I love blogging. It started as a fun, happy place for me to record things that were special to us, things we wanted to remember, pictures we wanted to show the children when they were older. A bit like a photo album/scrapbook that we could pass on to the next generation. Since then, it has grown and developed in ways I could never have imagined and given us so much more than I could have dreamed of. It has provided me with a part time income allowing me to stay at home with my baby. It has given my children the opportunity to try new products and experience amazing days out. It has opened up a whole new world to me, a world full of new people I am proud to call my friends.
Sadly, it has also shown me another world. One that is such a small proportion of the blogging community, yet one that makes me mad. There are a small group of people who seem to think that blogging entitles them to certain things, that statistics and visitor numbers make them ‘better bloggers’, and that their little corner of the web is far superior to anyone elses. This is, quite frankly, bollocks.
Every single person who blogs has a different subject matter, a different opinion, a different reason behind the words on the screen – and that’s what makes blogging what it is. If we were all the same, if we all wrote identical content, blogging would just die a death. No one wants to read the same post over and over. I love being able to log on to my computer and read posts about parenting, make up, clothes, decorating and random stories about cats and pencils. Everyone has their own corner of the web, and that’s exactly as it should be. NONE of us are better than anyone else. We all have our own voice.
Blogging DOES NOT entitle you to free stuff, complimentary days out and family holidays. If you get these things, then great, well done you – you obviously have an amazing little blog that companies love and people like to read. I honestly couldn’t be happier for you. Why on earth that would give anyone the right to rain on your parade is beyond me. Even if you get a little touch of the green eyed monster occasionally, just congratulate people on their good fortune, move on and write for yourself. You never know, something else might be just around the corner. If you can’t manage that, then you’d be better off saying nothing at all. No one likes a moaner – especially when you have worked damned hard for something.
Blogging is a happy place. I write for me, for my kids and for my readers. If opportunities arise that make me squeal with delight, then I will shout about them. Why shouldn’t I? If the same happens to you, shout it from the rooftops. The genuine bloggers and readers will congratulate you, and be pleased for you. Their big moment will come. The people who shower you with negativity? Well, locate that unfollow button.
Well said. I have seen so many bloggers recently who have reviewed many items that I would love to but their blog and followers etc… are far better than what I do. They earn it by the effort they put in to their blog and no one should say anything negative towards other bloggers just because they are envious.
love this post Kate i personally feel exactly the same about this! 🙂
I totally agree with you. I didn’t even know about all the lovely opportunities would come my way when I started blogging. It is a shame some people think that they deserve some perks as they are bloggers. Luckily the majority of the community is genuine, and does not do it for the opportunities/ perks. Hope you have a great summer holiday! x
Absolutely Kate, totally agree and well said! 🙂
Very well said.
I feel exactly this!!
All I can think right now is hear hear! You completely hit the nail on the head – don’t get me wrong I see what some people get and get a little jealous, but in the same moment I also know how happy and excited for them I am and that over rides everything.
Hear, hear Kate. Today in particular some people’s attitudes have really appalled me.
My blog is little, but it’s mine. If I happen to get given extra opportunities that’s amazing but it’s not what I’m in it for.
I apply for things, just because you never know. I don’t expect to be chosen and would never, ever throw my toy’s out of the pram over it. x
I only recently really started back on my blog & this upsets me. I had no idea it can get so horrible – maybe I’m just ridiculously naive?! I’ll stay that way I think with my little blog xx
Hit the nail on the head there!
Oh Kate, well said! I have nothing to add to this – you’ve covered it all. Thank you <3 xx
AMEN SISTER!! It has infuriated me, frustrated and saddened me over 4 years to see people demand, swear, expect and be so up their own voiceboxes (for want of a politer word) that they fail to see how truly awful they behave.
I have never seen such awfulness I have blocked said person I do not want to see such negativity! We all have our voices and opinions but there is no need to attack people and brands. Crazy crazy crazy!
Great post Kate! As the saying goes, humble in victory, gracious in defeat. I am always happy for those that have got their opportunities and love it when things come my way too. But whether we get the opportunities or not I will continue to write and continue to love my little piece of the world wide web x
Hear hear! I see so many bloggers start a blog, and before they’ve been at it a week it’s all “where do I get sponsored posts from” “why don’t I get offered free stuff”… infuriating!
Great post. I think despite the odd bad apple I’ve made some wonderful friends and found the most incredible support from the blogging community. Like you I’ve been lucky enough to get offered some really great, interesting, exciting things to see and do and try as a family. I never take these for granted, it is not a right, it is a privilege.
good on you, this is exactly how I feel, hope the blogging community take two mins to read this and then reflect!
I love my freebies but see them as a bonus, not the main reason, but can see how easy it is to become focussed on those!
Well said I totally agree
I think you have managed to sum up the whole world of blogging in this one post Kate, well done! Some people ought to take a leaf out of your book and be wise to remember they dont get just because their rankings/stats or followers are higher!
Here bloomin here lady! Well said!! x
Here here! 🙂