It was a Saturday, 5 years ago, that I started this journey. Blogging is a journey. Like a 1st year medical student, I really did not understand the implications of starting a blog.
I have learned much over the past 5 years. My writing continues to improve (as does my typing). This blog has changed focus. When I started, I was focused on links. Today, I still link, but often I will spend several days exploring an issue. Thus, I still report, but much more often provide long commentary.
Today I am adding a quote to my list of favorites. I heard this quote recently and loved it “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. I never knew that writing a blog would lead me to become a quotation collector.
I believe that the Nietzsche quote, “There are no facts, only interpretations” best informs my blog. I understand that I am giving my opinions. As Groucho said, “Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them… well, I have others.”
What has my blogging wrought? Many loyal readers visit this site regularly. Periodically I will meet someone when visiting another institution who reads my blog. Learning that anyone reads your ramblings must humble one. The many commenters greatly strengthen my posts.
Blogging has made me a more confident writer. Prior to blogging I had modest writer’s block. I would always find excuses to avoid writing. Now I eagerly write articles and columns and submit them well before their deadline.
Blogging made me known to Medscape – I now serve on their Editorial Board and contribute regularly. Blogging has given me opportunities to write for USA Today and participate in an NPR discussion on DTCA. Blogging has helped me sharpen my ideas and is actually stimulating some of my current research.
So once again, thanks to the many readers of my blog. I hope to continue for at least 5 more years. I promise I will continue to learn and improve. My blogging gives me great joy. I hope that it pleases you too.
db
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8 Responses to 5 years of blogging
james gaulte
May 19th, 2007 at 4:35 am
Thanks for your blog . A early favorable comment by you energized me to keep going with mine.
GruntDoc
May 19th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Happy Blog Birthday!
scalpel
May 20th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Congratulations. I enjoy your blog very much.
Dan
May 20th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
In a time when everything you do must be justified, I certainly hope in five years I can look back and realize that at least one of my hobbies paid off.
Long time reader, first time commenter.
Matthew Holt
May 21st, 2007 at 11:21 am
Great job Dr. Bob
drcharles
May 22nd, 2007 at 8:59 pm
congratulations, and a fine blog you’ve maintained. thank you for your labor of love.
Amanda
May 25th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Congrats on the “blogaversary.” Yours is one of my very favorite medical blogs, and your love for the field is inspiring. Thanks for writing!
Thoughts on Medical Blogging | My Blog
March 7th, 2010 at 10:25 am
[...] Doctor, Flea, and now today, Dr Dork), it’s reassuring to learn DB’s Medical Rants is five years old today. (via Kevin, MD.) What’s even more reassuring to me is that Dr Bob is not anonymous and that [...]