Dear Artist,

You have my undivided attention.

By some miracle, I have landed on your blog today.

Out of the many millions of blogs, and hundreds of millions of blog posts, I have chosen yours.

I have chosen to give you a few minutes of my precious attention.

Your pictures are nice. Most likely though, your paintings are just like millions of similar paintings online. Stop fooling yourself - you may be good, but so are many other artists. I won't remember you a few minutes from now. If you want my support, I want something more from you.

A blog is for communicating. So, why don't you say something? Something worth saying? Something I care to hear? Don't just post images with no story. And, don't just talk about yourself.

Are you here to add something to the world, to enrich my life in some way, or do you just want me to patronize your painting hobby because you somehow deserve it? Your very existence, and your reasonable painting skills, are enough reason for me to go out of my way to support you?

If you want me to care, and to remember you, say something I might want to hear - inspire me, teach me, inform me, make me laugh, make me cry. Make me remember you in some way. Make me want more. Make me think you care about me, and not just about you.

Or, just post your painting, just like so many other artists. I'll appreciate the painting, but I won't come back to see more. I won't tell anybody about you. I'll forget you and move on.

If you're going to blog, blog like you mean it. Say something worth saying. If you're not going to blog, stop faking it.

Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. Art Lover