I think you’ve underestimated yourself. I don’t know if you had a chance to read the part in my interview with Lorelle where she spoke of personal bloggers and how they are leaving a legacy behind, for future generations. That, is what you’re doing with your blog.

Although I don’t always have time to comment on your posts, I do read them. I love when you show Peanut’s progress and your Down syndrome posts, as well. I’ve learned so much from your blog, and even though it becomes an enormous task to maintain (I can’t imagine how you do it all), your blog holds tons of value. Never forget that.

Hi Bamboo,

Isn’t that brilliant how Scott and Hunter did that? Knowing more about blogging before we dive in would have such a huge advantage.

I think the ideal would be to immerse oneself into the blogosphere prior to starting ones own blog.

That way, when they start – they will already be quite knowledgeable and will make it through beginning stages more effectively. That’s powerful.

I started blogging for many reasons, but mostly as a way to meet people. I have met some wonderful people, but somewhere I have to draw the line. I’m going to be writing a post very soon on this very subject and making some changes to my policy. I may lose some readers because of it and I’m sorry for that, but it can’t be helped. Often I feel like a fish out of water here at BWAB simply because my blog is mostly a “mommy blog” I get a lot from you and your readers, but I’m not sure I’m what they are looking for. I hope people will stop by on occassion to read about my family’s antics, but some may just consider it fluff. I would hope that people would at least stop by on occasion, especially on Tuesdays to learn a little more about Down syndrome and relating to people with special needs. If I accomplish nothing else, that is my hope. Everything else is just “gravy”. I’ve made a lot of great friends on this journey and hope to make more, but I’ve realized, I’m not going to get rich blogging and my community will problably always be on the small side.

You hit a nail on the head by saying “be transparent”. That’s extremely important, isn’t it?

You’re right on both of your other points, too. Spammy comments don’t cut it. That’s a great way to build a poor reputation in blogosphere. And yes, when we give, we receive. Life is way to short to live it selfishly.

Hi Ellen,

I’m so happy I inspired a blog post for you. I’m waiting to read what it is.

Hi Annie,

Yes, connecting is SO important. Without it, we could get very lonely.

Hi Evelyn,

Cutting back on posting does give us more time to connect. I’m trying that concept this week. We’ll see how it goes.

Aren’t online friends great?

Hi Chris,

Yes, growing a blog is very much like raising children. They need a lot of care. And as a child grows, so does our blog.

Hi Shilpan.

It’s tough, isn’t it? We all have so much to do, and not enough time to do it all.

Hi Annie,

That’s great advice you’re sharing. I agree, it’s very important to be ourselves. That’s what makes our blogs, US.

Hi Kelly,

Different people use different strategies to build their communities, but the consensus here seems to be, visit other blogs you like, comment regularly, and more than likely those blog authors will becomes a part of your community.

I know you have Stumbled some of my posts, and I love to see the traffic spikes, but honestly I would rather see your smiling avatar and read your opinion.

Hi Ajith,

**smiles**. Your comment would have made a great blog post. I like your bullet points. Good content is still the most important thing, isn’t it?

Yes, we do need to do a lot of reading. All we need is to find enough time to do it all. THAT is the challenge.