This is the time of year that I typically start to get insecure and freak out about my blog, blog status and all things bloggy. That’s because BlogHer, the world’s biggest gathering of the awesomest female bloggers is only a month away. BlogHer, of course is the chance to meet your most favorite bloggers, get some awesome swag and attend many parties.
I attended BlogHer two years ago when it was last in Chicago, had a good time, and moved right along. I decided to attend this year, because it’s local again, and well, I love the chance to meet people I know online in real life.
But as I look back on my last two years of blogging, I can’t help but think about how I have not moved my blog needle at all since I started. In fact, if anything, I’ve pulled back my connections and commitments in the blog world. It was all by my own choice. I like to quit blogging every now and again. And I’m not writing this post to be all whiny about my blogging insecurities. I just feel like ranting about it. Because, you know, I need to hone in on what I’m going to tell everyone what the heck it is I do when I see or meet them in a few weeks.
This time of year always makes me reflect on why I started blogging, and what’s happened to all the bloggers I’ve gotten to know a little along the way. I never intended this blog to be anything more than my place to vent, and it’s been so much more than that. But I am also lazy and nonchalant about my relationships online. I’m a terrible linker. I’m not obsessed with Twitter. I never enter contests, rarely review products, always seem to miss cool blogger get-togethers because I have other commitments, and well, sign off from the computer most evenings pretty darn early just when things get going. I don’t have clients, I only have one other lame blog that I just started up again. What I do online is mainly for myself (and to make my mother laugh occasionally.) And I like that.
However, when I’m about to get all IRL in the blog world, I always feel like I should be pushing myself to be bigger and better. (The only thing that seems to be getting bigger and better around here is my belly). To be expanding my writing, cultivating and making relationships, seizing opportunity.
Instead, I think I’d rather go take a nap.
See what I mean? See you at BlogHer. (I hope.)
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I could have written this post, Sara. I was there with you 2 years ago and I trust I can have a drink FOR you your belly next month, but I was not and never will be a blogging celebrity.
Fortunately, I’m happy to be a D list mommyblogger. I can post about poosplosions without pissing off my sponsors and I don’t have to figure out how to write about a free Disney cruise without making my meager readership throw up a little.
I try to focus on the relationships I’ve developed with people like you and Alma (who commented above) You two are a few of the first bloggers I discovered back in 2006. I strive to just be me. I don’t have enough energy for anything else, lol.
I am so excited to see that you are going to be at BlogHer. All things aside there is nothing more fun that being in a room with a bunch of bloggers!
I always enjoy seeing you. I think just knowing we are familiar with the online world and blogging no matter how much or how little you are “in” it, that is all we need to relate and meet each other and then decide if we want to know a person/blogger more. I have no idea if this even makes sense but in my head it does! I’m thankful for the people I’ve met via blogging, but admit those people I hang on to I love for who they are, not their status or their blog. I am MOST looking forward to hanging out in my room and in the hallways of blogher!
Steph
A “D list mommy blogger” — love that. A perfect moniker for me too!
I so wish I was going this year so that we could hang out again. Last year was a bust for me when I went — too much pimping for my taste. I like getting to meet new people that I can connect with. But when it becomes how to pass out your Moo cards in the fastest time possible, then I’m not interested.
Totally bummed that I won’t get to see you and the baby bump.
Hi Sara,
I am a big fan of Alma and look forward to meeting you. I think the grass is always greener. Folks who have been lured down a path of sponsorships might wish they could write more authentically.
At RookieMoms.com sometimes I feel stuck satisfying the primary readership of brand new scared moms – who I really do want to support – and don’t get to share much of myself because I have grown up from that phase and now have a 2 and a 4 year old and a whole lot more perspective.
I liked this post.
I wish I was going to BlogHer. While all of you are busy mingling, I’ll be in the middle of some fun stuff at my RE’s office (lol).
Yep, fellow D-lister here too. Maybe I’ll get some energy to work my way to the C-List?!? Should this be bothering me? because now that you brought it up I’m feeling like I should care a little.
Oh, just wait everyone- D Listers on the way!
I’ll be there! Hope to see you!
Robyn’s point is well taken. I sense the pimping and promoting will be “up to 11″ this year.
I like the idea of connecting with others IRL, but I’m steeling myself to not get into a competitive blogging mindset. That sucks the fun right out of it, IMO. My blog has created opportunities for me, but when it comes down to it, it’s for my own fun and interest. See you and your belly there. I’ll let you know how huge it looks. ‘kay?
Can’t wait to meet you!