We bloggers can be a snobbish lot at times. I’m sure, that in the past I’ve acted a little holier-than-thou about not monetizing my blogs or being concerned about the number of readers/followers I have.
Not any more. I have monetized my blogs. The way I see it is what I earn on my blogs goes towards my costs for maintaining them and making them look more professional. And anything I earn beyond that is the icing on the cake.
But the real joy comes from my readership – from the connections I’ve made with some wonderful people around the world via my blogs. The blogging world is a microcosm of the real world and I have met some trolls too, but the beautiful souls totally outnumber these.
Social Media – I see blogging as my profession and do all I can to be successful at it. I use Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and other social media to push my blog.
Responding to comments on my blog – I’m not a perfect blogger – who is? I have a huge problem being consistent with responding to comments – and no, it doesn’t mean I don’t value my readers. I try as much as I can to visit the blogs of those who comment on mine.
Networking – I join networks/blogging groups and try to be as active as I can on them. The best part of the networks is all I learn from other bloggers. And I’m not ashamed to say, I borrow ideas all the time, while acknowledging the people I have picked them up from.
Commenting on other blogs – I am an active member of various blogging groups and there are bloggers whose posts I try not to miss out on and some who I read from time to time. I can’t always keep up, but I try. I blog to express my unique voice and hope be heard and (perhaps) understood. I feel that it’s important that when I visit a blog, I leave a meaningful comment and share that blogger’s links on social media.
If I don’t agree with what the blogger has written, I might leave a polite comment to say so. Disagreeing politely is not a sin. However, when I perceive that a blogger is just be provocative for no reason, I don’t comment. That’s just my personal policy. In the recent past, I’ve stopped reading some blogs for this precise reason.
My mantra: In blogging, as in life, what you give to others comes back to you in large measure.
As I mentioned yesterday, I’m taking part in the NaBloPoMo for December. Today, I’m looking at the more/less of blogging for me in the year ahead.
Less
- Activity on blogging forums. I signed out of two already and am reviewing the third.
- Joining groups and then feeling pressured to read too many blogs
- Facebook action – I’ve already cut back a lot on general updates and getting involved in adding my two pence to some discussions.
- Scattered energies – by signing up for every challenge in sight! 😉
More
- Creativity
- Using my ‘own voice‘
- Writing offline before I post
- Engagement on my blogs by way of answering comments promptly
- Concentration on reading blogs in my networks and sharing links effectively
- Focusing on using my blogs for more social action/awareness
- Writing more fiction on From 7Eight
- Learning and upgrading my skills.
I would love your feedback too, dear readers, on what I can do more or less as far as my blogs are concerned. Thank you.
Today’s prompt for #NaBloPoMo is: Do you think you’re more or less likely to complete December’s NaBloPoMo? Why?
My answer: YES. Because I’m determined to – no matter what! 🙂
What’s your blogging mantra? And what do you see yourself doing more or less of as far as blogging is concerned?
I am in total awe of your post, Corinne. SO in sync with the theme. I lost my post in the process of writing and before I could even think of complaining, the youngest member in the family advised me to refocus my energies and rewrite the post instead. 😀 And I did.
I must revisit your less and more list. Great advice for every blogger!
Thank you! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted..Healthy Eating With Fruits and Vegetables
Great post! You seem to have done some great introspection, and have compelled me to do the same w.r.t blogging! Thanks for posting, and looking forward to more
Nischala recently posted..More or Less?
Like you, Corinne, I’ve cut back quite a bit on reading “everyone” who blogs and, instead, focus on the ones, like yours, which I truly treasure. It’s been wonderful getting yours through e-mail as I don’t make the rounds on Blogplicity daily; it’s more of an every other day activity.
And, I have every faith in you to complete December’s blogs! You are so determined, my friend!
Blessings!
Martha Orlando recently posted..The Battle Rages On . . .
I’m still learning all this blogging lark (a year and a bit into writing one! Eep) so I have to say your advice is brilliant! I too have problems answering comments within a certain timeframe, sometimes it can take me a week to respond – which is very bad of me! So while I’m doing NaBloPoMo I’m going to start improving this too!
Loki-Lou recently posted..BlogHer NaBloPoMo – I don’t like Mondays
My blogging and habits have begun to evolve. I feel as if I am in transition now. For that reason I have decided to not commit to everyday blogging this month. Instead of writing whatever pops into my head I plan to concentrate more on story writing , prompts, and haiku. Maybe even throw some artwork in here and there. Whatever I put up, it will have been done with some thought behind it I think. Maybe I am growing more serious in my old age. I am certain you will succeed in your goal Corinne! ♥
Kathy recently posted..Rainbow Haiku
It’s good to see that your vacation has brought you back with more energy, gusto and a new plan of action. Looking forward to all your posts in December.
Jairam Mohan recently posted..Poisonous Morons
Why only bloggers, all humans can be snobbish holier-than-thou at times. Just because I do something for a particular reason doesn’t mean the rest of the world has to do the same thing for the same reason.
Well-compiled list.
Proactive Indian recently posted..If it’s not big and fat, is it not a wedding?
I loved your lists. I have to start sharing more, somehow this is not becoming a habit how much ever I try. Must try harder this month. Very true about too many groups. Last month I did linkups everyday, and I had a tough time reading and commenting on linkup posts and NaBloPoMo posts and Facebook posts. This month I don’t think I have time to be creative. So it is going to be more or less free write every single day. Anything too much can lead to it getting boring finally. So keeping it simple this month. 🙂
Jyothi Nair recently posted..Will I finish?
Welcome back!
I could say ‘m still learning about the blogging world each day… but the companionship is just awesome. All the best for the month! 🙂 Keep rocking as always 😉
Sheethal recently posted..Will you…?
This post of yours has given me a lot to think and ponder on with regard to my blog! I need to review my blogging pattern, style. My blogging mantra is ie Read, Write, Learn and Connect! Wishing you all the best for your blogging goals!
Shilpa Garg recently posted..Be The Change
Totally in sync with what you just wrote… simply brilliant. And all the best for NabloPoMo… thats a toughie 🙂
Roshan recently posted..Year 9 – There’ll be peace when you are done.
Corinne, looks like the break has worked wonders for you. Love this post. As a blogger, it does get overwhelming and you get sucked into so many groups and before you know it, you haven’t written a single word but spent the day visiting other blogs or reading stuff that has no outcome. Thanks for the list, I need to do some refocusing of my own I think.
Shefali recently posted..Happy Giving Thanks Day
I blog because I love blogging – because I love learning through blogging. Blogging is still a hobby for me, but I am more serious about it now.
NaBlaPoMo sounds interesting. Too bad I can’t join right now (could have done it if it was next month). I am still setting up my new blog 😀
More – well, I will definitely be spending more time with my blog.
Less – commenting and social media. I have to cut back on commenting and social media until I launch the new blog. But, I don’t see it happening (I mean, cutting back, not launching the new blog). I have added an extra hour to my working hours, this should come in handy to finish all the work.
As for a mantra, I don’t really have one. I do love blogging and experimenting with various aspects of life (same thing with my life). Perhaps that is my mantra?
To experiment and see what works better (and best?).
My blogging mantra: Educate, entertain, empower!
Tia Sparkles recently posted..3 Ways to Take Care of your Heart this Holiday Season
Corinne ! nice to read your blog, I love the way you focus on what matters most to you in life, I am blogging without any mantra – meaning to say, that I write only when I want to, as manging full time work & home takes a lot more of my time.
I enjoy my work with the students. Right now I am focussing on my exams, and I would like to keep blogging with gratitude, and hopefully find myself. Thanks for sharing ! You are always inspiring and motivating, its a pleasure to read your blog. hugs to you !
G Angela recently posted..A Note Of Thanks to My Students !
Great nuggets of wisdom, Corinne!
yea.. I agree when you say – “In blogging, as in life, what you give to others comes back to you in large measure.”
I love commenting and reading and ofcourse receiving comments on my blog. The thrill of reading that very first comment on a blog post is yet to come down!! 🙂
Pixie recently posted..The boy: wednesday Prompt – Part 4 of Ankitha’s story
I read all your blog posts but don’t always post comments.
After reading this post,may be I should relook at my blog all,over again
Hi Corinne
I have also found out that I cannot do it all. It is far too time consuming. I would rather focus on what I can do without feeling stressed. I am giving up 3 more blogs when they come due for renewal in the new year. So all I will have is my one site. Will try to connect where I can, but not going to stress over when I can’t.
I am going to continue with what interests me in higher education and not set such lofty goals that I cannot keep. I will do one month at a time and if things in the month put me on a different path, I will follow. I enjoy the writing and may be there is a bigger purpose for this journey, some days I feel that I am getting a glimpse of what it might be.
I like to believe this can’t all be for nothing and so I continue you to look forward to the next chapter of my life!
Mary
Mary Stephenson recently posted..To Those Who Have Influenced Me
Corinne,
I have NO idea how many people read my blog. I’ve never looked. Is that weird?
If one’s motive is to please others, the writing will be dishonest & insincere.
I write to release, empower, educate, and breathe.
Great tips! X
My Inner Chick recently posted..1315 Days