Features

Blog 1 - Running in Suffolk

'Buryblue' is a runner from Suffolk, he is a member of the Bury Pacers and started up his blog as a unique way to lose weight!

1. Why write a blog?

Running in Suffolk

The reasons for writing a blog are going to be fairly different for everyone. However popular or obscure your interests might be, writing a blog puts you in touch with other like minded souls from around the world. Setting up a blog is totally free and doesn't require any technical computing knowledge. It really is the case that anyone can do it.

2. What prompted you to start?

I think I returned from a holiday and saw the pictures of myself on a beach and decided I needed to lose a little weight! Many long distance runners keep a paper diary but I make mine very public to any one who cares to visit my blog. I have found that this acts as a motivational tool as if I don't run I won't have anything to record. I set out some targets for myself and I think making these public helps. It is like having a weight loss chart on a wall but mine is public to all.

Running in Suffolk

Although my original intent was to record my running as a diary, increasingly through maintaining a blog, I have now developed a strong interest in photography.

When I am out running I often see some beautiful scenery and can explore parts of Suffolk which non runners (perhaps more sensible folk!) may not see. So I decided to make my blog diary a lot more interesting by taking a camera with me on all my runs.

One of my aims now is to try and visit as many villages and towns in Suffolk as I can and take photos to promote the beauty of Suffolk around the world.

In doing so I have made some contact with former Suffolk residents now living abroad. For instance a guy who was based in Culford in the 1960's wanted to compare photographs he had taken when he was a boy to what this village looks like now.

3. Have you any background in writing?

No, only in terms of writing reports at work. I have written some short accounts on my blog detailing famous men and women of Suffolk. I have tended to write this from personal knowledge and a number of books that I have about Suffolk and running.

4. Why is blogging good?

Life in an English Town

I like blogging because it is completely free. It is simple to set a blog site up and you can easily learn how to improve and develop your site. It puts you in touch with people from all over the world. I think perhaps it has replaced the old pen friend letters that many people used to have because it is immediate.

I heard about blogging on radio 4 and in newspapers and I'd definitely recommend it - initially you just have to have a browse and see other sites and see if it appeals. It could just change your life.

5. What's the best thing about blogging?

For me the best thing about blogging is communicating with others both locally and around the world. I have had discussions with people in America, South Africa, and Australia - it is a chance to share thought and views. I have also shared a lot of common interests in Bury St Edmunds and Suffolk with fellow locals.

6. Which part of your blog are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my photos of villages and towns in Suffolk. I have visited a lot of places since I began blogging. I try to include links to all things Suffolk or running related.

Life in An English Town

Blog 2 - Living in Bury St Edmunds

The 'Buryblogger' uses blogging as a way to work through issues and write about his experiences living in Suffolk.

1. Why write a blog?

For me, it’s a combination of a number of things. In my professional career, I've always been keen to share my knowledge and experiences with others and encourage people to do the same.

A personal blog extends this to the rest of my life. So it’s for friends and family to keep up with what we are doing, but also to provide other people with information on things to do around here.

Secondly, leaving my job after nearly 19 years with the same company was a big step, and creating the blog and sending my ex-colleagues a link, provides a simple way for those who want to keep in touch to do so.

And then it is a way for me to express what I've done, what I am doing and want to do, so I can work out where I want to go. And, finally, in the longer term, it provides a record to go back and holds memories of great times had in and around Bury St Edmunds.

2. What prompted you to start?

Two things prompted me to start doing a (public) personal blog. I decided to apply for the voluntary redundancy programme the company I worked for was running. I felt in need of a break, I wanted to get fitter and healthier and lose some weight, and to spend a bit more time with the family. As I've always found writing things down a good way of working things out, I thought a blog might be a good way to help me decide what I wanted to do.

And then I realised there are lots of great places to visit and things to do around Bury St Edmunds, so I decided I would share what we as a family get up to, as others might be interested.

3. Where do you get your stories from?

Places I go, pictures I take, things I do or have done, things I read. Just personal experience, really.

4. Why is blogging good?

It provides a means of self-expression and easy sharing of information, knowledge and experience. Blogging software makes it very easy to create and publish articles. Clicking the publish button and then seeing a neatly formatted article displayed gives me a sense of achievement.

5. How did you hear about blogging?

I don't remember exactly, but it was through trying to keep technically current, about 3 ½ years ago, probably on some of the technical websites I used to frequent.

6. Do you recommend blogging?

Yes. It works for me. I've always felt more fulfilled in my professional life by producing something myself rather than just managing other people to produce things. A blog helps satisfy my urge to create, albeit in a rather minor way.

7. What's the best thing about it?

The best thing is getting comments from people who have come across the blog and found something interesting, useful or entertaining about what I've written.

8. How often do you update your blog?

I try to update it several times a week. There are always more things that could go on the blog than there is time to write down.