However, without getting too existential (again), I've been brought to wonder why I do this at all.
I started this blog some years ago (early 2009, records show), shortly after finishing my MSc degree. I was a little lost as regards my future and wanted to keep something intellectual and creative going until such time as I figured out what I wanted to do.An antidote to futility: Why academics (and students) should take blogging / social media seriously https://t.co/yQJNc3SQU9— Amal Nawal (@nawalabu_72) June 4, 2017
It turned out to be a great decision. Writing frequently (if somewhat sporadically) helped me develop to my own voice and ideas. Moreover, my uninvited and, to begin with, largely unread missives eventually helped me make the personal connections that brought me back into academia. I am certain that I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now if I hadn't started writing here, then.
Although my motivation to do it comes and goes, it has been worthwhile at every step of the way.
The highly recommendable geography PhD blogger, Matthew Scott, adds:The best (and also scariest) thing about blogging: no editors, no reviewers, no compromise. Just your own thoughts, as you want them. https://t.co/P59MKPgV9W— Philip Conway (@PhilipRConway) June 4, 2017
This is certainly true, as my back catalogue will testify!@nawalabu_72 The catharsis too. I always feel better after a bit of a waffle, no matter how rubbish the ideas or words.— Matthew Scott (@necroevolution) June 5, 2017
Right now, I am in a very different position compared to previously. I have a lot of writing to do this summer – particularly on the dreaded thesis but other papers and side projects, too. However, I find this to be far from a zero-sum game.
Writing begets writing. The more regular the exercise, the more fluid the flow from brain to page. Of course, it is important not to give in too much to displacement activity. However, it is really like any art or any sport – it is a matter of good habits and practice.
