Tomorrow will mark my one year blogiversary of shutterboo. And since it’s a Wednesday, a photo challenge post will don the page. But every blogger feels the need to celebrate this day – it’s a complete sense of accomplishment. Like when you were in high school and you and you’re boyfriend had actually been going out for six months which is really like three years in the real world so it’s a big effing deal. So is this. Believe me.
Anywho, with 364 days of blogging under my belt, I thought I’d share with you some of the things I’ve picked up along the way, be it from a person or an experience. None of which is helpful knowledge when it comes to actually “blogging”. But things that will… crap I don’t know, just go with me here.
Be Real. Because if you’re one of those “my life is puppies and unicorns and I shit rainbows” kind of people, just know that the world A) knows you’re lying to yourself and B) makes fun of you. No really, we do. It’s A-OK to be satisfied with your life but don’t rub our noses in your overly-optimistic posts. Actually, you don’t rub my nose in it. Because I don’t read it. Because I don’t identify with it. Makes sense, huh?
Be Nice. Not every sentence has to end in an exclamation point [unless you're one of those 'I heart unicorns' people] but being real doesn’t mean you can’t be nice. I tend to rant on certain topics that might be not-so-nice but I’ve never used this website to bad mouth another person or be catty. Unless you’re that lady that keeps talking on her cell phone in the ladies room. You I will bad mouth. But you probably don’t even know that this little piece of the interweb exists.
Be Nice. It’s that important. When you leave a comment, don’t be a jackhole. I delete jackhole remarks. Because I can. But no one can be a successful blogger with a chip on their shoulder. You won’t gain readers, you won’t gain acquaintances and you won’t gain respect. Everyone has a bad day but take it out on a bowl of ice cream, not someone else’s comment log. Lighten up. But be sure not to leave rainbow encrusted bullshit either.
Learn To Be Disappointed. Just because you’re absolutely smitten over your latest post about your deaf dog doesn’t mean anybody else gives two shits about it. If your stats are down or you didn’t get too many comments that day, be disappointed but don’t be defeated. Remind yourself that you blog for fun and for you and you ain’t getting paid anyway so who cares. It usually starts as a hobby and as long as it remains a hobby, you’ll be a rock star.
Be Prepared. Some of my best writing has been spontaneous. But let’s be real, I ain’t creative enough to keep up spontaneousness as often as I write. Having a notebook of ideas has not only made blogging easier but more fun. Letting ideas fester, building on them for a few weeks… these become rewarding once I hit ‘publish’. And the photo challenge gave me something to look forward to each week. It works. And it pays off.
Throw A Bone. List a blog you like on your blog roll. Pass along a silly reward. Mention a site and add its link. It may sound silly to point someone to another house when you’re wanting to showcase your own, but it’s worth it. And the favor is usually returned in some fashion down the road. Blogging karma, if you will.
Be Friends. The best part of even starting this little blog here is the people I share it with. It’s also the reason why I was hesitant (note: mean people suck). My friends and family have been supportive and tell me which stories and photos they’ve enjoyed the most. And I’ve made several internet friends that also share what’s on their minds through blogging. And even though these internet people are complete strangers and don’t know me from the bum on the corner, they’re supportive and encouraging and incredibly fantastic. A virtual community that keeps me coming back.
Here’s to another year of shutterboo – because looking into the future too far makes it less exciting. Cheers!