On ‘Triple D’ and Blog Fame: Be Careful What You Wish For
As much as I say “I don’t care about ‘growing my blog'” and “I’m writing just for me” – it’s not true.
Not for me.
(Not for you, either, by the way).
We wouldn’t be out here, putting our thoughts, lives, emotions out on display if we didn’t want it to be read.
That’s the bottom line: We all want our blogs to be read.
We all have different lengths we go to for this to happen. Some bloggers network through their ‘niche’ or their ‘tags.’ Other bloggers do this more organically just by reading other blogs, leaving sincere comments and building relationships. Then there are the real go-getters: they read everything they can get their hands on, join every blog party, link-up and circle, try every strategy in the book.
I probably am a blend of all three. But if I’m honest and put false humility aside, I do it for one reason: I want people to read my blog.
And I’ll be honest: I have a hard time with self-promotion. I’m uncomfortable putting my stuff (and myself) out there. Typically, I’m content to be in the background, fine to stay out of the spotlight. It’s hard to admit that I want some of the spotlight to find this blog and shine on it.
Is being ‘blog-famous’ all it’s cracked up to be? A lot of us want attain ‘blog-fame’ or ‘grow our numbers’ or be ‘Freshly Pressed,’ and there is nothing wrong with that. (But let’s at least be honest about it!)
But if we are working so hard for this, what are we hoping to gain from it?
For some, it is definitely money; some really hope to make a living from this – and I’m totally okay with that. In fact, if I can end up making some supplemental cash (or more) from blogging, it would not be a violation of my principles. At. All.
For some, it’s reaching goals. The competitive edge. The inner drive. It’s the high of seeing the numbers go up. And up. Yeah, I’ll give you that. Some – okay, a lot – of that appeals to me. I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with my stats, but yeah. I know about that place on my dashboard. I get a rush when I see traffic go up or when I get new followers.
Some feel really strongly about their message, and they want to get it out there to as many people as possible. I respect that. I don’t think I’m that kind of blogger, but that’s totally valid.
Some just really like the connections they make with like-minded people. Or the debates with non-like-minded people.
I’ve read a few theories (and deduced some of my own) about what happens when people make it big, are Freshly Pressed, or have some other spike in success.
[Disclaimer – some of these are not my own, and if it is yours, please let me know. I read so many blogs that I lose track of where I read what. I’d be happy to give you credit.]
1. Some bloggers start to lose their voice (or fear losing it). Before, they were just writing, not really sure if anyone was listening. Or those who were listening were a small, supportive circle. Now, this new fame brought a whole new audience – and with it came this pressure to please this new crowd. As a result, some bloggers struggle with staying true to themselves, their content and their voice.
2. Some bloggers stop writing. They’ve reached their goals; they’ve hit the big one, and now they stop writing, leaving their audience hanging. Maybe they get stage-fright. Maybe life just happens, and they can’t write anymore. But from what I’ve read, it’s not uncommon for bloggers to stop writing once they reach these milestones.
3. Some bloggers realize their fame is short-lived and doesn’t really translate into a bigger reach for the long-term. It spikes for that period when they are ‘Freshly Pressed’ or noticed by the big people. They get a huge amount of traffic, comments, and attention – and then it’s gone. Poof. Sort of what happens in ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’ (aka Triple D).
[Warning: Short tangent coming up. But it ties in. Hang with me.]
My husband and I went to the Catskills a few summers ago and found this little place called ChaCha’s BBQ Hut. It was a hole-in-the-wall behind a gas station, but a local told us they were the best, and she wasn’t lying. The next summer, ChaCha’s moved to a place a little bigger and was getting some good attention. We told them we wanted to recommend them to Triple D.
The owner wasn’t really that thrilled, a surprise to us. He said that (somehow he had the inside scoop) what happens after being featured on Triple D is this: traffic and business go way up. They are popular, trendy, the latest rage. That’s great. But what’s not great is that the new crowds scare off the locals who have been loyal all along. It changes the tone, what originally made it great. That small-town, local, personal touch gets lost with the new crowds.
Then, after the hype dies down, it takes them some work to get back the old faithfuls. In the end, it doesn’t really do any long-term good for their business. Actually, in some cases, it hurts it.
So what does this have to do with blogging? Well, when a blog is ‘Freshly Pressed’ or the equivalent, first, the ‘fame’ is short-lived, and often long-term, loyal readers aren’t really gained; it doesn’t really make a big difference in overall traffic, readership and legitimate followers.
Second, it runs the risk of losing or changing what made it great in the first place. (See #1).
Third, there’s a learning curve to try to retain – or get back – the ‘it’ factor.
Fourth, when a blog goes ‘big,’ it inherently loses its ‘smallness.’ How can you keep up with the comments and reading and relationships with your followers when now they have multiplied exponentially? It’s understandable. And probably impossible.
But sometimes, it’s the ‘smallness’ that allows the blog to be a great thing. Contrary to how we often feel as bloggers, ‘smallness’ isn’t always a bad thing; it might be the thing that makes us great (Not necessarily big, but big doesn’t always equal great – and vice versa).
In a hunt for blog tips when I first started, I came across this advice: ‘Don’t peak too early.’ In other words, don’t try to artificially grow your blog. Let it grow steadily. Slowly. Naturally. That is the growth that will mean something long-term. That advice has stuck with me.
So since we are being honest here…
Do I still want to grow my blog? Yes.
Increase my followers and traffic? Yes.
Be ‘Freshly Pressed’ some day? Yes.
Make some cash? Sure. (Ok. Yes.)
But since we are being honest, what I love best about blogging can’t really come from blog-fame; as a matter of fact, I think (and fear) that what I love best about blogging would be lost if I ever did make it big:
The real-person connections. The community. The interactions and conversations and the relating to each others’ stories. The ‘Oh-my-gosh-me-too!’ moments. Knowing that I’m not really alone in my experiences. Knowing that I maybe have done some little bit of good in this tiny corner of the blogosphere that’s mine. And the good is not always in the post itself; sometimes it’s in the conversations and connections that follow.
I’m not saying you can’t have this if you make it big; some do. I’m just scared that I wouldn’t.
There might be a trade-off.
Is it worth it?
I don’t know.
Everyone has to answer that for himself. And clearly, I’m putting the cart before the horse. But I don’t know if blogging would mean the same to me if I lost what I love about it.
It’s kinda like that small-town cover band that plays in the local bars, working like crazy to make it big. Then, when they do and all the excitement and glitz dies down, they realize they miss the ‘good ole’ days.’
Maybe these really are the good ole’ days. Right now. In Small-Time-Blog, USA.
Be careful what you wish for. (We all know how that story goes).
[Photo Credit: Jonny Goldstein]
{For anyone interested, I wrote a post in October explaining “Why I Blog.”}
I love how you don’t downplay your ego here, like we all try to do. Better we acknowledge it’s there, right? Yes we want “blog fame”. We want to be heard, discovered, appreciated. A good reminder.
Now back to the real work, writing.
I try to play it cool, but truth be told, there’s no way any of us would be investing the time we do if it was ‘just for us.’ And I think for most, it’s not just about fame to be famous – but all the good things that can come from growing your blog – connections, income, being heard, the joy of writing and creating – and yes, being acknowledged and appreciated. But so true …the real work is writing…there’s nothing w/o that! Thanks for coming by and reading, Carly!
i wouldn’t even know where to start on how to get more people to read my blog other than pray. lol! I noticed you had 736 people in your google plus!?!? That’s insane!!!
This is the kind of stuff I research in my ‘free’ time…lots of it comes by way of my sister, who is one of the bloggers who have ‘made’ it…she’s always funneling ideas to me! (Those G+ followers? I did a few link ups w/ SITS, but mostly, I joined this one circle – and somehow, it almost automatically adds followers. But I hardly get any traffic from G+, so those are pretty much empty #s. I much more prefer the old fashioned way – just reading blogs I live, commenting, building friendships…and then it all goes from there! I def. don’t stress about it. It will be what it will be!
that’s right girl! I have always prayed that God would bring the right people to my blog…the ones He wants to read it. There is no point in having over 1000 followers if only 30 are getting something out of it and the others aren’t even taking the time to read them. I heart your blog 🙂 Keep it up girl!!
I liked everything but the Freshly Pressed part. I have zero desire to be Freshly Pressed and it isn’t required to have a successful blog, In fact, I think being FPed hurts you in the long run. -OM
Definitely not required! I’ve read some people who have been FP and followed their follows/page views (where they have it on their page), and it really doesn’t make a huge difference in the long run, as far as traffic, followers, etc. I think it just makes people feel good to have their blog noticed and validated publicly. Your blog is proof that FP is not a requirement for a successful blog. Definitely lots of ways to be successful. And I think all bloggers have their own definitions of what success is for them personally. All about the goals. I just think it’s good to be clear in our own minds why we do it and what we are hoping to gain. Thanks for coming by (I feel honored to have a big-time blogger visit, lol)
lol, I am not a big time blogger but thanks for the smile. I enjoyed the read and great post! -OM
Man, thank you for sharing this. I’ve had times when I started to check my stats and think, “No one is reading because I suck at writing” or “Ohh, look at all these stats today!” I don’t even really understand where that comes from because I never started my blog with the hope to have a lot of readers. I wouldn’t really say that I have a goal other than I do like having the friendships that are formed through this blogging community and I definitely enjoy when people take the time to comment on something I write. I’m not quite sure why I care about the stats other than having validation that I’m writing something of quality that people want to read. This is something I want to be careful to protect my heart from. I have pride issues and I don’t want my blog to become about glorifying myself (that would be hypocritical since my blog tag is “More like Him, less like Me”) so I find this to be a struggle. I’ve noticed that with the more comments I get and people following my blog, the more I check my blog throughout the day, so I can easily see this becoming an idol for me if I’m not careful to remember why I’m blogging. Eek! Thanks for this post 🙂
Thanks for commenting, Amber. I agree. Blogging can take on a life of its own if we let it. I think we all have different goals – and that is totally fine. But I think the common denominator is that we want to know the SOMEONE is reading – even if it is only a few friends we interact with, right?
I feel like my purposes are still evolving a bit… and I think that is okay, too. But it is a fine balance between pride (when we get good views or responses) and keeping a Christ-like attitude and trying to please Him. I find myself in that struggle…sometimes being tempted to write content or in a voice that I think would be fun or funny or that people would like…but I know it’s not really honoring to God or being a good representative of a Christian. I’m not saying I can’t be real…but it’s more than just about me, you know? Ultimately, He gave me the ability to write -and I never want to write something He would frown on, even if others like it. YEs….blogging brings out lots of heart and ego issues! Always got to keep bring them back to God!
Thanks for your response, Amber! So appreciate it! 🙂
I really appreciate you writing this. I write my blog for all the reasons you mentioned. And yes, I’d like to make a little money off of it and I’m coming to the point where I’m not embarrassed about that anymore. Proverbs 31 paints the picture of a woman who uses her passions, skills, and talents to help provide for her family. I think blogging can be a modern version of that. I also see it as a creative outlet. I enjoy the writing process, and I enjoy the technical aspects. I’m even enjoying learning about social media and email marketing. It integrates so many of my interests and passions into one activity! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Why is it so hard to admit that?? That we would like to try to make $? I sort of feel like people will think that I’m prideful and full of myself, that I think my writing is that good where I could make money off of it! It feels awkward, doesn’t it?? But I agree. I definitely think the Prov. 31 woman was industrious with what God gave her!
For me, the main reason I blog is because I love to write – but I can’t deny that part of it is that I want people to read it! And to connect with them! (Otherwise, we would just write in our notebooks and not publish!)
I haven’t gotten to the part where I like the technical aspects…but I love being creative on a medium like this, so I’m sure if I had the time, I would really like it too. My sister self-taught and she is great.
I see great things for your blogging future, Lisa! Blogging really is an incredible ‘invention’…I feel lucky to be able to do it! Thanks for reading! 🙂 (And it feels good to be doing something creative and useful while we wait, espec. in these infertility struggles!)
Ok, clearly I don’t know much about any of this, especially making money! ha! What is the trick? I love the relationships I have build but my #1 passion is to share the Love of Christ and encourage those who are going through a hard time. Honestly, the Lord told me to start this blog, and some days I wish it weren’t the case (hard with a full time job, etc etc). You should do a post about commenting etiquette (I have been following and encouraging other readers for years, commenting on all their posts and they have never commented back). I would love to hear your thoughts on that since you seem to know more about bloggy land then I do 😉
I love your heart and your goal for your blog, Caroline! That totally shines though! I don’t know a lot of details about the $ aspect, but I know you can make $ from having advertising on your blog and from writing sponsored posts for different brands, etc.
But it sounds like you are doing just what God called you to do – and doing it well! So well! I started b/c I knew God was telling me to write. I didn’t know for who, about what – to just write. So, blogging was the most natural fit. It sort of morphed into a fertility blog but hopefully, it won’t be that forever! He hasn’t given me a specific focus, but my broad goal is to always be real about my faith and let it shine through and to never post anything that would be dishonoring to Him (even though it might be ‘trendy’), etc.
I agree with you about commenting. Honestly, I don’t really read consistently any blogs where the writers aren’t commenting and engaging. There area few I really like just for the information they write – but that’s just for info I want and like, not for my blog relationships..If it is just a new blog I found, I won’t stick around if they aren’t commenting back. It’s the connections over time with the PERSON, not just the content that keeps me coming back! Like THIS! 🙂
Thanks for always coming around and for your writing! So glad our paths crossed. You def. have been an encouragement to me! 🙂
What a great post, Kate. This encapsulates so, so much about what other bloggers are thinking and the in’s and out’s of it all. As to your points (and great points):
Of course we want to be read! If that wasn’t the case, we wouldn’t put up a public space for words. We’d write in a journal or keep an digital log. The fact that we take the time to construct a space means that we intend to have others read. Now, like many others, I kept my blog quiet. I did write for me, as a fact. I know because I knew nothing about stats, etc. I just…wrote.
Now, here’s the point you make about building. I eventually started to get out of my shell – actively (but slowly) other like-minded blogs. Easy for me, as I just sought out recovery blogs. That was it, and there were lots. Next was what you talk about – I started to comment. All over. Not because I was actively trying to “build” my blog, but because I enjoyed it (still do!) and I was talking to others in different parts of their recovery..and that helped me in mine. But little did I know that people started to comment back – and then little by slowly I saw that people were reading. I then discovered stats and watched it. Probably too much at one point, because like all bloggers, I started to care. I wanted more eyeballs! And then of course comes the let downs – oh look at so-and-so with awards and numbers, look how few followers I have, etc. I was ready to shut it down because I felt I didn’t “measure up” – ugh.
Eventually I had to let it go. I had to get out of my ego and see that I am still writing for myself, also with the knowledge that people were reading…so what to do? Write for me, or for them? That’s a struggle we all go through too. I might chance losing my voice (as you mentioned). So I had to remain true to my voice…that’s what got people there in the first place, yes?
Now, I *did* get Freshly Pressed (how, I have no idea) and this is what happened: for three days, my numbers got high. Not as high as some people get on a regular day, but certainly they shot up. And then…nothing. That was it. Three days of extra traffic and extra comments to respond to, and that was it. But, I did manage to meet some people (like you, if I am not mistaken?) that did stick around. Not many. And those who followed never really commented again. They moved on to the next FP site (it’s like deadheads following the band)
I didn’t feel that I had to keep up things…because I didn’t write to get FP. I wrote the same way. And still do. I don’t feel I lost anything. I don’t think that my voice disappeared…I hope not. In the end, I just let go. If I get 2 comments on a post, then that is what it is. If I get 20, then that’s what it is. I visit blogs that get a million likes and comments, but frankly, they aren’t deep and responsive like this blog is here. I get more out of this than I do someone with 200 likes and 200 comments. The comments I see here and the ones I truly follow are different – they have more meat to them. And that is now where I find my joy.
I do follow and participate in non-recovery blogs now, and I don’t expect people to read and comment back – I write a recovery blog. Not all can relate or comment on, and that is fine. I comment and read on others because I choose to.
I have been nominated for many awards, but I don’t take them. I don’t feel my blog works with bling on the side. That’s just my personal take. I like what I have learned on the techie side and in how others operate. I like the community and the familiar faces. I like writing. I don’t look at stats as much now, as the numbers are pretty much the same all the time, post or no post. I don’t care about the followers (most of them are fake, any way…robots and spam and all that). Out of 1600 I have, only 200 or so are “real”. So go figure 🙂
Anyway, great post…can keep going on. 🙂
Paul
Thanks for such a thoughtful response, Paul! You bring up so many good points and I love reading how your blog has evolved!
You brought up a good point that I didn’t mention in my post, but it is sort of the subtext…ego. It’s a fine line between wanting to grow your blog for ego reasons and for some of the other reasons I listed. It’s messy…not always easy or clear to distinguish when and where ego is coming in.
But when I’m in these struggles, it comes to the same conclusion you said: the ego has to go. It HAS to be about you as the writer, your voice, what you want to put out there. Some might disagree and say you should think about your readers – and that is true, on some level. But I don’t think we should change ourselves as writers and our blogs just for the sake of audience.
There are times I might shy away from writing a certain post b/c honestly, it’s probably boring for someone else to read all the minutia of my life. So, there – I might consider the reader and not post – but it’s not a big deal. There are other times, I really want to post minutia and I will, b/c it’s me and my blog – and it’s fine if others aren’t into that post. I’m not offended. So, I think it’s a balance too – knowing that it’s for ourselves but we have an audience. Too much ‘just for ourselves’ – and people may not read. (And we have to decide if we care about that.) )Too much ‘writing for others’ – and we could lose ourselves. So, it’s striking a balance. And for me, I def. struggle with self-consciousness at times…so it’s getting comfortable and confident in my own skin to write/say what is authentic to me and just put it out there, whether people read/like/are interested in it or not. And I still am sometimes a little nervous and self-conscious right before I hit the ‘publish’ button. Some times I feel great about what I have written – and then a small response. I have to be OK w/ that b/c I was true to me and felt proud of what I wrote, even if others didn’t really appreciate it.
Yes, I do believe I found your blog through FP. I read a lot more FP blogs in the beginning, but not as much any more. I found that the FP bloggers didn’t really engage much…so, I kind of lost interest. However you and another FP blogger were very good at that, I was interested in the content – so I became a loyal follower. So, the engagement is VERY important, I think. There are some blogs I read b/c I like the content and I’m not interested in the connection. However, when I make a connection, it really is the PERSON that keeps me coming back – whether the content hits me every single time or not.
I’m glad you didn’t lose your voice. From the outside, yes, you have been very consistent since you were FP, and you have always been good about interacting. I think that is what a good blogger should do. I know some big bloggers can’t do that…but if that were me, being the TypeAperson I am, I would feel lots of guilt about not responding and have a hard time not keeping up. It would add stress! lol
Yes, I could go on and on here, too… but sounds like we are on the same page with our ‘Philosophies of Blogging’…thanks for joining in my stream-of-conscious out here and for sharing your comments. These kinds of dialogues keep me motivated and energized to write and blog. Thanks for listening and reading! 🙂
Great post, I am definitely sharing today
Thank you so much, Christa! I’m honored! Truly! Thanks for coming by! 🙂
Love this post, it makes me so sad when I find a blog I really enjoy and then it goes big and it loses its initial charm. Love yours blogs Btw 🙂
Thanks so much for coming by! I know – I get sad when bloggers I like drop off! I’m sure it’s a balance that’s hard to negotiate! Blogging is this ever-evolving process, right? Thanks so much for the visit and sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Kate, good post. You are right about freshly pressed and it not making a big difference in loyal followers in the long run. I was freshly pressed last July, but I feel like the extra followers and comments did not lead to quality interactions later. I think the better part of blogging, as you point out, is the meaningful relationships that we can strike up sometimes on a small blog. That aspect has certainly been the most rewarding for me.
I agree. In the beginning, I did read more of the FP posts (I think that is how I found yours!) – but as time went on, I didn’t really keep up b/c there really wasn’t any interaction. Now, I realize, when someone is FP, it is probably impossible to comment personally to everyone who comments…but, I think if there had been a sincere response, I might have come back to some of those blogs. I feel pretty certain that you did respond back, and here we are (although, I was def. drawn to your story, your faith and would have returned otherwise).
So, I think in all the number-growing and FP…the goal HAS to be a broader reach of meaningful interactions; it really doesn’t matter to me if someone reads my blog once and doesn’t stick around (I get it that it might not be their cup of tea. That’s fine)…but it’s not the page views that really energize me…it’s the connections.
Thanks for coming by, Lindsey. I’m sure you have your hands full (literally and figuratively!) these days, and it means a lot that you took a moment to comment! Looking forward to more of your blog as your routine levels out with sweet little Sam!
What a great response comment! You are the perfect embodiment of what we’re talking about, Kate. You always leave thoughtful comments so that I feel you truly care about what you’re saying, and I even feel like you care about me–though we’ve never met!
I can see by your lists of comments on your posts that you’ve struck up many such meaningful relationships through your blog, and I am inspired! I have a few good blogging relationships like this (probably not as many as your list of comments indicates that you have), and indeed, a comment from one of them can buoy my day! It’s like having another circle of friends. So, yes, if blogging is not used to that end, the blogger is really missing out! I feel bad I don’t keep up with my blogging friends better, but I know they all understand. Again, really great post!
Totally understand! And these blogging relationships are such an interesting phenomenon to me! It is uncanny how you really can feel like you know someone and she is a friend. This really is the best part of blogging…and I truly wonder how a person can keep this up if they go big? As a teacher, when you feel like you spend a lot of time pouring out your heart and life for your students and it feels like ‘pearls before swine,’ it is such a genuinely enjoyable experience to have that mutual relationship from blogging. So glad to have connected with you this way! 🙂
I totally relate to your observation about the thanklessness of teaching. I remember that well from my high school teaching years. My semester teaching college freshmen was a little better, but still, so refreshing to get these rewarding relationships through blogging and otherwise! Glad to have connected with you as well! Keep writing!
🙂
I love your honesty, Kate. I absolutely love blogging (reading others’ and writing my own) and I’ve found that I have to really let the Holy Spirit show me how He wants me to do it. It seems it is all too easy to become prideful and/or concerned with numbers, etc. I don’t want it to be that at all. I enjoy the connections and being able to encourage and help others. It’s so fun!! Worrying about numbers? Not so much. 😉
I agree, Valerie. As a Christian, so important to let God be a part of that. I really have to remind myself of that…to not ‘own’ this or ‘make it mine.’ It is very easy to be prideful or be in it for (subconscious, I think) ego-boosts. Even just spending lots of time on it, when I should be doing other things.
All those benefits you mentioned are the best part…the rest…I def. think there might be some ego in there (for me, at least!) It definitely brings out the best in us -and even some ugly or insecure parts of us. Who knew blogging could be therapy?? lol
Glad to see you back around! 🙂
I’m terrible at self promotion as well because I’m a perfectionist and constantly fraught with self-doubt. The amount of time I spend blogging and learning about how to grow my blog is insane, but I enjoy every minute of it. I’ve found the best way to grow your blog is to help others grow theirs by commenting on their sites and sharing their posts. People appreciate the support and it’s a great way to find other blogs that you enjoy reading.
Oh, perfectionism! I can relate! And I feel like if I self-promote, it could be construed as prideful and conceited…so, I def. feel more comfortable in the background.
I agree with your method. The follows and link ups are good, but only if it leads you to blogs you really connect with and those that connect with your. There’s a lot of ‘trial and error’ to make those connections…but it’s worth it.
I think a big struggle I have is to make sure my interaction is sincere, not just measures that will help me…being genuine with no strings attached. But I think people pick up on that and will feel drawn to you naturally.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, Nicole! This is what it’s all about!
A great article Kate. Like you said, I answered yes to all of the questions…grow my blog, more followers etc. But my encouragement is to keep on letting your light shine through your blog by what you share. Your light shining through will be the force that draws many so that they are inspired, encouraged, motivated and empowered to go out and touch lives elsewhere and to even light someone else’s candle. I feel your love, energy and passion through your blog – continue doing so. These are just some more attributes I discovered since connecting with you that will draw many to you here.
Thanks so much for those encouraging words, Yvonne! As Christians, I truly believe that is part of our responsibility as bloggers -to shine, inspire, motivate, empower. I’ve often wrestled at times with content for my blog…is it b/c I felt like it is catchy or cool – or is it something that I know would be honoring to God? That’s not to say every post is overtly ‘Christian’ – sometimes it’s just me, or just life or an attempt at humor (the snow post) – but I’ve always made it my goal to never write anything I feel would dishonor God – and as much as possible, end the post on ‘up’ note.
The rest is a work in progress.
Thanks for sharing your goals and your perspective! You are certainly achieving your outcomes! Glad we found each other!
Glad we found each other too. I believe there is purpose in the connection which will continue to bring honor and glory unto God. I agree there has to be balance in what we share. God has a sense of humor too and so it is quite in order when that attribute comes out in us. Kate you are on the right track and continue the great work you are doing!
Hi Kate. What a great post. I enjoyed it. I really like how you touched on the whole relationship side of blogging. I think that’s what I’m finding most rewarding. I highly doubt that one day I’ll be Freshly Pressed, and when I started blogging I didn’t even know what that was. I also had no idea that there was such a rich and diverse community of bloggers out there. I have thoroughly enjoyed building relationships and communicating with bloggers on WordPress, and for me, that is much more fulfilling and enriching than stardom.
Thanks Kate and many blessings =)
I agree! This was all new to me when I started to! I love the relational aspect of it…it def. keeps me going. There is so much to blogging that I love! I love the connecting and I love the writing. But I think I’d be a little dishonest if I didn’t care about some of these milestones…like FP or getting a wider reach. I def. am not interested in just inflated #s, and I’ve cut back on my ‘networking’ b/c it was just too much…too many new followers who I couldn’t keep up with…and it was just a comment to one person here, another comment there, but no relationship. What I DO like about all the networking is that it gives me a chance to find more blogs where I actually MIGHT make a connection. I can be a little goal-oriented, too…so, I do want to see where I can improve in blogging. I don’t really have a lot of other hobbies…for me, writing has always been my thing (but I never invested in it). Blogging really affords a way for me to try to get better at my craft. I know it’s not like that for everyone, and that’s fine.
One blogger I read wrote her tips and she said, ‘If you don’t have to blog for $, don’t.’ Which surprised me, b/c I thought lots of bloggers want blogging to lead to that. But I get her point – once it’s about money and viewers and sponsors, you lose some of the freedom to write and do what you want, even if no one reads.
It’s an ever-evolving process for me. I’m just grateful I’ve been able to keep it up for 7 months! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Staci! So glad I ‘happened upon’ your blog! 🙂
Heyyyyy Kate. I hear you about milestones. I was never much of a writer, except for some songs here and there. However, I had a desire to write out different things that were on my heart. Once I started blogging, more and more just happened to come up and I started to write out thoughts in the form of poems or musings. Very interesting to see how blogging is shaping my writing style and, also pushing me in the area of creativity.
Glad we cyber-met too, my friend.
Many Blessings =)
I love your blog, and the honesty of this post. I have no clue how to grow a blog, as mine is tiny. And it’s often discouraging to see how FEW people read it, but it helps to know there are other bloggers who have the same questions, concerns, and frustrations as I sometimes do! But God can use a blog no matter how big or small it is, and whether it’s making money or not! (:
I totally agree! In the end, I think God gets our blogs to the people who need to get it! I definitely have to sift through some ‘ego’ for sure…and really assess why I do this and why I want it to grow. That’s probably another post! lol But I really am of the mindset to do what we can (if that is our goal) and really, let it be God’s. Everything works better that way! As for growing…I’ve tried a few different ways, but I think that last part is really best – don’t peak to early. Just let the blog grow naturally. The more you read/comment/engage – especially with blogs you like and keep coming back to – those bloggers will usually start coming back to yours. Chances are – if there is something in their blog that clicks with you, there’s probably something in yours that clicks with them!
Thanks so much for coming by and reading! Truly means so much! 🙂
Wow. So glad you addressed this flip aide of the ‘must grow blog!’ drive. Thanks for posting your thoughts. It’s thought provoking to say the least.
Thanks so much for coming by! It can feel like a lot of pressure sometimes, right?? The more I get sucked into that, the less I like blogging. I am definitely learning to just let it grow slowly and naturally as I do what I can! Glad I’m not alone in this 🙂 Thanks so much for your comment!
Thanks for the mention, Lindsey! Truly honored to have been linked up in your post!
good post
Thank you! This post is an oldie, but I’m glad it found its way to you!