Here we go again!

A few weeks ago I put a BlueSky post (skoot?) out asking how blogging has changed in the last decade or so. I've been getting the itch over the last few years to return to blogging but in the era of the social web, and it's noise I wondered if there was much point.

Around two decades years ago I blogged personally and professionally. I enjoyed it and gained significant enough attention to be nominated for aGames Media Award at a site I founded with a pal. The recognition was exhilarating, but eventually led to larger sites stealing our content and publishing it as their own. This led to a decision to close the site.

Now that was a sad end to something I enjoyed doing, but I've had long enough to think about it and I'm pleased I did it. The videogames industry has changed significantly, experienced some shameful moments and I wouldn't have the stomach to put out the content needed in this age. I was also able to dedicate my time to my new family and into my software career instead.

Looking back, I am grateful for my past experience in blogging which taught me a lot about writing and the importance of ownership over creative work (which is more relevant than ever right now).

Looking forward, thanks to the feedback on BlueSky, I've had a warm realisation that I should return to blogging for the right reasons. Some people shared how blogging for them has become personal again, and this resonated with me 😸

The primary reason being that blogging can be very therapeutic for the mind, especially when journaling is considered to be essential for emotional and mental wellness. The secondary reason is that I could blog something that could be useful for someone else out there who stumbles upon my writing!

I'm not looking to build a following or monetise content. While I respect it may be for other people, this isn't in my interests. This is simply going to be my space, with no pressure on myself to post frequently, or stick to a fixed topic.

You can expect all of these things (infrequently):

• Brain dumps and babblings
• Technical posts around things I'm developing or using
• Experiences I've had in my industry and my journey
• Photos I've taken that I'm proud of
• Insights into my rocky choices in music, movies and videogames!

Stay in touch on BlueSky where I'm semi-active and/or add my blog to your RSS reader.

Until the next time, I thank you for reading and leave you with a favourite quote of mine, answers on a (BlueSky) postcard if you know who said it!

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”