Blogger Relations

I recently came across a post by Becky at The Bookette that calls into questions the motives and relationships of bloggers. I have decided to add my two cents to this discussion.

Blogging is fun! Blogging is great! It opens us up to a whole new world of like minded people who share the same passion. Why then, does blogging oftentimes become tiresome and petty? I myself have become a bit tired of blogging lately. I'm in a funk, so to say. I enjoy reading immensely, as well as posting, but lately I've felt dominated by time lines and schedules. Part of this is my fault. Some people are addicted to buying books, I'm addicted to tours. This, however, shouldn't be enough to distract me from what I really love: books.

Blogging has become a stressful environment that detracts from my overall reading experience. I often think while reading I need to hurry and finish. I've got so many other books to read in a somewhat timely manner. This attitude saddens me. While I have never even considered taking a break from blogging, I think I, along with many others, need to mentally take a step back and realize that blogging is a fun past time I use to further my passion for books.

Are new bloggers worth it? Or are they just in it for the books?

I'm a fairly new blogger, about 6 or 7 months, so I'll speak from the middle perspective - not a newbie, but not an elder. I can say, wholeheartedly, that new bloggers are worth it. There's nothing better to be a new blogger and to hear that someone appreciates what you're doing and the time you're putting into it. Those first few followers mean everything. Though everyone says they blog for themselves, it is nice to know that others value your opinions and look forward to what you have to say.

When I first started blogging, I knew it was a possibility to receive free books - even ARCs! - for review, but that it would be a long time coming. People should realize that, though some are, the majority of new bloggers are not in this for the free books. Those who are become evident very quickly anyways.

New bloggers should be encouraged and welcomed. I love following new blogs and leaving long comments. Everyone knows the feeling of reading a long, insightful comment. It's wonderful.

I have found, personally, that it's hard to get in on this blogger community. The established bloggers have already formed connections and bonds that I don't want to interrupt or push myself into. I hear of bloggers receiving books from other bloggers because one would know the other wanted it and they happened to have an copy and they're such good blogging buddies, so they pass it on. One small example, but it does hit home that, hey, I don't have any of those relationships. I want to change that.

Are you a new blogger? Or an established blogger who doesn't have a lot of close connections? Are you a human reading these blogs? (I'm trying to encompass every person involved in the blogging process: readers, bloggers, authors, publicists, etc.) I want to encourage that we leave insightful comments, hold more discussions, email each other just because we want to, perform random acts of kindness! Blogging should be an enjoyable community, and we can make that happen.

I challenge you to contact someone you don't know. Leave a long comment. Write a rambling rant (similar to this one.) Give your copy to someone who's dying to read it. Creating a fun community is up to us. Help me make the change.

Want to talk? Email me at mac.attack17(at)yahoo(dot)com. I am completely open to random, out of the blue hellos and all other reasons for contact. Please, please don't hesitate to contact me if you want to talk, or even form a more long-lasting blogger bond. I'm open to it all.

I dare you.