HAPPY MONDAY EVERYBODY !!!
IF YOU'VE BEEN FOLLOWING MY BLOG FOR VERY LONG, YOU KNOW I AM DOING MANY POSTS ON WHAT I'VE LEARNED THIS PAST YEAR AND HOW IT'S ALL TURNING OUT ( so far...)
THIS POST WAS GONNA BE ABOUT PHOTO TECHNIQUES, BUT I HAD A BETTER TOPIC IN MIND....
IS YOUR BLOG BECOMING A JOB RATHER THAN A HOBBY ?
NOT EVERYONE HAS THE TIME, NOR THE ENERGY TO CREATE A TERRIFIC BLOG. LET'S FACE IT, IF YOU HAVE BEEN BLOGGING FOR MORE THAN SAY, A YEAR, YOU KNOW HOW ALL-CONSUMING BLOGGING CAN BECOME ;)
How much time goes into a blog really depends on your "real life" activities. For me, I haven't many such 'time suckers' as of late, ( kids, a job, etc. ) so I dump a great deal of time into this activity. I love the creativity of blogging, photography, and meeting new terrific people. But when is it all too much? And how do we set limits and actually keep them ?
I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW HOW ALL OF YOU GUYS DO SUCH A TERRIFIC JOB AND STILL EXIST IN THE "REAL" WORLD !!! MY HAT'S OFF TO YOU ALL! I SPEND HOURS ON END BLOGGING AND STILL FEEL LIKE I'M NOT DOING ENOUGH .....
( I should be commenting more.... I should be doing more Spotlights...... Honoring my Divas.....)
WHEN YOUR BLOG SEEMS LIKE A NOT-FOR-PROFIT JOB, MAYBE IT'S TIME TO SET LIMITS ;)
THE COMPONENTS OF A GOOD BLOG :
( In my opinion ;)
IMAGES:
For me, this is one of the most important things. There are many tips on U-tube to create better, clearer images and Kasmira of WhatIWore2Day, also has great tips that are less time consuming.
The link is: http://whatiwore2day.blogspot.com/2010/02/mail-bag-indoor-outfit-photos.html for easy, quick indoor techniques. Thanks, Kasmira !!!
For me, having a set up spot and camera setting, plus a remote and tri-pod take up less time. Thus, less time spent editing ;)
Also, finding your "go-to-pose" and "best side" help make photo taking simpler. Ever notice how other bloggers usually stand a certain way ? That's their sweet spot !
I like to see people being themselves, wearing what they wear everyday. I also like to see new, exciting ideas. I carry a notebook around with me and jot down my inspirations for future reference. Then, I have a list of go-to posts without digging up stuff to blog about and trying on tons of outfits til I find one I want to share.
DIY's are always interesting and popping off a few photos while you are doing them will make for a great post, too ! ~ Look-books and Wish-lists are fun as well, but I try to show something new, not the same photos that are plastered all over the place. Let's face it, we want to be entertained ;) as well as informed. Again, there are always new things out there to blog about, just start asking your computer for help ;)
Spotlighting or interviewing other bloggers via E-mail is a fun and quick way to have a cool post !
COMMENTING/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT :
This is the toughie !!! The more time you spend interacting, the more people you will meet. But, there are times when we just can't visit everyone. Believe me, I've tried ! I suppose the time you have to comment depends again on how busy you are. But remember, blogging is a two-way street! If you don't have enough time to visit the 100 or so blogs you follow ;) ~ a group "thank you" post is a good way to let others know how much their support means to you.
Also, joining a group site like IFB, or Chictopia are great ways to meet people. But beware, that takes time, too!
This is the toughie !!! The more time you spend interacting, the more people you will meet. But, there are times when we just can't visit everyone. Believe me, I've tried ! I suppose the time you have to comment depends again on how busy you are. But remember, blogging is a two-way street! If you don't have enough time to visit the 100 or so blogs you follow ;) ~ a group "thank you" post is a good way to let others know how much their support means to you.
Also, joining a group site like IFB, or Chictopia are great ways to meet people. But beware, that takes time, too!
By the way, thank you ! ......
ON BEING REAL :
The coolest blogs to me, are the ones where the people are REAL. Funny, silly, sad, crazy and sometimes even smoke ;) We all have bad days. We all get "the uglies" sometimes. Honestly, perpetually happy people scare me..........
A great blog doesn't need to be a perfect blog. Trying to be perfect is a job in and of itself !
Being yourself is much quicker ( and easier) than trying to be perfect :)
The coolest blogs to me, are the ones where the people are REAL. Funny, silly, sad, crazy and sometimes even smoke ;) We all have bad days. We all get "the uglies" sometimes. Honestly, perpetually happy people scare me..........
A great blog doesn't need to be a perfect blog. Trying to be perfect is a job in and of itself !
Being yourself is much quicker ( and easier) than trying to be perfect :)
To sum it all up :
If it ain't fun, if it ain't fulfilling, if it seems like work, why do it ? No amount of followers nor comments will make you feel good about YOU. And isn't that what we all seek from blogs ? To create and feel good about it !
attire: Dress: Issac Mizrahi for Target
Sweater:thrifted
China flats: the mall (very old)
Beret: thrifted ~ Brooch: Sears,old.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND DON'T FORGET !
Tomorrow is our Pearl Party !
If you still want to send me a photo of you in your pearls, I will be taking them til 6p.m. eastern time!
Send them to : smarvel@zoomtown.com w/a link to your blog so I can post it :)
xXx
Reva
7 comments:
I LOVE that frock Reva!!! MMMMMMMM gorgeous!
I just adore blogging,it's so much FUN.And,I've met so many amazing women through it!!
I'm trying to get my email running so I can send you my pearls pic.Damn things broke right as I was putting them on!
XXX
After seven months of blogging, it is still very much a joy and not a chore...I hope it does not become a chore...but it actually helps me survive the chores that i have with a more joyful spirit. The blogs I really frequent and enjoy the most are real and fun...yours, of course, one of those. BTW...love your shoes!!
I couldn´t agree more with you about the points you make.
Above everything else your blog is yours, and your platform of selfexpresion. The most inspiring blogs to me, are the ones that are real.
Awaiting instructions for PEARL post hehehe.
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TERRIFIC post Reva! I'm going to have to come back and re-read it because SO many good points are made.
I struggle with the setting limits. Like you I had more time in the past, and really spent enough hours 'blogging' to be a full-time job, and feel guilty I can read or comment as much as I would like. But I try! I do have to put limits on now, but it is very difficult.
Easy however is telling you how phenom you look! OMG! I love the black underlayers with the bold pink floral! Yay Mizarahi, he rocks! You look fab and the photos are fantastic: fun shots, a variety of poses and some humor thrown in too! One of my favorite posts of you yet. +++++++++++ <3
I just sent you an attachment of my pearl photo! Fingers double crossed that you recieve it, hehe.
And I thought that this post was so true and very helpful! I'm always thinking of ways to try and make my blog better, and you have some seriously awsome tips and tricks that I may need to use in the future!
Beautiful photos! I especially like the ones with the cigarette and the smoke!
Technical question: Is it possible to make a widget that involves a short video?
I can tell you have really been spending time working on your photography. Looking good
Great dress!
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