It's Not About Where You Live [Blogging Every Day #12]

[12]  In 2011, I attended BlogWorld at the Los Angeles Convention Center, a blogging conference (here's my original report), that seemed to consist mainly of services and publications aimed at helping individuals monetize their blogs. During the same conference, a "State of the Blogosphere" report was presented, indicating that most who have successful blogs really don't make much of a living at it.

Vidcon, 2012

I've also been to several incarnations of Vidcon, the YouTube conference. YouTube, of course is a growing industry, and monetization is now within reach of millions of YouTubers. Very few, however, actually have a substantial enough viewership to actually make a living as a YouTube content creator.

Don't get me wrong - in both instances, there are those who can make a substantial living creating regular content. YouTube in particular offers an unprecedented opportunity for talented individuals of all ages to achieve success that might have never have otherwise been possible.

For most, however, I believe "success" will come with the understanding that blogs, vlogs and other means of online expression aren't necessarily a destination, but part of a bigger picture. They're platforms for exposure, a means to build or become involved in a community, and tools to achieve wider goals. For some, they need only be an outlet for creative expression.

For all artists, from writers to filmmakers, musicians and actors, online expression can be a means to develop and build confidence in one's craft. More importantly, it can also be a important avenue to build awareness.

Achievement doesn't always depend upon building subscribers or viewership on a particular platform.

Success, after all, isn't about where you live, it's about who you are.