I’m not a natural blogger. I struggle to write often on a blog and so only update sporadically. However, when I do, it tends to be about my PhD research. Like Jane, I keep a journal and I’ve found this to be invaluable. Part of my thesis has autoethnographic parts and this is where the journal has been great. It has allowed me to reflect on my personal journey, which has given me reflection on the larger phd research (the two are always intimately connected I guess).
Re. blogging though (and tweeting) I think that I like to try and make some of my research transparent and make it available for feedback at the very least. I’ve been working with storytellers in Scotland and have been used to getting feedback from them in person and via email. Posting on blogs and twitter is a natural extension. If there’s no response then nothing is lost, but if you get insightful comments then there is much to gain. I suppose it’s trying to tap into the larger consciousness. Although most of a PhD is individual and has to be self-defined, any pointers you can get along the way are bound to help.
Debbie