It’s no secret that the blogging world is not only vast, but growing at an exponential pace with no visible signs of slowing down. What was once “the blogging world” is now “the social media influencer world” largely because blogs are no longer a prerequisite for sharing content and attracting an audience. I think that is amazing for people who don’t want to blog or who might excel on other platforms, like Instagram, but I think the shift away from blogging—the very thing that spawned this industry—is disappointing and dangerous.
Everyone has their own point of view informed by their unique life experiences. It’s pretty basic, right? So, if we as humans are so different from each other, shouldn’t we be sharing our thoughts? I certainly think so and I believe blogs are the perfect place to do this. Words (often LOTS of words) married to multiple pictures tells a complete story. Instagram doesn’t always let you get that deep. Yes, I also like looking at photos of tall blondes in New York City with a grainy filter, bronzes goddesses vacationing in a warm-toned Bali, and dreamy starry nights in the South of France, but I know that there is soooo much more behind these snapshots. Questions like “How does it feel to live alone in a big city?” or “What are Balinese people like? or “Which part of France is best for stargazing?” are interesting, valid, and, unfortunately, not always answerable on Instagram. Blog posts, on the other hand, can provide answers to these questions and many more because they’re longer than a caption and often less filtered. Blogs were originally all about pushing creative boundaries and being different, which I think my outfit in this post definitely is… I mean, yellow checks, a red fanny pack, and a a black babydoll top? How much more unexpected can you get? Taking these kinds of risks is daunting, but eventually rewarding, and a a blog is a great place to do these experiments.
Another plus for blogs is that they can become your home on the internet without the rules and ever-changing practices (*cough, cough* the algorithm) of Instagram. If people are barely liking your posts on IG put them on your blog because anyone that comes to your site can’t miss them. Why? Because you’re in control. YOU prioritize what is seen and how it looks (P.S. There are some really cool blog layouts out there. Much more visually interesting than a grid!).
In addition to them being more in-depth and malleable than the oft-unruly Instagram, blogs are also a legitimate response to a lack of diverse written content. Print forms like magazines and newspapers don’t always include the most varied contributors, so a blog guarantees that your voice will be heard without needing another publication to mediate it.
Before I finish, I need to make it clear that I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people who don’t blog and focus only on Instagram (or even Youtube, which I personally LOVE). Not everyone wants to blog or likes to write. It’s all about finding a platform that suits your interests and talents, but I am certain that so many people would thrive on a blog and I want these people to either start writing or keep at it. Changes to Instagram in the past few months have made me realize that IG is a fickle platform my creative energy would be better channeled on my blog, a space for me to be me and for you all to hopefully discover something new, whether it’s a piece of clothing or a different perspective.
Let me know what you think about the current state of blogging in the comments. And of course, leave a link to your own blog if you have one. I can’t wait to read them!
Photos by @nicollettepetersen
