There's this survey going around the blogosphere that I thought I would partake in here on my blog. Ruby's Reads is hosting Busting the Big Blogger Blues survey at her blog, which is a sister survey to Busting the Newbie Blues at Small Review.
Basically these two surveys are giving more "seasoned" bloggers a chance to answer a few questions, along side the newbie bloggers to answer their own set of questions. There aren't any specific qualifications as to how one may determine what makes you a big blogger, and what constitutes as a newbie blogger. I guess you have to make that judgement call for yourself. Considering I have been at this for almost a year and a half now, I would put myself in the first category.
So here I am, to answer the proposed questions for an established blogger, in my most honest voice. Now remember, this isn't a go-to for blogging, it's simply just my opinion on what I've learned over the last year or so. Feel free to get involved by visiting Small Review's blog & linking up your post.
When did you start your blog?
I created GReads! in September of 2010.
Do you ever still feel like a newbie?
Most definitely. The thing about book blogging is that it's always changing, continuously growing. I still feel like a very small fish in a huge pond. I love that feeling though. I'm always up for learning new things, so in some ways I do feel like a newbie.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far? Did you make any mistakes new bloggers can learn from?
Keeping up with my to-be-read pile. I seriously don't think that will ever happen, though. I put myself on a book buying ban for 2 months, which yes I did stick to, yet my pile still seemed to grow. I get overwhelmed some times by how many books I need to review by a certain date, and then get sad when I can't read that one book I really wanted to get to. When this happens I have to tell myself to take a step back and remember why I started this book blog. Because I love to read! I made a promise with myself early on that this will never become like a "job" to me, and if it does then I need to reevaluate my reasons for keeping the blog afloat.
What did you find most discouraging about being a new blogger? How did you deal with this?
Being recognized and noticed as a serious book blogger and not someone who would throw in the towel only after a few months. I've kept a steady pace with my blog posts, so I think this has helped build my credibility. I've reached out to authors and publishers and have received positive feedback from them. Building relationships has been most important to me, and it's something I continue to build on each day.
What do you find most encouraging?
Comments! and I am talking about the ones who actually read your blog post. I get irritated when I see the generic comment left with "hey look at my blog" and then their link is left behind. I put a lot of thought in to what I blog about, so if you're going to take the time to click on my comment button, at least make it sound like you've read what I had to say.
I have a habit of checking my email constantly, so when I get a message alerting me that someone has left a comment on my blog, it always brings a smile to my face. When those comments engage me in a conversation with another blogger, even better! After all this is why we book blog, isn't it? To talk about what we read?
If you could go back in time and speak with your newbie self, what five bits of wisdom would you tell yourself?
1. Do a little more research on where & who you want to use as a host for your blog.
2. It's not about quantity, it should be about quality. Focus on your blog content and not follower numbers.
3. There is no rule book, so stop looking for one. Just go with your instinct.
4. Be prepared for some AMAZING friendships to be made through this experience!
5. Have FUN! Simple as that.
What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?
I tend to want to read blogs that have personality in them. When a blogger adds a bit of themselves in to their post, it makes me feel like I'm connecting with them as a person and we can just hang out and talk books all day long. I try to be that personable on my blog as well.
What do you dislike about blogs you’ve seen? Do you try to avoid this?
I know this is just a personal preference, but I'm a bit OCD about disorganized blogs. If your words or images are over lapping in to another column, that drives me insane. Also, if you choose a hard to read font on an even more difficult background to focus on, it makes me want to close out and never come back. Yes, this is me being picky, but it's something I dislike.
Another thing I'm not a fan of is when bloggers create a scavenger hunt to find their contact info on their blog. You would think this bit of information would be plain as day to grab, but unfortunately there are some bloggers who make it difficult when trying to find their email address. PLEASE make it easy on us who want to contact you.
How did you bring your blog to the attention of so many people?
My best weapon of choice: TWITTER!!! I promote my blog posts daily on there. It's also where I go to interact with other bloggers. Plus I may have a small addiction to social networking as well :) haha Where else can you talk to your favorite author & your favorite band?! Seriously, it's my own personal heaven.
When and how did you get your first ARC (or first few ARCs)?
My very first ARC came in the mail from Courtney Summers. I can't remember if I requested it? (I probably did) But regardless, it was sent to me via her publicist because she knew I wanted to read her book. The first few ARCs I received were from authors, actually. I went out on a limb and approached them via email. Surprisingly I got a really good response. Later I discovered ARC tours and signed up for a few of those. Eventually I found contacts at publishing houses and that is now how I receive the majority of my ARCs.
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