08

therealshari

I always write for myself first. I rarely ever edit a piece. If I had to write for a specific audience I could probably do it, but doubt the writing would show as much creativity.

I've written "how-to's" and they were first written for me. I shared them with a member of the target audience and had little to rewrite.

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11/30/08

SpiritualBloggers

I would hope the reader and I are both getting something from what I've written.

There's a kind of symbiosis there, a relationship between the author and reader, and if you take one of those elements out, you lose the whole equation. Who wants to read something in which the writer feels absent? Who wants to read something in which you cannot find a piece of yourself?

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11/30/08

lccrn

Both

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11/30/08

sapheyerblu

It totally depends on what I'm writing. If I'm writing non-fiction, I usually write for my audience. Mainly because I'm probably trying to sell something, or at least, inform my readers about something cool.

However, when it comes to my stories, I write for me. I have all these scenarios running through my head, and I love putting them to paper/computer screen.

If you think about it, I write non-fiction through my inner critic, while fiction comes from my inner muse.

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12/01/08

cashmere

Most of it are for my readers...
That is if I have one..LOL!
Some of it is for both myself and them..
My last post is purely for readers cos it's about product review, namely Sony.. =)

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12/01/08

furniture27

Mostly for my readers. If I did not enjoy it, I would not be blogging however.

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12/07/08

plotwhisperer

What about writing for a larger purpose?? Ever feel drawn to write something and don't know why?? Is it possible some of the stuff we write is just looking for someone to act as a conduit in order to get the message out?? Out there, I know.

Someone just sent me a note about how character is plot and action and destiny.

Your characters are your destiny. Your writing your destiny.

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12/07/08

capricorn07

I write for myself... and I enjoy every bit of it!!

jjs-decides-to-blog.blogspot.com/

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12/07/08

Thundercatt99

Writing is theraputic. You know what you want to say, so you assume the reader will too. But if the reader knew what was in your mind, why would you need to write? It's up to you to express your message so that the reader understands it.

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3/21/09

spirit

Both, sort of. I always write for me, write, write, write. It's like breathing, I need it to live but 'what' I write is sometimes directed towards others and then sometimes it's just me pouring my soul out onto the proverbial paper.

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3/21/09

EmpressWingMay

Both. Well, in the process of writing, it's for myself. I also write with the reader in mind. I share things about my life and any observations, especially epiphanies I have about life in general. I get something out of it, and I always hope that my readers do, too. When they tell me in emails or comments that they do, I think, "That's what it's all about."

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3/21/09

fruitcake

A write (in a notebook at home) for myself. I blog for my readers.

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3/21/09

cuttingedgedjs

both

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3/30/09

Sashg80

Since my blog is about how I started living healthy and I started it along with my partner because enough people told us to, I do write for my readers. But it helps me stay motivated and it's awesome to share!

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4/02/09

plotwhisperer

Fruitcake, I like that -- write for yourself. Blog for your readers. It's different, isn't it???

Writing for ourselves we can fill in the missing blanks. Writing for others, we need to strive for ways to connect and engage. It's different, isn't it???

plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/

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4/02/09

norerun

I am a featured publisher, writing from Spirited Miu Flavor Blog.

Since it's mainly a food blog and I feature recipes also, I consider making my content interesting and easy on the eyes as well as satisfying my need to keep artistic and productive.

spiritedmiuflavor.blogspot.com

You're welcome to visit my website about all things food related, recipes!

Careful, you might love it

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4/02/09

websiteseed

I don't write much just upload my designed wordpress themes I create.

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4/02/09

tinatina

Both, I hope.

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4/02/09

codesucker

I write for my readers.. isn't writing to yourself kinda like schizophrenia?

Yeah it centers me too.. So I see what you mean

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4/03/09

annecris

I write for both. Its fun.

you cater both what your reader needs and what you need. I try to incorporated a mix of interesting topics in my post to fit my readers' wants and mine too

here's my blog lilartnook.blogspot.com/

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4/03/09

sarah123

I write for myself first and then to impact the reader in some way. Writing for myself gives me the freedom to let the words flow. I tried to write for the reader but then I feel stifled.

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4/03/09

idealpinkrose

for both... It's my personal blog so I write everything about myself but it's not fun If i'm the only reader of my blog so I have to consider the readers too.

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4/03/09

JustAFarmBoy23

I write for my reader, and try to keep things simple. It can be confusing to some when it comes to technology.

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4/03/09

danielcurran

I try to get out my ideas, then I go back and try to think if I was a reader, would I read this? And I try to adjust the story. (Don't know how well I do, that's why I try to get people to review my blog.)
Then I read it to my wife. English is her second language, so if she understands the theme of what I am saying, I go with it.
Then I proofread it about five times, post it, and realize I still have errors, so I go back in and re edit.

Maybe I could get you to review my post.
Here is the address:
justiceconqueringreligion.typepad.com/
If you would review it, I would be very grateful.

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4/03/09

dinsquared

Both. I definitely write for myself- what I like and what I enjoy, but it's guided and tempered by the fact that I have a readership.

I could talk about luxury items on willowy models 'til I'm blue in the face and be happy, but it won't get me a readership. So I find another outlet to play with luxury stuff, throw it in the blog where appropriate and write about a wider range of down to earth fashion.

Do I show $600 shoes sometimes? Heck, yes. But not that often.

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4/08/09

Songo

For MySelf

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4/08/09

Midna78

Well, in my diary (midna78.blogspot.com)i write for myself.
In my other blog (www.midna78.tk) also for the reader ^^

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4/28/09

plotwhisperer

dinsquared, I like that: "guided and tempered by the fact that I have a readership." I'm interested in how much writers are influenced by the comments you receive on your blogs. Do you find that you've shifted your presentation and even subject matter based on the comments you receive?

Just curious.

plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/

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4/28/09

bettieblogger

I want my readers to walk away feeling like they didn't waste thier time by visiting my blog .. BUT, I won't compromise who I am just to be entertaining or get ratings either ..

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Posted by plotwhisperer • 9/26/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: bloggers, consider your reader, fiction writers, memoir, muse, screenplay