Blog Question for Blog Readers

A bit of 'off the top of my head random' for today.

I have a question for people who read blogs. (That means YOU.) 

I am hoping you'll respond via the comments because I really need some answers here.

As a writer, I do a lot of reading about marketing yourself and the use of blogs and websites and this sort of thing. One bit of advice I keep hearing over and over is that your blog should be focused on one topic in order to draw an audience who will come back over and over again. (To which I respond... "What is this FOCUS of which you speak?")

I understand that point. There are writing blogs I read regularly and I like home decorating blogs and artsy blogs, but I can't get myself to believe that this is the ONLY way to do it.

Some of the most popular blogs I know of, often read, often commented on, are ones that explore a bevy (I'm highlighting that word because I like it.) of topics--motherhood, faith, art, reading, photography, recipes, home decor, fitness... a little bit of everything. These are my favorite blogs. I love to see what people are up to, what's working for them, how they're spending their weekends. Perhaps it's a little voyeuristic, (Translation: WEIRD.) and I really hope not, but I love to see how people live.

I'm curious what you think? Would you prefer a blog to be focused on one topic? What if that topic didn't particularly interest you...you'd leave right? Why read a blog about photography if you aren't a photographer? Is it the topic you're coming to see or the person?

Call this market research, but please, weigh in on this one. As I begin to dive into this whole writing a novel thing, I'm learning a LOT...but this is one area I just haven't wrapped my brain around yet, so your help is greatly appreciated. (I say that like I've wrapped my brain around a bunch of the other areas. Ha. I'll just go ahead and let you think so.)

Your answers may be recorded for training purposes.

Now, because I can't NOT post a couple of photos, I would like to share with you my sad attempt to snap a nice photo of my Hobbit.

Feel my pain, friends.

 
 
(No wonder he has a lisp.)

 

 

 

I've taught him to use the bathroom on his own, but we just haven't mastered this "smiling for the camera" thing. At. All.)

 
That's what he thinks of my camera, I think.

 
I started to wonder..."Where is he learning this? Who is modeling this behavior?"

 
Got my answer.

All this and I only got ONE decent shot... (meaning, one frame-able shot... I think the ones above are decent in that they make me laugh, capture his personality and would be awesome on a scrapbook page... but in terms of decorating the wall...eh, not so much.)

I think I sort of caught him by surprise on this one which is why it's good, I imagine.

 
Now, to help you kick off your weekend. I leave you wtih this.

Which got me through the elliptical this morning, started our family dance party last night and will undoubtedly continue to entertain us for at least a few weeks.

 

 

Comments

[shelly]

Hmmmm...that's a tricky one! All the "rules" say focus, but my heart and my life are too jumbled up in a million directions to be super focused. We all have our niche...personally, the blogs that fill my reader aren't the uber focused ones...they're real, life on screen, comfort in knowing I'm not the only one trading these waters.

I love your blog! Your pictures, your writing, your insights! Its from your heart---and if you try to focus to fit a mold I'd be afraid of loosing the heart behind it (a personal bloggy reflection ;))

[Kvance]

Courtney, I read your blog because I know you and like to keep up on your life. Variety keeps it interesting. I don't read any blogs EXCEPT for the ones by people I know personally, so to me, one topic would probably make me NOT come back. I LOVE the way you do it now. I always look forward to your next blog, because I NEVER know what it is going to be about next.

[kim branson]

Courtney - truly, my personal reasons for visiting a blog vary. Sometimes, it's because of the person - a family member, personal friend, someone in the "creative market" whose work I admire, etc. Other times though, it's because of the subject matter - photography, Christianity, digital scrapbooking/design and so on. Some blogs I visit with regularity, others, not so much. I think the ones I visit most often (excluding family/friends) speak about or share things to which I can relate - photography, faith/spiritual life, Alaska (my home state), digital design, etc.

Not sure if I've answered your question... Praying you'll find the answers you're looking for -- have a BLESSED FRIDAY!

kimB from Alaska
kimzphotoblog.blogspot.com
kimbinak.blogspot.com

[Bree]

Your blog does have a focus - YOU!! I love your blog because it is a mix of all things you - your faith, your family, your trials, your life, your writing, your photos.

I like both types of blogs. If I want recipes or home decorating guidance, I go directly to certain blogs I know will only be highlighting those topics. If I just want to read about another Christian woman/wife/mommy and her activities of the day/week, then I go directly to certain other blogs I follow. Know what i mean?

I hope you don't change your blog. I liked when you had your weight loss blog - I knew i could go there to follow you on that. so if you want, start a different blog for specific things - ie: writing, nutrition, etc.

PS - I despised that same "cheesy grin for photos" phase with Thomas. Couldn't get a decent pics for what seemed liked months. BUT - it is who they are at that time so I guess we have to embrace.

[julie leak]

Court - I read some blogs (like yours) because your a great friend of mine and it's a great way to keep up with you...see how you're doing and stuff. lol.

but I am one who also reads a SLEW of other blogs (mainly photography ones) but am by no means a photographer. I read those because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see the images the capture and to imagine what those people are like...to picture myself getting married again, having another baby, etc. They allow me to dream for just a second.

Also, I guess you could call me nosey. lol. I love to peak into people's lives through blogs. in the ones that are stuck to one particular topic I like the sporatic variety of stuff that they blog about. the randomness is what keeps me coming back.

but...then again...I also like the blogs that are on particular topics. I just got done reading one that is strictly on Intimacy in Marriage.

so...I'm probably no help at all to you, but I thought I'd chime in. I miss you a lot!

[Courtney Walsh]

Jules,

I hadnt thought about it that way, that even though youre not a photographer you may still check out photography blogs. It makes sense though.
I am feeling a little torn on this one!! I am also very nosy, I think...and love to see different things that people are blogging about. I LOVE
reading blogs...I just really love the oneswithvariety every bit as much as the ones that have a focused point.

Hmmm....too much to think about!! lol

[Courtney Walsh]

Bree,

Its funny that you mentioned my weight loss blog. Ive been thinking about blogging about that again because I never really posted a thyroid updateor talked aboutwhat Ive discovered works. I actually got some amazing (and surprising) information that helped me get over the hump. I still have about 15 lbs. I want to lose, but learning how myfood allergies were coming into play was HUGE.

I agree on the cheesy grin. What can you do?? lol It is who he is!! :)

[Sami Edwards]

I can't remember exactly how I came across your blog. But I know that after I read the first one I wanted to read more. I like YOU. It's real. I like that you write about what's going on in your world. I am drawn to those blogs that seem like real people. And I guess those are generally those without a focus. I get bored if it's all crafts. And I LOVE the crafty ones. But the craft blogs I read tend to get left for a time when I'm feeling crafty. And no, I wouldn't read one that's all about photography. I love the photos but the technicalities don't mean much to me! And, hey, we both know my blog is all over the place :)

[Courtney Walsh]

Oh, but Sami, thats why I love YOUR blog too!Well, thatand I can TOTALLY relate to what you write about. lol

I am like you, I read blogs that are about real situations, real people, real life. I cant imaginelimiting myself to ONE topic, but theres this nagging question Am I doing thisright?? in the back of my mind!!

Call me an over-analyzer!! lol

[Rach-o]

I mostly read blogs written by people that I know. I rarely delve into unknown territory. I just love to read what you write because you are such a good writer. :-)

[Courtney Walsh]

rachel,

first of all, thank you!! :) Secondly, how did you leave a comment? Imtrying to figure out my blog and on my screen, the commentsbutton isnt highlighted so I cant even leave a comment unless I reply to one via email. I added this nifty new feature and I think I messed something up! ugh.Did it do anything different for you?

I like your blog too...and when I see your kids I always think Indie is the youngest and cant believe shes so big. Then I remember Elowyn, look at her picture and cant believe SHES that big! lol :)

[Haidee]

I only read blogs that interest me. So you interset me! :) lol
I enjoy how you write & of course I feel you guys are still close. Miss you guys. Not the same with out you.

I read blogs to get inspired too. To make me want to lose weight, get organized, and keep my faith.

So thanks.. you do it all.

Blessings

[charlene]

They say the same thing about successful daytime TV shows. They should have a theme, focus. However, it is well understood that there are people followed in part due to their personality and people (yes voyeuristically) checking in on them. I'm thinking of people like Rachel Ray who doesn't just stick to cooking, but people think she's cute and just want to know what she's up to. So you can do a blog about what you think is interesting and people will follow or they won't. Even those FOCUS blogs are tailored to the tastes of the blogger.

[Edith]

I read your blog because of YOU! A few years ago I was a new scrapbooker and discovered you on the web (can't remember where. CK? Two Peas?). A few weeks ago I thought of you and wondered how you are. Google was my friend and here I am on your blog! :-) I am very interested in your stories, they are a great inspiration to me. Please don't limit yourself to one topic!

[Lisa Sayers Burnside]

Hey, Courtney! This might surprise you but I do read all your blog posts! I like reading it because it's about you and your life! Plus, you are a great writer and funny too! The topics are random and I find that interesting! Some days I can relate to the topic and some days not so much but I still keep coming back to read it! Like some previous posts I go to the specific blogs on decorating, cooking, baking, party planning, etc. when I'm looking for some inspiration on those topics.

I can see your struggle marketing wise though since it's not very specific. What do you like to write about most? Maybe you could try and target each day with a different topic, your five favorite things to write about???

But I do like the randomness it's a little bit more relatable and unexpected that way!!

[Becky @ Farmgirl Paints]

Hey girl. Love that song btw.

I'm probably biased here because I write about my life. It's all about me...how I feel, who I am, who I love, what I'm doing etc... So I also find those personal real life blogs the most interesting. I can only find home decorating interesting for so long and then I want to know who's writing to me. What do they look like? Where do they go...WHAT do they do?? I love the connection that blogging provides and if people don't talk about real things then you never truly get to know them and that is the real reason I read them in the first place. I guess I'm a voyeur too;) Hope you have a great weekend.

[Robin]

While I do like some "focused blogs" I find that the blogs I actually read all the time/most often, are ones that are very subject scattered. I follow a handful of strictly decor, crafty, and photography blogs but really, I only read those when I'm in that mood. If I'm feeling decoraty (yes, that's totally a word!), I'll check in on one of the decorating blogs. If I'm feeling crafty, I'll meander to one of the scrapbook/craft blogs. I follow them all, but don't always read them.

The ones that I pretty much ALWAYS read, are ones like yours, that often talk about a whole smattering of things. Big things, little things, even stilly nothingness. Sure, I love focused blogs, but I think when people write about the everyday, it makes them more relatable and human. And that connects with me. Make sense? Focused blogs are great and have their place, but I prefer "real" blogs, as I like to call them!

I've always been a people watcher. I'm one of those that walks down the street at night and loves it when I see an open window lit up so I get a glimpse into someone else's life.... or I could sit on a park bench for HOURS and just watch people. So I enjoy "watching" people's lives through their blogs as well! Ok, that makes me sound kind of like a crazy people stalker. I swear, I'm not :) I'm going to stop now before I sound even more stalkerish. :)

[Robin]

Oh, and I meant to add... I love it when you post pictures of your little Hobbit. His smile is absolutely infectious!!!

[Rach-o]

I am on my iPod & had no trouble posting a comment. Everything looks normal to me!

[Heather Homemaker]

First, I ADORE Toby Mac. Seriously. Now one of his songs is stuck in my head. Anyhow, I love the variety in your blog. I love that you share everything from book suggestions to how your kids are doing. What keeps me returning to certain blogs is authenticity. Keep being who you are and people will keep returning to your blog.

[Flower Patch Farmgirl]

We're in business!!

Well, I think you probably know where I stand on all of this. I'm like you - my fave blogs tend to be "lifestyle" blogs. (Is that what you call 'em?) I like peeking into someone else's life...not just seeing pictures of pretty homes or just reading recipes or just seeing someone's cute kids. Also, I know that I could never maintain one particular niche. I'm complicated, is what it is. I'm scattered! :) I like the freedom of switching it all up whenever the heck I want to.

Just my $0.02.

[Courtney Walsh]

Yes, but Heather, you have to say that. Youre one of my oldest friends. :)

I like that other song, whats it called? Hey, Devil. Or something like that? Love. Great for doing the elliptical!! Now, if only I didnt always end up on the heating pad after exercising. ugh.

[Catherine]

I read a lot of scrapbooking blogs. That's how I came across your blog.
But I check your blog first. I think it is because of your honesty. I don't always agree with you, but I really admire your will to grow in life, to get out of your comfort zone and so on...
Please don't focus on one topic! I love your funny entries on potty training, the ones about faith, and the hobbit pictures.
Thank highlighting my day over here in Germany :-)
Catherine

[Courtney Walsh]

Yes, Becky, and I love your blog!! Ilove that youwrite about all kinds of different things!And Im the same as you...once I read say, a decorating blog, its only a coupleof posts before Iwant to find out more about them. Oh, and Im glad Im not the only one who likes this song! lol

[Courtney Walsh]

Robin, this is me too. I do LOVE focused blogs--I read lots of them too, and usually consider themgreat when I want to learn something new...maybe I just feel like I dont have much to teach on any one topic and its more fun to tell funny stories about my life?

Or maybe Im just lazy. lol

[Courtney Walsh]

Lisa! I didnt know you read my blog! Ive thought about your idea of doing different topics each day, Im just wondering what would happen if that particular day I didntfeel like writing about the scheduled subject!! I am rebellious that way. lol But Im glad to know that the randomness of my blog isnt an automatic turn-off. Hard to figure out what to do when what you WANT is different from what the experts say isbest!! I hope youre doing well!!

[michelle tabb]

I read a ton of blogs and I categorize them by "focus" on Google Reader. For instance, Christian, Knitting, Scrapbooking, London, Home & Food, etc. However, there are a select few that are just blogs that I like to read because I am interested in the overall person and their life. For instance you used to be in my Scrapbooking Section, then I moved you into my select blogs. You are an excellent writer.

However, I do understand the need for blogs with "focus". For instance I read Pioneer Woman but I really like her food blog. I read her other blog sometimes but if she takes a thousand pics of her dog I'm onto my next blog.

You and I have alot of common interests and struggles. This makes me want to read about your move, your Hobbit or read about you working out your faith. I think you should write what moves you on your blog. The best thing about your blog is that your authenticity shines through! Hope this was helpful.

[amy]

Courtney.....I love your blog because it's a reflection of you! Your life, the ups the downs, where God is leading you and challenging you.....the moving, first days of school....it encourages me to pray for you and to know that life isn't always easy for any of us. I've read the whole focus push on the blog front as well....but truly....that's not necessarily real. Even if you are a photographer....there will be a days you don't feel like taking photos....there are days I don't feel like creating. I struggle with what to put out there as well....but ultimately I think it's about being real and documenting life day by day!

[Misty]

Well forgive the ol' speech teacher for putting it in these terms, but... I think there's a distinction the air-quotes-experts miss. That distinction lies in the *purpose* the blogger has in mind. If I'm blogging *because* I have books to sell, or a business to promote, or to make money off advertisements, then it makes a world of sense to focus in on one topic.

I know, I know. You DO have books to sell. Which I should also add makes you way cool, and makes me a little cooler because I know you. :) But it always struck me that you're not really blogging for the *purpose* of promoting those books. Maybe I'm wrong, but the purpose that appears to me is your desire to connect with people, to share your faith and family, trials and triumphs, all that jazz.

Your blog delights me because -- like a lot of the commenters here -- it lets me keep up with a dear friend. (Notice how I didn't say "old" friend! LOL)

Which is all a very long way of saying, dontcha go a-changing. I love the randomness. You keep it real.

[DeniseLynn]

I keep coming back to read what you have to say because of YOU. I found you by accident and then adored your truthfulness on life in general. You're real, with real life issues and you've shared your stuff and your opinions with frankness and humor. If you became focused on one topic that did not interest me I might leave ... but if you kept it real and shared about your "Domestic Blunders" I'd stick around. As my mom taught me Just be you ... you're the only one who's really good at it! I love random stuff and I adore the honesty most of all. {there are so many fakes out there making me wonder how on earth they do it all and I don't like reading all those perfect perky stories if they end up making me begin to doubt myself and the road God has me on.} I hope I answered the question ... what was the question again? LOL

[Deb Raney]

Don't ever change! I like all the different topics you post about. And I agree with everyone who said they read your blog because it's about YOU! But I've seen blogs about the blogger that came off like "Hey, look at me, aren't I the coolest person you've ever met?" and yours comes off more like "Hey, there YOU are! I'm so glad to see you! Come on in to my world and let's chat." That's why it works for you and not everybody. I'll end the way I began: don't ever change! :)

[Jan]

I read your blog because it is different every time. I thoroughly enjoy your writing style.No frills. Just honest, open thoughts and rambles. I am not even particularly religious, but I am awed by your convictions.I love the posts about your family and look forward to reading about your day to day life.Keep it like it is. Don't change a thing.

[renee]

I read it cuz I know you, love you, & I am interested in reading what you have to say. You are honest & always speak from the heart. You're not fake & you don't pretend to be something/ someone you are not. Plus for ever 3 sentences you write you throw in a picture, which is WONDERFUL for ADD readers like myself! :D

We are not AT ALL alike when it comes to politics or religion. But I totally connect with you when it comes to being a mom, wife, & raising a family. I feel that we are on the same page on that one. And for me, that's all that really matters... I can get past all the other stuff, since I know your heart is TRULY in the right place (even if your politics are wrong). HAHAHA!! You know I just HAD to throw that one in there! Love ya, Colorado Courtney!

[paige]

i'm glad i had a few minutes to read through the comments & see what everyone has had to say

yes, i too have heard in multiple places/formats that i should decide my focus, review which entries had the most readers/commenters & go from there.
whatever
my goal is not to have a well organized focused blog.
my goal is to chronicle my life. period.
i LOVE LOVE LOVE & obviously prefer blogs that are all over the place. while i enjoy seeing a lovely image from a magazine, i've honestly probably already seen it before. i want to peek into the writers world. see what they are doing, cooking, reading, struggling with etc.
there are many decorating blogs and artist blogs that because i love their style, i would love to learn more about them personally. but i'm a people person so no suprise there.
all that to say
i hope your blog doesn't change! i think you're awesome!!

[Beki - TheRustedChain]

I love the random.

And as I look through the comments, I'm seeing several of my favorite bloggers post replies similar to mine. That must be why they're my favorites!

I do blog for my jewelry business, but it's scattered with a lot of real life stuff, tips, crafts, failures, frustrations, inspirations, recipes, etc.

I'm a bit random. ;-)

[Courtney Walsh]

Paige,

I think thats where Im at. I use my blog to chronicle my life. Since I havent had time to scrapbook, this sort of serves as my journaling...
and I have to say, when I read a writers blog, the most interesting thing is learning more about the writer, or at least the world of the book.
I like to learn about their hobbies, their passions,their writing process...Thank you for commenting on this. I am going to tally all the ideas
here and put them all together! :)

[Courtney Walsh]

So, Beki, even though youre selling a product, you still feel it works to include other tidbits about your life? I think it makes it more interesting, but I would never presume to know better than the experts... all I have to go on is my gut!! Plus, I think it gives you a clearer picture into the world of creative business if you do write about the ups and the downs... makes it so much more interesting!

I think I love random too! :)

[Courtney Walsh]

Oh, Renee, Ill pray for you.

lol

Ive thought before that now that I live in CO I could make up this whole fake life and put it online only to later expose myself and show the world that what you see online really isnt always true. Friendships that look so close, not necessarily close... homes that look sooo cozy, not necessarily warm.I just dont have the energy to keep upthat kind of facade for any length of time! lol

The picture thing...I knew that was for someone special. lol When I worked at a newspaper they taught us that people are far more likely to read a caption beneath a photo than to read an entire article. I think I just carried that into my blog. :) And yes, you and I are incredibly different people, but there is so much I admire about you--the way you parent especially. So thats enough to keepus connected...even if you are a heathen. hahaha.

:)

[Courtney Walsh]

Jan,

Thank you so much for this comment. Its nice to know that my own faith isnt off-putting topeople who arent particularly religious. I am not interested in alienating people orforcing my beliefs on anyone, so I try to write that way. This is just what I think...not what I want to shove down your throat!! :) I am starting to feel more confident knowing I can write about the day to day and be totally fine with that!! :) Thanks so much!

[Courtney Walsh]

Oh, Deb! I just love you. You know this blogpost came out of our discussion at ACFW. :) I think we are super smart geniuses. lol
I am thankful I dont come off as Hey look at me! because if I did,anyone reading would be really unimpressed. lol :) But chatting?
That I am definitely in favor of!!

Im so glad youre back from your conference! I missed you!

[Courtney Walsh]

Denise, I dont remember the question, but I really like your answer!! lol

:)

[Sami Edwards]

Over-analyzer, you're doing it right :)

[reneevc]

Did you really just call me a HEATHEN???? That's why I love you, cuz you totally get me!! LOL

[Bobbie]

I read most of my blogs because of the person! I read a few focused ones or at least they started out that way when searching for scrapbook stuff or faith stuff you find people you connect with.

[Bridgette(:]

I love reading your blog because you write about a little of everything.. :) And, i love hearing what's new with the Walsh Family:), and all the stories about the kids and your days. It sometimes makes me feel like I'm right there with you guys in CO and I don't miss you quite as much!.. Ok..you know I still miss you TONS! But I love being able to be updated on all of the new exciting things..

The pictures have to be a fav of mine too:) I love your blog Courtney. I always look forward to a new post..:)
XO

[tricia alexander]

I can't even remember how I stumbled upon your blog but I stick around because you do write about real life stuff. I am afraid my ADD won't let me read too many blogs about ONE subject. :)

But seriously, and this is the reason I love your blog, I was wondering this very same thing. I keep hearing I should focus my blog, keep it on ONE subject to build readership, etc... But I want to talk about whatever is going on in my world. It's my outlet to write about being a mom, art, graphic design, finding my way at 43, I could go on and on. SO...when I hear I should keep my blog to one subject I tend to not blog because I think I am doing it "wrong". So I was really interested in hearing your readers' thoughts. I think I found my answer, I should blog about what I want and the readers I get will be the people who are interested in ME.

I like the style of your blog. I like reading about real people and real lives; good and bad. It makes me feel connected and it also makes me feel not so alone in this hectic world. ♥

[Meg Duerksen]

i read blogs of people with whom i feel a connection.
if i don't feel it right away i usually don't come back.
i can feel a connection from the style of photos they take....the types of photos they take....their writing....or their crafts.
personally if it's only one thing like only cooking, only photography or home decor....i am bored.
i want to know the person behind that.
because other wise i compare myself.
i think "how does she just bake all day?" "how many crafts does she make?"
"how come i can't take pictures like that?"
but when they share their lives....struggles, worries, successes, joy....i don't.
i don't compare i enjoy and connect.
so....that is my thought. :)

[Courtney Walsh]

I think you just hit the nail on the head. When Isee home decorating blogs and read about all these cool projects people are doing (orexclusively cooking or exclusively taking photos) I am overcome with feelings of inadequacy knowing there is NO WAY I could ever make/dreamup/design or cook those things.

I think blogs are as much about connections as they are about documenting our lives...and youre so right. if you dont connect with them or where theyre at (for instance, I dont read any blogs written by people in their early 20s. Ive tried. I dont get them.) it kinda feels like a waste of time.

Hmmm...good point, Meg.

[Christina L]

Okay, I'm a little late to the game, but I'll throw in my two cents. I started reading blogs primarily for scrapbooking ideas. But after awhile, I found that the ones I returned to most frequently and bookmarked weren't just about layouts and cool products but were about life. They are generally about women with children that have similar lives that I have-women of faith, women who work at home or outside the home, women who are facing the same daily struggles that I am and are still able to laugh about it. So, no I don't think blogs have to focus on one topic, life's too messy for that. :)
Or maybe, it's just me.

[Courtney Walsh]

I love this Christina!! And I totally had the same experience. Plus,when I started reading blogs, they were mostly
of scrapbookers whose lives interested me based on the layouts I saw in magazines... Youre soooo right. Life IS
too messyto only write about one thing!!

:) Thanks for chiming in!

[Soldier Girl]

Honestly I think it depends on who the blogger is. What I mean by that is this, in this industry that we are all apart of whether it be scrapbooking, photography or what have you so many people are going to the blogs that are the most popular and feel like those are the blogs that they want to "be like" and not realizing that some of these women that have these blogs are not being truthful about who they really are and not recording the day to day realistic happenings of their lives. I have always believed that my blog represents who I am as an artist, mom, survivor, soldier and what ever else I want to express. Being active duty military for over 16 years I have NO TIME to sugar coat and or think about other people's feelings, but I learned after being in this industry that people will JUDGE you based on how you talk, type, topics you share and or what you are not doing to represent a "company". I have always felt like it should be the TALENT that represent the person and the fact that I am real and alot more vocal and outspoken than most people are willing to be on their blogs because they are so caught up in the BS or image that once again this industry has put on people. I know that people read and will email me personally all because they do not want to agree "in public" if I am talking TRUTHFULLY about the drama in this industry or other things I choose to talk about. At the same time who's to say that I cannot post a nice picture or layout up in that same post.

I just feel that people get into blogging with this preconceived notion that it has to be one way .. there is only one thing they need to worry about .. ARE THEY TELLING THEIR STORY the way THEY see fit .. not how others want to be. Be an authentic blogger not a fake one. There are TOO many of those out there in blog land.

xoxo

[Linda J]

I found your Blog through the scrapbooking world and enjoyed when you shared some of your pages. As I continued checking your blog for more pages - I discovered that I enjoyed your writing style, your faith walk, your down to earthness, and now that you've moved to Colorado - I love the pictures of that beautiful state you are posting too.:)

[Tom Hutson]

Hello,
I found the niche and focus thing quiet interesting in your post. Let me give you my perception about it.
I used to admire very few blog writers as they were of the same niche and focus which I like to read and write about.But soon I realized that writing is something that can take anything as a focus or niche. Like you have listed a few, recipes, home decor etc. Honestly change of focus to add freshness in your content is as necessary as fresh air for breathing. Use your own mind and mood while writing you will get the answer. As my interests keep on changing, I don't feel any difficulty in writing diversified posts. It needs a bit of researching useful content and delivering your understanding in your words. As simple. and Well Nice lively photos:)

[Courtney Walsh]

Good insight into this topic. I think its a great one to talk about,but Ive found theoverwhelming majority prefers more diversity in a blog, like you said... and, youre right, as our interests (and our lives) change and grow, weend up with a whole new set of topics to write about. :) Thanks for stopping by my blog!

[Julie]

Don't change your blog! I love your blog for it's everyday life and honesty. You give us a glimpse of your joy and your struggles...and your amazing art. I love blogs that have snippets of a person's soul scattered through the entries. It's much more interesting. I've tried to do that on my blog...some mommy moments, decorating, art, and just balancing acts.
julie