You know I’m fairly new to blogging books and sorts. I’m going on my first year. During this year I’ve grown as a blogger. I love it. It’s been a way to meet new people, to learn about great books and to find new ways to improve my craft.
However, what I’ve also found is several bloggers that have taken blogging to a different level. Who have in some ways become celebrity bloggers due to great content, the ability to get their little hands on arcs and to give great insight on books and the industry. In addition, I’ve notice that some bloggers don’t like the hater-raid that comes with success or lack there of. I would have never guessed how serious blogging could be until I started this endeavor myself.
HOW TO BLOG WITHOUT BEING SUCKED IN
I believe that many of the bloggers that get disappointed in their experiences do so because they want more out of blogging than just having someplace to put their thoughts on books, their lives, or things in general. They don’t separate their emotion from the act of blogging and probably share a bit too much of their personal views on the internet. We do have to remember that whatever is written on the internet – good or bad, has the potential to stay there FOREVER…yep, FOREVER, even when deleted.
Oh, some serious bloggers go to the big bloggers events and book events, even hob nob with publishers of all sizes and have taken their blogging about books to a business level. I think like with anything, plan what you want out of your blogging, do it professionally with the knowledge that you are going to have people haggle (why? Because you are on the internet and people that you don’t even know will want to use your site for their own promotion or make nasty comments just because they can) and lastly, do it because you want to.
When it’s not fun anymore, it’s okay to step away. Remember, your time should be spent on the things that you want to build in your life to make you happy.
WHY I LOVE IT
I love blogging because I did sit down and consider what I wanted out of this before I started, and I’m enjoying it. My kids participate, my friends (old and new) participate and I’m always looking for new ways to improve and share some of my school of hard knocks lessons with others. Lastly, I’m prepared for what comes and everything I’ve written on my blog, I’m proud to say whether it’s on the internet or in front of a room full of people.
*So, how do you like my picture from the movie Home Alone...*
10 comments:
This is a good post. I got sucked into blogging, not b/c of sharing too much like you mention. But when I started getting comments and followers it was fun and then I started spending more time on it. This yielded results, but I started the blog to improve my writing. I recently had to remind myself, it's not my first priority.
beth-project52.blogspot.com
Trying to keep up with all the great blogs out, leaving comments, blogging on my own blog.... it all takes up so much time, time that could be spent writing! All in all though, I love blogging.
This is a great post! Blogging can be exhausting, with the pressure to put out great content, follow and comment on other blogs. Sometimes it's good to take a breather.
Also, I thought the Home Alone picture was an excellent choice.
Great post!!
Just stopping by for the Blog Hop. I'm a new follower. I've got some great giveaways this week. Hope you'll stop by to visit.
~Inspired Kathy
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
I can't even say, can't even figure out for myself, why I started blogging. Except I did think I was going to keep track of what I've read...
I don't have plans to be one of the big bloggers - I'm suprised that I even have followers - last summer I had 3 followers. Now I have 48. I appreciate them a lot, but I blog mainly to review and keep track of my books read.
I'm surprised at the followers because I've always been shy - so just blogging, putting my thoughts out there is a big step for me.
I've seen some of the flame wars and "hater" stuff that happens in comments. I've had it directed at me on a site, where I though I was just going to make a joke. There's a lot of hate in the world, and travels to the blogging world (humans!) so I try to keep my reviews and posts as positive as possible. Even if I don't really like a book, I try to find something positive to say about it...most of the time.
Other than that - no plans, no goals, no high expectations for me. Happy with that.
Stopping by from the blog hop. The picture got my attention!
Great post!! And great advice. I think not enough people give this kind of advice, so kudos to you for stepping up to the plate. :)
Wow! I'm so glad everyone visited. I'm hopping over to your blogs :-D
You book bloggers really are a weird bunch. Most drama in this scene is caused by the owners of smaller blogs complaining about the owners or larger blogs and accusing the owners of said blogs of causing drama. All this in the pursuit of a few clicks because everyone loves a bit of drama. And who knows, maybe the smaller blog will actually get bigger in the process!
Yes, go ahead and re-read this a few times :)
I've been blogging for about 18 months now and what I love about it is seeing how my blog has evolved from one primarily about my attempts to find an agent, to one about writing, to one about self-publishing and now, one about my books. However, it can be anyone of those things at any time. One thing I've decided is when I go on a rant or whine binge, I need to step away from it for awhile before hitting the post button. It's too easy to blog when I'm emotional about something, and then regret it later. I can't tell you how many blog posts I've deleted before they saw the light of day. Whew!
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