The question is not only for fellow bloggers but to all people who are reading this blog: What is your advocacy? It was the same question that left the most impact when I attended a pro-blogging seminar a couple of months ago. Honestly, the question came as a surprise since I was expecting a thorough discussion of topics revolving around the “Content is King” or “Marketing is Queen” clichés. But yeah, we were told that if you want to make it big in blogging, you have to have an advocacy.
Again, what is your advocacy? Advocacy is the act of actively supporting a cause or idea. Or it may be a personal conviction that you want to promote.
Do you blog just for money? Do you blog to gain friends? Do you blog just to have a place to post your pictures and brag about your personal escapades? Do you blog just to rant? Not that there’s anything wrong with it. It is your blog; you can do anything with it.
So what is my advocacy? Looking back at the very first post on this blog, I only stated that I wanted to write, that’s my only purpose when I started this blog. I just want a medium where I can post my thoughts and ideas. But then after a month, I started posting news of fellow Filipino’s achievements especially those that gives honor to the country. In one of my posts, I wrote: “Amidst the problems that beset our country today, with all the rising cost of basic commodities, one thing that badly needs a raise is our spirit and our pride as a Filipino.” It was the beginning; I started posting good news on this blog that will make every Filipino proud. It has become my advocacy. Before I change my layout, I even had a blog subtitle declaring: “Celebrating Filipino pride.” I don’t know how to put it back but even without that sub-title, I will continue to embrace this advocacy as long as this blog lives.
Okay, I have to admit, there were times when I can’t help but to criticize and complain. I also had my share of rants on this blog and for those times, I’m sorry. Please understand that I used to be an activist before I had this paradigm shift.
If you don’t have an advocacy yet, ask yourself these questions:
1. Do you want to display your expertise in a particular field?
2. Can you think of a problem that you believe you personally have a solution for?
3. Do you detest a certain habit, common practice or personality trait and you want to do something to address it?
4. Do you want to promote your passion or do you want to share your ideas that you think will help many people?
Ultimately, what do you want to be remembered for? What if you die tomorrow and you know that you’ll be writing your last post today? Will you rant? Will you post about your complaints and criticisms about a particular person, institution or life in general?
I would rather see life in a positive light and work on uplifting the morale of my countrymen. This is the least I can do for my beloved country.
How about you? What is your advocacy?
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