Sense and Sensibility
"What's all the fuss about?"
I’ve been inspired to post to draw your attention to a really amazing lady who is ever so sensible. In fact, she very well may have been the inspiration behind Sense and Sensibility! I can picture her now…
Linda Jones has been blogging for a while now. She’s a journalist, editor, blogger extraordinaire and she’s written an amazingly spot-on post that ALL bloggers, particularly beginning parent bloggers, should read as Required Reading. “On Bloggers, Bullying and Bangladesh” is so very true…what has happened to the parent blogging world in the last year and a bit? It’s become a bit of a mosh pit with people desperate to be ranked and awarded and given freebies and then to brag about it and make others feel, well, rather like shit. (Sorry…I never swear! Pah!)
I’ve been right in that mosh pit. It’s easy to fall into it. You see others getting things and being held up as “Top Bloggers” and you want that same recognition. You feel like you’re a good writer and want people to read what you have to say. It’s understandable. Competition is good…it’s real…it’s life. But when competition goes bad and becomes tiny wars and slagging off contests, then it’s not so good. It’s downright hurtful and nasty and not necessary.
I’ve dropped in the charts (like I’m in the Top 40 or something) and have seen a major dip in my visitors. Guess what? I don’t care. The people who read Cafe Bebe will read it or not. That’s ok. I’ve made some accomplishments and have enjoyed some goodies because of it. I can’t be bothered by the pettiness and have made a conscious effort to not get drawn into it as of late. I can’t spend every daily hour tweeting and keeping my “brand” in the public eye. I’m here if you want me…I can’t keep pimping my blog endlessly…it’s just not healthy.
I’m finishing this post, getting dressed (yes, I’m still in morning wear; it’s what I do!), getting Little Miss in the car and we’re out on an adventure. Hubby is home on “staycation” this week and we’re going to be a family and do family things. I can’t be bothered if I’m number 89 on a list…I’m a mummy and I’m here to be read when you like. Stop by any time…no matter how I rank, I’ll still be around. But maybe just a little less often…
Happy Summer all…now, go read Linda’s post…it’s ever so good! And then, shut off the computer and go outside!
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I don’t think people necessarily brag to make others feel they are just excited when they are offered great trips or products. I do feel bloggers need to stop worrying about polls and ranks, yes its nice to make theses lists I won’t deny that but its doesn’t mean you are or you aren’t a good blogger. I hope you have a lovely break with Little Miss and Hubby. My new motto is Live First, Blog last x
I am new to blogging so at the moment just happy to get things posted and if I get the odd comment thats a bonus. As for freebies – remember there is no such thing as a free lunch! It is tempting to accept gifts from companies and if that’s what blogging is about for you then fine. I am happy to mention a product if I think it is really good, however I don’t personally like the way big companies are using bloggers and twitter to advertise. My blog is my own and free from corporate influence.
I think you’re absolutely right. At the end of the day, you know who matters to you and it’s hard enough keeping them happy. I hope the three of you have a fantastic time together and we will look forward to hearing about it, on here or on Twitter whenever you’re ready. Have fun!
I like New Mummy’s new motto, and will definitely be following it this summer. Hope you have a great staycation.
What can I say to that Karin? Thank you very much for the far far far too kind words.
Though I think you will find I was the inspiration for one half of two large ladies of easy virtue in Viz, actually.
Seriously, thank you, the anon blogger has thanked me for writing that post, so with your sentiments here and the comments, it has been quite a response.
Sending you lots of love. x
Great post Karin. I’m on staycation this week too and busy with family days out but I’m also here reading you. And I agree, Linda’s post is excellent. x
I’ve gone from 79 in the tots 100 to 118, i average around 70 visits a day and i’m not ranked in anything else but you know what? I’m not fussed, i love blogging, i love making friends and i love reading other people’s blogs.
I will not stop doing that and anything that comes my way trhough blogging is a bonus.I really like you karin and i’m sorry if anyone has ever been horrid to you, you don’t deserve it and you’ll always have a friend in me xxxx
Oh Amy…you are one of the loveliest bloggers on the block! I’ve given up on trying so hard and it’s become much more enjoyable. And I too have made so many friends and have opened up a lot of new doors thanks to the links and connections. I think fussing over the numbers is silliness.
Thank you so much for your exceptionally kind words…I’ll always read you as well my dear. Kisses to you, F & the girls! Mwah! xx
Thanks so much Linda- you are an inspiration to us all in so many ways! Thanks very much for everything you do!
I think that it is very important to try and keep perspective on what blogging is. It isn’t real life, but it really does effect peoples Real lives.
I came to blogging when I was pretty isolated as a mum at home and found it a great way of connecting with people.
It is like any community, it has it cliques, groups and problems.
I am a firm believer in Karma and hope what goes around comes around and that people should only treat others as they expect to be treated.
We are all different and our unique perspectives and opinions are what makes blogging great, it is what makes blogs a good read.
People shouldn’t feel the need to follow the herd, but regardless they do and they always will, wether there is stat and rating involved or peoples ideas of who is a top blogger (is there such a thing).
Envy doesn’t look good on people, but it is only human nature. As is the feeling that blog posts are directed at them. I read the this and that shouldn’t happen and feel the invisible finger pointing at me (even though I know that is me doing the pointing).
I do think that people often blog as an outlet and as a way to connect with people, especially us mums (who are often far too busy or isolated) and that maybe we do take things to heart, espeically when blogging becomes too big a part of your life.
Exceptionally well said Mum at The Madhouse! It’s a bit of a journey to getting to that realisation though, isn’t it?
Hello lovely, I am back from holiday and switched off from the blogging world only to come back to post I don’t really get (guess I missed some events). I just wanted to say that I am so pleased to read that you have a brilliant attitude to blogging. I think everyone should have the same one and I totally agree with it all (you know that anyway
) Hope you had a great family time and enjoyed your husband staycation 
xx
I’ll still be calling by Cafe Bebe lovely
) I blog because I like to blog but won’t ever let it be *everything* – just enjoy what you do when you do it xx
Applause. I’m sure others wonder why I don’t RT everything or #ff on twitter. Not.the.point. I figure people vote with their mouse, click off if not satisfied. My stats (ranking) prove it.
You’re so sweet Whimsical Wife! Thanks for your unending support! Much appreciated!
Perfectly Happy Mum…you should be glad you missed out. It’s all so ridiculous and juvenile and having hubby home with us for a week just solidified that belief. A Blogging Breakthrough for me, methinks. Thanks for your support as well!