I’m a Blogger, Am I a Writer?
The main reason why I decided to join blogging and do it professionally is because of my passion in writing. Though that is the case, there are still some doubters (or non-believers) saying that being a blogger does not mean that you are a writer as well. Some people are pointing that having a blog means instant publishing without even undergoing a supervision of an editor or any other critic. This is what differentiates a writer from a blogger.
I honestly don’t see any reason for that point because for me, being a professional blogger is also being a writer of some sorts. Here are some of my reasons for that claim:
a. Blogging and writing uses words - It does not matter what type of publishing bloggers and writers use but the main thing consistent here is they both communicate with words. These words formulate sentences and coherent thoughts which are used to reach out with other people. Opinion is a big thing in blogging and making sure this message would reach to other people is a challenge for both bloggers and writers.
b. Research - Yes, even bloggers do research contrary to the misconceived notion that all they do is to link to other articles. Research is important because it builds credibility.
c. Readers - For writers, there are editors which serves as their critics. In the case of bloggers, their readers are the ones who act as critics and makes sure that the bloggers are aware of their reactions.
These are just some of the reasons why I consider blogging as another option for those inspiring writers. If ever you encounter people looking down at you and saying that blogging is different from writing-let them know that they are wrong!
So, are you a blogger or a writer or BOTH? 
Matt | March 17th, 2008 at 12:53 pm #
Writing is just conveying through using words. Bloggers are writers. Whether or not they’re journalists depends on the individual blogger and the amoutn of research he or she puts into every post.
Barbara Ling (aka Owlbert) | March 17th, 2008 at 1:38 pm #
Happy Monday,
I view myself as a teacher first and foremost…and a writer/blogger close on its heels. And I agree with you with regards to research - one cannot write valuable how-to articles without knowing the framework upon which the knowledge is built.
Oh, and also add ‘artist’ to that mix - my experience with Photoshop has enabled me to create such memorable pictures as the Easter Bunny’s second distant related maverick cousin, the Blissful Broccoli Bunny.
Enjoy,
Barbara
Andy MacDonald | March 17th, 2008 at 7:13 pm #
Yeah im with you on this one. As a blogger, i would also consider myself a writer. Regardless of the fact there is no editor for my blog, i don’t see why that one fact would mean im not a writer. I also blog at a few other locations as a guest-blogger, and my posts are reviewed before being published there by the editor, so i am getting constructive critism on my writing where necessary, but as i said, i believe we all, as bloggers, are writers.
JOe | March 27th, 2008 at 8:12 pm #
Writing is a great work of craft, so it has to be done well, whether it is blog or something else. Please find some writing tips here:
Good Writing
Matt Keegan | April 7th, 2008 at 3:18 pm #
Bloggers are writers, but not every blogger is a journalist. I like to go back and forth between the two, but I prefer to go by my freelance writer moniker as it covers blogging and journalistic work.