thoughts on blogging
Blogging has been a surprise gift in my life. It happened unexpectedly. I really didn’t even know what it was when I opened it.
Once I tore open the packaging I found all kinds of simple things that bring smiles to my days. I found a creative outlet. I found inspiration. I found friends. I found encouragement. I found a new side of me.
I thoroughly enjoy writing this blog. When I started it I never dreamed it be read by those I have not met in person. When you write a blog you put yourself ‘out there’. There are so many things about blogging I wish I knew when I started it that I know now. As much as I enjoy this little space online, I’ve learned that putting yourself ‘out there’ means not everyone has nice things to say. Those of you that read this blog have always been so wonderful and kind to me in your comments. In many ways I feel like you have my back. You tell me when you see my projects elsewhere. You email me things you know I’d enjoy. You encourage me by cheering me on with your words. Thank you.
However, I know a lot of bloggers that face all kind of harsh words and attacks. I’ve experienced some – mainly on other sites that my projects are featured. It has never made sense to me why someone would use their precious time (we are only given a bit each day) to purposely try to hurt others. It happens though. Sadly, it happens a lot. And if you have an online presence (blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) you should be aware and prepared for it.
The first negative comment I got was when my daughter’s room was featured on a design website. The comment was about the decor, but it was hard not feel like it was an attack on me. There is a difference. When I share projects, especially home related, I do it now knowing not everyone will have nice things to say. Why is it that I can get 100 amazingly nice comments from you, but the one that plays over in my head is the mean one written somewhere else?
I hesitated sharing about my painted sub-floors this week because I know someone somewhere will leave a mean comment. However, despite the hesitation I posted it. I don’t expect everyone to like my ideas or style. It would be a terribly boring world if we all liked the same things. For me, if sharing my floor inspires one woman to make her home ‘hers’, to be encouraged in living on a budget, or to embrace that creativity God placed in her….it is worth the mean comments that might pop up somewhere else online. It is worth it.
I’ve learned that with all the wonderful related to blogging there is some not so wonderful too. I can choose to give my time and energy to the negative or I can move on. When I choose to move on I often am reminded just how marvelous this whole blogging journey has been to me. Thank you for that.
**********************************************************
For those of you that write a blog or comment on blogs, here are some great links related to this topic
Blog Etiquette by Creature Comforts
Online Etiquette and Ethics by Grace of Design Sponge
Dealing with negative comments by CrafterMinds
