Another Bloggiesta is here, and I am addicted to this opportunity to make changes and visit other bloggers.
In April, I will have been blogging for seven years, but my first blog was pretty much dormant for the first year. Then I met some other bloggers, and realized that a community enfolded us. And with each new “meet,” I learned that we could help one another.
My first site was on Blogger, but in 2009, I started adding blogs here on Word Press. Sheila, of Book Journey, had a WP site and was helpful in telling me how to do various things on my blog. I got so excited by this new adventure, that I added way too many blogs…mostly on WP. And then combined a few of them. I now have eleven, and ten of them are on WP.
What advice could I give the new bloggers?
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
When I reached out to Sheila, with a question about how to do something on WP, I realized that there is no shame in asking. And in later years, I have been able to pay it forward with other newbies. There is a forever link when we connect and help each other.
FIND CONNECTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY
It begins, perhaps, when you decide to join one of the memes that proliferate on the blogosphere. For me, it was It’s Monday, What Are You Reading, followed by Mailbox Monday. Other memes would join the fold.
By visiting other blogs and commenting, I soon realized that people who comment back might continue to visit, and soon a conversation would flourish. Conversations and communication are the key.
DISCOVER YOUR OWN VOICE
As I read the blogs I visit, I realized that each blogger had a unique style, and imitating others would not work for me. Although I did tend to develop my own style based on what resonated with me in the blogs of others.
My style is conversational, I guess. And I love finding images to illustrate what I am saying.
I like to think I occasionally poke fun at myself, identifying myself as OCD or a little bit quirky. That represents me, personally, and others might recognize that in themselves…or maybe find it amusing. My Potpourri site is primarily my place for quirkiness.
DETACH FROM THE DRAMA
Every now and then I read and see a link to something dramatic that is taking place somewhere on the blogosphere. And it’s not that I am oblivious, but I don’t like to grab onto stories that may or may not be founded in fact. Or situations that may have no relevance to me. So…I detach. It works for me.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT NUMBERS, OR OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPERTISE
Yes, it is good to learn from others, and to discover how to enhance your presence. So that you can maximize your own experience. But not to compete…and let’s face it, when you blog for fun, as I do, it doesn’t do much good to compete with the experts. LOL
AND THAT’S ALL, FOLKS!
Keep it real, keep it true to your own voice, and connect!
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What advice do you have? What makes blogging fun for you?
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CURL UP AND READ 