I posted this article on February 14, 2017, however, it is helpful to bloggers. Therefore, take notes! Thank you.
I
may not be the best blogger, but me and my blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia, was recognized and requested by some of the
best… Huffington Post, a powerhouse
and community-oriented pharmaceutical company, and organizations outside of my state,
and country; including countless radio, and public relations’ requests to be on
their shows, etc.
Keep It Real
Flashing
colors and banners can be another distraction. Finally, too many advertisements
distracts me personally, so why would I want to dump too many advertisements on
readers?
Always Engage In
Self-care
What
is more important? The message, messenger, or number of readers, and comments?
I
may not be the best blogger, but me and my blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia, was recognized and requested by some of the
best… Huffington Post, a powerhouse
and community-oriented pharmaceutical company, and organizations outside of my state,
and country; including countless radio, and public relations’ requests to be on
their shows, etc.
When
I started my personal blog, Overcoming
Schizophrenia (2008), I was scared, anonymous, however very much honest, which
was at times uncomfortable for me as the blogger author, and it was
overwhelming for some readers.
However,
my blog has been mentioned in numerous articles, received a lot of attention
from fellow bloggers, and was awarded by many of my blogging friends. I say all
this to encourage you to consider my experience, reasons for my M.I.A. (Missing
In Action), and maturity, love, and growth with my livelihood and online
reflections in my blog.
This
is for You Blogger Newbies, a few gifts to indulge, glance at, practice, or
just click-n-go to another interesting blog, and article on your screen… and to
my fellow bloggers those I know, and/or will get to know, please add more gifts
to our “Love Day” dedication to our new blogging peers. This list should offer many don'ts, and why they are don'ts, but also increase readership, respect, and comments!!!
- Keep it real
- Never apologize
- Invite feedback
- Be mindful of focus
- Go with the flow
- Always engage in self-care
- No rambling allowed
- Be sensitive to causes
- Stay in your lane
- Respect privacy
Keep It Real
From
Day One, I was honest and still am. Readers expect that from me… However, keep
it safe and within your own style, approach, and delivery, and comfort.
Never Apologize
In
the past, I’ve apologized to readers for not blogging. I stopped doing that for
me. I blog because I love to write and reflect and to connect with others not
because I am obligated. Finally, my reasons for not apologizing anymore is
because I have legitimate personal reasons and excuses I choose not to disclose
in detail with the world.
Invite Feedback
I
engage readers with a question… it’s like text messaging, if you don’t ask a question
you may only get a read or maybe “ok.” Therefore, ask for feedback relative to
topic.
Be Mindful of
Focus
I’ve
had the wonderfully talented Sade music artist singing on my blog to a few of
her greatest hits; reality check, not everybody wants to hear my music while
reading my blog about my diagnosis at that time. Maybe they prefer a different
tune such as rock music. Maybe readers want to read and not be distracted by
sounds not of their choice… I’m just saying.
Flashing
colors and banners can be another distraction. Finally, too many advertisements
distracts me personally, so why would I want to dump too many advertisements on
readers?
Go With The Flow
Scheduling.
I write whenever led. Fellow bloggers may keep a routine, which works for them.
However, I don’t want to set myself up for failure, therefore I don’t tell
readers I will post every week on a certain day or time of month. Yet, that may
be appropriate for paid bloggers…
Always Engage In
Self-care
My
wellness is more important than anything,
any appearance, blog and message, numbers, etc.
No Rambling
Allowed
This
is a blog, not a lecture, speech, or face-to-face conversation. Keep it direct,
juicy, full of substance, and quality…
Be Sensitive To
Causes
One
time I posted a picture of fighting chickens, because I liked the shades of
color and imagery. However, I quickly deleted that post because I was
unknowingly offending a lot of people who love and respect animals, including online
sites that I wanted to collaborate with, and to exchange links. Thus, be
sensitive to groups because you never know when you want to work with others,
and to never offend that collaborating partnership.
Stay In Your
Lane
I
live in the south, “The Bible Belt.” A lot of things I should not say, and do
not say while speaking to people in public
in our southern communities. However,
I may disclose in upcoming books, for your information. However, for blogging
you may want to channel, refrain, and touchup a few things. For example,
cursing, religious direction, politics, and other controversy. I am not saying
don’t be yourself, however, present in a way that is mindful unless you just
don’t give a ____ (you know the rest)!
Respect Privacy
In
the beginning I occasionally gave a shout out to frequent commentators; in
agreement, acknowledging, etc. Despite the love, I later realized I put undue
pressure on them. Therefore, appreciate frequent commentators, but don’t put them
on the spot!
Depending
on the blog topic, you may want to hide the “following” section that links back
to readers profile pages. I removed the following section because I wanted to
further respect my readers by not putting their readership picks on blast and
understanding that my blog can be taboo for a lot of families and individuals, and
I don’t have any regrets about leaving it off.
By the way, never forget that you are the boss; any advertisements, colors, pictures, etc. is a part of your signature and style, don't let my list override you!-just consider it. Lastly, do add
to the list. Do state your reasoning for disagreement. And do share your
blog!!!
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