Wendy's Wonderings

My Blogging Story....

OK, Chili over at http://www.donttryit.com/ is having a "blogging story carnival". There are certain questions she would like us answer about our blogs. I thought it sounded neat, so I am participating and posting my answers here. :-) If you would like to, hop on over there and tell your story too. ;-) I for one would love to read about it. :-) So, get something cool to drink, kick back and enjoy. At least, I hope you enjoy it. ;-) Let's begin.....

1) How did you start blogging?

I have never been very "computer savvy", and definitely not a "trend follower", but my brother, "D" got me started. He and my friend, "Princess Ladybug" started their own blogs. I thought it was neat, and I was looking for a creative outlet, so I decided to do one too. "D" set me up and got me started. (Just a side note you can check out their blogs on my links list. They're the first two listed.) :-)

2) Did you intend to be a blog w/a big following? If so, how did you go about it?

I figured I'd have a small following, like family and friends. Because really it was a way to be creative, but also a way to let people know what's going on with me. Also, I silently hoped I would be read by many people. I tried to write as if I was writing to a "mass audience", although I am sure I don't have that many who visit. I would love it though. :-) I think it would be very interesting to know who is visiting me, how they found me, and what they think. Not many leave a comment, and at times it is disappointing, but like Princess says, "you blog for you, not for the comments". ;-) She's right, but don't we all want to "popular"? :-) I mean, come on people, we all still harbor a little of that "I want people to like me" thing we had in high school. Come on.... admit it... you know you do. ;-)

3) What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog? Have you been successful? If not, do you have a plan to achieve those goals?

This is an interesting question. I am not sure that I have one real goal. I guess, like a lot of people, I want a way to stay in contact with other people I don't talk to often. It's also "safe" to be able to speak my mind on things I wouldn't ordinarily talk about. Aside from my family and friends I don't really "know" anyone else who reads my blog, so I can speak my mind without worry. I also wanted a way to be creative, work on my writing skills, and I guess in a way I hope leave a few "words of wisdom" for the next generation. I don't always let my family and friends know what I'm thinking. I tend to write my thoughts easier than verbalizing them, so I can communicate with family and friends those things as well. It's a way for them to get to know me better.

I think I have been successful. At least, I hope. You never know unless you get comments. :-) (hint, hint,...leave comments people!) :-)

4) Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How?

I think so. My style/format has changed for sure. When I first started it was more in a letter format to "Peter Pan" (the whole Wendy thing) :-) And I think I was a lot more serious in the way I wrote. Now, I write in an "open forum" format, and I try to more witty with my posts as well as thoughtful. Is it working? You tell me. :-)

5) What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started?

My brother filled me in on the "safety" things pretty well. Therefore, I don't have a picture of myself, post my last name, location, etc; so I think I'm covered there. I have learned so many things along the way. Like how to post pictures, etc... I know I have A LOT more to learn. I would love to learn about the site meters, because I am becoming obsessive about that. :-) I do look at designs of other blogs, and sometimes wonder if mine is too simple, but then again, I am simple, so it fits me. :-)

6) Do you make money with your blog?

To be honest, I didn't even know this was an option. Does it pay well? :-) Anyone care to fill me in on this? :-)

7) Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it? If not, why?

Most of my immediate family does. I have one sister who doesn't read any blogs. My mom does occasionally. I know of one cousin who reads it. (HI, "S") ;-) If any other extended family does I don't know about it. (see me waving? Let me know if you are reading) :-)

8) What two pieces of advice would you give to a new blogger?

1) Keep your anonymity. Safety is crucial.

2) HAVE FUN WITH IT!! :-) When I first started my blog I only told two people about it, and I said, "If it's lame I'm taking it down." I am so glad I did it now. :-) It is a lot of fun, and it is fun to take time out for "ME" and write about whatever I want to write about. :-) Also, don't be afraid to play around with the format. :-) This is YOUR blog, and you should let it reflect your personality. OR an alter ego. LOL... your choice. :-)

OK, now it's your turn to tell your "blogging story". Don't forget to go to Chili's at the link up top and click on Mr. Linky. ;-)

Love,
Wendy Darling