13 Reasons It's Time to Start This Blog

It’s estimated that between Tumblr, Wordpress, and Squarespace alone, there are more than 440 million blogs churning out content every day. So why in the world would I feel the need to add to that noise? It’s a good question and one I’ve wrestled with for the last twelve months or so. Do I really want to devote so much time and energy writing something that may not even be read? Is there really a need? Do I really have anything to say?

While the list of reasons not to do it may actually have been longer, the pros were more compelling. Here’s why I decided to write on.

1. Despite the fact that there are more blogs in existence than there are people in the United States, there aren’t many aimed at the demographic I’d like to speak to/for/with/about: smart, resourceful, curious, competent, inspiring women over 50.

2. Mainstream publications and advertisers tend to ignore women over fifty or seem to think we are only interested in talking about our children, retirement planning, and new crock pot recipes.

3. I don’t own a crock pot.

4. There’s a lot more to talk about.

5. When I was twenty-three, I wrote a business plan for the lifestyle publication I wanted to start but abandoned it when I realized I had no start-up capital and couldn't do it all on my own. Thirty years later, the internet has solved those problems. I now have the necessary tools and the skills, plus the wisdom, empathy, common sense, and insight that comes from experience, both in work and in life.

6. I never want to stop learning new skills and sharing ideas.

7. There's always room for humor, intelligence, positive energy, and excellent playlist suggestions.

8. Because this guy was a serious candidate for the Senate this year and "nail-biting, manophobic, hell-bent feminist she-devils" need to be louder than ever.

9. After thirty years of writing for others, I want to be my own client, even if I am the most demanding, and the pay is shit.

10. I need a forum to discuss my obsession with Maria Bamford, the unfortunate things I say in book club, and important scientific discoveries like the health benefits of champagne.

11. It’s a great way to connect with strong, creative, inspiring, motivated, exceptional women around the country (maybe the world!) to create a community and support one and another in this journey.

12. Because the voice that says things like:

"There are already enough blogs out there."

"What can you contribute?"

"Your unique perspective isn't unique."

"Don't you have paying work that needs doing?"

"You will crumple like a red solo cup at a frat party the minute someone leaves a nasty comment."

"No one cares what you think."

That voice no longer gets a vote.

13. I made already made t-shirts.