Evolving the Blog or Blogging the Evolution

Deb, at San Diego Momma, has some sort of freaky-deaky ESP thing going on whereby she reads my mind and then writes a post on what I was thinking about. This post of hers covers my thoughts so well I’m tempted to have you just read it and I’ll say “What Deb said.” That, however, would not be the blogger way.

Lately some of what it is that many (though not all and not some of my favorites) bloggers covet has come my way. Opportunities for product reviews, a little advertising revenue. Some recognition. Which is great.

Except . . .

It’s great if only I can pick and choose and not change who I am or what I write. Which is actually a little harder than I thought it would be. I gave up trying to keep the blog secret from extended family because it was getting to be a real pain and it’s not like I complain bitterly or tell deep, dark family secrets here. Still, I feel I’ve lost a little something in “going public.”

I’ve done book reviews from the beginning (and I don’t do all the reviews I’m offered), but somehow I have two reviews that needed to post within a 10-day period and I started thinking, “Ack, nobody wants to read two reviews by me in that time span.”

Then an awesome opportunity came my way—post to follow—with the San Diego Zoo. It was all good and I was feeling excited, but when I got there I was directed to the Media check-in and given a VIP badge and my family would have been booted right out of there a couple of times if I hadn’t waved my pass and said, “They’re with me.” Is this me, I wondered?

When we went to collect our photos at the end of the evening I got a little nervous when people were forking over money for what I understood to be free photographs. But no, the clerk explained, “You’re a VIP, yours are free.” Well that was a relief since I was not carrying much cash and I wanted the photo, but still, it was strange.

What I fear most is losing the connection I feel with my fellow bloggers and my non-blogging readers. I don’t want anyone to think I do this for any reason other than the love of it. Which I don’t feel precludes ever doing reviews or giveaways or being a VIP, but it does feel like walking a tightrope that requires awareness. That awareness is adding a new dimension to the blogging experience that feels a little bit like wearing a jacket that’s a little tight in the shoulders. Maybe I’ll get used to it. If not, I suppose I can always go back to my old jacket.

Comments

[kcinnova]

I think if you are only doing what feels right --and you are being true to yourself and your values-- you cannot go wrong. I've never known you to go against yourself in your writing, so I look forward to what you will be posting about the zoo! (And hey, FREE is my friend!)

My mother is talking about joining facebook. If she does, I know she will examine my site thoroughly and from there she will discover my blog. A few extended family members know about my blog, but I don't think anyone reads it... yet. Like you, it's not that there is anything awful on there, it's just the loss of something that I thought was private to me.

[Maureen at IslandRoar]

I also see other bloggers writing about their struggle with this dilemma. But I think, on the whole, it is a good problem to have. It means people are liking what you're doing. So pat yourself on the back for that!

[she]

I say, "Do what you feel comfortable with!"

And congratulate yourself for being notable and chosen for these types of opportunities!

Awesome!

[Smalltown Mom]

I wouldn't mind a little revenue myself...

You are always honest about yourself and your blog so I don't think you'll have a problem. I would rather read a review or recommendation (+ or -) from you rather than from some product wh*re.

[Busy Bee Suz]

I think you can do both and do it well. You have so many faithful readers...they are faithful because you are too.
Congrats on being 'noticed.'
Suz

[Suzy]

Congratulations!

I no longer do book reviews and the recently offered product reviews. Because a few months ago I decided that no matter what I wrote about, it had to be funny and I think we all know what I would do to product reviews. I'm much happier with my blog now. Before, I felt I was all over the place so I decided to focus and see what happens. So far? Nothing but turning things down.

[anna see]

i get what you are saying. a few people i know from church and life know about my blog and i feel i can't be completely open about some stuff my fam goes through b/c of privacy reasons.

just keep being yourself! :)

[gary]

OK, looking forwARD TO THE NEXT CHAPTER.

[LifeAsIKnowIt]

Do what feels right...I had to take a long break to figure some things out.
As long as you still like what you are doing then keep doing it!

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

I think you're great at what you do in the blogosphere and if opportunities arise for you to review things/go places/try new stuff, power to you!

[jenn]

Congratulations! It sounds like you're doing great and tasting some well-deserved success. Enjoy it, and just stay true to what makes you YOU. :)

[Susan]

I think the fact that you think it through and make a case by case decision is enough to make it honest and not turn you into a product review blog.

[San Diego Momma]

Word that.

Totally.

[Minnesota Matron]

You won't lose your footing. I know it.

[jenrantsraves]

Do what you feel comfortable with, and screw what everybody else thinks. The people who say you shouldn't take perks are the ones who haven't been offered perks yet.

About the family thing, there are so many times I think of starting a new blog and not telling my family about it! The posts I could write about my in laws!

[imom]

I agree with smalltown mom... I look forward to hearing your reviews. If you end up not enjoying yourself, you can stop!!

[JCK]

You have a wonderful meter for what feels right. It comes across in your posts. Test out the jacket. It may just need stretching. :)