painted chair
A short time ago I read a post on one of the forums about blogging and people who blog that made me question why I am doing this and why other people are doing it. Some of the people who commented in the thread thought blogging was great but some were very negative in their comments. The negative comments really set me back and made me question what I was doing. I have thought about it for the last two weeks and when it comes right down to it I’m not sure why I really started this. The most negative comment went something like, blogging is all about having a big ego. After a little soul searching I’ve concluded there is a lot of truth in that, but I don’t think it is just that. There are a whole lot of blogs that are really about trying to make money. They give you a little teaser information and then try to sell you something, every thing from tools to books, from instruction to belonging to a club. Some of the blogs have more adds than “wally world” on their site. Some seem to be just public diaries of a wood working journey, and some don’t seem to make any sense at all. The truth is that almost any thing you could ever want to know about wood working is already on line somewhere. The problem is sorting thru all the crap to try and find it. There’s a theory that the truth will rise to the top and become apparent over time, I used to believe it but I’m not so sure any more. I’m not sure if I’m contributing to the truth or the crap or maybe I just have a big head.
painted chair
millcreek woodworking 
Don’t get discouraged! I enjoy all of your posts and have learned quite a number of restoration hints and techniques from here. In fact, I for one wish you had time to make more posts.
I agree with the comments from Gary. This morning, I was just thinking I have not seen one of your posts in a little while and hoped one would appear, and here it is. Your are among some of the best woodworking and furniture related posts on the web. I think Millcreek Woodworking and Pegs and Tails have to be some of the best written woodworking blogs.
You referenced some aspect of ego in writing a blog, and I think that is okay so long as it does not interfere with others enjoying your work, learning from your experience and enjoying the craft. I think you are entitled to having some pride for your work and the following your blog has if both are created well.
AGREE………Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I enjoy your blog very much. I believe that you have a great deal to share and teach, and I appreciate that and try to take what I can from it.
Blogging isn’t necessarily an ego puff, please don’t be discouraged. I look forward to your posts.
I agree with Ron (who also agrees with Gary..so I guess I agree with Gary too).
Ego’s aren’t a problem, at least to me, until the “I’s” and “me, me, me’s” get in the way of the pertinent information.
I have no idea why you blog. But I truly appreciate that you do.
It doesn’t come across as an ego thing. You seem to want to share your knowledge with the rest of us. I appreciate that. Please keep it up.
It’s very easy, and safe, to sit at a keyboard and belittle someone. Probably the folks who wrote negatively should look within themselves.
Scott
Some of us blog because we have good information we selflessly want to share. I think you fall under this category. These are my favourite blogs.
Some of us blog because we want to show everyone else what NOT to do. I tend to fall into that category more often than not.
I do have to admit at least 50% of why I blog is fairly selfish. I like to document what I’m doing for myself so I have something to reference the next time I’m making something similar. I’ve also found that writing something down helps me retain it better in my memory.
I also like to use my to review books and tools. I don’t ever get anything for doing these reviews, of course. In fact, a lot of the tools I review are antiques and can’t be bought new. And I try to be as honest with my book reviews as possible, even if it *gasp* includes criticism!
With few exceptions, I don’t follow “commercial” bloggers. And I’m really put off by blogs with, as you said, more ads than Wal-mart. I’m not going to click on your ad, man; there is a much better chance that I won’t, in fact, ever come back.
I find blogs like yours to be sources of great information and I sure appreciate you sharing with all of us. There are many things I’ve read here that I’ve never even thought of attempting (refinishing for instance) and find the techniques you use and document to be fascinating.
My own blog is just a public diary of my woodworking journey. I know a few of my friends read it and that is enough for me. Mostly I like to document some of my work for myself and my far-flung family. Plus sometimes the act of typing a project into the keyboard helps me find where I went amiss or did something right, so that I can improve in the future.
Like the others, I too like to read your blog. I find little tidbits of information that I don’t readily find elsewhere. As for why you blog I can’t say but for me it’s because I like to write and I use my blog as a kind of on line diary. Maybe with a little bit of ego throw in to think that there is someone else looking forward to reading my verbiage.
Unlike most, I just came across your blog today but I do agree with pretty much everything said. I look forward to reading more of your posts. Every blog has it’s own reason whether it’s as a personal journal, share with family and friends or just entertainment. Once your doing it for money it becomes a business, plain and simple. I blog for everything besides money but mainly as a personal journal and so my family across the country can see what I like to do. I don’t care if I have 1 person or 100,000 read it. You have a new follower with me tho.