What Is Tumblr? Why Do I Use It?

By Vernessa on March 8, 2010

What is Tumblr?

Go see for yourself. Kinda sweet. Kinda short. Really simple (not like the claims made for Really Simple Syndication).

Clicking here will get you a random entry from Vernessa Taylor’s Tumblr blog. (Not very original title, huh?)

Why do I use it?

I had to ask myself this question again. No, really. Five months after I signed up for one, I had to do a Google search and ask the question, “What is tumblr used for?” I didn’t see the point. And I didn’t even remember what inspired me to get one, anyway. Other than the fact that I could get my name. (Don’t you just hate when somebody else gets your name? Even if it’s their name too!)

The search . . . Thankfully, I came across one tumblr blog in my search that showed someone actually using it. Nevermind the fact that the writing I happened upon was one in which the author talked about why she was abandoning tumblr.¹ Oh, my!

At least I could see how Melanie Chang had been using it. That sold me. I know, that seems a little twisted, so let me explain.

She wrote little posts. Little gems, really.
She posted pictures.
She posted links.
She posted quotes.
She used it for notes – to herself.

Just what I needed! Something between a full-blown blog (I have too many) and a Twitter stream (got one of those too). And (thank God!) it’s not like FaceBook or MySpace or … whatever.

Oh, why was she abandoning it? For something as mundane as it didn’t show up in Google properly, not enough S.E.O. juice. (Don’t know what that means?) Who cares?²

I’m liking tumblr. Two thumbs up. And, thanks Melanie!

Go check out mine. Get your own if it suits you. Did I mention that it’s free?

Leave a comment. Let me know what you think of Tumblr, my tumblog, this post … Just say it!

Footnotes

Melanie Chang, Why I’m kissing Tumblr a sad, sad good-bye, 05/08/2008. Accessed 03/07/2010. Chang’s post sparked an internet-wide debate that led to Tumblr changing its methods and mindset about SEO. Go girl! [↩ go back]
Actually, I do care. But it’s a topic for LocalBusinessCoachOnline.com. Skip over there if you really want to know more about this kind of stuff. Sign up for my newsletter while you’re there! [↩ go back]