I’ve written a post called 7 Reasons Why You Should Stop Blogging and read and agreed with Vidya Sury’s 7 Deadly Sins of Blogging. However, when Fabida, who writes at Shocks and Shoes brought this article – 12 Reasons You Should Start A Blog Today – to my notice, I knew at once that I just had to write this post.
I was particularly struck by the following points in the article:
- Make a difference in the lives of others.
-
Document your life in an empowering way.
-
Find your authentic voice.
If you’re a writer, you really don’t need more reasons than these to start a blog.
A while back I shared that my blogging mantra includes actively using social media and networking. However, I’m starting to wonder whether I really want to be such an active networker. I’m increasingly disenchanted with social media and how it insidiously begins to take over our lives. What’s the value in it, I’m wondering? I will continue to be on social media, but have already begun to cut back on the time I spend there.
I’m going Back To Blogging Basics
Now I want to go back to the basics:
- Writing with passion – People tell me anyone can be a blogger and I agree. It’s simple. Yes, software, templates, a good commenting system and great SEO are all important elements – because we want to get ourselves heard. What makes the difference between a blogger and a great blogger is passion. Today I want to remind myself to write with passion about subjects I’m passionate about.
2. Connecting with my readers on my blog. I’m not going to try to take those connections onto other social media platforms – except to find avenues to share the work of others.
As an experiment, I have taken off most of my social media buttons on this blog. I’ve left on some simple sharing buttons.
I never did buy the idea of link dropping, preferring to stick to smaller blogging groups, but I’ve already started to cut back on the groups I am a part of. The decreased social media presence will continue.
What I will do (yes, I know you’ve heard this before ;)) is focus on responding to comments and visiting the blogs of those who comment and those of like-minded bloggers.
I would like you to take a minute to visit Leo Babauta’s website (do come back here after that!). Talk about keeping things simple. I won’t ever get to that stage as far as a template is concerned- because I like color too much, but I love the focus on quality content he has.
3. Publishing consistently – I think that it’s definitely important for regular readers to know more or less when we’re going to be posting. I try to stick to a twice a week schedule. If I’m going to be posting every day (like this month) then I let my readers know in advance. I also need to let them know when I’m taking a break. Once again, it’s about making that connection with your readers.
- Creating quality content – I aim to write stuff that evokes emotion and a response from my readers. My posts may not always be of the feel-good variety, because they will reflect my own questions and doubts, my experiences good or bad, and I try to keep it real. I think the important thing is to make sure my content is relevant and useful too.
I am attempting to keep things simple and will rely on you, dear reader, to keep me honest.
What are the blogging basics as far as you are concerned?
This post is written for the letter B for the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. José and I are undertaking the Challenge on our blog, From 7Eight too.
Thanks for these awesome tips in blogging. As a newbie, they are to the point and exactly what I had in mind, but could not envision when creating and managing my content.
I’ll be trying harder now.
Cindy
Thank you for bring ing up this most valuable point. I was thinking that there are two blogging basics to me. One, is providing relevant content and two, is creating relationships.
Miste Anders-Clemons recently posted..SO WHAT STRESSES OUT THE STRESS STRATEGISTS
Thank you for sharing, Miste! You’re absolutely right about what matters.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Detachment
Thanks for your thoughts on blogging. You are definitely a connected lady! I enjoy your posts and am sure you’ll find that balance you want.
Thank you, Dorothy.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
Oh, I am so guilty of the social media addiction! It’s both a distraction tool and a fun way to connect with other writers.
I’m actually hoping the A-Z Challenge will get me blogging regularly again.
RM Hepler recently posted..C is for…
Yes, it’s truly distracting – I’m planning to ease back. I do hope the challenge gets us all back to our blogs. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
Love your blogging basics.My blogging reflects my thoughts and moods. I love humor and romance along with motivational and inspirational topics but am yet to write on the spiritually uplifting ones. I am at a stage in life where my thoughts are undergoing a transformation and my outlook towards life is changing gradually. Social media is fine as long as it is contained to a limit.
Thanks, Sulekha. Your blog is lovely – a reflection of you, my friend. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Totally agree with you. This isn’t my first blog, but I learned through trial and error over the years that things soon begin to encroach on our lives. I now have two blogs on the go, one I only write to once a month, and thats Bloggers4Peace, and the other, which is the one I’m using now, about my stories and my writing life.
I am only part of two groups, Blog Blitz and the recently joined IWSG, which I’m still finding my footing with.
Basic is always best I find. 🙂
SD Neeve recently posted..C—IS FOR CECIL SNIVERS…
Thank you for sharing. I’m going to learn from your experience.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Cheers to keeping it simple! Consistent writing is something I’d like to do diligently and hope the A-Z is a start! As for social media – it is quite addictive. In fact I have become active only once I started blogging but I have restricted myself only to one or two blogging groups ( you know that! ;)) and connecting with like minded people!
Aditi recently posted..Where Cattleyas couldn’t bloom
You’re so right, Aditi. We’ve got sucked into social media because of our blogs and now at the cost of them, sometimes!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
Sounds like a great plan, Corinne! The social media aspect often does get in the way of actual blogging.
Debbie recently posted..#AtoZChallenge: “B” is for BALBOA PARK
Thanks, Debbie. Social Media is not bad, but I’m finding it taking me away from blogging – the reason I got into it in the first place!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
I believe that I must “write with passion about subjects I’m passionate about.”
In everything, including in blogging, after following the basic rules and etiquette, I believe in doing things the way I think are correct. I sometimes wonder whether I’m being a stubborn mule in thinking and doing so. Reassuring to read this post from you!
Proactive Indian recently posted..Benefit of doubt
You are doing the right thing, Pro. There’s no doubt about it!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
It’s funny because I’ve been thinking about social media recently and read an article in our local paper about a reporter who closed his Twitter account. I enjoy blogging and have met some wonderful people this way.
I don’t find Twitter as bad as Facebook, Shelley. I’ve had a great experience on FB – don’t get me wrong. But I don’t want to use it for my blog any more. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
Wow!! Interesting tips.. I do not know how much of a passion I have .. All I know that, for the first time, I am making time for something religiously after having joined work .. Hope to continue to do so…
Personally I do not like social media. I feel very exhausted with it. It is like I am bombarded with information at such a rate that I cannot take it ..
I love how you are being honest with yourself.. And I visited Leo’s website from here. It is simple, frill free.. I definitely go through his writings..
simple girl recently posted..AtoZchallenge – C for Chop
Thanks, Simple Girl. You’re on the right track with your blog. I love your theme and posts for the Challenge.
Glad you liked, Leo Babauta’s site. His writing is also simple and no-nonsense.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Detachment
I agree, Corinne.
One can have everything, but without the “Passion,” one has NOTHING.
Great points & insights. xx
PS. Social Media is beautiful & horrible at the same time!
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Sun Shines Differently Without You
I know you have loads of passion, Kim and that’s one of the many things I admire about you, my friend.
And agree about Social Media – lovely to connect with old friends, but I don’t want to ‘have to’ do it for my blog.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
Corinne! I couldn’t agree more. I was just having a rant about how I would like to blog without all the distractions that seem to accompany it. It doesn’t help that I am a social media Luddite. 🙂
Your post is a welcome read and very reassuring. Thanks!
Thanks, Monica. You’re a smart girl, you are!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
Great post Corinne, you inspire to write, you know…
one of the most important thing on my blogging basics is keeping the post from being too long.. readers run away seeing those long posts, I have noticed.
Amrit Rukhaiyaar recently posted..Batman [1989]: The real comic book experience
Thank you so much, Amrit.
Yes, long posts do put off some people. However, I’m starting to write to the length I need necessary. Content curation is also important.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
An authentic voice – yes, I completely agree. If you’re not speaking from your heart, what’s the point of speaking? My authentic voice isn’t always “nice” but it’s me.
A good post – reminds me of what’s important in blogging.
Cathy Olliffe-Webster recently posted..B is for Bitching ‘n Blogging
Thanks, Cathy. I agree – nice or not – it’s our voice and we are meant to use!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Passion, yes passion. Being unable to sleep at night and needing to pour out my thoughts is the reason why I started blogging. Networking had never even crossed my mind until this past year. I’m terrible at social media, barely have a presence on facebook, tweet only occasionally, and share rarely on Google+. But blogging? That’s fun. I like that.
Excellent post, and I’m glad you’re getting back to the basics.
Loni Townsend recently posted..A to Z Challenge – B #atozchallenge
I need to learn from you, Loni. Less networking, and more blogging for me too! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Great blogging basics points. I think it does make sense to stick to smaller groups and interact and learn, rather thank just link dropping in bigger groups and not really creating an impact. Loved the quote from Seth 🙂 Thanks!
Kajal recently posted..Brave (2012)
You got it, Kajal! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Encouraging Quotes For Various Situations
Corinne, you hit the nail on the head. (Is that the correct phrase?) There is no shortage of social media, groups, etc that it is easy to forget why we started blogging in the first place. At one point I wrote down all the sharing tools I could use and ended up feeling overwhelmed and scrapped them all and kept the basic ones I enjoyed. Thanks for this post.
Chai a Cup of Life recently posted..A Birthday & Very Addictive Chocolate Mousse!
Oh yes, it’s easy to get sucked into this – and they keep inventing new platforms on which we just ‘have to’ be seen, Amelia!
PS: Hitting the nail on the head – absolutely right! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes on Sunday – 2
Great post. I’m a firm believer that if you’re going to take the time away from your family, friends, pets, spouse, to write, then YOU should be in that writing. It should be meaningful, and reflect who you are!
Thank you, Darla. I love what you said. I’m going to create a picture quote of that. Your writing certainly reflects lovely YOU. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Phenomenal Women Inspiring Change
I wish we could have coffee and talk about how refreshing this is to read. You know, all I read and see is focus more on social media and then when CopyBlogger turned off comments – well the internet exploded and then blogs started to follow suit! I lean right where you do. Social media is great, for those that are about that. BUT, as a writer, we write and want that to always have a sense of intimacy and connection with our readers. Oh please, let’s grab that coffee together!!!!
🙂
Cristina recently posted..B is for Bible
That’s going to be a seriously expensive cup of coffee, Cristina. 😉 Someday, someday!
Yes, I’m still wondering about Copyblogger – I can’t understand that.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Incidentally Corinne, I have resolved to do the same this year. In addition to blogging, I write professionally as well. And I wish to take blogging back to more reading and connecting with bloggers through blogs. Overdose of social media definitely distracts and detracts, and I am already cutting down my time there. Your post comes at the perfect time for me. Quality, honesty and passion were the reasons for the hobby in the first place.
Rachna recently posted..The conundrum of success!
Thanks for sharing, Rachna. Good luck to you with your resolve! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Corinne with you cutting down on social media, a lot of your co-bloggers will miss you
Seems like you didn’t get what I said, Sugandha. I’d rather connect with people on my blog now.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
You are so right. 4 years ago I was a crazed blogger, had a public site that got 1000 hits per day, got a shorty award (twitter) and then I came to the realization it was too much. I enjoy meeting a few quality people, I write for me, I’m doing this A to Z madness with the hope of finding a few potentials for publishing. Simplicity and stay true to you!
Happy A to Zing
moondustwriter recently posted..In the key of B #atozchallenge #photography #poetry
Thank you for sharing. It’s lovely to have someone like you, who has been a successful blogger, agree with what I’m saying.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes on Sunday – 2
Hey Corinne,
I checked Leo’s website, this is the first time I have seen something like that. Thanks. IT was so refreshing. BUt I could not find the comment section.
Ananya Kiran recently posted..KILL – Savitha
Hi Ananya – Glad you liked it. Increasingly some ‘big’ bloggers including Seth Godin and Copyblogger are taking off commenting. Copyblogger has moved the conversation about their posts to Google Plus. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Wow! COming from an expert like you…this is something I’m definitely going to come back to… I’m not a regular blogger but one thing that has kept me coming back is my vision for why I first started it….and that’s to get me into the discipline of writing and making a difference….Great post!
Danny Simon recently posted..B for Builder
I’m hardly an expert, Danny. But I’ll admit to being a constant learner. Yes, it’s important that we keep re-visiting the reason why we started to blog at all.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Thank you for the mention, Corinne!! That article mentioned several valid points, as does this post!! I completely get what you’re saying, sometimes social media even leaves me with a weird feeling of guilt; that of not visiting all the blogs featured. Sometimes all this talk of SEO and networking can be so confusing that it’s good to be reminded of the very basic reason we started to blog.
Fab recently posted..Monthly Goal Update – March 2014
You’re welcome, Fab. Thanks for the link. It really made me think. I like the aspects of social media where one can share inspiring links like you did and have meaningful conversations at times. It’s the link dropping and the pressure that gets to me. I think you’re very balanced about this. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Corinne you are very correct. The focus on social media and writing the basics are entirely different aspects altogether.I prefer to write the basics and leave the frills all together.
usha menon recently posted..Bihu Festival
Great idea, Mrs Menon. Why complicate things? 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
If everyone is sharing then who is writing and if everyone is writing then who is reading?
Social media is intrusive and time consuming.
You have hit it spot on!
Inderpreet Kaur Uppal recently posted..B = BEAUTY or BRAINS
Ha ha..Inderpreet – true, true!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..The Alphabet Is Fine
Thanks for this talk about these basics. Yes, I took up blogging seriously 2-3 months back just out of sheer passion in the path of reinventing myself. These thoughts somewhere echo with my own understandings as well. Thanks again.
Jayanta Tewari recently posted..Bigotry Be Bygone
Glad you liked this, Jayanta. And good luck with your blog.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Very good advice. Thanks!
Lily Leung recently posted..REJUVENATION
Thanks, Lily.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Detachment
Interesting points! I so agree that the whole focus on social media means there’s hardly any time to blog! Now why didn’t I think of keeping things simple myself? 😉
Modern Gypsy recently posted..{B} Travel postcard #1: Brooklyn Bridge
So true. Each time someone creates another platform and we go rushing to join up – just in case miss out on something!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
My blogging basics..ummm…write from your heart. Don’t write to please audience. Read blogs you like even if they don’t read your blog. Don’t make the statement come true, I scratch your back and you scratch mine 😛
Found In Folsom recently posted..B – Boys!!!
And you do write from your heart, Lata. That’s what makes you and your blog special.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
I am pinning Seth Godin quote. I agree, you have to have a purpose and you can use this platform to make a difference in others lives
Candi recently posted..Recipe|Lime Curd
Thanks, Candi. Glad you liked the quote. It struck me too!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Great post! My blog is all about my passion so I can agree on what you wrote about. Thanks for sharing!
Vanessa Terrell recently posted..Perfect Pennants Ampersand
Thanks, Vanessa. Yes, you’re the Queen of stamping, are you not? 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Detachment
Never been much of a social network person, Corry 🙂 Has its advantages and disadvantages. But oh, I’m glad to be writing regularly and happily again. Even commenting often, which I was missing of late.
Leo recently posted..Brick by brick…
Yes, in the end, writing is all that matters, isn’t it, Leo? Glad you’re back at it.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Detachment
Great thoughts. I’m totally in love with blogging. I’ve been on the sphere since 2008, and I’ve seen so many people come and go, but I also have lasting relationships that have been so beneficial–whether from an emotional standpoint or a professional one. I couldn’t have done the publishing thing without my bloggies.
Crystal Collier recently posted..A Dyslexic IWSG and A to Z: B
Seems like we both into blogging in the same year, Crystal. I love blogging too and I’m glad we’ve connected.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
I love this post 🙂 I am totally new to blogging and I can use some basics 😉 Even I had stopped using FB until I joined the a-z group 😀
Glad you found it useful, Swathi.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
I’d gone away from FB for a very long time, till I got into the AtoZ group this year. Till then, my presence on FB and other social media was very less. Now it is mainly for connecting with blogger friends, and for spreading a word about their work 🙂
Lovely point, Corinne. Social Media or not, we are always with you as readers, and we know you’re with us 🙂 Cheers !!
Sreeja Praveen recently posted..# 2. Beauty n Brilliance…..
After the A to Z, I’m seriously cutting back, Sreeja. I’ve already started the process. And I’m so glad we’re connected. ♥
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Just this year I have cut back considerably to the groups I belong to a choice few, and at this time an A-Z group which you and I are both in. I found that I didn’t want to just drop links anymore or stress myself out trying to keep up with it all. Technically, if you take away the A-Z group, I belong to one group on Face Book. The other groups encompass the weekly writing challenges that I always participate in each week. It makes sense for me and is a lot more manageable. ♥
Manageable is a good word, Kathy. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with social media and end up feeling guilty too.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
I just read Vidya’s comment and smiled to myself because as soon as I had read this post I had sent you the same message.
I confess I hated the idea of not blogging the way you have listed, initially. But then somehow the bug bit me, or the idea of defeating ‘them’ at their own game did, I don’t know. Now that I am into it I will agree the charm is intact. I love social media, it is something that finds me hooked on to. Perhaps a few months, years (or say never) I will get bored and move on.
Until then my attempt will be too keep the blogging as a medium preserved while the ways of connecting suited to social media networks as well.
Richa Singh recently posted..Remove all ‘Buts’ from life- #A2Zchallenge
Yes, we did have a great conversation about this, didn’t we, Richa? I remember a third voice in it too! 😉
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Okay, so you know I have a big smile on my face as I am reading this. And you know why.
Hugs. Three cheers for getting back to nature/basics!
Vidya Sury recently posted..Blood Pressure and Living with type 2 diabetes
I know, I know. Yes back to our real lives 😉
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
I agree blogging first and foremost is about writing with passion…and also I agree that being on social media encroaches on our time…I have spent the whole day yesterday on facebook and it’s tiring and at the end of the day I didn’t write a word y’day…yes we should actually come back to basics
nabanita recently posted..B is for feeling Blessed
Facebook is a big time suck, isn’t it, Nabanita. I’m slowly minimizing my activity there.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..The Alphabet Is Fine
I agree, one needs passion for writing to be a great blogger, else the posts would just sound lifeless. Once in a while it’s always advisable to go back to basics 🙂
Rajlakshmi recently posted..Balmoral Beach n Bangalore
Absolutely right, Rajlakshmi.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..The Alphabet Is Fine
There comes a point when things get too complicated and it’s best to return to the basics. It’s time to rethink the basic reason why we started to blog.. for most of us it was/is the love for writing or sharing our feelings and thoughts. In the end that’s what counts – not the pageviews, not the shares and maybe not even the comments, other than the few regular genuine ones.
Precisely, Tulika. Sometimes we forget to be ourselves on our blogs!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Anything Goes On Sunday – 4
Passion..that is the key word… I am trying to get my basics right and keeping it simple. Connecting with my readers and making an identity for my blog is what I want to aim at as of now
Shiva recently posted..Band Baaja Baraat
Thanks, Shiva. And you’re doing a great job with your lovely writing.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..The Alphabet Is Fine
Some time back I wanted to get away from social networking sites…. but now I use that to connect with all my blogger friends and blogs. For that… Thanks to you 🙂
Sheethal recently posted..B is for …
As long as we know how to balance it, Sheethal – too easy to add too many people, right? Then we begin to feel overwhelmed. I’m trying to ease out of a lot of unnecessary adds! 😉
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Love this post! Back to basics always works when things get a bit too much. There is some deep beauty in keeping things simple and authentic. I really value this post from a seasoned blogger like you, because as a relative newcomer to this world of blogging I have a lot to learn. And when the learning such as this resonates with you deeply, it is so much more meaningful.
Beloo Mehra recently posted..B is for Beauty, A Beautiful Education
Thank you, Beloo. I’m glad this resonated with you. Be yourself – works for blogs too!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Very interesting points. I think there can be a big problem with social media when you find that’s all you end up doing. Blogs seem to be where you can see much more of a person than something like Twitter. I’ve recently tried to add some things to my blog that might be useful to others, so hopefully there is more than just me bathering on :).
Tasha recently posted..AtoZ Day 2: B is for Blood, Baobhan sith, Byzantium
Thanks, Tasha. Yes, you’re right! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
I so agree about writing with passion and connecting with readers! Yes, with so many social media options, which can take up a lot of time, keeping it simple is the key!
Shilpa Garg recently posted..B is for Balance
Thanks, Shilpa. Yes, connecting is what it’s all about and with passion!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..April Come She Will #AtoZChallenge
Yay Corinne – my thoughts exactly – blogging is all about writing with passion and interacting on blogs and less about social media. Glad someone thinks like me 😀
Suzy recently posted..Life’s Jigsaw – Blessings
Thanks, Suzy! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?
Did you read my mind this morning? I was just thinking along these lines about blogging and social media and how the latter is taking away a lot of time from blogging itself.
I love the simplicity and elegance of the design on your blog and hope we continue to connect over the blog and elsewhere 🙂
Big fan of Leo and so is my dad 🙂 He literally walks the talk, doesn’t he?
Shailajav recently posted..Believe in the pain- #atozchallenge
Thanks, Shailaja. And I agree about Mr Babauta! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Color Personality?