Cancer Blog Primer
Today I am adding a new feature, another resource that I hope will be as useful as the blogroll and resource pages. I had already listed sites that new folks could go to if they were thinking of starting their own blog. But I decided something more was needed – that is, a brief tutorial oriented specifically towards the person with cancer who has that urge to communicate what is happening to his or her life on account of their diagnosis and treatment.
I was in part motivated by an eloquent “goodnight” post that I came across last week. It succinctly summarizes what a blog can mean to both the writer and the audience, a genuinely symbiotic relationship. I will reprint it in this post as well as on the new Blog Primer page.
I would really like feedback on this page. What has worked for you in starting and maintainng your blogs? What cautions, hints, and tips might you offer someone just start out?
Goodnight
Imagine a small bald baby bird as he calms his screaming, looks over the edge of the nest, and takes a leap. No longer is he dependent. He stumbles at first, not quite sure which direction to fly, or for that matter, if he’s flying at all. Hopefully soon, he will be soaring to new heights and building his own nest.
Little Bald Baby Billy Bird is writing his last blog . . . with tremendous sadness.
This experience with you, my readers, has been without question the most healing part of my journey with cancer. But it’s over now and I have to move on, physically and emotionally. Just as much as the chemotherapy, the medical teams, and my private journal, I want this blog to always be a part of the capsule that I will close and file away under the title of “My Most Amazing Year.”
I hope I have said something of purpose for each of you. There is no question that this writing, the research for it, and most of all, your responses and comments, have projected me into a new realm of spirit.
Of all of my 95 blog entries, this is the most difficult. Just as I ended my journal with “Goodnight sweet cancer,” I will end this amazing segment of my healing with,
Goodnight sweet friends. You saved a life.
from Lymph Notes
cancer
Thanks for this wonderful site ! Love the idea of a blog primer ! I consider myself a novice blogger still and welcome tips from others. I find the time and discipline that people put into their blogs awe inspiring. Annd you Dennis, you are prolific !!! How do you find the time ? I spend ages reading everybody else’s and then have no time for my own.
I’ve made a reference to your site on my blog. I can’t see you having a problem with it, but (just in case), contact me if you do .
Interesting.
What I would say: be honest.
Love Renee xoxo
Hello Dennis,
Thanks for your inspiring comment about my blog in your email. I’ve added this site to my blogroll.
I have to agree with Jill. I spend a lot of time reading other’s blogs including yours that I hardly find the time to update mine.
Looking forward to an exciting friendship.
Sharifah