Strawberry Singh has a blogger challenge that triggered my urge to write a bit, its called “My Blogging Journey Challenge” (Check it yo!). Anyway, here’s my responses to the challenge.

1. Which electronic devices do you use to blog with?
I use my desktop computer most of the time for writing, but use my laptop from time to time. I’ve used my iPad for a couple posts but I don’t like it for writing; note keeping and journaling, yes, but not for writing.

That’s me in my Linden Home.
Yes, I’m still wearing the same clothes
I’ve worn for two weeks now.

2. Do you have a mission statement for your blog, if so, what is it?
I began my blogging with a statement of purpose. At the time I wanted to keep a daily journal of my activities in Second Life, but over time I’ve expanded the purpose.

3. How do you feel about blogs that use their platforms to spread negativity?
I can’t take a steady dose of negativity but when it comes to important issues I’ll go to any blog that has news. For example, when the Emerald Scandal was revealed, I wanted to know everything I could and I didn’t care if the language was kind or not.

4. Are you a grammar junkie?
Actually, I’m a former grammar criminal, but now I’m probably just a grammar offender. What I mean is, I generally write with a vague notion of proper grammar but my goal is to express my feelings and I use punctuation to create a logical structure to my sentences. For most of my writing life I’ve struggled with the rules of punctuation I was taught in high school, but a couple years ago I learned about “Logical Punctuation”. When I discovered logical punctuation it was a great relief and I’ve been adapting unabashedly ever since. Oh, and like Berry, I’m usually too impatient to check grammar or spelling before I publish, but sometimes I’ll go back and gussy up the stuff I’ve written.

5. If you could switch blogs with another blogger who would it be?
Wowza! That’s a tough question. I read a lot of blogs and many of those blogs have unique styles and points of view, but I think I’d prefer to switch with Strawberry Singh. Berry has made her blog into a treasure chest of photography, news and how-to advice. I admire her blog a lot.

6. Has your blog/blogging style evolved over the year(s)? How?
My blog seems to be in a state of constant evolution. It began as simple, casual journal of my life as an avatar and has expanded to include an explorer’s guide, a story of my life as a geisha, and, of course, stories of my romantic escapades. I’ve also expressed opinions on some issues with Second Life.

7. What is the most extraordinary thing that has happened to you because of blogging?
I think the most extraordinary thing that has happened to me was the night that Junkyard Blues owner Dina Petty told me, in open chat, that she enjoyed reading my blog. Her comments took my blog from being a personal journal to be a personal exploration of Second Life. Over the years as I wrote about people and places in SL, I got to know different communities and new audiences came to visit my blog. In many ways, this is how I became a blogger and how being a blogger became part of my virtual identity.

8. When it comes to Second Life blogs, there are different styles: Fashion bloggers, Lifestyle & Travel bloggers, Informative bloggers, and more. Which style do you prefer and where do you feel your blog fits in?
If I could find the time and self-discipline I’d prefer to be an adventurer and write an Adventure blog. But this is a very difficult subject for me to talk about because there are reasons I don’t go to Second Life much anymore and such. Perhaps if Linden Lab’s new CEO, Ebbe Altberg, solves some of the problems that have kept me on the sidelines, I’ll return and plunge back into the world of adventure. 🙂

9. What has blogging taught you?
Blogging has taught me that if you open up your life and feelings through writing, some people will find help and even strength in you. Some of these people will respond in comments, but others will come to you, seemingly out of nowhere, and thank you. It is difficult though. Opening yourself up in that way takes a toll. At times I’ve felt like taking down my blog because I feel so foolish in all the mistakes I’ve made in my virtual life. However, after six years of blogging, I believe writing with the intention of others reading your work is a great way to learn about who you are.

10. Share your top 3 tips for new bloggers.
Maybe this would help: 1) Decide if you are writing strictly for yourself or a possible audience; 2) If you are sure you want to write for yourself, then make your writings private; 3) Otherwise, write from your heart and soul, respect others feelings, and don’t worry how readers will view you, because as Berry said, you can’t please everyone.

((btw, check the photo of me at my laptop and you’ll see there’s a pic of me at my laptop and if you look really, really close you’ll see… ))