My sense of purpose in blogging

Blogging by definition is the act of posting content on a blog (web log or online journal) and has become popular nowadays among millenials.  More often than not, during my trips and travelling with my family, I often get those comments on facebook "wow! #blogger!" I don't know if the purpose is to compliment or ridicule me but either way, I just ignore it and take things in a positive way. 

In this post, I would be answering  frequently asked questions about blogging since I am bombarded by these on a daily basis hahaha.

BLOGGER FAQs

How did I start blogging?

I started blogging back in 2009. It wasn't even a thing yet and surely I was unaware what I did was blogging. I kept a tumblr account (and it's still alive til now but I keep the url as a secret hehe) wherein I log daily entries about what happened in my day, or if there are meaningful events that I want to talk about. Basically, it was my online journal back then. 

Shameful irrelevant selfies taken at cameroid.com hahahaha

And I made my blogspot account back in 2013. With this new site, I wanted to showcase my ootd's and of course, personal entries about my life.

 My first ever header back in 2013!

And the evolution begins...

 Added delta signs and a tagline during my comeback in 2016

Current banner

P.S All the designs seen in my site are made by me. It's not really my thing to let others do the design of my site. The inner artist in me might cringe.

Last 2017, besides fashion, I added my travel photos and med school journey to my blog.

PRO’s & CON’s

There will always be two sides in everything we encounter. When it comes to blogging, here are some Pro's & Con's that I've experienced personally.

PRO’s

-Perks during travels (tour guides become extra friendly as long as you would refer them

to your readers, locals are extra eager to take your photos, extra accommodating staff in hostels)
-You're not alone in your thoughts
-Gaining friends through different engagement groups
-You get to explore the world of others through their blogs
-Friends anticipate your social media posts across your different accounts
-You get to enhance your skills in graphic design and photography

CON’s

-People make fun of what you do especially those who don't understand your passion

-Your effeciency as a writer/designer is based on your social statistics (followers, likes, comments, shares, etc)

-People use you to plug their stuff

-They think that every product/brand you'll be using will be some sort of endorsement

-Privacy

How much do I earn?

To answer honestly, none. And I'm not complaining at all! There were a lot of opportunities that I gave away because I do blogging as an avenue of my artistic side when it comes to graphic design. 

Do I plan to monetize my blog?

I don't have plans yet. But maybe I'll consider it when I have enough time and also savings for partnerships. 

How much are you willing to spend?

As of the moment, none. It's hard when you're not earning your own money and depend on others to pay for my own hobbies. I've already tried earning money of my own when I was working as a nurse and mind you, it was not easy. 

I have other priorities right now (med school is my focus). And not spending much on blogging (like buying templates, my own domain, hiring a designer, etc.) challenges my skills more. Ever since my multiply days back in 2008, I have been learning to do simple coding in html and css. I figured that these things can be learned if you give ample amount of time for it. 

Professional blogging vs. being a Medical Doctor

Being a medical doctor will always be my main goal. Running after this dream has fuelled me in ways I couldn't even imagine. My passion to serve others gives my heart an overflowing feeling of love and compassion.

As a blogger, I am open to many opportunities this path has to give. But giving up my career to be a full-time blogger is not part of my plan. 

How do you manage your time?

Juggling blog posts in between reading materials is a hard thing to do! Hahahaha I get to squeeze in a post every 2-3 months, and if I'm lucky, I get to post 2 entries in a month! I like my posts to be well thought of and not just writing for the sake of earning views for the stats. I like my posts to be substantial and useful.

The thing about modern-day blogging, is people tend to engage in blogging for the perks it has to give (boost in followers, likes, shares, getting to attend blogger events, and freebies). I mean not to bash, but where is the sense of purpose there right? You spend so much time and effort and money to impress who?

Finding my sense of purpose in blogging

Blogging/vlogging has been a useful way of having others to hear your thoughts and opinions on various topics. Having this power to influence others especially the young ones through my writing, will somehow change one's perspective in little ways. Blogging is my way of sharing my thoughts and views about the world through my experiences. And someday, I hope that through my blog, it will make a mark in the health sector and inspire others to have that burning passion to serve and most importantly, take care of themselves by valuing their health. 

xx,

Kea Ortega