// Blogs... And Why We Write/Read

Blogging is one of those things I've always found to be sort of fascinating. I mean, in a way they're like mini-magazines or tv shows. Some bloggers develop scores of fans and go on to become authors, appear on tv, or land huge brand collaborations. Of course a ton of hard work (and maybe a smidge luck) goes into each instance, but what's the one thing all blog have in common? All blogs started at the very bottom. Zero pageviews. Zero comments. Zero content. It doesn't matter if you were super popular online before launching your blog, you still had to start with nothing. When you think of it that way, it's totally fascinating to see how far blogs have come. I'm always wondering "Why did so-and-so start blogging? What made her say 'Oh this looks fun!'? What lead her to certain choices? What has she gained from it?" - And not in a judgmental way! I really mean that in a sincere and curious manner.

For me, I have to think back to my LiveJournal days. Well, DeadJournal if I'm being totally honest! And maybe even Xanga before (after?) that! While I tended to keep my online journals "friends only," I started racking up friends left and right, so basically anyone could read what I wrote. I was the queen of the overshare, I'm sure of it. I had just turned 21 and I was getting ready to move to NYC to work at BUST magazine for the summer, and I wanted my friends and family to be able to follow along with my shenanigans in the city but I certainly didn't want them reading my LJ. A compromise (this blog!) was born. 

I didn't go into blogging with the clear cut idea that I was going to make it a "job" and monetize. In fact I'm not even sure I knew what that word meant haha! I was simply interested in sharing my adventures with anyone who wanted to read. I remember making the conscious decision to monetize around the one year mark of my blog. I think I had around 500 or so followers and I thought that was a decent following. The next Spring I decided to share outfits. Then it was doing design for hire via my blog, and various other online shops and ventures. I had/have the opportunity to work with brands, big and small, and sort of hone something I've been working on for nearly 5 years. While I recognize the ability to monetize and make my blog a job, I also recognize that I do it for several other reasons...

For instance, I share outfits not to just hopefully "inspire" people (that's not it at all actually), but to help me find confidence in myself. It's easy to feel like the odd duck when you're a short, curvy gal and sometimes straight sizes are limiting but you also still can't wear most plus size brands. There's actually a lot of gals like that in the blog world, so it's refreshing and makes me feel less strange. In a way sharing outfits on here also keeps me accountable... for getting dressed during the day. That probably sounds a little sad (it sort of is...) but if you work from home then you probably understand. Over the years that I've shared outfits here, I've grown so much more appreciative of myself. The little quirks and flaws that I'm made of. And it's those "quirks" and "flaws" that make me adore other bloggers, as well. Sure, model-esque fashion bloggers can be great, but they don't particularly inspire me. I read so many blogs of just regular ol' everyday gals and I love them. Even if their style is so unlike my own. I love to read about their journeys and adventures.

I love to write about being self employed and owning several small businesses because 1) it's what I'm passionate about, and 2) I want other people to know you don't have to go the traditional route to have a happy and fulfilling life. You can have a family, nice home, a well-adjusted life, etc, and be self employed! In turn I love to read blogs that sort of share that belief.

I could say that I write my blog solely for my family and friends, but that's be a big ol' load of crap. At one time, yes, that was the driving force. But now it's to connect with people who share similar interests and stories, and even people who are a bit kooky and live a life I'd never dream of. It's a way to connect with those like me, and those who intrigue me. --- To be completely honest, I'm not sure I read any "big" blogs. I mean, there are a few that I read that are around the size of my own, but I don't think I read any blogs of any "blog famous" people. They just don't speak to me the same way smaller, more personal blogs do. That's why each week, when I sit down to return comments on my blog, I end up finding tons of new, amazing gals to follow. Whether we're on different sides of the globe or in very different stages in our lives, there's almost always something I can say I'm inspired by when I visit each of these blogs. That's why I read. and that's also why I write. 

I guess what I'm getting at here is: I'm curious. Why do you read blogs? What sets a blog apart from the others for you? What drew/draws you to the ones you frequent? And even better: Why do you blog? What do you feel like you gain from sharing what you do? In what ways have you grown since starting your blog? (Or how do you hope to grow over time?) -- The world of blogging is equal parts fascinating, weird, silly, and amazing. Some of my life's best opportunities and friendships have come directly from this blog. I'd be lying if I said there weren't times I've thought about throwing in the towel, but ultimately I know I've made these connections because I've persevered. I'm not necessarily one to network or beat down virtual doors for partnerships, but I'm more than pleased with what this little blog has brought into my life. But I think I'm just waxing poetic honestly haha!

PS; Those pictures of the furry things are totally unrelated, I know. But I like any excuse to share photos of those silly things.