OK, I need some advice fellow bloggers….
I’m feeling confused!
In my recent dealings with lots of blogging groups, Facebook and on other social media platforms, I have read a variety of posts on the subject of, surprise, surprise…..blogging.
Now I am not all that new to blogging, so I do have my own opinions and ideas. I never push my ideas onto my readers preferring to talk generally and highlight the subjects I enjoy blogging about. I make lots of mistakes and do lots of things wrong according to a recent post I read and I am feeling a bit disillusioned, confused and anxious about it all.
I have a few points I need help on:
- I don’t seem to have a niche – apart from travel and lifestyle blogging. Do I need a more defined niche in order to continue?
- I am not trying to make any money out of blogging – is there any point in continuing?
- My aim is to share information on travel destinations, lifestyle choices, life after being made redundant, adventures you can have as you age, books, observations on life…that sort of thing. Is there any point?
- I am worried my blog is too narcissistic – a recent post I read suggested bloggers should not blog about themselves. Maybe I’m shallow but I certainly hope I don’t come across as narcissistic. Your opinion is appreciated.
- I enjoy interacting with others in similar positions to me – should I be doing more, offering advice perhaps or changing my modus-operandi? Again is there any point?
- I’m not trying to skyrocket my stats, just maintain a loyal group of similar minded bloggers – am I unusual? Should I even be here?
- I don’t google what headlines to use, what keywords to use, I don’t have incentives to offer and OMG don’t get me started on making Pinterest graphics horizontal as opposed to vertical… WT#@&??
- Some say you should tag your posts, others say not to. Some swear by posting regularly some say it doesn’t matter, it’s the quality that counts…..blah blah blah!
My point is – this is my blog, it’s my part of the internet where I can share my world – yes MY WORLD! If I make a connection with you as a fellow blogger I am a loyal blogging friend, I rarely unfollow a blog once I start to follow and I reply to just about every comment that is left for me.
I enjoy comments, I enjoy reading blogs and I love learning about other people’s lives – the good and the bad stuff.
I may or may not share an opinion on a subject but it’s up to me to decide what I write about. I’m not going to follow all these ‘rules’ of blogging just to fit in with other people’s ideas of what blogging should be about. There are more than enough bloggers offering advice out there and so I am not going to join that particular niche market.
I admit to getting tired of reading all the blogs on how to improve your writing, your stats and what not to do to be successful and what you need to do to be a blogging superstar! I know some of these can be helpful tips and I have used some over the years but at the moment I’m feeling a bit confused and overwhelmed by it all!
Maybe I should just stop reading these sorts of posts?
I blog because:
- I enjoy writing and participating in writing and photo challenges
- I enjoy sharing photos from my iPhone (not even a proper camera)
- I enjoy meeting others in similar situations and reading experiences
- I love to travel and talking about great places to visit
Being made redundant in one career is enough – am I a redundant blogger too?
I’m interested to hear what you think on this subject – am I alone in wanting to be a nondescript blogger? Does this say more about me than anything else?
I admit to feeling confused about my blogging future and perhaps I am doubting my purpose. I know others have struggled with these sorts of thoughts before and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Suzie’s posts on the subject of blogging – in fact she helps me keep it all in perspective. Maybe I’m just having one of ‘those’ days.
Any thoughts out there?
Thanks.
Deb
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Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here
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Deb's World 
Blogging is such an individual thing. Personally, I’ve stopped reading those sorts of posts because apparently I’ve been doing a lot of things wrong too. But you know what, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I don’t have a schedule and I write when I feel like it but it works for me. Like you Deb the joy of blogging is in the interacting and writing what we love, from the heart. Your blog is awesome, I always enjoy what you write and can relate to so much and I’ve always thought that. Keep enjoying and doing your own thing. xo 🙂
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I’m glad we are on the same wavelength Miriam. I’ve stopped reading them and will continue doing what I enjoy. I have such fun meeting other bloggers and reading some amazing blogs, I’ve decided why waste time on ones I don’t enjoy?? Continue on the way we are going is my motto.
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Absolutely! I’m with you 100 per cent. 😊
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I get allot of flack from bloggers for not finding a more defined “niche”. But to be honest I just like retail and I feel like that is “niche” enough! 🙂 So glad to hear I am not alone in all this crazy blogging mess!
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You are definitely not alone! Thanks for the comment and support.
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I am loving your blog and it has such a variety of interesting topics. I blog about so many different things and I am learning that I think I may want to mostly focus on very short fiction stories. I started mine when I turned 40 but didnt want to do it for money or get stuck in one topic. I met a lot of people at a blogging conference, I love my groups I am in, and I enjoy writing in a therapy type of way. Do what makes you happy and what will keep you enjoying it!
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Thanks for your lovely comment! I’m glad you too enjoy blogging about lots of different topics, it makes us all interesting I think! I also enjoy groups that I’m in and sharing ideas with people who understand is alway a positive. Keep working on your short stories, I’ll pop over and have a look at your blog. 😊
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Yes, don’t read that sort of post! Those posts tend to be mostly aimed at people who are doing a very specific kind of blogging with money making as an aim. If you don’t have those aims, it really doesn’t matter if you just do what you want in my opinion!
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I’m with you! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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I blog because I’m a writer and I need to get stories out of my head and down on paper every day. I can’t support myself full time yet as a writer, but by blogging every day, I reinforce the idea that I am a writer. I don’t make money from my blog. Sure, I’d like someone to read my blog and offer me a writing gig, but that’s not why I blog. I just write for me, and I simply love it when others read my silly stories and tell me they enjoy them.
Keep blogging if it’s what you want to do. It’s your blog. You words. Your life. Don’t worry what others think. 🙂
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I know you’ve moved on Deb from where you were at when you wrote your post, but I felt compelled to add to the chorus of voices encouraging you to keep going.
You do have a niche – it’s your life. That’s what you write about … and because your life is so rich and varied your blogging reflects that.
The purpose of your blog is to be an outlet for your creativity and desire to communicate and connect with others. And it serves that purpose very well.
Other people have different reasons for blogging – they just aren’t the same reasons as yours. You could write a blog post on “the purpose of blogging” but you are much more aware than those who write narrowly-focused blogs that there are many purposes to blogging and so you would shy away from being definitive in your views.
It sounds as though your loyal band of followers enjoy what you blog about, but it’s probably even more important that you enjoy the experience of blogging. Otherwise … what’s the point?
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Thanks for your comment Sharon. I do enjoy blogging and realise even more so now, that it’s all about sharing stories and life. It is a creative outlet for me and fun as well. I’ve been heartened and humbled by all the comments and support. Self doubt is quite a common feeling it seems and a bit of questioning is healthy. Your support and encouragement means a lot to me 😊
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I’m the wrong person to ask–I don’t blog for money so I write whatever I want–doing it for me and whomever would like to read. I’m not all that interested in forcing myself into a niche!
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I’ve decided that’s how I’m feeling about it all too! Thanks for your thoughts.
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Oh my god, if you would be standing next to me now, I’d hug you! I soooo enjoyed reading, as I know exactly what you mean. I used to get this all the time, how outworn my blogging style and the look of my blog is, how to do… how not to … I got so sick of all that. It solely kills your motivation and who needs that? As you say… your world ! And that’s what I thought, MY BLOG! Is a blog not also a personal thing, that should have authenticity and its own character? Once you freed yourself from all these ‘know it all better posts’ and focus on your own thing, the joy and flow of blogging comes back.
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Thanks Klaudia! Hugs back at you for your lovely comment. I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one who goes through these moments!! I have come good and am now back on track after all the great support I’ve received. Yes a blog is personal thing to most of us and we should all remember that when we have moments of doubt. Thanks again – you made me smile 😊
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I think this is most of our reason for starting a blog. But, of course, everyone is different. And who says there are rules, right? Kinda like with fashion–the older we get, the more we can ignore them–ha ha!
It’s your blog, so I consider them your rules!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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I think Blogging is more about self – what we want to share, it’s completely our choice whether we want to make money out of it or not. I believe it’s like a online diary who is something we can relate to. Some out there want to be in top searches in Google and some just don’t care. As long as you’re happy with what you’re doing, I will advice you not to be bothered by these articles on blogging 🙂
Take care 🙂
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I wrote a blog about this very issue last year because I felt completely overwhelmed by all the blogging do’s and don’ts, the technology and the competitiveness of the blogging world. It’s a no brainer for me – I blog simply because I enjoy it and because it has given me a new purpose in life. I think there is this new breed of new young bloggers that are getting way too technical and serious. I just want to keep blogging simple and real. I am learning to take no notice of all the naysayers out there and I think you should too!
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Thanks for that great advice Kathy. I think I’ve written about it before too but just had to do it again! I will follow your suggestion and ignore it all and just keep it real. I love blogging and want to continue doing it as I get to mix with a variety of great people. Like you!! Thanks again. 😊
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Thank you for this post, Debbie. I have struggled with the exact same questions that you have posed here. And I think that I have come to the same conclusions. I appreciate that others take the time to share their ‘blogging advice.’ This allows me to explore, discover, and enjoy some ‘blogging conveniences’…on my own terms. At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that it is our individual, unique blogs where we can share, connect and meet some other great, interesting individuals. No one else can tell us what is right for us. Your uniqueness is what drew me to your blog in the first place. Don’t ever lose that!
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Thanks very much Donna I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one to struggle with these questions from time to time. I agree we are all unique and blog for different reasons. I love discovering other bloggers like yourself who I can share thoughts and ideas with. I learn so much from everyone I interact with and I appreciate all the lovely comments and visits to my blog very much 🙂 Thanks for being so supportive.
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I gotta say blogs that follow those “rules” you listed tend to be the ones that turn me off very quickly. I understand that you might question the how and why sometimes; I think lots of us do that, and it’s probably a good thing (in blogging and life). But what I like about your blog (and the others I follow) is that I get a sense of you as a person, not a business or a philosophy or a “like”-seeking narcissist. I like that. The people I want to spend time with are complex and messy and have eclectic tastes and interests. Whether I engage with that in person, or via a blog, it’s fun and entertaining and sometimes uplifting.
Keep doing what you’re doing — please!
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That’s a great comment Su and I feel the same way about the bloggers I find and follow. We are all so different but have so many experiences to share and interacting withe each other is fun. I have no plans to change what I’m doing, it was just one of the mini crisis we all go through every now and again. It’s been great to hear from others who experience something similar periodically. I am a very open and honest person and not afraid to show I’m vulnerable 🙂
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Thanks Debbie. I’m sure others have said it too, but your honesty and openness are part of what makes your blog so very enjoyable to read.
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Last Christmas I took my iPad Pro to my family’s holiday celebration. When it came around to my sister-in-law’s turn to read my blog, she read every post I had written. Then she asked me why I even had a blog. What was the point? I smiled at her, and while accepting my iPad back from her hands, I simply said: “So people like you will read it!”
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Oh Jen, that’s kinda sad in a way! I’m so glad to have you along and for all your supportive, encouraging comments. You write a lovely blog – thanks again!
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I actually found it empowering, and a testament to the way [even cynics like my lovely sister-in-law] are drawn to blogs. She could have simply read the one post I thought other family members would like [it was all about a member who lives a Santa Claus lifestyle], but she became so enthralled she read every post.
She considers herself to be a very well-educated individual, and in fact she is. I believe she got very interested in the variety of inspirational topics I find interesting, and so jumped into each post with both feet.
She also read the comments, but seemed quite taken with the interactive way other people were communicating back and forth with me. I believe it became obvious to her that my “out loud” personality [just as it is] was speaking to my readers. She admired this.
My point is…we each have something to say, and we bravely put our thoughts into words here at WordPress. People respond to us because we resonate with them; whether they be in the tens, or the thousands. It may take time, but with consistency, variety, integrity, and using our own voice, we are rewarded with something worth more than money…Authorship!
If I had to give my blog a category, I would call it a Positive Lifestyle Blog! That’s what I told Judy, and I’m sticking to it.
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That’s great to hear. I’m pleased your sister responded by reading everything including comments! I like the sound of a Positive Lifestyle Blog category! I agree we are all putting a bit of ourselves out there and we can only hope that others can see what we are saying and respond. I love blogging for this very reason, I get to meet and talk with people all over the world, living all sorts of lives. Thanks again for interacting with me.
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You are very welcome. Highest and Best!
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If you find the answers please let me know. I have striggled with what my blog is really about since day one. I call myself a ‘travel bligger’ but in reality I only travel when I have annual leave from my less than exciting full time job. I don’t really know why I do this thing we call blogging either. I guess my only advice would be – if you enjoy it then something is working. Don’t try and force something that you aren’t comfortable with & keep using your own voice. The minute you try and please the masses is when things start going wrong.
At the end of the day YOU have to be happy with the content you are posting.
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Thanks Sarah once I find the answers you’ll be the first to know! I do enjoy what I’m doing and love meeting others like you 🙂 Great advice and support, thanks so much 🙂
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I detect a remarkable consensus in the comments! I’m not going to disagree. Your blog is for you to do as you wish with, and if it works for you why should anyone else worry? I think all these advice posts are really aimed at people who want to make money from blogging and / or to be seen as “influencers”. I don’t fit into any of the points you raise either. I write my blog because it’s my travel diary but the bonus is that it has brought me a lovely social network too. Let’s just enjoy that!
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That’s exactly what I’m thinking Anabel, thanks for the comment. It’s been heartening to see the comments reflecting the same thoughts, we all bring something unique to our blogs and shows we are real people. Keep doing what you do too, I love it! 🙂
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If it brings you pleasure and you enjoy what you do then keep on doing it.
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Tanks Andrew, I’m feeling much better now and have moved on…I enjoy what I do and will keep doing it 🙂
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Are you starting to detect a theme in all these replies? Add mine to the list.
All these posts about how to increase readership, creating a niche, blah, blah, blah irritate me. In my opinion, all they do is scare people away who might otherwise be interested in having a space in the virtual world and demotivate those who already do.
Our blogs are our personal spaces. It’s our world to share with those who appreciate it. For those who don’t, they can find another space that suits them better.
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I agree Joanne, I love hearing from everyone and learning about our different lives. I’m not into the other side of blogging and will stop beating myself up now. I enjoy your blog immensely and appreciate having you along. 🙂 Thanks so much.
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I love your blog, Debbie, your posts are entertaining, enlightening, thoughtful. I don’t think everyone needs a niche or a theme for their blog. It is your space so enjoy it, enjoy what you write and post. I too have wondered about some of these questions, but for me, I want to live life and not spend all my time online. Enjoy the community and friends you have made here and do what feels right, for you 🙂
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That’s lovley Ruth, thanks very much. I’m glad you have also wondered about these questions too. I love bogging and will continue to do so in my own inimitable style. 🙂
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I love this – you got yourself a new follower! I look forward to future reads. Keep doing what you are doing 🙂
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Thanks so much! Welcome along for the ride. 🙂
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I only found your blog recently but I’ve liked to peek into your world so far! I hope you won’t change too much as it is fun to read already.
If you’re enjoying it, stay how you are…and maybe avoid the “how to blog” posts for a while!? 😉
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Thanks for the advice! I’m staying away from those wretched blogs forever! I enjoy what I do,so I’m sticking with it. Lovely to have you comment, thanks again 😊
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I’ve often thought my blog is all over place with no niche, but then I thought – too bad – it is me. We all have different reasons for doing our blogs and doing the things we do. Yours is a lovely space, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Be you! You are lovely.
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Thanks so much Jodi, I am feeling a bit better about it all now. I was just so confused and upset while reading all these posts telling me what I should and shouldn’t be doing. I love your blog too and I agree it’s better to be real and yourself at all times. We will continue on as niche-less bloggers!
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😉👍😝
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Deb! That Cyclone has got to you! How dare it use our name? It’s messed with your head!!!! We all love your blog, precisely because it reflects YOU! you sound like you would be the kind of friend in real life as you are in blogsville – loyal, helpful, consistent, kind – and, again, loyal! They are great attributes! Those kind of blogovice .. okay okay… blogavice …. oh ALRIGHT, blog advice… ( 🙂 ) are for people who have money motives. And thats fine – for them! but blog land started for people to share and communicate. As for myself, the blogs i follow are usually on a particular topic ( travel usually) and we all know my blog has a mission – to inform people about China, to help non-Chinese realise its an amazing, interesting place and not some trumpian nightmare hiding behind a Wall, blah blah blah, but yours I follow precisely because it is NIche-less.
AH! thats another thing i like about blogs, the freedom to make up words. got a few goodies here already…
anyhow, from governments getting rid of teachers in prisons, to cockatoos, sisters in melbourne, tumba-bloody-rumba, wordless mondays and whatever, I love reading your blog because, quite simply it is always REAL.
I feel that the words I am reading stem from someone who really wants to talk to me and share the meaningful things in her life – like a friend would.
and that’s priceless. not all of us are out there to make millions – although soon ill be looking at some of that blog advice when i start my new writer’s site…. but that’s a whole other story.
i’ve written a marathon again, when i could have just said ” don’t stop Deb, just do what you do, we love it”!
i think that Cyclone musta got to me too. 🙂
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Haha! I think you are right Deb, I’m all over the shop. Your comment made me smile and tear up a bit actually. I think it’s the loveliest comment I’ve ever had in all the years of blogging. You are very special and I love the connections I have made, especially the Deb connections!! That Cyclone has a lot to answer for!! All the best to you too, I love learning about your life in China and hope you get the new writer’s site happening. How exciting! Thanks again for your support, I really appreciate your kind words. 😊😊
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ah.. oh.. aw… now its my turn to tear up a bit! im bemused and very touched that my comment is the loveliest comment you’ve ever had… now that’s some complement!
Okay i have an idea now – I’ll use this comment in my new advertising campaign for spaceshipchina! :Lol, just kidding!
yeah maybe that cyclone’s secret role was to unite all Debbie’s!! did a bit of damage in northern nsw though!
and you are not ‘all over the shop’ you are just you – a real human being with diverse interests who manages to write about all or many of them in a real way. More power to humans!
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Please feel free to use my comments anyway you want Deb! I’m on my way up north today and will be in Murwillumbah next week so will see the aftermath of our namesake. I love having your support and love your blog 🙂 Debbie power x
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You had me at ‘shallow’ Debbie. I also struggled with these questions and then I realized that one of my strengths as a blogger was not having a niche! I don’t want to be identified as solely a boomer or write endlessly about menopause. I love it when I appeal to readers on both ends of the age spectrum, both men and women and make people think even though I write humor. I also don’t make any money with my blog and want to keep it that way. I have no special interests and write to promote no product. It give me a freedom that I cherish. As for SEO and all, I wish I had the time and put the effort into cracking that code, but in the meantime I’m going to keep writing and keep my creative juices flowing. I treasure every reader and comment and am amazed in this world of millions of blogs that I have anyone at all who reads mine. I enjoy yours thoroughly. Don’t cave to conformity or the ‘shoulda’ of blogging!
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Thanks Molly, that’s just what I need to hear. I love your blog too and enjoy your take on things. I am also very surprised when I get people reading and liking my posts, and I really appreciate every one of them. I sometimes overthink things and this is just one example of that little brain snap 🙂 I don’t intend changing anything much and will continue to do my own thing. I really appreciate your feedback and friendship 🙂
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Glad this helped. Your questions are all so good and worthy of asking. I also don’t mean to say I don’t read and learn from what helps a blog succeed and I’m open to tweeking things if it will help improve my reach. My ultimate goal as a writer is to have people read what I write and I want them to feel better for having done so.
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A great goal to have Molly, I think mine is very similar now that I think about it clearly.
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ps. and!!!! You introduced me to The Waifs!!!
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I’m so pleased you made the effort to look them up!
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I LOVE YOUR BLOG HOW IT IS! , please don’t change what you’re already doing. Even though I’ve only just recently found you, I really enjoy reading your posts & I think your doing exactly what blogging is about. Please ignore what you came across & continue blogging as you always have. Tracey
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That’s so sweet of you Tracey! I’m not planing on changing anything just having a bit of a mini crisis 🙂 All good now though as I’ve vented and talked it through by blogging about it, which always helps.
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I have never read a “how to” about blogging, or photography, for that matter. Your blog should reflect the uniqueness of you and it should add to the happiness of your life. I like you and your blog just the way they are.
PS: You can add tags if your want because they make your site more searchable…..
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Thanks for that Cindy. I’m afraid I have read too many lately (I don’t really know why!) and have upset myself in the process. I agree with you and on any other day I would have told myself to get over it and move on! I like adding tags for that very reason – so I have absorbed something along the way 🙂 Isn’t it funny how your confidence can suffer a blow for no real reason?? Well sort of funny 🙂
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Sounds like you should just what makes you happy, and not worry 🙂
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Thats my new mantra to blogging! Thanks for support 😊
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Blogging can become a chore if we overthink things. Blog about what you love, forget about anything else. If what you love is travel and lifestyle then stick to that, and be as narsissistic as you want as long as you celebrate your two amazing topics. I tend to write mainly about books, writing, poetry, etc but if I have time I do throw in the odd blog post that doesn’t fit the mould. Challenge yourself, if and when you want to. Perhaps write a human interest story from time to time. Its your blog so don’t be frightened to grow with it, make friends and above all else have fun. I hope that helps. 🙂
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Thanks very much for your comments Marje – I think it’s something I tend yo overthink when I read too many ‘how to’ posts. It’s good to be honest about how things are affecting you to at times, as it helps get it you of your system. I’m lucky in that I do enjoy it and get a lot of pleasure out of interacting and sharing with others. Much appreciated!
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I don’t think anyone ever needs to justify themselves about what they write about on their blog. Your blog is interesting and informative and I enjoy reading it – if it brings you and your readers pleasure then it is serving the purpose it was created for! Keep doing what you’re long and ignore what others are telling you… Thanks so much for the mention too!
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Thanks so much Suzie, I find your ‘how to’ posts much easier to digest, clearer and more sensible than any others, so you are always my ‘go to’ person. I think I’ve just read one too many of the other sort of post lately and got myself doubting (again). At least I’m honest!!
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I’m so glad you find them useful. Essentially, there is no definitive how to – everyone just does what works for them… The problem arises from all the conflicting advice and info!
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Yes that’s very true. One of my daughters told me I think too much, I tend to thinks she’s right 🙂 All good!
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I’m the same – it’s difficult not to sometimes though!
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