Writer: Should I blog?

[Unborn Son]

The Details:

I have a pile of finished poetry on topics ranging from making love to being caught in the internal struggle that it is to find your true identity and...accept it. I also started a book of twisted nursery rhymes. Both have captured the attention of individuals of various demographics. (excluding relatives). Over the past several days I rejoined Twitter and also started a blog using Wordpress. As I started updating the twitter account and following other writers I noticed that the ones that have a decent amount of followers and I assume that it's because of their fan base stemming from their blogs.

My Question:

Do I post some of my poetry on my blog even though I know that it's publishable material? (I know what you're thinking. If it's that good then why not just mail it off? The probability of agents and publishers wanting to do business with me increases if I have managed to garner a following before approaching them)

or

Would it be a good route to take to start an online series in which I post a chapter of it to the blog once every other week/every month?

I've created blogs featuring my photography, ones about alternative lifestyles and even one about being a fashion stylist and they were successful but writing is different. It's extremely personal. Before I make my next move I just felt as though it would be a smart move to get some feedback.

Any and all constructive words are welcome as are links! :0)

[Sky]

I post on my Wordpress blog when I can--sometimes that's four or five days. But I actively engage people in other things besides my writing; because I'm engrossed in things that I find interesting or cool, funny, or fascinating.

I also use Twitter and Blogger.com as well.

Being a writer means being so many things other than a consummate storyteller. Readers like a little variety. I give it to them. :0)

[RunningBear]

Posting your work on your blog is effectively self-publishing. It'll still be attributed to you, and other people will be able to read it and you'll find out if they like it.

But anything you publish on your blog is unlikely to be published by a traditional publisher further down the line.

Really, it's just down to you to decide whether that matters to you or not. I'd recommend posting stuff, but only if you can be happy never to publish that stuff any other way. Poems or story episodes. Whatever you're happy with. The internet is revolutionising the way people enjoy the arts and the way people become famous - it's an opportunity you should make the most of if that's the way you want to move forward. Just keep a realistic attitude towards putting your work out there for free, and don't get carried away!