I have noticed a few changed in my opinion of blogging over the last year I would say, if that long. Although I still love it greatly, the changes to it are a reminder that nothing stays the same. Even blogging. Below are just a few of my thoughts, and opinions on this new adventure called blogging. These are MY OPINIONS. I decided to touch on the other side of blogging that isn't touched on to much.
With so many conferences, and events for bloggers. It puts everyone almost face to face. And depending on what your objective is for your blog, there can be competition. Bloggers sizing other bloggers up, befriending for informational purposes, the list goes on. Bloggers see and recognize when things are happening for other bloggers. This is no different from corporate America to me, just a different form. I do want to add, when you open yourself up to certain individuals do so with caution. Not everyone is a match offline, but do build those relationships that you deem necessary, but never lose focus of your purpose. We have seen business relationships form via blogs, and then later dismantled for reasons that are left unsaid. But we all draw our own conclusions that its not all peaches and cream.
There has been a term used when talking about NEGATIVE NANCY’S as “meanies”. Yes they do exist, and visit blogs to stir up hell. Usually they come in the form of anonymous comments which is why I removed the option from my blog. Yes everyone has an opinion about a post, but there are limits when it comes to a lack of respect, and straight negativity. If you are that person, trust me people know it and they talk. Being a negative Nancy, and just being straight up mean can be defined differently depending on what's going on. Personally, I wash my hands of them and recommend any blogger do the same.
Many feel as though they have an opinion as to what you should do with your blog. How you should post, and not post, etc. I get certain things. But trust me when I say…A blogger is very aware of when they post crappy photos, or if there is a misspelled word (there is spell checker). I read one bloggers note about her blog: “My blog is more like a dictatorship, not a democracy.” Which means, she does as SHE LIKES. And at the end of the day that’s what it comes down to. What the author wants to do. I will say. If a misspelled word(s) on someone's blog gets you up in a bunch….Umm, come on.
So many people focus so much on comments, and people leaving them. To be honest, and this is true in my opinion. But some bloggers that are more competitive will rather not leave a comment on your blog, just because of the “IMPORTANCE” of comments to bloggers. Almost to send a message by not commenting. Yes its ugly, but it happens. Bloggers know their audience, and they know their readers. I equate it to inviting a friend to your party everyday. The party is pretty full with guests daily. You notice someone's shadow at the window, but that’s all it is. Your neighbor also decides to have a party everyday. You pop over, and there is the friend you had missed, sipping mimosa’s and chatting it up. So you then look at that friend with a question mark. No not every post calls for a comment, and every person cant leave one. But yeah, at times I think silent messages are sent. Most of the time, I play on the playground by myself, and I can see others that do that same. As well as those that REQUIRE a group of playmates. Be okay, blogging by yourself.
Some people blog because its something they like to do. They are okay with their everyday life, and just want to blog with no expectations. Then there are some people that blog because they have a love or passion for something, and want to share it with the world. That person is pretty open to opportunities that come their way because of their blog, because its all in the name of what they love to do. And then there are people that blog with an agenda. They started blogging for a reason other than just a passion. More so for business, and/or gain. Its just a way to be aware of why certain people blog. Just another piece of the blogger puzzle.
I think one of the great things about blogs is the diversity of the authors. I for one don’t read one type of blog, or those by one type of author. But what does bother me, not only as a blogger. But as a person. Is the trending of no diversity on blogs. I love reading blogs, and comments of blogs that have a diverse group of readers. I have mentioned cliques time and time again. They are more clear now than ever before.
*update: Yes, there is a huge lack of diversity with bloggers and who they befriend. Many times we see bloggers only featuring “top bloggers”, or bloggers that they think will make a huge impact on their blog. I say never forget where you started. I think its better to diversify your featured guests. I have even visited a few blogs where a blogger seems to mention the same bloggers over and over, and over again. But never do I see it reciprocated on the featured persons blog. That’s strange to me. Some seem to be caught up in the world of association. Get where your going with your blog on your own merit.
My words have been these since I started blogging. DO YOU. That is the only way to blog 100% and be good at it. Readers of blogs know when the posts are not genuine. If blogging becomes more of a chore, there is a problem. Take time away. Some readers will leave from what I hear depending on how long your gone. But at the end of the day, you have to love your life not according to blogging unless it is your way of surviving. Don't attempt to keep up with the blog Joneses. PLEASE. It will only lead to you becoming overwhelmed. Do this according to you, and have fun doing it.
Blogging can be so much fun. I love it dearly. But I have come to realize that it’s not perfect. It will continue to change, and with even more people/objectives than ever.
done for now.
Tamara
