I have been thinking a lot about this over the past few months. I have been blogging on this book blog for around 5 years. That's a long time. I know bloggers who've been blogging under a year and have way more followers than me. And here's what I have decided:
I tweet, but not a ton. I like to read tweets by other though. I do tweet and use good reads for my reviews.
I don't have the energy to do more and to get the followers you really have to go out and get them.
But, this is how I am in my life. I am not great at commenting on others blogs, unless I read something I want to comment on (I won't comment just to comment). If I was in a class with you, you'd find that I rarely participate in discussions (this is why I dislike online classes-the whole forced participation bothers me). In fact, you might not even notice me in a class. However, if you were put into a small group with me you'd find I have a lot to say.
Blogging is really this way for me. I have put myself out there as much as I can. Come and hang in my small group, though and we will have lots of fun!
I love your blog. I find so many books when I visit here. Of course, far more than I should but when I'm looking for a good read I stope in. I think you have a wonderful following and we follow you because we like you.
ReplyDeleteThat being said my first year of blogging all I did was comment and follow and see what was out there. Now, being in my second year I still blog weekly but it's a lot more laxed. I just don't have time. I much prefer writing.
I too love you're blog because you keep it simple! I find great straight forward reviews, and I don't have to dig through the clutter to find them :)
ReplyDeleteI did, at first, really network but I've gotten to the point now where my blog is what it is. If people like it and hang out great. If not oh well. My blog is to make sure I promote all types of books my students read, so that means I cover things others don't, and that doesn't always get my followers. Oh well :)
I love your blog. You're a successful, dedicated blogger and I appreciate all the effort you put into your blog.
ReplyDeleteIt really is exhausting keeping up with networking, and in some ways it feels...soulless? Maybe that's way too strong a word. It's just that I'd rather have a small number of dedicated people who follow my blog because they actually like it than have tons and tons of followers who only follow me because they hope I'll follow them back.
I'm much more like you normally, but I've tried being more outgoing with my blog. It's been fun, but I find I also need a lot of mental breaks. Not from blogging, but from networking. I'm a naturally shy and quiet person, so it's wearing to try to be so talkative.
Small:
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Your comments are always super sweet.
I was just kind of commenting to myself that it is alright not to network too much.
There are times of the year where I have way more energy to do more, this is just not one of them!
Jill:
You already know how much I adore your blog too! I agree with you. You have to be comfortable where you are and that's how I feel. I am fine with what I've been doing and luckily I don't feel pressure to do more!
Jenn:
It's nice when you hit your stride.
I always look forward to your comments, thanks for always visiting.
I look forward to the day when you announce that you are going to be published!