Ten Differences Between Journalists and Bloggers

I was a journalist and now I am a blogger. When I started blogging I thought it was the same thing, but now I realize they are staggeringly different:

1/ As a journalist I was protective of my work. If I saw it in a place other than where I had published it, I went crazy. As a blogger, I’m delighted to see my work anywhere and everywhere!

2/ As a journalist I had to write what was required, in the style and size of article requested and complete it by a deadline. As a blogger I write what I want, when I want and for how long I want!

3/ As a journalist I never got any feedback from readers. As a blogger I get feedback within minutes of publishing my work!

4/ As a journalist my work was “set in stone”. Once written and in the newspaper, it could never be changed. As a blogger, I can delete my work, amend it to reflect new knowledge, or change it as a reaction to my changing views, and I can do it as often as I like!

5/ As a journalist I had a potential reach of thousands. As a blogger I have a potential reach of millions!

6/ As a journalist I was only ever paid once for my work. As a blogger I can be paid over and over again for my work!

7/ As a journalist I never disclosed my sources of information. As a blogger, I tell the world where I got it, and I tell them where they can get more of the same!

8/ As a journalist people had to pay to read my work. As a blogger they can read it for free!

9/ As a journalist I knew very little about my readers and their interests. As a blogger I “talk” to many of them every day!

10/ As a journalist my job was to report facts and not to impose my opinion on the readers. As a blogger my readers actively seek my opinion!
I’m happiest as a blogger!

Quick site update for www.mikeslife.org yesterday was day 13 and we had 49 visits (a record) and 241 page views. We’re making a little money every day now, but it’s still less than a dollar. However, as the site hosting costs around 30 cents a day, we’re already covering that cost and we’ve been online for less than two weeks.

New to blogging? Check out The Beginners Guide to Blogging