Blog, Blog, Blog...

     My friend Melanie, in Provence (yes, France!), has "tagged" me and asked that I share some 'tips on blogging.'  Since I am relatively new to this medium of expression myself, I can only pass on what little I know at this point, or have managed to bump along and find the hard way.  (I have the gnarled fingers of a blog-searching-bleary-eyed novice to prove I'm paying my dues).  So, here you are.  For what it's worth, my thoughts on blogging.

     I myself am excited to see other people's art, or their shops, or whatever they have to show in photos.  I love to see lots and lots of pictures.  I think writing is fabulous, especially if you are gifted at snappy reparte, however not all of us can turn a phrase, and pictures seem to smooth over the rough edges of anything.

     Details and secrets are sweet.  I love someone's blog who will describe and show the details of their work.  Isn't it wonderful, when we stumble upon a new way to glaze or finish something--a complete fluke, if you will, and we are excited and able to share that with all of the friends (whom we don't even know we have) who read our blogs?  I plan to have a lot of "tidbits" when I can get rolling with my blog, and have it read the way I dream it to be.  There aren't many things more fun in life than helping someone else along, no matter what the subject or situation.  It takes nothing away from the giver, and the receiver is so grateful!  A win/win for both parties!  Share your secret recipes for paint, sources for beads and your tried and true hot flash remedies.....you'll be rewarded over and over.

     Add to your "favorite sites to visit" list often!  Let all of us in on the wonderful blogs you've found and enjoy.  And when you add to your list, be sure you click on the link and check to see that it, indeed, goes back to the site you listed.  It is so frustrating to want to check out a site that is listed but can't be reached because the blogger passed along an incorrect address.

     Comments on blogs are the life-blood of the medium.  They tell the blogger you are looking, liking, wishing for more.  They encourage and give the pat on the back that can come from a relative, but is so much more honest from someone who didn't wipe your tears away when you fell and skinned your knee.  Comments are like little presents to receive and open....after posting I can't wait to see if someone will respond;  I've made myself visible to you, I've invited you in.  What do you think?  Comments are the barometer of what we are sharing, and often--if not always--with art, that means our hearts.

     When someone comments, try to respond inkind.  That is not to say patronizing behavior is a plus, but acknowledging someone inreturn, for having taken their time to comment about your work or your writing is the least you can do and takes so little time.  A lot of my list of favorite places to visit has come from sites where I left a comment and was responded to warmly.  They become your virtual friends and the circle just grows and grows.

     Lastly I will have to say I appreciate  most when the competitive, ugly nature of people is parked, and the blogger feels the comfort of the friendly atmosphere of like-minded, creative spirits just trying to connect and share.  It is nasty to step on each other's toes, to 'run out and buy the same prom dress you know your friend just bought'.  We all have our areas of talent and don't need to be a 'theater of sheep' and immediately jump to recreating what someone else is enjoying at the moment.  There is enough sun for everyone's face to be in it.  We can all be "seen" if we allow each other the room to "be."

       

Comments

[High Desert Diva]

Great post Karen! May I copy (and give credit) to the two paragraphs on comments: leaving and responding?

[Karen Otto]

Thanks for the vote of credibility Charmaine! Use anything that makes sense, but I don't need "credit." Just being A`Musing is enough...Ha!

[Anita @ The Pink Funny Farm]

WOW, nicely said. It is nice to be responded to.....especially when you know they know you and they don't respond. catty, catty!

[calamity kim]

you said it! sistah!
I sometimes don't have time to go and look at all the blogs when peeps comment but I do try to get there- I don't delete any emails until I have tried to answer! I like knowing that people are out there reading me- otherwise I get some despair going on...oh, hello abyss! Nice to see you again!

I like your blog- The one thing I have found that makes mine easier to read is to break up the paragraphs and change fonts and sizes so that people can read instead of skim-
I get a lot of skimmers who just look at my pictures-
it hurts my feelings when I have been sitting there doing my best to communicate with words what I normally communicate through art or visuals.
Anyway- I would be honored to be on your side bar- what category shall I add you to on mine?
you have some wicked cool mixed media- I love that jar with the marie inside- let me know and I'll add you.
I am going up to Ga on Friday so I won't be on for a few days after that- till I get situated with the folks.

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

Wonderful post , Karen !
I have to say that I missed some inspation to write mine !
I should have asked your help.
Anyway , you are right I should answer to every comment but I have to say I don't have time , even if I want , if I think and if I feel like ..

[PamperingBeki]

Well said! :)

[linda and laura Lilly cottage]

Hi, just popped over from ...hmm now where was I? Somewhere vintage I think and this is the second time this week I have seen your beautiful jewellery mentioned and adored, so had to come visit such a talent! Love this post it is so so true and sometimes people who have been blogging for a while need to be reminded of the basics. I loved it well done you! Shall pop back for a longer visit later, until then TTFN KN Linda Lilly Cottage.

[linda and laura Lilly cottage]

Whoops I meant to say beautiful blog, got jewellery on the brain, must be all that Valentines stuff in the air and the wishful thinking that I would get jewellery, I meant blog, and I came to visit because two people have said it was wonderful so I came to visit and of course they were right...now I just hope I can remember how to get home, lol, KN Linda

[Chris Klingler]

Well said & I TOTALLY agree! :-D)

Best Always,
Chris

[dani]

Halloween ATC Swap..
I think you joined my ATC swap months back and I need you to confirm if you are still in it. Please go to my blog and read if you are still interested what I need. www.ambitionsdesign.blogspot.com

thanks bunches!
Dani
AmbitionsDesign