The journey of a professional blogger


Why did you start your blog?

I started blogging in 2006 to spread awareness about the technical communication profession, which seemed like an uncharted territory for many Indian graduates or working professionals. Back then, I was disappointed to find substantial information on the web for someone wanting to break into this field. People wanted to know the real deal, you know, not the usual beaten-up fluff you read in books! Also, traveling so much and meeting like-minded folks from all over the world did it for me, since everyone whom I bumped into during this time asked me to write about what I did.

Guess a blog was long overdue!

How long have you had the blog for?

It has been eight years already. My first blog post was published on February 21, 2006. I have written close to 50 blog posts. A good hard look at all these years would reveal more. Like I inflicted a self-imposed exile from 2012 to 2013, a period of time when I thought I hit the writer's block.

Do you see yourself still blogging in 5 years? 10 years?

Abso-fucking-lutely. I wouldn't mind becoming an old fart but still not give my right arm for anything else in the world. I blog because I care to provide a voice for issues that concern. I might not be blogging often, but each blog post of mine is a goldmine. No kidding!

Generally, I spend more time in researching, writing, and editing my blog than I would be in doing an article or a story for a publication.

How does your blog make money?

I don't blog for money. Period. I loathe posts that are laced with advertisements. That's clearly not the motivation. Besides, I was living and working in Korea from 2005 to 2012, a time when blogging seemed like the only way to connect with the folks in India and let them know about my travel exploits. I do acknowledge that as a result of blogging, I have been invited to special events like product launches or celebrity talks. Some of my best friends are bloggers, and it's very obvious why.

How do you get people to come to your site?

That is a very good question. When I started to blog, I didn't potentially realize the reach, relevance, and resonance of the content that I was producing. A lot of bloggers were leveraging the social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote their content. I realized quite late that in order to make everyone read the stuff I produce, it was important to get the word out first. Marketing was the game changer, so I actively started to socialize online and allowed my network to get access to my content. I am more like a content curator now, who cherry-picks the best content to share with the community.

How do you decide what content to produce?

Some ideas to write would directly come from the community. Others would come from life experiences and such. For example, a lot of people who stumbled on my blog requested if I could do a post on working in Korea, more specifically, working for a Chaebol like Samsung. A lot of the blogging that I do centers around telling the plain effing truth. What the traditional media publishes may sometimes be a contorted version of the hardcore reality. I don't like that, and obviously, don't want to stereotype my blog.

How many hours a month do you put towards the blog?

The muse strikes at least 3 to 4 times a month, but I am hoping it will be a thing of the past this year. I spend at least 4 to 5 hours in researching and writing a blog post of about 500 words. The editing may take an additional hour, depending on the length.

What's the best part about being a professional blogger?

Blogging is addictive. Your content resonates with people almost instantly. Even if they don't like what you've published, you will still get an opinion. And I think that is important for growth! I consider the audience of my blog as my best critique. The part I like the most about being a professional blogger is that there is never a dull moment.

What's the worst part about being a professional blogger?

The flip side about being a professional blogger is the time and effort it takes to write and maintain a blog. Because you have to research, write long blog posts with photos, captions, and such, editing is required. Not just any editing but extensive editing. Also, blogging cannot provide immediate results. I find that taxing at times.

Would you recommend that people try their hand at becoming a professional blogger?

Give me a reason why they should not, and the drinks are on me! Everyone has a story to tell, and they should do their own bit in contributing.

Do you have any advice for someone who is trying to start a blog?

Take a methodical approach. Choose your topics wisely, and ditto with your audience. Also, don't undermine the power of reach, relevance, and resonance.

Comments

  1. Hi Kartikeya,
    Daniel Marks took the interview. He hasn't published it yet, so I let my readers get early access :)

    Best,
    Rahul
    9958750992

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  2. Rahul
    It was nice going through the interview.loved the nicely laced words( cherry pick the content,content curator) and its great that you shared such positive inputs!

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  3. Thanks Harpreet. I try my best to make a positive impact via my blog posts. Seems like the magic has started to work on you :)

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  4. So glad to "meet" you! New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge, and I look forward to visiting again.

    Sylvia
    http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

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  5. Nice and honest answers...
    Cheers to blogging!!!

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  6. It is always interesting to read about the journey of bloggers and what motivates them. You make some really nice points. Blogging is at once labour-intensive and personally rewarding too.

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  7. I really love the positive attitude throughout the interview. Cheers to your blogging journey. It was a fantastic read.

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  8. Its been quite a journey Rahul. In 2006 I was not even aware what a blog is. I have high regards for those who have been there from the beginning and still holds the same passion.

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  9. Good to know more about your and your approach towards life and blogging in specific. I agree there is lot of research and editing required while blogging ,so it's like a learning process everytime you write a post which is really good for your personal growth.

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  10. It was great reading about your blogging journey. Being a blogger myself its always fascinating to read and know fellow bloggers and get inspired from their journey.

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  11. A lovely story and journey of blogging. Blogging is surely a great way to connect with people and tell stories and thoughts. I started my blog with the same idea as well.

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  12. Your blogging journey is interesting and quite similar to mine. One cannot write just paid posts since its offputting. Ifs a great way to connect with people.

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  13. Blogging is an amzing journey for everyone. We as readers also love to read opinions and what's going on in the world. Keep blogging.

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  14. It was interesting to read about your experience as a blogger. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us, and we appreciate the thoughtfulness with which you expressed them. New bloggers look to you for inspiration.
    -Anjali

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  15. I am so happy to know how and why you have chosen this amazing profession of Blogging...happy to read your interview

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  16. Good to know about the person behind the blog. Your photos are always amazing. Keep it up! Blog is such a great way to connect with like minded people.

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