Why do we blog?

If this question were asked of twenty bloggers; I am sure that there would be twenty different answers, although all would revolve around a basic theme of a genuine desire to share experiences and thoughts with an unknown audience. Quite how long this initial enthusiasm endures is obviously biased towards the individual involved and their choice of subject matter. The more specialised, the quicker their material can become exhausted and, as such, output declines before grinding to a complete halt.  My cyber pal, Steve Gale, has recently posted about the demise of the blogger and offers his own thoughts on the sustainability of his superb North Downs & Beyond . As with all social media platforms, they are only as relevant as the number of folk prepared to use/visit them. Thus, it would seem, blogging has become a casualty of technological advance where upon instant access platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, have stolen a march on the more labour intensive blog format. All those concerns that Steve alludes to are mirrored by many others, as can be confirmed by reading the comments in response to his post, I've certainly had cause to look at my own efforts due to the ongoing saga with caring for Bev's mum and the associated disruption.
I think it is very important to remember why we started blogging in the first place. An ego trip, quite possibly but, as the project evolves you, as the author, are taken on an adventure, pushing through boundaries which previously you never knew existed.  It is that aspect which means the most to me, as an individual, and I will continue to offer my spin on subjects broad and wide, all the time I derive enjoyment from the exercise. After all, this is a form of recreation - not my job! It matters not a jot if my output is diminished due to lack of enthusiasm or material, if I need a break I simply take one. Of Esox was started from the ashes left by my Non-conformist original. It's been a fabulous voyage into a virtual world inhabited by real people, many of whom have become "mates". I've been entertained and inspired by the writing and photos of so many individuals, none of whom I'm ever likely to meet.
So what if the format is outdated and has now become the domain of the over fifties. It might no longer be cutting edge, yet no reason to abandon it completely. All the time bloggers are using the written word to convey their thoughts the platform remains a superb facility by which individuals can offer their own slant on the things that make them tick. Who knows, someone, somewhere, might just be inspired by your words and start looking at the world from a different perspective? I certainly never thought "big skies" would have such an impact until a certain Mr Gale offered his input.

Dawn on the marsh this morning - (13.10.2019)

Sunset over Newlands Farm this evening (13.10.2019) 

Of course, as a blogger, I would like more hits, more comments left, another two-hundred followers would be nice but, when all said and done, I write because I enjoy doing so. If others wish to view what this Thanet Yeti is rambling on about, so be it, but it's not why I do it - simply a consequence of the exercise. If a complete stranger is stimulated to pick up a rod or pair of binoculars, because of these writings, then my efforts are not in vain. I have so much to be positive about, purely due to my involvement within "blogland" that any minor niggles are almost par for the course and borne of some form of self-imposed expectations rather than genuine negativity. So, for what it's worth, this is my slant on the current state of affairs. If your own blogging is becoming a chore, take a break, as long as you want, there's certainly no need to chuck in the towel! God willing, I'll still be here when you decide to come back.