Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Three things I've learned in my third year of blogging

Today marks the first day of my fourth year of blogging. Amazing to think that I've been here at the Fibro for more than 1000 days. I think you get less for certain crimes these days...

When I completed my first year of blogging, I wrote this post: 12 things I've learned in my first year of blogging.

At the end of my second year, I wrote this one: 12 things I learned in my second year of blogging.

Now that I've closed out my third year, I've decided to break it down to three things I've learned in my third year of blogging. Not because I've learned less - but maybe because I'm finally on to the fact that less is more. Particularly when it comes to blogging.

So here, in no particular order, are the three things I learned in my third year of blogging:

1. Money changes everything. Think long and hard about whether you want to 'monetise' your blog - and how you might do it - because the minute you do, it all changes. I know this because I've watched it happen. I have no judgement to make on whether the changes are good or bad, because I think they're different for everyone. But go into it with your eyes wide open. Writing for money changes your writing. This I know.

2. Blogging is like marriage. It has its ups and downs, its better and worse. I've found it much more difficult to maintain my passion for it this year, mostly because I'm writing 'third' anniversary posts. The first time you write an Anzac Day post, it's full of all the things you think about Anzac Day. The second time, it's the first time with some add-ins. The third time... well, you're as likely to pop up a picture of a flag.

It's not easy to front up to the same blog on a regular basis and find things to say. These things need to be worked at. Like the best marriages.

The best bloggers are the ones who can keep it fresh every single time. Who write, as the venerable Mrs Woog told me once, as though every reader is visiting their blog for the very first time.

I take my hat off to them.

3. Your team is the key. I've written before about the importance of community in blogging. So many times. But this year I'd like to recognise Team Fibro. The people who take the time to visit this blog, comment, share my posts, and generally just pop in, have been my cheerleaders in a year of writing, edits, highs, lows, and general ennui. Never underestimate the power of a good team, particularly when you're working on your own.

Thank you.

23 comments:

  1. Very proud to be part of Team Fibro. x

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  2. Thank you for sharing what you learned Allison. I have only been blogging for almost a year and a half but I agree strongly on point 1. Lesson 2 explains why I got burned out so fast, but now feel recharged and back into blogging (just like a marriage you also need breaks from each other to keep things fresh - have your own time, friends and things away from the marriage). lesson 3 is what 2013 is all about for me.

    Here's to a great 4th year for you

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  3. Happy Anniversary Al! As Bron said - it's so nice to be part of Team Fibro :)

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  4. Go Team Fibro! Love it here, and love that you've been blogging faithfully for that long. I don't monetise my blog and don't accept invitations to Kidspot stuff. I write to keep my family up to date with the lads' progress. It's more a journal. While you've been blogging for 3 years, I've been blogging for 6 1/2! Of course, you've been more faithful in the three years than I have for the six, but yes, it's a commitment!

    xx

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  5. Excellent points! And after reading this I'm thinking that I might say 'no' to the advertisers who keep asking for space...

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  6. Hello, I've been visiting for two of the three years and it's nice to start feeling like a bit of an old timer in a young timer sort of way. Many congrats A.

    I'm glad that I started my blog as a commercial venture - sort of - to promote books was the first idea, but I've loved how that's changed. It's like running my own wee magazine. I do admire the bloggers who are non-commercial and very much agree that they are different. There's plenty of bloggy love around for all comers.

    Actually do you think maybe that No2 is easier if it is commercial, if the blog/online mag becomes your job. Less likely to lose the will to do it all? I think that'd be true for me.

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  7. You are a very generous, kind soul and the internet is all the better for having you in it. Thanks for sharing your writing (and life) wisdom with us. x

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  8. Give me and F! Give me an I! (You can do the rest...)

    I still know nothing about blogging but I rarely have nothing to say.

    Happy blogiversary x

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  9. You had me at less is more. Well, you had me a long time ago. Love your blog. Congrats.

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  10. Looking forward to see what you write in this post next year.

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  11. Congratulations on your anniversary!

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  12. Congratulations. I've only been blogging for just over a year and have found it a very up and down experience! I started reading your blog partway through last year and appreciate your work, particularly the posts about writing/blogging. Thank you for sharing your experience.

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  13. This is a great post. I am only nearing my first anniversary, however am already feeling what you are pointing out here. I am not sure how monetizing my blog will change things yet but I can only hope that as long as I stick with my values and ethics, it will all work out fine.
    Congratulations!
    Becc @ Take Charge Now

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  14. I have learnt lately not to worry about who is actually reading my blog. Always something to learn xxx

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  15. So glad I found your blog last year Allison, and I've loved looking back through it. I'm enjoying writing what I feel at the moment, and who knows what the future holds.
    Thank you for your generosity with all your experiences x

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  16. Your work is fabulous, love your posts, and I learn from them all the time. I try to remember the quote 'keep it fresh every time', when I write my posts. Rae xx

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  17. Congrats Allison! You are sounding like a truly seasoned blogger! One thing I've learnt is if it doesn't feel right, don't do it. Best wishes for another 3 (and more) years!

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  18. Happy blog birthday!
    I was looking through my blog the other day to see who first came over four years ago and commented and who is still actually blogging. Interesting exercise. A few have dropped off and a few have kept going - some quite successfully.
    It takes commitment to keep blogging and "keep it fresh", as you always do.

    xx

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  19. I love visiting the Fibro, you're so dependable and I feel like every single one of your Posts has had your 100% commitment. This is my second year and I'm totally experiencing your second point. I also feel like I've kinda read it all before in Blogland after 18 months which makes it hard for me to find new things to write about so that's my challenge too. All the best for your 4th year. Mel xx

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  20. Very insightful! I try not to think about who is reading my blog because then I start fretting too much and feel I lose some authenticity. I have noticed a sudden change in some blogs once they start being sponsored- some seem to be more like magazines, or fashion shoots! Anyway, I love your writing, and look forward to reading your novel. xK

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