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January 12, 2005
Waste of Time?
By QBlog in
"Why do you waste your time with this blog? Why don't you do something constructive instead?"
I'm commonly asked some variation of the above questions and have always been perplexed by the inquiries for two reasons:
- If the primary subject matter of this blog were college basketball or my favorite television shows then I wouldn't be asked such questions. I'd still be spending the same amount of time updating the blog but few would consider it a waste of time. Publishing a blog seems to become a "waste of time" only when those reading it don't agree with the author's opinions. Brilliant.
- The "wasting time" questions assume that I'm not receiving something in return for publishing this blog. Such assumptions are founded in ignorance and a misunderstanding of the Web.
Ok, so I should probably explain the second reason a bit. No, I'm not getting paid for this blog. And the advertisements and "QBlog Gear" sales only help to offset various maintenance costs. What I mean is that I receive some very real and significant benefits (directly and indirectly) from this blog and I realize that those benefits would make a great list. Bloggers love bullet points.
Benefits Of Blogging
- Friends - I've made lots of friends as a direct result of this blog. Some I've met in person, some I talk to on the phone, others are frequently found pinging one of my Instant Messengers and a few still communicate via email.
- Blog Experience - You want to know about building a blog? Talk to me. I've got about three years of blog experience and understand the community, the technology and the way blogs are impacting our culture. Coincidentally my profession is very keen on blogging right now and this blog has helped me become one of the key advisors for blog development.
- Mentoring - Due in part to my blog expertise I've been asked to be a mentor at my alma mater. This is exciting because I will be able to impart my skills, knowledge and experience to college kids who are getting educated during the Golden Age of Blogging.
- Writing Skills - I recently spoke to a Web journalism class at my alma mater and explained that blogging was an excellent way to develop good writing skills, especially for online content. I've also noticed that my overall writing has improved and that's primarily due to blogging.
- Understanding An Audience - This blog has really taught me the importance of understanding your audience. I still maintain my own voice and style but I'm always aware of who is reading this blog and why. Audience awareness is very important when determining what content to provide and how it is presented.
- A Network - This could also be Friends but it's a little different. The relationships I've developed through this blog represent a kind of social network. This network is comprised of a wide variety of individuals, each with different skills, talents and knowledge. If something comes up chances are that one of the people in the network will have a solution. And likewise, if one of them asks for my help I'm glad to give it.
- Community Building - This blog has played a role in the growth and development of the QBlog Forum which has helped me learn the value of building strong communities on the Web. Such knowledge and skills have been invaluable to me as I employ those skills to provide community solutions for others.
- Fun - Honestly, it's just fun to post this blog. The best thing about this blog is that I really enjoy publishing it. Quixtar is probably the most fascinating company I've ever studied and it steadily provides material and inspiration for me to do this goofy blog day after day.
Well, that's what I "get" from blogging. What do you get from blogging? And if you don't blog, what do you get from reading blogs?
Comments
Yup, this online communication is the way to go. I don't know a lot of ppl locally as much I know online. And this blogging thing is a great way to connect like minded folks.
If I look back to my 100% plugged in to the system days, I would have to say that we were encouraged to see almost everything else besides "building the business" as a waste of time. And when I was most vocal about that, in my gut I knew that I was really trying to hide from myself the fact that "I" was the one spinning my wheels, year after year, spending time doing things that weren't getting me anywhere.
I think IBO's who think Qblog is not doing something constructive should take a look at their net worth before and since building the business and ask, have gone forward, stayed the same or gone backwards?
And yes, "if you didn't make another cent you'd still stay in for the friends". Whatever. Why do you have to SPEND money to keep them?
I like it here, Qblog. I'm glad I'm here. I think this is very constructive.
I'm glad you're here.
This site is cathartic, particularly for those who are being berated for questioning the purpose of the business - whether they've been in a month, or years. QBlog is providing an honest, open way for folks to communicate their experiences, responses, highs/lows, and feelings about the business. It's nice to hear about other's experiences, whether they were (are) good or bad. And I agree, Quixtar (Amway) is a fascinating topic, and strikes the deepest emotions in people! That's what makes this Blog so interesting, and one I continually return to. Daily updates, fresh information, interesting discussions, and the occasional cyberjabs....
Thanks again, QBlog, for all you do. And we did miss you on your break!
My question to those who would ask why you waste your time:
"If it bothers you so much, why do you keep coming back and reading more?"
or
"Why do you waste your time worrying about how I waste mine?"
But then again, I'm a smart-a$$. You rock, Qblog. Just keep on wasting that time because someone will always be here reading it and if you only help one person it will not be in vain.
Peace
Well put Qblog. Your post is an excellent response to a common question.
How much of a threat do you think this site is to IBO's out there?
Why?
"cause it seemed like the right thing to do."
This blog helps those who want to quit or have just quit. It lets them see that theyare not losers and that the majority of distributors feel the same way in their gut.
I know I had knots in my stomach dreading another meeting, and when I finally quit going it was a great feeling.
Then when I started reading this site and Amquix I saw the tree thru the forest.
I realized that I should of quit a long time ago.
Thanks Q-blog.....for wasting your time!
and saving others time.
Who says this isn't constructive? I would suggest that trying to build a Quixtar business isn't constructive.
Yet it continues. This blog undoubtedly pisses off IBO's when a recruit happens upon here. The information presented is as far as I know precise, and to the point. Any myths or claims (competitive prices) are quickly debunked by people who have been there done that, and aren't ashamed of being called losers, quitters, blah blah blah.
I personally love it when people try to defend this business, because in my opinion, the only thing more pathetic than this business is someone trying to defend it.
I believe that this site is a reason for a lot of the google bombing going on, which tells me that it is causing problems for IBO's, particularly the kingpins.
I hope so anyway........... Thanks QBlog. This is a noble and interesting hobby, and it's not hurting anybody, other than people who are financially hurting others, knowingly or otherwise.
Actually it's not pathetic if some one tries to defend it. It's GOOD. Thats what it is all about, Education.
Only if I had such a debate with negative ppl! It could save me $10k.
As a blog reader/message board participant, and not an actual blogger, I get a lot of similar things, such as friends, writing skills, community, networking, audience understanding, and of course, fun. I enjoy participating in a larger community online, as my writing skills outpace my verbal communication skills and I'm a bit of an introvert in person. But online, I am allowed to be more "vocal" while maintaining a bit of anonymity.
And for the record, if you want to talk college basketball, my team is currently ranked #16 in the AP, though we're coming off a dissapointing loss.
Posted by: dmm | January 12, 2005 9:22 AM