Blogging about blogging is weird for me. I’ve done it once before and here I am again soooo I must be out of food pictures, huh?
Anyway, I know that a lot of you are not bloggers, but some of you are, and I thought it would be fun to share these 7 truths I’ve learned will happen to any blogger if you spend 5 years blogging, (which somehow I have)…
1. You will write something you regret. You didn’t really think I’d link to those posts, did you? I’d like to say in these instances things were always taken out of context or blah blah blah, but the truth is, we all say stupid things sometimes. When you write so often over so many years in an honest way, you’re bound to say something dumb or offensive, even if you didn’t mean to. I’m no exception.
Also, 5 years is a long time. Who I was at 26 is surely different than who I am today at 31. I think that’s a good thing! Surely you’ve grown in the past 5 years too, but maybe you don’t have an internet trail to prove it- haha.
2. You will write something you love that no one else does. Maybe it’s a recipe that’s phenomenal but your pictures sucked so no one dared to try it (guilty). Maybe it’s a heartfelt soul cleansing post that got 2 comments… one being from your mom. Or maybe it’s a tutorial, a cool trip or something you were just really excited to share that totally fell flat on its face. I’ve learned to laugh it off because it totally happens!
3. You will want to quit at least once. Maybe it’s a busy week, a malicious comment or just writers block, but you’ll wonder why you are even doing this. It will feel like a lonely place because no one in your real life really understands why you are typing your feelings and your dinner on the internet anyway. You’ll draft up the official goodbye post in your head, pick a last date to post… then think of something really fun to share and completely come running back with arms wide open.
4. A reader will become a real life friend. Or in my case, this may happen more than once. There is a reason we all choose to read the blogs we read- common interest, similar life outlook, shared love for freaking delicious food? Whatever it is, there is a bond and it’s really cool to see it translate into the non-virtual world. I now have friends that live all over and few nearby that I’ve become close with. It’s always a little bizarre at first because I wonder if I come across the same as I do online… friends? Do I?
5. You’ll feel really tech-stupid. Whether its figuring out hosting, how to re-size an image, how to insert a no-follow link, setting the white balance, how to optimize SEO, what your RSS feed is (in case you are wondering, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty), some technical aspect of blogging will make you cry or rip your hair out with frustration. Most of the blogs I read don’t do it because they’re coding experts, but because they want to share something with the world. Because of this, all the realities of the behind the scenes mumbo jumbo can get really overwhelming and sometimes result in #3 on this list. Thank goodness for amazing tech guys (and gals) to help us sort it all out.
6. You’ll awkwardly try to explain blogging to someone who doesn’t read blogs. Sooo…. people care about what you ordered for dinner? No, people don’t really care about my dinner, but I just, well, it’s part of my weekend. So you write about your weekend? Well, kind of. My groceries… Your groceries? Yes, I realize the sound of this never makes you want to visit my site. Ever.
7. You’ll spend an embarrassing amount of time on picmonkey trying to generate the perfect image (ok, just any image) because you can’t fathom the thought of an entire post without some kind of picture to break up the text. Like this.
And a bonus…
You’ll sit and stare at your computer screen trying to come up with three more ‘things’ so you can complete a list at a nice even 10 instead of awkwardly ending at 7.
Then you’ll give up and push publish anyway.
Bloggers, do any of these ring true to you?
Any to add?
Michelle @ Fit. Flexible. Fabulous. says
I’ve only been blogging 8 months and I can relate to a few of these! Made me laugh and feel like I’m not alone. #6, goodness…when I tried to explain my blog to my own mother, she was like, “Why would you want to do that?” Sigh.
Thanks for making me smile and nod this morning 🙂
John J. says
What a cute post. I can particularly relate to numbers 2 and 5 (and what’s picmonkey!?) You do such a fabulous job and I’m appreciative of your help with some basic things that enable me to get something out there.
Joanna @Makingmine says
Hahaha, YES to ALL of this! Especially #6 😉
Jen says
HAHAHAHAHA! Number 7! I actually snorted. I am so with you, and I only blog once a week! I have another one: You’ll read something that you thought was amazing and be like, ugh, that’s awful! Or, or, you’ll write something and think you proofed it thoroughly, only to later to the face palm when you realize you made some stupid error. And another truth about blogging–it’s like putting your heart and soul out there to the world to judge, and that is SCARY! There, three more for you 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Oh gosh yes, I proofread things several times and still will find a stupid error later on. Makes me cringe knowing how many people read it and must have thought I was an idiot haha!
Yes, it is really scary putting yourself out there, too. It’s helped me a lot in developing a thicker skin though 😉
Brynn says
Oh my, dying laughing. Yes! Yes times 100 to all of these. The back end mumbo-jumbo is enough to make me want to throw in the towel. Or when I write a deep post and crickets. Love this post!
Cheryl says
Yes, you’re very much the same person, in a good way! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Heyyyyyyy thanks 😉 xoxo
Grandma Honey says
Funny you should mention about trying to come up with 3 more things for list so it comes on an even 10….because I personally don’t trust so much lists that are even. I always think….”in order for that list to add up so perfectly, they must have had to make a few up?” Ha. Maybe it’s just my crazy thinking!
Stephanie says
I’ve thought that too!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh what a great perspective!! I totally won’t feel guilty for my lists of 9 anymore haha!
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
Hahaha, this is great. YES to all of them!!
Beks says
Guilty. Honestly, I thought blogging would be easy, since I’ve always loved writing, but it’s so much harder than I thought, trying to come up with content, and how to make it interesting. The tech portion is hardest for me.
Christina says
I’m not a blogger but this post really made me laugh!!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yes, yes and yes! The main thing I didn’t know before I got into it is HOW many hats you actually wear: techie, web designer, troubleshooter, marketer, photographer, food stylist, editor, recipe writer AND post writer. And let’s not forget accountant, negotiator, PR, etc. At major publications, they have a person (or a department!) doing any ONE of these tasks. And with blogging you do it all. But I have learned SO much and am having so much fun!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, all the different hats is so challenging. I finally have a fabulous tech guy to help me with that stuff and it’s been life changing. I remember I used to think it was just sitting and writing… needless to say I’ve learned that’s not quite the case 😉
I still think your photography is just incredible- so pretty!
Kathleen Ojo says
All SO true! I’ve been blogging off and on since 2005, and I’ve always done it just for me – to vent, to have a record of things that happened to me, etc. For the last couple years I’ve tried to “step it up” by having more organized content, writing for an audience, and tackling tougher issues (specifically the challenges of a biracial, bicultural family). However…. it’s hard! Really really hard! Especially when you have no tech know-how, no money to hire someone else to help you, and a full time job that eats up all your time. Lately I’ve put that goal on hold and reverted to writing just for me again, and I’m much happier 🙂 I’d love to spend more time blogging “seriously” later in life, but now is just not the time.
Great post!
katie says
I am super tech silly (or stupid) right now. I’m trying to buy a new macbook while my phone is starting to act wonky, and of course I’m out of town this weekend and next week I’m in orlando, so I need my tech and it needs to be working! (yeah, I’m a bit stressed about it) anyways, I can’t even work pic monkey, so these blogging truths are hitting super deep right about now. Thankfully I have had plenty of blog friends turn into real friends, woohoo!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m sorry you are having so many issues right now- it’s so frustrating! I actually have a mac and never use it because I find it so difficult. I know most computer people and bloggers swear by them but I feel like the outcast because I just don’t get the hype. I hope all your tech issues get resolved soon!!
Jessica @Myhealthypassion.com says
ALL are true for me lol!!! #BloggersLife
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You nailed it!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Ahhh I can relate to ALL of these!!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
SO true! haha I love these kinds of posts!
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
Oh my gosh I love this! I am so not tech savvy!!
Dorothy says
I’ve started blogging for the company I work for and I can completely relate! #5 – I feel like there are so many things I’m missing tech-wise, and #6 – it’s been an ongoing struggle to explain how Social Media Marketing works to my boss & coworkers and how it can (potentially) boost business, when I’m just learning about it all myself.
But then I’ll post something that I’m surprised by the positive responses, and it feels pretty awesome!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I feel you!! Explaining how social media works (as I’m learning something new everyday) is so challenging. It’s an ever-changing landscape and just so different from traditional media. If it makes you feel better, I’m not sure anyone actually understands how to track it’s impact in a direct manner yet!
Paige says
I just want you to know that of all the blogs I read yours is my favorite. We are both in similar stages of life (married, preschooler, infant, juggling life) and it is so refreshing for me to take a few minutes each day and read your thoughts/ideas. I don’t often comment because I generally don’t have the time. It just dawned on me though that comments are probably one of the only ways you know that people are reading so rest assured we are reading. Keep up the good work!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you Paige!! That does mean so much to hear. I understand why people don’t comment often- it’s certainly not always easy to do, especially while reading from phones, but I do appreciate when people pop in every once in a while since my only real feedback is through comments. Thanks for taking the time today 🙂
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
Ohhh so nice to read this, even though I had a feeling that other bloggers have felt this way at one point or another.
I’ve been blogging for about a year and at first I started the blog just for me but as it became more important for me to find like-minded readers and bloggers, I knew I had to step up my game a little. #7 is the one that rings the most true for me because I am embarrassed about the number of photos I take. Thank goodness my husband has gotten used to it!
Lauren @ Oh Hey I Like That! says
OMG this list is great! I really hope that I become friends with fellow bloggers/readers! And yeah, I definitely wrote a few blogs that I regret. I wrote one about gum…GUM!
Brittany Dixon says
Gum, haha, I love it!! I’m sure I’ve done something sillier 😉
Jamie says
You’re awesome!
Jen@jpabstfitness says
Hahaha- YES!!! I’m LOL’ing at the last one, I was trying to come up with a top 10 post yesterday, but could only think of 6, so I dropped one and went with a top 5.
Char says
Gah this post is so bang on!!! Especially the wanting to give up AND not being techy- that was me in a nutshell last and this week. Blogging feels like a test in itself. I’m in the tough phase right now, and I know there will be good to come. That’s why I hang in there. Plus, I love connecting with other great bloggers like you 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve been reading all your posts lately (congrats on the new launch by the way!!), but since I read from my phone, I haven’t been able to comment, so let me just say that I think you should blog about whatever you are feeling! I just think you sound fun and love hearing your perspective on food, Nia, life and anything. So just keep doing what feels good to ya! 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I LOVE this, Brittany!!! Especially #4 and #5. I have made life-long friends from blogging and I am SO not tech saavy. Lord knows I wish I knew what I was doing half of the time 😉
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
So true!!!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Agree with all of these! I would add that after blogging for a considerable amount of time you will assume that everyone in your life is just as into it as you are, requiring you to be more selective about who you talk to about your hobby!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, so true! Such an odd hobby to admit to to people that don’t read or write blogs themselves 🙂
Ashley S. says
Hi Brittany! Thank you for posting this. As a brand new blogger I love reading anything and everything about blogging. And I can tell you, #5– oh yes! I can’t tell you how much time I’ve spent searching for plugins (a word I learned like three weeks ago!).
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Ashley- If you ever need to ask a tech question, just email me! I’m FAR from an expert but I’ve learned some basics over the years and would be happy to help if I can 🙂
Ashley S. says
Thanks Brittany! I will do that — I took your advice about increasing the connectivity on my site– I’d love your feedback if you get a chance. Having some issues with the pin it hover button… (:
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Absolutely hit the nail on the head for all of these, Brittany! Oh, how I adore you and your blog 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Adore?! Oh you just made my day 🙂 THANKS!! 🙂
Kari @ Cooking with Toddlers says
This is so spot on and hilarious!
Kath says
YES! ALL!
Kelly @ The OK Momma says
This made me laugh! I’m a new blogger and made a list recently and, well, I ended at 7! Haha. “Lucky number 7!” I said to myself because TEN IS TOO MUCH!
Thanks for this!
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says
These are all so true…especially #6!! It is SO hard to describe blogging to someone who isn’t familiar with it…it definitely sounds ridiculous, no matter what description you are giving. 🙂
Madeline says
Haha, this is so funny to read since I only recently started with my blog 🙂
Francesca says
Amen, sister! Thanks for sharing the truth 😀
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says
Seriously yes to all of this!! I feel like you are in my brain right now!
Also it’s so crazy that it seems like there are a bazillion and one blogs out there, yet no one in my immediate circle seems to be a blog reader or writer. Pretty sure people at my work think I sit at home and twiddle my thumbs when I’m not there…even when I tell them I’m going home to work on a post. lol!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says
Haha I am new to blogging and already I am seeing some of these come up. It’s definitely hard to explain to friends that I blog mostly because they just don’t get it.
Danielle says
Haha! These are so true. On top of trying to explain blogging, I then have to try to explain that I help other bloggers with their blogs. I lose them the second I say SEO, most times. I either over simplify it while trying to explain or wayyy over explain.
Johanna says
I blog off and on and read ALOT of blogs. The part about explaining blogs to people cracked me up. My friend doesn’t get it. She says ” you just read about other people’s days and food?” Yep and I love it! I’ve made friends and it’s given me a lot of good ideas from what to cook for dinner to being a first time and needing some advice . It’s not for everyone but I love it