A previous High Impact Posts diary noted that 1327 diaries were posted between April 21-27. The average for the weekly totals for the previous five weeks was 1336 per week. Output like that is impressive. It makes me wonder why we write so much.
My writing experience started in February 2011 as a new Kos member. I stumbled along during the next few weeks. My diaries were scattered over a range of topics. Gradually, more of them were in science, astronomy, and space technology. I read more high quality diaries by others and picked up some tips on construction and style.
I've been a member of SciTech and Backyard Science for many months. These groups are where most of my diaries have been posted. The members of those groups, and their diaries, are interesting. They post very important and stimulating diaries and comments. They approach their topics from a variety of directions. The content is well illustrated and documented. Reading them is enlightening.
The diarists on Kos are expressive writers. The spectrum of quality is wide. There are prolific ones and the new first-timers. They all have something to say. Some diaries are careful analysis of an issue. Some are stories. Some are pleas for help. Some are beautiful collections of images with few words.
My question still remains about why we write so much.
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More below the writer's doodle...
Writing isn't something new. People have been putting their thoughts down for tens of thousands of years. They have expressed their views about the important issues of the day. And, they are proud to sign their name. Others are quick to add their commentary. The two images below are from the earliest version of Daily Kos v0.001 archives. This diary was on the Recommended list and was very popular with the readers. Evidence is shown by the large number of tips and recs following it.
The formats of writing and exchanges have evolved over time. People have used marks in clay, pictograms, heiroglyphs, paper, and now digital media to say what is on their mind. It is hard to imagine what will come next. Could it be thoughts?
Intimidated by the idea of writing a diary? Check this great link for the group New Diarists. This particular link has the list of the group's diaries. They include things like writing, formatting, including photos, adding tags, and other helpful hints. Go ahead, write a diary. Writing is fun, and after the first couple of times, actually pretty easy. Thanks to Melanie in IA for this paragraph.
Why do YOU write so much?
I would like to hear from you. What need does it fill for you?
Why do I write? Once a teacher, Always a teacher. That would be me. For 38 years, I planned teaching lessons for 5 periods of each day. It gets into your being. Now that I am no longer in the class room, I still have a need to teach. Writing about subjects of interest for DKos is my way of fulfilling that need. The audience here is receptive. You give excellent feedback. You contribute to the diary and discussion and help carry it in new and interesting directions. For a teacher, that is a powerful thing to experience. Thanks to all.
What about the rest of you? What motivates you to write your diaries?