I published my first post here two years ago, On Writing, With A Comeback Twist not really knowing what to expect. I thought the internet was a magical thing that, with a wave of a wand, would bring me a flood of readers.
What it did bring, in the words of my friend Marcus Sheridan, was crickets. That sound you hear late at night, when nobody’s around and it doesn’t look like any one is coming.
But that was OK, looking back. I wrote and hit “publish” just because it was something I wanted to do. I wanted a little project outside of my paid “work”. Something that gave life a little more juice.
In other words, I wrote for myself first. If someone found me and wanted to read, awesome. But I was writing for them second.
Things have changed a bit, and I’ve learned how to share my writing, as well as others’ work, through social media. Readership has grown, and I have made some friends and connections from writing here at this site.
I hate to use the word “passion”, as it’s a term that seems so overused these days. But I knew I was on the track to something when I hit publish and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
I’ve deviated at times from the subjects that I set out to write about in the beginning. You need a new topic every once in a while to keep things fresh. The original goal is still the same, however.
I’m a child of the 70s and 80s. My biggest influences growing up were Italian immigrants who came to America in search of a better life. My grandmother, grandfather, and my godmother. Old School inspiration.
It is my very firm opinion that the America of 2011 could learn a lot from the immigrant generations that preceded those of us that were just getting started twenty or thirty years ago.
If you have known me for any length of time, my job here is to remind you of these cornerstones of my life, and make sure you don’t forget them.
If for some reason you are brand new, then let me make the introductions. If I do my job right, they are people you won’t soon forget.
From the last two years, here are some of the best:
The Last Sicilian, And The Gift Of Tradition
Reflections on Memorial Day And A Salute To A Soldier Long Gone
Thoughts On Work Ethic, My Grandfather’s Hands, And Stone Cold Winters
Absolute Requirements of the Italian Kitchen
I’ve really enjoyed myself posting to this site for the last two years. I think, with the help of Gabrielle the guest poster, we’ll have much more content ready to go in the months to come. Although I began just “writing for myself”, nowadays I appreciate new readers stopping by to check it out. You can help with this by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, etc. to spread the word. Thanks!
Joe DeGiorgio 
Great stuff Joe!
I’ve never written for myself on my blog. It’s always with an audience in mind and with the goal of making some type of positive difference. I same “some type” because each persona will take each message and internalize it in their own way. I don’t care how it affects another…I just hope that it does affect another in a positive way.
There are times when I’ve wanted to take an easier route and speak about things like blogging and social media…I’ve even written entire posts. But when it comes to clicking published I’m reminded that my purpose for blogging isn’t about simply putting out content that’s already been repeated a million times and adding my own spin – it’s about making a difference. So instead of venturing to other topics, I just take breaks and allow the content that’s on the edge of my heart to come to my mind.
Now I don’t think there’s a thing wrong with writing about social media and blogging – but it’s not shtick, as Marcus says.
I love your blog because you always write from a real place. Your comments reflect the same dynamic.
Keep up the great work – I’ll be on the sideline watching you make major moves!
PEACE
Hey Jk,
I think you def could post about social media, because I’m sure you would put a unique, personal spin on it. I’m in agreement, there’s probably far too many articles on this topic that are very generic and list based, written just for generation of page views. A post about why you use it and how it benefits you would be great reading.
I did start out writing for myself, notably for the reason that I thought initial posts would not be high quality. More or less me “practicing” and trying to get it right. The more I put out, the better it will get, and I don’t mind sharing now at all. A post as being directly “helpful” to another is not my strong suit yet. I’ve got posts coming up to reflect that, though.
Congrats on 2. I think all bloggers have experienced the initial excitement and then silence.
Thanks for stopping by, Slamdunk. I always appreciate a new reader, subscribe to receive future posts!
Sweet reflection Joe, as I always love hearing bloggers and how they ‘develop’ over time. No doubt, because blogging happens in dog years, things change drastically every six months or so.
Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you bud, and thanks for always writing from the heart.
Marcus
It’s been good to have you here for a stretch of this ride. You’re always ready with a comment and your upbeat style of support, and it’s appreciated. Thanks Marcus!