Betty, I know what you mean about this blogging forum just "fitting" the way you write. I feel that way, too (although I still want to publish a book!). And I'm glad you brought up the "quality" issue. It's not just about grammar and sentence structure, either. As you point out, it's about developing ideas and moving them forward in some way, and being able to make the most uninteresting topics interesting. (You're very good at doing that, too!)

Arathi, you're right. It doesn't matter what the so-called experts say. But I guess one of my life missions is to kill the idea that there's a "right" or normal way to go about doing anything. I'd love to just completely ignore the experts, but my personality is such that I tend to get riled up, instead. :)

Daisy, utilizing blogs as "a way to connect with people I might otherwise not know" is a wonderful reason to write and read blogs. (And I'm very glad I've gotten to know you in this sphere.)

Shell, maybe we should start a Useless Blog society or club. I think we'd be in good company. I also enjoy reading about people's lives. The other day on Twitter, a social media expert was telling everyone to "stop blabbing about yourselves and do something for someone else." I get that people can be way too self-centered, and I'm all for being a community that helps each other, but I think at least part of how we help each other is by sharing our lives, stories, and feelings.

Ashley, yes I read Chuck's post. We definitely need to establish an "insert applause here" symbol or acronym. And yes, you're exactly right—the whole business of feeling like we can relate to others is at the heart of blogging (both reading &amp; writing) for me. I often refer to it as "wanting to know we're not alone."

Cheryl, "a connecting point" is another really good way to put it. I'll definitely read your posts, (and you don't have to worry that I'll start sharing jogging tips!).

Jennifer, thanks for the vote of confidence, and good point about art. It's really interesting, to me that the internet and social media somehow seem to negate the "art factor" in most people's minds. There's something so efficient and practical about the medium and the technology, that people naturally feel like it should translate into practical stuff. It's just a perception that needs to be fought, I think.