A Fresh Start: returning to tangible thoughts
Kraus Campo, a unique gathering place symbolic of Carnegie Mellon’s multidisciplinary culture.
I loved blogging back in the day – that early Web 2.0 era. It was fun exploring & expressing ideas and connecting with people around the world. I was eventually picked up by the Chronicle of Higher Education and while that brought more readers (and a wider audience) it became less enjoyable.
The Chronicle was supportive, offering creative freedom without imposing editorial demands or any expectations. Yet, I noticed a shift in my approach. Writing often felt more like an obligation.
I’ve had a few years away from all of that – and I miss it.
Blogging was a catalyst. I was always looking for stories and connecting ideas; I felt akin to a journalist. The practice kept my writing muscles active. During that time, I was writing columns, articles, essays, presentations, and even a book. And while managing my time, energy, and effort is always a delicate balance – somehow it just worked. Blogging fueled my imagination and creative impulses. It was a thinking engine. A cognitive incubator. A gathering place for potential ideas.
Stepping away from blogging brought noticeable changes. My creative output and idea generation diminished, affecting not just my work but also my self-identity. I no longer saw myself as a writer, innovator, or creative professional. I guess I didn’t realize how vital blogging (and writing in general) was to my sense of self.
Begin Again
And yet-- the decision to return to blogging has rekindled my intellectual spark. Ideas are flowing once more, and I feel an urge to share and contribute to new conversations.
I recognize that the blogging landscape has shifted, and that its golden age has passed. But this change excites me. My goal isn't to amass followers or to seek likes or subscribers. Instead, I see this space as a personal workshop – a place to document and share experiments and insights. It's an open window into my creative process and a glimpse into my works-in-progress.
Tangible Thoughts
There's a kind of magic that happens in making ideas tangible and transforming them into text, sketches, or presentations. It's like setting the stage for an inherent creative spirit and then getting out of the way to just let it flow. There is something special about having a digital place where things can grow, collide, and evolve. That’s my intention. This is what I will share here.
I'm eager to see where this leads. It feels good to be back.
