I have heard in my online travels that writers, authors and even Bloggers can get writers block. I have also noticed that thousands of Bloggers have joined us here in the "Rain" and have not written their first post. Can I ask why you joined? Was it to try and gain knowledge about the industry? Was it because of a compulsive (must join) behavior you might have? Maybe you are just afraid of what people will think when you write, so you're holding back and keeping your Blog Unwritten.
Here's a video that addresses those writers and bloggers who either have a block, or are just afraid to write for fear of others opinions. I have included the words on this post. I wanted to see if I could inspire other writers to "dive into the rain" and get beyond their inhibitions or fears. There is always something to write about or an experience to share. In Blogging, it's ok to learn from your mistakes, it's the only way you can grow. Take a look at any Blogger here, and view their very first post. Then read their most recent, and you will see exactly what I am talking about.
UNWRITTEN
Verse: "I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined. I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned. Staring at the blank page before you, Open up the dirty window, Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find. Reaching for something in the distance, So close you can almost taste it, Release your inhibitions...
Chorus: Feel the rain on your skin, No one else can feel it for you, Only you can let it in, No one else, no one else can speak the words on your lips, Drench yourself in words unspoken, Live your life with arms wide open, Today is where your book Blog begins , The rest is still unwritten...
Verse: I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines. We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way. Staring at the blank page before you, Open up the dirty window, Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find. Reaching for something in the distance, So close you can almost taste it, Release your inhibitions...
A special thanks to Natasha Bedingfield for performing and inspiring others with this song. It's not easy to take that first step, but writing generates comments, comments create thoughts and generate discussions, and discussions create ideas for writing about. It comes full circle, but you just have to start! Your Blog needs YOU. I think this song and the words might just give you the push you need to go to the next level. Not everyone is meant to write. Not everyone is an author or a can be a Blogger, but unless you begin, the rest will be unwritten...
Hi Brad - I have always liked that song, and this is a terrific tie-in to blogging. I hope things are going well for you and your family. Have a great week!
Steven - true, so feed the horse some hay, and see if they get thirsty. (Big Smile) Is the horse really not thirsty or just scared? Or does it just not have a reason to drink...hmmmmm!
Jason - I didn't want to make this just for the (New Members), I felt it was really appropriate for any writer, blogger or artist. Thanks for catching the tie-in! You are one sharp dude!! :-) Hope your family is well, we are good, and I am really enjoying watching your growth and successes here on AR. Have a great weekend too!!
This song hit me like a brick the first time I heard it. It is a phenomenal lyric. It makes me want to dance in the Rain, but I do have that block. It is changing, but slowly. Commenting --I'm all over. Posting -- hope to get there! The answer to your comment above is a bit scared, but getting thirstier by the minute.
I know that we all get the dreaded block from time to time...when you do just look at what is all around you. The supply of blog material is endless......park information, events in your area, a town meeting coming up, a new restaurant, a restaurant review, market statistics, a new or changed listing, philanthropic events, sellers advice, buyers advice, sharing a story about a recent appointment, all ya gotta do is take a deep breath, close your eyes and channel the blog gods.....inspiration will come and once it does there will be no stopping you!
Brad - you have NEVER had the dreaded blocka and if you ever did you must have found the right medication! :)
Brad: I remember when I first joined AR. Heck it wasn't that long ago only 5 months ago. I was nervous and apprehensive about this whole blogging thing. What was a blog and how do I start. I finally wrote my first post. I did not know what I was doing. I just started. Isn't that what it is all about just starting. You can never fail if you don't start but you can never succeed either if you don't start.
I fugure less than 15% percent on average actually Blog after they join here. I hope posts like this and others will inspire new members to just start. I know my writing and typing skills have improved (I think) since I've joined and started writing here! As far as the block goes, it's like Leesa said above, "just look at what is all around you." I do think this song ties in nicely.... :-)
For someone like myself that does'nt feel you have nothing to contribute. All I can offer is, pick a topic, no matter what and wright a couple of paragraphs. You will see, soon things will progress, and before you know it you're a blogger!
Great post, Brad. Rob has it right! It doesn't matter that every subject has been covered a number of times already. It's time for people to grow their own blog library! I have been writing a tremendous amount lately, but now my project is turned in and I'm ready to begin blogging again! I needed this song. Best, Nat
Elaine - the lyric in this song is great! I can't dance, but I sure gets me motivated to write. I checked out your last 3 posts, and you don't appear to have any writers block...... You're doing GREAT! :-)
I love this song, Brad but never made the leap to blogging with it...as soon as I started reading the lyrics, it was BAM! This is perfect not just for newbies but for any of us who have those days when we don't think we have anything to say. Of course we do...we just need to get it out and not keep it unwritten.
Jill - only 5 months? Seems like you've been a round forever, I love your comment , "You can never fail if you don't start but you can never succeed either if you don't start." I would also add that, "You can never succeed if you don't fail, or at least try!"
I'm glad you finally just sat down and wrote that first post. I'm off to go see it now... cya there! :-)
Great post! I believe most people are a bit afraid of how their words will be perceived. It's hard to write something and possible have others tear at you because your thoughts and ideas may not match theirs. Also, it's hard to get true meanings from just a blog? I've had very upset people comment on my blogs thinking they know me or what my company is about from a blog. Their reactions and stupid remarks could cause someone to never write anything again! The 1st amendment is a powerful right...
For someone like myself that does'nt feel you have nothing to contribute. All I can offer is, pick a topic, no matter what and wright a couple of paragraphs. You will see, soon things will progress, and before you know it you're a blogger!
Rob - very well put! It's a unique and different experience for everyone, but the commonality, is "just pick a topic" and go! :-) Thanks for the narrow down!!
Natalie - this post was for you. Something told me to write this. I'm never sure why I pick the topics I do to write about, but I know it's always for a reason. This Blogs for You. (Big Smile) :-)))))
I love this song, Brad but never made the leap to blogging with it...as soon as I started reading the lyrics, it was BAM! This is perfect not just for newbies but for any of us who have those days when we don't think we have anything to say. Of course we do...we just need to get it out and not keep it unwritten.
Lisa - reading your comment was like singing the song.... did you write this song for her? :-)
This should be a line in the song, "for any of us who have those days when we don't think we have anything to say. Of course we do...we just need to get it out and not keep it unwritten.."
It's great to have awesome members like yourself endorse this message, thanks be to you Lisa!!
This reminds me of the Mad TV skit or was it In Livin' Color where they had this guy that always said, "Wrote a song about it, wanna hear it? Here it goes" Don't know why I thought about that but I always have that in my head when bloggin.......ALWAYS somthing to write about.....or is that Bonnie Raitt "give them somethin to talk about".......oh geez, gotta go and turn the radio on now! :)
Cynthia - Writing generates comments, comments create thoughts and generate discussions, and discussions create ideas for writing about. It comes full circle, but you just have to start, or it can't and won't happen. Your Blog needs YOU!
Thanks Cynthia, your comment generated this thought, and now I'm going to add it to the post above. See, it really does work, this comment is proof!! :-)
Great post! I believe most people are a bit afraid of how their words will be perceived. It's hard to write something and possible have others tear at you because your thoughts and ideas may not match theirs. Also, it's hard to get true meanings from just a blog? I've had very upset people comment on my blogs thinking they know me or what my company is about from a blog. Their reactions and stupid remarks could cause someone to never write anything again! The 1st amendment is a powerful right...
Klarque - thanks! There are so many non-controversial things to write about, I know there are those who like to write the other too. The fact remains, there is always so much to write about, regardless of what people may think or say, it's always your opinion and your delivery that make the difference.
No one can take that away from a writer if you don't let them.
I know what you mean about a few bad comments making you want to give up, but it's the good comments and relationships built that will truly keep you going!! :-)
My "Encyclopedia Bradtanica" Analogy today is: You can't see the world, if you're sitting in your driveway!!
This reminds me of the Mad TV skit or was it In Livin' Color where they had this guy that always said, "Wrote a song about it, wanna hear it? Here it goes" Don't know why I thought about that but I always have that in my head when bloggin.......ALWAYS somthing to write about.....or is that Bonnie Raitt "give them somethin to talk about".......oh geez, gotta go and turn the radio on now! :)
Leesa - as soon as I started reading your comment, I started laughing out load, I was thinking of the Bonnie Raitt song as well. Funny how our minds work like that. I am a musician, and that for me is really hard to turn off most of the time! Seems like every sentence now days is or could be a song! LOL!~ Thanks!! :-)
marti - thanks. it's true, we all had to start.... I still want to go back and delete my first 10 posts, but then I'd have nothing to compare to, or any proof that what I'm saying here is true! LOL!~ :-)
Brad, Very creative. There may be a number or reasons why a lot of members join but do not blog. There office manager may say join AR, can't hurt, only help. SEOs often say to join a lot of social networks, etc and then just back link to their web-page. I have seen a number of blogs lately on this issue or on members that just cut and paste articles. Some not so nicely written. All I can say is try to do a little research, try to put it your own words, and try to do it often. The more you do it the better you get, the better you get the more confident and the easier it gets. Again, another great post. AJ
Brad, I try to welcome new members every chance I can get, nothing is more frustrating than to go welcome them and see nothing. Hopefully, this will encourage them to do their first post and grow in the rain.
Hey Brad, I asked the same question a few days ago. Even a couple of the people I invited have not done any. One of them has a blog that heet e-mails out. His blogs are good but I don't seem to be able to get him to post here.
AJ - some great and valid points you make. Sad to think that another reason people don't write or Blog efficiently is for reasons you've stated. I hope this post and your comment makes some of them think it through. Of course those who are like that, will probably never read a post like this.
Thomas - if he is writing somewhere else, that may be why. At least he is writing. Encouragement to write and inspiration to release inhibitions was my intent with this message. I understand why many don't write here if they have other successful Blogs going. There's just not enough time in the day! Thanks Thomas, don't give up on them or on inviting others to AR. B-)
Linda - it's a great song! It's even better when it can inspire individuals to write. When you hear it, I'm glad it will make you think of me. Thanks! :-)
Brad- Thank you for this post and the video. Love this song, my kids and I sing it in the car together, even my 2 year old knows the words. We try to live this way.
Writer's block can happen to anyone, just need to realize that writing, especially blogging, doesn't have a "perfect" form. You just know when the words feel write, because you are typing more than thinking. At least it is that way for me. When you aren't and it feels forced, it will probably sound forced, best to step away. The real world will lend more inspiration than the computer.
Rebecca - my problem is I can't type as fast as I think. My typing skills sure have improved since joining AR though. If it feels right...do it! I love it! :-)
Ruth - writing is the funnest part once you get going. When you get comments, it's exciting, but it also starts the building process of relationships in addition to your Blog. It also helps create momentum for your Blog. More comments often brings more readers and visa versa. Glad you like the song and enjoyed the video, it fits this post! :-)
Hi Brad...I just seem to go in "spurts" here on AR, and other sites as well. It's a tough balancing act with family ~ and for me focusing on graduating my oldest in June and applying to college...yikes! I think I finally realized I can't do it all, at least not all at once, so I'm focusing more on taking opportunities as they present themselves. If that means AR once a month, then that's all it is. In all honesty, it's hard for me to do but I know Real Estate will always be here and my kids won't.
Amy - just do it! Don't be afraid of who you are or what people will think. You will be a prisoner in your own mind forever if you worry too much about what you put out there for the world to see. Don't get me wrong and be careless or over do it, but be yourself. Be the person that you love to be and that people love you to be. :-)
Hi Brad...I just seem to go in "spurts" here on AR, and other sites as well. It's a tough balancing act with family ~ and for me focusing on graduating my oldest in June and applying to college...yikes! I think I finally realized I can't do it all, at least not all at once, so I'm focusing more on taking opportunities as they present themselves. If that means AR once a month, then that's all it is. In all honesty, it's hard for me to do but I know Real Estate will always be here and my kids won't.
Joddie - I like how you have your priorities straight! You know what's best and when it's best! Always follow your heart and spirit, they will never lead you astray! Whatever works for Joddie and family, works for me!! (Huge Smile) :-))))
Brad... you do sch a great job on your Blogs. Being new here to AR, I'm still wet behind the ears and willing to learn what this thing calld Blogging is al about. Keep up the great job you aredoing here on AR and let it Rain on us all !
Roland - what a kind comment, thank you. I started here 1 year ago and have never looked back. You'll be a "Master of Ceremonies" here in no time at all. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help dry your ears! :-) Always happy to help out a fellow members who's willing to learn.
Thanks for the post and the encouragement to the newbies.
I know that the first time I posted and started getting comments, I felt a little, well, wierd!, that people were stating opinons on what little ol' me had written.
Mimi - I remember that feeling when too, but I got excited knowing someone had read my post and actually liked it enough to take the time and comment. Now I'll never be the same! LOL!~
Brad, i love this song, it inspires me to go dancing in the rain and believe in the impossible. I love that you chose it for the double meanings, unwritten and feel the Rain..great post!!
Hi Brad- Great Post. I WAS one of those. Joined in August last year and did nothing but sit on it. Then bam, last week I posted My First Blog. Now Active Rain is part of my daily routine and the list of potential blogs is growing. Once you start it can become addictive in a good sort of way. Thanks for all your insight and great blogs
Brad, it took me months to write a blog. For weeks I read blogs and felt there was nothing for me to contribute. I basically used Active Rain to learning tool. There was no office training that compared to AR in such a large range of subjects specially tech.
For me personally, I thank you, because I've used your (and many other Active Rainers) posts as a guide to conduct business.
Kim - do you know why it doesn't work for you? There are lot's of topics but they have to be what you want to write about. If you need some help, let me know... :-)
Martha - great to see you diving into it, just keep writing and everything else just seems to fall into place. Like anything, you will have peaks and valleys, but just keep writing!
Maria -there are many great and useful tools here on AR, I too have snooped and learned a lot. Once you start writing, you find that you are unique, styles are unique, and what you have to say is unique no matter how many times its already been said. I learned that here too! LOL!~ :-)
Brad, Great words of encouragment to many newbies such as myself and dancing in the rain has always caused people to stop and wish they had the guts to dance in the rain. With a sometimes different sense of humor I hope folks can take the time to laugh because life is too short and we have to laugh at ourselves and sometimes at each other. Thanks.
Cameron - your comment looks like GREAT content for a post! "Dancing In The Rain & Laughing It!" Love it! Humor and Laughter are all we have that keep balance in life. Can't cry if you can't laugh! :-)
Brad, Thanks for that post. I will be posting more in the future. Just grasping all the excellent information here in Active Rain and other sources. So much valuable information and creative people I can learn from that I just need to dedicate some some time to posting..
Like most business 20% of the people post 80% of the numbers. I have been with AR only a very short time, and I LOVE the format. I think the folks that are out there are holing back on the postings because they are afraid the content they are going to post is off topic or not important. Whereas they should post what ever is best for the community. For petes sake I posted something the other day that happened to me, but I thought it was too funny so the community needed to see it... KEEP posting - Knowledge is power.
George - knowledge is power, but the most powerful is the knowledge you implement! Great comment and congrats on your "funny" post. Humor is the essence of survival!! :-)
I still believe the best resource for content to write about is sitting in the sent folder of your email sent box. Everything you know, your experience, your responses, your knowledge is just sitting there to be shared with the world. There's enough content there to last you 2 lifetimes, Don't let your Blog go unwritten.... :-)
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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