Blogging: How Does it Affect You?
Written by Michele T on June 8, 2009 – 7:57 pm -Is this your first time to visit Writing the Cyber Highway? Be sure to subscribe to my Feed or by e-mail. In the next couple of posts, I’ll be sharing photos and details about my visit to an old-fashioned festival where I dressed up as a pioneer woman (bonnet and all!) and also had the amazing opportunity to meet an Editor–and an Editor-In-Chief. Eeek! 
What kind of blogger are you?
The New York Times (@nytimes)recently published a piece called Blogs Falling in an Empty Forest by Douglas Quenua. (Thank you to Maria Schneider aka @MariaSchneider on Twitter for tweeting that link!) This article really made me think. Sometimes, in the still of the night as I tap away at my keyboard sharing my heart and soul with you, I forget just how many of you there are! Of course, if I were to dwell on that fact, I may never blog again! 
So, I began to ask myself questions. Maybe you should ask yourself, too.
- How do you feel about being so public?
- Would you jump to do a TV or radio interview?
- How much do you share?
- Are you comfortable with what you share online?
- Have you received any interview offers?
So, how does blogging affect you?
Is it just a way for you to share photos and fun news with your family and friends or do you, like Nancy Sun (@nancysun on Twitter) who is featured in Quenua’s New York Times article, fantasize about landing a book deal? Is being part of your growing blog community enough for you, or do you crave more? Have you even thought about it? Are you just blogging along, clueless to the fact that Oprah or The New York Times could be watching you? Could love you? Could want more of you? It’s sort of a scary thought, isn’t it?
I am starting to receive more requests for interviews or to answer questions and be used as a reference for health or juicing topics on my health site. Not long ago, I was contacted to be a reference in a magazine article about the benefits of juice fasting. When it comes out, I’ll share it. And Lori and Green Gigs profiled contacted me to kick off her Green Job Hunter profiles. Most recently, I’ve been asked to do a three-part interview over at EagleHawk. Parts one and two are up so far. To be honest, it was a little nerve-wracking being on the opposite end of the interview! (So far my interview experiences have been awesome, though!)
I think, as bloggers, we need to seriously consider exactly what we expect in return from blogging. You may not even realize that you’re truly captivating, totally mesmerizing, unbelievably lovable to the world who reads you!!
So, what do you think? Did you read Quenua’s article? Would you agree to do an interview for TV or radio? What about a book deal? Do you put photos of yourself on your blog(s)? How do you feel about being recognized by readers while you’re out and about? It’s a lot to consider, people! Spill the beans. I want to hear your thoughts!
Oh, and don’t forget about the Grammar Girl contest! You have until Saturday, June 13th at 9 p.m. to get all your entries in. Good luck!
Photo Credit: blakespot
Tags: Blog News, Blogging, Blogging tips, Douglas Quenua, The New York Times
Posted in Blog News, Blogging, Blogging tips | 18 Comments »
June 8th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Michele,
I think that part of being a success as a blogger is to make things a little personal. I don’t mean divulging every detail about every tribulation or triumph, just enough to show that indeed, you are a real person.
I’m not as inclined to be active in a community that is headed up by a person who I have no real knowledge of in terms of who they are.
The reality is that if someone wanted information about me, it’s easy enough to find on the internet anyway, so why not control how it is presented by using my blog as a medium.
Cheers!
George
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Michele T Reply:
June 9th, 2009 at 1:01 am
I think you’re right, George! Of course, we don’t have to share everything, but some things are nice to know. Even if you don’t know a lot about the blogger, just picking up on their personality and knowing that they’re actually a real, genuine person helps a lot.
I know what you mean, I don’t want to be talking to a robot. LOL
You said it best: “it’s easy enough to find me on the internet anyway, so why not control how it is presented by using my blog as a medium.”
Thanks for stopping by, George–you’re always a blast!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 8th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I’ve been an open book more often than not while blogging. The really rough posts go to a blog that leaves people to believe I’m someone completely different than myself. Though, I’m still open.
Blogging about my life experiences, knowledge I possess and more now – the adventures we’ve had while having a preemie doesn’t bother me. I hope through blogging that other individuals will gain a different perspective as well as a small piece of knowledge that could help them through their own journeys.
I’m not noticed in public for my blogging, perhaps because the most known image of me is actually a graphic art that I have published in Migraine Expressions. I don’t generally post updated pictures of myself. I’m funny that way!
I did read the article you mentioned, and can concur with much of what was stated. I started blogging before blogging was cool, so to speak, and in that time have held and let go of many blogs – upwards of 15-20. Do I still have access to those posts? Only on some blogs as others are tied to no-longer-existent email addresses.
Would I go for a book contract? I’m not sure. I much prefer to write where my heart guides me; good or bad. Those words are like a child and I wouldn’t want someone to change them up in any way. Does that make me an oddity? Perhaps. Am I okay being an odd-duck in the pond? You bet!
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Michele T Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 5:20 am
Mysti, I have enjoyed reading your journey–although it’s been painful and difficult, I’ve watched you rise above triumphantly and resilient, both with grace and dignity. That, my dear, is something to be proud of!
I think others do benefit from reading about your experiences. It shows them that no matter what happens in their life–even if it’s something considered scary, tragic, or “bad”, that they can not only persevere, but enjoy those times by finding the silver lining.
Ah, you’re a true pro blogger then, eh?! Awesome! That’s a lot of blogs, girl!
I think the best writing comes from the heart. It’s great that you’re following your heart!I understand what you mean about someone changing the words in any way. I’ve pulled stories because editors changed them too much. I realize I’m not perfect, and yes, editors can–and do–improve our writing; however, sometimes it can be changed too much, so much that it takes away from the story and the meaning until it’s not even our experience anymore.
Thanks for such a great comment, Mysti!!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 8th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
good post.
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Michele T Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 5:20 am
Thanks, Mike! Glad you enjoyed it. Always enjoy you dropping by. Hope you’re doing well!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 9th, 2009 at 5:16 am
The questions you asked are questions I never thought of or considered before.
I have a business blog where I share very little about myself and then I have my newer, personal blog. I have posted some photos on my personal blog though I try not to do it to excess.
Even though my business blog is over a year old, I dont get much traffic that would warrant a book deal or even a interview by a fellow blogger.
In terms of being transparent, I don’t even come up on the third page on Google (though my website and blog does) – someone would really have to search hard for me if they want to.
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Michele T Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 5:25 am
Hi, Carla. Thanks so much for visiting here. I appreciate it!
Yes, a lot of us bloggers have never considered what we’d do if something major happened. You’d be surprised, though. I mean, it doesn’t take a high page rank for “that person” to find you. Strange things happen. LOL
*smiles*
Michele
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June 9th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
You know, only a writer would find meeting an editor and EIC as exciting as meeting a celebrity.
)
When I started my blog, the goal was to build credibility among clients. Somewhere along the way, I managed to build a community among writers, which I have found to be more rewarding and my new focus.
I think I was interviewed once or twice because of my blog. Once was certainly because of the blog.
How much do I share? I’m an open-the-vein-and-let-it-out kinda person. I share my life (with some limits – my family is mentioned, but not named) with readers. I share all sorts of work angst and triumphs. I want to inspire other writers to take themselves seriously, even if I’m sometimes joking or griping. Serious means laughing at your joys, too.
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Michele T Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Hi, Lori!
What? You mean an EIC isn’t a celebrity??!!! What’d you have to come and burst my bubble for? LOL
Thanks for sharing your writerly/bloggerly wisdom and experience with us!
Oh, I do know that you share! You do inspire us, Lori–and you teach us a lot!
*laughing at my joys*
Michele
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June 9th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Michele,
Congratulations on the interviews and success you’re having.
My blog is just for fun for me—a chance to write what I want to write rather than what clients want. I’m not focused enough to get any attention or get a book deal for anything on my blog.
The one thing I would like to do is generate a little interest in the novels I’ve already published.
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Michele T Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Hi, Lillie!
Thanks so much! It’s an interesting ride along the cyber highway, that’s for sure!
Yeah, that’s a good way to be. Just for your enjoyment and for friendly conversation via comments.
You never know. You might just generate that interest for your novels already published–if you aren’t already!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 9th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Michele,
Very thought-provoking questions! Definitely need to ponder them a bit before responding–though I can answer the second one without hesitation: No, I wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to do a radio or TV interview. Guess I’m just a little bit on the shy side. I’d feel far more comfortable doing a written interview. Being the analytical type, I usually prefer to think things through before responding, anyway–which is precisely what makes writing such a great vehicle for me.
I can also answer the last question without much thought: Interviewers don’t seem to be beating a path to my door. (Oh well, at least it keeps me humble.)
Thanks for linking to Parts One and Two of your interview with Eaglehawk. I’ve really enjoyed reading both posts!
Blessings,
Jeanne
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Michele T Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 5:34 am
Hi, Jeanne!
I’ve actually been thinking about you lately–you’ve been in my prayers!! I’m not thinking I’d jump to do a TV or radio interview either, but you never know. I guess I’d have to see how I felt when the opportunity really presented itself. It would all depend on what type of opportunity it was!
I also love to think things through. I’d be nervous on TV! LOL
Well, they’re not beating my door down either, but the few I’m doing are very cool.
You’re most welcome. EagleHawk has been awesome and it’s been an honor to participate! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
*smiles and hugs*
Michele
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June 10th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Michele:
I’ve given all these questions a lot of thought. (And I read that article just this morning, which is what drew me to your post!)
I write as openly and honestly as I can on my blog, but I’m a teacher who blogs about my classroom experience, so it’s essential that I remain anonymous (or rather, pseudonymous) so that I don’t compromise the privacy of my students. At the same time, I would love it if my blog brought me other opportunities. I would love to do interviews, but not for TV, as I wouldn’t want my face out there. I would love to write for my local paper, but would be concerned about how the exposure would compromise my anonymity. It’s tricky!
A couple of my posts have gone viral and the mounting stats, after a certain point, stopped delighting me and started making me nervous – would a student recognize me if he/she read this post? If so, what would that mean for the future?
I love blogging and am very happy that my blog has found a readership beyond my circle of friends, but with readership come problems; I’m just learning to deal with them.
[Reply]
Michele T Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 5:39 am
Hi, Siobhan! I haven’t seen you here before. Thanks so much for visiting!
I can understand you needing to stay anonymous (or pseudonymous, as you say
) Oh, writing for your local paper would be awesome! I wish you the best on that. Hey, maybe you should just email or call them. Or even just walk right in! Ask them about writing for them. It never, ever hurts to ask. 
Sheesh, I see what you’re saying there, too. You don’t want to risk your anonymity either. You’re a tough one, you are! LOL
Yes, indeed, you are right. With readership comes problems. Sometimes you never know what to expect! And you also have to think about the tech side of it all–backing up your site, self-hosting, moderating comments… The list really does go on and on. Now, you’ve piqued my curiosity–I’m off to read your blog!!!!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 30th, 2009 at 5:08 am
I must admit, I’ve never considered the ‘fame’ aspect that could come about from blogging. I’m far too conscious of the fact that I am simply one small fragment of cyber-space. The odds of someone discovering my tiny corner are slim to begin with, the odds of becoming a celebrity of sorts are near impossible. I’m just little me and I’m quite happy to be that.
What I share online has two purposes: The first is always to help others. This purpose needs an audience and I welcome any way to broaden that audience because I would like to have the opportunity to help everyone who needs it.
The second is to as a social outlet for myself. I live a rather hermit-like real life. My social-network is 98% online. What I share of myself online is the real me and I work hard to associate with other real people online. They become my friends and I truly appreciate the friendships I’ve made.
But I don’t have any expectations of becoming a blogging someone. I’m not looking to build a cult-like following or use my blog as a jumping off point for greater things. I have aspirations in the publishing world but I see blogging as just my finger to the pulse of my writing life. Sharing the joy of writing with other writers and offering a place for potential clients/publishers to find me but not as a means to an end.
Rebecca Laffar-Smith´s last blog ..Write at WRA: Our Collaborative Blogging Project
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July 2nd, 2009 at 12:09 am
hmmmm….very interesting points you make.
my current blog replaced an old one I abandonded because I wrote for family, in order to share with them all, well, US and the kids and what was going on in our world.
it caused me a lot of grief when after over 2 years I had only 12 comments total and most from my work friend.
I put out a warning…and a month later pulled the plug. Again the only sniffles where my work friend and a new blogger friend II had made. Most of the intended readers still haven’t realized it’s gone. sheez.
I missed blogging, the antics of my kids and just journaling our nutzy life. I loved my blog but it was also limiting becasue I was writing to an audience I couldn’t be free with.
a week later my new blog was born and no one in my family is aware of it and I love having a small but heartfelt audience to share my jouries with.
I do try to keep a little bit of obscurity, but realized all too soon how much I am out there. I like your food for thought, and, highly doubt my ramblings will amount to anything but sharing with friends my life.
I really can’t say what or how Iwould feel if Oprah called me and said let’s sit and chat!
HA
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