So the short answer is that honestly, there really are so many ways, from participating in twitter chats to learning everything there is to know about SEO & other technical things that I don't know very much about at all and approximately a million things in between.
My question is though, is it that the most important thing? I mean, I know why views and comments are utterly wonderful, as is that feeling you get when someone clicks on the little button that says they like what you're doing so much they'd like to be notified of the things you're going to do in the future but haven't done yet. It's incredible. But is the second person who will click that button in the future more important than the first person that already did? No!
What makes something better than something else? Is it the amount of views it gets? Is it the amount of people that talk about it? Does it matter if the talking point is good or bad? Is the amount of comments something receives a reflection of success? And is a something completely unimportant if it gets no comments at all?
Is something's 'worthiness' (or 'success', whatever those words actually mean) solely defined by the response it gets? Or is the content itself that brings the 'success'? If you're writing about something that means something to you and no one else sees it, surely even then it can't be deemed a 'failure' because it meant something to YOU. So if you write something that means something to you and one person reads it, is it ultimately more successful or is it just an added bonus to the success that was already there from the original point of creativity?
You aren't any less worthy than someone else. You are you. You are wonderful because there is no other you. Always remember that.
Welcome to my Monday morning musings. I know right?! Waaayyy too many thoughts, especially for a Monday and especially especially because I'm not sure there are any definite answers..
Argh, I haven't even had my second cup of coffee yet, although maybe I should lay off the coffee for today...
Love, Jennie
xoxo
P.S. All I know for sure is that I'm unbelievably grateful for you, the very fact that your here at all is nothing short of wonderful. And I truly mean that.
I love when you said "You are You" and I totally agree with it. Some people pay FB/IG to buy more followers but in the end it's gotta be you who attract followers not money. Great post I love hearing people' thoughts :)xx
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteLovely post, Jennie. You've expressed your view on views in such a nice way x
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet <3
DeleteA mess of lights! SQUEE! So Beautiful! :D
ReplyDeleteEllie,xx
Elephant stories and more
:D
DeleteWhat a lovely, positive way to start the week!
ReplyDeleteIt is oh so easy to get bogged down with wanting more readers/subscribers/comments/likes, but this post has reminded me to keep a bit of perspective. Thanks Jennie!
- Tabitha at Scared Toast x
<3
DeleteI agree. I started blogging just for myself, but after a while I started to get a bit obsessed with my stats - number of followers, number of page views etc...it really took the fun out of blogging. I've completely stopped it now and I just enjoy writing for me :)
ReplyDeletexoxo The perks of being a hipster
I think a lot of us have been there and you're right, it really does take away all the fun! xo
DeleteMany times i have thought about giving up on my little blog because it doesn't seem to grow in followers, i just think about the wonderful people i have met through this slice of the internet. About the random comments of girls thanking for my reviews. And about all the bloggers that do help each other out. I'm not writing my blog for anyone but myself, and anything that comes with it is just a bonus and you, Miss Jennie May, are a huge bonus. You should be so proud of how far you've come. I remember when you were so quiet and shy, and now look at you sharing your life and opinions with the world. You're wonderful, and i'm so glad i met you!
ReplyDeleteK xo
Oh gosh, thank you sweet lady! I'm glad I met you too. I hope you never stop writing because I'd definitely miss you a lot! <3
DeleteAww, I so agree with your points. I think it's really sad when people are focussed on nothing but the numbers, of followers, or comments or whatever. What happened to the idea of blogging for yourself?
ReplyDeleteI think blogging for yourself is one of the most important things <3
DeleteI totally agree with you on the views subject Jennie! And I adore your new fairy lights! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely <3
DeleteAs a new blogger, I totally appreciate this post!!!!! And I totally agree - I am writing for me and although I look forward to reaching more people some day, I never want to compromise the content of my blog for that. Thanks so much and have a lovely day!!
ReplyDeleteMeghan xo
www.fancypantsandsugarshacks.com
I hope you're having lots of fun already <3
Deletehow well said! i absolutely agree. i started my blog as a creative outlet while working at a very un-creative job, and it has been my baby ever since. simply clicking "publish" and being able to scroll through my older posts is all i need to enjoy the whole process of blogging :)
ReplyDeleterachel x
blush&brunch
That's lovely! I feel the same way <3
Deleteon the topic: this came on time, cause I don't have a lot of people who follow and 2 days ago I lost one and it's sad, because I'm doing something wrong then. but at the same time I need to be grateful for the people sticking with me and who appreciate what I'm doing.
ReplyDeletep.s. colored lights look so pretty! I used to use colored ones for winter/christmas, but I'm leaving my fairy ones because when I'm home alone I like to leave them lit while sleeping.
(your feedburner bunny icon didn't used to be there!?. hope you don't mind for mentioning. maybe it's a mistake and you wanted that there or you're already working on it..)
imeowlife. ,Dixx
You're definitely not doing anything wrong! Ooh not sure what you mean about that icon?? xx
Deleteoh, nothing. it was misplaced from where it's now. but I think it was something about my browser. I'm sorry for mentioning now.
Deletethat's okay :) xo
DeleteVery much agree with what you're saying here! :)
ReplyDelete<3 <3
DeleteI agree, some people get a little caught up with views and followers which kinda sucks the fun out of blogging! I love what you've written, a great bit of positivity on a Monday morning :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, the fairy lights are fun! xxx
It really does take the fun away! xo
DeleteI love your lights!
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally agree with the general, roundabout point of this post ;P If you're not happy with your own content, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or whether anyone else even reads it! This is a lovely reminder :)
Jess xo
hehe ;) xx
DeleteI think one of the most special things to me is having the little group of dedicated followers that have actually become my friends through blogging! It's always nice that we can support each other, so everytime a comment from people like you, Tara, Marta, Josie etc pops up, I am always so pleased! It means a lot to me :) <3 xxx
ReplyDeleteIt means so much to me too <3
DeleteYour fairy lights are SO pretty! They will definitely jazz up January! <3
ReplyDeleteI think this post is spot on; it seems such a shame that it's become to some people all about stats and followers when really that takes the whole meaning out of blogging for yourself and ruins it a little. For me it's become lovely in the last few months as I've seen how people support each other & I think that's the best way; to post from your heart and to meet like minded, lovely people!
Sophie <3 soinspo
It does ruin it, I think we've all been there to some extent but it's so important not to focus on it at all <3
DeleteI totally agree - I used to get so hung up on views, and was always trying to make sure each day/week/month was better than the last. Now I try to avoid the staff page of my blog as much as I can, and concentrate on writing!
ReplyDeleteIt's still nice to receive comments, and with that in mind I'm trying to comment more on what I read, because if comments make me smile, chances are everyone appreciates them in the same way!
And I love your lights! :)
Jane x
Oh absolutely, interaction is a really wonderful part of blogging and that's something I like to focus on waaay more than views and things xo
DeleteTotally agree xoxo
ReplyDeletewww.satinandsouffles.com
www.satinandsouffles.com
<3
DeleteI think the same thing about pageviews, I tend not to monitor them so much as my I used to get excited and my boyfriend pointed out some views were coming from spam bot type things. This was a little bit of a letdown haha. Also, seriously what is it with white lights making you sleepy? They do the same thing to me!
ReplyDeleteI know right, it's so odd! xo
Deletewell said lovely lady x
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet! xo
Deletelovely post and i completely agree. i recently started over with my blog because i didn't feel everything i was posting i was in love with and yes, my views/comments/followers are majorly down but its made me so much happier looking at my blog because i love everything on it! and at the end of the day my blog is for me! i also really feel the sense of community has been lost in blogging and people don't comment on anything anymore so just tend to not worry about it so much now!
ReplyDeletefashiontaxidermy.blogspot.co.uk
I've really been enjoying your new space (I've been terrible at commenting) I love how your passion for it really shines through in each post. A lot of comments recently have just been to get more comments in return and I think that's a shame. The interaction is one of my favourite parts but with so many blogs I can totally understand why comments are down compared to previous years xo
DeleteThis is so timely. I am in awe. This made so much sense. <3 Thank you for writing this. This alone is a success considering it was able to make people ponder on what really matters.
ReplyDelete<3 Kweng
http://heyitskweng.blogspot.com/
Thank you for reading <3
Deletelove the bright lights! so festive & fun! also I agree with everything you wrote! I recently switched blogs to get a fresh start and decided I'd rather focus on getting to know bloggers and investing in the blogs I really like as opposed to trying to get a ton of comments or followers.
ReplyDeleteCarly
I'm the same, it makes blogging a much more positive space <3
DeleteYep that's many thoughts for a monday ;) but they're really good thoughts! And I really like the colorful lights!
ReplyDelete<3 <3
DeleteSuch an inspiring post. It's so true, I would rather have a few meaningful views and comments than the generic "great post" comment knowing full well they haven't read a single word, success really shouldn't be measured by the number but the quality! Love those lights too, they look so pretty, I would love some fairy lights in my room :) xx
ReplyDeleteI agree <3
DeleteAnd this is why we're still here with you. It's unassuming posts like these that tugs at our heartstrings and makes us want to stay. Keep up the good work Jennie May <3
ReplyDeleteAww thank you so much sweet <3
DeleteOoooh the lights are so pretty! I wholeheartedly agree with what you are saying, I hate seeing a blog where the author posts empty posts and blogs for the sake of followers and likes. Having a grand total of two bloglovin' followers, I blog because I really genuinely enjoy switching off from college work to the cheerful little community. Hope you've been having a merry monday Jennie! x
ReplyDeletethree now ;) xo
DeleteThis post...just yes
ReplyDeleteCharli... Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle, Hamsters
:) xo
DeleteLoved the text and i agree with you. Nice blog :)
ReplyDeletePicture Me
Thank you!
DeleteSuper cute!! Love it. And so true, you should blog because you like it not because of followers and money...
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week!
xoxo Saranda from Sarandipity
You too :) xo
DeleteLoved this post, its so cute and i agree though comments and followers are nice its not why I personally blog :)
ReplyDeletehttp://champagnelambinibudget.blogspot.co.uk/
<3
DeleteLoved this post Jennie x Its true there is no magic wand. Just write content you're proud of & enjoy what you do! I love your blog & you deserve every view & comment you get x
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely <3
DeleteI agree, it's much better to concentrate on writing your blog for you. Ironically, I think that when people stop worrying about views and what other people think and just write from the heart they seem to get more views anyway because people respond to it :) Cute fairy lights! xx
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! xo
DeleteI have had the same thoughts this past week, after seeing what seems like everyone tweeting all over asking for followers, just for the numbers, I am thinking what is it for? I follow blogs because I love reading what the person has written, or I just like their photos. I comment because I haves something to say, because I want to respond to what she/he has posted as if they where talking to me. I love just talking, not looking at the numbers and not fretting if they go up or down, but just Talking.
ReplyDeleteI love your lights, I am thinking about leaving all my fairy lights up, the kids love them so much anyway!
Cornelia - Ineffable Beauty
I completely agree. I click the follow button when I love a blog and want to read more <3
DeleteYes! I agree with this post so much. I've written for an audience when I first started blogging "professionally" - as in not talking about my feelings, boys, etc - and I constantly felt some sort of pressure. I started new and hid all of my old posts, and it feels a lot better to post what I want to post and really be "me." It's a lot more enjoyable to me now :)
ReplyDeleteIt's all about having fun <3
DeleteHear, hear! Sometimes I'd prefer not to know how many views a post received. My favourite posts never seem to be the most popular but they make me happy so that's all that counts really. ;) One of my favourite blogs has less than 50 followers but it's fantastic. It really is all about content and passion.
ReplyDeleteP.S Those are pretty fairy lights Jennie! <3
Tara xo
I relate to that so much. A lot of times the post I enjoyed writing the most are the ones that get less views and comments, lol. And my boyfriend points it out like "I guess people don't like that stuff too much" but I'm like "but I do. I write blog posts for myself, it's MY blog."
DeleteWell written, Jennie! xx
I feel like its just important to post what you want to post. -Hanna Lei
ReplyDeleteI agree! xo
DeleteThis is so true and I'm pleased you made a post about this. I often think it's a shame that in the blog world success seems to be determined by stats and the amount of followers etc. I think we need to think about success in different ways. Enjoyment is most important in blogging. I also think writing about what's important to you and making friends are indicators of success. The best blogs, in my opinion, are certainly not those with the most followers.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think there are so many ways to measure success and views shouldn't be the most important one! xo
DeleteAgree with all u have said. blog is yet another outlet to feeling about anything. let us let it thatway.
ReplyDeleteJust joined your blog
Have a look at mine
http://wemakeupblog.blogspot.com/
<3
DeleteI love this post, it is so hard when blogging to ignore the little number next to the view count, it seems to be the first thing that hosts want us to look at. It is far more relaxing to simply enjoy to blog than to feel like you have to work to increase your numbers though, as you say it shows in the writing. Great post! :) xx
ReplyDeleteI completely agree <3
DeleteWhat a wonderful post. I think you've made a lot of people feel more certain and clear about why they write what they write. It's easy to feel bogged down by this online world and how many comments/twitter followers/bloglovin' followers you have but you've hit the nail on the head and you're quite right, more often than not the wonderful content doesn't have a billion likes and comments but that doesn't mean it's not brilliant! I think that to have the initiative and courage to put your thoughts and opinions online is worthy enough of a pat-on-the-back in itself!
ReplyDeleteBella xx
<3 <3
DeleteI loved this post! Sometimes we need remind what matters. As long as there's someone out there who is enjoying what you are doing, that's all we need :)
ReplyDeletehttp://becoming-beauty.blogspot.com
Absolutely <3
DeleteThis post is utterly brilliant, and I wish every person who regularly produces content could take a couple of minutes to read and enjoy this post as much as I did. Also - I better add, thank you for all of the lovely comments you leave me. I may not get many in general but it is the few lovely ones that make it feel a bit more worthwhile - and that's what counts. Thank you.
ReplyDeletexxx
You're very welcome lovely! <3
DeleteSince I've become more involved in the blogging community I've been a little overwhelmed with the amount of follower begging, or multiple tweets and posts about "mile stones" people have hit. I find it so strange.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's because blogging is my hobby and not something I'm trying to turn into a career. Of course I'm over the moon when people read my ramblings, but I'm not desperately counting who follows along.
That sounds stressful!
Sorcha x Bright Field Notes
It does sound very stressful! xo
DeleteYour fairy lights are very cute and I totally agree with you I think blogging should be more for happiness than success.
ReplyDeletehttp://guesswhathollie.blogspot.co.uk/
Definitely <3
DeleteI find this a tricky one--I know full well that views/followers aren't the most important thing about blogging, but after you get your first few followers it is very, very hard not to get a tiny bit obsessed with it! (I agree with another commenter above--I don't get all the begging tweets asking people to follow them for bloglovin stats and suchlike. Surely it's better if people follow you because they want to, rather than just to boost your stats and never read?)
ReplyDeleteOh I can completely understand the feeling of wanting your space to grow, I just think it should be the most important thing <3
Delete