I'm writing this journal for a multitude of reasons.

First, for myself. My way of stepping back and looking around me. My way of making time stand still. Also, I like the web journals I've been reading, which inspires me to make my own attempt.

Secondly, I have some vague idea about trying to write regularly someday, and I think that doing a regular journal would be a good exercise in discipline.

Thirdly, along the lines of the above, writing a web journal might just give me some idea of how to write for an audience.

Finally, I have a score of long-distance friends who claim they can only keep up with me by reading my webpage. Now they'll have a journal to peruse. That means that, in theory, my journal will make people happy. What nobler goal is there?