How It All Started

As mentioned, I've been engaged in this "science blog" for over eight months, but my passion for writing has spanned much longer. Writing has always been a cherished activity for me, and my work has historically attracted interest from others. This connection is vital, as many aspiring writers find that their work doesn't resonate with readers, which can diminish their enthusiasm.

Back in 2017, I launched a blog (not focused on technical subjects) under a pseudonym, hoping to achieve my dream of becoming a technical expert in a competitive field. This blog served primarily as a hobby, where I shared philosophical thoughts and observations sporadically.

The Unconventional Path

While my initial blog didn't gain much traction, I developed a reputation as a "deep thinker" among a small circle of friends, family, and internet acquaintances. During this time, I achieved my goal of securing a technical position in my desired field—a story for another day.

However, I learned the adage "never meet your heroes" all too well after a few years in my so-called dream job. I realized I had outgrown that path and chose to abandon it.

Reflecting on my life, I devised an ambitious plan. I listed all the topics that intrigued me and committed to pursuing projects in each area—eight in total. This may sound excessive, but I thrive on ambitious challenges.

My goal was to identify projects worth pursuing further after six months, focusing on the intersection of three elements:

1. My skills
2. My interests
3. The value provided to society through the project

My ongoing obsession lies in ensuring that my work creates value for others. For sustainability, I also need to enjoy the process and possess or quickly acquire the necessary skills.

After six months, two projects stood out, one being my original blog. I decided to devote more effort to my writing, taking my blog seriously and committing to a consistent publishing schedule.

Why a Science Blog?

So, how did I end up with a science blog? While I initially suggested that it was purely by chance, there was more to it. Up until that point, my writing and technical work had never overlapped.

You might wonder if that overlap was obvious. Strangely, it hadn't dawned on me! As I began writing more consistently, I inadvertently produced content on technical subjects that felt second nature to me and required minimal effort.

To my astonishment, the response was overwhelmingly positive, unlike anything I'd experienced before. As I continued sharing my technical insights, the blog flourished. While luck played a part, two significant factors contributed more substantially:

1. My commitment to providing value to others.
2. My dedication to regular publishing.

It's essential to recognize the importance of consistently publishing content. I was introduced to this philosophy through Seth Godin's work, but my decision to commit stemmed from my own experiences.

Effective writers understand this concept instinctively. They recognize and appreciate when fellow writers maintain a regular publishing rhythm.

How to Cultivate a Growing Science Blog

Now that we have a promising science blog, how do we nurture its growth? Here are my five-step guidelines for achieving this objective:

1. Just
2. Kidding
3. I never aimed
4. To grow
5. The blog!

In all seriousness, my focus has never been on expanding the blog itself. My singular goal remains: to create value for others.

I am inherently curious and consider myself a lifelong learner. This is why I tend to avoid delving too deeply into my technical qualifications, as they are not relevant to the learning process. My research and insights, shared through my writing, aim to solve problems for my readers.

Blog Improvement Cycle — Illustration by the Author

Key Considerations for Managing a Growing Science Blog

We've established that my focus has never been on growth; rather, it has been about creating value. As the blog expands, I adapt to its growth and the challenges it brings.

Commitment to Scientific Rigor and Accessibility

With a scientific background, I value rigor and accuracy in my work. However, as a solo creator, I often lack a second pair of eyes for proofreading. Thus, I rely on the patience of my readers. When mistakes are identified, I strive to correct them and ensure accuracy.

My commitment to scientific rigor is one way I provide value, but I also prioritize simplicity. Technical information is readily available in textbooks and journals, but I aim to communicate complex concepts in an accessible manner.

Finding the balance between simplicity and scientific rigor is no easy feat, and pleasing everyone is often impossible.

Technical Challenges and Security Concerns

"Running a growing science blog will be a blast!" they said. Yet, growth brings both opportunities and challenges. While increased traffic is a positive outcome, it also attracts sophisticated hacking attempts.

As more subscribers share their information, I bear the responsibility of safeguarding their data and maintaining my website. Currently, I utilize WordPress, but I've encountered vulnerabilities in its REST-API that hackers exploit.

Despite some sleepless nights patching security issues, I've implemented effective security plugins, albeit at the cost of site speed. Learning PHP and JavaScript has become necessary to build a secure and efficient website from the ground up. While this isn't my favorite task, it's essential.

If you have recommendations for addressing these technical challenges, I'd greatly appreciate your input.

Conclusion: The Essence of Running a Growing Science Blog

To summarize my journey thus far and what it entails to manage a growing science blog:

1. Publish consistently.
2. Prioritize value creation over growth.
3. Commit to the simplest possible scientific content while maintaining rigor.
4. Growth complicates reader engagement in the comments.
5. Growth invites increased attention from hackers and technical challenges.

While I haven't delved into SEO and social media strategies, I am actively exploring these areas. However, I feel I lack the expertise to provide valuable insights at this time.

I acknowledge that I haven't solved all the challenges inherent in this process. I'm tackling them as they arise.

Looking Ahead: The Future of My Science Blogging Journey

Maintaining a science blog demands significant effort and dedication. However, I also pursue interests beyond blogging. While I enjoy writing, my true passion lies in building projects that create value for others.

My long-term vision for the blog is to simplify complex scientific topics, making them accessible to eager learners. As I navigate this journey, I confront new challenges and strive to keep moving forward.

Thank you for sticking with me through this exploration. If you have feedback or suggestions, I'm eager to hear them—just a click away in the comments!

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For further reading, you might enjoy: "Are We Living In A Simulation?" and "How Easy Is It Really To Predict The Future?"

If you're inclined to support me as an author, feel free to contribute on Patreon.

You can access the original essay [here](original_essay_link).