I think that this is a natural progression with bloggers; I think we’re just beginning to see it more and more as those we read regularly settle into what feels comfortable for them. Writing is about discovery — some people began with social media and marketing and have kept at it because they’ve discovered that’s a passion, while others have found their niche (though I’m beginning to loathe that word) accidentally. Personally, I’m a storyteller — I always have been. I write to learn and philosophize and discover. I began writing about my career path early in the blog, but I found my voice with blogging — that wasn’t me, and I realized there was so much more to discover. But that’s personal, I get that.

I think that the blogosphere has become saturated with how to posts while bloggign has become more mainstream, and while they are incredibly useful tools for learning and researching — I would never underestimate that power — I think there is a power, too, in good writing that let’s us get a glimpse into another’s life. That’s really connecting to another human being — learning through their experience, understanding their life. That’s what’s fascinating to me — everyone has a story.

Maybe it just depends on which ones you prefer reading.

Great thought-provoking post, Ryan.

Admittedly, there are VERY FEW people who I find interesting enough to read about their personal lives (Penelope Trunk is one), so I think the people navigating those waters need to be careful and at least acknowledge many will probably frown upon 20-something angst.

But the blending of the two approaches? Well chances are readers have undergone similar experiences and perhaps they can learn and or evaluate how someone else handled the situation in an effort to better grasp their own.

As always, great insights from you!

I think this question really comes down to one thing. Who is your audience?

Is it established advertising and marketing types who value analytical writing, how to posts, and case studies?

Is it your friends, who want to hear about aspects of your life that interest them?

Do you want to build a community of like-minded professionals around your blog?

I’m not going to judge anyone for writing one way and not the other. I love that the medium gives us an opportunity to share and add value (or not).

Besides, soon blogging won’t be seen as self-indulgent or special, but just a normal means of communication. We just got on the train a little early.
.-= Daniel Prager´s last blog ..What Do You Want To Learn and Accomplish In The Near Future? =-.

I’ll assume we know that’s not even close to true, but the reputation is still out there. Is the younger crowd returning to that idea, or is there a movement toward meshing personal experience and professional ideas?

The younger crowd simply can’t match-up in professional experience, but the life-experience is different.
.-= Scott Hale´s last blog ..The Problem with RSS =-.

Do you find that you’re reading less of those that have stuck with social media marketing because you’re well versed in that area now?

Do you, like Carlos, think that most people shouldn’t blog about their personal lives because it’s egotistical and just not that interesting?

Like you (and others), I also try to straddle the line on the what I know based on what other smart people have said and then my own experiences in similar situations. Hopefully readers can identify with some of it and not worry too much about the rest.

I read so many blogs for work (everyday) and personal interest as well so I see where you’re going with this and the trend that’s happening.

I think it also relates to what finally fits and feels right. A lot of ‘Gen Y’ bloggers are still writing about social media and marketing, but that’s what they want to stick to. I think people like Sydney (which I love her transition) found it’s slightly more honest and raw with her topics and personal stories.

Great post!
.-= Grace Boyle´s last blog ..How Do You Hire? II =-.

And therein lies the challenge.

Looking forward to the new format Daniel. Give me a shout when it’s live!

I’m in completely agreement with you re: Ben and Alex. Both are great thinkers with some valuable insights that frequently require me to think more about their content and my own experiences. There are others still who do a really good job of infusing their own personal lives into what they’re writing in a way that lends itself well to the context of the post and doesn’t come off narcissistic at all.

As for your post script, I think I agree. Maybe we just have interesting friends!