My friend and I were talking about networking and marketing the other day. When to start, how to start, and when to say ‘I suck at this, will anyone notice if I stop sucking at it?’
Blogging isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of work, a lot of time… BUT… can be a whole lot of fun.
I'm down to blogging three times a week and so far it’s freed up quite a bit of time to devote to commenting (which I adore). But with life comes more… life. Babies show up, houses go for sale, and books still go on sale.
My first short story, Snowbanked, was released last week and it was then the chaos hit me. What's fabulous is that I've already networked my way around the worldwide web and all I needed to do was ask my lovely friends to allow me to blog hop a few rounds.
Turns out, positive polly walks away with a lot more than negative nancy.
All the friendships I made through the two years of blogging allowed me to have the experience of a lifetime when my ebook went on sale. The congrats, along with virtual hugs and cupcakes was amazing. Not to mention everyone who RUSHED off my blog to go purchase my book.
It just shows that my personality reaches people, and my positive polly nature keeps you all coming back, (or so I'm telling myself).
The piece of advice I leave you with? Blog because you love too, don't think of it as a chore, but more as a time to meet with friends. You're grabbing the cup of joe, or enjoying take-out, while spending time with all your buddies.
Have you met negative nancy's around the blog? How do you handle the attitude? Any good news... share in the comments!
33 comments:
Sadly, within a day, I can be a Nancy or a Polly, that is being human.
Congratulations on your great success.
I agree with Gail. It depends no the day and the time. However, my blog is pretty Polly 24/7. Who wants to read Nancy? Not me! I'll skip right over those buggers!
~JD
I only blog three days a week, and I think that makes a big difference over daily. It's never a chore and I never lack for topics.
I usually don't read the Nancy's unless it's a topic I find interesting. But negativity is never a good think in the blogging world! Time to start networking/marketing is way before we have a book out!
Haha so now I feel a little convicted, since my most recent post was all about hating winter and the violence it inspires within me... Maybe I should write something super positive... That's dangerous though, because it would likely be edged in sarcasm.
I'll try!
I usually don't read the Nancys either. Unless I'm feeling sorry for myself...which happens far too often. But I'm trying to change that. No more pity parties, I have way too many blessings not to be thankful.
Agreed Jen. I think most bloggers start out with the fire that quickly becomes a spark as blogging responsibilities become overwhelming.
The important thing is to find a balance--once the fun aspect is gone, the blogger will soon be no more.
So true! While everyone has their Nancy days, life's better when you're Polly! And the whole negativity on the web at the moment, hopefully that will die down. While I'll read about it, I try not to get involved.
Hello! I'm new to your blog- Jolene at Been Writing sent me over, and that's some great advice about blogging. Last year when I started mine I didn't have a focus and eventually lost interest, but I started up again and it's been amazing! Especially since I've stumbled upon others who love to write! Maybe writing doesn't have to be such a solitary endeavor:)
I love blogging, and have a whole latte fun meeting great blog friends and having inspiring talks in the comments. Blog on ...
Great post. I like to be a Polly but I pretty much like to be a Polly about everything.
the 3x a week blogging is so much better imop.
And yeah, i've known a couple of nance's. I either stay away from their blogs or try to help them get away from the negativity
I"m with what everyone else said - I won't read a blog that is negative. Personally, I do blog and social network because it's a blast! I love meeting new people. There are so many interesting folks out there, and the internet allows us to meet them! I'd feel so limited if the internet were taken away...(or if SOPA passes...)
Yay for positive pollies! So much more fun. :) A good attitude will definitely keep me coming back to a blog. Writing is a tough business, but it's even tougher with a negative attitude.
You are simply fabulous! You know if you need anything, I'm here. Use Writers' Ally. Building a solid fanbase/foundation before your major work is release is a good idea. For some writers, getting their agents/book deals comes first. Our roads to publication are different, but all have a wonderful means to their ends. Have a great weekend!
Blogging has helped me so much. I have found my kind of people. As for the Negative Nancy's, I try my best not to be one and I really have found that, for those people who are all the time, I just have to distance myself. Sure, everyone has their bad days, but if it is an eternal evolving bad day, it's generally because of choice.
Have a great weekend!
I've been struggling with blogging too. Lately it seems my readership is way down. I haven't been visiting as many blogs anymore either, so I get it. But honestly, when I scroll through my blog list, there aren't nearly as many new posts as there used to be. But I do enjoy it too...especially the comments and the interaction.
Everyone wants to read positive stuff. It gives you a lift and can make you feel better. But there are days when it can be quite hard to be positive. Those days are the ones you should have away from blogging, perhaps?
I try to be Polly as often as I can. That being said, most days when I'm Nancy, I just stay away from the blogs. Nobody likes a downer.
Congrats again on all your fab news. I'm so excited for you.
So true! I dreaded starting my blog but then when I did I found I loved doing it. I can tell you love writing your blog too and it all comes down to do what you love, love what you do.
Agreed. That's the thing about social networking - that shit *works* - IF you're the kind of person that people like ;) So you have to ask yourself... do people like me?
I usually feel positive and blog positive, but once in awhile I share something that is hurting me. I find the support of my blogging friends helps a lot. But definitely, I love being positive.
Nope, no negs for me so far...and I LOve to blog also. But I may go "dark" in February just so I can do a query push once and for all.
I steer WAAAY clear of the negative nancy's in this business. They are bad for the spirit and. . . well, overall. Good post Jen. You are definitely a positive polly:)
You can't help but love a Polly, and I tend to just hop off from a Nancy site asap.
Have a lovely weekend
Lxxx
I blog when I can, at least 3 times a week. I love to blog. It's the only reason why I do.
Aw, Jen, we love you! You are one of the best bloggers I know. When I realized it was becoming a chore, that's when I had to step back and take a break. Now, I'm just having fun reading and commenting. I think twice a week is good enough for me with everything else going on.
I must have missed your release last week! How did THAT happen??? Congrats girl, you are so awesome.
I don't mind if someone is negative once in a while- something got them down, or they need to vent or whatever. But if it becomes a habit, I just stop reading their blog. It's too depressing. I try not to be negative on my blog, even if I"m having a crappy day. If I talk about my crappy day, I at least try to make it funny to lighten the mood, ;p
Love ya sis, you are doing great!
Congratulations on your release, Jen! All of that positive polly'ing really paid off! :)
You're right about the time spent. I think building a following of people who really care and who will actually comment takes time. (in my case almost a year so far) People don't like negative blogs, so when I feel a bit miserable about my blog, I try not to blog about it.
Balance helps. Doing other things besides constantly checking your stats or tormenting yourself over posts gives you perspective, and something to blog about!
So true. I've noticed that in the blogging world, it's the good helpful people that get lots of help back.
:-)
I gravitate toward happy faces and rainbows.
I wouldn't blog if I was feeling Nancy LOL. I think I might be wrong but I don't have set days to blog for that very reason, but I'll definitely check in at least once a week (you'll probably chew me out now!)
I had a rough year last year and my blog reflected lots of times. I lost a lot of traffic, but it wasn't because blogging was a chore. It was more just because I was so upset that when I blogged it just came out! Congrats on your book.
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