Good News, Nobody's Going to Read It

When I encourage friends to start blogging, a common fear pops up: "What if I'm wrong?" or "What if no one likes what I write?" It's a completely understandable concern in an age where online engagement can feel like a high-stakes game. Being "wrong" on the internet can certainly generate a lot of attention, sometimes overwhelmingly so. But for every viral misstep, there's an entire digital forest of content that goes completely unnoticed.

Embrace the Silence: Your Early Blog as a Private Workshop

Let me tell you, the fear of being widely read—or widely wrong—is often irrational. Chances are, especially at the beginning, nobody's going to read it anyway. And that's fantastic!

I have articles I wrote more than a decade ago with fewer than 100 views, and honestly, most of those were probably bots. This isn't a sob story; it's a testament to the low-pressure environment that early blogging provides. Think of your initial blog posts not as grand pronouncements to the world, but as entries in a personal notebook.

A friend recently unearthed a century-old book in his basement. He'd never heard of the author, couldn't find any information online, so he simply decided to read it. His verdict? "It was pretty bad." But did it matter? Not in the slightest. The author is long gone, and whether someone in 2025 enjoys their work is entirely irrelevant to their legacy.

Even wildly successful authors have faced initial obscurity. Take Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," now a global phenomenon. Upon its initial release, it sold a grand total of one copy in its first week. Six months later, a second copy was sold—to the same person who bought the first! Imagine the author's early days, writing into what must have felt like a void. Yet, he persisted.

The Power of Unseen Practice

This "nobody's reading it" phase isn't a sign of failure; it's a gift. It's the perfect low-stakes environment to:

• Experiment Freely: Want to try out a new writing style? Explore a niche topic you're passionate about but aren't sure will resonate? Go for it! There's no critical audience to impress, just your own curiosity to follow.
• Find Your Voice: Writing regularly, even for an audience of one (you!), helps you discover your unique perspective and writing rhythm. It's like a musician practicing scales before a concert – essential, but not meant for public consumption.
• Refine Your Craft: Each post is an opportunity to improve. You'll learn what works, what doesn't, how to structure arguments, and how to express yourself more clearly. This iterative process is crucial for growth.
• Build a Foundation: Think of these early, unread posts as the sturdy, unseen roots of a tree. They're essential for future growth and stability, even if they're not the parts everyone sees.

If the fear of being judged or "wrong" is what's holding you back, remember this: your initial blog is your personal training ground. It's where you get to be bad, be wrong, and learn to be better, all without the pressure of an imagined audience. It gives you the crucial time and space you need to write enough, to refine your craft, and eventually, to produce something you genuinely want people to read.

So, what are you waiting for? Start writing. The silence is your friend.

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