Stephen Pitts: As a Search Engine Marketer for a private company I had done research for the benefits of blogs and forums for organic placement (Search Engine Optimization), specifically for the addition of relevant content that would refer to other websites through links to these websites and attract attention that had not been reached (a balanced marketing approach).

Late last year I decided that my passion should be more, so I stepped out and bought a domain and started hosting my blog on the Word Press platform. I realized, soon after, that I lost readers during the transition, but I still feel that it was a necessity to be considered a resource in my industry.

Stephen Pitts: Well, my very first post has gone away. When I had a renewed interest in 2006, I removed all of the posts that were off my main topic and started with a clean slate (on an old domain).
My first post, as a bonafide blogger, would be my about me post on my first blog
(it was my first, but the content was adjusted): first post here .

Here is my first post on my present blog: new first post here (yet another about me page).

First, I blog for myself. It has a purpose and direction. It helps me stay committed to keeping up with my industry and staying on top of my game, plus I can share a thought process and refer to it in the future, like a journal.
Second, I blog for others. I like to share my experiences in my industry and hear responses from others. I do not look for validation however, the conversations that I like most are the ones that have meaning and fuel my thought process.
Third, I blog for networking. I like the fact that I can write something that is on topic with my industry and get visits, feedback and links to my research.

Stephen Pitts: I want to learn more and with the help of others (readers), I can achieve more than on my own. It enlightens me to the fact that there is so much out there. I pride myself in understanding concepts, of which I explore on my blog, however, when understanding is achieved, I don't have to know everything (never will), but it will give me the process to find the information that I require. The Internet is a wonderfully robust research tool and that is what I use it for. The connection to information is no longer limited by the reach of books and knowledge is the most valuable asset that anyone could ever wish to have.

Stephen Pitts: An informative look at basic and advanced techniques of online exposure through Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization that places the priority on the user, not the engine.

Stephen Pitts: I would have to say participation. The Internet is growing and there are more resources at your disposal everyday, but unique, informative and relevant information can be the most difficult thing to find. Search engines, in general, are great tools, however, these tools have restrictions and limitations that are always changing to keep out the deceptive practices that some use to artificially inflate their rankings. I strive to provide information to help others achieve this status through merit rather than abuse.  

Stephen Pitts: I would have to say 10 to 15 hours per week. I spend the least of my time writing and most of my time researching and studying the concepts that I relay on my blog.

Stephen Pitts: I started by telling my friends and family about my blog, which went nowhere fast. They really didn't (1) like to hear about SEO or (2) didn't care to understand the concept.
 
I guess that the most important way that I began generating traffic was in two specific areas:
1. I read and commented on other blogs.
2. I wrote relevant posts about my subject matter.
3. I got noticed and some posts have been referenced by industry leaders and have been listed in market newsletters.
 
On reading and commenting on other blogs - I was noticed by others from my relevant comments that were not about promoting myself and decided to dig into their readers more.
 
On writing relevant posts - I began to gradually move up in search engine results for specific topics and people found me.
 
On getting noticed - it relates back to both of the other ways I generated traffic. My only concern now is to keep up with quality posts and not worry about quantity of posts.
 
I have not really looked to build traffic (look back at reason #1 as to why I blog), but I have found that I have been getting noticed by others for my work in my industry. This is really wonderful, however, it is not something that is easy to accomplish.

Stephen Pitts: The only widget that I currently use is the MyBlogLog recent reader widget. I like that it shows me the faces of others that are visiting my blog (when they are logged in). It helps me relate to my second reason for blogging.  

Stephen Pitts: The only thing that they will find is relevant information and I don't have a big head. I am constantly learning and love the fact that I have learned more from my readers than on my own. I enjoy interacting with others that are learning and others that know a thing or two. Sharing ideas is invaluable and I hope that I can continue to share and give others a forum to share their thoughts too!