Blog? What Blog?
61I thought I was doing the right thing when I joined a local writers’ group. Less than a year later, I am no longer with that writers’ group and had no problem letting my membership expire. During the time I was with this group of writers, it was suggested that I establish myself as a writer by taking a few recommended steps. Here were the four ways suggested by my former writers’ group on how a writer should build a platform to go with anything you write for publication:
You must establish a blog.
This is just me. I don’t like being at the tail end of something new. I want to be part of something that is fresh and not followed by the masses.
Blogs have been around for a few years, but now, everyone and his mother has a blog. It’s like tattoos. In the past, you only saw tattoos on sailors, criminals or those who were stuck with them because laser surgery wasn’t around to erase them. Now, it’s not uncommon for people to have more than one tattoo.
So, I bought into this writer’s platform thing and took a class on how to establish a blog. I found out it wasn’t too hard to establish a blog. I used blogspot.com and had a blog up in hours. I don’t have the computer skills to design an impressive blog with great graphics, so I settled for what I can design on my lonesome.
It is suggested that you write a blog and publish articles twice a week. At least twice a week so your audience will remember to keep track of you. By doing this, you will stay fresh in the minds of your readers.
You need to print business cards which tell people you are a writer.
To show you are serious about writing, you must have business cards printed with you defined as a writer. You need to pass these business cards out to everyone you come in contact with. You never know who you’ll run into.
You have to establish a Facebook account.
Facebook, so they say, is a great place to promote yourself and your work. I found out how easy it was to put news of my published blogs on Facebook. All it takes is a keystroke.
You need to get a Twitter account.
I don’t have a Twitter account. I have a Metro phone which my husband pays $40 a month for. It has unlimited calling to some places on Earth. But I doubt it’s the type of phone which is smart enough for Twitter. What am I missing? Nothing. It’s hard enough for me to carry a phone with me. When you had to work as a receptionist or a secretary, it is not unusual not to like phones. I don’t even answer my phone at home. My answering machine does all the work.
Blog? What Blog?
Since beginning HubPages, I haven’t kept up with my blog in over a month. I have no interest in writing in it because what I write in my blog can’t multi-task. If I find a blog article interesting and want to add it to my HubPages account, I will be dinged for it, and it will not be published in HubPages. I know this because I tried doing that, and I had to write the piece over in order to get it accepted for publication on the HubPages site.
With all my attention on HubPages, I feel that writing hubs, Hopping Hubs, reading Hubs and answering every comment involving my work, I have enough to do. If I tried to follow turning in two blog articles a week, that would be way too much effort on my part. Although my business cards have my blog address, I have left a message on my blog that you can now find me on HubPages. Anyone who get on my blog will find a nice little list of my published Hubs, courtesy of HubPages. This addition is useful, and even someone like me can get this gadget onto my blog without sweating it out. It does help a lot if you are skilled when it comes to computers.
I still have business cards to give out.
My business cards were a bargain at about $19.50 from some online site everyone tells me about. I had 250 made. I think I gave away a total of 40. Maybe I could use the rest of them for bookmarks or quick recipes. One of the weavers I know used one of my business cards to mark the weaving project she had on her Inkle loom.
I’ve had it with Facebook.
With Facebook, the thrill is gone for me. In the beginning, I enjoyed killing and stealing from people while playing Mafia Wars. As a Farm Girl, I cultivated my own Farmville Farm which included crop circles. It wasn’t long before real life took over and was much more important than these games. It didn’t take long for me to let my Farmville Farm die of neglect. I quit Mafia Wars after they paid Snoop Dog to MC a Mafia Wars gig in the Las Vegas desert. The draw here was to blow up an armored car filled with money. Snoop arrived late and showed us he was paid to do this show. When he opened his mouth, you could only tell he knew nothing about playing Mafia Wars. He thought you had to pay for it.
I’ve eliminated my Facebook friends because I got tired of their rants, whining and bragging. I got tired of the photographs of cute kids and vacation shots. If an acquaintance opened up my Facebook page, what would he be thinking? I’ve got enough circus acts there to take to the road. This does not include the half-naked party animals with drinks in their hands.
“Look at me! Look at me! Pay attention to me!”
And this is what Facebook has come down to for me.
Since shutting Facebook down as a time waster, I’ve been able to write letters and send handmade cards, call people and meet them for lunch or dinner. Yes, I’m practicing the art of friendship and keeping in touch the old-fashion way.
If I don’t Tweet, does that make me a Twit?
Not really. I learned how to text several months ago, so now you know my speed when it comes to these gadgets. I can’t say you are missing anything you really don’t know much about.
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Thank you, my Reno man! And I hope you are doing well despite this recent Air Races tragedy. I had gone to the Sacramento Air Show the weekend before and almost got convinced by a friend to attend. But I do have this habit of sprawling on my living room sofa with my laptop on my belly--typing away. Takes a lot to get me to move once I "assume the position". When I first got started with the writers' group, they were all gung ho on doing these things to establish themselves, but when it came down to it, they all got in line with their chapters when the agents came by in search of new literary meat. Impressing an agent didn't have to do whether you had a blog, Facebook, business cards or a Twitter account. They were the ones giving out business cards. They weren't asking the writers for theirs. As far as I know, they didn't have one chapter to take back to their offices. Not one shining star in over 65 writers. One of the agents said she had not purchased a manuscript to represent in over a year! So I guess everyone has to go their own way and you have to end up doing what is best for you. Never take advice from a group of seasoned group of published writer wannabes.
I am doing well. Sad to say...I was thigh deep writing a hub when the air show accident happened...I had no clue until later that night when my roomies said something. I am glad you stayed on your couch typing.
Glad to hear that! The last thing you would think about are these planes crashing. The thrill is gone for me when it comes to air travel. Used to love it as a kid. I am always in awe of these people who take total command of the sky. We've come such a long way since Kitty Hawk.
Well written and useful, I look forward to re-reading and taking my own notes for improving my writing.
Angelic Musings, thank you so much for your comments. Welcome to HubPages, and I hope you like it here. As a writer, you do have to find your own way. I felt I could only do so much with the blog because I didn't get any feedback. Friends and family aren't straight with you most of the time. Everyone who is close to me is happy that I have something to do in retirement. They knew they would be bailing me out of jail if I went back working in some office pool. Yes, I do speak my mind, and it scares people. Depending on my mood, it could get ugly!
I'm in the process of setting up a blog because I am also my mother's art agent and business and art is sold online these days. she has her website too, but people need to know how to get there. I would prefer not to use facebook and am on it only a bout 1/2 hour a day. when I first joined I was a bit addicted.
Flora, an art agent? Fascinating. I was too lazy to establish a website. Not that I would know how. The blog was easy. Even for someone like me. Since I don't have the website, I use my blog address for people to get in touch with me. The blog is very iffy. I don't know if anyone is reading. My family and friends swear they read it, but they don't comment or sign up as followers. But I have one faithful friend who signed up on my blog and with HubPages. I'm glad I didn't have a website. What would I put on it? But if I had a business, that would make sense.
I find I can either keep my blog updated OR keep my Hubpages score at 95+, but not both unless the length of a day expands to 36 hours. (Imagine! A real 4-day work week!) I do know, however, from comments left that someone actually reads my blog.
I've considered business cards, and have from time to time designed and printed them myself. Usually 20 or so at a time. (Blanks are available at any office store.) Should start carry them again, as every now and then I'll run into someone in Real Life who shares my interests and I'll say "Read my hubs and my blog posts" and then have to hand write the URLs on whatever happens to be handy. But that doesn't happen often. For the most part, I don't want the guy where I get gas or the friendly clerk at the supermarket to even know I have a life online, let alone where to find me. :-)
Nor do I use FB or Twitter for self-promotion, only to pass on political or social petitions or chat with FB buddies (most of whom are fellow Hubbers...go figure.) ;D
JamaGenee, I used to enjoy my blog until HubPages came along. I couldn't see myself working on my blog because I don't know anyone who constantly reads it. Today, I got an email from someone who read something I wrote months ago. I was surprised and wrote them a short note to thank them for reading the entry. I do like my business card design, but I have to admit the cards found their way to people I know who don't write. I've found writers are a strange lot. I don't expect to hear from them, nor will I follow-up with the writers who have given me their business cards. When I worked around inmates, the biggest thing was to keep your address and phone numbers unlisted. Unfortunately, for $14.95, anyone can find out anything about you. I've been found by people in my past--whether I wanted to be found or not. But that's "progress," I guess. Everything seems to be out in the open with the Internet. My business cards were made long before I joined HubPages. I was thinking of getting a little stamp with my Hubpages address and updating my business cards. I could probably print that address on the back of my cards some rainy day.
I find that it's rather difficult to keep up the 2 to 3 posts on blogs a week. I prefer writing here as it gives the flexibility to post whenever. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with you, angin. I do enjoy HubPages a lot more than writing for my blog. Once I write that blog post, I can't use in on HubPages, so instead of writing about the same subject twice, I have a good time writing a Hub. I like the support I get on HubPages. My friends and family tell me they are following me on my blog, but none of them want to formally follow me or leave comments. But they are relieved that I am staying out of trouble because the writing keeps me busy.
I've been getting told off for calling Facebook, 'Fakebook' because people become shapeshifters when they get online. I think it's useful for keeping in touch with friends and family too far away to communicate with easily but most of the time, I just don't get it. This was an interesting hub; very honest.
Hi, Jools99: Thank you for your comments and insights, and I like the terms, "Fakebook" and "shapeshifters". How funny and true! I didn't formally kill my Facebook account. I did an experiment and "X'ed" out people. I don't know about this, but Facebook's new thing, when they don't see you on there often, is to send you emails of certain friends and say, "Here are updates of so-and-so." Why should they be so concerned? Is it because if you quit Facebook in any way, there goes the free advertising on the Facebook pages and the chance that you will "click on" an ad? I'm working at rememoving myself completely. The only thing stopping me is that Facebook is used as a link to most online work. But to be honest, no one has contacted me through Facebook because my email address is available, too.
Yeah, I'm posting my hubs on there and I have one friend who checks out all of my hubs but other than her, I'm not getting much interest, but I never thought I would anyway because I'm an infrequent visitor. I'm thinking about leaving it completely. It certainly won't leave a gaping void in my 'social' life.
Jools: I still know people who decided not to get on the bandwagon when it comes to Facebook. Knowing what I do now about Facebook and its constant changes with no regard to its users, I do regret having a Facebook account. It used to be fun, but it does take a lot of time to post. I don't know if anyone is reading anything because the draw is "all about me" and what you put on there. Facebook wants you to think it helps your business out, but the writers I know don't really use Facebook at all. I believe a writer's platform comes down to meeting people in person and going from there.
And here I've been feeling guilty about not setting up a blog or a Twitter account. I am still a bit addicted to Facebook however, and I've do have StumbledUpon and Digg accounts now. Whew!
Deborah, I found out it only takes a couple of hours to establish a blog through blogspot.com. What I didn't like about my blog was keeping up and really not knowing who was reading the thing. I don't do Twitter. I have a cheap phone my husband pays for, and I don't think it was made for Twitter. Otherwise, I'd do without a phone. I only learned how to text several months ago. There are so many blogs and Twitter accounts out there. If you have something that stands out, that's fine. I am retired and have time to do these things, but I do value my time. As much as I hate phones, I don't see myself doing Twitter at all. There used to be a time when I remembered phones being at home and not being in someone's ear, belt or purse. I still hate it when anyone carries on a so-called private phone conversation out in public. The more tech, the more I withdraw. I only look at Facebook once every several weeks. It's annoying to get little reminders on my email when someone posts. The Facebook people get an awfully lot of free advertising courtesy of all their users.
Arlene, Arlene!! Was that a "blog?" I still don't know what a "blog" is? Help me Arlene in simple English, TODAY! Thanks.
Jane! Jane! Don't worry--be happy! As I understand it, a blog is your PERSONAL thoughts and views. You can write anything you want because when it comes to a blog, you are the writer, editor and publisher. In other words, no one is looking over your shoulder like an editor, cracking their whip and telling you what to write. A blog is your baby! You call the shots. To keep your "following," it is believed that you post an entry at least once or twice a week. In my case, I got bored with my blog because I didn't know who was reading my work. Other than one of my best friends who has been following my writing all along. So, I lost interest as soon as I discovered HubPages. When you write for an online audience, it's more of answering questions--the who, what, why, when, where, how of journalism. You are being helpful to your reader by showing them what to do. Read those HubPages and do some Hub Hopping. You've got all kinds of writing, here, and as you grow with HubPages, you will find what you like to do best. What you want (as an online HubPageswriter) is to guide anyone looking for answers. For instance, I like writing suggestions for Young and Dumb Girls and beginning Hubbers. These are major topics I love to write about. I am hoping they've helped some people get answers. Check them out! These are the Hubs which get the most attention for me. If you feel you are an expert in anything, try writing about it for someone who doesn't no much about the topic. But as far as a blog goes, you can write it anyway you want it and illustrate it any way you want. You can get as personal as you wish. Anything goes--a short blurb, poetry, a collection of photos, a review, a recipe, etc. I hope this helps, but feel free to ask me if I haven't confused you already. I do have a way of doing that. Let me know how it goes!
Thank you Arlene. I did write a blog, just today. You gave me courage. Thanks a million. Love and hugs!!
Hey, jane! Please, please, please continue to write. I was looking at my answer to you. Ugh. I was in such a hurry that I left the typos in. No, no, no. Bad Arlene! Bad! Anywhooooo, I am glad you took the baby steps, jumped off the cliff and accomplished this feat of writing a blog post. Now, that wasn't bad, was it??? I am encouraging you to write. Never give into your doubts. If you do, drop me a line. I will convince you to takes risks and write. I spent 15 years without really writing. Such a waste, if you ask me. But--can't get those years back, so off I write away. I am so happy you went ahead with the writing. Keep it up! Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff. Congratulations! I'm following you!
Thank you Arlene. It felt very risky! Thank you and I will continue to write!
Jane, risk is good when it comes to writing. I am flattered that you asked.
You must have read my mind on the subject of simultaneous blogging and Hubbing! You are a talented writer...thanks for expressing so well what I was thinking!
Why, thank you so much for your comments, Drjacki! By the way, have you decided to cruise the Hawaiian Islands, yet? I do remember you asking. Anywhooooo, I do need to get back to writing those Hubs. I have been sitting on my laurels lately because this clutter around my home is killing my creativity. Unfortunately, we are a nation with way too much. I encourage anyone to clean out their homes long before retirement. Otherwise, it all catches up with you. Thanks, again!
You are so right about clutter...nothing like a good yard sale to get things moving in the righ direction!
In my hometown of Sacramento, California, Goodwill has mushroomed into these little drop-off places which close around 8 p.m. Drop off the bags and boxes and be done. Everyone has garage sales around here, so what you have is junk circulating. I need to quit cold turkey, and with these drop-off places, I can't go back to those throw away, save, donate or garage sale piles for the last-minute rescue. It is surprising what you can save over the years. Scary!
Yeah...and more! :) Good stuff here, dear girl. I'm going back to a few special lines and ponder them...the art of friendship should be celebrated!
I keep making up my mind to do the Twitter thing, then unmaking it. I might really try it, but not just yet after all. Maybe I am a twit. If so, I'm fine with it. :)
I think I'll stay a twit, Roberta. My phone is not a fancy one. My mother was warning me about brain cancer from cell phone use. Well, I assured it that it wouldn't apply to me. If anyone wants to get a hold of me, they call my husband's cell phone. I remember being a receptionist and having to be nice to people on the phone or being nice to whoever approached my desk. Yuck! It's been decades, but I really don't care for phones.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Hub, I totally identify with you and the writer platform nonsense, not to mention letting the farm die off in Farmville. Good stuff, thanks!
Thank you, gryphin! By the way, cute kitty. I didn't shut down my blog. I wish I never established it. So instead of letting it hang around, I left a message for people to catch up with me on HubPages. I write for both. Blogs can be totally useless unless you are always answering your readers' questions on a regular basis. If you are serious about your blog, you have to build that loyal leadership. I caught this Hubber's profile yesterday, and he had something ridiculous like two websites and three blogs. So I brought them up to check them out. Totally useless because he had nothing to say but maybe two sentences of garbage on each of these sites. People remember when your writing is good as well as helpful. But if your writing wastes their time, they'll remember you, too. There are Hubbers I won't follow because their writing is pure garbage. These folk don't understand that you have to care about what you put out there because errors make you look stupid. Online sticks around forever. With HubPages, you can edit or delete your work all the time. But that's online writing for you. The reader gets to decide what it best to read. If a Hubber is a repeat offender when it comes to lousy copy, I am moving on.
Arlene, You are wonderful. Since I am a new Hubber, I didn't know if I should move-on from the garbage. I have encountered some of that "junk" and didn't know I did not have to respond. I am so very thankful that I am following you! A friend indeed, forever.
jane!!! jane!!! jane!!! Thank you so much!!! I'm kinda "new" to these HubPages, but I did have 7 months of online work before coming here. I usually Hub Hop to relax at night, but if the garbage gets waist-deep, I think my blood pressure goes up. For instance, I ran into a new Hub where the "author" was wearing a bathing suit and barbecued beans. What??? Is this ART??? No, no, no. Push those buttons and voice your opinion. Unfortunately, there are days and days where I am voicing my opinion. Sure, people want that instant gratification of being published, but if you don't watch what you're putting out there, your garbage is on the Internet forever and ever. My first two pieces were garbage, but they will not disappear. I cannot use them and show them to an editor because they are filled with typos. Live and learn. Yes, please do not spend any time on reading the garbage. If I run into an author who does a string of garbage on HubPages, I'm outta there. I can remember names, despite my senior moments and menopause. As with online, the reader decides what is right or not. I am tired of those people on Yahoo, E-How, etc. who brag they have retired in their forties and are going all over the world on $40 grand a year because they saved money since their late 20s. Yeah, right! When you write for you. Then write for your reader. As you've seen here on this site, anyone can say they are a writer. Next time someone tells you that, ASK them what they published lately. Writers are a very odd lot. A lot of them are out to impress, but as far as the published work or a serious project goes--forget it. Anywhoooooo, great to hear from you and hope you are getting the hang of this place. Contact me anytime. I do answer anyone who leaves a comment. but that's me. Keep writing away--no matter what. It's final editing that's most important.
Interesting hub; I was struck by the comparison between blogs and tattoos: how both have mushroomed in recent years!
I have ignored my poor blog since October 2, but I do like reading cooking and craft blogs by authors with staying power. I do remember when there were not very many blogs being published. Same thing with tats. At first, there was nothing but the ones with dark blue ink, then everyone was getting tats using colored inks. I couldn't do it. I'm always changing my mind. People will swear to you they like their tats and they mean something to them. Since I worked at California prisons years back, I saw enough tats on a daily basis, but not enough to get one.
ThoughtSandwiches Level 7 Commenter 8 months ago
Hi Arlene...OK...this now explains why I did not know you had a blog...you ain't been working it! lol...well I'm glad...I like finding your stuff here without having to traipse all over the internet! Another great effort from my prolific Sacramento friend!