July 9th, 2008 at 7:51 pm

I must say that you were the first popular blogger I ever contacted and that was about 8 months ago. Your response was short but sweet but I felt like it was incredibly encouraging. So, thank you for taking time out for me.

July 9th, 2008 at 7:55 pm

I can’t agree more. Well said. When I was starting I couldn’t find any response to my emails either… now I get plenty of responses, but it’s because I offer one-way link trades to anyone in the “internet marketing” topic…so of course they respond. It’s sad really.

Also, helping others is the easiest and best route to making money. So they fail twice.

July 9th, 2008 at 8:02 pm

[…] Internet Marketing http://courtneytuttle.com/2008/07/09/on-the-perils-of-emailing-popular-bloggers/ […]

July 9th, 2008 at 8:19 pm

I find that Vic’s aprroach of playing it forward has worked for me. I’m not much of an expert on SEO or writing but I do know hubpages so I could answer some questions that Grizz had: what blew me away was that he then came and commented on my hub - without even a link back to his blog: how cool was that! Ive seen court do similar things when people ask questions on his posts. Vic appears to have made himself in hospital by caring so much for the people he was helping. I noticed that you to have the same attitude and will happily give a link back to people who help you - so guess who Im happy to help now!

People who are too busy to help beginners are taking a very short term view IMHO - we all started knowing nothing at the start!

July 9th, 2008 at 8:21 pm

Monika,

You do make a valid point when it comes to taking the time to read what’s on the blog of the particular blogger you’re trying to reach and I’m certainly going to agree with you on this one.

Yet I DO think that once bloggers start “getting big”, it kinda goes to their head. For example, my main website is a personal finance blog. I can’t count the number of emails I’ve sent to “big name” bloggers in the personal finance realm, not asking dumb questions, mind you, but offering to write GUEST POSTS! I introduce myself, and invite them to get a feel for my writing style by skimming a few of the posts on my blog. Should they feel that the quality of my writing is up to par with what they offer to their readers, I simply ask for a “Yes, please submit”. I’ve had only ONE reply in pretty much 5 months.

I have all those blogs on my RSS reader, and in a way I think it’s sad. I’ve noticed that they do group themselves into networks but it also looks like past a certain point they don’t feel the need (or motivation) to reach outside said network. I’ve also noticed that whenever they have guest posts, it’s from big names in other niches.

Yes I know that was a bit lengthy but I had to vent

July 9th, 2008 at 8:45 pm

This post is exactly correct. I love chatting with other bloggers and helping them out is only paying it forward which is awesome.

If they link to my site and send their readers my way, they get extra special attention of course.

Also, the mention about if they have commented on your site is VERY important. Comments are not the end all be all, but when you are first starting out, you want to know that people are reading your stuff. If people take the time to comment, that will only inspire you more to keep at it. They are important to me…

July 10th, 2008 at 3:39 am

This is really really strange, sent an email to Court yesterday about keyword sniping and then read this today! Guess he won’t be getting back to me

July 10th, 2008 at 8:23 am

Your Finish Rich Plan

I would suggest sending the post itself rather than asking for them to look at your work. Give them the actual intended post as an example. Just don’t shop it around. You’ll make someone very angry if the same post goes up in more than one place. I think you’ll see a better success rate this way.

Monika

One possibility is to respond to those “Just read the darn blog” questions with a link to the part they are asking about. Or write a series on the topic, or just point a link to someone who did. Copy/paste/repeat as needed.

More to the general topic. I know that I have a tendency to not reply to emails if more than 2 days have past. It falls off the radar, and I forget about it. I’m not at all organized that way. If I have a hectic week, no reply. On another week, I might spend an hour going back and forth until things are squared away.

Don’t be a pest, but it might be a good idea to just follow up a week later. Maybe the person is like me, and it was just the wrong week. Also, if I know someone is following up, I will be more inclined to make a point of responding. Maybe that’s just me, but chances are that a few others will be similar to me.

Sometimes it really is just the person. One of my mentors has never failed to come through quickly and for any reason. Others don’t reply no matter how many times you attempt contact, even if you’re a regular commenter and reader.

One tip is to let the comment section be a bit of a guide as to the likelihood of response. Does the blogger respond to readers? Is everyone responded to, or just other A-listers, or only a core group of regulars? Do noobs get replies? These should help tip you off about what you might expect from the blogger in question.

July 10th, 2008 at 9:39 am

I am not a “big” blogger. But I am busy.

I alwasys make it a point to answer email, say something about comments that are left on my blog, and promote other people’s blogs that comment or write to me.

There is something called Karma at work on the internet.

The Masked Millionaire

July 10th, 2008 at 10:17 am

Thank you for this informative article. I read here very often, ist very nice Go on taht way!

July 10th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

Thanks, Monica, for this article. I totally agree that it can be difficult to keep up with emails and even comments for that matter. Darren from ProBlogger wrote an article a while back (I’m sorry I can’t find the link) about blogs that never respond to emails or comments vs. blogs that respond to EVERYTHING!

This has stuck in my mind, and I try to find a balance between the two extremes. Responses do get very time consuming, and I hope that people understand that if there isn’t a response to everything, it’s not because they’re not important.

Homemaker Barbi

July 10th, 2008 at 2:21 pm

Well said Monica. I did contact Court once and he did not respond. I did not take offense to it because I basically guessed that he was really busy and it needs to be worthwhile. I was not offering anything in return as well.

I have learned a lot from reading this blog and I realized on my own that I could simply find the answers to most questions by reading the blog. This blog is set up to walk you through online marking step by step.

July 10th, 2008 at 3:12 pm

When I first started my site, I asked you bunch of dumb questions and you were more than gracious answering me again and again until you finally (and rightly so) had to politely wean me from your support. I’ll never forget how kind and helpful you were. And the gentle kick was just what I needed to learn what I had to. Which I mostly have.

I also get many questions which I try my best to answer. But just today I got one from a woman who had written me many times on the blog and privately and came back with along e-mail with even more problems. So today, when I had to do a gentle kick, I thought of you and smiled.

Thanks for being the person you are. And I agree…I think most bloggers are like this.

Warm regards,
Ronnie Ann

July 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

This is a fascinating topic. I think it’s incredibly presumptuous to think that anyone owes anyone anything! As Monika stated, sometimes people don’t read blog entries, but just want a summary. Over and over I again I am fooled by people who think they are so special that they shouldn’t spend the time reading blog entries, doing their research, using that thing called “Google,” or once finding informative sites, to actually poke around, read, bookmark and take notes. No, they expect someone to summarize everything and make it easy for them.

Or because they think they have something to say and think they can write, they should get the attention of other bloggers to be a guest poster or free special help. Gee, people, do it yourself! Do your research, set up and maintain a blog/site, make relevant comments on sites which inspire you. Be proactive! Create your own community, your own life! The best way to get attention is to stand out by showing your skills, not just shopping them around.

We all have busy lives. We don’t owe anything to anyone except to give the best of ourselves to those ready to receive and give back. Amazing things happen when we do our homework: the very people we want to connect with do respond. Or maybe others respond who are a better fit, who found us because of our work. What good does it do to write something and shop it around vs putting it on our own sites and/or making comments?

I can’t tell you how many great emails I get on my site (jennylens.com) and myspace about my photos, but so few comments! Why is that? I need/want people to share their great feelings and stories about my work. They touch my heart so deeply, and I know others would feel the same. They don’t discuss private things but they often feel isolated. Imagine if everyone made their thoughts public on my sites? They would connect with each other!!!

People reach out to me because I created photos which elevate their lives. My photos connect many to a time frame, an era that has disappeared from our culture, while creating a new cultural reference. They think I lived a magical life. They don’t realize I’m just like them, except for one thing: I made it happen. I didn’t expect anyone’s help nor blame others for not helping me. I relied on my own abilities, while teaching myself many new skills, without the net to guide me!

But for some reason, people feel like emails are more personal than comments. Well, guess what, my emails get thrown into folders, and on myspace, don’t get me started cos I can’t organize them there. But comments? I can read them anytime to lift my spirits, to make me laugh or cry with joy. And comments live on, to inspire others, not just the recipient.

Plus I would keep in touch with those who comment, because I can read so many at once. I simply don’t have the time to keep up with all my emails!

So enough of the emails! Write comments. Do your research. Then watch the world come to you. People always respond to action.

Finally, I know how hard it is to present info online. I’ve used different web design s/w (basic HTML, Dreamweaver, WordPress and now into Joomla!). I’ve tried to incorporate parts of old sites and it’s a mess. So I don’t mind emailing specific urls or jpgs to clients or customers.

What I do mind is people not bothering to read the amazing info that’s online. I can’t tell you how many photographers are CLUELESS about anything and everything dealing with photos. Copyrights, various web design s/w, licensing for editorial vs commercial, oh the list goes on. And not just photographers, but people who design clothes and want to license my pix.

I am trying to get into the habit of telling them to do their research. Yes, I’ve shared tons of info, but instead of moving me forward, it just wastes my time. There’s only so much one person can do. And after decades of helping others, I have to be more careful.

Have you ever helped someone who stabbed you in the back? Sometimes people don’t want free help. Sometimes it’s so overwhelming they just want a simple answer. They don’t want to be told their writing is inaccurate or grammatically incorrect. Some get mad or disappear when they realize it’s too much work, too much research, just too much.

Finding balance between sharing info and taking care of your needs is a delicate art. But remember, if people aren’t willing to give of themselves, you don’t owe them anything. Cos the time you spend with those individuals means less time to the many more who understand the value of your time, and theirs.

There’s no easy path, nor one path for everyone. And people in glass houses shouldn’t throw bricks. I see no reason why people who have worked long and hard, devoted themselves to something, and become successful, have an obligation to continue to help people or give away their time and energy. They have the right to spend their time as they wish. Wouldn’t you do the same?

My attitude is: any time someone offers to help me, who has skills beyond mine, I bless them, God and the universe. I am so grateful that someone knows something more than I, and something I’ve done means they want to help me. 99% of the time I know more than the person offering to help, so I have to move on. I simply can’t invest time in someone who isn’t willing to learn, to work, and has a preconceived idea of what I should be doing. That takes time away from me learning and doing and growing, and hence reaching more people than the one wasting my time.

Good example: people constantly want to redo my site. But they have never heard of WordPress or Joomla! Worse, when they realize the scope of work that needs to be done, they disappear. Somehow, many think it’s possible to be successful and never read, never try things out, never pay attention. The irony is, that anyone who does spend time with me, learns skills that would take them many years and much money to acquire. These skills will enable them to fulfill their dreams. But they aren’t willing to do it.

(I taught most computer programs, art, design, writing, etc for decades at various colleges and training centers. I know how to teach, but more importantly, I am finally learning who wants to really learn and work, and those who are merely wanna bes).

It’s so much easier to post something to YouTube and send out an email about it. Don’t call me cynical, call me what I am: someone who’s been around the block a few times.

Be choosy! There are great, amazing, wonderfully giving people in this world. So give to them, don’t expect them to do for you. That’s the best lesson successful people can give: show people the info, set a good example, and let it go! And at all times, evaluate whether or not you should be spending your time doing whatever you are doing. Be a beacon of light, a shining example, but not under any obligations other than what is going to benefit the most, starting with you.

There is nothing worse than helping someone who takes your info and uses it against you, claims credit, spread lies or tries to make you feel badly because you didn’t do what, when or how they wanted something done.

But nothing better than doing the best you can, and people thanking you, and following your example. And you keep following the examples of the people who inspire you.

Be the change you want to see. (Gandhi).

July 10th, 2008 at 5:53 pm

I agree though. By helping it will help us too in the long run I’m certain of this. But when I help others, I actually don’t think about what they will do for me in return. It’s more like using a pay it forward mentality.

July 10th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

I totally agree that successful bloggers need quality content and large readership! Sorry I didn’t make that clear. We need both quality content on our blogs AND contribute meaningful comments on more popular blogs. THEN we can write others about guest posting, but again, not expect a response, or be angry or disappointed they are not getting one.

There are lots of popular blogs, and when one author is too busy to respond, another will. Or keep commenting in those blogs you want to guest post. Eventually someone will pay attention. People get busy and sometimes you have to make many comments over a period of time before someone realizes what you have to offer.

Plus comments will drive readers to your site!! (Obviously, don’t use the comments as a plug, but refer to your site in some way to encourage people to come by, or at least your user name and site have something in common. I don’t use these kinds of sites to promote my photos per se. I just refer to my site because that’s my online reference point.)

Secondly, I want to word this carefully. Sometimes the more popular or visible blogs are written by arrogant assholes. Some people only want others to fawn other them, agree with them, or only allow their friends to guest blog.

I am stunned that whether in print or online, some people rather align with their editors, writers, whomever than acknowledge there’s a problem with the text or copyright violations or inaccuracies! I am blown away by that! People rather be wrong than admit they or someone they are working with made a mistake (or contradicts them)! And yes, sometimes these people are involved with very major, visible, popular publications in print or online.

I’ve had issues with some blogs/sites (and magazines) because their writers are inaccurate. I take offense at my work being used without watermarks on my online photos.

I can’t believe some people actually scan my photos from my book or elsewhere, and never even think to Google me. I make it very clear on my site, and in emails, anyone can use my photos IF they take them from my site, because I watermarked them, and include a live link back to my home page.

Can you guess how many people don’t know what is a watermark? Even photographers! Or people who never thought to find my site? Or claim they don’t know how to create live link to my site. Or people who refuse to use my photos if I include my watermark. And these are from big, corporate sites, as well as smaller sites, with some good visibility (or so they say).

They get mad at me, when they violate MY copyright? Or they put the wrong info online? I work so hard to establish correct dating and event info re my historical photos, and then they rewrite my captions or copy. And they get mad at me for suggesting they observe the laws of the land and protect my work, as well as theirs, and be accurate.

(I try to be as kind and patient as I can be, because I’ve learned coming on strong makes things worse. I’ve walked people through how to do all this, and why, and then they turn around and decide not to use my photos. Talk about wasting time and being vindictive! That is why lots of photographers just won’t let their work be used or demand money upfront.)

Well, I don’t need that kind of aggravation! The reality is webmasters, authors, bloggers, whatever who think they are too good for you, too popular to respond, are a dime a dozen. There’s so many blogs, groups, communities and ways to reach people.

It’s amazing what happens when you try another route. You never know where you are going to find someone who will help open your world! Don’t put all your eggs in one basket re a client or a popular blog.

I don’t care how many hits I get per se. I only care that the people trying to find me do find me. And that’s a big issue, because I didn’t understand how search engines work until recently. I didn’t understand the importance of Alt tags and photos. So many search for a group I shot, but don’t find me. That’s what I need to resolve (when I have the time!).

I care that those who read my posts and comments are thoughtful, intelligent people, not just jumping around to find the hottest trends out there. I don’t have time to repeat stories over and over that I’ve posted. They need to lose themselves in my site, just as I have done in all the wonderful blogging sites who have taught me about search engines and much more!

I certainly have not incorporated all I know to get my photos out there. It’s a huge amount of work, and I’m always busy. But I’m in the process of creating a whole new site dedicated to my other passion, the healing arts. And I’m taking the time to bookmark, comment and contact people whose blogs/sites are quality. It’s a niche market, but one that has friendlier people. I’m amazed at the great talks and emails I’ve had with fellow raw foodists and yoginis.

I think part of our response from others is a reflection of who we are. And what we are discussing. The more you focus on areas of your interest and expertise, others can discern your passion, energy and knowledge. That goes a long way for being noticed, linked, written about, and yes, guest posting and increasing your own traffic.

I want to conclude with something that really bothers me. I read huffingtonpost.com for my news. Lately, it’s been getting more and more trendy and artificial. There’s a blogger writing about her yoga experiences. I think she is a very poor writer, and insulting to some of her readers. I’ve made a couple of comments, and her reaction was to criticize me. She thinks she’s some big deal cos she’s on this very popular blog site. She thinks I’m going to continue to read her!

She doesn’t understand that after reading two of her posts, I’m outta here. I don’t have time for her POV and she obviously doesn’t want me around. Yet when I read Sally Kempton on yogajournal.com, my heart and life opens up.

One might assume more would read posts on huffingtonpost.com. But for those of us looking for more deeply spiritual, psychological, meaningful posts, can you guess which site would become part of our lifestyle? yogajournal.com.

What might seem to be the more popular blog might not be the best fit. Or the kinds of posts and comments I want/need to read, I always find on more targeted sites. I’m not going to find quality info on raw foods, or veganism, or yoga on the more mainstream, popular news sites. But the info, readers and community I find on the smaller, more niche sites are golden! Sometimes it’s quality over quantity!

(Same thing re my photos. I always find far more interesting info from the fans and participants, not the big corporate sites. That is also why people love my info and photos. Not just the same standard stuff on all the typical, corporate music sites. And especially because I was there, not someone who decided to tell it their way when they weren’t even around when I was living that life and taking those photos! AUTHENTICITY trumps popularity. Now to balance both!!)

So find the bloggers/writers with whom you resonate, and build community with them. That’s the great thing about all these blogs/sites, we have so much choice!

Remember the story of the wind and the sun, and which would force the man to take off his jacket? The mighty wind or the gentle sun? Be the sun that lights up people’s lives. Oh no, now I’m sounding like the earth mother hippie punk I am. Oy, such is life.

Just don’t feel badly if people let you down (what, you are so perfect you never disappointed or hurt someone, even unintentionally?). Change your expectations and surprise yourself and others. Expect a miracle, but don’t demand it from others without an open mind, giving heart, and a good work ethic!

Namaste!

July 10th, 2008 at 6:32 pm

Yikes, sorry I am writing so much. I NEVER do things and expect a certain response. I don’t do something and expect something in return if we haven’t discussed the terms first.

A good life lesson: sometimes people get mad or upset when others don’t respond the way they want, yet the others are innocent and have no idea what’s being expected of them. Discussion and agreements save a lot of heartbreak and wasted time and energy. But they don’t prevent disappointment — that’s part of life. People breach agreements all the time.

What I’m saying is: too often people expect us to help them, tell them things, guide them, and then they turn around and either flee, stab us in the back, or whatever. That REALLY hurts because we’ve given so freely of our time and knowledge.

We don’t expect them to necessarily become our mentors, best pals, but to find out they are using the info you gave them and trying to destroy or demean you, or are now too busy for you, well, that happens more often than we realize!

That’s my warning: if you deal with people who make great promises and yet demand more from you, if they take and take and don’t give back, think how you’d feel if they betrayed you or hurt you?

I know ALOT of people, so I know tons of GREAT folks, but I’ve had my share of users, abusers, liars, morons and thieves. And if that sounds harsh, well, walk in my shoes and you’d say the same. However, I am NOT embittered, just trying to be wiser so I do more good in my life than waste it on people who get off on that kind of thing.

That’s another important issue: some people really enjoy taking and then hurting/destroying others. Some feel inferior, or that they have to be the best, so they play up to your ego, get what they want, and then try to destroy you. They are jealous you are smarter, that you can figure things out, you get things done, you have something to say, or you are just nicer than they.

So don’t feel like you have to give to everyone all the time. One comment I read about helping someone who keeps coming back for more of you. It’s ok to say, “What have you done with the info I gave you? Did you read the links I sent you? If yes, then what are you doing with it? If no, then why not? Keep researching. Gotta go, bye now!”

Interesting that when you say that, or move on, they move on and badger someone else.

Of course, there’s times when two strangers connect and it’s wonderful! You each grow and nurture each other and solid friendships grow. Even if your paths don’t cross very often, you are in each other’s thoughts now and then. You know you can always drop an email and you’ve got a friend out there.

I’ve met so many wonderful people online. It’s truly a great time to be alive! But so many of them have seen how much I give and warn me to be more careful. Your true friends care about you that way!

But beware that people are only getting weirder now that economic and political times are rougher. And people are always lured by promises of easy riches via blogging. But that also means a great time for growth, but on YOUR terms. Own your life. Cream rises to the top.

July 10th, 2008 at 11:23 pm

I think there are “dumb questions” out there and people that don’t want to take the time to search the blog for the information they are seeking and those are the people that inevitably need their hand held through everything in life, and then there are some top bloggers, the so-called “gurus” who really write a lot of useless crap that is neither hands on or usable and in those cases, readers, and especially newbies, are left unsatisfied and are forced to seek out clarity via email.

My advice is to follow blogs that post hands-on, useful information, that is clear and concise and avoid those blogs that provide little value. Just because their considered high-traffic, “top bloggers” or “gurus” does not mean they should be followed or that they will provide valuable content.

Thanks,
JR

July 11th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Monika, words can’t express how wonderful you are in letting us express our thoughts, without judgment or harsh feedback. I’ve been on sites where people are just plain mean! That’s again why I keep saying to choose careful company. Of course I am so sorry to hear about the person who treated you so badly re no money.

I am glad you made the most obvious statement: don’t work for free.

I always tell people if they insist on working for free, (quite frankly, it’s a major component behind my popular niche photo reputation), be wiser than I! It goes back to what I mentioned about agreements: discuss and get in writing, how your work will benefit you, whether or not you are getting paid. The other person/people have to write about and link back to you on the footer of each page, plus something in the body or About page or somewhere (at least!).

They need to give you some creative freedom. They will buy a piece of s/w for you or pay you at a certain time. If someone offers a service, get coupons for the service or a discount or something!!

Whatever it is, get it in writing how you will benefit. And never, ever be shy about some kind of payment or compensation and promotion or willingness to walk away.

Otherwise, you might be wiser to just work on your own portfolio! I can’t tell you how much free work I’ve done for the “exposure” or “experience” when I would have advanced my career much further, with better emotional and creative results, if I said NO more often.

Every time someone tells me how their project is going to give me exposure, I can confidently turn them down or accept, after analyzing the potential. I know which sites (or docs, books, mags, etc) will help, if it’s worth spending the time, how much aggravation, etc.

I know how that works — experience being the great teacher! NO ONE will promote your work as good as you can. You don’t think so? Well, who has more to gain? And if you don’t know how to promote your work, well, that’s part of your growth as a blogger, a business person, an artist/writer/creative person and a human being.

I keep going back to the wonderful info that’s on the net! I’ve learned more in the last year than nearly 15 years being online! There’s vast treasures of info out there from very successful bloggers. Find them, follow their examples, and make your own path.

I agree about comments wherein people who met each other at conventions, or knew each other way back when, etc stuck together. And that is news because? We all find our comfort zones. Remember high school? Neighborhood kids? This thing called cliques. And it’s different now because?

I know, I sound like someone’s mother. Sorry. But the point is, we are dealing with basic human behavior. Remove ourselves from this being about blogging. It’s about how people interact with each other. All my years of teaching adults how to use the computer constantly challenged me how to deal with needy people whose big issues were far more personal than technical. I certainly wasn’t as effective as I would be now! Sometimes it takes distance and hindsight to figure out what’s going on, within each of us and others.

We are just bigger kids, trying to get what we deem to be the popular kids to pay attention to us and help us. They treat us like the little brats they think we are. That simplifies things, doesn’t it? It’s not about you, it’s about everyone.

Go find your own sandbox and invite your friends over. Pretty soon you’ll have the hot, new clique. Oh well, life is fun, isn’t it?

I constantly get emails from people wishing they were around when I took photos. Yes things are radically different. Traffic, cost of living, competition, too many choices means the era I shot and lived won’t return in our lifetime.

But here’s the great news: we have another wonderful environment: ONLINE!! OMG I am so excited about the people I meet online and the community building I’m involved in. I am following my heart’s passion, and it’s not photos!

It’s something I can do online and within my own real world (the one with real trees and the beach too). It’s a very personal issue, my own healing. Now I’m meeting the kind of people I’ve longed to meet for decades, all involved in the same quest as I. We are helping each other and well, it’s just so bloody gratifying after some of the nasty things I’ve experienced in my life.

As I said before, focus on those topics which excite you! Find something that’s not overpopulated! Not trendy and crowded. It’s a big world out there, and it’s a lot easier to be a big fish in a little pond. It’s also more meaningful because you will find people who appreciate your intentions, if they come from the heart and offer something new. You can find and make a community looking for what you have to offer and learn from them too!

Say you are into financial services, but you love old cars. Get involved in old car clubs and you might find people who need your financial services. You know that’s the old way of networking, and it still works.

I’m just throwing some ideas out there, but I’m blown away by how many people have similar interests to me, after years of being so isolated. Part of that has to do with being involved in formerly radical and fringe things like punk music, raw foods and yoga. And who would have ever guessed that some of us share all those passions? And that my life experiences are now inspiring people? I am speechless at that, but I am embracing and enjoying it! Cos I still have so much to learn! Life sure can throw curveballs.

So what are your passions that seemed so private and not popular? Bet you can find online communities to feel right at home!

I know I sound vague, but I’m living proof of what I am writing. It does no good to say, get into raw foods because that’s not following your heart. It’s a small niche, but you only get noticed (and grow inside) if you live your words! So what turns you on? What’s a pressing issue that you feel is not being addressed or that you can contribute in a positive way?

I’ve said all this, as have Monika and others, but it bears repeating.

I also said all this is a reflection of who we are. I truly believe we are raised in a culture which demeans us to keep us under control. We are not taught that we have the power within us to live more fulfilled lives. There’s tons of info online about finding others and expanding your own lives.

Let those who flock together do their own thing. The adventure is creating your own life. After all, the net as we know it now is radically different than a few years ago or 15 or 20 years ago (yes, I’ve been online that long!). Who knows what it will be like in 5 years?

You wanna follow others or blaze your own path? It’s hard work, but “no one is alone,” (from Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim, my fave Broadway musical). But it’s all about life’s journeys, and how on one hand we do so much alone, but by doing it our way, we find kindred souls with whom we share the journey.

It ain’t easy, but hey, it’s the only life we have. This time around, at least! LOL!!

July 12th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

It all depends what your motives are. I am a retired paramedic and re-invented myself as a writer/blogger … then I found I could make money online doing this…. a whole new world opened up to me.

I learn from writing and in addition posting to other blogs that are keyword specific. It is a beautiful thing … rankings go up, I get more knowledge and I make money … COOL!

Denise
http://www.dubli-network.blogspot.com