I’ve been blogging since December 2012 and I’ve posted my thoughts about the platform a few times. Figured I should revisit the topic since this is the only social media platform that I’ve consistently maintained. Twitter moved too fast for me to feel like I was getting anywhere. Facebook’s algorithm changed to make it harder to use for personal and business use. At least, I couldn’t do it because I didn’t have the money and time to sink into it. LinkedIn, Tumblr, Pinterest, and the rest come and go from my attention. That leaves WordPress, which I’ve used as a hub. Has it been working out? I can’t tell, but I have learned a few things.
First, you shouldn’t run around copying everyone else. Instead, you need to come up with your own identity because the blog is an extension of that. This is regardless of the topic too. Much of it comes down to writing style, but also usage of pictures and videos as well as any recurring post types. For example, I do a 7 tips and a Ye Olde Shoppe skit from time to time. I talk a lot about writing, my books, and do poetry. Other people having weekly story entries or views into their minds if they’re an artist. Standing out from the pack is easier than one would think, but it takes bravery. Just put yourself out there and adjust as you move along, which is an endless process. Also, avoid plagiarizing and apologize if you accidentally take something that you shouldn’t. That happens a lot with art that we think is public use, but isn’t.
Interaction is another key component here. Commenting on other blogs helps to bring attention to your own. This can be difficult since it takes a lot of time to read and think of a good response. I’ve become a little hermit-like here ever since the divorce and new job, but prior to that I tried to move around. You’ll find another challenge here is that bloggers disappear all the time. You might have a vast network at one point and then it dwindles to a handful as people quit, groups that you can’t join are formed, and interests divert. It’s hard to rebuild, especially if you can’t figure out what happened. Still, that is the nature of the beast. You also have a lot of people who only ‘like’ a post and those who will never return the comment favor. That’s everywhere, so don’t think it’s only a blog thing.
I’m doing a tip post on Wednesday, so I won’t go into too much. Personally, I find blogging to be the most worthwhile even though I’ve been so busy that I can’t wander around WordPress. Not even sure how to do it these days. I read a lot of posts that I can’t think of comments for and hit a point where I feel lame hitting ‘like’ and walking away. Reblogs are another challenge since I’m usually on my phone, which tends to have me follow a reblog link to a page that it won’t let me comment on. It’s been that way for about a year, which is frustrating. Technical issues are always going to be a headache for any social media platform. Still, I hope to keep this blog going for as long as I can. Considering I schedule posts like this months in advance (I’m writing this in August while in Baltimore), this blog might last longer than I do. That’ll be awkward. People get 3-4 months of posts after I’m long gone. Yeah, that’s morbid, but I get an odd chuckle out of the thought.
What do you think about blogging? How has your blogging adventure gone?
Legends of Windemere 
“First, you shouldn’t run around copying everyone else. Instead, you need to come up with your own identity because the blog is an extension of that.” Oh, I so agree with you on this, Charles! I really detest the homogenisation that seems to be creeping in lately with newer bloggers, particularly those whose only interest is in making money.
It is one thing to learn from other bloggers… but the only way to sustain a blog for years, as you have, is to be yourself. It shows too… an authentic voice is very different from a forced one and all masks will slip sooner or later 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve noticed that too. Feels like once an idea hits gold, the same swarm pounces to oversaturate. Great point on being an authentic voice. Gets harder every day though.
LikeLike
Just write what you can, when you can, Charles. That matters more than sticking to timetables.
LikeLike
True. Though I do like that I have an unbroken posting streak going.
LikeLike
I can completely understand that, Charles. Having posted every day for yers now…and seldom managing to keep more than a day or two scheduled in advance, I’d be a tad miffed if circumstances broke that run.
LikeLike
It’s come close though.
LikeLike
Same here.
LikeLike
I have some posts I schedule ages in advance too, and have had a similar amusing but morbid thought. 😉
I’ve been blogging since 2006, and still feel like there’s a lot I don’t know about it.
I’m not always sure what to say as a comment, and signing in to do so is a headache, so I often don’t bother commenting ,though I always feel a bit guilty for not doing so, so try to comment whenever I have anything to say besides, “Great post.”
LikeLike
One has to be constantly learning when blogging. It is hard to come up with a deep comment when on the move.
LikeLike
Great tips!
I’ve been blogging since 2013. I’ve enjoyed it, though the journey has had its ups and downs. I’m really grateful for the blogs I’ve discovered along the way (like yours).
I agree that you need to do your own thing. Also comparison is such a trap. I’m having to fight the urge to compare my numbers with those of others and just enjoy the ride.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is hard to avoid comparing numbers. I think that’s human nature.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great points, Charles – I agree that coming up with comments is daunting, so I do press LIKE a lot instead. The authentic voice IS important, especially for writers like you. Some authors only seem to write posts to push their latest books, or worse, ONLY about their books (I unsubscribe from them in that case). Some bloggers publish posts that are only small witty (stupid) and relevant to a closed clique (again, I unsubscribe from them).
As you know, in my case, I concentrate on getting the latest resource information out for writers, authors, poets and reblog interesting articles from other bloggers on WordPress and elsewhere.
My personal touch is my (sometimes strange) sense of humour, hence my Monday Funnies.
LikeLike
As an author, the temptation to write about my books is strong. Best to use them as an example though. I enjoy the Monday Funnies, but I noticed I keep losing your blog posts. Sometimes it says I’m not even following you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you getting my posts on Reader (RSS) or email, Charles?
LikeLike
I do email because my Reader doesn’t always work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Strange you don’t get regular notifications, makes me wonder if others have the same problem 🤔
LikeLike
It’s possible. I know with John Howell, I was booted completely. Then I rejoined and it shows up with my comment notifications. Really weird.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi – I did not know some bloggers schedule a few months out like this.
I might try scheduling a few posts because this next month or two I need to be offline – but I am
Not sure I can be there to engage if a scheduled post has some comments come in…. hmmmm
Thanks for sharing your social media paths and how WP has been that hub.
For me – I like it WP because I can control the stimulation – whereas Facebook inundated me with “suggestions or who to follow” – with banners – and then was also promoting my photo for others to follow – but WordPress seems to have a more subtle way of suggesting new blogs – not sure how to word all this – but don’t feel
Overwhelmed here but do in some outlets –
LikeLike
I don’t think my extreme scheduling is common. It happened when I began having limited writing time and blogging took the edge off. Comments are the tough one especially midday. Lunch and bathroom breaks are my friends. I’m totally with you on Facebook.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊wishing you a great month of November
LikeLike
Thanks. You too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy blogging. I schedule one day in advance unless there is a promotion going on. I do post each day and have a schedule of what goes on which day. The thing I hate most is where you come up with what you think is a brilliant comment and the other blogger hits “like” on the comment. I also do not like it when I follow, comment and interact with someone and they just never get around to a visit to my place. That only goes on for a few times then I cease. As far as helping sell books I still don’t have a clue as to what works. Good post, Charles.
LikeLike
Honestly, I’ve hated the like on comments since it started. Facebook has trained us to think that’s an acceptable response, but it kills a conversation. I try to look through blog posts as they hit my email, but it’s tough. I’ve noticed that WP has me magically locked out at times too, so I can only read and maybe like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t do WP on my phone for that reason. (I know you don’t have a choice)
LikeLike
Phone is definitely not as good as computer.
LikeLike
You offer some great tips here. Being yourself is important, and so it sticking your neck out a bit. I have Lisa, the writing cabin, some recurring characters, and even Idea Mill, etc. It makes me unique and people like that. My blog is my main location and I enjoy blogging. Many of my posts this year were about word count, and I’ve really done too many of those. After I get some calm around here, I’ll try to get back to more fun content. I tweeted your post out, because what else is there really?
LikeLike
Word count and manuscript posts are always tough to comment on. Harder to make interesting without doing spoilers.
Not sure what else is out there. Just adds to the frustration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I might start doing some spoilers. There is a fine line between spoiled and sparking interest. A good movie trailer will show you some things without ruining the film. I need to put some thought into that.
LikeLike
True. Teasers are basically low key spoilers designed to entice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need to learn where that line is, then go there.
LikeLike
Thank you, you reminded me of why I blog. I mainly do it to get some order to my own thoughts a d to be as original as I can.
LikeLike
That first reason is a good one. Definitely helps me focus at times.
LikeLike