What's the point of sharing stories?

I've had a few conversations of late, mainly at the epic #gaconf15 and at work about the point of blogging. What exactly IS the point of putting yourself out there?

To be honest, I can't answer that but I can try to share some of the reasons why I do.

// I go to work because I want to change the world. I'm not too bothered about the recognition, although it does help with stuff at work (especially finding).

// I blog because it allows me to reflect and confirm my thoughts. The process of writing helps me. For that reason alone it's worth it.

// I first started blogging in 2006 mainly in order to create a kind of filing cabinet. I can find ideas and I search my own blog and Staffrm for the lessons I once had time to plan.

// I put lots of energy into some ideas and often wonder how I got away with it. If someone else benefits from the stories of stuff I got away with then that makes teaching better.

// blogging is a way of recognising the amazing input that others have. Trust me, I'm not all that and I rely on the wonderful people I work with.

// I've met some amazing colleagues who have become friends.

I know that it can be scary waiting to publish. Hovering over that button, agonising about what others think. What if you get no views? What if people disagree? Truth is, write stories for yourself, anything else is a bonus. I have an unshakable belief in the power of sharing stories of the stuff that worked for you. No one can argue with that.

I look back at my first blog posts and cringe. They are totally awful compared to some of the #firstposts that you all share on here. To be honest, most of what I write now is rubbish compared to the compelling stories of what works for you.

Personally, I don't really care what other people think. Disagree with me or ignore me, that's all good. My advice? It's easy to hide behind an avatar; to be someone who your aren't. Just be yourself and write stories for yourself. Anything else is a bloody great big Brucey bonus.

I'd rather someone use an idea than a comment. I don't write for you, I write for me.

Press Publish. Sit back. Smile. Relax.You will start ripples and never truly ever know the influence you have.

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David Rogers

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