Last month I had the deeply satisfying experience of getting together with five friends—who blog. That’s right. Instead of just a meet-up with other bloggers—I now consider them first and foremost to be friends. I walked away knowing that how we each blog is actually just the foundation for who we are as women, and what we value and appreciate. To me it is so interesting that although we are all very different people, with rather extremely different lives (not to mention blogs), we share something fundamental. It’s likely that when you start with such a connection there is almost an immediate sense of belonging.
So while we did a lot of talking about blogging and how we each out-picture that, we also talked about our lives and everything else. Donna, our host, even took notes from the discussion. But rather than list those notes that may or may not interest others, I instead came up with another plan. That idea is to have each of us share ten things we should have, or wished we knew, before we started blogging. What I find fascinating is that these ten things from all of us offer a glimpse into our personalities and how we approach both our blogs AND the world around us.
Here they are:
Donna who blogs @ Retirement Reflections 
- There’s lots of advice on ‘blogging musts’ out there… but not all of it is a must for me!
- The learning curve can be straight up (mine was)!
- The ‘work’ does not end when you hit publish. Blogging will take as much time as you allow it.
- Avoid taking on too much.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- I don’t need to be perfect…and neither does my blog.
- If you want readers to feel connected to your blog, be yourself…and write about what matters to you.
- When it’s no longer fun, it’s time to take a break and rethink.
- There’s an incredible blogging community out there, filled with remarkable people. I was drawn to blogging because of the writing but have stayed because of the friends.
- And my most recent take-away—Less can be more!
Janis who blogs @ Retirementally Challenged
- The blogging community is vast and wonderful. There are a lot of intriguing people out there doing interesting things.
- Blogging can be very time-consuming. Researching, writing. re-writing, finding/taking relevant photos, posting, and replying to comments takes a lot of time.
- There are zillions of blogs out there. Choose the ones to follow with care (don’t just reflexively follow someone else just because they followed you – check to see if their blog is relevant and resonates).
- Once you find a blog you enjoy, follow and comment generously and thoughtfully. That’s the best way I’ve found to make connections and increase the number of people who follow your bog.
- Blogging is a tremendous creative outlet: writing, poetry, photography – whatever it is – share your creative spirit.
- Blogging will teach you new skills and open you to new experiences.
- It’s OK to step back now and then. The world will not end if you take a break from blogging.
- If you follow a blogger who posts more than a few times a week, you can set your notifications to once-a-week so they are grouped together. Reading and commenting on one person’s multiple blog posts a week can be overwhelming… give yourself a break (you don’t always have to leave a comment).
- You’ll always remember your first follower (that isn’t a friend or family member). It was so exciting to get that first follow and comment (thanks, Shelley!).
- You’ll still be at it – and loving it – six years later!
Erica who blogs @ Behind The Scenery
- Spend time researching domain name. It will likely stick with you for a long time.
- The technical aspects of setting up and navigating a blogging website are challenging and will continue to challenge you.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help. There are many amazing blogs and bloggers out there. It is a very supportive community.
- If you enjoy writing, interacting with bloggers and you expect challenges, stick with it.
- You thought you were busy before starting a blog. Guess what? You now will truly hope you had more than 24 hours in a day.
- You will likely take/need a break from blogging at some point in time.
- Do not overthink or over research starting a blog. You will likely not begin if you do.
- Know your “why.” There is a great deal of advice available for bloggers. As with all advice, take it with a grain of salt.
- Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the blogosphere. The concept of “following” and “followers” was new to me. After one year of blogging I have found that new relationships develop organically for me.
- You will hear the phrase finding “your voice.” Your story, your writing, your blog is like your fingerprint, as individual as you are.
Ann who blogs @ The Unretired Life
- The teaser web sites that offer to help you make money blogging are just sites that get you to pay money for whatever service they are offering which is often useless suggestions about making money blogging.
- The more research you do on a topic, the fewer the views.
- The most views appear to be from personal anecdotes and/or pictures.
- It is not possible to earn money blogging with a few exceptions and they are not explaining how to do it.
- Comments don’t seem important
- It’s a good way to make new friends.
- It’s a good way to hone writing skills
- It impresses people despite being easy to do.
- It has not been useful in marketing my ESL business
- It has given me a vehicle to express my rants.
Jude who blogs @ Dr. Sock Writes Here
- I wish I had known I was going to keep on blogging for years and years, because then I would have given some thought to my blog’s name and URL, which were just some silly things that I pulled out of the air when I needed a name.
- I wish I had given some thought to the purpose of my blog, which has shifted over the years. At various times, it has been a technical learning experience, a writing blog, an art blog, a retirement blog, a chronicle of what I have been doing, and a soapbox for my opinions about things. Presently, it’s a little bit of all of those things.
- I wish I had steeped myself in blogging culture a bit before starting my own blog. I had hardly ever read a blog before I started one.
- I wish I had known that there are people out there who actually read blogs. At the beginning, I threw words into the ether with no expectation that anyone would ever read them.
- I wish I had learned the principle of reciprocity a little faster. That is, if someone comments on your blog, it is polite to respond to their comment.
- I wish I had known that bloggers aren’t just strangers on the other side of the world, but real people — people with shared interests — that you can actually meet in real life.
- I wish I would have known how much enjoyment I get from regularly reading selected blogs. You can learn a lot about people, their interests and lifestyles, and other places through reading blogs.
- I wish I had known how much time blogging would begin to take up in my life as I became more integrated into a blogging community.
- This is not an “I wish” point, but an observation. I am endlessly fascinated with ordinary people’s everyday use of writing, images, and videos on the Internet to represent themselves to the world, express their point of view, interact with other people, and form communities. Blogs are a great example of that.
- No number 10.
My list of 10 things I (Kathy) should have known:
- Blogging (or at least the way I blog) requires more time, energy and focus than I ever imagined.
- The good news is that blogging is more personally rewarding and enriching than I ever guessed.
- Don’t automatically assume that friends and family will be big fans. Many won’t read it and some won’t like what/how your write. Do it anyway.
- Never just pull photos off of Facebook or Google. This nearly cost me a small fortune early on.
- It looks easy! Hahahahahahaha!
- Starting and maintaining a blog is better for your brain than crossword puzzles, playing bridge, or learning a new language. It is a constant learning experience.
- There are a LOT easier ways to make money than starting and maintaining a blog—that’s why I’ve never made mine income producing.
- If you want to meet people from around the country and around the world—start a blog about something that interests you. Some of those you connect with will become good friends.
- What you give out comes back to you. Want more followers—follow others. Want more comments—comment on other blogs. Be generous. The best way to get what you want is to give it away.
- There are tons of articles about how to grow a blog but if you aren’t true to yourself and following your heart you won’t stick with it.
So that’s a little window into each of us and the motivation behind our blogs and our lives. Like I mentioned, each of us approaches the work in our own unique fashion but even then, just the awareness that we all strive to write, create and put our words out into the world, bonds us in a deep way.
I’m not sure if or when I will ever “meet-up” with these bloggers IRL (in-real-life) again, but I do know we will stay friends. A “Big Thank You!” to our event hostess Donna for putting it all together. I’m also reminded of how important it is for all of us to find a place where we feel we belong. The SMART approach is to make that a priority and never, ever take it for granted.
Hi Kathy – sorry … yes I think I posted and then realised I should have addressed you … ways of rushing through reading and not absorbing properly! apologies!!
I’m glad the ‘positive’ aspect of blogging came through … and I totally agree with all you’re saying … the positive overtone is an essential …
Cheers Hilary
Well I’m back from weeks of travel where we had no cell service or wifi. Hence my late comment here. How much fun our blogger get-together was! I look back on it fondly. It is so interesting to read each person’s ten points here. Words of wisdom, and each list has its own style and point of view. Thanks for organizing us to all write something on this topic, Kathy.
Jude
Hi Jude! Nice to hear you are back and and I’m SURE you had great time. I’m hoping to read more about it on your next blog post. And you’re welcome! Actually, I should be thanking you for contributing. Especially with your busy schedule. ~Kathy
Hi Erica … good to see you here and to read all about the meet up you had over on the Island with Donna … some notes re the starting off blogging – my thoughts – they’re on Donna’s post – but I’ll copy them here :
apologies later than I’d intended …:
Domain name or blog title … don’t tie down too much, as may get bored of your own subject … it allows one to post on whatever comes to mind or write series …
Commenting – totally essential … otherwise why bother = no communication to be had … builds rapport …
I do struggle with the Social Media quick posts and they seem to be getting quicker, now people are going Instagramwards … and really have little wish to comment on FB if I’m doing the rounds elsewhere across the blogs –
– but this is choice – once your audience is intact … then one can stay in touch, but wander a bit …
I try and comply to the more experienced ‘setters of the scene’ – and ask for help if I don’t understand … eg being single and relatively untechnical (by the hour apparently!) I ask for help … eg FB posting, etc …
Evolve to be you on your blog – so people can relate … I stick to being positive, as I can’t see the point in writing much negative … shared wisdom goes a long way … we all learn from blogging …
Re the various platforms – I signed in to WP very early on, before I started on blogger – but this was the platform I got the hang of … and then I signed in to Squarespace and Disqus (don’t like those much … but saves time) – I prefer to make things easy for others and thus myself …
Everyone’s made some really excellent comments against a wonderful post – clever of the two of you to have ‘a same idea’ … anyway I’m off to Erica’s to copy and paste this … cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary! Not sure if you meant this for me (Kathy) but I’ll answer anyway! 🙂 And thanks for adding in all your suggestions. I agree that one of the best things about blogging and finding friends is that we can (and do) all support one another. And YES to being positive. That doesn’t mean I agree or support things that I see in the world around me, but I don’t need to “feed” them, right? There are plenty of others who can do that. I see my “task” as someone feeding the positive and apparently so do you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. ~Kathy
Hi Hilary, I greatly appreciate your response. I learn a great deal from other bloggers. The supportive, encouraging community is a wonderful surprise for a relatively new blogger, like myself. I learn a great deal from the comments.
Wonderful information in general. I need to learn more about social media.
I like how you indicate it is ok to be flexible and also to ask for help.
Thank you for your kind, supportive and insightful information:) Erica
Pleasure Erica – just have fun doing it … take care and see you around – cheers Hilary
I would have loved to have been part of that meeting! Blogging has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s challenging in every way all of you mentioned, plus my readers give me so much love and support. They’re my family. I’ll agree with Leanne about winning the Lotto and bringing everyone together… A family reunion! Brenda
Hi Brenda! Awww…wouldn’t that have been fun? There are so many bloggers that I would LOVE to meet in person. I also had the pleasure of attending “The Women of Midlife Blogging Conference” a couple of years ago in Las Vegas and it was wonderful to meet and get together other bloggers that I had only just met online. I wish they would do another. But who knows? Maybe someone will step up the the plate and it will happen again. ~Kathy
Well I’ll try one more time to add a comment here, but so far no such luck. All I wanted to say was fun lists with many good observations. It’s always nice to see this much positivity in one place. How did you hit upon 10 items per?
[Now I’ll hit send again and we’ll see…]
Hi Ally! So sorry you had a difficult time leaving a comment. 🙁 That is one of the challenges of blogging huh? I get a LOT of spam so I have a pretty aggressive spam filter. As far as why I choose 10: Donna had shared with me a post that said something like 50 things I should have done by the time I hit 50. I thought it was pretty clever and seemed well received. But there were 6 of us at Donna’s so I asked for just 10 each not knowing if e everyone wanted to play. And they did! I think it worked out well, don’t you? ~Kathy
Ah ha! I knew there’d be a story about that number. Thanks for sharing it here. And now, with any luck, I’ll post this comment. Let’s see what the system thinks of me today! ?
Hey Ally! Yes for today. But don’t get your hopes up 🙂 Some people who comment on here every single time still end up in spam at times and I have to “liberate” their comment before it is seen. Hopefully it like you FOREVER!!!! ~Kathy
So great to read this and thank you for the summary of these lovely women. WOW – Words of wisdom! I relate to just about all of them but mostly of how much I benefit from reading blogs I enjoy. Their humanity shines through in the posts that I read. I just wish there was much more time!
Hi Susan! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. And I SO agree. I am just trying to answer every one of these comments and THAT is a chore. I will also do my best to pop around and read all the blogs that are new to me. But again, it does that time. The good news is that there are lots of great blogs out there with some incredible women writers. It’s ALWAYS a real gift to find someone new to connect with. ~Kathy
1. pexels.com gives you LOTS of free photos (best site I’ve found).
2.If you have a goal of being published some day(that was my goal): use the blog to hone, hone, hone your writing. After 8 years of- blogging, I had something valuable to point to (a teeny-tiny internet presence) and to put on my new website when a publisher finally took my novel.
3. “Are you writing? Not really – just the blog.” STOP PUTTING YOURSELF DOWN!
Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for adding some of your advice about blogging. And yes, pexels.com is a great site for free photos but my favorite is unsplash.com. And I agree that our blogs help us be a better writer AND promote our books! ~Kathy
This is so interesting to read! Some great words of ‘Blogging’ wisdom here with some varying views too. Some I’ve taken away too. Really good read, thank you.
I came to read from Donna’s Retirement Reflections 🙂
Hi Samantha! Thanks for visiting from Donna’s site. We have very different “styles” but she is an awesome friend (not to mention blogger!) Glad you found some of this post helpful. That’s a BIG intention for my blog. ~Kathy
This is a must-read for everyone considering blogging. I had no idea, 10 years ago when I started, that it would take so much time.
Or be so rewarding!
Hi Diane! Isn’t that the truth? I do believe that we have to love what we do or we won’t still be doing it after all these years. Those that don’t….don’t! Glad to see you still in the mix. ~Kathy
It looks like a fun time! I have been away from blogging for a while and missed it desperately. While I love to work on websites I also love to write and couldn’t wait to get back to it. I’ve missed you!
Hi Rena! Nice to hear from you. And from following you on FB I KNOW you’ve been busy! I’ve missed you too and am glad to see you back at it! ~Kathy
Such great advice from everyone which I can relate to so well! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading about your blogging catchup from everyone’s perspective and now your summary of ten tips is fabulous. I think comments and responding to comments is very important. I also find it’s easy to get overwhelmed with trying to keep up with everyone else’s blogs so have to tell myself I can only do so much! Really enjoyed this Kathy!! I’d love to meet you all one day too.
Hi Deb! I would love to meet you IRL too. And if I make it to your part of the world I will surely try. It is so much fun (and encouraging!) to meet with other bloggers on the path. And yes, we had quite a discussion about comments. Some of my other friends comment EXTREMELY well, others not at all, and I think I fall somewhere in the middle. I do my best to get around and be reciprocal, but you do have to manage your time carefully (that was another big discussion!) Still, I think we are all happy with our paths at this point and that is most important, right. Stay in touch! ~Kathy
Great post, could really have done with it 6 years or so ago when I started my retirement blog especially as every point made resonated. Also appreciate the links to everyone’s blog- it was intriguing to read your individual posts about your wonderful get-together and how you all blog with different styles. Sounds like a wonderful meet up for the men as well as the bloggers.
Hi Caree! I think if you visit the other blog sites you will see that we are very different on how we write AND what we blog about. But like I said in my response to Joanne, I REALLY appreciate the group that I’ve found. May we all find that too. And while I’d be open to having men part of the discussion (and in some ways they were with our husbands on hand for much of the time) but that invite would be up to whoever was hosting. It is more work than it looks like to get a multi-blogger group together. But I am always ready to have lunch with bloggers whenever possible. Not only can we learn a lot from each other–we can support and encourage each other to a very large degree. That’s most important to me when we get together. ~Kathy
I loved reading these lists. Blogging is such a generous community and seriously, there is no right (or wrong) way to do it. Thanks for this!
Hi Joanne! You are so right! There is no right or wrong way to do it. And I think when we connect with other bloggers repeatedly online and IRL we find out that our differences don’t matter that much as long as our core intentions match up. I did meet with some younger bloggers in my own community but they were all about numbers and making money–and they were focused on mommy blogging and exercise too. While I appreciate that it was working for them, that’s just not that engaging to me. While I applaud their blogging commitment, I REALLY appreciate the group that I’ve found that match my intentions much closer. We don’t blog the same but we do share LOTS of similar values. ~Kathy
Great post, Kathy and thanks to all the bloggers who contributed!
I got into blogging because I needed a place to spew out my thoughts and journalling wasn’t cutting it. I loved the idea of being able to put my thoughts into a medium I could call my digital home and access it anywhere, anytime. I also loved reading other bloggers – they inspire me and open my mind on the daily – and one of my greatest thrills is when a reader comments that something I wrote resonated with/inspired them.
The blogging community is vast but yet it is easy to find one’s tribe by liking and commenting (comments are very important, in my opinion!) on blogs you enjoy, and having those comments reciprocated. And true and lasting friendships can be the result, as you guys already know!
Deb
Hi Deb! Thanks for sharing some of your thoughts on this with all of us. I so agree that blogging can be extremely rewarding to us personally in many ways. And yes, like I mentioned in my response to Deb, “Some of my other friends comment EXTREMELY well, others not at all, and I think I fall somewhere in the middle. I do my best to get around and be reciprocal, but you do have to manage your time carefully (that was another big discussion!)” Another one of the beauties of blogging is that “we get to make it up!” 🙂 I’d love to meet you IRL one of these days. And rumor has it you will be moving to the west coast so who knows? ~Kathy
Kathy, it was fun to see different perspectives and try and figure out what my own top 10 would be! Number one is the connections I’ve made, for sure. That it should be fun is probably #2. Finding your own voice, how much time it can take, my belief in the importance of commenting & responding, and not expecting to make any money would also be in my top 10! Thanks for pulling this together so we could see the breath of perspectives. Pulling a Kathy… that was pretty SMART!
Hi Pat! Thank you. As you pointed out I LOVE compiling information that I think is helpful and then sharing it with others and this post is no exception. Fortunately I had some awesome women to help. Of course I could have also dozens of you to offer the same but because we just walked away from a great gathering this seemed the most natural. And ultimately it keeps reminding me that we all share so much in common and that is very rewarding. ~Kathy
This post displays the essence of what blogging is all about that, by the way, I had no idea what it would be like when I started out. I can’t choose a favorite tip, I nodded at many that were shared. My take on blogging – In a nutshell, if you’re not having fun doing what you’re doing while blogging you might be on the wrong track – pause, reflect, press restart and let your own voice shine.
Hi Shelley! I LOVE your tip, “Uf you’re not having fun doing what you’re doing while blogging you might be on the wrong track – pause, reflect, press restart and let your own voice shine.” May we all be guided by that for sure. ~Kathy
Yay, I’m glad I could add to this awesome post! Happy blogging to all, it’s fun to see others enjoying what they’re doing.
I think it’s great when bloggers are able to meet up in real life. I wish there were more opportunities, especially for older bloggers. Most blog conferences and meetings are for twenty-somethings I loved hearing everyone’s perspectives. I disagree with the statement that you can’t make money blogging. You actually can but it takes a lot of work and it doesn’t happen overnight. You probably won’t get rich either but it’s something you can do from anywhere in the world. It all depends on your situation and if it’s important to you. It’s certainly enriching and I’ve been able to connect with amazing people who have found me online.
Hi Rebecca! I agree that some of you can make money on your blog but like you say it is as challenging and difficult as just about any (and maybe more so than some) job that a person can have. That’s why I think people need to really, really appreciate and enjoy the experience first, and then if they make money–AWESOME! But when I talk to new bloggers most of them ask in the beginning, so how do you make money. I think it’s better to set that straight right from the beginning. And congrats to you for having found a way to make it work for you! ~Kathy
Hi Erica, I think reading and doing research is one of the best parts of blogging, but I also want my Blog to reflect everything from silly to serious about how we live our retirement years. The whole point for me is to capture us, as we are. I loved your whole list!!
Thank you, Suzanne:)
Such great ideas from all the bloggers. I just started doing crossword puzzles but I agree, the challenge of learning more about blogging and connecting with others is good for the brain as we age. I look forward to reading more from all of you.
Hi Kristin! I think crosswords are good too but there is nothing like the experience of having your blog site crash and then trying to figure out how to fix it yourself. I’ll admit to being frustrated at times but the feeling of satisfaction I get once I’ve corrected things is “priceless!” Thanks for jumping in her with your thoughts. ~Kathy
All good advice for both new bloggers and for those of us who have been at it for a while. I would underscore to newbies: “Spend time researching domain name. It will likely stick with you for a long time.” And for the rest of us: “And my most recent take-away—Less can be more!”
Hi Tom! Glad to hear you liked our lists! And I’m afraid I haven’t learned the “less can be more” aspect to blogging in terms of word count. But I am getting better and better at asking for help and mixing it up between light posts and heavy posts. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, what a great idea to have everyone share their thoughts about blogging. Ditto to all the comments about being a part of a blogging community. It has become one of the most rewarding parts of this hobby. Ann, I could not agree more with #2. I have a post coming out next week that has taken many hours of research to compile. It will bore most people within the first minute, but I had fun doing the research and I love that a simple day trip to a beautiful island inspired me to write it. Erica, your #8 resonates with me as I have questioned that from time to time. The answer is always “because I have something to say”. Janis, I love your #3 and could not agree more. I read several posts and follow only if I feel a connection to the writer. Otherwise, what’s the point. Kathy, #6 is so true. My friends don’t get it, but it works for me. Donna, #6. There is enough fake in the world, so why bring it to this forum. Everyone here appreciates authenticity. Jude, #7 is something I cherish. I have met people from all walks of life, who live throughout the world. Where else can that happen? Thank you ladies for making my day.
Hi Suzanne! Thank you so much for confirming what I hoped this post would do. While each of share some similar “tips” there are bound to be some particular ones that resonate more with one blogger or another. Isn’t that what makes the world so colorful and interesting? Blogging is such a great platform for us all to express our own unique creativity and self–we are extremely fortunate when we take the time to set it up. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. ~Kathy
Hi Suzanne, I have wanted to reply to some of the comments, although I am not sure whether the commenter can see the replies? Or only if they have checked a box? I wanted to specifically say thank you to your thoughtful response. I somewhat agree with how a time consuming, researched post may not always interest many people. You do make me think how it can have a great impact on a few people. I am with you on how doing the research is interesting and satisfying for the writer. I look forward to reading your post this week:) Erica
I just hopped over from Donna’s Retirement Reflections, and I’m so glad I did. There is a lot of combined wisdom here, which I will share. I wish I had known much of this when I first started too. I guess my top things I would have wanted to know were that blogging is going to cost money, and if you want to host your own blog, you are going to have to deal with technical stuff. If you decide to hire someone to build your blog, make sure you are hands-on and understand the decisions behind how it is set up. One of the biggest surprises for me was how supportive the blogging community is and the wonderful connections I would make. That’s definitely what keeps me going. I hope some day to be able to meet some of my blogging buddies in real life. I’m glad you had that chance, Kathy. Thanks for sharing the experience with us!
Hi Christie! Welcome! And nice to meet you as well. I’m glad you found some of these tips helpful as well as affirming to what you have learned yourself. And I agree that if you do hire someone, make sure you attempt to learn how they do it so you can take it from there. When I first started many years ago I paid a guy a BUNCH of money to set me up with Joomla…and no, I couldn’t really manage it myself so it continued to cost money. Now I’m really happy with WordPress and it really costs very little but I do have to do some of the maintenance myself. Still, I’d rather be in charge than at the mercy of someone else. I also encourage you and all bloggers to take the time to meet other bloggers. It’s rather solitary to sit by our selves and write all the time. When we get together with others who understand what we do it can be very encouraging. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I’m not sure exactly what I expected when I started my blog, but it wasn’t friendships or community. Yet, here I am in the midst of an incredible blogging community and friends – yes, I consider them my friends – with wonderful bloggers all over the world. And several of them at your meet-up at Donna’s home. (So jealous!!! 🙂 ) Such a gift that you were able to meet IRL.
I love everyone’s take on blogging and I can relate to so much of it. Thank you for this and for being my blogging friend.
Hi Nancy! I am always happy when I come across another blogger who writes about things that interest me and has a “voice” that is warm and interesting–and such it is with your blog. I REALLY appreciate how you explore so many options to have fun in retirement–especially travel. And who knows? Maybe you’ll come out this way one of these days. I would love to meet you in IRL! And “Thank You!” for being MY blogger friend! ~Kathy
What a good idea to compile the ten thoughts or insights from each of your blogging friends from the meet-up, Kathy. An interesting read, with quite a few parallels between them. Blogging is certainly very time consuming, and not just the writing, photo work, and posting part! If only we would get paid for our time commitment with that. 🙂 But, there is plenty of joy posting the posts, browsing other blogs, and creating long-term connections online and offline.
Hi Liesbet! So sorry you weren’t able to join us this year Liesbet! It was wonderful to meet up in Vancouver Island and as you know Donna is an excellent host! And yes, you are a great example of how it is even possible to be a blogger on the road. Not easy but doable. ~Kathy
This was a great summary and I think virtually all long-time bloggers can relate to the comments made. We trip into the experience of blogging somewhat naively, learn on the go, and our styles morph over time … basically a micro version of life itself.
I question the why of it on a regular basis and the answer is always the same. The relationships ?
Hi Joanne! Thanks. You’ve been blogging a long while now too so I’m not surprised that most of these tips are familiar to you. And I appreciate your way of sharing that with, “We trip into the experience of blogging somewhat naively, learn on the go, and our styles morph over time.” ~Kathy
I have learned a great deal from you, Joanne. You were one of the first bloggers I approached when I was reading some of the Anniversary stories. You were immediately kind and generous with your time. I enjoy reading your blog. I find it interesting, entertaining and I enjoy the photos. You have a genuine and approachable energy. I like how you say “micro version of life itself.”
Real, great advice from experienced bloggers, so refreshing to read, Kathy! What fun you all had! I know when I get together with other bloggers IRL, I ALWAYS learn something new! I like what Leanne said, I am down for a trip to Australia, or even a jaunt to the Bloggers Bash in London!
Hi Terri! I wish you could have joined us! We did have fun and as usual Donna was a perfect hostess. Wouldn’t that be fun to do a meetup in Australia? But what’s with the Bloggers Bash in London? I’ll have to check that out. However, there was something really special about meeting up with bloggers I follow all the time. It’s like you are friends before you ever see each other’s face. ~Kathy
Thank you, Kathy, for co-ordinating this and thanks, everyone for your advice. I’m thinking of starting a blog – so very timely. Also, as I live in the UK I’d be very interested to hear more about the Bloggers Bash in London. Regards to all, Mary
Hi Mary! I was very fortunate to be a part of it and what was easy for me was to just “coordinating” this blog post. 🙂 The genius of the experience was Donna our host. After you have been blogging for a long while, I think it is very natural to want to visit IRL with some of the other bloggers you know online so there is ALWAYS that to look forward to. I’m new to hearing about a meeting in London too so maybe others can chime in on what it is? But keep in mind, not ALL bloggers are in our “tribe.” Lots of other types of bloggers have a dramatically different focus so I’m not sure I’d be interested. But don’t be afraid to just jump in there and start. It just might be everything you are looking for. ~Kathy
The lesson I have NOT learned is to proofread BEFORE hitting PUBLISH
Hi Anne! So very true! Thanks again for all your insights! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy I can relate to each of the answers and advice your guests and blogging friends have written. I’m at a crossroads at the moment which I think all bloggers arrive at, at some point in their blogging lives. Do I keep going or do I stop? I’m actually going to be catching up with Donna when I briefly visit Vancouver Island next month and I’ve been fortunate to also catch up with some of my Aussie blogging friends. That is a huge positive about blogging – the friendships we make. x
Hey Sue! I definitely believe that we all owe it to ourselves AND our readers to keep asking ourselves “why” we blog. As long as there is a positive answer and we have the desire and inspiration to keep going, then “YES!” You KNOW how much work and energy it takes so it isn’t a commitment to take lightly. And lucky you to be able to get together with Donna soon. She is one of the most generous and kind bloggers out there and she is also filled with wonderful ideas so you are sure to walk away inspired. May that and all the friendships you and we all make add to the work that we do. ~Kath
Hi, Kathy,
Thanks so much for asking the question. I have had many of the same thoughts at one time or another and the one question I ask myself most is “If I knew how much time blogging requires, would I still do it?” The answer (so far) is always “yes.” My blog is as much a part of me as my family. The aspect of blogging that has surprised me the most is the number of online friends I have made along the way, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. So…if you ever organize the World-Wide Blogging Get Together, I want an invitation. Great post!
Hi Joe! I think as long as you (or any of us bloggers really) can keep saying yes, then we have what it takes to keep blogging. And I completely agree that blogging becomes a “part of us” as much as family. And yes, isn’t the experience of finding a “tribe” online so rewarding? AND, if you or any one wants to put together a “world wide blogging get together” I will help…just not sure I want to do everything myself. Hmmmm….let’s put that out as a possibility and see what happens!!! ~Kathy
Hi Joe, I really liked reading your comment. I just completed my first year of blogging and I, too wonder about the time commitment. My gut tells me to continue since it has enriched my life on many levels. Your words are inspiring and encourage me to continue along this path:) Erica
Hi, Kathy – I loved reading each of our individual thoughts here. Even though we had extensive discussions on blogging together- there were still some surprises here for me. Thank you for putting this together. I’ve reblogged this on my site.
Hi Donna! Yes isn’t it fun how each of us say something that is somewhat similar but still different? Even though some of our experiences are similar, we STILL have different perspectives on it all. Isn’t that what makes life (not to mention blogging!) so much fun. Thanks again for hosting such a great meetup! (and thanks for reblogging this!) . ~Kathy
It was my absolute pleasure for both!
Hi Kathy! This is such a great compellation of thoughts. Thanks for asking us all to put these together… it really made me think.
Hi Janis! No, thank YOU for your willingness to answer my question and share it with others. Wasn’t this a fun way to show how we are similar and yet different? And as always, I extremely happy to have gotten you to think!! ~Kathy
Wow, what a great topic! I love to write and may want to start a blog at some point. I’m in my mid-40’s and am going through a pretty existential phase as I transition into the second half (hopefully!) of my life. I’ve written hundreds of pages in my journal over the last few years, analyzing my fears, the way I react to certain situations, and how I lose (and regain) control of the peace and contentment in my life. Blogging about it seems like it a good way to consolidate my thoughts and to create a portfolio of my life. I’m only hesitant based on the fear of revealing my innermost thoughts to friends and family who may actually read it! Is it possible to blog anonymously?
Hi Cicely! It sounds to me like you have the making to be a great blogger. If you’ve been journalling regularly, you can often transfer that into a blog post in an interesting way. And as far as your question about revealing too much personal information, I think it all depends how you do it. I try not to ever use the “real names” of the people involved when I write about them, but I obviously do all the time. Of course I also know other bloggers who are much more “private” than I am. But like I said in my suggestions, after about 9 years of blogging I’ve found that the vast majority of people I find interesting to write about NEVER read my blog anyway so I have no problem using them for examples. I think there are LOTS of ways to write without revealing more than you are ready to share. Good luck! ~Kathy
Yay! Thanks for your encouragement Kathy – I’m going to do it! I’ve already picked out a few names for my blog, and my favorite one hasn’t been taken yet. Can’t wait to get started. 🙂
Hi Cicely! Be sure and come by SMART Living and let me know when you get started. And if there is something I can help with, let me know. ~Kathy
Will do – thank you Kathy!!
So much good wisdom in this post and very timely as I have once again come full circle to ask “why am I doing this?”. When I remind myself that I do it to preserve my travel and sailing memories and forge some incredible friendships that have buoyed my spirits all the way around, I fall in love with the art of blogging all over again.
Hi Lisa! I think it is so healthy for all of us to ask ourselves that question on a regular basis. Especially if we have been doing it awhile. As I’m sure you have discovered it is so easy for things to become routine if we aren’t paying attention. And YAY! that you still love what you do! ~Kathy
So many great thoughts here. I especially loved the one saying you don’t make money with a blog! One thing I would add is that I had no idea how enjoyable it would be. Like many others, my blog started out as one thing and morphed into what it is now. No one is more supportive than a dedicated blog follower!
Hi Kate! Thanks for chiming in here and sharing your experience. I’m glad you are at a place to really enjoy your blog. Isn’t that wonderful! And YES! to finding those dedicated blog followers! ~Kathy
I wish I knew to just write for myself when I began. I was trying to interest my friends and family but enjoyed no success on that front whatsoever. What surprised me, though, is the people who signed up to follow me, most of whom I did not know. It has become a nice community. I think I wish I’d known to just relax and have fun writing, without anticipating an audience. I loved this post, thank you all for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Pamela! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. I agree that it would have been nice to know some of these things before we began…BUT, I think we all do the best we can based on what we know…and as we know more, we are finally able to make those changes. It is SO tempting when you start to just listen to the experts, but once we get comfortable with ourselves AND our blogs, I think we finally have the courage just to be ourselves. Thanks again for bringing this up. ~Kathy
Hi Pamela, I relate to everything you wrote. I initially began a blog thinking my friends and family would be interested. There are a couple of friends that read the site, yet like you said, the blogging community is most supportive. Nice to meet you and I plan to head over to read your site. Thank you for your input:) Erica
Plenty of good points. Blogging has kept me busier than I imagined, but more fun and interesting.
Hi Janet! Thanks for sharing your perspective. I think it is really important for us all to remind ourselves what we love about it AND share our thoughts with others who are interested. Isn’t it great to be a blogger? ~Kathy
You’re welcome Kathy, it certainly is great to be a blogger.
I loved reading this post and lovely for you to have formed a group of older women bloggers to support each other.
Hi Anne! Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed this. It really was a great to meet with women I have so much in common with. I strongly urge others to try to do the same. ~Kathy
It was good to see that each person has their own perspective on blogging but all had valuable insights to offer. I enjoy reading this blog and the varied topics you cover.
Hi Susa! Yes if you get a chance to check out each of our blogs you will quickly see how different we all are. I’d bet ALL of us in the blogging world are the same. Even if we take the same topic we would still be sure to write it from our own perspective and viewpoint. That’s why it is so important for us to stay true to ourselves don’t you think? Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your thoughts. ~Kathy
I like the idea of assigning us a topic and then see how different each blog is!
Hi Ann! That could be an interesting idea. You might want to throw that out on your own blog and/or Social Media and see who would be interested? ~Kathy
Great insights from all of you. It looks like a really fun meet up. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Hi Janet! Thank you. It WAS a great meeting that will be long remembered. ~Kathy