What has blogging done for you
They are a mixture of reference library, soap opera and penpal. Blogsites enrich our lives and waste our time. I wouldn't be without them.
Like a planet pulled into a black hole, at first I didn't realise the force being applied to me by blogsites. As a keen cyclist I started shopping on-line and soon I was visiting cycling sites to read about the sport. I can't remember when, but at some stage I clicked on links that took me to cycling blogs. Many of them failed to hold my attention, but there are a few that are part of my daily routine, like opening the post or checking my voicemail.
The first was "The Infectious Track Bike Disease", a site operated by Andy White, an Australian bicycle courier: www.fyxomatosis.com . He is at the very trendy end of the spectrum and combines cycling with photography. He is really skilled at both and I must admit that his gallery of pretty girls posing with his equally beautiful bicycle is a big draw for me. Soon after that I stumbled across www.fatcyclist.com . This site carries the thoughts of Elden an American road and mountain biker who started cycling about 12 years ago to stay trim. Elden portrays himself as a social cyclist - a typical weekend warrior, but I think his ability is higher than the rest of us. There are other blogs that fill my time, but these two have become something special to me. Let me tell you how I know.
I first became aware of my affection when Andy didn't post any new pieces for a few days. I began to worry and I was horrified to discover he had been seriously injured in a cycling accident - and I mean I was REALLY concerned. I had never contacted Andy directly and he was unaware of my existence, but it felt like a friend had been hurt.
Similarly Elden had found a place in my heart without me being aware of it. His wife, Susan, has cancer and is bravely fighting the disease. He talks openly and fascinatingly about this. Cycling is forgotten as Elden's virtual friends read about the impact the disease has on him and his family. Don't get the wrong impression. This isn't voyeuristic. We all genuinely care about Elden. This is clear from the messages of support he receives.
I am not the only blogophile. Millions of us have developed emotional ties with bloggers. Most famously Tom Reynold's site, "Acts of Random Reality" documents the life of a British paramedic: http://randomreality.blogware.com/ . He reaches a huge audience via the web and last year crossed the publishing divide. The blog appeared as a paperback called Blood Sweat and Tea.
There is always room for more blogs in our lives. Have a look at these and see if they work for you. Why not spread the word about your favourite sites? Share them with us by clicking here.
anneferguson@perscreen.com