Barbara, yes, it has all been confusing to me. It has definitely been a journey trying to figure it all out. I was told to start a blog and just blog about whatever. I had no idea what I was doing! It has been such a journey, but oh how I love blogging now! Yes, I’ve followed many successful blogs and tried to copy them, but, wow how they are all different! I think that is it – like you said – the successful ones are all unique – a reflection of that person – that’s what makes them successful…. However, I do think that we can learn from what works for others though… It’s all a learning process and that’s okay because we all need to be growing. Okay, I feel like I’m babbling now. (maybe that’s my uniqueness coming out )

Anyway, This was a very timely post as I am about to switch my blog over to something that really identifies with who I am and what I am about. It has been good, but I have felt constrained in so many ways with my current blog. I’m ready to let me out! I am so excited!!!

I really do feel like I could read your stuff all day. Thanks for being unique!

Jennifer’s last blog post..Obtaining Wisdom in a Chaotic World (Continued)….

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Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for the kind words.

In the beginning blogging can get very confusing. It’s hard to stay on topic if you have a niche blog and it’s the time when you’re “finding your way in cyberspace”. I laugh because when I was new, I was forever experimenting with different themes. I knew my readership was LOW so I figured it was the best time to do it. Those first readers probably thought, “is this the same blog I was on last week?, or the week before?” I think that was the female side of me coming out…like changing shoes or handbags.

You have my curiosity up…about your switch. I’m assuming you are going to be changing themes. Want to hear something funny? J.D. who commented right before you did, is using a theme/header very similar to your current one (your’s is a little larger than his).

Jennifer, just remember there is no right or wrong way to blog. Do what makes you happy, have fun and enjoy the journey.

I’m following you in my reader, so I’ll be watching for those changes.

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Barbara,

You are so right. I just finished a post on something similar and headed off to yours to see what was happening (and of course get the next lesson).

There is certainly something artificial and uncomfortable trying to be something else for the purpose of perhaps increasing audience or sales or whatever.

Regardless, in every aspect of life, we’re drawn to people we like.

I’ve been learning of late. And discovering that it is probably wrong to be all things to all people. We’ll never make everyone hapy. So isn’t it better to be yourself and seek people like yourself?

Especially in business when your very livelihood is dependent on attracting the right sort of business and turning down business that can drain your resources and profits, it makes sense.

Ian Denny’s last blog post..Deliberately Displease People For Better Results

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Hi Akemi,

Comment sections often take on a life of their own. Whether the comments stay on target or not, much can be learned from the visitors who frequent different blogs.

Most commenters freely share what works for them, and if you can become active in a community of like minded people, the information you can gain is enormous.

Hi Ian,

So true. We cannot be everything to everyone, but by being authentic, we can draw to us, those who have similar goals and dreams.

Trying to appeal to the masses could end up being extremely time consuming, not to mention, exhausting.

That’s an interesting title to your new post…I’ll head over and see what you’ve written today.

Hi Mark,

I like how you put that. Short, simple and true.

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i think in anything you do, it doesn’t hurt to look at those who are doing what you want to do successfully. if you want to be a great ball player = study the great ball players. if you want to be a great musician = learn from great musicians. not copy, but always study what it is that they do that makes them better than the rest and then put YOUR stamp on it.

Have you ever tried to emulate a favorite big name blogger? Did it work? No. I only know one big name blogger, John Chow, well not personally and I’ve only been to his site once.

Do you like that you can make changes to your blog, and it’s still YOU? oh yeah, groovy.

Would the first impression of your blog tell your readers more about who you are? yep, at least i think so. i love to blog about stuff…nothing in particular, my interests range from A-Z. i can’t focus i guess. do i have ADD

Did all of this confuse you in the beginning too? a little i guess, but not much. i always try to be ME because ultimately that’s all i’m left with…just little ole me.

Natural’s last blog post..Blog: For Sale By Owner

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Hi 4.0 point (Natural)

Groovy? Been awhile since I heard that term.

I like that your blog isn’t too “nichey” (is that a word?) If it was, it wouldn’t be you.

Each visit to your blog proves to be a surprise. Whether you’re writing about how you can get red lights to change to green, ask the thought provoking question “would you sell your blog?”, or share a guest post written by your daughter, it’s always a joy to read your writings, and hear your viewpoint on a variety of subjects.

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Barbara, you hit it! There is no right or wrong way to blog. That’s what makes it so beautiful!

That’s so funny about changing themes like handbags and shoes!

Yes, I’ve been to J.D.’s blog before and noticed he had the same theme. What was even funnier, was we had some similar content. My new blog will have a much different feel.

Dr. Nicole. You have done an outstanding job of setting yourself apart! I love your blog!

Jennifer’s last blog post..The Excitement is too Much!

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Hi Barbara – I didn’t copy anyone as such, but I followed a lot of the tips I read on Problogger etc re – the different types of blogposts you can do etc.

But, I chose what I wanted to write about myself. And I think, if you draw a lot of what you write about from your own experience, you can be original, no matter what niche you blog in.

As for voice, blogging is no different to any other type of writing – you develop your own voice as you go. We learn how to write from reading and there is nothing wrong with anyone using the writing style of others as part of the learning process. It isn’t going to come out the same way they write anyway.

Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Fab People Of The Week

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Barbara – I think that in the case of your blog – what makes you stand out from many of the other blogs on blogging is that you share the importance of writing well and learning more about the art of blogging. Plus, you often use personal stories to introduce your topic, which is hugely effective.

Too many other blogs on blogging go on way too much about how to make money from it and offer very little in the way of useful advice.

I think also, you have definitely found your voice. If you guest blogged on another topic, I would still recognise the post as yours which is a good thing.

Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Fab People Of The Week

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Barbara – you’ve come up with another interesting topic. I started my blog from the suggestion of my husband who had been reading posts and articles on what people can do to make money online. Since we didn’t have jobs at the time and were in need of making some money I checked it out. It took me awhile however because when I start something I want to commit to it wholeheartedly and wasn’t too sure about the making money aspect. It seemed like another sales pitch.

At the beginning like Cath Lawson I followed a lot of how-to blogging posts and tried to implement them with affiliates and AdSense but only with companies that I had personally purchased something from. I followed Google and Feedburner’s advice on monetizing and tried adding those things but later took them off as it didn’t seem to make a difference.

All the time, I was writing and sharing and experiencing for the first time a voice that I didn’t know I had. I realized from writing that I had all these feelings and experiences that maybe others would benefit from and I enjoyed the feeling of expressing it and putting them to words and sharing them with the world.

Now I’m approaching 100 posts and have slowed down in my posting (now 2-3 posts per week versus regularly 5 per week) as a full-time job takes a chunk of time out of your day. I love the feeling I get when I can put voice to something from my heart.

The traffic doesn’t matter as much to me as it used to. I religiously watched the Site Meter stats. Yes, I don’t deny that I enjoy seeing when I have a good day in stats but the pleasure is when someone sends a comment that something I wrote resonated with them or expressed exactly what they were feeling that day.

Great post Barbara. Thanks for the opportunity to share. Your posts do that for us.

Blessings,

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Hey there Barbara -

Great post. This topic goes beyond just blogs and can relate to static websites, too.

I have tried very hard to make our site (not just the blog) different from other hosting sites. Stop reading for a moment and think about a web hosting company’s website. Imagine what it looks like.

You probably are seeing pictures of some kind of web server and people staring at you from the page or 3 boxes showcasing 3 different plans (i.e. Silver, Gold, and Platinum hosting plans).

From day one of creating my site and starting my company, I knew this wasn’t the way I was going to go. That’s the same as copying the A-list bloggers. Nothing unique and a lost voice among many.

My site as a whole (blog, forum, static site) is simply put an extension of me.

To do otherwise, I would not be following the advice of that A-list blogger who has his comment section closed

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Thanks for the linky love Barbara.

What got me thinking about offering the deal was how right now everyone’s hurting for money. People want to and need to start a business & blog but have no startup funds. Someone helped me once, it’s only right that I do the same.

John Hoffs last blog post..A Special Offer For My Blog Readers Only

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Barbara, I just discovered your blog by following your comment to Pat R.’s most recent article. I have found some of my favorite blogs that way. I don’t usually read blogs that have the comment section closed. I like to comment and even ask questions when I read something that I like.

I have been blogging for almost a year and, like Pat R., only recently wrote my 100th post on my blog. I also started out by reading a lot of “how to blog” blogs to learn the best way of how to do things. I have learned some of the technical side of blogging but still have a long way to go. It has been exciting learning new things.

My blog reflects who I am. Even my title “Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker” says my writing is about “my journey.” I have been pleased by the reception of the blogging community. My stats are still relatively small but are on an upward spiral. I love it. I love the wonderful new friends that I have met through the blogging community. It has been a glorious trip on the internet.

Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..I Feel Like A Woman

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