This week is the annual BookExpo America in New York City. I’m thrilled to be taking part in Armchair BEA which is a virtual conference for book bloggers who can’t attend the actual event.
I’ve had a lot of fun over the past few days. I’ve visited hundreds of blogs and learned a lot about the world of blogging.
My favourite thing about Armchair BEA is that I’ve been exposed to so many different blogs and I’ve learned that there’s no right or wrong way to blog. Some are run by multiple people, others only by one. There are blogs whose content revolves more about bookish ideas and concepts rather than reviews. There’s so much variety in what is a fairly specified field.
I think the number one thing that I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter how you blog as long as you’re having fun. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing then you shouldn’t be doing it. Blogging for most people isn’t a huge revenue stream and since most of us are doing in their our spare time then we should be enjoying ourselves whilst doing it.
I have a blast writing my reviews and other posts. I really enjoy going onto twitter and chatting to people I’ve never met and are never likely to but having amazing conversations regarding literature and authors.
I feel like this week has confirmed to me that the questions of whether of not my blog is worthwhile or not isn’t about the number of page views I get or comments I receive – although comments are always appreciated – it’s about me and whether or not I feel it’s worthwhile my time and effort. And it is. whY.A.not? may never be the biggest or most popular blog but as long as I’m having a great time working on it I will consider it to be a success.
And now for my question:
What do you consider to be the most important thing a newbie blogger should know when they’re just starting out?
Thank you.
– Kate
Having fun is absolutely the top aim. Great post. I am a new so not sure what I should know as I start out but I will follow the rest of the comments with interest 😉
oooh completely AGREED!!! And true!!! what makes your blog is YOU! You should enjoy it and have fun!!! >. http://bookpics-reading2alba.blogspot.com/2012/06/armchair-bea-ask-experts.html
WordPress is eating my comments today again :/ I don’t know why T________T makes me want to NOT comment… but I’ll just try and say it again…
My blog is pretty new -only turned 1year last month-but I think it’s important for new bloggers to remember to be original and stay true to themselves, and also not to rush things…and not to be doing it just for the sake of getting free books :/ ARCs might come or not…but having fun and sharing the book love is the key 😛
Congratulations on the blogaversary!
Being true to oneself is great advice. Same with being original. Thanks 🙂
And wordpress has been weird for me all day. It’s misbehaving…
🙁 lately it has been eating parts-looong parts-of my comments ^_^
or not isn’t about the number of page views I get or comments I receive it’s about me and whether or not I feel it’s worthwhile my time and effort. – COMPLETELY AGREE! It’s true! In the end of the day you’re doing it for you 🙂 I love comments and they always cheer me up 🙂 But I won’t stress about the lack of them. Well said!! Enjoy!
They cheer me up too. It’s always nice when someone likes what you’ve written or even if they dislike it. Either way works for me 😛
Thanks for visiting 🙂
Hmmm… the most important thing for a new blogger to know… Besides not focusing on numbers, I would say that new bloggers should make an effort to be involved – to join in on readathons, readalongs, memes, etc and to actively participate in those things. It really helps to form connections and bonds with other book bloggers.
Happy ABEA!
Thanks for the tips 🙂
I’m not all that involved at the moment – sometimes it takes some time to learn your way around and to know what’s out there to be more involved in but I’ll definitely take your advice and try to get myself out there some more.
Thanks again.
I would say that the most important things a newbie should know is 1. be true to yourself and 2. don’t be afraid to put yourself out there in the community!
Having fun may be the most important thing. Because when you aren’t … then why do it?
Have fun! Get to discover other blogs and meet bloggers online. Don’t feel pressured and you will learn along the way. 🙂
Dropping by from Armchair BEA!
-Len of Musings of a Reader Happy
As a newbie, I’m likely not qualified to answer this, but I’m going to anyway.
I try to say true to myself. My reviews may not be the best out there, and I may have very different opinions, but ultimately they are my reviews, and show what I like or dislike about a book. I let my reviews reflect what I value in a book.
Have fun! Never do it because you have to, only because you want to. When you stop enjoying it, take a break or you’ll burn out and might want to quit.
I just postedsome tips today for new bloggers. Good luck with your blog!
The obvious answer is “have fun!” which you should totally do… if you’re not happy blogging, why are you blogging? But the main advice I tell myself (and other bloggers who ask) is that there is no vs. in blogging. You’re going to meet a lot of bloggers once you get involved in the blogging community, and chances are, their blogs may be doing better than yours at any given time. That’s okay! Just because so and so’s blog gets more comments doesn’t mean your blog isn’t any good. It’s not a competition and each blog brings something special to the community.
Since I think that’s pretty good advice for both newbies and seasoned bloggers, here’s my advice for someone who is new to the blogging realm: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Finding your blogging niche isn’t going to happen overnight. It may take months before you feel successful, over a year before you really take off… Just pace yourself and you’ll do great! 🙂
LOVE that comment – “it doesn’t matter how you blog as long as you’re having fun” couldn’t agree more!!!
Thanks for participating!
Here’s my experts say post
Valerie
StuckInBooks
I think that bloggers need to have fun and not worry too much about the small things.