Today we bring you Elizabeth Curtis with her monthly column, Blog U, coming to us from her newly established home on the left coast. We miss you, E! -Deborah

I hope that many of you out there are as giddy as I am about the U.S. presidential election results. I can’t pass up this opportunity to reflect on the power new media technologies had in the election this year. From building a Facebook group of 3,010,494 supporters to making important announcements via text message, the Obama campaign mobilized their (proven successful!) efforts using emergent technologies. And now that they are transitioning, the Obama team is keeping the American public updated with their very own blog.

But blogging isn’t just a powerful medium for politicians. Historically, blogs have allowed individuals to self-publish and share their message. As former FCC Chairman Michael Powell has stated, “The Blogosphere has added spice to our democracy, making it more appetizing to more people.”

Of course, some of you may still be skeptical about what blogging can accomplish and where blogging can take you personally. The personal is political and all.

I started my own blog as a part of my M.A. thesis, which focused on online social activism in the feminist blogosphere. The research I was pursuing and my own blogging connected with many great feminist bloggers – and even brought me here to GWP. While I have been more devoted to blogging at some times than others, I have maintained a constant presence in the blogosphere – and people noticed (even if I didn’t notice they noticed). When a major feminist blog showed me some link love, I was honored to know that my blog held A-list bloggers’ attention and excited that my advocacy around women’s studies status in the academy was getting more readers’ attention. As I kept blogging, I had the opportunities to share my message – by publishing a articles and presenting at conferences.

A break came when Naomi Wolf asked me if I would be interested in submitting a short essay to her new book about how average people can get civically engaged. What better platform, I thought, to use to advocate for my cause and – through such an amazing opportunity – for my career?

I know I’m not the only one out there with a personal story that proves why blogging is powerful. With 36.2 million active lady bloggers out there right now, I am sure that there many more impressive stories about why you should not give up on blogging turning into something much, much more. So, GWP readers, share your stories in the comments section – and I’ll highlight your expertise in a future full-fledged post.

And, if you’re feeling inspired and looking to gain a little next-step know-how on how to take your own blogging to the next level (or just get started!), check out ProBlogger. Or, bring Deborah to your campus, group, or organization to tell you more!.