As I thought about why I started this blog (and had trouble gathering my thoughts on the topic), I decided to learn a little about why other evaluators blog. So what did I do? I did what I love best – collected data and did a little analysis! I went to my favorite evaluation blog AEA365, and searched the phrase “why I blog.” Here’s my data:
- 25 bloggers / 25 posts
- posts dated from December 2011 – April 2012
- 1800+ words
I did some qualitative coding and created categories. My findings? Those who blog do so primarily to share information and ideas with others, to connect, network and build relationships, and to learn. Other themes include expressing their identities and blogging so that others get to know them, for reflection on learning, to contribute to the field and finally, (most surprising to me!), to help them organize and archive their work!
Just for fun, I fed the data into Tagxedo and voila:
So…I think I will blog for many of the same reasons! Were you surprised by any of these categories?
Reblogged this on mande.weitzenegger.de.
I’m so glad to see you blogging, Sheila!
I think your categories sum it up nicely! For me, my top reasons for blogging are sharing information, reflecting on what I’ve learned (especially after the AEA conference), and connecting with the community, especially as a new independent consultant in a new city.
Thanks for your comment, Brian! I am really hoping this blog becomes more a conversation than just my stream of conscious(or semi-conscious)ness! I read some of your blog entries and I’m glad you got a lot out of the AEA conference. It’s an amazing week every year for me, and I still have notes from the last two years to reread, and of course, blog! Best wishes with your new business in your new city!