In the past couple weeks I've read so many great posts about blogging. Yes, I just linked to 7 posts, not to mention all of the conversations on Twitter. They've all inspired me to share my blogging journey.
I switched from Xanga to Blogger in 2007 thanks to a recommendation from a friend. I had a very dull internship and was looking for a way to pass the time. I wrote my thoughts and feelings openly because I thought that only my roommate and a handful of friends were reading. I also used my little space on the internet to keep track of music that was stuck in my head - even back then I posted weekly playlists.
A few months in people who I didn't know in real life began commenting. They would come back daily and follow along with my life. Through their comments I began following their blogs and eventually created friendships. I never felt like an insider in the popular 20-Something blogging community, but I met some truly great friends who shared my interests - something I struggled to find in the real world.
I'm grateful for those 'old days,' but I wouldn't say that I would want to go back. When my blog was young I posted about much of my personal life, I'm still genuine, but I don't share nearly as many details because, like me, my blog has matured.
I'm proud of my blog, where it's been and where it is now, and I'm still excited about the community and meeting new people. I've always kept this space true to myself and the things that I like. I've always blogged on my own schedule and have never been concerned with page views. I plan to keep it that way.
Here are some rules that I try to follow -
- Don't compare! Be inspired by other blogs, but don't compare yours. Do what you love and don't worry about anyone else. Some of the blogs you are drooling over are run by full time bloggers, meaning that it's their source of income, of course they put in extra effort.
- Let blogging be a hobby. Post on your time. I work a 9am-6pm job, so I can't put as much time into my blog as I'd like. I don't force myself to post a certain number of posts, I just write and share when I'm inspired.
- Be true to you. Write about things you like, otherwise it will seem forced. I think Kyla said it best, "remember your story." Every post is another page in your book, make sure each connects back to your overall story.
- Respond! I love my blog very much because of the connections I have made through it. If you comment on one of my posts, I promise I will follow your blog back and comment on one of your posts. You put in what you get out, relationships don't happen if you are merely broadcasting your thoughts.
Now, tell me about your blogging journey!
I know exactly what you mean by "the good old days" - the summer of 2009 was great for me. I still have friends I made from that time period.
ReplyDeleteAnd your "post at your time" really spoke to me. I really want to start writing some of my life stories down so I can remember them later when I get old and gray haha.
Good luck with future posts
I love this, and I wholeheartedly agree with you. We've had a pretty similar blogging past, except that I moved from Livejournal to Blogger in like 2006 or so, and then to Wordpress in 2009/10. I went through a phase where it didn't feel like blogging was for ME, but I quickly changed that around. In the end, everything I write is for myself & I've learned to do a lot less caring about my stats. Now that I've realized what the real importance of blogging is (doing it for me, making meaningful connections when they come around) I'm having such an easier time writing. I think like anything in 2012, blogging is bound to change, but I don't see it as a bad thing at all. I think the people who DO view it badly is because they have changed as bloggers, too.
ReplyDeleteThat's my little novel comment for today, lol! But great post, and it's nice to know you've always been in blogging for the right reasons. :)
I just came across your lovely blog, and this first post is very inspiring! I needed to read this as a new little blog who is still understanding the ropes. Thank you for sharing this. Can't wait to read other posts.
ReplyDeleteNew follower for sure ;)
-Katie Jo @ http://gazeintomyheart.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for sharing these thoughts! I just started my blogging journey... like this week... and this post got me even more excited about it. Love the advice you offer!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you have said. Blogging is so much fun, but if I made myself post a certain amount of time about certain things all of the time I would go crazy. I know some people are so into a certain topic that they can blog about it all the time, but I like my blog and the way I just post on any random thing that I like. I also love sharing the blog with my sister. Sharing with her I don't feel pressured to do a certain amount of posts.
ReplyDeleteYou should stop by our blog and enter our Giveaway for a personalized necklace by Sima.
I love this! Like you, I started on Xanga. I started when I was in high school because "everyone was doing it". And then over the years I went from Wordpress to Blogger to Wordpress. My blogging has evolved since those first days while I've never been someone who cares too much about making money from my blog, I had a period where I was so worried about comments and stats and followers and making sure my writing was perfect. And in the past few months, I just stopped. I stopped worrying about getting tons of comments when I write a heartfelt post. I stopped worrying about my perfect writing and showing myself "off". I stopped trying to be plugged in in every. single. media. outlet. I don't care about commenting as much as I can to gain more followers. I'm back to writing for ME.
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I connected with so much. :)
Why did this take me so long to read?! I'm so behind on my blog reading...which is quite on topic because I love your point about responding & making connections. When I first started, I stalked my follower count and page views. I was desperate to get followers. Now I know so much better. Now I feel like I make genuine friends based on similar interests...perhaps even more genuine than real life friends...because we can truly be ourselves on our blog...where as in real life we tend to wear different masks. Does that make sense? LOL
ReplyDeleteLove this post :) Thanks for writing it.