Thursday 20 June 2013

Who Knew Blogging Would Be This Hard?

My view at work.
Yes, someone did catch me taking this photo.
Awkward.

When I started blogging, I clearly had no idea what I was in for.

I actually started blogging for a number of reasons and I realised I haven't shared that story yet. Well, here's why:

  • I wanted to do a lot of sunless tanner reviews
  • I wanted to keep writing; I'm a writer. I have a degree in writing. Yet I stopped writing when I graduated
  • I was really bored at work and wanted a way to keep busy
  • I liked the idea of an online "journal" where I could keep track of my daily adventures
  • All the cool kids were doing it (aka. a lot of my friends)

The moment I started blogging (and subsequently following other blogs), I almost felt like my blog was inadequate. I didn't have a fancy camera to take nice pictures with, I didn't have an out-of-this-world blog layout (nor was I going to spend the money on one) and I didn't have a niche for my blog. My blog was (and still is) literally all over the place.

Then one day it hit me.

I just don't care.

This blog is for me. If I want it to be all over the place, it can be. If I want my blog to be a design that I created, then so be it. If there are days that I don't want to blog, that's okay too.

I can blog about whatever I want, whenever I want.

If you don't like it, you don't have to read it.

But there are people that read my blog and I'm grateful to all of you that do. I've "met" some really amazing women through this blogging experience and I'm so glad that I have. You all know who you are, and there's no reason for me to single anyone out, but just know that each e-mail exchanged and each comment you leave means the world to me (except for the ones that say "Great blog! Follow me?" Geeze, at least pretend you read my post before asking me to follow you).

You ladies are amazing and I'm so glad that I started blogging.

Now enough with the mush. Serious question time! To those of you with full-time jobs that are actually busy at work (clearly, unlike me) how do you find the time to blog? No one told me blogging would be so time consuming!

<3

18 comments:

  1. Oh girl! This totally hits home with me. I have a full time job and it is so hard to keep up with the blogging thing. I usually do my posts first thing in the morning, but most of the time it's whenever I get the time throughout the day. I've also found that scheduling my posts really helps! I felt like for a long time I was "stuck" in a blog rut where I was losing followers left and right :-/ but I kept up with it and put my name out there started commenting my little heard out and I started to see my blog grow. If you ever need advice or just someone to vent to I'm here :)

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  2. Yes, we definitely had the same idea today, ha! So glad you started blogging! I really like your blog design! It's not too busy, so it's perfect in my book!

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  3. Blogging has become my new love , or probably only love . I just LOVE that you don't care about anyone , it's the way blogging is done , lol :)
    Noor @ Noor's Place

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  4. I have to write the night before if I am to have any post at all. And even there I always forget. So, I'm no help at all! ;) Glad you are a blogger.

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  5. I feel you 100%! I started blogging to keep me busy and share some interests. I haven't even gotten around to doing half of the things I wanted to do yet. And I never expected the camaradery and support from other bloggers. I'm so glad I started!

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  6. I know exactly what you mean! I started my blog about 10 months ago and it IS work! I started mine BECAUSE I'm so crazy busy at work...I needed a creative outlet, and blogging was a great way to talk about all the hands on things I like to do. It also keeps me doing these things, because if I get lazy, there's nothing to blog about!

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  7. Good for you! I completely agree that a lot of people have this notion of what a blog should look like, and what a person should post about. But everyone is different and you should just do what feels right for you!

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  8. Alex, I feel like I could have written this post. The main thing I connect with you on is "This blog is for me. If I want it to be all over the place, it can be." I have found myself comparing my blog to others in the past, but I mainly want to be able to look back on my blog and remember things that normally, my horrible memory wouldn't have held onto.

    I've heard of people preparing all posts for the week on Sunday, but I feel like that would take me ALL day! Usually, I prepare my post the night before or the morning of. But during the school year, it's a ton harder for me because like you said, it's very time consuming. It's something you really have to love to keep it up. Just hope you know I enjoy reading yours a lot :)

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  9. Love this! I don't really fall into a blogging niche either, but I blog for me so who cares! haha. I've been unemployed for a few months now (talk about boring) but when I was working a full time job it was HARD to keep up with blogging!! It really is a lot of work to plan out your posts, write them AND comment on tons of blogs too. It's all a balancing act I guess! ha

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  10. I have massive photo envy because all my pictures are taken my iphone for the most part since I don't have a camera. But since I'm not working regularly while waiting to be told that I can leave the country I have so much free time on my hands that I don't know what I would have done without blogging! I want you to do some sunless tanner reviews- I think that would be great! xx

    PS- Also I really want a fancy blog design. I wish I had a computer whiz friend who'd do it for free.

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  11. I am a full believer of scheduled posts. I choose like 5 topics and put them all over the place. Then I spend a little time each day writing a little in each topic/post. Once I can't seem to add any more, I publish it. Sometimes it's the day of the post, sometimes it's days before hand. It's a little confusing sometimes, but It keeps content fresh for me.

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  12. I like that your blog is for your; it makes for a better read than ones that are all about sponsorship!

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  13. I completely feel you on this, especially today! (I haven't posted much this week at all...wah) It is a lot of work to put together posts consistently while keeping a job. I feel like my blog is sort of all over the place too, still trying to find where I fit!

    For the record, I like your blog design. It's clean, simple, and easy to navigate. There is nothing that turns me off faster than an overly complicated/unclear layout.

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  14. hey cute blog...follow me back?
    HAHAHAHA jk Alex!!!! I know exactly how you feel girlfriend, blogging is SO time consuming and it can be so frustrating when people who don't blog think it's so simple.
    Seriously your blog is one of my favorites and every time I get on here your blog is one that I read. I love your blog and your blog layout because it's a real down to earth one that I can usually relate to...like the above picture, I always get caught taking a picture out in public or at work hahaha so awkward! Love this post, I might have to do one like it soon!

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  15. I like blogs that are honest and not just a bunch of giveaways and pinterest wish lists. I work full-time so I try to schedule posts ahead of time. I'm also realistic in knowing that I'm unable to post on a daily basis.

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  16. i'm so glad to have "met" you!! i am in total agreement with you - blogging is for YOU...and you should be able to write and post whatever you wish. it's such therapy sometimes, too!
    i can't stand the "great blog!" comments either. especially when it's a really heartfelt post or something that lets you know there is no way that the commenter read a word you typed. lol.
    xoxox
    maria

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I love comments. Thanks for making me smile!