BLOG-BLOG-BLOG.

BLOG-ALAG

It’s like an EB- only substantial and really convivial.

I went to my first bloggers’ event today and boy, was it fun! Fun would not give justice to what I felt today, instead let me say, boy was it exciting! To begin with, I never really knew that there was such a thing. Sure, people organize events that include bloggers occasionally, but it never really occurred to me that it was so organized that there are a group of  bloggers who are ready to make a living out of this. From the freebies, to the tokens and the exposure, this really is career.

For my first taste of bloggers event, I went to a yoga immersion.  Ria introduced me to this blog entry, which I gladly responded to right away. I felt a little iffy shortly after knowing that I don’t really know anyone but hey I’m all grown up now so I shouldn’t be worried, yes?

Since the blog it was open to the first ten bloggers responders and I was the fourteenth already. I wasn’t really expecting at all. But I did want to try the Vinyasa practice so I wished secretly. When I got a response the following day informing me more about the event, I was very happy! I knew I was already a step closer to getting invited. Ria told me that that already was the invite. I didn’t want to assume so I waited further. I got another email the following day informing me about the event more. At this point I took the cue and I knew I was finally in.

You are probably either snickering behind me or just plain confused why I am even blabbing about this, but this whole experience just felt really good. I just got so excited going through this. What’s also amazing is that this whole thing is so organized already that they know events and coming events, and people go to the same events! They were all talking about the Coke event at the Mall of Asia the other night since almost the same group went.

KEY INFLUENCERS

In the world of advertising, lifestyle brands are little by little adopting this phenomenon called blogging. More and more brands now are asking their media agencies to link them up with popular bloggers. But the question today really is, what’s the big deal with blogging?

Teacher Pio of Vinyasa Yoga mentioned that he considers SANJAYA (no, not that American Idol contestant) to be the first blogger. Back in mystical India (is it?), where the mind is considered as one (if not the most) of the strongest part of our body. Our mind provides us the rhyme and reason of life. It can be our best friend if we used to advantage, but it can also be our enemy if we leave it uncontrolled. Sanjaya controlled his brain. His mind was so strong that he was able to transmit information beyond paper and computer screens. And just like the modern bloggers, he would give commentary on almost every human interest.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Blogging provides us all the basic right of speech. Now, more than ever, we can truly express ourselves. More than just this civil liberty, I consider the process of making sound commentaries, judgment and guesses very educational. I think that gives us an outlet to exercise our brains and decision-making process. If put to good use, blogging can be really beneficial and insightful.

BLOGGING CAN BE CATHARTIC

In Psychology, catharsis plays a major role in maintaining a balance and well-being. We can call it an outlet where you just pour your heart out and just be. No inhibitions, no one stopping you and nothing to stop you. If you keep your thoughts and emotions bottled up, there’s a big possibility that the pressure you hold can causeyou to break down.

Catharsis is not always in the form of just bathos or crying. It can be simply writing in your own diary, talking to a friend or just blogging. Sometimes we find ourselves just too fed up that we just want to tell someone about it or just scream. Blogging can be a very good exercise.

At one point, I am quite sure that you have already published a personal feeling on net whether for public consumption or not. I encourage you to do that, it’s a wonderful feeling. But word of caution, you have to be very vigilant and responsible when you do so. Remember that blogs are published documents. People will be able to read it even without your permission. So just be extra careful what you write down. Be sure you don’t go blaming or naming someone without basis, unnecessarily or just maliciously. The pen (or in this case the keyboards) is mighty weapon; those who wield it must be extra cautious.

BLOGGING CAN BE VERY INSIGHTFUL

Since blog entries are not forced nor written under a certain prejudice or assumption, most entries are very raw and honest. It’s a good tool to read and find out about the latest trends and habits of people today.

From blogging, we found out that people are adventurous. They look for blogs which has reviews of whatever things out there. We find blogs about deserts, cars, exercise, etc. We get readings now that lifestyle has never been this big a part of everyday marketing that the opportunities are really limitless. We also hear people give commendations and complaints about certain matters.

BLOGGING AS A MORE CREDIBLE MEDIUM THAN PRINT ADS AND ADVERTORIALS - CREDIBILITY

Not until recently that we saw the power of blogging and its potential to destroy or build brands and opinions. Since blogging is coming from the consumers’ POV, ideally unpaid and pure, it just comes out as more credible piece of information. Print advertisements do the job of informing people about certain benefits of a brand. Press releases ensure follow through and key influencer perspective. Celebrity endorsements work too, but they are too celluloid, too passé. We see the same celebrities totting different brands day in day out. Is that really still credible? But if we hear it from someone unknown and informed like you and me, things change. When you hear a mother talking about how great her ginger sauce she served for dinner, as opposed to a certain celebrity attending a launch party , what would you rather believe? The thing is blogging provides a better day to day perspective and puts the proposed benefit in proper context. You an even ask them more information, secure feedback and further scrutinize at your own delight. Would TPV really care to answer my questions about her endorsements?

Brian Gorell opened a boxful of social atrocity when he revealed DJ Montano’s indiscretions. The Gucci Gang used to be every social climber’s dream pedestal. To hang out or just be associated with them is like seeing nirvana for them. But the whole scam only polarized the whole scenario.  Either you hate them now, or just salivate to become more like them. But the more important part here to mention is the ripple it caused that blog caused. Ethical issues and legal issues have been raised, some of them got fired, some of them got ridiculed and then some more.  Like blogs about deserts and best dining places, people continue to look for the next blog entry situation.

BLOGS AS SOCIAL STATUS

The pop culture power is also undeniable. Maybe we are all channeling Carrie Bradshaw with our own Macbooks. But the sound of tinkering keyboards feels so much on the go.  To say that I own a blogsite, which I type on my black MacBook and I’ve written on possibly all topics point to one direction: I AM SOOOO IN. Parang if you’re not a blogger, you’re so out and unintelligent. Well.

And now, the more readers you have, the more interactive and cute-looking your blogsites, the better.  

BLOG PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE ARCHIVING SYSTEM

Since site sponsors like multiply, tabulas, wordpress, blogspot provide almost unlimited storage space, you can literally dump everything there. So your notes from two years back would still be there. And yes, your documented blow by blow notes on how you broke up or you outed your self would still be there 10 years from today. Boon or bane, you decide.

One thing is certain: the power of blog is undeniable. It’s starting to shape pop culture and is definitely here to stay. The question is: how are you going to use this to your advantage?