My 11th Blogiversary! Things I've learnt from 11 years of blogging AND a giveaway!!

Today exactly, 11 years ago, I began my blog!!! It was a Wednesday too! It's pretty hard to believe that as of next year, I will have been blogging a 3rd of my life! Scary eh?  Or cool, whichever way you wish to see it. I view it as the latter.

Sometimes I see posts about what people have learnt from blogging. Sometimes these state the obvious or reinvent the wheel. This is fine, sometimes you need to look at the wheel again to appreciate it. But I don't do it that often. However, now I am officially 11, officially in the ranks of wizened old blogger, I thought I'd write a little post about what I have learnt.

1. Sometimes posting about a really random topic really engages people in long and interesting comments, e.g. Contemplating one's slippers post was one that lots of people joined in as was 10 cakes I hate and 10 embarrassing film/TV actors I have loved over the years

2.  Variety keeps you going.  I'd go mad just doing ONE type of post! Why not introduce a new type of post!!! Last year, I introduced 5 brooches, the year before, TARDIS Tuesday and What is it? and I've included craft, waffling, outfits, faith, food reviews or recipes...

3. Not trying to be too professional is not always the disaster that many aspiring bloggers would have you believe. I am sloppy and I am doing ok.

4.  It's good to comment. Very good! Comments are nice. We all like comments. More comments please to everyone! If I visit a blog and I see the comment count is low, I will ALWAYS comment (unless you have Google comments in which case,sorry!) because that's nice. Sorry if I'm on the train as I do so- sometimes it gets lost as the signal is rubbish on my local line.
Bear in mind, some people will never comment back, despite their seeming nice people or not having a job. No matter how many nice comments you leave, no matter that you are one of their few consistent commenters, they are just a bit rude. But YOU don't have to be rude!*  ALSO -
Always be nice in comments. I've generally tried to leave nice comments. The only time I've left something that might seem slightly not nice comments is usually saying something like, "Sorry I haven't commented in a while, it's because I'm trying to comment on those who interact occasionally,". I've always felt mean despite countering it with, "But rest assured, I still am reading your blog and still enjoy it!"- it's silly I feel the need to justify when I've not commented, when the one or two people I've said that to have never visited my blog in return despite hundreds of comments! One comment in a few months is fine, just make one comment so the blogger knows you don't hate them!

*The only time you don't have to be nice in comments if the person is commenting on MUSHROOMS! Then you can be as rude as you like (about the mushrooms)!!!

5.  But for every inexplicably silent blogger (i.e. never comes back), there are 100 GORGEOUS vocal bloggers who keep you going with regular comments- I KNOW I am going to miss someone as doing this from memory, but these include:
Julia, Shamu, Pom-pom, Vix, Ally, Ivana, Laura, Sandra, Lisa, Hazel, Val, Fat Dormouse, both Julies, Char, Bevchen. Pink-haired Princess, Gem Countrylife, Claire, Katie Hookline and Sinkher, Curtise, Connie, Melanie, Angel Jem, Nevena, Anna, Susie, Janet, both Jans, Corinne, Anca, Tamara, Louise Roachlings, Angela, Thrift Deluxe, Rach, Ellie, Diary of  Penny Pincher, Petite Silver Vixen, Tasha, Linda P, Lily Fang, Lizzie Dripping, Suzanne Carillo, Patti, Dan Maricel, Sophie, Both Zoes, Jen, Renata Laura etc... 
THANK YOU.

6.  You will find people you get on really well with! Your loved ones will not understand it. They will find it weird that you can connect and find good friends through a blog. Ignore them.

7. Your loved ones might also think everyone just sucks up to everyone in blog world. They might not get that you are encouraging each other.

8. More people might discover you by googling you than you might think! Be careful what you write. I've been found by lots of people in real life over the years. Luckily I've not said anything that they could take offence to, but still, it's nice to have a secret blog! Thus, DO NOT INCLUDE your name in your blog url- I am an idiot for this reason!

9.  Support little blogs and new blogs. Remember what it was like! I was very happy to be someone's first commenter recently!

10.  It's nice to give someone 'Comment Christmas' especially if you're new you their blog.  Leave a whole stream of comments for someone, it's a nice thing to do and makes them feel loved!

11. You can actually win give-aways! I won a book clutch, an iPod shuffle, a mini handbag, a beautiful bangle, a fairtrade bracelet, a personalised Toblerone and possibly something else!

12.  If you post geekily and slightly obsessively about something (e.g. brooches and Doctor Who) people will actually start to think of you when they see those things in real life!!!! It's nice to be thought of!

13. Link-ups are great!!! Do them!

14.  Picmonkey.com is your friend! You can adjust horrid exposure and colours. Putting lomo mode onto your photos makes them look pretty!

15. Blogging actually improves your photography.  My Father-in-law comments that my photography has improved a lot over the years on my blog. He takes great photos so he knows what he is talking about.

Now, I know you're only here for the giveaway (mwa ha ha)!!  It's only a  humble, little one really, sorry for that,  but I thought I'd give away 2 little gifts here to say thank  you for following my blog.

The first is this darling bird brooch by Sass and Belle. We all know I like brooches!

The second is this set of funky nail art pens from Monsoon Accessorize- you can have an experiment and try painting funky patterns on your finger nails or toe-nails!

If you would like to have a chance to win, please leave a comment on THIS post saying actually that you'd like to enter the giveaway (no problem if you don't want to, I understand you might not like the items. If you just want to say something, just do so and make it clear you don't want to enter). These are open internationally, don't feel worried about postage costs, that's cool!
Say if you want to enter the giveaway for both items or just one.  What I'll do then is count each comment for two entries (two for one prize or one for each) to make it fair. You do need to be a follower via GFC or Bloglovin- please state your name for each.  Don't do the immediate unfollow thing after please as only losers do that!
If you want a bonus entry, then leave a second comment telling me what you have learnt from blogging over your time.

The giveaway closes on Wednesday the 13th April by the end of that day whichever time zone you are in, exactly in one week!

And thanks!

xxx

10 things to think about when you feel disheartened about blogging

We all get a bit disheartened at times. You have taken ages to put together a post, written something you  are really proud of but no one reads it, or hardly. Or, that lovely, lovely blogger who writes so many nice things to other people never ever responds to your comments.  Or you get struck with a sudden bout of the collywobbles and doubts about your writing and why you're doing this?  A favourite blogging friend recently posted about her blogging insecurities and it struck a chord, so I thought I'd share a few ideas to think about on the subject.

1.  Why did you start the blog?  Chances are that you wanted some creative outlet, be it for expressing yourself through  zany outfits,  blogging your faith, your crafting makes, writing about your days, If you are using your face, then you are exercising your creative mind which makes you happier!

2.  You just never know who is reading that post and how it may have touched them.  It is, of course, good blog etiquette to comment on people's posts, but they may not have had a chance/time to comment.  But think, hope and believe, that you may have just changed their day: made them smile, inspired to wear something, made them think about something they do. It might not be NOW, but someday, someone may read that particular post and be touched.  You've put it out there into the universe and it will remain there to inspire at some point.  I use this analogy to think about it: I've often played my flute, sang or taken a choir to sing at Senior Citizen's care homes where the residents may not be able to speak anymore.  But you are there speaking them in a language that physical barriers can overcome. I have seen tears on a wordless face.  It can affect them though you may see no sign of it at that time.

3.  Look at the comments you've received in the past- treasure them. Maybe copy them into a document to see the nice things people have said. Make a positive collage of them,maybe in MS Publisher in bright colours.

4.  Go and find a little blog, someone who also may be feeling disheartened at a lack of response. If you feel disheartened, try to find a blog to share some love with. Make them feel good about themselves and be proactive, look for other blogs for new friends!  Try hitting the 'Next blog' button for some random new friend! Love breeds love!

5.  Why not try and think about different ways of doing what you do. I don't mean to branch out in a way that is not true to you but approach it in a new way. E.g. Are you posting about your cards of craft. Why not plan and draw a design before you begin and then do a before and after and talk about its benefits. Posting about outfits?  Try drawing what you think you'd like to wear.  Lifestyle or advice blog? Brainstorm and write a list of possible topics you might write about and see if you can get votes for what order to do them in?

6.  Join one of the motivational or networking blogging courses. I know there are a few around. This could be e-courses or actual meet-ups. The Grow-your-blog event is currently happening and the lovely Elizabeth at Rosalilium has run Blognix and BEDN/BEDM (Blog every day in November or May)

7.  Try, try, try not to compare yourself unfavourably to others. It just serves to make you miserable or lack confidence more.  If you find it hard still not to, why not look and see what it is you want that those other bloggers have? More followers? Go and follow some new people and be supportive and lovely.  Prettier blog?  Learn some html? More diversity? Try something new.

8.  Make your settings friendly for visitors.  Get rid of word verification and try to use a comment/follow setting that is friendly for all settings and blog types and doesn't make people feel like all their comments can be viewed in one place.  I use plain blogger comments, allowing all comments including anonymous and Other.  Some blogs only allow Disqus or Google and that forces you to sign up for something you might not want to; I personally don't really want a big stream of all the comments I make up there somewhere (which happens with both of those types of comment settings) where people can read them. I'd also prefer not to have umpteen logins!

9.  Think about the fact that perhaps it is JUST a busy time for people, they may be going through other things and they don't intentionally mean to snub you! Go and send some love on someone who may not have posted for ages. I often do this and people always are grateful and often, even though busy, show their gratitude.

10.  Be proud of your tenacity in continuing with the blogging. It shows good character and you never know what the next day brings.  Be patient and believe in yourself.

Do you have any tips  for when you feel the blogging blues?


Linking to Creative Mondays




Brilliant Blog posts with Honest Mum

Blogging connections

One of the many delightful things I have noticed about blogging is the fact that the 'e-stereotype'/myth  - that online friends will never become real friends and we are avoiding real relationships and living in a fantasy world - is simply not true.

Through observation and personal experience, bloggers seek friendships beyond the superficial screen in manifold delightful ways.   We seek community in person.
I've heard tell of a bloggers holiday to a rather beautiful Manor by the name of Norbury, where a group of like-minded bloggers got together and had a jolly time despite some of them being more shy  and reserved types.  The supportive posts and comments that Vix's friend Krista received when she went through bereavement were touching. Moreover, I've read of raucous meetups between this bunch of wonderful, colourful ladies with a love of a good chazzer.  All those blogger network events and meetups are not only a chance to grow their blogs but a chance for like-minded ladies to share, such as events like Blognix and the Great Northern Blog meetup.   There's a whole set of sewing bloggers who regularly meet to stitch and material shop and Roisin even had a hen-party organised by the Spoolettes.  Weddings have been attended,  Wind in the willow characters, yellow skirts and pink boxing gloves have been posted.  A whole host of swaps and exchanges have excited many a blogger. It's that personal dimension that appeals and keeps evolving.  Even giveaways are a brief way of connecting even if the only intention was to originally garner more followers (you know it happens).  All these as an onlooker and occasionally a small participant are good to see.

And I? Where do I fit in to this mass digital love in?  Rather like I've been most of my life: on the periphery of many things and friends and people but never subscribed to any particular set. Just enjoying the individual friendships, yes, friendships I have built through blogging, which are incredibly important to me though I don't belong to any particular set of bloggers. As well as valuing each and everyone of you that visits here,   my own connections have been to form penpals with some super people - again, that additional dimension to blogging: Tasha, Char, Sophie and now the lovely Katie and Gem. Char even found my wedding shoes for me! I've exchanged lovely items with Helen, Ang and Millicent, all thoughtful and occasionally sent items to bloggers I thought of when I saw something.  I've met only three bloggers, and very brief encounters but ones I treasure: Sharon at the traffic lights at 8am in the morning on my way to work, the much-missed blogging Clare who came to my opera performance and the beautiful Denise who came to watch my orchestra in London.  Recently, I've had some nice e-mails from bloggers, Alison Dormouse sent me a beautiful Zentangle, Katie sent me a gorgeous musical door hook, Char sent me some ICs she was getting rid of, Ang sent me a bottle top snake kit and this week I am meeting an American blog friend of long standing. I must admit, that that I am more comfortable forming friendships with girls than guys, never been quite comfortable amongst the mainstream male population and there's always a slight underlying wariness in that regard.

 Ultimately, I appreciate those interactions and they are proof that the internet doesn't kill ALL interactions.  The personal and the bloom of friendship is within all of us and no amount of screen seperation will quell it.  Friendship beyond the screen is most definitely not dead. It blooms in new and dynamic ways.

Friday letters 6

Dear PTA,
Thank you for organising a great fair!  I actually enjoyed my stall for once- selling decorated jars was GREAT fun.  If you put me on something I feel is a great idea, I will be your best seller! First stop, school fair, second stop, the Apprentice!

Dear Evelyn Nallen,
Oh my goodness, I am SO excited and scared to be playing recorder with you tomorrow (I hope you never read this because I sound like a right little fan-girl!) in The Christmas Story.  I went to see you at the Wigmore Hall when I was 8, and I thought you were amazing!  I hope I play my recorder in tune and rise to the challenge of playing with you!

(Dear London blog-readers,
If anyone is at a lose-end in London tomorrow- come and watch the concert I am playing in at Holy Trinity, Sloane Square:  Schutz The Christmas Story and some Monteverdi.  It's an amazing choir and conductor plus some great musicians!)

Dear Clo,
It feels a long time since we've seen each other!  I miss you, most beloved of relatives! Let's try and meet up somehow before I go to Dad's on Christmas Eve!

Dear David Bowie,
You look very good dressed up as the Goblin King!?!!  Why do I find you attractive with long blond hair, thick eye-makeup and a loose white shirt, though I'm not too sure about those grey leggings!? (Can you guess what I'm watching as I type!)

Dear Blog-friends,
Are you excited about Christmas?  I am!!!! Loving each and every activity I have relating to it!



Go and visit the above link for more Friday letters.
I'm aiming to go and visit someone new each week and how lovely that I picked this lovely lady to go and visit- quite simply the most beautiful and heartfelt Friday letters that I have had the privelege to read!