For some time I’ve thought about starting my own blog.

I’ve dabbled by using websites like Facebook, Google Reader, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Gaia to update friends on interesting and useful articles, videos, and resources I come across.

I also maintain a professional presence on LinkedIn, and began trying out Twitter.

Feel free to add me as a connection on any of the above, especially Facebook and LinkedIn.

The article Start a Blog Today finally got me to do it.  But why my own blog?  Why have an online presence in addition to the websites I listed above?

I’ll certainly continue using Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to keep in touch with friends and colleagues, and Delicious to organize useful links, and all of the above to promote ideas and resources that I believe make the world better.

But starting my own blog finally gives me the online home that’s fully customizable and brandable as myself (rather than Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)  It also motivates me to write with more forethought.

And instead of letting Facebook etc. profit off my efforts and advertise whatever they want, I can promote what I believe is worth endorsing.

How did I start it?  After a bit of research it seems that WordPress.org, Blogger.com, and Typepad are the most respected platforms right now.  If blogging were my top priority at the moment, I’d spend the time and energy to set up a WordPress.org (rather than wordpress.com) blog.  But since I’m testing the waters I’ve decided to use WordPress.com because it’s easy to start using, and it’s easily transferable to WordPress.org later.

My next post will be about what this blog will be about

[Update: I'm pausing blogging for now - later I may blog about why, but right now it's not the best use of my time.  Find and connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  On my profiles there you will find my latest recommended resources, and what I'm up to in general.  Stay in touch!]