Why I dislike blogging

Blog #1- Monday, Sept. 22

As I sit down to write my first blog entry, I realize how uncomfortable this exercise in blogging makes me feel. I don't like the thought of being forced to say something, anything, and put it out there for the world to associate with me without even knowing who I am. Yes, I know that only eight other people will be reading this—if they do even read it—but still, I somehow feel naked and yearn for my privacy. The readers do not know me, and I have to put something down on this blog which will start to define myself to them. I hate defining myself.

It's not like I have not been through this before. Aren't school and job applications just the same thing, but more contrived? I can sum myself up for an admissions committee in 500-words or less, but the thought of writing a few words on any topic of my choice scares me. Where do I begin?

I have actually "blogged" before, though I didn't know that was what it was called at the time. When I was serving in the Peace Corps in Jordan, I set up my own website and posted journals and photos in lieu of sending mass email updates to my friends. But as the counter reading 3,684 hits confirms, my Peace Corps “blog” has been read by many perfect strangers from countries across the globe, some of who have even emailed me their comments. Strange how this very public display of detailed personal stories and commentary on my immersion into Arab and Muslim culture did not scare me at all—it actually felt liberating. It was my only effective means to really communicate this intense experience to those I know and for the perfect strangers, it was my way of helping build cross-cultural awareness and understanding. But this was blogging for a very defined purpose that I was committed to; maybe that was the difference.

I don't think I'll be able to get out of this blogging assignment, so I might as well embrace it. It is a new type of opportunity to create a first impression and the range of approaches are endless. Stay tuned…