Bloggers Aren't Writers? This Blogger Shares All

Recently, while reading a Thought Catalog post, I noticed a comment. The main line that jumped out to me was, “and used your [redacted] platform as a blogger (no you don’t deserve to be called a writer)”. It really got me thinking and questioning if bloggers aren’t writers.

I am going to be forward in saying that I think bloggers should absolutely be considered writers, if not more. Many small to medium bloggers often take on many duties and this comment seems to write bloggers off as less than serious. Blogging isn’t just about writing and pressing publish. However, I will have a whole in-depth post about that coming soon.

Blogging isn't just about writing and pressing publish. Click To Tweet

You don’t have to go far when trying to answer if bloggers aren’t writers. My google search landed me on this article and I think it’s worth mentioning. The opinion in the post is clear that bloggers aren’t writers and that blogging is entertainment. I have to agree that blogging is entertainment, but there are many types of bloggers. Many of us don’t repackage ideas into a nifty 500-word set for entertainment. Many of us really take time and effort to craft interesting pieces. Furthermore, in that case, writers, such as authors, can repackage ideas as well.

Let me be honest in saying that a lot of my old content did fit into the mold of entertainment. As I’ve grown, I’ve started to focus my attention on my inner thoughts, which can be really interesting sometimes. However, I definitely consider myself as a blogger where being a writer is one of the many things I am. You see, small to medium bloggers do A LOT. We’re writers, we’re social media marketers, we’re photographers, and we’re public relations coordinators. There are many different jobs we take on as bloggers, but I will admit that I understand why some may not see us that way.

When I was a freshman in college, in one of my communications core classes, we talked about how everyone can be a photographer these days because everyone has access to a camera now. The discussion became centered around about what makes a photographer a photographer. I can’t remember the exact idea we came to, but I can only assume that it is similar to the discussion here that relates to bloggers not being writers. Essentially, it seems to come down to discipline and hours put into the work. Can’t bloggers fit that mold?

I think many bloggers can be considered writers because some of us are storytellers Click To Tweet

What I think needs to change here is the idea of what a writer may be. A writer doesn’t have to be an author who has published books. In the same breath, a writer doesn’t have to be someone who reports on the news. Personally, I think many bloggers can be considered writers because some of us are storytellers. We draft, edit, and complete stories and writings that are meant to draw someone into what we’re saying. I’m sure there are bloggers who don’t consider themselves writers. This is completely fine, but I don’t think stipulations should be made by telling people that bloggers aren’t writers because they don’t fit the traditional sense of the word.

So, if you feel like bloggers aren’t writers, I would consider reading this article. Geraldine hits the nail on the head when she says, “another important reason why we need to not dismiss blogging: it offers a platform to writers in underrepresented demographics and a means for them to promote their own work”. Not every blogger is a good writer, just like how every author isn’t a good writer. Blogging has given people the platform to potentially become writers. So, yes, I absolutely expel the notion that bloggers aren’t writers.