tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post6647808646105171473..comments2023-09-29T05:32:04.308-07:00Comments on StrangePegs: Breaking the Blogging Bubble (an IWSG post)Andrew Leonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-67705112792220829462013-06-11T19:59:22.246-07:002013-06-11T19:59:22.246-07:00neal: Oh... well... then, I certainly don't wa...neal: Oh... well... then, I certainly don't want that.Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-59229642067770226032013-06-11T19:28:25.748-07:002013-06-11T19:28:25.748-07:00Andrew, I think it's a town in France.Andrew, I think it's a town in France.neal callhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17285975416175230777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-6895880940762502292013-06-10T13:19:23.499-07:002013-06-10T13:19:23.499-07:00neal: What is this balance of which you speak?neal: What is this balance of which you speak?Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-12105549942285201582013-06-10T12:50:44.280-07:002013-06-10T12:50:44.280-07:00No, I didn't think you were saying quit cold t...No, I didn't think you were saying quit cold turkey. And I won't probably ever quit myself. But it's easy to sink lots of energy into it, and forget about other stuff. Balance, that's the thing.neal callhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17285975416175230777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-27741041638395701122013-06-09T20:50:12.419-07:002013-06-09T20:50:12.419-07:00neal: I don't think blogging is something a wr...neal: I don't think blogging is something a writer should just quit doing, just to say it. I mean, Gaiman still blogs. It's a way to let fans have a peak into your life, and I'm pretty sure fans like that.Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-83234227221879563422013-06-09T19:43:12.322-07:002013-06-09T19:43:12.322-07:00I've been blogging for a little over a year no...I've been blogging for a little over a year now, and I'm totally feeling what you're saying. It's been a good learning experience, figuring out different kinds of reaching out to people, what works and what doesn't. But the stuff that has connected most with people - writing about my kids on my dad blog - is not really what I want to do forever. In the near future, I'm going to be shifting the balance of things to make sure my creative aspirations don't get stuck in the rut of blogging; because while that's not a bad thing, it's a bit stifling of other creative endeavors, at least for me. Ah, balance, you slippery fish.neal callhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17285975416175230777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-35791403971852456812013-06-08T08:11:15.083-07:002013-06-08T08:11:15.083-07:00Shannon: Does it have throw pillows?Shannon: Does it have throw pillows?Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-9975774141632892022013-06-07T23:39:57.234-07:002013-06-07T23:39:57.234-07:00Valid point, for sure. I have become quite comfy i...Valid point, for sure. I have become quite comfy in my happy little bubble. For now, I'm going to stick with that, but I also don't have a book to market or anything. Good luck to you as your figure out how to burst your bubble.<br /><br />Shannon at <a href="http://thewarriormuse.com/" rel="nofollow">The Warrior Muse</a>Shannon Lawrencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-3283065363987306222013-06-06T09:07:46.849-07:002013-06-06T09:07:46.849-07:00Lee: I knew there was a reason I'm not fond of...Lee: I knew there was a reason I'm not fond of octopuses.<br /><br />Hayley: Well, yeah, but most readers never bother or care about a connection. They may know you have a blog (or a whatever), but they're not gonna seek it out. Although they may be willing to "like" you on Facebook.<br /><br />Maurice: The blogging community is a great place to start, but it can't be the goal.Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-26543354647982454542013-06-06T08:35:38.017-07:002013-06-06T08:35:38.017-07:00The blogging community is awesome, but my brother&...The blogging community is awesome, but my brother's talked about this as he's ramped up his writing and launched a new blog. He says the key is outreach and going beyond the blogging community.Maurice Mitchellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15338165486757095191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-74442879977266756372013-06-06T02:31:12.383-07:002013-06-06T02:31:12.383-07:00Well,
I understand exactly what you mean, in tha...Well, <br /> I understand exactly what you mean, in that you can't expect it to be HOW you gain followers. <br />It's a good way to connect with them, though. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04140482753530754693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-29416009223706315312013-06-05T19:08:25.466-07:002013-06-05T19:08:25.466-07:00I get where you're coming from and I agree. B...I get where you're coming from and I agree. Blogging has its time, place, and function, but when it becomes the all in all you're missing some import options. Blogging is just one tentacle of a marketing octopus that has more than 8 reacher-outers. It is a great place to establish a tentacle-hold though.<br /><br />Lee <br /><a href="http://wrotebyrote.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Wrote By Rote</a><br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-12946735830687954362013-06-05T17:04:41.836-07:002013-06-05T17:04:41.836-07:00M.J. I've always loved popping bubbles. Unless...M.J. I've always loved popping bubbles. Unless I was the one blowing them.Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-30347691771602929252013-06-05T16:47:00.204-07:002013-06-05T16:47:00.204-07:00Glass ceilings are made to be broken and bubbles a...Glass ceilings are made to be broken and bubbles are made to be popped. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-2234211361061144352013-06-05T15:37:25.865-07:002013-06-05T15:37:25.865-07:00Mark: Me, too!
Pk: I don't get a lot of movem...Mark: Me, too!<br /><br />Pk: I don't get a lot of movement from Facebook as far as I can tell. I could be wrong about that, though. One of these days, I'll have to step onto Twitter. I can't manage the thought of how much of a time suck that will be, though, so, so far, I have stayed away from it.<br /><br />MP: It has certainly kept me writing on a very consistent basis. All writing is good practice, right?Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-61554719348578622092013-06-05T15:17:51.912-07:002013-06-05T15:17:51.912-07:00Blogging has helped me in so many ways with my wri...Blogging has helped me in so many ways with my writing, but I know we have to go beyond it.Missed Periodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10343265071637032284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-85597452192400474002013-06-05T15:09:08.238-07:002013-06-05T15:09:08.238-07:00Absolutely! I mean, that's why we started this...Absolutely! I mean, that's why we started this gig in the first place, right? To be honest, I think Twitter and Facebook are where it's at in terms of being seen and "bursting the bubble." That's where the interaction and recognition starts taking off. Not to say blogs aren't important. As writers we need to nourish our communication skills and maintain this invaluable network of other writers. But like you say, if you wanna reach the readers, we need to be elsewhere as well. Never underestimate the power of Twitter. :)PK HREZOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11650153097981426833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-42212983706251041312013-06-05T14:58:59.598-07:002013-06-05T14:58:59.598-07:00Totally agree, Andrew and this was a great post. (...Totally agree, Andrew and this was a great post. (I hate to sound cliche'...but it really was a great post)<br /><br />I know exactly what you mean in breaking that bubble and moving on. Not that I'm -at- that point, right now, but I can just imagine how it might be if I were successful in any way. <br /><br />It's definitely something to remember and I look forward to the day when I see my blogging pals break their own, respective, bubbles.Mark Meanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08029920604932980141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-83400516278620487762013-06-05T14:36:44.348-07:002013-06-05T14:36:44.348-07:00Jean: Well, if you're already getting paid to ...Jean: Well, if you're already getting paid to write, you're kind of already out of the bubble.<br /><br />There is a particular balance, but the real issue is that a blog just isn't going to reach the vast majority of people that might be interested in reading anyone's book.<br /><br />I should have some reviews coming up over the next few weeks. Glad to hear you like them. :)Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-7545250077569294962013-06-05T12:20:42.110-07:002013-06-05T12:20:42.110-07:00I like what you said about the idea of bubbles. It...I like what you said about the idea of bubbles. It can feel like a sense of comfort -- having people you talk to / comment with feels like a micro-community.<br /><br />I guess it depends on where the blogger (or writer) is at, at their career. For me, I'm a freelance writer. I write for a living, independent of my blog, but sometimes for it, too. I have yet to feel like I've had my epiphany or enough true life experience to write a novel. So, for me, blogging feels right. It does feel like community, in short article bursts. I'm not at a place where I am trying to promote my work -- is that the bubble you are trying to break?<br /><br />But, you brought up Neil Gaiman. To me, that man is so talented and multi-faceted with his novels AND Doctor Who scripts, I can see how emails would just bog him down. And for writers who have achieved a place where they have self-published works that they want the world to read, I can see how blogging might feel confusing, because they want to promote their stuff, but not doing so as to feel like they are selling. I don't know, that's how I interpreted it, a frustrating balance of creating content and trying to get people to read your stuff. <br /><br />I like your reading recommendations! I like to read new stuff and don't always want to go NY Times Best Seller lists.N/Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03820833129046528089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-44590439948301416282013-06-05T12:03:54.652-07:002013-06-05T12:03:54.652-07:00Donna: It's not just that we can't buy eve...Donna: It's not just that we can't buy everything, it's that when you only sell to the people reading your blog, you just sell to the same 10 or so (or however many) people over and over again. That's pretty limiting, all things considered.<br /><br />Lexa: Even if you have the big guys, they are not likely to market for you.<br /><br />Sheena: Oh, I don't think you should ever wait till you're ready.<br /><br />JKIR,F!: Yeah, me, too. Although, mostly, people seem to kind of stumble upon it.<br /><br />Alex: I know how I did it one of the times, but it's not something I can choose to repeat since I didn't actually do it.<br /><br />Jo: It is difficult.<br /><br />L.G.: Well, they do, but you won't sell many if you stay limited to that circle.<br /><br />I've had that kind of thing happen a few times, and it is cool.<br /><br />Jess: The good about blogs is that a recommendation from a blogger can be the equivalent of a recommendation from a friend. However, that means you have to spend time on blogs and most people just don't do that.<br /><br />Crystal: I certainly will!<br /><br />Michael: I wish that's all it took. heh<br /><br />Elsie: I bet some of them will read it anyway.<br /><br />Eve: See, that's the thing; most people don't figure out what to read from blogs.<br /><br />Tina: I don't know... out?Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-83615890088539704352013-06-05T11:46:05.167-07:002013-06-05T11:46:05.167-07:00I like my safe little bubble. Don't want to c...I like my safe little bubble. Don't want to choke for lack of oxygen...but I totally get your point. I'm just not there yet...once I get out, where do I go?<br />Tina @ <a href="http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Life is Good</a>Tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08925730745204736744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-42888579646222962762013-06-05T11:04:14.499-07:002013-06-05T11:04:14.499-07:00It's so true! Most readers don't read blog...It's so true! Most readers don't read blogs at all. I usually pick new books to read from the newspaper books section, wandering around in Coles, or listening to CBC Radio One's literary programs.<br />I do enjoy reading certain blogs too, but I couldn't just read blogs all day long. My brain would turn to paste. <br />It probably is necessary to be online in some kind of way these days...with the exception of Stephen King, like you said.<br />My bubble is way little. I do like the interaction with people here, but I would love to break out of my bubble as well. E. M. Prokophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12395951217528199963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-74711729839253243322013-06-05T10:24:36.180-07:002013-06-05T10:24:36.180-07:00For me, I find it very interesting that the book I...For me, I find it very interesting that the book I'm writing now will not be bought by the majority of my readers. They just don't have the need for it. So, eventually, I will have to break my bubble too.Elsie Amatahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14531633490964827363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658526372996117205.post-28294361409546962202013-06-05T08:19:54.621-07:002013-06-05T08:19:54.621-07:00You can do it Andrew. I believe in you.You can do it Andrew. I believe in you.Michael Offutt, Phantom Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10557969104886174930noreply@blogger.com