I missed the final day of BBAW last Friday (something about a birthday…), and so didn’t get to muse about my goals for the future.
It also means that I’ve had a bit more time to think about it.
I have often wondered — sometimes with more angst than others — about where I fit in here in the book blogosphere. I’m not quite an adult book blogger, but I’m not quite a kidlit one, either. Sometimes I wonder if I should just give up with blogging altogether, and other times I wonder if I should put in the effort to work at branding myself, finding that niche and working it for all its worth. I signed up for Twitter last year (nominally because my oldest did, but then I found out that all my bloggy friends were hanging out over there, too), and I sometimes wonder if I’m utilizing it — or Facebook — the way I should.
After thinking about all this, and stressing, and wondering, I came to a conclusion: this blog is, primarily, for me. I don’t get paid to do it. If I’m not enjoying what I do, then there’s really no point. So, if I work really hard at pushing my blog so I get readers, if I retool it so I have a niche, why am I doing it? To be more accepted the community? So I’m more popular? So I can get more free books?
Sure, but why?
There’s no reason I can see that ultimately will benefit me. I don’t want to change my reading habits; I enjoy reading broadly, and while I have a preference for children’s and YA books, I don’t want to restrict my blogging to just about them. I have a reputation for being honest in my reviews, which is something I value about myself. I actually don’t want more free books; while it’s kind of fun to be on the forefront of all the latest trends, I like supporting my local library, and I like the freedom to go with my whims.
So, the goals I’ve come up with for the next little while: I’m not going to stress over readers and followers and numbers. I’m going to write the reviews for myself. I’m going to read what I want, slowing down — why do I need to read over 100 books a year, anyway? It’s not a contest — and indulging in rereading (which I’ve done this year, and found that I really enjoy). I’m going to comment when I have something to say, and not as a way to drive traffic to my blog. I’m going to not worry about “utilizing” the social media, and use them for the purpose that they were meant for: to be social, and as a way to connect with people who have similar interests (or in the case of Facebook, friends old and new) and as a way to find out new and fun and fascinating things. Or to just have a good laugh.
In short: I’m going to find the enjoyment I used to have in blogging. And I’m going to be a fan of all the wonderful bookish things there are out there. If I can’t find that, then after nearly six years, there’s really not much point in keeping it up, anymore.
The Book Nut 
The idea of leaving comments to drive traffic to my blog is foreign to me. I really hate that people think every time you comment on someone else's blog, you're just trying to get them to come to you. No! I don't consider comments advertising unless you choose to use them that way. I use comments to come talk to friends and acquaintances. They've always been that way.
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I have to say, I have been blogging since 2005 and I still don't fit into any niche category. My blog goes up and down in ratings and visits. Sometimes it is really popular, other times you can cue the crickets. I still stick with it, though, and if people want to visit, they visit, and if they don't that's okay, too. Sometimes it makes me sad when I wrote a post that I am really proud of and no one really comments, but that's life.
I don't really comment for advertising issues… I do it more because I like getting comments, so I try and make an effort to say something when I am reading blogs. And, it is a good way to talk and discuss and other things. Nowadays I am lucky to comment once every month, but I used to do better! lol
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I think blogging for yourself is the best way to do it. Because really, if you're not having fun, it is not worth it.
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Wahoo! You are spot-on. Your comments ring true because they are, in a way, my thoughts manifested in writing. Thanks for putting them down for me!!!
Isn't a blog just another way of journaling and recording for yourself, posterity and others what you're thinking, doing, and aiming towards? Well then your blog is still of value and use and worth. As a matter of fact, it is a treasure.
Your introspection is so valuable. What a great tool to assess where you've come from, what you are doing and what your aims are. If you've achieved them and still have ways to grow and develop then you are on the right track and don't need to change a thing!! (I'll grant you that – your blog is awesome.) On the other hand, if there are things we want to change then what a great time to do that.
I especially enjoy your mantra about blogging for you – no comments necessary. No plea for traffic. Loyalty to read what YOU want, loyalty to your library and the call of the stacks. Hmmmm.
Wow, great post!
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Right on! 🙂
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Wow!! This sounds like you are approaching 40 and are finally figuring life out. Good for you.
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I feel like I should have made it known: I've never left comments just to drive traffic to my blog. There was a time I felt like if someone left a comment on my blog, I should go leave one on theirs to be nice, but I've even gotten past that. Though I've just felt — especially after BBAW — that a lot of people commenting on my blog are there saying “HI! Come visit ME!” when I'd rather have thoughtful comments about what I've written.
I agree, Amanda: I like using comments to say hito and talk with friends.
Kelly, I'm glad I'm not the only niche-less blogger around. 😀
And thanks, Mom. I'm trying not to think about turning 40 just yet. 😀
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Good for you! I enjoy the blog and this was finally worth a comment. 🙂
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Yep, sometimes we need to re-evaluate and reflect and remember why we're blogging. Great post Melissa :)e
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I think those are great goals. Like you, I blog for myself and I enjoy sharing what I've read with people. If I only have a few followers, that's okay. Keep up the good work.
http://asthepageturns-page.blogspot.com
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I also have no niche. I just can't do it because I like to read everything and talk about everything I read. If I had to pick one genre, I just couldn't. I don't sweat it. I'm not going to change.
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Good for you! This is exactly what we are supposed to be doing as bloggers. Have fun and enjoy yourself!
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These are fantastic goals! First and foremost blogging *should* be about you and *should* provide a sense of enjoyment. I think many times those things get lost in the shuffle of all the elements you mention (social media, branding, etc). I think I fall a bit in the middle, I do enjoy blogging and I do it for me but part of me does it for others and hopes that I have some positive impact/influence on others who read YA literature. As it relates to niche blogging, I actually sort of fell into that. I realized that I like YA more than anything else. I do read a few chick lit and women's fiction books here and there and post about them on my blog freely. I don't think that hurts my readership only enhances it.
Good luck in the coming year!
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My angst level goes up and down a lot too! But I agree, it all comes down to what makes you happy.
(and I like finding books here that I wouldn't otherwise be reading about! I've read with great interest a couple of books about parenting, for instance, that I found through you…and read bits to my oldest, which I find amusing, although it might be warping him. So that now, for instance, he will say, “tell me again, Mama, what the Chinese mothers said to their children in the middle of the test…”)
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Friend. This is a great post. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, wondering if I am okay with taking a break from challenges and the blosophere in general and just reading whatever the heckfire I want. I love YA. It's mostly what I always want to read, but I can't find it in me to turn my blog into a “niche” blog b/c I really like the stretching that my bookclubs give me.
I get little or no comments ever on my blog, but I'm okay. The reviews are truly for me and my brain. When other people DO stop by, I love it but I guess I am choosing not to devote the time it takes to “brand” myself. When I hear about you and Dawn being on the Cybils panel I think – hey, maybe THAT'S what I want, to be in THAT world. And then I realize it would take more time than I am willing to spend. So there you go 😉 You've got a fantastic blog and deserve whatever opportunities you get. I feel like that I even know you in real life 🙂
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