Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments on my recent long, self-pitying post. You gave me lots of reasons to smile but also lots more to think about and I thought I’d share my ponderings in this follow-up post; so many of you seemed to identify with my feelings I thought you might relate to this too. As always, I’d be interested to know what you think!
Who am I blogging for?
In the responses to my last post, you implored me to write my blog for me. It’s excellent advice (and I’ve often dished it out myself). Thank you for reminding me that I started blogging simply because I love to write.
Does blogging make me happy?
To be honest, not all of the time: while some days are fantastic others feel like a lot of work. But I can chose to write (or not to write) whenever I want, and not only do the good days outnumber the bad, they’re usually so good that they make any stresses and frustrations worth it!
What is it about blogging that doesn’t make me happy?
When I was chatting with another blogger at a press day recently, they asked me what I think of the blogging community and it’s reputation for bitchiness. It threw me but I really appreciated the honesty of the question and the opportunity to think and talk about it (though of course it makes me sad that this topic even has to come up).
I’ve never encountered any nasty bloggers but the blogging world can be cliquey and I see lots of of thinly-veiled sniping on Twitter. Of particular annoyance to me, there’s a minority who like to call themselves “opinionated” when what they really mean is that they’re a tactless drama llama who relishes starting pointless arguments. You know what I think? If you can’t say something nice you shouldn’t say anything at all – or at least not without putting serious consideration into what you say and how you say it.
What do I actually want to gain from blogging?
When I started blogging I expected absolutely nothing from it. I’d recently been made redundant and had lots of time on my hands that I wanted to use productively – I read lots of blogs so starting my own was the obvious solution. I never really expected anyone to read it, never mind that it would lead to me meeting George Clooney (probably the most ridiculous thing that’s ever happened to me, though it’s brought other amazing opportunities my way too)!
If I continue to be invited to press events, sent samples, and asked to take part in blogger challenges, then that’s truly wonderful. If not, that’s fine too.
Ultimately, do I want to continue to write this blog?
As dramatic as it sounds, blogging has enriched my life and introduced me to some really lovely people.
I’ve just taken some much-needed time off (my sister and her boyfriend came to stay for a few days so I’ve been playing tour guide and catching up) and I realised I missed emptying my head on my little space of the internet. So, in summary, I will continue to write this blog. But only if it continues to make me happy.
Pingback: LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP - IFB - Independent Fashion Bloggers
Pingback: Links a la Mode: The IFB Weekly Round Up
Pingback: LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP | Crisis in Denim
Pingback: » {the blogger’s box} Summer vs. Winter TheFashioniStyle