Deep Thoughts by a New Blogger
I am relatively new to the blogging world. I find it a strange thing to “meet” others and share deep thoughts with people you’ve never met. And yet, this blogging thing is completely addictive. So much so that I’ve decided I need to only blog when my child is sleeping. Otherwise, I will feel guilty the rest of my life for not being a very attentive mom. Not sure God would give me much leeway on that one. (“But Lord, I was blogging!”)
The really challenging part so far in the 12 days that I have been blogging is finding my own voice. I read very witty and funny bloggers, like Kat and BooMama who make me laugh out loud. It makes me want to be witty and funny myself. It makes me want to write about topics that will be entertaining to others. It makes me want to be profoundly amusing to my audience. But I have found that I’m really not that type of writer.
The fact is, I’m not sure what kind of writer I am.
I think the real problem with this beginning blogger, and perhaps others like myself, is that I am striving to be something I’m not. I’m trying to be someone other than just myself. Not that I can’t be funny or entertaining. That’s not the point. I am learning that I just need to be my true self.
It’s interesting, isn’t it, how real-life issues manifest themselves in something as simple as a blog. If we were really honest, many of us struggle with the desire to be someone who we think will be accepted and approved by others, rather than just being ourselves. It stems from an insecure place in our hearts that only God Himself can heal. God, continue to heal me!
On a moment to moment basis, I don’t consider myself to be profound all the time. But this blog is a good place to think my deep thoughts. So if this is your first time reading my blog, I hope you’re not scared away. Come back and think deep thoughts with me!
And while you’re here, feel free to leave any tips you might have for a new blogger!
- And the winner is… « Milk in the Closet pingbacked on 1 year, 9 months ago
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I’m very excited about reading your blog. Now when we have lunch together we won’t need to talk. We can just eat. Because we’ll already know all of each other’s deep thoughts.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThanks for reading, Kat. It means a lot to me! You started all this, you know!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoM.C.
I love this entry because it’s so true. Constantly the temptation exists to try to please. I wrote about this once too, I already struggle with pleasing others and blogging is a completely optional activity why would I put myself into the battle of my life willingly? Yet, I do check traffic. And try to figure out what appeals to others. Part of it is wondering if I’m connecting to anyone out there and if my thoughts and struggles are mine alone….
Anyway, thanks for these thoughts!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice to you is to write about what is important to you, and when its convenient to do it. There are people out there that have similar thoughts, and those are the ones you want to connect.
But then again, bklog for yourself, as a way to let out feelings and frustrations. If you meet bloggers/readers along the way, its a bonus!
Good luck, and come see my giveaways too!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI have been blogging for about a year and half and I go through spurts of posting every day to sometimes once in two weeks. I don’t let it rule my life but I so enjoy reading everyone else’s blogs! When I discovered Bloglines I thought it was great. If you don’t use that to read your blogs I highly recommend it!
I have two giveaways going on so come by and visit!
http://wilson-six.blogspot.com/2008/01/bloggy-giveaway.html
http://jdesigns-momof4.blogspot.com/
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWell, I don’t have a blog, but my 10-yr-old daughter does. The best tip (at least the one she has enjoyed most) has been to go to sitemeter.com and sign up there. It’s a very neat tool – lets you see the locations of everyone who visits your blog.
You have a nice blog and a great giveaway!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWell, obvious as it may be…doing a giveaway is a fun way to drum up some traffic. I love me some Starbucks!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWhat a great entry!!! For me… I tend to have an addictive personality. Soooooooooooo… I really have to moniter my computer time. I generally limit myself to the wee morning hour, before the house arises.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoYou shared your heart clearly and transparently here (two different things
). That’s effective in blogging to me. You’re so right, trying to “sound” like others isn’t the way to go.
Read others, yes; be influenced and challenged by their style and content, but in the end, be yourself. If you want to stay in it for the long haul, you have to!
I love playing games on my blog in the form of carnivals; it’s a rush when someone writes poetry (when it’s outside their comfort zone) or displays their vivid imagination with the ones I host. Paying it forward in some way, shape or form is helpful (generous linking to other sites you’ve read, especially ones that don’t have as large an audience
).
Lovely way to host your prize, by the way…can’t wait to see you evolve as a blogger!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy tip is to just be yourself. Find a voice for your blog and stick with it. I am writing my blog for my husband. He is in Iraq and it is a way to keep him updated on life at home.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoYou know your audience better than anyone, so use that to your advantage!
Thanks for this great giveaway and I love how you were so unique with having us find this post! The only advice I can offer is to watch you comments, you can get spammers leaving comments. I ended up making my commenter’s leave a verification. (I use blogger, so I am not sure how you do this in wordpress)
Be sure to check out my giveaway on my blog!
e-mail …
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agosis0321[at]hotmail[dot]
blog … http://my3wisemans.blogspot.com
Blog often. But don’t let it take over your life! (Oh, and have fun!)
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy best advice is actually two things instead of one. First, don’t pre-plan a post, just sit down and write, until you figure out “who” you are. Most of my best posts, come when I sit down and just start typing whatever comes in my head.
Second, if you want comments, readers, that sort of thing, read other blogs, and leave a comment. I’ve never met a blogger who can resist clicking on the link of someone who has just left a comment on their blog. lol.
And joining in the giveaway carnival is a good way to attract readers too!
What a great giveaway! Please enter me, arogers(at)gmail(dot)com.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI respond to all my coments personally with an email (Except for this giveaway, where people are just saying enter me). Doing this has continued some conversations and has really let me get to know people who may have just stopped by. I have met some wonderful people this way.
Good luck
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’ve found it amazing how spiritually connecting it can be. Sometimes you need to blog and comment as the Lord leads. I’ve become selective with some of my commenting. You don’t need to always respond to someone’s post or comment. Welcome to blogging :0)
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI think it really is finding your blog voice and you may even look back a year or two from now and realize it’s changed. Just be real and be yourself. Write about things that are interesting and relevant to you. But most of all have fun!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice is definately right for yourself, about stuff you know and love. Whether you are a good writer or not, your passions will show in your entries. Oh, and I like to post photos to go along with my entries, just because visuals are nice.
Have fun with it! Oh and I love the Facts of Life too! 
Thanks for the givaway!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThanks for the giveaway! Welcome to the world of blogging. My advice is to not become too involved with your blog buddies and forget to nourish your local friends. I sometimes feel more connected with some of my blog friends but realize some of it is just because it is easier…
Good luck!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI don’t have much advice since, I’m new to blogging too. I have a private blog for only my husband to read so he can see pictures/videos and get updates on our daughter when he is traveling. I do know what you mean by spending too much time blogging. I could easily spend all day reading blogs. I have to limit myself to a certain few that I check everyday or I’d never get anything done. Thanks for entering me, I love starbucks!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m certainly not the one to give blogging advise, but you first have to pick your audience – is it your long distance family, your customers, old friends, new internet friends, a special group? Then most of your posts should be relevant to that audience. I say that and I don’t do any of it. Which is why my blog is a rambling mish-mash of posts. Having a good starbucks might clear my head long enough to answer my own question! Thanks!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy blogging tips are always leave comments at blogs that you read and reply to comments that you receive.
You already know that the best bloggy advice is just be yourself!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI am a blog reader but haven’t set up a blog yet. So, I am very interested to see what the bloggers share as advice! As a blog reader, I would suggest to bookmark all the blogs of interest and check them daily. Also, check out the blogs that they are linked to as well. Post comments so that they know what your thoughts are!
Thanks!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoHello! Welcome to the world of Blogging! I’m Ann, I have 4 boys and live in OH. Feel free to stop by my blog! I’ve been blogging for years!! My advice is to just be yourself! Something that means something to you would be something that might mean something to your readers. Post from your heart! Now, that being said, I’m not the greatest at blogging myself! I usually don’t post too often, but I’m trying!! I’m actually on my 4th blog place (I’ve used many different places)…just trying to find the best “fit” for me!
Oh..and I added you to my blogroll! I’m always up for adding new friends!!!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advise is to post photos every once in a while. It makes your blog more interesting visually and can entice people to stay and read what you’ve written. Thanks for the great giveaway!!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advise to you is to just be you. Don’t try to conform your blog to something else that someone has put out or written! On my blog I post things about money – how we’re saving, earning, etc. I also add tidbits from my day. It’s just a fun way for me to write somethings down for prosperity
Hehe. Anyways, I would just recommend you have fun and don’t get bogged down by bloggers who are so much more experienced! Thanks for the giveaway 
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThanks again for the chance at this fun contest. I must say I don’t have much advice for a new blogger since I don’t have a blog. I have been doing plenty of research (aka reading other people’s blogs) and am enjoying reading about the lives, seeing the talents that God has given people and am wanting to start my own blog soon. I think the first thing is come up with a name but you’ve already done that
Just being you can inspire others.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI hope I read all the rules correctly…
My advice to a new blogger is to keep on top of the comments you get, and make sure to delete all the spam ones you’re likely to receive. Stupid spambots!
Thanks so much for the giveaway, and please enter me!
Thanks a ton!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoUnfortunately, I don’t have any advice for you as I haven’t started a blog yet. I started to, but never followed through any further. Part of me is shy and worried about what others would think or think I am boring, etc. I hear what you are saying! Maybe you have a hobby or a craft that you love and you can put pictures of that up on your blog with instructions, etc. to share with people! Go to message boards that are centered around that hobby/craft and put a link to your blog! I bet that would help generate some traffic as well as meeting new friends that share your same interests!
Do you like coffee and going to Starbucks? I know I do and can’t function in the morning without coffee! Not a pretty sight if I don’t have some, so watch out! LOL! Thanks so much for doing this giveaway for the gift card and good luck with your blogging! One day I will join you all!
ahiltzy@yahoo.com
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy tip for blogging? Be honest, be funny, be dull, be outrageous, be calm…be YOU…it’s YOUR blog. This blogging thing is kind of like keeping an “open diary”, where you can vent, you can cheer, you can ask advice, you can give advice, you can do anything and everything you want to. (But always keep in mind that by blogging about your life, you are making your life “public”.) Oh and don’t forget to save some of your posts on paper (or disc, although I haven’t figured out how to do THAT yet. lol). It’ll be something cool for your kids and/or grandkids to read one day.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoAnd yay Starbucks! Sign me up!
Welcome to blogging!
Kari
bloglines.com is a great way to read a bunch of blogs at once.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoTip for new bloggers: If you want to get more traffic make sure you comment on other blogs, keep a blogroll and participate in blog carnivals (you already have the last one down).
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI am too scared to blog – so I think it is great that you are blogging and trying to find your own voice! Congratulations
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoIt’s funny. I’ve been doing a blog about my kids for the past couple of years, and that one come very naturally. It’s only for friends and family though, and I never really think about what I’m going to write. Then, I just started a new blog, open to eveyone, where I want to be able to talk about anything, and I too am struggling to find my voice. I’ve had people tell me my kid’s blog is funny, but that just doesn’t come naturally on the other blog yet. Hopefully I too will find my voice on the new blog, and if I do, I’ll let you know how I did it. Thanks for the giveaway.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice is to post pictures! People love pictures.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoi agree with sharing pictures often. also don’t limit yourself to just 1 post a day or week. as soon as you feel the need to wrte post it this way you dont end up frgetting
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI am what I think some people call a “Mommy Blogger”! I am not a great writer and not all that funny, but I write about what is important to me. Some of my readers have stuck around and some have not! But, the ones who have are some of my best friends. I never thought I would say that, but they are! Each checks in when my kids are sick. They email when I am going through something tough to make sure I am okay. Some even mail me goodies for myself and the kids. I love my blogging family:)
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoJust be yourself. Write about You. Your Life. Your Frustrations. Have fun with it!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWelcome to the world of blogging. My advice would be to give yourself some time to find your niche as far as who your target audience will be, what types of carnivals you might want to take part in (like Works for Me Wednesday or Kitchen Tip Tuesday, depending upon your interests), and what types of things you feel comfortable writing about and sharing. Pictures help make a blog more interesting and break up the writing, as does posting a variety of short, medium, and long pieces.
I would love to be entered in your drawing.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThis is exactly how I have been feeling! I love your blog so far… don’t try to change who you are or immitate other blogs. Just use this as a sounding board or journal. Pretend you are talking to your bff. People that you want to be friends with will enjoy it and come back. People who don’t enjoy it you prolly wouldnt want to be friends with anyway! I will be back! LOL
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoFirst, I have to say, I loved your post about the State of the Union! I agree with it all except the clapping … we really just need to nix that altogether, shorten the program and get back to regular TV.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice: keep writing exactly as you are. You have a distinct style already and it’s really enjoyable to read. I think I can see a glimpse of who you are in the things you say, and that’s always fun. People like to read real life! Thanks for hosting the Starbucks giveaway!
Hey! I added you to my links on my blog. Come check it out and enter my contest too!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI think the funnest thing about blogging is that realizing you’ll now have a journal for yourself. It’s really fun to read old entries or dates where something significant has happened and to look back and think, wow, I can’t believe how long ago that was and look where we are now.
Good luck on your new blog! I’ve been at it for a little over a year now.
Enter me!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoFirst in answer to your question about choosing a winner…you can go to random.org and use their number generator to pick a true “random winner”.
Advice for blogging: Try to blog everyday. Blogs that I visit daily post fresh new material regularly (some take weekends off but I find that I have more time to blog on weekends).
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI am a new blogger as well – my advice – if you find it interesting, then write about it – you will always find a few fellow, like minded people that agree with you.
also, agree that blogging is very addictive. My kids are a little older (8,10) – I have a laptop on my island where I read and write blogs while cooking dinner every evening
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoit’s true, you do start to write for others, not just yourself. my advice would be to be nice to everyone when commenting on other blogs. if you are, they’ll appreciate you and your blog, too. oh, and enter me in the contest to win starbucks gc please. after all, i’m a good student and read ALL the directions!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m pretty new to blogging too, but for me, it’s about writing for myself, but in a way that might help others too. I love sharing resources & things that are working for my family, and “spreading the love” but first & foremost I want it to be a documentation of our “journey” through life that I can look back on and remember the good & the bad and the things that we’ve changed over time. So I guess my advice is, write for yourself.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWhen writing for yourself, you have to learn to visualize your audience – you (as opposed to how we normally write: for a friend, for a parent, for a teacher, etc). If you imagine yourself (20 years from now) reading what you are writing, then you may find that some of the artificiality of your voice drops away. That concrete sense of audience can help if you feel like what you write sounds “fake.” (You might also think biblical: writing a letter to “the blog readers of milkinthecloset” as opposed to “the church of rome.” This goes the other way – writing for someone/something outside of yourself, but when you hit those times in life where you can’t talk to who you are – that will keep you writing.)
Also: I notice a lot of bloggers use random.org to pick a number to pick a winner.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoBe sure to keep your blog updated to keep people engaged
tnayar at verizon dot net
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoAdvice and, yes, drawing entry:
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoDon’t try to mimic anyone else’s style. What is distinctively you? Have a craving for gummi worms at 11 pm every day? Post photos of the gummy worms you like the best. Ever dream of doing something that got lost in the shuffle? post about people who have done what you want to do to remind yourself of who you are outside of some of the roles you play. Don’t make it a constant Christmas newsletter – make it about you, and discover yourself. Be vulnerable in what you type, or photograph. It’s okay to emphasize what’s distinctly, weirdly, classically you. Zoom in on it. We all will be delighted.
Hmmmm… I’m a new blogger too so all I can say is… If you don’t like what your doing you can’t do it to the best of your abilities. I can only write well if I have something to write about (you’ll understand if you read my blog).
I too was going to say that many bloggers in the giveaway are using random.org.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy tip… don’t blog about family unless they are okay with it being shared with the world. Great give away.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoCount me in.
Smiles!
I would say get involved in the carnivals, but make sure you’re still writing for you and about things you enjoy. it is easy to get caught up in “Work For Me Wednesday” posts or “Frugal Friday” or “Thankful Thursday” but never actually write from your heart. Make sure your writing is you, not just to draw a crowd.
and I second the random.org thing.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice? Pace yourself. I haven’t been blogging very long, either, but I found myself getting way too involved in the blogosphere early on. Find a good reader, so you’re not clicking on your favorite links 50 times a day.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWhat a GREAT giveaway!! My advice ~ prioritize! Make sure blogging falls in its proper place in your life (this can be difficult!). Thanks for the chance to win!!
Katie
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agohttp://bimw.wordpress.com
I just blog for me. I share what’s going on in my life with a bunch of strangers/friends/internets. But at the end of the day, it’s a great way for me to go back and see what was goin on in my life. If I have something to say, I do. If I don’t, well I don’t. No pressure. It’s always nice when people comment when they visit. But if they don’t, which many don’t, oh well… no worries. I’m not looking to win a Pulitzer with my blog either, so you will see a ton of typos and stuff!
Happy blogging!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThe Random Number Picker at http://users.csc.calpoly.edu/~jdalbey/Public/SpinWheel.html
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agois how I’m going to pick the winner at my blog.
Hope that helps… Go Starbucks!!
I’ve been blogging for a few years and sometimes I love it – a great place to write witty comments and thoughts on things that wouldn’t otherwise be shared. But I have to be careful to not turn it into a journal and become too introspective or personal. Also, stop worrying about how others will perceive you if you are too serious or not serious enough. Your good friends that read it will know you well enough to know you can be both. I find that about 10% of my life gets turned into blog fodder and 90% doesn’t and I like it that way. I never write anything that anyone couldn’t read. That’s the key.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI just started blogging last fall. My daughter got me interested. She gave me some sites to sign up for. One is Spokeo which if you sign up for (free), you can just “bookmark” all of your favorite blogs there and when you check it, it will tell you who has posted on their blog. It saves you from checking each blog you read. http://www.spokeo.com
Another site is Statcounter. http://www.statcounter.com/ Again free. It is a way of seeing how many people check out your site. And sometimes, if they post, you can even figure out who they are!!
Anyway, please enter me in your giveaway. And have fun blogging.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWelcome to blogland! It is very addicting but I have learned alot of new things from reading so many other blogs. My tip is to use Bloglines. I just recently started using it and it’s a timesaver for reading all of your blogs.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’d say, write about what you are interested, and don’t feel like you HAVE to have a topical blog. You can write about more than one topic (like parenting and books, or whatever you want). But I agree with most every blogger advisor that you have to be authentic and you can’t try to “copy” other bloggers style or anything.
And HAVE FUN. IF you aren’t having fun, don’t do it. And don’t feel like you need to blog everyday if you have nothing to say.
And have fun with the contest! It’s a good place to meet new bloggers.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWhat a great honest post! I think that something I am still learning is to be responsive… visit friends and comment on their posts to just to let them know you are listening.
JOYfully in Him,
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoKelli
I’m fairly new too. When I have the time, I look around the web for ideas to improve my blog. problogger.com has been helpful. That’s advise #1. My other advise would depend on what your purpose for blogging is. So I’ll explain the blogs I have and what I do with them as advise. My blog Shiny Distractions is simply a mommy blog. I post here to share with friends and family about the ongoings of my family and kids. I also participate in a couple of mems there. I don’t expect a lot of traffic or subscriptions because I write this blog for myself, family, and friends. I just have fun with it and not worry about it. My other blog, Homeschool Distractions, is my homeschooling blog. With this blog I do want to drum up readers and subscriptions. I put more effort into this one because of that. I make sure my posts and links are related to the topic. I’m much more discerning about what I’ll link to and who will be on my blogrolls. I’m also working on carving out what my categories will be and creating a niche. In under a month, I’ve managed to drum up an average of 60 page loads a day, 49 unique visitors a day, and 11 subscriptions. Considering I didn’t have a single clue how to write and manage a blog 35 days ago I think that’s pretty good. I also use sitemeter and stat counter to monitor stats (they work differently) to see how people find my blog so I can improve my future posts and I promote my blog when I can in a polite way. Oh, I also reply to most comments via email.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoIf you want more readers or visitors to your blog… go out and comment on other’s blogs. I have had a lot of people visit my blog after I have left comments elsewhere. I like to think some of those turned into readers.
Host a giveaway and then let the contest bloggers (I’m one.. I also blog about other stuff) know about it to get some free advertising for your blog.
Exchange links with other bloggers.
I hope that helps.
Laura
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy tip on blogging is don’t over-edit what you write. It’s enjoyable to read what comes out of my people’s minds without it being too polished.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice is to post outloud. Never let things go unsaid or untyped as the case may be. Good, bad or indifferent we all need a place in the universe to be able to spew our thoughts outloud. Let your blog be your place.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoTips…post frequently, get involved in carnivals, have fun giveaways, link to other blogs, read and comment on other blogs.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agobetskev at earthlink.net
I’ve been blogging on and off for a couple years. What I find most helpful to do is become a frequent commenter on a blog with multiple posters such at http://www.parentdish.com or http://www.workitmom.com. This way you can interact with these other women out there (or men) and often times it sparks an idea that you just HAVE to blog about. I’m a debater. I love to comment on posts where most people are either far right or far left. I love to discuss my points of view vs. someone elses but I still hold true to the ‘Live and Let Live’ motto 90% of the time.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy best tip for a new blogger is to keep the page simple and uncluttered. Make it pleasurable for your reader.. you’d hate to have great content but its so hard to read that no one wants to return.
also break up your text! use paragraphs.. spacebar is your friend
GREAT giveaway! I hope I’m the lucky winner
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoSarah M…
that is such GREAT advice. I am totally going to try that.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI may be biased (see my blog name) but to me, the more stream-of-consciousness a blog is, the more interesting it is. I think part of the appeal of blogs is a sort of mild voyeurism, whether we want to admit it or not…of getting to know what’s going on with someone who is virtually a stranger. To that end, the blogs that interest me most are the ones that read as though a person is thinking out loud.
Oh, and grab a small pad and pencil or a voice recorder so you can jot down inspiration at odd times and not be like me – sitting at your computer the next day saying to myself, “Crap, what was it that was so funny? I can’t remember!”
Best of luck to ya with the new blog!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoBlog when you feel like it, but don’t feel guilty when you don’t. Who cares? You’re in it for fun right?
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWelcome to the blogosphere! I’m pretty new at it too, but what I’ve learned is to break up what you have to say into bites that fit. I have the blog, each post I try to keep under 500 words, and then I have a link to my webpage where there’s more info, and an about page where people can find out more. I also post other links so people can see what I like. This way they aren’t overwhelmed with what I’m saying all at once. I like having the hit meter too. Happy writing!
babs
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI love your blog so far…I just came across it, but it’s great. Stick with it, your voice will come through soon enough.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWhen you refer to any family members, don’t use their real names, because there are so many psycho nuts out there.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m still finding my style too. Somedays I have deep posts, other days, I post about Henry VIII (like yesterday). I suppose I’m just trying to be me and reflect whatever is going on in my mind or life that day. I’d like for people that know me to read my blog and think that it sounds just like me.
I also concur with the above comment about not using real names and being cautious about child photo posts. I have a site-meter where you can see what brings people to your page and someone found mine through a google search of ‘pictures of two year olds.’ Creepy. I don’t post bath tub or un-dressed photos.
Hope that helps….
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoReaders like pictures…in fact sometimes, if I don’t see a picture at the beginning of a blog, I sometimes don’t read it! Please enter me in the contest as well! I’m in need of a Carmel Machiatto!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoHere is my advice to you. Write about a controversial subject and then invite people with opposing views to have a friendly debate. It will create more viewers because….most everyone loves a little drama.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoStarted a blog a few months ago, then got sidetracked with illness and family trauma. My best advice is that, should you abandon your blog for whatever reason, forgive yourself and just get back to it as soon as you can. Life is short and it’s a big net…someone out there will cheer you on.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agomy advice:
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoupdate when you can, don’t stress when you can’t.
include lots of pictures
Hmm, I am not sure how helpful I would be since I don’t blog. My excuse is that I doubt I would update it frequently…However, as a reader of others’ blogs, I definitely appreciate photos, and website design/layout which reflect the blogger’s style/interests. My biased point is that I love pretty photos of flowers and writings; through this Carnival, I have seen many greatly designed blogs and immediately they make me want to read on.
Be comfortable in your blogging/writing/expression, but be aware that this is also the LOST world of the Internet; anything can be traced, etc. This is probably one of your hobbies, so with any new venture you just need to give it time before you find your own rhythm. If others inspire you, then as a “learner,” you can ask to imitate them in your blog and from that you may create your style. It’s just an idea since this was used in my writing classes in college.
By the way, thanks for hosting your giveaway!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice is to post as regularly as you can. I know I stop reading blogs if posting is sporadic. Don’t just use text- include photos to make it more interesting. Put a subscribe button on your sidebar. I am surprised how many people subscribe to my blog and keep coming back simply because I made it easy for them.
Most of all have fun.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoHi, my advice is to write about your daily life and the things that happen to you. They may be boring to you but other people who live a different life may be interested in what you do. However, be careful. Don’t tell any deep dark secrets and do not put your real name and personal information. Blogs are not suppose to be therapy seesions.Do not include any material that you think might make someone stalk you. Also, some people might differ with my opinion but I don’t think it is good to post pictures of your children on any blog. We all want the world to be safe but we have to take precautions. Crazy people and lunatics will come to your site. Please enter me into your contest.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWelcome to the blogging world! I discovered your site through the bloggy giveaways and would love to have my name added to the drawing
My tip: sign up for the good adsense. Google pays you to allow small ads on your blog. So far, I’ve earned over $30 in a month…google mails you a check once you earn $100. Pretty cool huh?
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWow! Looks like you have gotten a lot of good advice already. I have been reading it (having dug this far to be in the bloggy thing
) with the hope I could be inspired by what all the other entrants have written. I do not have a blog and it looks to me to be a huge undertaking. I guess my first bit of “advice” would be to be committed to it! I admire those that do blog and I read many. I always wonder “where’d they go?” when they don’t keep it up to date, so I would say posting regularly would be a big plus to me as a reader. I’m gonna bookmark your site! So I’ll be checking on ya 
Tara
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agotforsburg at yahoo dot com
I’m not sure if this has been said before, but sitemeter.com will give you all kinds of interesting background on your readers, and it’s free to subscribe to!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoBe yourself.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoModerate your comments and use word verification.
I love your blog, you are off to a great start.
My advice would be, proof, proof and then proof some more. My thoughts always make so much sense to me but when I read them back they are totally random and in serious need of editting.
Come check out my giveaway.
I have a link to Kanakuk on my blog too!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy tips: Visit lots of other blogs to get ideas. Leave comments and other bloggers will visit your blog in return!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI felt very much like you when I began blogging. I’d read others and think I wanted to be entertaining, funny, or whatever. One thing I liked was being able to say whatever was on my heart or mind. Later, I shared a post or two with a family member or two. I found that when I knew say my son was reading, or my dad or father-in-laws, I became a bit uncomfortable with certain topics. I felt hindered. Then I wished I didn’t know who was reading and wished I could be annonymous. So you need to figure out who your audience is and who you want reading.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWow! Most of the good advice has been given more than a time or two! The most original piece of advice I can give you about blogging is use your tags and cats effectively using as many descriptive words about your post as you can if you’d like to attract readers. Cross blogging is also effective in drawing traffic. Beware being sucked into the blog hole because it can be consuming! Come visit me any time! You are on my blogroll you smart cookie you!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m not a very active blogger right now so I’m giving advice that I would think that I would need. My advice is just “TO WRITE” – some things will be really good and some things migh not be but if you wait for perfection it probably won’t happen. Thanks for the giveaway!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice is to not edit your writing. If you just write as a stream of consciousness, you will have more of your authentic voice in your writing. Thank you for this amazing giveaway and please enter me!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI am a terrible blogger!
So, take my advice with a grain of salt.
Read lots of blogs, get to know some folks, leave comments, and…….
POST!
That is the hardest one for me. I just can’t seem to get in the habit.
Sorry I am not more profound or helpful.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoAnd thanks for the chance to enter. Please be sure to enter mine too!
I am new to blogging as well – just started this month. My advice is to just do it. Blog. Put it out there. It’s bound to get easier, right?
Wonderful giveaway! Thank you, and have fun with your blog!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWell, let’s see. I think there are a few things I’ve figured out recently.
1) While you’re trying to find your voice, it’s okay to try out different styles. Funny first person stuff. “Overheard” conversations, script-style. Photo posts. Deep thoughts about a sermon, a book, a “God moment.” They are all okay – and you don’t have to limit yourself to what you think others want to read!
2) I like to continue conversations in my comments threads by responding to comments. I’ll also email commenters sometimes, which is nice since they probably aren’t clicking back to my post to see if I’m commented back, you know?
3) De-lurk! When you find a blog you love, take the time to leave a few comments. I’ve made some really good friends that way.
4) Join in. There are so many community-building things out there – like the carnival, different day-themed events, memes, etc. They are all ways to broaden your audience. I mean, sure – you’ll get HUNDREDS of visitors on the day of a giveaway, which isn’t a reliable indicator or what you’ll have later – but if even a few people stick around and become regular readers, it’s worth it, don’t you think?
Good luck as you get started! And thanks for participating in the giveaway!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI spend more time reading and commenting than writing. It makes you more aware of other blogging voices, and commenting for others gets them commenting back to you, and you slowly learn what your space is, what your place in this big noisy internet could be. Oh, and have lots of CONTESTS
which is how I found you in the first place.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m so glad I came across your blog. I admire your truthfulness and wanting to find your “blogging voice.” One of the main reasons I haven’t started a blog yet is the overwhelming sense of “who would want to read about my life – I really don’t think I’m all that interesting.” But what’s amazing is I love to keep up on other people’s lives by reading their own blogs. On the blogs that I enjoy reading, it’s not necessarily just the day in and day out-ness (does that make sense?) that they write about, but that if they stumble across a link or a blog or a website or a “meme” that is interesting, they blog about it and share it with their readers. I have learned sooo much by other people pointing out things on the web to me. Anyway, just an idea, share not only what’s going on in your life, but also interesting things you come across. Sorry to write a book – thanks for offering a “giveaway”. I’ll be back to visit your blog! Tanya
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agothe4moyers(at)msn(dot)com
My advice has already been given, but I think that you should always comment on blogs you love! It’s a great way to get to know others, and most of the time they come and check you out too.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m a new blogger too, and just learning my way around–in fact, I’ve never had a comment at my blog! So you certainly can’t use my blog as any kind of good example. But what I’ve noticed is that the blog entries I really enjoy often are somehow interactive: the writer asks a question to the readers and the answers are always interesting. Please enter me in your contest, I don’t even like coffee and I’m addicted to the mocha frappuccino drink…
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI love your title, made me smile….one tip you already have: your title. You need a catchy title. Another is a camera: have your own!!! Don’t let your husband touch it. He will lose the batteries, lose the camera, misplace the memory card, etc and you won’t be able to post pics when you are ready to blog. I suffer from this every other day!
So my biggest tip is make sure you have your own camera…because I love to see other blog’s pics.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThanks for inviting me in!!!
jennifertuttle@bellsouth.net
(Left this very same comment on your other post, in a desperate attempt to double your pity on me and award me with the coveted prize.)
Okay, since the name of MY blog is Morning Coffee, and I honestly have to save the beloved Fourbucks – oh I mean Starbucks visit for very special treats, I really think you should take pity on a fellow coffee lover and blogger and give the prize to me.
As for blogging tips, just hang in there, and keep your writing real – as in transparent. People love it when they read that someone else had that very same thought – you know the one that you thought you’d die if anyone knew you were thinking that! People will find you eventually, if not overnight, and they will keep coming back if you give them something meaningful.
Blessings to you, fellow blogger!
Needing and praying for caffeine from heaven . . .
Renae
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agohttp://www.renaebrumbaugh.com
Be yourself! Type whatever comes into your head! Relax, and let it flow
Not too good advice from a non-blogger (YET!)
Now, I’m thinking – STARBUCKS!
MamasBabiesx4@gmail.com
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoAs a new “public” blogger I don’t have a lot of advice yet. But I’d say that everybody loves pictures! Especially cute ones… kids, puppies, etc
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoAlthough i am not a blogger, i have been to many blogs and i definitely think that bright and bold pictures help out a TON. It makes it seem not so..what am i trying to say? – “wordsy” i guess. it kind of breaks it up and makes reading it easier.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThanks!!
Jess
i’m a relatively new blogger, tho not as new as you. anyway, what i’ve found works for me is to write about what i’m interested in instead of trying to think of something witty and great. i use it more for myself and if others read it then its a bonus. also, i love using photos. to me there’s nothing so boring as a blog that is just all words. break it up some with pics.
count me in on the starbucks! always a good prize
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI have not been blogging for all that long but I have found two things helped me. First, I participated in a 31 Days of Thankfulness back in November which helped me to write each day, and also gave me a focus for my blog entries. So you might try joining such a blog chain (you run into them all the time by reading others’ blogs) or you could make up a theme for yourself (this week I’m going to write about things I”m thankful for… this week things I’m struggling with, etc). The other thing that has helped me is trying to write at different times of the day to find my different “voices.” I’m a whole lot freer and therefore I think funnier at night… though my readers might definitely not agree! That’s my two cents worth. Please enter me in the Starbucks give-away (as I believe I read all the instructions… I am, after all, a teacher myself!).
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI AM NEW TO BLOGGING
My help comes from my 13 year old daughter
I think color would add to your blog.
I hope you have enjoyed
the giveaway as much as I have.
I HOPE I WIN
KEEP B L O G G I N G
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThanks for the Starbucks giveaway! I love this post. It has insight, and when you can’t have it all, at the same time (be hysterically funny, charming, profound, to the point, or serious all in one) having something like insight isn’t too shabby, don’t you think? So maybe your voice is that of a seeking/searching/striving woman trying to find herself – that’s fabulous! I think you’ve already tapped into the best advice – appreciate the diversity and amazing qualities of others while just being yourself!
Camille
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’ve added you to my google reader in my blog roll – thanks for the second entry!
Camille =)
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI am by no means the authority on blogging or on writing, but I think you’ve got to do this: pick your style. Pick what you want your blog to be about. Pick who your audience is. Then write to them. Me, since we’re military, I write as if talking to our far-flung family, and I just tell them about our day. Sometimes I throw in a movie review or a product review, but it’s still part of our day. Then just go with that flow once you ease into your voice. It’ll come to you.
Good luck, thanks, and please enter mine, too!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice for a new blogger would be to schedule a posting plan and stick to it. Once or twice a week is fine, or even once a month if that is all you can do. It is just important to be consistent!
I am entering for the gift card- thank you, generous gift by the way!!!! nw_wife(at)hotmail(dot)com
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI would say not to plan on writing every day (I only have a myspace private blog myself, however, I noticed 2 to 3 times a week usually works best for me.).
Don’t judge your blog on the number or lack thereof of comments you receive. If your readers really wanted to write, they would start their own blog. (I have many lurkers among my myspace friends. I hardly get a comment, though. None of my friends blog consistently either! )
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoEnter me, please. ernestsgirl82@aol.com
My advice is to have “self-control”
. It’s easy to get carried away with blogging. Remember not to get your priorities in life mixed up.
Be yourself. What’s the purpose of your blogging? The purpose will guide you and keep you going.
P.S. Thanks for the entry for your giveaway.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice: when you sit down to post (cuz you know you have somthing to post about) post first…then read others’. Often I find myself thinking I want to share a story or pictures or whatnot and I get caught up “getting caught up” with friends and a.) run out of time or b.) feel immensely inadequate to say things as eloquently or c.) I now have too many things running through my brain to possibly write a post that makes a remote bit of sense. Did that make sense. Anyways, that was a really good post. Take it one day or post at a time.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoStart with good writing, blog regularly, visit other blogs and comment, write about what you would like to read. Don’t worry if you don’t get a lot of comments (other than when you have a giveaway
) because statistics show that less than 1% of people ever comment. Read the WordPress forums because there’s gold in there. And when you’re done reading all the advice people have given you here, you might want to check out my 10/09/07 post on ways to increase traffic and my readers also left advice of their own and there’s links to other sites of interest on the topic.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoBest of luck on your new blog and thank you for the chance to win your giveaway.
Here is a good tip for you!! When doing a bloggy giveaway, use this website to get your random number:
http://random.org/integers/
And the other is… don’t lose site of your family. Its so easy to get lost in blogging about your family, that you stop spending time with your family!
Good luck! I hope you really enjoy it and find it a good outlet. There are lots of good communities in the blog world, which help you feel connected when motherhood can be isolating at times.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’ve been blogging for awhile, but I started my blog more to keep track of my own things & not to gain readers (even though I love readers). I don’t really have any great tips other then comment on other blogs when you read something you like & visit the blogs of your commenters. I did want to say that I wouldn’t stress about being funny or witty, if you make a big deal out of it then it will be harder. Let it come natural. Good luck with your blog, I will probably have to keep checking yours so I can learn some tips, lol. The posts I have read so far looking for this post have been great!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m pretty new to the blogging world myself, so I’m sure I can glean from many of the comments here.
I think my goals for my own blog have been to (1) document our family life in such a way that I’ll have those memories for later and (2) that it might somehow inspire others to draw closer to the Lord. It gives me good perspective on whatever happens to be going on in life. So… I guess my encouragement to you would be to set some goals. What is it you want to accomplish with your blog? That will kinda determine your target audience too.
Blessings~~
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy tip to new bloggers: Never use your real name for ANYTHING that pertains to opening your blog. Be vague!!! And choose a name for your blog that will be easy to remember.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI haven’t read all the advice you’ve gotten yet. (but I’m going to) My little snippet would be to comment on others blogs. I know that whenever I get a comment from someone I didn’t already know, I always go check out their profile and blog. I’ve met some amazing people that way.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agotips for a new blogger…don’t be afraid to be yourself, anonymously of course! be careful not to reveal anything you wouldn’t want found out. nothing on the web is secret. nothing!
To build your readership, join bigger blogs, like The Mom Blogs or 5 Minutes for Mom. Comment, comment, comment on other blogs.
And use Random.org to pick winners to your contests.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy tip: Don’t let the blog take over your life. It’s fun to blog about what happens in everyday life, but what happens when your life becomes the blog? Oh, no!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI figure you already knew that, but a reminder every once in a while is nice.
I used to blog, but haven’t had the time to do it anymore. My tip for those starting out is to not feel you need to write something every day…and to make it YOU. Don’t try to imitate another’s blog. Just be yourself.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoWelcome to the blogosphere! I too am fairly new to blogging and I am sure I have alot to learn, so I will be reading everyone else’s advice! I guess I just like reading about simple things like the funny story of the day from your child or whatever you happen to be pondering! Please enter me in your awesome contest too!
Thanks!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice is not to put too much pressure on yourself to blog. Blog what you want when you want. If it’s once a month great. If it’s 3 x a day (while your child is sleeping of course), then that’s great too. There are no hard and fast rules about blogging. That’s what makes it fun. I particularly like the blogs that are “real” and don’t just show perfect families doing everything perfectly (which we know isn’t real).
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI think what you stated in Deep Thoughts by a New Blogger was interesting. What I find is that some bloggers imitate others and lose originality. My advice to new bloggers:
1. Form your own opinions about certain subjects and regardless of how controversial they are stick to them. You can’t please everyone all the time, if your writing is interesting enough readers will come back even if they disagree with you.
2.The most successful blogs are updated regularly. If you can’t keep up with the grind it’s best you leave it alone. Most readers visit blogs daily and without enough updates from the writer they’ll quickly go somewhere else.
3. Don’t be afraid to take risks. You should always vary your topics. The one thing you don’t want to do is become boring. The more diverse the topics are the more readers you’ll attract.
4. When readers address you by email try to respond to some of the them. It’s impossible to reply to everyone but keeping a line of communication open with your readers is a nice gesture.
Thanks for the contest.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agojafarhie[at]yahoo[dot]com
I like to think of my blog as my own personal little talk show. I give away prizes, sometimes I have guests, and it’s up to be what we talk about. How’s that for advice?
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoGreat blog!!
My advice is to not discuss your blog or content of your blog with people that are negative. Your blog is your voice and no one elses. Do what you want and think is fun.
Also sign up for feedburner so people can subscribe to you blog!
Great prize!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy only input after several years of bloggin is to blog about your LOVES..over the years my blogs have really evolved as I have evolved and we are all constantly growing right. Right now I have two blogs over on WordPress. Since one is about bieng frugal(cheap) it fits ME, the other is about contests which is something I love to do!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoLet’s see. I’ve been blogging for three years now and my blog has grown and changed as I have. I think it’s important for a blogger to know that this can happen–your blog doesn’t have to be what you started it out as. Just as we’re not stagnant, neither does your blog have to be.
But the most important thing: stop thinking of it as work. Once you start feeling like you have to blog, like there’s an obligation or a pressure, the blog stops being fun and starts being work. And then it’s that much harder to blog because it’s not about you anymore. Make the blog about fun!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI suggest you blog *regularly*… this will do two things: 1) it will be easier to find your voice if you write regularly, and 2) your readers will want to come back and read your new posts, because they’ll expect you to have new posts if you’re blogging regularly.
Build your readership and your voice!
(Oh, and yeah, have fun and be yourself.
)
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoA picture is worth a thousand words!
In my opinion, if your friends and family read your blog give credit to any gifts they have given you in the blog. Like, “Thank you Grandma for the new shirt.”
Thank you!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThe biggest tip I could give is to ration your time. As much as I love blogging, it can be a big black hole that your precious time slips into…LOL! Set a timer if you have to, just be wise with your time!
Thanks for the opportunity to win the G.C. and welcome to the Blogiverse!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoAh! I feel like I’ve just been on a treaure hunt to find this link! I feel so smart now! ha! Now I can give my best blog advice and enter the giveaway! I guess I would say, try to blog regularly (daily or every-other-day)and keep it funny! We all love a good laugh and a bright spot in our day! I really need to get better about writing my thought on my blog. I never know quite what to write about so I read other blogs like yours to learn more!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy best advice (which I should probably take myself) is to post frequently. I’m sure all three of my readers would prefer that I posted more often than once in a blue moon.
Please enter me in your contest!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice would be to not get caught up in the popularity game. Decide why you’re blogging and remind yourself of that often. It’s so very easy to compare yourself to some of the bigger/wider read/huge comment blogs out there and despair.
Enjoy it for what you want it to be and don’t let the rest of it get to you.
And I don’t mean to be negative! It’s a lot of fun to have a creative outlet and a great way to meet interesting people that you wouldn’t get to if you had to rely on doing it in real life!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThanks for having such a great giveaway, first of all.
Advice: Don’t necessary listen to me, because I am new at this and my blog posts are too long, but sometimes a blog with pictures about the subjects will be more interesting than one without. I love seeing the author and other characters, but of course, it isn’t always possible.
Good luck! You are off to a great start.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoDefinately post lots of pictures. I LOVE blogs with pictures.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m at work and should totally not be blogging, so I didn’t read all the comments, therefore, I hope I’m not repeating what someone else said. That said, I wanted to tell you that I think for starters, using the Bloggy Giveaway as a mean to get folks to read one of your posts, and comment, and offer some advice, is a brilliant start to getting your blog noticed and out there. (Why didn’t I think of that?)
I know you said not to tell you to “be yourself and have fun”, but that really is the key element in blogging, I think. It’s funny, but I actually have a blog entry in progress (not quite finished yet) where I’m debating this exact thing, about whether to blog as me, or as my “writer” voice. I’ve chosen to blog as me. I have a creative writing blog I use for my writer voice. It works differently for everyone, but I appreciate the blogs where I can get to know someone and feel like I’ve known them forever…being yourself as a blogger helps that along.
Other than that, my only other advice is to blog because you want to say something, not because you want people to read it. If you write that way, people will read it. Fishing for an audience never works anyway, and you end up losing yourself in the process. I don’t have a HUGE following, but the peole who do read and comment on my blog, I love.
Don’t know if this helped at all, but hey, what do I know anyway?
Welcome to the world of blogging, it’s great fun!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy advice would be to not take offense at the offensive and mean comments. If you can ignore them, do so, I am not built that way, and if I just sat back and let it go for awhile it would be better.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoSometimes people are just stupid and others they just don’t read you right.
My best advice would be to not feel obligated to blog everyday. Sometimes you just don’t have anything that is bloggable, or you are just busy with your life. So, don’t stress about it and enjoy your blog
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy best advice is, If you need a break then take one! Don’t give in to the pressure of having to post everyday. It’s great if you can, but if it is becoming a hassle, take a day or two off. Just let your readers know with a little note if you do.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoDon’t put music on your blog unless you can disable the player easily. And never, ever type in all caps!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMake sure you know your audience. Or make sure you know yourself. If you’re starting a blog because you want to be able to share EVERYTHING about your life you might want to wait awhile before inviting family and friends to read it. Or maybe start two blogs so you can write about things that your family cares about and then your personal thoughts (or stories about when they drive you crazy!)
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI agree that it is sometimes hard to find your own voice when you’re reading other very good bloggers. My advice is to just sort of ride it out. At the beginning you’ll probably try out and discard multiple styles before settling into “your” voice. I think that is an important process and not one that you can force or hurry. Also, your voice may change over time as you have been blogging more. I know mine has – and I think that is a good thing!
Good luck and have fun in this crazy bloggy world.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m pretty new to blogging too! We started as a vacation diary! I have gotten some good tips though from Moneysavingmom.com on how to make your blog work for you! Hope this will help!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThis is a great post, as a fairly new blogger myself — not as new as you, but well under a year — I find it hard to balance between writing about what I want to write about and posting what I know my family wants to see which is babies, babies, and more pictures of my babies. As for advice, I don’t feel very sage — I am dealing with the same issues you are but, I would say that find blogs you enjoy reading, start a blogroll, try to comment often when you enjoy what others have written. Oh, and decide your level of anonymity now — if you want to write and rant about everything in your life keep your name and identifying traits off your blog (or have a second anonymous blog) — if you are blogging for family and friends that is great too, but just know that you can’t always say EVERYTHING you want, you may have to censor yourself. Hope this helps from one semi-novice blogger to another.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMost of the blogs I’ve gone thru just by way of this contest I found to be a lot of fluff and some real yawners. What I’ve found from yours so far is the fact you actually have made people work for this….I like your style. My advise don’t ever write anything about someone you couldn’t actually say to their face…..stay real.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI go to blogs mostly for the giveaways (blush) but I’m attracted to ones with a good design mostly. I don’t know how much of it works but if you can make yourself a snazzy page with your own url.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI mostly do livejournal, which isn’t quite like blogging per se. But I compose entries in my head while I’m doing stuff. Sometimes I even remember them by the time I get to the computer again! No, seriously, thinking out posts ahead of time really seems to help.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoMy favorite blogs are visually interesting. I don’t have a fancy layout, but I try to use Google Images and add photos or graphics. Also, check out getting ads with BlogHer. It’s free and you might make a little cash!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoThanks for the giveaway! caivanofamily[at]earthlink[dot]net
I heard there’s a blogging instruction book out there called, “Nobody Cares What You Had For Lunch”. I can’t remember who wrote it though. Try reading it. That’s my plan!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’ve been blogging a whole 5 weeks, so what in the heck do I know? I agree it is harder than it looks. I am constantly thinking of topics that I can write about. One piece of advice that I would give you – include pictures and graphics. Stories are great, but pictures can keep the reader interested. OK, I spoke too fast. Here’s a second piece of advice – don’t be afraid to add or change blog elements from time to time. Think of it as redecorating.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI came by here from Bloggy Giveaways. I don’t blog often, and I blog for a variety of reasons. Me personally, some of my blogs are just for friends and family to catch up with our current events. Some are a public exposition of my views on whatever is on my mind. Some are funny stuff my kids do. Some of my blogs were about my miscarriage, and I have met many other moms who have identified with my experience.
I like reading blogs with a variety of topics: sometimes reposting an interesting article, sometimes a poll, sometimes a Works for Me Wednesday, or an occasional meme. Plenty ‘o attitude and/or opinion splashed in there so it doesn’t sound to stiff, is great.
Maybe it will help you identify where you want to go with your blog if you jot down what it is that you like best about the blogs you enjoy reading–then emulate those qualities or topics with your own twist. Happy blogging!
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI read your blog and it is hard to give advice, because you are doing the right thing already-blog for you. When I read blogs, I look for an authentic voice–and you have that. So keep writing about what you want, what helps to keep you strong.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI’m new to blogging too. I love to include pictures when I blog.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months agoI think one of the things bloggers need to do, is blog about anything, and everything no matter how minuscule you think it might be to someone else. I have tumbled across blogs that other people would never look at because of a comment made in it, and thus I return time and again, to see if anything new was posted that I can learn from.
| Posted 1 year, 9 months ago