As I stood at the crossroads of deciding to bite the bullet and set up a blog – or not – I wondered if every blogger has struggled too? Or was it a sparkling success they’ve dreamed of when they finally got going?
Or did they find it best to follow how someone else’s blogging pad looks – and buy into the hype of how ‘easy’ it is supposed to be? All they had to do was just land there and sparkle and glimmer?
It’s my blog party and I’ll cry if I want to…
I can honestly say learning how to blog in WordPress (with a purchased Theme) isn’t a 10-minute deal. But how much time does it take is hard to quantify. Maybe 10-minutes was an easier time slot to use for the gimmick post? Plus it is pretty easy to get click bites in that blog post title!
The sparkle factor comes much later than a blogger’s first blog post. Trust me.
Nope, setting up a blog isn’t a 10-minute deal. Period.
And I don’t buy it when someone says that it is (well, I did, and I renewed it again…and will probably renew again soon, that reminds me I better do that before I forget). I can’t imagine anyone doing this blogging thing fast, especially taking the learning-as-I-grow route.
When people post they set their blogs up quickly, I just want to chuckle out loud (or snort and spit out my coffee, beer, or whatever beverage I’m sipping). How rude and not supportive of me as a fellow blogger. (But seriously, I lived through a couple of years of learning how to blog on this WordPress platform, and I still haven’t figured it all out yet).
Blogging takes quite a bit of time on a regular basis. You can’t pop in and then disappear expecting to be a splashing success!
Just getting into the groove and the routine of it, let alone discovering all the nuances available in WordPress takes plenty of time. Blogging isn’t for the “give me quick results” type of person (since I’m still here trying, guess I’m not that type of person).
Taking a big bite into the world of blogging may be easy if you follow someone stronger and who’s figured out how to climb the mountain.
For the type of person who wants to keep on taking small bites at a time, nibbling as you go, trying different things and being persistent while you’re at it, blogging could be for you.
Especially if you’re starting out not really knowing where you want to go (yeah…I kinda did that, a couple of times – so, I’m that type of person). But pay attention to those who get it. You’ll learn a lot from them. I’ve learned a lot from Dan over at NoFacilities.com. I adore his advice to remember to “Have FUN!” And that it is okay to take a day off too!
I’ll leave you with my two biggest discoveries (so far):
Discovery #1 – Figure out ping-backs and the importance of reaching out to other bloggers.
It only took me a whole year to figure that out! (Maybe I shouldn’t admit that…?).
I stumbled upon a setting in WordPress that magically made my ping-backs work. Of course, up until that time, I didn’t even know they existed. I was operating a one-way blog for a really long time.
Oh, and spam comments will happen. Don’t fret too much, just monitor your inbox/comments. Or make fun of it, like River Girl did. Dan shared her post too, thanks, Dan. It’s a hoot.
A comment left waiting for moderation tends to slow blogger interaction on your site. Been there, done that. Don’t inadvertently block those who want to comment and tell you they like what they read.
I’ve found one-way blogging is lonely, discouraging, and frankly, a tad bit unmotivating. No matter how bright I felt I was against the backdrop of the blogosphere, I was just plain old lonely.
As a fellow introvert (yeah, a lot of bloggers admit to being that type of person) it is disappointing when you’re the only one reading the blog posts you’ve spent hours preparing.
Bloggers do want to make a difference – to someone. We feel like we’ve missed the boat when we’re trying to find that someone out there to make a difference for.
Bloggers first need to make a difference in their own lives and find ways to reach out to other bloggers to encourage them. Don’t try to look just like someone else, be unique but feel free to compliment them on their efforts!
Discovery #2 – I finally discovered why I want to blog.
It is important for me and for my brain to keep learning new things. Even though this has been a long process, once I discovered I love to learn how to do it better, and better, and better each day, it makes it so much easier to persevere.
With each sunset, I always end with the hope that something I posted will make a difference to a reader, too.
While I’m on a roll, (LOL) here are some additional take-away morsels about blogging for you to nibble upon – don’t forget to cheer your own efforts while you’re at it!
- Setting up a blog takes more than 10 minutes – (trust me, I’m living proof)
- Persistence and perseverance are required – (if you don’t have those tendencies – try a journal book and your favorite pen for a while to get into a groove of writing for yourself before branching out into cyberspace)
- Patience is absolutely necessary – (if you’re impatient, figure out ping-backs early in the process, reach out to other bloggers – comment on their blogs to encourage them – that way you won’t feel so alone!)
- Join in on blogging challenges – once you figure out ping-backs first! My post today is linked up with Frank’s blog Dutch Goes the Photo – Tuesday Photography Challenge – Radiant
- Blog first and foremost for yourself. If you find you like to re-read what you wrote, there will be someone out there that will like your post and comment on it (doing so you will always make a difference in your own life).
Oh, and ask for help, or share what you’ve learned about blogging in a post. Speaking of that, if you’ve got great nuggets for me to discover, please share in comments, I’d adore learning from you!
PS – Which photo do you think works best for radiant? Are you enjoying your week? Has the sun been shining for you? Hope you’re enjoying the week so far!
As for pictures, it’s hard to beat that sunset over the ocean. As for learning over time, it’s a long journey, and it changes as your expectations change. I moved from having two technical blog that felt like work to a personal blog aimed at pleasing me first, but where I hope I can please others. I’m still learning. Then add in the seemingly daily battles with WordPress, and you have the makings of a real challenge some days. Keep moving, Shelley, your blog is a fun/interesting place to visit.
Thank you, Dan – I appreciate your feedback and your tips on how to keep on with efforts of blogging. Dang WP battles can’t beat us, right!?! I enjoy visiting your blog as well. Thank you for all you share both in your posts and your comments on fellow blogger’s blogs!
Whoever came up with the 10 minutes to set up a blog is operating on double time…at least. Ha! I am still learning too. It is a challenge to keep going sometimes, I agree. I am impressed with how professional your blog is. The setup and video, etc. All of your photos fit the radiant theme, but my favorite is the first one 🙂
LOL – glad to read you agree on the time commitment involved in blogging. I do like the learning part of it all, the challenges some days, though…I tell ya…it can be frustrating. But then when I figure something out, it is great! I appreciate your compliments and your comment sharing and I enjoy visiting your blog, too. I love your sense of humor and that you get the whole empty nesting stage in life. Thank you for being there as a blogger friend!
I’d also suggest to new bloggers that they seek out blogs outside their “niche” if they have one. I’m not a photographer (oh so obvious) and so I seek out photographer (like you, Shelley) and other artists’ blogs to follow. I also like to follow travel blogs, since I’m mostly a homebody (i.e. tied to my desk where I work!). It’s a good way to branch out!
Those are excellent tips, Rebecca. Thank you for sharing! I’m not a professional writer like you, but I follow you so I can see how you navigate the world of being a writer. I love how you connect with other bloggers – you have a gift of being able to find something beautiful and encouraging to say to each one. Thank you for not just sticking to your ‘niche’! And for never correcting any of my crazy grammatical bloopers! 🙂
Thank you! You’re a great writer, Shelley–and always have the right thing to say to go with your images. I’m glad we’re here to cheer each other on. Have a great day!
Aw, thanks 🙂 and YES – I’m so glad we’re here to cheer each other on!!! 🙂
I remember when I first started, I had no clue…Oh, still don’t…but I am having fun chatting with people and enjoying photos all over the world. I even found out the Dan Antion and I were at the same college at the same time – Who knew! – Fun stuff. I have no issues with WordPress because I stayed with the basic beginner stuff. Bell and whistles always break. Loved your pictures and always enjoy your insight and fun blog. Oh, and yea me—I hit 200 followers this morning. How did that happen..LOL Have a great day.
Aw, Anita, congratulations on finding the most fun part of blogging – the reaching out, meeting others, and seeing the world from the comforts of home. WOW – that’s awesome that you and Dan discovered that connection. That’s amazing! Congratulations on hitting 200 followers!!! 🙂 I can say, “I remember when Anita just got started!” I’m so happy for you – hope you have a great day too!
All these photographs are yours? My God…they’re beautiful and I’m impressed! The first shot is stunning.
But for radiant, I’m going with that gorgeous water droplets on grass shot. It sparkles.
Now, blogging.
It means different things to different people. I’ve been at it a loooong time and have outlived many different sites. WordPress has some fantastic, well written, professional blogs that I enjoy following. It also has quirky fringe dwellers like me who just want to share their world and connect.
As far as I’m concerned… if you’re enjoying yourself? You’re doing it correctly.
I’ve never been concerned with numbers or stats or amounts of followers. I don’t need to keep up with the Joneses. In the year that I’ve been here, I’ve found a cozy group of regulars with the same off beat sense of humor as me. They welcomed me in and made me feel at home.
For me? That’s enough.
Aw, thank you – yes, they are my photographs. 🙂 I appreciate your words of encouragement!
Your blogging advice is brilliant – I wish I would’ve known that before I started. And now, after a few years under my belt, I’m finding myself in agreement with your sentiments.
I’m so glad Dan shared your blog link – your quirkiness has quickly grown on me! 😉
Thanks.
I do tend to grow on people.
Rather like mold…
LOL – mold has nice color schemes, so hey, go with what works 🙂
I lived a lonely blogger’s life too, the first 4 1/2 years of blogging – I had one reader the first year, two readers in year two – a few people subscribed via e-mail, but never commented. It was not a 10-minute set-up for me either Shelley. It was an entire Saturday on a snow February day when I set up my blog site and did my first very long post about entering the blogosphere. I am still learning something every day – it is good to use our brains – you are absolutely correct about that as well. I like all the pics – the splashing water caught my eye, but as for radiance – the seashell wins hands down for me.
Yes, the lonely beginning is rough. Those who persevere reap the benefits. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your photo vote! 🙂 Happy blogging to you!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. I agree with your second point. KNowing what you want to say with your blog and what direction you watn to take is so important.
And anyone who thinks have blog success or a large following can happen quickly, well, they are in for a rude awakening.,
Thank you, Drew, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. I still remember back to when I discovered your blog, and smiled at your follower #’s that well exceeded my #’s. You did well in finding a way to not appear lonely ;-). Your kindness and encouraging way you respond to comments is one of the things (besides the great poems/posts) that keeps ME and other people coming back to read your blog. PS – I’m glad your eye sight is better 🙂