At first I had a certain attitude, a certain notion, about blogging. A Blog was an online diary. Simple. But, I couldn't understand why some people would maintain online personal journals and diaries, while other kept theirs in the safes. So I had no reason to blog.
As time went by, I became a little more conversant with the publishing service. I realized that a Blog was more of an electronic blank book that gave users different ways to publish online. Just as any manual blank book, you only had to choose an appropriate format, a templet, and use it the way you want. I also realized that this was why we had Blogs maintained as online journals, diaries, albums, magazines, some just kept to share jokes, ideas, experiences, and similarly, I realized that this was why Blogs developed solely for business purposes.The whole thing proved to be just interesting, and I was persuaded to give it a try. I carefully made my first step from the dock onto the cabin of the waiting boat. I picked up the oar and I started rowing the boat. This is how I started sailing as a Blogger.
The environment was gentle, welcoming and encouraging at first. For instance, I remember posting a discussion on Blogger's General Discussion Group, saying: "I'm new here". The responses that I received were so great. I also remember that they had made my day. But, as the mime continued, the wind started blowing a little harder, a little rougher, and, the two oars and the boat could not respond to my rowing efforts anymore.
My inner peace was disturbed. My intelligence was interrupted. As a consequence, I was confused. But somewhere deep down inside of me, I knew that I had to do something. I couldn't give in to embrace failure. So I went back and retraced my whole path again. I also made some consultations and I carried out a research.
My nitial finding were more of a blow in nature. Everybody was just an expert. It was: "Do this". "No, do that". "Hey, that won't work, this will". "Hallo..." There was just a flood of information, and I was ultimately frustrated.
All in all, the struggle had to continue. The only difference is that I had to change my research approach and my information source. For instance, I opted for Wikipedia, Blogger Help, Feedburner Help... rather than a third party site. I also realized that it would be ideal to acquire relevant skills such as HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, and so on. At least, now, I just can't copy a code from a third party site and integrate it in my Blog's header. At least I know that I should keep XHTML away from my site, and I also know the importance of frequently validating my feed.
The best part is, for every step I have been making, I have been learning something new. This struggle is still continuing.
I anticipate a future when all forms of businesses will be forced to fully computerize their systems, and grab a place in the online market. Or, they simply won't be able to compete.
geo_en
