"VOF Week 3: (A WAY TO BLOGGING)."

Newspapers introduced Blogs to me. Even after that I didn’t read any. Information came in the form of newspaper reports saying an actor has written this in his blog or a politician has written that. A local politician in Kashmir stopped blogging after many abusive responses. Many actors in India had quite a war of words through their blogs. And of course everyone seemed blogging. That is the impression the media gave.

I didn’t blog not because I didn’t find it interesting but I had my constraints. There was no one to teach me how and I didn’t have the time and access (to internet) to explore. Also as I was not an active participant my judgment about it was driven by what the media fed me.

PulseWire introduced me to blogging. It was a simplified process, so easy to post. I learnt about the interaction, the exchanges of ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. I realized the potential and scope of the medium. The best way of learning something is by doing it.

Being a new and relatively late entrant in the world of blogging I face a lot of barriers and see a lot of challenges.

To begin with I had this conception that why would anyone read what I write. Pulsewire has dispelled this misconception. It really touched me to see how women from diverse backgrounds are not only interested in each other but understand and relate to each other so well.

It is a real challenge to decide what to write and when to write. I guess in the fast paced world everyone is short on time. Women especially with their responsibilities have their plates full, meaning too much to do and too little a time. I am no exception. I think blogging is like taking some time out for oneself and like most women across all continents they are the last in their own priority list.

Internet access is also a barrier. I don’t have it at home. It is expensive as well. Internet connectivity and speed is a big challenge in my place. The speed and connectivity can drive one nuts (unofficially because of the security reasons L. I live in conflict region remember). Broadband is much more expensive but even then it is not reliable and fast.

Time management is the problem as well as the key. Besides, that discipline is also needed, as blogs have to be regular. I think once u start writing with conviction the effort required lessens with each new post. So I guess in future things will be much easier for me.

A laptop is an added advantage, I need to get a good one but that will have to wait until the money comes. This coupled with easy Internet access can really do wonders for a blogger. I hope to have both in future. Currently to save Internet time I type the posts beforehand. Right now I am taking everyday as it comes and have great hopes for future.