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.
Brilliant post well said x
Do you know what? Blogging is what you make of it. If you want it to drive you insane with jealousy it could easily do that. If you’d rather enjoy the opportunities it brings then you can be glad it offers anything at all. Jealousy and bitterness are unattractive qualities, particularly to brands!
Sorry Kate, I was still typing and pressed enter by mistake! I was going to say, great post, I’d like to think someone who NEEDS to read this might but I think their ego might just be too big to fit through the door 😉 x
Here here! Brilliant post! X
Well said! Yes we all get jealous of other’s opportunities sometimes but I always keep my dignity by moaning in private and congratulating the lucky chosen ones! There are always new opportunities around the corner 🙂
Great post. Unfortunately some people obviously feel they are entitled to things. Everyone that blogs works hard to do it on top of everything else in life. Luckily there are thousands of other bloggers out there who are gracious and humble and supportive of the newer and smaller bloggers.xxxx
What a fabulous post. I can’t believe that some people go off the way they do (at home it can be forgiven – online where everyone can see is just stupid). I think you summed up how the majority of us feel today in this ‘ere post 😀
Louise x
PS: You’re a 2014 Haven blogger?! OMG – that should have been me!!!!! 😉 :p
My blog is my therapy 😉 anything more is a bonus!
Always happy to cheer on any blogger and their successes, but success is earned – not deserved.
Well said Hun. Don’t get bitter that you didn’t get picked for something, use it as a learning curve and strive to improve.
Blogging isn’t a race, who can get this opportunity first or who has the most visitors. Blogging is writing your inter most thoughts and feelings and taking a ride on the blog train. Where ever it may take you is mostly a perk of the job.
Also I love the fact that while being professional you also state “that’s a load of bollocks”
Oh and I love being my own boss and couldn’t give a stuff if someone posts daily and gets everything or posts once a month and gets to be an ambassador. Some days by the times sons in bed I can’t be bothered to do anything.
Thanks for writing this x
Great post! I couldn’t agree with you more. xx
Very well said, just been catching up and can’t believe anyone could be so bitter
So well said. My eyes have truly been opened this evening when I read a small number of tweets today. I had to stop reading as was getting quite vile.
Nail. Head. Couldn’t agree more.
What a great post! 🙂 so so true! Love your blog & you should def shout about any exciting opportunities that come your way xxx
Exactly! Can’t quite believe what is going on at the moment. I love seeing other bloggers get opportunities, our opportunities could be just around the corner xx
Well said!! I was gob smacked by events yesterday. You have just said what, thankfully the majority of us have been thinking xx
Well said…if people are more worried about what other people are getting than what they are writing, I’m afraid they have a blog for the wrong reason in my opinion 🙂
That’s not to say I’m not completely envious of the parent bloggers that get Lego, being a big kid doesn’t count! 😉
great post. I was open mouthed when catching up on certain events earlier today and the words “who do you think you are?” went through my head more than once.
Thank fully we are blissfully unaware of whatever has gone on, mummy blogs for me – to record my fast-moving life, and the fact we have had some opportunities on the way has been a huge, amazing bonus! oh and we love your blog Kate! x x
Well said. I think if we’re all honest there are opportunities we don’t get and we’re gutted, but we keep it to ourselves as we know something else will come up. I wish some people who get to review things actually wrote a proper review so the rest of us get the full picture and do wonder at some PR choices but I keep those thoughts to myself. Be happy with what you get, and congratulate those who get opportunities you would love but didn’t.