Happy Fourth of July! I’m finally getting a much-needed break from work and plan on unplugging from my normal routine for the day. We’ll probably grill out in the backyard and enjoy a lazy afternoon at home. There are plenty of things I should be doing, but today I think I’ll just enjoy the rest. Be sure to take a moment and remember those serving our country around the world. Without their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of their families, we would have no independence to celebrate!
I’d like to use this break in the action to ask an important question that’s been on my mind. Why do you visit FrugalDad.com? What separates Frugal Dad from the other personal finance blogs in your reader? I’m hoping to use your answers to improve my content, design and general concept moving forward. Don’t worry–no major overhauls are in order, I just thought since my six month blogging anniversary has come and gone it would be a good time to get some feedback.
Why Do I Visit Other Blogs?
I currently have over 125 blogs in my feed reader, and I get a couple of my favorites via email every day (for those days when I just can’t make it to my reader). The blogs represent a collection of topics of interest to me, and are organized in various folders. My largest folder (no surprise) is personal finance, but I also have collections such as parenting, blogging/writing, and even a couple sports-related blogs.
Do We Only Read What We Want to Hear?
In my first six months as a blogger I’ve touched a few nerves, and received my share of unfriendly comments and emails. But that’s fine with me. The world would be awfully boring if everyone agreed with everything each other said. I personally subscribe to several blogs because I enjoy the writing, or the viewpoint, of 95% of the content. Occasionally, I read something I don’t agree with, but I actually enjoy that aspect of reading. In fact, I’ve made it a point to read books, articles and blogs on things I don’t necessarily agree with because it stretches my thinking. I’m rarely persuaded to change my mind, but reading another point of view helps me constantly challenge my line of thinking on a particular subject.
Reading About Other’s Success Inspires Me
My introduction to blogging occurred when I stumbled upon The Simple Dollar in late 2006. I was home recovering from rotator cuff surgery and had little to do but surf the web and watch CSI Miami reruns. Over the last couple years I’ve followed Trent’s journey from financial meltdown to accomplished author (yes, he recently signed a book deal and just completed his manuscript). There are many other great stories out there of people who have overcome large amounts of debt, survived company layoffs, serious health issues, etc. Their perserverance is what inspires me to keep plowing ahead with my own goal to live completely debt free and move towards financial independence.
I’d appreciate it if you would take a moment or two to leave me a comment. If there is something you would like me to improve upon, I’d like to hear that, too. Thanks to those of you who have signed up to receive my daily articles, and to others who stop by during the day to visit. One of the unanticipated benefits of joining the blogging community has been the opportunity to (virtually) meet many new wonderful people.