You see posts like this all the time: “Do [Insert Name of Professional Category] Need a Blog?

Let’s just get this out there right now in as simple and clear a way as possible: Everyone should be maintaining a somewhat regular blog. Everyone. No matter what job you have, no matter what your interests are. Everyone.

Do it to increase your standing in your industry.

Do it to give voice to something that’s frustrating you.

Do it to express your interest in a topic.

Do it to add context you feel is missing elsewhere.

Do it to reclaim some of the power from data collection companies masquerading as social networks.

Do it to sell whatever it is you’re selling.

Do it to help a friend sell whatever it is you’re selling.

Do it because a topic close to your heart is being underrepresented in other media.

Do it to clear up confusion on a topic you’re an expert on.

Do it to be weird.

Do it because you know you’re the only one who can.

Do it to burnish your reputation.

Do it to be free.

Do it because you want to practice being a better writer.

Do it because you want to show off how you’re already a really good writer.

Do it for your readers.

Do it for yourself.

Do it. Today. Start a blog. Make it yours. Make it awesome. Make it unique. Make it messy.

Just make it something that can’t be controlled and won’t be controlled.

Chris Thilk is a freelance writer and content strategist who lives in the Chicago suburbs.