Way back in the summer of 2011 I signed up for a blogging course online. I learned a lot about creating a successful blog and the steps one needs to take to get successful. I learned that good photos were top priority (duh), that a clear writing style was necessary, and that your blog features will tell your readers what to expect on your blog and help you define your blog image. All of this is very sound advice, but what I didn't learn was that some of these things could be pitfalls to sharing your true self with your readers.
For those of your who have read Secondhand Sundays for awhile this may not be such a huge surprise but I blog in a very controlled and scheduled way. I have features and I stick to them each week, on a very specific day, and I'm tired of it. I'm getting bored with my own blog and I apologize to you for forgetting my own goals in blogging. I want Secondhand Sundays to be a real place for readers to visit and peak into the less-than-perfect lives of us Brownings. I want this to be a place you can come find inspiration for real life living, not the over commercialized and branded life of so many bloggers. I want you to see both the really creative and almost perfectly executed projects around our house, but also the dust balls and dirty dishes. I want all of this on Secondhand Sundays because I'm tired of feeling bad about myself because other people can do it "better." We all deserve a true voice that says "I can't do it better, but I can do it my best."
I guess what I'm trying to say is that blog features are kind of like masquerade masks, they show you just enough of someone that you know they're a real person but not enough to give you the whole picture. Again, this is not a bad thing it just isn't a true picture of reality. I just want to stop blogging like it's a chore and start blogging because I like my life and want to share more with you and not less. Right this minute I'm deleting all of my blog goals for 2012 because they were silly to create in the first place, if this is going to be an organic blogging experience then my expectations need to be organic and come-as-they-may as well.
I'm still going to blog about all the things I love like food, crafts, vintage, fashion, and home decor but I'm not going to do it in such a controlled manor. Sometimes I'm just not doing anything special in those categories. I am going to share more personal stories, more wishes and dreams, more passion. I am going to still be me. Sorry to blather on like this I just have a lot on my mind lately and instead of just waiting to share the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with you I want to share the adventure I take to find it too. big kiss, bekuh
For those of your who have read Secondhand Sundays for awhile this may not be such a huge surprise but I blog in a very controlled and scheduled way. I have features and I stick to them each week, on a very specific day, and I'm tired of it. I'm getting bored with my own blog and I apologize to you for forgetting my own goals in blogging. I want Secondhand Sundays to be a real place for readers to visit and peak into the less-than-perfect lives of us Brownings. I want this to be a place you can come find inspiration for real life living, not the over commercialized and branded life of so many bloggers. I want you to see both the really creative and almost perfectly executed projects around our house, but also the dust balls and dirty dishes. I want all of this on Secondhand Sundays because I'm tired of feeling bad about myself because other people can do it "better." We all deserve a true voice that says "I can't do it better, but I can do it my best."
I guess what I'm trying to say is that blog features are kind of like masquerade masks, they show you just enough of someone that you know they're a real person but not enough to give you the whole picture. Again, this is not a bad thing it just isn't a true picture of reality. I just want to stop blogging like it's a chore and start blogging because I like my life and want to share more with you and not less. Right this minute I'm deleting all of my blog goals for 2012 because they were silly to create in the first place, if this is going to be an organic blogging experience then my expectations need to be organic and come-as-they-may as well.
I'm still going to blog about all the things I love like food, crafts, vintage, fashion, and home decor but I'm not going to do it in such a controlled manor. Sometimes I'm just not doing anything special in those categories. I am going to share more personal stories, more wishes and dreams, more passion. I am going to still be me. Sorry to blather on like this I just have a lot on my mind lately and instead of just waiting to share the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with you I want to share the adventure I take to find it too. big kiss, bekuh
Hey I think that is a great idea. Get rid of the goals and just go for it! Your blog is really sweet and fun to read and I think it will only get better by letting it come naturally. Can't wait to see what you come up with:)
ReplyDelete~Jennifer
I cheers you, darlin! It should be FUN and UNSTRUCTURED. Follow your heart and joy, and that's all that matters. :)
ReplyDeleteBekuh, I think it's great you're thinking about your blog this way. Blogging is no fun when you feel like you're forced to speak in a different voice and blog about things that you may not feel inspired by at a particular moment.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your future posts! :)
Doing it your way makes it your blog, whatever way you choose. And we're reading so it must be a good way!
ReplyDeleteMarie @
Lemondrop ViNtAge
I totally went through this with my blog too. I was sticking to a "schedule" and participating in lots and lots of linkups. Eventually, I realized that I liked my blog best when I just blogged about what I wanted when I wanted.... I think you'll feel the same way too =)
ReplyDeleteand btw, I think your blog is kinda awesome.
I only have one feature on my blog so far and it's really helping me to have a bit of structure and to stop me from not blogging anything for a long time, but the rest of the time I'll just add things as they happen.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I want most from blogs I read is people's own photos instead of just images from the internet that I could have found myself. Obviously there's a place for that, but I've noticed that some of the blogs I read never have any real personal content anymore.
I haven't been reading your blog that long, but I've never gotten that feeling from you. There's always a bit of you in and I think that's what blogging is all about.
I think it's great that you have decided to give us readers more of a personal look in to your creative life. I think a lot of bloggers don't have that. I think DIYs and outfit posts are great, don't get me wrong, but I really think if you offer a more personal peek, it connects the reader to you more easily.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your blog and you!
People will respect that you blog about what you love! I'm sure you'll be able to make your blog even better with new content (even though it's great as it is now too)! By the way, I love your leopard shoes! Too cute.
ReplyDelete:)
xx
http://daydreamfrenzy.blogspot.com/
I feel like this blog post was meant for me. I have always dreamed of having a big, popular blog, and like you, studied, researched, and found that perfect pictures and features were the way to do it. I've tried SO hard to force myself into that mold, but haven't been successful. Now, after reading this post, I'm almost glad. I'd still like to work on the photography piece, because I think it is important, but I'm going to have to just relax on the feature part of the show, because it just isn't me. So glad to have found your blog!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Kerith
Yaaaay Bekuh!! I'm so excited to get a more personal look into your blog. You are an awesome girl and so that will only translate into an awesome blog. Thank you for being real. I know that your readers will appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI really admire bloggers who just blog from their heart and not out of pressure to become "big" and well-liked, because honestly you can't have EVERYONE'S approval. I applaud you, for well, being YOU and being honest. Thank you, thank you for not succumbing to the blogging peer pressure. Be free flowing, you never know where you may end up! Blessings <3
ReplyDelete-Hannah
patchworklantern.blogspot.com
I completely agree, it is hard to find a nice balance between personal and featured posts, especially when you want to follow a specific schedule. I think it is always a great idea to be more personal posts in a blog because it really helps us the readers to get to know you better. And it seems like all of your followers are going to love it!
ReplyDeleteLittle Lady Little City
nice and honest post!!! thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!! xx
ReplyDeleteAlice Barton ♥ The Mow Way
I think feeling this way is completely normal about blogging. A blog should be constantly changing and a reflection of yourself, which of course, changes over time. I tend to like some feature posts like recipes and DIYs, but after you see someone's nails painted more than 10 ways, it can be a bit dull. I've tried these weekly feature posts a long time ago but couldn't stick with it because i felt it was too scheduled and not exciting. For me, i just post what i feel at the time and tend not to worry about the other stuff. Just my opinion on blogging.....
ReplyDeleteGirl, you rock. I love your honesty and willingness to be more organic. It's simply beautiful, as are you!
ReplyDelete