Some 3 or so years ago I reserved the domain name for this site. I thought the name was catchy, but I had no idea what to do with it. So, for the longest time over many months the website sat idle with “Under Construction” pasted on the homepage.

Then, sometime in late 2007 I was introduced to this whole blogging phenomenom. Blogging has been around for years, and I found myself starting to regularly follow various blogs on topics such as personal finance. Being able to read about stuff written by real, everyday other people was cool.

In some small fashion I wanted to do the same here in writing about my experiences in Roanoke.

For those of you already out there blogging you may have experienced some of the following already. For those considering starting a blog (on any topic of your choosing), I implore you to give it a shot. Here are some of my own personal experiences from the first year as a blogger:

That not only local area residents read your blog

I’ve received some friendly emails and comments from people who may have once called Roanoke home, but are now living in different parts of the nation. And they are still interested in some of the goings on in this quaint city of Southwest Virginia.

That I’m now more inclined to visit places around town I otherwise wouldn’t have

This site has given me the extra push to visit places and areas I may not have otherwise gone. For example, I never would’ve gone to Brown-Robertson Park, or ridden a bicycle along Lick Run Greenway if not for this site. I mean, they’re supposed to be “bad” areas, right?

That make no mistake, blogging is work

Blogging is really a fair amount of work and is basically a part-time job. At minimum I spend 5 hours during a typical week with all things Noke News, and sometimes as much as 10-20 hours a week going around and taking pictures, then writing up posts. But, I view it more as a hobby than work. Sometimes, since I usually keep my camera in the car, I just drive around for a bit and look for a great photo opportunity.

Other blogging opportunities

And finally, that after getting through a year with this site I’m persuaded to launch another blog sometime in the next few weeks. To get ahead of the game, I have written a few dozen articles for that blog so everything will be easier to manage. (The new blog will be on an entirely different topic and I probably won’t mention anymore about it here.)

Well, that’s it. Again, I encourage you to find a topic or topics you like or want to know more about and consider starting a blog of your own. And if you do, send me the link!