STEPPING UP on MY Soap Box Today
Well, its taken me several days to write this post, but I can’t stop thinking about it. I want to talk about somethings that have been bothering me….
I am a part of a few “crafter/diy” type groups on FB, and another blogger (I believe) put in her FB status..
“I stop following blogs when?” ……….. and a blank to fill in your thought/opinion. It received so many comments, most of them were in my opinion negative. Negative to the point that when I was done reading all of them. I thought SHEESH.. “I am darned if I do and I am darned if I don’t!” I felt worried, insecure, and thought twice about blogging.
First things first- I don’t like scrolling ads on blogs, it drives me a bit batty. However, I will click the “X” mark right away and get over it. Some of these blogs are to great to “Stop following them because of an ad.”
Second- I don’t like music on a blog, its distracting and takes away from the post. Plus I have known readers to get on blogs at work (tee he) and the music blasted, almost getting them caught. (tee he again) It would be best to have the music an option if you so choose to keep it.
I read that people hated “talking ads”, I realized one day as my volume was up on my computer that I do have an ad that comes on talking about a craft or DIY project. I didn’t know this?, but at the same time, I just turned down the volume on my computer. I want everyone to know that my hubby is a Police Officer and most wifes of officers know that they don’t make a lot of money. I am also a mother of four and I stay home with my children, a decision that both my hubby and I chose. So any “little”…and I mean little bit of money I make from blogging is a blessing and I will take it. Buying diapers, milk, and lunch meat do help us out, and its a nice bit of compensation for my hard work. I am not some huge ENORMOUS blogger with HUGE stats, so for those who think that I am, please know now- that I am not. My stats actually suck really bad and have for several months. I don’t know why? but they do. I hope as I continue to work hard and produce projects that they will climb up again…crossing fingers, and eyelashes.
I read how people stop following blogs when they talk about products they received and such. I was taken back by this. I mean I have worked my hinnie off to have anyone contact me and ask me if I would mind reviewing some products? HECK YA! who doesn’t want free product in exchange for a post (some product reviews are paid ones too, you make more if your stats are more). I mean “I am a “Craft Blogger” that is what I do. Therefore, I am going to use craft supplies anyway, why not for free. I was very bothered that so many felt the same way. I think if these people were offered products themselves that possibly they too would blog them themselves, and they too probably worked hard to receive that kind of an offer.
I read that people didn’t like hearing about bloggers that went to conferences. Again, this goes a long with the product reviews. I again feel I worked hard, and if I was given the amazing opportunity of a sponsorship to go to a conference, then part of that is that I will do a blog post later. The old “I scratch your back, you scratch mine!” 🙂 Anyway, I see nothing wrong with sharing your blog conference experience, fun, and trip. So go… and have fun, share it with us because you can.
I read about grammar and punctuation. I know I FAIL at this terribly. I try so hard to re-read and re-read my work again., Even Googling words I don’t know how to spell, the meaning too, and clicking spell check more then once. I still come up with things being wrong. When I see them later, I quickly will go into the post and fix it. However, I am not a robot. I will never be perfect at this. I will just be a craft/DIY blogger trying to produce creativity with “hopefully” good grammar. I promise you all that I will work at this continually.
I realize I don’t need to explain myself, but again, these things and words and comments have been running through my head. I will gladly be me and keep doing what I love doing. If something personally bothers me on a blog…”a BLOG I may HAPPEN TO LOVE”… I will find away to remedy the error and keep reading. I respect these woman and all their immense hard work, and I can get over a little annoyance here and there. I hope that if I am one of those annoyances that you all can appreciate what I do and how I do it, and still see me for my work and creativity. Ppppppplease!
I am a MOM, a WIFE, and a Creative Blogger…. now stepping off her soap box. winks.
LOTS OF LOVE, jen
I am with you on this…if there is something about a blog that you love to read/follow that is annoying, turn down that volume, or otherwise adapt and get on with reading!
I love to hear about the conferences too…lots of good tips for us smaller bloggers.
And, sorry, but everyone makes mistakes in spelling. You are not writing a book here, you are a real person…
Some people need to get over themselves!
Keep on doing what you are doing! Love your blog!
I don’t mind any of those things! Sure, ads can be annoying and in the way, but just click the x or mute your sound! Not the end of the world 🙂
You will not be able to please everyone,so my suggestion is do what feels right to you. I believe that blogging has dropped off a bit in the past few months, maybe because of the summer? I see a lot more bloggers taking breaks
Wow! Some people can be so negative! I like your blog. It’s really cool that you get to do what you love and if you get compensated that’s called a business deal. That’s just how it works. I say ignore the haters. They are probably unhappy with themselves and so therefore cannot be happy with anybody else. I’m sure I do some of those things on my blog, but seriously I do not care. My blog is fun. So smiles and loves from me!!!! Blog on Sista!!!
I couldn’t believe the negativity in some of those comments. Its wonder any blog gets read! I can’t think of a single blog I love that follows all of the “rules” readers have made up. You can customize your blog to everyone. Its just not possible. Do what you love and love what you do. 😉
I’m so glad that you posted this…. When I started blogging, I searched the net, trying to find “tips” to make my blog a success. I’ve learned that what one person may like, another won’t. It all boils down to the fact that – it’s your blog, make it like you want it. If you are not, it’s obvious, and I think it does more damage to follow a few “squeeky wheels”, than to be yourself. I love your site, and everything that you do… as a matter of fact, I often visit for inspiration. So, keep it up! I <3 Craft-O-Maniac! -Heather (http://stringtownhome.blogspot.com)
Love your recent post.., people are so persnickety these days. I noticed on Facebook yesterday our local zoo had posted that one of their animals had passed away and instead of saying something nice (a memory or such about the animal) some idiot posted that he always hated the name they chose for it.., really?! I love your posts and blog and it is yours.., do with it what you will. I completely understand as a stay at home mom you do what you can to pull in a little extra money and if that requires adds on your blog.., so be it. People need to filter themselves a little better these days.., just saying. Now I’ll get off my soap box : o)
I love your blog. It’s perfect. Ads are just that, a suggestion right? Like any page, google ect…just be you sister. Your awesome at it.
I hate ads as weel, pop up ones are the worst. BUT, none of these things will make me stop reading blogs. I LOVE the support and community that so many blogs offer. And PLEASE let me know how I can get sponsored to a conference. Haha. Have a good day!
That’s weird that those things stop people ads might be the only thing that bugs me but it wouldn’t stop me from reading a blog. Hmm.. People are funny. I love your blog!
Jen, we’re all not perfect. It sucks that people are so negative, but until THEY start working to develop their blog, they’ll never really get it. It’s just the honest truth. They don’t realize the time, money, and effort craft bloggers spend on just one post. You are a very sweet gal and I think you really take things to heart, so I’m just saying…don’t let it get to you. You’ll never please everyone and we all lose people along the way. We all need to remember that there are jealous people out there that would rather complain than take time to understand. 🙂 Don’t worry about it.
great post 🙂
The only thing that has had me stop following a blog is when it is post after post about products and the craft ideas seem to stop. Unless they show how to use the product in a fabulous way, it is a big turnoff for me.
I love your blog!
As others have said, you can’t please everyone so just please yourself. 🙂
Jen, I feel your frustration and uncertainty. I am feeling very much the same. It’s so easy to second guess everything your doing when there are so many opinions. I hope you know that not everyone feels that way. Lots of people know how hard we work to bring new thing to them and I don’t think the average person begrudges us making a couple dollars or getting free craft products to do it with. HUGS & CHIN UP 🙂 Shannon
I agree. It’s your blog. Blog because you love it. And I don’t think there is any sense in feeling guilty for having ads. Blogging is incredibly time consuming! I think if people knew how time consuming, they would be more tolerant of ads. Ugh! And don’t even get me started on the spelling thing! I wanted to start a blog for a long time and worrying that people would get on my case for small spelling errors kept me from starting for the longest time. I actually am a spelling stickler, but I also type really fast and we all make mistakes. I laugh at myself when I go back and read some things wondering how I could miss something so obvious? Luckily, my husband helps me in that department. Keep up the good work! You’re an awesome blogger…one of my favs. 😉
I love your blogs and I do not have the sound turned on so that I hear nothing. Ads are just that – don’t have to click on them or read them. Keep it up and you will still have a following
I just wanted to say I love your blog and people need to get over themselves and stop hating and being all nit picky…Craft-o-Maniac is one of my favorite blogs to read!
Hear Hear, sister! Just do what you love, and let that creativity shine through!
I said something very similar in some of those threads. The readers have to remember that is still MY blog. I hated the comments about “not talking about yourself personally” Umm.. I’m not a robot. I have kids and family and I love them and I talk about them. If you don’t want anything more from me than my posts about crafts, then i am not sure you are a good fit for my blog.
I think you have to do what you think is best for your blog. I still think you have to have good content if you want readers to stick around. If you do NOTHING but sponsored posts and it is clear you only are doing a cart to use something you got for free, then you aren’t being genuine. But if you really would use it anyhow, then what is the harm.
I think it is a balancing act, and you DO need to reflect on “how much am I selling my brand off to sponsors” since it is easy to go to far. But only you know when you are at that point.
I think you are doing great! And chin up! You can’t make everyone happy 100% of the time.. don’t make yourself crazy by trying.
Jen-
You are AWESOME! Don’t worry about the individuals in the world that find fault with things/others. I LOVE your blog, the ideas, your style of writing and gosh darn it….stay TRUE to who you ARE!
Hugs and love-
Shannon
fivedudesandalady.blogspot.com
I love your blog and I totally agree with you! I do not mind the ads and well the music always slows down the loading but I can get over it..I have a blog and always ASPIRE to have it as well liked as yours! it is amazing and I look up to all that you have accomplished and I love hearing about the conferences that I would one day like to attend! Keep doing what you are doing!
Jen… you and your blog are always inspiring and spirited! I don’t care what ads you have or how many free products you review! I like your blog because you are you!
Blogging requires an enormous work load for very little pay… and I mean very little. If your blog is a small business, you may have to do things like video ads to earn income.
As far as being given products to craft with… I have always thought it was an accomplishment. It means that a brand thinks you are creative enough to make something beautiful out of their product and trust that you will present it in a professional way. So kudos for you! I’d feel proud, not guilty. Okay…. I will step off my soapbox now, too! 🙂
Take care,
Trish
People that criticize are just jealous. You’re great, keep at it! XOXO
We are not striving to be the same as the next blogger so if someone thinks all blogs should be the same then you’re in for a big suprise! Do you think Walmart has the SAME business plan and store look/layout that Target has??? NO!!! They are both retailers thus they each offer SIMILAR products and services but each store has its own uniqueness to it. Same with blogs. Our blog is essentially our “store front” and it represents our uniqueness. If a reader connects to it then we hope they follow us, if not then that is life. You can not please everyone! All you can do is listen to our customers/audience and use their viewing behavior as a way to grow and adapt to what your readers want to see. Its business and thats what businesses do….they listen to their audience and adapt, but they do not close shop because one or two people don’t like their store. If you are happy with your blog then it will show by your posts and you should see yourself grow and get better overtime. Challange yourself to try new things BUT don’t let one or two people cloud your enthusiasim. I love your blog and I will continue to follow it! 🙂
Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos
P.S. I like when bloggers show free products. Sometimes it exposes me to new products I otherwise would never have heard about.
I personally love reading your blog. I am not at all bothered by ads, I often just click them closed. I keep my volume set on mute, not to be distracted by music. I love reading product reviews and hearing about conferences. I never concern myself with spelling, grammar or punctuation. I view each blog post as a sit down chat between friends, in our own voices. Keep up the awesome work, your blog is fantastic.
I only drop blog if I am not finding anything interesting come up for several posts. I use bloglovin’ does that effect your stats? I wonder. All the things you listed don’t bother me enough to drop a blog I love reading everyday.I assume that most bloggers don’t make a ton of money at this but I could be wrong and honestly I don’t care, it’s not my business what they make. Jenny I love reading your blog posts and it takes a lot of work to keep it running at the level its at, be proud of that! You are doing a great job!
What a great post Jen and that is what it is its your post, your opinion and your thoughts. I love your blog and have been following along with you ever since I found it. I am a small blogger myself and I blog for me. I love sharing my ideas and I know you do too. Keep it up girl, you have been an inspiration to me in this blogging adventure. Big Hugs.
You know the saying, “Opinions are like buttholes. Every body has one.”
For me, reading blogs is like playing flip with the t.v. remote. I scroll through my reader taking in the snippets and going to ones that interest me and move past those that don’t.
And every so often I do a blog purge. If I don’t find one interesting anymore, I delete it. No harm, no foul.
So basically what they’re saying is that they want to visit your blog, use all of your ideas for their own projects, but not be bothered by the things that ALLOW YOU TO KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING. Wow. A lot of takers in this world.
Keep posting Jen, I love your blog!
Katie
http://www.funhomethings.com
Not quite sure what those folks are complaining about, really. Here’s the facts: almost all REAL blogs have the features described. It goes with the territory, and I’m sure not going to b*tch about bloggers making a little scratch when they’re sharing their skills and ideas with me for FREE! Yours is certainly not the worst that I’ve seen for ads, etc. Tell you a little secret, about how I survive my day- I do a very boring job, and I cruise blogs, including yours, quite a lot, every workday. I turn the sound on my computer OFF- it’s a “duh” thing, really! And I check out what I want to while doing the job, because really, it’s the key to how I successfully accomplish as much as I do at my job- without those little distractions in between processing warranty claims, I would lose my mind, much as my predecessor did, LOL. I appreciate your blog, and check it out daily- even put it in my newsfeeds on my home page. Don’t be discouraged by those who’re complaining about things that really, MOST of us take for granted as being part of the blog experience- if they want blogs without ads and stuff, they’d do well to look into some homogenized, corporatized, sanitized “blogs” out there, complete with R’s and TM’s, and price lists for the products, which, incidently, can only be purchased through THEIR particular store’s website- it’s all just one *longer* ad, really, and usually the “crafts” are pretty atrocious. For the really good stuff, you take what’s there and appreciate learning from real individuals, humans with human traits and faults, who use stuff that you might actually find for free or have on hand. Having looked at both types, I much prefer the REAL blogs, like yours! Don’t lose heart. You’re doing a great job, and I, too, love your blog.
You go girl!!
You know…FB can be a mean place! Now on to my comment (although, it’s like the opinion comment above). I LOVE your blog and about 99% of the blogs I have signed up for! I recently retired and I’m a newbie to all this. I doubt I would write a blog myself, but oh boy, have I learned SO MUCH from all of you and appreciate all your efforts – photos, sharing tutorials, new products (of course, a lot are new to me still), what you learn at conferences. I appreciate it! This is a business to you. People generally make money in business (or try to!!!). Nothing wrong with that. Yes, some blogs take a bit longer to load and sometimes I get caught off guard (usually in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep) when all of a sudden I hear a voice talking. Usually startles me! lol THEN I discover what it is, turn it down and listen without interruption!
Do what you love and to heck with all the opinions and all those PERFECT spellers. {eye rolling} {{{HUGS}}} girl!
I love your blog. I really appreciate all the hard work you put into your projects and I like your style.
I read blogs thru Google Reader so I miss so many of the adds and annoyances … but that probably doesn’t help your stats, does it? SORRY! But please keep doing what you do!
I agree with everything you said and with what your readers said too…what’sso sad is that most of us who win product or receive product usually share with our followers so why complain? and I have to echo the grammar and spelling thing-many times I am creating posts and ideas late at night after the kids are in bed and am multi-tasking so while not perfect, I think they make us more personable and human…Keep doing your thing, your way… I love your blog :):)
I have to say that I don’t like any of those things…but I’m also well able to be my own editor. If I see it’s a sponsored post, I don’t have to read it. If an ad annoys me, I can close it. I could care less about conferences. I mean I’m glad you enjoy them but that doesn’t mean I’m going to give a hoot about what happened there. Still, I continue to subscribe to blogs who do all this stuff because I care about the worth of their “real” content and I’m willing to edit out all the other stuff to get to it. Yours is one of those.
I am so glad you climbed up on your Soap box today.
I am right there with you when it comes to talking about free product, blogging conferences and grammar.
I actually like reading about free products other bloggers are trying out. Blogging conferences are something I can’t attend as of yet. So, I love hearing about others experiences or what they learned. Grammar, I am not perfect so it has to be part of my charm. I do all the same things you do before posting. Then still find errors. OH well!
Some people just need to complain. There is no way a blogger (or anyone for that matter) can please all their readers all the time. It just isn’t possible. When I come across something I don’t like or find annoying on a blog I am reading I just don’t pay attention to it. If it is the music, I turn my volume off, if it’s an ad I click the “x” and close it, if it’s a post I don’t care for I don’t read it. Some folks just can’t be pleased. Keep up the good work Jen!!
You’re a great blogger & I enjoy seeing all of your products! Do what you love & don’t worry about the people who are too consumed with nit-picking everyone else to really enjoy all the creativity that is out there! I was just catching up on my reading and felt compelled to click on each individual post you have posted over the last week or so just to up your stats & will trying to click on the page even if I’m reading from a reader- thanks for the reminder that there are many of you out there who do spend a lot of time & effort on their blogs and make a little money and need those stats to do so! It reminds me to be more intentional when I read them! Thanks for sharing all of your creativity & for hosting your parties! Have a great weekend!
I love reading this blog. You need not worry about the silly people who don’t read due to volume issues or if they want to take out a red pen and correct your grammar.
Like my granny used to say: “they can kiss your grits!!”
Keep it up. I love your blog! I have been one of your absentee followers due to circumstances. I have just started working on mine and looking at my favorites again.
Some of the things you are talking about are the things I don’t like about the internet and social media. I do not blog but I read a lot of crafty ones. People first of all need to get a life and stop complaining about everything. If they don’t like the stuff then don’t read it or look at it. People just get on their negative rolls and pretty soon it rolls on and the negative folks jump on it. It seems easier for the negative to get going than the positive. I guess the ones that play music are a little annoying but that is about it for me. Don’t let all the crabby ones mess up your fun.
Hi there, that made for an interesting read. I have been blogging for a couple of years now and my blog covers my thoughts and my hobbies, be it reading, writing, crafting, baking as in time things change but several times i have thought i’m wasting my time after all if no one comes to read your posts you may as well not bother. I only have about 40ish followers but i don’t know how many bother to stop by. On a daily basis i check out the new posts of blogs i follow i have blogs posted on my main page and some that i follow behind the scenes, that is one thing i look forward to every day seeing what catches my eye. Usually a picture of whatever the post is will do it for me, it would have to be an interested title to get me into the post otherwise but it’s almost a daily ritual. There is nowt so quere as folk but you will always have your loyal friends/followers 🙂
Jen, I love your blog! I have been reading it for a while now. I get your posts in my email, so I never miss a thing! I think pretty much everything you share is great! But I will just put my two cents in here.. I find it really annoying when there are pop ups or any sort of noise. I don’t know if yours does that because I get them in my email, but I would continue to read yours anyway because I love it. Thanks for all your hard work!
*Jourdan
Two Million Miles
I think that your blog is great – you do such a great job at keeping a balance of everything. I will be honest, I have stopped reading blogs because every post was a “sponser” ad and that is not why I read blogs – I read them for real life stuff. Your blog, sweet lady, is REAL LIFE!!! 🙂
Keep up the good work ! You cannot please everyone…that is just a fact of life. I personally love your blog. Thank you for all of your hard work.
Hugs, Julie
I’m going to get on my soap box for you… You are one of my favorite bloggers. I am so sad where this world is going in someways. It is the “all about me” syndrome. I was not raised that way and I am all for what you do and how you blog. I look forward to your posts and even your pins on Pinterest! 🙂 I agree with the other comments, people need to get over themselves. This is your little piece of cyberspace and there are a lot of us who love what you do. I’m now stepping down from my soapbox!
I think you do a great job Jen! Blogging and crafting take up a so much time. So if you get something here and there for your efforts,why not? My blog is not anywhere close to your size but I do spend a lot of time on it, checking, re-checking etc. I like your post you made before about stepping back. Crafting and blogging is hard to balance with family. Anyways, most of us look at your blog in awe anc could really care about your stats, etc… Holly 🙂
PS: You help bump my stats up for a few days with my Paper Cone wreath inpiration..Thanks for that:-)
First off, love your blog. It was one of the very first I found and started following!
Secondly, if I’m reading a blog that has a review of a product I don’t think I’ll need or the post is boring to me or whatever, then I just skip that post. No biggie. Then I come back the next
time there is something new and read that.
Jen, seriously, you narrate my thoughts. I honestly don’t think people fully comprehend what it takes to run a blog. it is more than crafting, snapping a pic, and posting it. Blogs that don’t put time and effort into each post and even layouts simply don’t get followers, but then the bigger the blog the more time and effort needed, a vicious cycle. People have commented they hate my “filler”posts (ones that aren’t tutorials) but then if I don’t post for a week, I lose followers anyway. A vicious world of blogging.
Jen, seriously, you narrate my thoughts. I honestly don’t think people fully comprehend what it takes to run a blog. it is more than crafting, snapping a pic, and posting it. Blogs that don’t put time and effort into each post and even layouts simply don’t get followers, but then the bigger the blog the more time and effort needed, a vicious cycle. People have commented they hate my “filler”posts (ones that aren’t tutorials) but then if I don’t post for a week, I lose followers anyway. A vicious world of blogging.
Dear Jen,
You are one of my favorite bloggers and one of the first ones I ever started following! I am so glad you posted this.
It’s so sad and frustrating never being able to make everyone happy – and you can never win!! I’ve been losing followers & likes lately and I just keep wondering what’s wrong with me & my blog… then I remember – I’m blogging for ME and I am so grateful for the followers who stick around and are supportive no matter what… I realize I’m not even close to perfect, but the ones who unfollow or unlike me are the ones missing out.
Anyway, keep up the great work. I think you are an amazing person and I really look up to you.
Jen – you are amazing for posting this. I have been so down lately with all the negativity that is going around our niche. Why can’t we all support each other and build each other up?? I think it’s great when companies see all of the hard work that we put into out blogs and I think it’s sad that people are jealous or can’t be happy for everyone. I believe in the power of being positive.
Love you!!
xoxo
Jen
YIKES!!! It would be hard to continue blogging after reading something like that. I know for myself that I backed off of blogging during the summer because my family was so so busy. Maybe that’s why peoples stats are low all around. Please continue to blog and more power to you to receive loot from companies. If you don’t try new products and discuss them, how are other crafters suppose to learn about them? Keep up the good work!