Friday, October 12, 2012

It Takes All Types, of Bloggers That Is

Yesterday, I read a post from Sheila over at Notesongs. It really caused me to think. She had a 107 comments so far, so it appears it had a lot of people thinking. She was reacting to an e-mail from a reader about how she portrays herself on her blog. Too happy. Maybe not real enough.


Really? Someone took the time to point out that she is too happy on her blog. Here is my thoughts on that if you care. Where have we gone that this is a bad thing. I sort of look at blogs as magazines. Something for entertainment, maybe a little advice here and there but something to enjoy. I am sure there are all manner of blogs out there but I prefer the positive homey type of blogs. That is what I write about.


Isn't the world full of enough ugly. T.V. is now mainly UGLY. Ugly behavior, lets laugh at people on a show, drunk, rich, poor but all acting terribly rude and vile but we call this T.V. I cannot watch much with my kids and we are not better off for this. So what is wrong with making one's own personal blog a lovely place to visit? The world needs more lovely if you ask me.


I think there is room for all of us and each one of us has to determine our own rules for OUR blogs. Someone may have a husband that doesn't want much shared or is going through a sensitive time in one's family. Maybe you put it all out there and things you share are helpful to others. That is great but another person may not be comfortable sharing . That is fine too. I am a firm believer that it is your blog, your rules. People will read or not read based on what appeals to them.


There is no one RIGHT format for blogging other than you have to post or you have no content. That is it. We all have something to give. My personal rule is this: If my husband or children might be embarrassed or uncomfortable reading what I posted, then I don't. That is just what works for us and what I blog by.


Perhaps none of this needed to be said by me but it was on my heart. If you are a blogger, blog what is comfortable and enjoyable to you. If you begin to blog for others, then you will probably stop enjoying it and we don't want to spend a lot of time doing something we don't enjoy. There is enough of that, like picking up dog poop and cleaning toilets. I digress. Thanks for hearing me out if you made it this far. Have a great weekend!! I would love to hear your thoughts.


53 comments:

  1. Thanks, Elaine. I'd never visited the blog you mention, so what a joy to find it and to become her latest follower. Cheerful people are in short supply these days. What's not to love?

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  2. I am still finding my way, but notice that I am drawn to positive blogs. Of course we all have our issues in day to day life, but I need to respect my families' privacy. I don't feel the need to vent on my blog, but that's ok for others. Pretty photos and stories of day to day life are what make me smile and what I hope will make others smile too :-)

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  3. Great post Elaine. Loved your Halloween and autumn decor photos too.

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  4. Agreed, Elaine. I read Shelias post too and wondered why anyone would complain that she's too positive. I enjoy her posts and her profile photo makes me smile because she looks so happy!
    -Lynn

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  5. I try to keep my blog and comments upbeat!! Everyone has junk in their life that they have to deal with, including me, but blogging is my happy place I go when I want to forget all the junk!! ~Deanna

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  6. I think that you said it perfectly. It seems between family, friends, tv, trashy magazines, and boardline literature in books that the world has become a giant bash party. No one really being sincere and kind. I love to visit blogs were I can escape from all of that and be in a world of inspiration and happiness.

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  7. HI Elaine... I totally agree with your statements. I found the blog world after my husband died suddenly 2 yrs ago. It has been a very dark and lonely place to find myself. I cannot begin to explain how helpful the blog world has been for me. I can get away from the daily saddness with all the great blogs I follow. I truly enjoy the happy blogs. ESPECIALLY Sheilas blog!! She has made me laugh out loud. I will never understand some people.
    Have a great day!!
    Mj

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  8. Very well said! I totally agree. There are enough unhappy and sad things going on in the world so why not make your blog a happy place for others to visit? I always hope my readers feel happy or encouraged after reading my posts.

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  9. Elaine, it's interesting you bring up this point...lately I've been analyzing my own blog. What I feel comfortable sharing, etc. I have to say though, I can't imagine ever finding someone's blog TOO happy. You are right, in this "ugly" world we need more light to shine goodness! I also agree that every one should have their own "rules" that apply to their own blog. I follow blogs I like and it's as simple as that! Just like a book or anything else, not everything will be everyone's cup of tea!

    I've always thoroughly enjoyed your blog, and I like the autumn decor you have on this post! I'm going to check out her blog, but I'm sure I'll like your "happy friend"!
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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  10. Very well said! I view blogs kind of like books and movies and magazines -- if one is not to my liking I don't read/watch it. I don't criticize the author for not making a piece that is suited to my taste -- just because something is not to one's own taste does not make it less "real" or meaningful. Like you, I don't care for much that is on tv, so I simply don't watch it.

    I, for one, am very grateful for the beauty and kindness that one finds in so many blogs -- at least the ones I follow.

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  11. Elaine, I have to agree with you on all points in this post. My blog is my "happy" place, where I try to focus on the positive, the funny, the bright spots in my life. I may get whiny on occasion, but I try to do it in a lighthearted fashion. No one's life is perfect, but not all of us are comfortable sharing our troubles. Blog for yourself. Excellent advice. Ann

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  12. I agree with everything you've said. Your blog, your thoughts...happy or otherwise.
    I say if there is a blog that has a HAPPY AUTHOR...then yay!

    ~Pat

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  13. I totally agree!!! So very well stated!
    XO Kris

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  14. Maybe the person that made the comment was just jealous! Some people just can't stand to others happiness. Of course the person may be having something going on in their life and just have to take it out on someone else. Not condoning that, just saying. I would rather read a happy blog myself. I know that I only share what I feel comfortale with. I haven't been able to put pictures on my blog for awhile so that has slowed me down alot. Have a great day. Hugs, Teresa

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  15. Amen, blog sista. When I read about joy in a blogger's life, it lifts my spirits and on my blog, I usually post about upbeat things. If a blogger is going through a difficult patch I leave supportive comments for him or her, so I don't mind joyful or sad posts.

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  16. Elaine, this is a wonderful post I am going over to visit her blog, what's wrong with happy? It sounds like the commenter was trying to bring the blogger down to a lower level..

    I guess it takes all kinds. And it does take all kinds.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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  17. Well said Elaine! I tend to blog about the stuff that makes me happy - who in the world would want to hear about the crap I have to deal with on a daily basis? I was recently told I'm the resident optimist, and it wasn't meant in a good way. I just ignored it. I have 2 choices when I get out of bed in the morning- make the most of my day or cry about it. I tend to make the most of it whenever possible.

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  18. I fully agree, Elaine. As individuals, we are all different. And some are more comfortable with sharing than others. The things I've shared was a mistake at first. But then I started getting lots of emails that what I was sharing was helpful. So I continued to share what I was comfortable with. And kept to myself what I was not comfortable with. There is room for all kinds of bloggers. And I hate it that Shelia got knocked for being who she is. Which is a wonderful blogger and very caring and lovely lady.
    Brenda

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  19. Elaine
    Very well said. I encouraged Shelia to continue her blog just as always.
    As you said isn't there enough disfunction everywhere else, that we don't need to see it or hear about it on blogs?
    I personally enjoy post that are optomistic. And I sometimes, tongue in cheek, say don't tell my husband this or that... But I tell him everything I blog about. It's always in fun.
    Thanks for sharing this story.

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  20. Hi Elaine, I totally, 100%, agree with you. I follow blogs of different genres but appreciate a persons encouraging and sunny outlook. I would have loved to respond to the email where someone complained about that-it is there choice not to follow those they don't like. Thanks for sharing your heart and always have such a fun blog! I appreciate you!
    Hugs, Noreen

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  21. Whatsoever things are lovely, honorable, right, pure, good report and excellence, think on these things. Jesus...said this in Phillipians 4:8
    blessings to you.

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  22. Amen! I totally agree with you. There's enough sadness in the world. I love to read blogs with a positive, happy tone. It lifts my spirits. Keep up the good work!

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  23. Hi Elaine, I gave that darling Shelia some encouragement on that post. I have witnessed so much suffering, death, and dying that I am all about the pretty at my blog and make no apologies about it. Who wants to visit a sad sack blog? hugs, olive

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  24. I certainly agree!!! I love to read blogs that are positive and happy!
    Maki

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  25. Well said, my sweet friend. We do have too much hurt and sadness in this world and our blogs can add some sunshine on those cloudy days!
    You rock, sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  26. Oops, I forgot to say how much I loved your Fall and Halloween snaps. I get distracted easily! :)
    Continue being a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  27. Thank you Elaine! I agree totally, if one is not enjoying a certain blog go find another to read there are tons out there. We each need to be ourselves and blog about what is close to our hearts, what's the point otherwise? Sometimes I blog for myself, kind of as a record and if someone else enjoys it then all the better.

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  28. I have to agree with you on all that you said, Elaine. You have a great week end too!

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  29. I agree Elaine!! I was so upset that someone thought Shelia was too happy???
    My blog is me and if you like my blog you like me. I keep a lot of my sad stuff out but I do share some. My life isn't all laughs but I am really a happy person! So great job on how we each blog differently and that is what makes it all work! Hugs, Linda

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  30. I'm with you. A blogger writing things that are too happy? How ridiculous. Like there aren't a million places to go and read about the harsh realities out there.

    As for me, I will keep on using the blog world to find words and photos that brighten my day. I am grateful for the Shelias.

    ~cathy

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  31. Elaine ~ bravo~! Everyone is different and all blogs are different. If someone does not want to visit a certain blog, that is their decision, however, they should keep their thoughts to themselves. Each blog has it's own individuality and THAT my friend is the author. Keep on blogging Elaine ~ yours is a delight to me ;-)

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  32. How sad. There seem to always be people out to burst someones balloon. I have been blogging long enough I have seen it commented on here and there. People get a rude comment and it upsets them, and rightly so. I happen to feel that the best response is no response. People like that love to be ackowledged. I hit delete and move on and remind myself that my blog is my own little world to shape any way I want. Haters need not comment...or visit for that matter. If it ain't your cup of tea, move along. Sheila is a doll, and a happy presence who doesn't deserve anyones bad attitude.

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  33. I would like to think I am a basicly postive person. When there was a major health crisis I put it out there I think looking to unload and for support. I found support I never expected. To take the time to put someone down for their writting means you are not focused on what you are or want.
    great post Elaine
    Cathy

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  34. I fully agree Elaine...love all the pictures you shared...blessings

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  35. Shelia is such a fabulous blogger, it's obvious that she's a very talented writer, decorator, and photographer. I love her blog, and I appreciate everything you said in this post. I think the majority of us are here for friendship ... and I'm thankful for yours :) Mary

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  36. I totally agree with you and positive attitudes. As a few expressed above, "in this day and age", you bet!! I'm sorry if anyone disagrees, but I believe in the pledge in school and prayers. I think children would be better off with that agenda than some I've heard. Especially someone that says, cheer down instead of cheer up!

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  37. How on earth can someone be "too happy?" What is wrong with expressing that happiness on one's blog? This is just a bit of a puzzle to me, although I know there are those who are critical of just about anything, no matter what it is like. Life can turn up with some unpleasant surprises for us at times. I say, "Grab the happiness while you can!"

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  38. totally agree with you there. we should all do what makes us happy. big hugs. enjoy the weekend. (:

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  39. I agree. Elaine. I am drawn to blogs and people that are real...upbeat...full of optimism. The world is so full of negativitiy...Why invite it into my day. I'd rather spend my time with those who are uplifting.
    Have a great weekend, my friend,
    Carolynn

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  40. Ooops....I neglected to mention just how much I enjoyed your post...Oh, that cute little shoe!!!
    Smiles,
    Carolynn

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  41. I agree completely, Elaine. How sad that someone thinks someone else is too happy. I blog in my own style and about what I am feeling that day. It is me and me is what you get.

    Hugs,
    Laura

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  42. By choosing to blog, we make ourselves a bit vulnerable and, as with anything else, we are not going to make everyone happy. Having said that, the blog is ours to present however we choose. No one has to read it much less make hurtful comments. Just move on to another place.

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  43. Well said Elaine! I love reading Sheila's blog and cannot understand why someone would say she was (too happy). you can't win, can you?

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  45. People can just be mean! Good grief. When did 'readers' become the police of everything?! There are so many unwritten rules about how one should blog, how one should facebook ... My thought is this: On my blog, I will blog exactly how I want to blog. If it's not someone's cup of tea, well, then they should just move on to the next one instead of trying to force me to change just to suit them. That's a bit selfish & juvenile.

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  46. Very well said, Elaine. :) I want my blog to be an uplifting positive place to visit. There's enough of the "ugly" as you said. And I couldn't agree more about TV...very ugly.

    I have thought about showing what my living room can look like on any typical day with my 4 year playing there.....I would like for folks to see we're real people with real lives and that's sometimes messy. :) I think being real also makes people feel more comfortable.

    But I don't ever want to be negative. There's just too much of that already!

    Great post! :)

    Tammy

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  47. Preach it, sister! Plenty ugly out there!
    Let's enjoy the beautiful side of life!
    I hope someone can say to me, "you're too happy!"
    Thanks! I'll take that as a compliment! Lol

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  48. How very tacky to criticize someone else's blog! I hate it when that happens - it's nobody's business how each person wants his/her blog to be. We do it for ourselves, and if that someone thinks it's too happy, then they don't have to visit there! Maybe the author wants to have happy thoughts either for herself OR for all those folks out there that maybe just need a lift. To each his (or her) own. A blog is personal and voluntary - nobody needs to criticize! There's my two cents - just had to spout off.

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  49. "I think there is room for all of us and each one of us has to determine our own rules for OUR blogs." I agree! I also believe in establishing our rules we invite people in...we make is a "home away from home" type experience.

    Thank you for linking up with Saturday's Sister to Sister!!!

    - Dana

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  50. I agree, and I would add- I don't violate my adult kids privacy by posting about THEM. Unless I ask for permission, I keep them out of it. Ditto hubby as far as specifics. Sometimes there are no virtual boundaries, and there should be. I also don't blog about my job, for my own privacy. My personal life is my own and NOT my employers :) And I try to keep it positive.

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