Which brought me to my own
reflections on blogging.
I started this blog a few years ago
after a discussion with a good friend of mine. I was telling him how I keep
finding fascinating tidbits in my archival research, but with no proper use for
them. I pointed out the shame in leaving these anecdotes in the shadows. To
which he said: “Why don’t you start a blog to post them?”
What a good idea! Whenever I find
interesting stories that have no direct link to my current research, I now have
the luxury of having a readership that is eager to enjoy my modest discoveries.
Throughout the years, however, I’ve
also found that my blog can serve as the gateway to a hard day’s work. For me,
there’s no better way to break the ice than to do a quick blurb on my blog to
get my creative juices flowing.
For students in particular, blogs
are a great way to exorcise any research-related anxiety. I love reading other
people’s experiences as well as sharing my own. Together, these blogs serve as
a kind of support group that snaps us out of our solitary mental confinement.
I am particularly happy knowing that
my blog is read not just by academics, but by the general public as well. After
all, it is important that we share our research beyond the confines of our
universities and colleges. (Which also begs the question: what language do I write in? But that, my friends, is another post).
Finally, let’s not forget the
importance of following other blogs as well! Whether the Junto, F.-X.
Charlevoix, or other historical blogs, these help me keep on top of current
events and discoveries in colonial research.
Suffice to say that I agree with Ken
Owen: yes, blogs are definitely an avenue to scholarship.
