Blogging: Wrangling a Strange Beast
I am not the first person to make this observation, but blogging and writing are two distinctive pursuits. I am a trained writer. I know what I’m doing with the word things and the grammar-ness, for the most part, even though there is always room for improvement.
Blogging, on the other hand, is an entirely different beast. It is social media – the key word in that descriptor being SOCIAL. I have never been very adept at the art of people skills or marketing myself, so this has been the most difficult, emotionally explosive part of blogging for me. I would rather hide in my office with strong coffee for company and tap anonymously on keys than promote myself. In that way, I am well suited for the life of a writer: but a blogger…?
Lord knows I try to put myself out there, but let’s be real: I am awkward. While I simultaneously think I’m pretty fab, this does not mean I have the delusion impression that other people necessarily share the same opinion. If they did, I’d be honing my craft for a second Oscar nomination in a major motion picture about how a brilliant scientist (played by me) saves the world from global warming and killer arachnids. No, I am more like the girl you’ve met twelve times but can never remember her name…
Nothing about me is magnetic, unless you’ve been trapped away from humankind in a dank cell for a few weeks living on pickled eggs with nothing to read but back issues ofย In Touch magazine. Then I’m pretty amazing.
That said, I am a far cry from the most popular blogger. In this way, my experience with blogging has been a sort-of replay of high school, where I was neither sought out nor pelted with vegetables in the halls. I had a small group of friends so I didn’t eat alone at lunch, but no one banged down my door to invite me to the latest rager (or whatever the kids are calling parties these-here days).
If blogging is so challenging for a timid lass like myself, why do I do it? Well, probably for the same reasons I finished high school:
- Because I can
- Because I’d regret it if I didn’t – no one wants to grow up to be the Dude
- It was actually pretty fun, because I learned how to indulge my goofiness (i.e., taking theatre classes) without caring about others’ judgement
All joking aside though, I have met some very wonderfully supportive people since I started blogging, which was an unexpected bonus to this whole madcap experiment. They let me sit with them at lunch and sometimes, they invite me over on Friday nights to watch the latest Paul Walker movie.
What? Paul Walker was big when I was in high school.ย Shut up.
So though I’ll probably never break social media records, that was never the goal to begin with; the goal was to not end up a drunken bowler who can’t find a rug to tie the room together…
Crisis averted, huh?
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25 Comments
Julie DeNeen
Yes…it sounds like you averted that crisis quite well!
Natalie the Singingfool
Whew! It was touch and go there for a while…
Lisa
You sound like me. I’m a writer with a blog, but I guess I can’t really call myself a “blogger” because I suck at the social media stuff. I’m learning, though. What’s important is that for the most part (except for the part where it’s like high school) it is a really fun, supportive community.
Natalie the Singingfool
Yay, a writing twin! And I agree – it IS a lot more fun than I thought it would be!
icescreammama
i’m with you. i love blogging, but mostly because i really love writing. i’m having a hard time keeping up with the social media networking – it’s a job!! then when do i write..? i don’t really know what i’m doing, i just keep plugging along and sometimes good stuff happens. although, i’ve thought of giving it up, i’m kind of addicted as well…
for the record, i love your writing. i think you kick ass. and i’m totally cool, so, there you go. ๐
Natalie the Singingfool
I know, who has time for all of it?? It’s a good thing I love to write…makes me stick with it even when it’s hard.
But yay, I have a cool friend! Love the Ice Scream Mama!
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife
I excel at things I don’t get paid for, so I’m a successful blogger ๐
Natalie the Singingfool
Lol, yes, we’re “starving artists.” ๐
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife
exactly!
Vanessa
I’m not a trained writer. I can’t even remember how I got started blogging – probably it was a book that told me how easy it would be – but I know it’s become a very big part of who I am.
I know that when I’m on-line people either listen or don’t so I can say what I’m thinking – which seems to get me in trouble IRL.
When I read your blog, I’m first reading your story. Then I’m appreciating the skill (training) you’ve put into it, and hoping to learn from it.
When I don’t comment, it’s usually because I’m blown away by the skill.
Natalie the Singingfool
It is funny how something I’ve been doing less than a year has become so integral to who I am now. I always love reading your work, Vanessa! You’re one of those I’m so happy I met!
Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom
I think you’re way cool. Thanks for this post Natalie, ’cause I feel this way often too. Looking forward to meeting you at BlogHer. Tell ya what – at lunch, I’ll trade ya my bag of Fritos for your bag of cookies.
Natalie the Singingfool
Tee hee, Mod Mom thinks I’m cool. It’s a deal! Can’t wait till July…
S.J. Faerlind
I think it takes a lot of courage to blog and it really shows your personality. Sometimes in real life the “shy” people get tossed aside and overridden by the aggressive go-getter types. It’s kinda nice to tell your story on a blog… in your own pace and at your own time.
Natalie the Singingfool
Yes, I always feel drowned out in RL by the more boisterous people – here, at least I have a voice.
Jack
I am just a dude who taps out a few lines on a keyboard. I try not to take it too seriously, sometimes I actually succeed.
The most important part here isn’t whether you are popular but whether you are having fun or not.
Natalie the Singingfool
Exactly! When I get in a neurotic mood, I remind myself of that, like a mantra!
Chris Plumb
The Dude abides with this blog.
What a strange concept, though. Sociable writers. I once yelled at some morons on another blog because they thought Hemingway would’ve made a great blogger. Hemingway hated people. He used people. He could care less about his fans.
Blogging brings the writer full circle. Forces them to see the reaction to their words. I don’t always like it, but it is good for me. And you too, I think.
Natalie the Singingfool
Yes! While growing up, I specifically wanted to be a writer so I wouldn’t have to deal with people! What kind of twist of fate is this?
But you’re right, it’s good for me, and it’s been good for my writing as well.
And I’m with you on the Hemingway subject – he would’ve been a TERRIBLE blogger!
Ericamos
I felt like I was reading out of my diary regarding the blogging world. I loved your high school analogy! As you know, I’ve been on a blogging hiatus that’s making me sadder each passing day. I’m looking forward to getting back into the blogging groove, and it’s all just ’cause I like to do it. The idea of promoting myself and getting tons of readers is alluring, but in the end, the only reason I’m blogging is for myself. It’s fun to write, and it’s been great getting to know people through this cyber world.
Natalie the Singingfool
Your presence has been missed, Miss Erica! It’s true – blogging is fun, popularity or no.
Lori
Wandered onto your page from The Bloggess’ page, and was first attracted by 1) picture of The Dude and 2) the fact that I also have a sweater just like his bathrobe called “mom’s bag lady sweater” that I will only wear at home or to Walmart. Started reading, and I am hooked. You are kinda weird, which is a real compliment coming from me! Looking forward to giggling and nodding my head in agreement as I continue to read…
Natalie the Singingfool
Oh hello and welcome! And for the record: yes, I am kinda weird. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Christine Organ
LOVE this!
Natalie the Singingfool
Thank you! ๐