10 Years of Blogging: Then vs. Now

7f6bc1b50b1a36e1142175f2f4585aeb

My blog is a little over 10 years old this year.  That blows my mind!  When I first started my blog I remember people asking “What is a BLOG?”  I remember my first post, it was basically nothing.  I started blogging about my favorite books, or shows I watched, things I did randomly during the day.  It was real and authentic and exactly why I started to blog because it was more of a journal than anything else.

I got comments (yes actual COMMENTS) on posts that I wrote.  Over the years comments have trickled off and people would rather communicate via Instagram,Twitter, or Facebook.  Some of my very favorite bloggers have quit and I understand life changes and we go through seasons.  I miss the interaction I first had as a blogger – that authentic communication.  I met some of my best friends through blogging.

I know at times I’m goofy.  I’m not the best writer by any means.  Does anyone remember the Starbucks wall of shame that used to be on my site?  Ha!  I know not everything I write about is Earth shattering…but it’s real.

I’ve tried to stick with it.  I know a lot of my post have become “sponsored” or I get items for free to review.  Let’s face it…it’s hard to turn down free stuff right?  Especially when some of the things are really cool things you couldn’t afford on your own.  There is some judgement behind that…but I still try to remain true to myself, while I’m not going to lie the income really helps my family.  Especially when you are going through a house remodel that seems to be bleeding you dry right now!  Eeeek!

There is a fine balance between having all sponsored content and remaining true to your audience.  I’m not sure I’ve found my perfect middle yet, but I’m working on it.  I miss the kinship I found with other bloggers.  I’m not saying I’m going to stop doing sponsored content because I really do enjoy it, I just want to find the right middle ground.

Ten years ago it wasn’t about “look what opportunity I got!” or “I made this much $$$ on this post” or “I got to go to a special event because obviously…I’m special!”  Uhm…no.

Nobody wants to hear that stuff and it doesn’t create authentic and real relationships.  We should support each other, comment on actual content – not just a photo, don’t rub things in other bloggers faces.  Support-Connect-SHARE-Love one another!!!

Be PROUD that you have what you have and OWN IT.  Don’t sit there wishing you were someone else because you are YOU and that’s what matters.

As you all probably noticed on my Instagram account I did get a great opportunity as a brand rep at Megaphone Conference.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

BUT- every.single.time I tried to authentically get to know a blogger they went into stats, opportunities, analytics, they won’t share sources because heaven forbid they have any competition or SHARE something.  It came off as a bunch of content hungry and opportunity driven women that will only write a post if the price is right.  It’s a pure and utter mind suck.  When someone thinks your only value is as good as how many followers you have.  I’m here to tell you ladies and gentlemen you CAN write content that is well written and wonderful without a price tag attached.

EXCUSE ME?

We are bloggers and we are extremely blessed to get to do what we do.  At the same time we must realize that it’s not all about the MONEY.  Most of my favorite posts are learning about someone’s family or an event that happened in their lives.

Let’s try to not step on everyone’s toes now shall we?  Support one another like the good old days.  I know I’m being very blunt in this post, but it’s something that has been on my heart for a while.

I miss all my blogger friends from years ago and secretly hope they will come back into the blogosphere.  I know it’s not the same…but hopefully we can try to uplift and support & not be so greedy at times.  If a new blogger asks you for help, please for the love of coffee…don’t sit there like you just ate a sour lemon.  Share with them, open up and connect.  Don’t feed them lines and give them ZERO actual sources or information because you are trying to hoard the legit information for yourself.   That’s crazy selfish of you!  Let’s put the heart and soul back into blogging.  It’s not all about follows and likes…everyone knows those can be bought at a price.

In the end all you really have are the memories and not the money.

Meanwhile……

RED CUP SEASON IS ONLY A COUPLE MONTHS AWAY!!!  WOOHOO!!!

20141114_074013-e1473737937949-436x775

 

6 thoughts on “10 Years of Blogging: Then vs. Now

  1. Hello thejavamama ! I really believe this post is something else from other posts like “Earn Money from WordPress” or “How to monetize your blog?”.
    Now I actually know what it means to put your soul into blogging. By the way, I am kid in this blogosphere and your blogpost has inspired me. Thank you 🙂

  2. What a great post! I love your authenticity and transparency! It sets you apart! Thank you for sharing your heart! I was so blessed to meet you last Christmas and you have encouraged me to finally actually start a blog instead of only having it all in my head. You helped me overcome my fear and just do it! Cheers to 10 more years!!!! ☕️❤️

  3. AMEN!! This ridiculous mentality isn’t just in blogging. And no matter where I come across it it drives me NUTS! I remember when I was in college, I was an art major. And the same mentality. Heaven forbid I share any little bit about how I did a project because GASP someone else could possibly use the same technique. But here’s the thing, we are all individuals, we all use different thought processes, we all think differently, and we all have our own creativity. So even if you gave 100 people the same project, I guarantee you’d get 100 different variations of that project. So I’ve never really understood that closed up nature that surrounds the creative world. To add to that, we’ve all been in the shoes of the people asking and new to this world, we got where we are today by people who have opened up to us and are willing to share with us, shame on us if we can’t return the favor to those newbies! Keep being real, keep being authentic. I truly believe those who are all of those qualities and who have a heart to serve and share will be the ones who succeed in the long term. Happy ten years!! Can’t wait to meet you soon!

  4. I’m so sorry you feel this way about the conference. I thought you were a lot fun and brought a lot of energy to it. For some, being at blogging conferences is about digging in and learning the ins and outs of social media and blogging as it pertains to business (like myself, as I prepare to leave my IRL job of twenty years to pursue writing and blogging as business). Mostly this particular conference is known for its personal connections and a small but caring community and I apologize if I somehow contributed to your feeling of disconnect.

  5. It’s great that you have been blogging for 10 years! I am sure you have seen a lot of changes. I have been at it for 5 and have noticed the difference in commenting. All the more reason to leave you a comment 😉
    I am sorry that you didn’t enjoy the connections at the conference. I enjoyed the homey feel of it! I’ve been enjoying seeing your stuff on instagram and look forward to seeing more of your content!

Comments are closed.