Writing to a Blog, I find, presents several challenges. First, there's the technical challenge of using a new and unfamiliar computer program, for that's really what blogger.com is. A sophisticated collection of different programming tools, hopefully making it possible for us to easily (and I use that word advisedly) communicate with other people thru the internet. What do you have to do to get the tool to do what you want it to do? How does this word processor work? Is there a "spell-checker" here? How do I get data from another program into this one? What happens when I try something here? These challenges are easier to handle if you are already computer-literate, because you can use the experience gained over the years to identify the intent of the tool and the identity provides expectations of functionality. The rest is gaining familiarity and becoming comfortable with the new tools.

The second challenge is the one familiar to anyone who writes with a specific intent to inform or to influence, as opposed to the mindless babble of party chatter. What is it that I want to say? What's the best way to say it? The blank page stares back at you, waiting expectantly.

As an example, I want to provide some information about the "How" of running for state-wide office. I want to scan in the paperwork that I had to file to get on the ballot. There is the technical side of getting that done. Then there's the challenge of the words that I wrap around that page. Why did I write what I wrote on the application? How is that different from the information that other candidates wrote on their applications? Where can I find that information and how do I "link" you to it?

The bottom line of all this, of course, is to get somebody to read this. Writing, reviewing, revising and editing takes a lot of time. Time that has to come from some other competing need. I want to get elected because I believe that I can do great things for the good people in my district. Tonight I managed, I hope, to get the icon that I need to buy space on an online newspaper to actually let people that can vote for me know that I'm running. Another small step on the journey. Till tomorrow, Good Night and have a great day tomorrow!