They Buy What You Sell
Ever thought of your blog as you...selling yourself? Elana did an awesome POST about this and it reminded me of a blog I'd just read.
I'd linked over because I saw this blogger's somewhat rude comment on an agent's blog. The blogger had a decent amount of comments so I checked them out. It was a little shocking to read mostly anonymous, troll-like comments.
But it makes sense.
What you sell attracts a certain type of buyer.
This angry guy had tons of angry, mean comments.
Ever known an angry, divisive person? Having an opinion is way different than being rude. As Elana asked, what are you hoping to accomplish with blogging? What kind of You are you selling?
I'd linked over because I saw this blogger's somewhat rude comment on an agent's blog. The blogger had a decent amount of comments so I checked them out. It was a little shocking to read mostly anonymous, troll-like comments.
But it makes sense.
What you sell attracts a certain type of buyer.
This angry guy had tons of angry, mean comments.
Ever known an angry, divisive person? Having an opinion is way different than being rude. As Elana asked, what are you hoping to accomplish with blogging? What kind of You are you selling?
Comments
Well, I thought I was selling the transparent me...in hopes of making myself relateable...but I don't know, now maybe I'm thinking I may be coming off as "Poor me."
smooches,
Larie
New thoughts. Get your new thoughts over at All in a Day's Thought.
(You're supposed to hear it like you would, "Popcorn, get your popcorn here"). :D
One of those mornings.
~ Wendy
When I used to post on my blog, I mostly talked about my journey into publishing, failings and successes both. But looking back, I wonder if those failure posts came across as too much of a downer.
If / when I start again, I want to be sure I'm upbeat for my readers, so they can keep the faith, too. That's what your blog does for me. You've set a fine example, my friend.
It's hard to see your own "voice," isn't it? That's where agents and critique partners, true soulmates who will gently tell the truth and keep it between you and them, are SOOO important!!
BTW, love your message, your tone, you!!
Patti
I think that you need to show who you are on your blog. The best you.
Hey Larie! How are you? When I read your posts, I do think "poor Larie" because of the cancer, but I'm also in awe of what you've learned and what you share. It's very encouraging and Godly. :-)
Terri, I do think you do that too. Your posts are always honest and encouraging.
When I first started blogging it was for fun. It still is. I don't really have a platform. I honestly don't take life so seriously. I don't have a professional bone in my body and I'm a pretty much what you get is what you get kind of person. Not saying I'm an uneducated slob who has no idea how to behave in public, but I'm not going to put on a show for anyone. I'm not going to preach at you or tell you how to write or dress or put on make-up, because there are plenty of other blogs out there for that. And I really don't know that much about any of those topics to pretend like I do.
I'll just write whatever strikes me as a good topic and go from there. I'll share at soul level, sometimes I'll be flip and kinda sarcastic, but I will never use my blog to put anyone else down. It's just me, the good the bad and the...well...the whatever.
If you like it, great, if you don't, hey whatever, you can't have everything.
Jody, I absolutely agree. :-)
Anita!!! You mushy friend! LOL Your blog was encouraging too, and very literary. Your style of writing always came through in your posts. Very unique and beautiful. :-) If you blog again, just be you, the professional you. You had a wonderful blog.
Tamika, I know. There have been times when I wrote something I thought was funny, then deleted it because I wasn't sure how it would come across. It's important to stay professional, definitely, while at the same time being relatable.
Patti, you're so sweet. :-) Thank you for your encouraging comment. I agree, people like that are precious and valuable.
Patti N,
The best you. Yep, I think that sums it up! ;-) I have strong political views but I keep them out of my blogging because I want this to be a place for readers and writers, not politicians. LOL It's tricky, right? Great comment!
Catherine, LOL! So, is there a way for me to be professional and still real? That's something for me to think about because I would never want to be someone who puts on a show.
I like your blog. :-) But you're right, everyone has different tastes so we can't please everyone. Now I'm curious about what you've posted today! Heehee. Oh, and it was someone dissing Rachelle. I didn't realize so many others popped over and commented at his place. Interesting...
Kristen, I know, right? It's like mouthing off to the doctor who's going to do your nose job. LOL I should be more careful with my comments. I am with posts, but my comments are more unguarded. Thanks for the reminder!
I often think about this. I'm a very sarcastic person, and well, that doesn't come across on the Internet as well as it does in person. (Heck, it probably doesn't come across well in person either!) So it's a fine line I'm constantly walking. (Did they think I was serious? No, I put that little wink. They know I'm kidding...)
So yeah. Put your best self out there. It usually comes back to you.
Elana, I think you do a great job at softening your sarcasm and showing humor. You're right, it's a fine line.
Ditto, Jessie!
Kate
If the shoe fits... *wink*
This is an important question that we should ask before we every type one single word. My goal is to present my passion for helping, revealing, and informing. If I'm not doing that, then I need to rethink my blog. Thank you, so much for the reminder to stay true to who you are and give your readers that person.
What's on my blog is the real me. I'm too old to have it any other way. LOL
Karen, it is subjective, definitely. Your blog is set up great. I love it. :-)
Wow, it sounds like you've really thought out your blog purpose. Nice! Thanks for stopping by. :-)
Angie, your blog is very real. I'd love to meet you in person and hear your Cajunese! LOL
Life is complex; writers have different opinions and personalities. Sometimes I try to go for humor, sometimes I'm feeling very serious or sentimental.
Love you!
Thanks and blessings,
Karen
I think I'm trying to cheerlead people, so they won't give up on living, or writing their bestseller, or following Jesus. I never thought of it as selling Me before.
Okay, so I sell cheer and encouragement. That must be why I have such lovely people visit every day!
Jessica, you were my first follower and I'll always be grateful to the Lord for sending you my way...
Julie, I think so. :-) I'm so thankful that everyone I've met so far (pretty much) is sweet and kind. No trolls here, thank goodness!
Karen, you're blog definitely meets a need we mommies have. :-) You give lots of grace and wisdom over there!
Nancy, EXACTLY!
Jeanette, I'm so thankful to know you too! You're such an encouraging, wonderful lady. I'm kind of jealous of your congregation. *wink*
I think of it more as revealing who you are, providing an image of yourself for others to see. I hope the image people get of me is a real person, ups, downs, struggles, and all, and always seeking God in the midst of everything.