Pay It Forward - Blog Style

I have been learning a lot about the inner workings and etiquette of this new world.

There have been two surprises for me.  First, I’ve been surprised by my ability to write for other eyes.  I’ve historically written just for me – journals, stories, etc.  Writing for virtual strangers is a unique feeling.  I thought I would have difficulty letting myself go and putting my thoughts to words. It has been very therapeutic and enjoyable.  I strive to improve . . . wish me luck!

Secondly, the biggest thing for me has been the friendliness I’ve encountered.  I’ve been trying to find blogs to which I can relate and enjoy.  Before we actually launched this endeavor I started reading blogs and comments (per my husband’s instructions) and have been so pleased to see how helpful and friendly everyone is.  If someone posts a blog asking for ideas or advice, you virtual wonder-bloggers have come to her rescue with ideas, support and virtual hugs.  It feels good to see and share in positive experiences.  Sometime I want to escape the vicious world and go find my ‘happy place’.  It feels good to have a place to express my point of view – until Jack pipes in (just kidding honey!).

Anyway, I know I still have a lot to learn.  Thank you to those who have stopped and left us comments.  Thanks to all you wonderful writers out there that inspire me and teach me.

The experience has been primarily one of learning. For me it all started with an inspiration to share some knowledge. I had one thing I wanted to share but the magazines representing my hobby only wanted to publish it if they held full rights forever in every way plus an option to name my grandson! Instead I launched a blog and quickly became fascinated by the blogging platforms and related technology. After some time however a new desire grew, the desire to improve. Improve my writing, my blog and my ability to communicate something of value.

Success in blogging is debatable. What is success? If that means making a living off of blogging and signing a movie deal – well, we are not even close! That is like hitting the lottery. Is success being recognized by the blogging community? I can claim that, but what really matters is readers. While I do enjoy several hundred readers each day I think success is several thousand. We’ve still got a long way to go!

Like all communities, blogging has its own culture. I’ve found different genres of blogging may be completely different. I cannot express how happy I am that Jill discovered the brighter side of blogging, unfortunately there is a dark side as well.

In my limited experience bloggers fall into one of three categories. They are either writers, hobbyists or looking for the money!

In each category you find some truly special people. There have been bloggers that have guided me to answers, provided advice and even contributed their blogs programming code.

Bloggers can be a very supportive group to what is essentially their competition. If you are a reader of blogs you will see references to other blogs, round-ups or reviews of other blogs and even Carnivals (traveling lists of blogs to read). Every time you see one blog referenced by another, you are seeing something truly special.

It’s like Macy’s recommending Gimbels.

On the other side there are those that are critical of newcomers even abrasive. Are they taking out their own discontent on others or do they think this behavior towards the newbie is a rite of passage, everyone pays their dues?

Regardless, like in life, in blogging you will rarely satisfy everyone. It’s best to blog with passion and ignore the noise.