"According to a 2009 study by BlogHer, iVillage and Compass Partners, 23 million women read, write or comment on blogs weekly."
Do you have a blog personality you hide behind?In the great words of Decorno, read the article HERE
And then discuss.
I for one have not ever gone to, or plan to go to Blog Boot Camp, although I have organized and taught at many tango boot camps.
I for one, have not set out to brand my blog, though I have been branded by others ha ha.
Blogging was so simple and pure once upon a time.
I have never been to any blogging class, boot camp, etc. I started my blog bc a client told me I needed to. I had recently launched my company and had no money to build/maintain a website. "I am not a blogger though", I kept thinking as I published my first post. Now almost 10 months later, I am proud to say I blog. I trully love it and I don't even make minimum wage doing it. So, it is not about the money. You have to blog because you love what you write about (brand or not). The community of bloggers has also been a very surprising plus. Most bloggers are friendly and supportive. I love my blogger friends!
ReplyDeletexo,
cristin
Boot camp? I'll pass thanks.
ReplyDeleteNot that there's any harm in it if people feel the need to bond.
$25 dollars a month ?
Why even bother mentioning that?
I did read somewhere that hardly anyone 'clicks through' on anything, (that isn't for free)so really very little point in it.
I never 'click' in fact.
Always click onto 'Brand Vamp' though - she's usually worth a look :)
Blogging for me is about sharing my interests with like minded people. I love the comments people leave on my blog - thats what keeps me blogging. I sure don't earn any money out of it. If I hide behind a brand its because I want my blog to have an identity and to stand out from the crowd. Isn't that normal?
ReplyDeleteValorie,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so popular precisely because you DON'T have a brand. Your personality, flair and elan come through loud and clear, that's what I love about it. If you ever do decide to go "pro" (as a blogger) that's the day your blog will look like thousands of others out there. Keep up the good work; you're an upbeat part of my day!
Carla
Had no idea there was such a thing as blogger boot camp. I do feel like I'm blogging into the great abyss and can only hope people like what I've got to say.
ReplyDeleteI started blogging to be a part of a bigger design community beyond my office and city. That's my favorite part. You and many others inspire me daily.
Thanks Valorie for all your support of my new blog. I can't tell you how much it has meant. You're the best.
G
I fell into blogging...met some great creatives and can think of mo bettah things to spend my $$$ on than blogging boot camp. Now I USED to teach BOOT CAMP aerobic classes....kicked butt, yes ma'am!
ReplyDeletexx
whoa. I didn't know it was so big out there. I am blissfully unaware and like my little blog circle...I had never even heard of Dooce until a few days ago!
ReplyDeleteValorie you have branded your site and you may just not realize it. Your joy, exciting personality, and zest for life come shiningg through.
ReplyDeleteThose of us with "professional" blogs if that were to be the word....I myself, want to make new friends, hear what others think of my art and hopefully do want to purchase it at some point or spread the word so to speak!
Karena
Art by Karena
I just read the article in the NY Times. I had no idea of the extent of "training" that people are getting to run their blogs! I just started mine in like one day after I saw a blog that inspired me. I just jumped in with both feet and there has been no going back. I really have no experience in it.
ReplyDeleteI love to be creative and love my home...so I am blogging to express what I love and anything that excites me because that is what it is all about anyway! I am still evolving and learning about myself through blogging so It changes frequently. I am having fun and don't know if taking a course would feel the same!
Really glad I stopped by...very informative!
~jamilyn
I saw that you are into tango and wanted to that my Great Aunt was a famous dancer. She danced Tango. I think she popularized tango back in the day in the 30's or 40's. She then moved to Argentina with the love of her life! I have some great pictures of her at that time. Love the way the dressed then!
ReplyDeleteWe live in a country where the exploitation of laziness and selfishness are the source of pyramid schemes, bubbles, and big fortunes made by those who offer "free lunches, get rich quick schemes, and you too can become Bill Gates or Martha Stewart."
ReplyDeleteA blog is what is left from weblog (remember laziness, we can't be bothered with using full words anymore) and a weblog is a website with interactive features that allow people to exchange opinions and ideas.
Blogs allow people to leave their diaries on the table so anybody who wants to take a peek at them, don't have to feel that they're intruding or violating the privacy of the diary keeper.
I'm a fan or follower of the Vamp because I feel privileged to be allowed to see and look into her wonderful vision of the world and the way she makes visions come true.
My Daughter got me into Blogging. FORGET BOOT CAMP . That is going tooo far, I thought it was contact with people with the same interest's. A group.. It kept me busy this winter. The scary thing is people doing this in a car,,,
ReplyDeletejust my thoughts.
oh brother. some one trys to capitalize on everything. guess what people, i have a breathing air boot camp and work book. i also have a human should wake up and move and eat and stuff workshop too.
ReplyDeletei blog because i can.
Love this discussion!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
Keep it going!!!
xo xo
PS Jamilyn please do a post about your tango dancing aunt and share the photos!
I read this article too... I blog because I used to be a freelance writer and I no longer have the time or desire to have a real job.
ReplyDeleteLife most of us blogging has changed my life. Without sounding too, 'whoa is me', I've always felt a bit like an outsider and blogging has enabled me to feel connected. I never imagined how connected and the caliber of wonderful people I've had the great fortune to get to know; such as you Val. I'm not going to lie, I would love to be able to make a living @ it. Would I ever go to a 'boot camp', I'd say no, but never say never, right? I'd hate to see my blog become a commercial driven machine. As you know my life is pretty much an open-book so I"m always intrigued by bloggers who you don't even know their first name. I'm (unfortunately for you) all about sharing my misery.
ReplyDeleteMany compelling thoughts on this subject no doubt.
Thanks Val for getting my wheels turning~
xx deb
"Blogging was so simple and pure once upon a time." Yes, it was, and I have so many mixed feelings about using a second blog to sell my wares. Fact is, I think it is no help at all! I sell by approaching places like remodelista.com directly.
ReplyDeleteWhat has changed is the lovely women I meet in the ether, some have become true friends. They tend to be the ones without an agenda... And I follow blogs I admire, and weed my RSS regularly. I don't warm to chilly perfection.