Today's topic with Parajunkee's Book Blogger New Years Challenge is "Your Pros and Cons of Book Blogging".
Pros & Cons - Bloggers
So, first, I have to say that bloggers themselves are both a pro and a con in book blogging. But, in my opinion, all the good stuff with bloggers probably outweighs everything bad. Plus, there are a few bloggers that I can really call true friends. These are girls I can confide in about my personal and/or my blogging life. They are girls that I have grown really close to. And, it all started in the passion of loving the same books, chatting about books with them, meeting some of them at book related events and learning to trust them. I especially love seeing other bloggers’ passion in making a book successful. Or their passion in promoting an author they love. It’s those moments when you get a Christmas card from a blogger friend when you realize that there are so many great things that come from book blogging.
The con with bloggers is the drama that sometimes rears its ugly head in the blogging world. There sometimes seems to be drama and bullying all over the place that I just do not agree with. Not just between bloggers, but with authors and, sometimes, with bloggers about things that are not even book related. This happens on twitter, on blogs, on goodreads and even at conventions or signings. There are cliques everywhere! And, I hate to say it, but I feel like I’ve secluding myself to the point where I’m only chatting with a few people on a regular basis because I’ve become so guarded. Does this mean I’m in a “clique” myself? I hope not because I’ve never been one who likes cliques. I like to be friends with everyone. But I think that people have surprised me in so many upsetting ways that I’ve become leery about befriending people. I’ve even become leery about joining some Book Touring websites because staying away from people I don’t know for the last year has felt safe. But I know that I’m missing out on meeting more awesome people. So this sucks!!! OH….and bloggers who feel like they are entitled also really bothers me too. Just sayin’.
Pro- My blog is all MINE!
I love that I can say that pretty much everything on my blog is all mine. I love that I have many, many reviews with only my thoughts about a book and with only my personality in the mix. I love that the words are my words! I love that people have been inspired to read a book because of my words. I love that I have interviews on “my” blog with authors who I adore. I love that I have special posts from authors that were written especially for “my” blog….and I could go on and on. The design might not be my sole creation, but I paid for a custom design from Parajunkee that totally fits me and it’s all mine! I do think, though, that it might be time for a change!
Con – Time
Between working, being a mom, reading, and watching TV….blogging becomes a hassle sometimes. It takes soooooo much time! I remember that when I first started blogging I spent hours and hours and hours blogging. It consumed my life! Luckily, once you get the hang of it, it doesn’t take as much time! But I found that since I haven’t been putting as much time into blogging, the individuality or creativity is lacking big-time! I really need to work on that!
Pro- Books!!!!
I love that we bloggers get the opportunity to read books early! I also love that with all the bloggers out there, it’s easy to find the next book that I should read. There are so many books out there that it’s really hard to decide which I should give my time, love and affection to next. But other bloggers usually help me weed through those. Especially Jaime and Nancy! Thanks ladies!!!
Well, I feel like I could go on about this for hours, but I’d like to leave this one off with a pro so this post doesn’t feel too negative! See you tomorrow for “The Books of 2013 You Are Sad You Missed.”
9 comments:
I hear you about the time... it's so time consuming that it's really tough sometimes. But last year I figured not too stress to much about this and when there was no time, I didn't post on weekends and ... all still was fine:)
My biggest Con would also be the time...
One of my pros was also that the blog is all mine. I've been trying to post some more things about my life than just reviewing just to give more of a depth to my blog. I like that I'm able to share whatever I want because it is my space.
~April @ Once Upon a Coffin
Oh man you nailed it with the cliques! At first I refuse to believe that there's such a thing and that these "cliques" are just long time blogger friends. But like you I've seen all sorts of craziness where one blogger is ganged up on and mean girl claws come out. Pathetic really because I don't see the point of it. Going crazy over someone you haven't or probably will never meet in real life. To an extent, most of these peeps we meet in this sphere are virtual friends so though it can be disappointing, it's really easy to just take the high road and walk away.
P.S. New follower :)
I agree that blogging feels like a hassle sometimes. It takes so much work, commitment, time, and drive to keep a book blog going. Especially because we go through so many books in such a short space of time and then have to digest these books and try to produce coherent sentences from all the feels! It's crazy what we put ourselves through!
As for blogger drama... I think secluding yourself from other bloggers can give the impression of being a little cliquey. I think making friends even in real life is a bit of a risky business so unless you take the risk you might find that you're losing chances to make a ton of great new friends.
I followed you on BlogLovin :) Happy New Year!
- Farhana @ Digesting The Words
Time is definitely my biggest Con too!
I know exactly what you mean by secluding yourself and wondering if you've created or are part of an un-intentional clique. I visit the same blogs all the time but it's because we read the same stuff or I'm just comfortable with them, they know me! But one of my resolutions is to actually get out and comment on more and more blogs. But it is hard not "hang with the buds", huh? Great list!!!
Unfortunately, those same people who craved cliques in high school crave them as they get older and the internet has been a bully playground for them :-( Can't stand it either! Time is my biggest con when it comes to blogging as well . . . barely fit in my once a week post, and I don't think I should drink any more coffee to accomplish this task, lol.
I agree with you about time. When I first started blogging, I spent HOURS. This was actually one of my goals for this year is not to be pressured to blog ALL the time.
And with the cliques too. I am still hesitant to engage some people because they have been... rude (so lack of a better word) there is always drama going on. It sucks :(
Happy New Year :)
This was one of my favorite pro/con posts I have read so far! I love how you claim ownership of this blog. Very refreshing to read.
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