Monday, June 11, 2007

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



10 comments:

Sarah said...

Awww - I got a shout out! Woot!

Although I'd still love to get you on MySpace!

WendyDarling said...

LOL... I'll think about it. :-)

Princess LadyBug said...

Comment, comment, comment, comment, comment, comment.

How's that? :P

MySpace is not bad. I'm on it so you know you'd have at least two friends right away (me & your cousin). Not to mention the others in "the group". Mostly I use it to look up bands & stuff. There's just something so cool about being on Rick Springfield's friends list. :P

Corey~living and loving said...

great to see why other people blog. Thanks for the visit to my blog.
I am struggling with the safety thing. I really want to be able to share my pictures. I am working on it though.

WendyDarling said...

Welcome, Corey. :-) I am so glad you came to visit. ;-)

mamabright1 said...

hey, wendy...

thanks for stopping by my blog...I enjoyed checking yours out too...

and...I know wendy darling is a peter pan reference...but it really caught my attention...because I am a darling...by birth...it was my maiden name...

we also seem to have some other things in common...we're the same age...homeschoolers...we both like movies and books...and we both have a very, VERY slight case of OCD when it come to winning against evil games...

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better!

blessings, mamabright :-)

WendyDarling said...

How cool!! I have never met anyone with the last name "Darling" before. :-) Thank you for visiting. It does sound like we have a lot in common. :-)

Musings of a Housewife said...

I agree, it is hard when you don't get many comments. It's not about popularity so much as it is that you want confirmation that you are being heard and that what you are saying (writing) is resonating with some people. We all say we blog for us. But truly, we would keep a journal if it was just for us. If we are honest, we all need the comments to keep going!

Shelli said...

Thanks for stoppin' by my blog! I got you on my reader list now :)

WendyDarling said...

Thank you, Shelli. :-)