*ahem*
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Written World,
Happy Birthday to you!
That's right, folks. Today is my blogiversary. I have been blogging for 6 years! I always find my blogiversaries a bit scary. I think about all the time and energy I have spent blogging, visiting blogs, messing around with my template, avoiding my Google Reader, tweeting, and all the other wonderful things that come along with blogging. Not to mention all the reading I have done, recommendations I have acted on, and review copies that I have received. I can safely say that pre-blogging I had a very manageable TBR pile. I can no longer say that... It has all been so much fun, though! I am very happy that I became a Blogger.
When I wrote up my post the other day for Trish's survey I went to double-check when my blogiversary was. I am horrible at blogging at December and more often than not entirely forget to blog about the day. I actually had another post scheduled for today and hastily moved it to another. Back in 2009 I wrote a post called The Changing Face of Book Blogging. I thought since it had been 2 years since I wrote that post I would look back at some of the things that I said.
At the time I wrote the post I think the whole disclosing where a book came from scandal was going around the blogosphere. That was 2009, right? Since then it has been joined by many more issues. In 2009 I said that I hated that they even had to be there, but they are probably always going to be. I still continue to mostly stay out of things. I am not enough of a 'voice' in blogging to really weigh in most of the time anyway. I have always done my best to meet new people, but also stay on the outskirts at the same time.
The longest paragraph in 2009 is still something that I hate about blogging today. Blogging is not a popularity contest. It was always supposed to be a community. It used to be smaller, so maybe this was more manageable. Nowadays it is sometimes an online version of high school. Not surprisingly I hated high school. Sometimes I hate blogging. I was reading a post on Beauty is a Sleeping Cat and in the comments she referenced the The Book Blog Mafia. I was horrified. She is a relatively new blogger and she thinks that some of the 'older' bloggers act smug and superior. I would hate for this to be the opinion held by new bloggers. Do I think she has a point? Well, yes... And that in a nutshell is what urks me about blogging at times. Obviously her post is about something entirely different, but I got stuck on one random comment. Probably because I am an 'older' blogger and I would hate for my blog to come across as anything but a friendly place to visit.
Caroline ended her post by saying that she blogs to connect. That's why I blog! That's why 90 percent of the time I ignore the scandals. That's why I just stop reading blogs when they start bothering me. I have made some very wonderful friendships in 6 years of blogging, and the best thing of it all is, I continue to make new friends! I get so excited when I receive emails, Christmas cards, ocassional presents, etc. from the people I have met through my little blog. I even still get excited when I receive comments. I love comments!
So, ladies and gents, thank you for 6 years of blog visits. Thank you for the comments, the emails, and the chats on Twitter. Thanks for the books and the recommendations. I really do hope that even with a few hitches along the way, we can continue to be a large community that is continuously welcoming to new bloggers and visitors. This is an experience that I wouldn't honestly trade for anything and other people deserve the right to enjoy it. Here's to many more years of blogging at this little blog...
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Written World,
Happy Birthday to you!
That's right, folks. Today is my blogiversary. I have been blogging for 6 years! I always find my blogiversaries a bit scary. I think about all the time and energy I have spent blogging, visiting blogs, messing around with my template, avoiding my Google Reader, tweeting, and all the other wonderful things that come along with blogging. Not to mention all the reading I have done, recommendations I have acted on, and review copies that I have received. I can safely say that pre-blogging I had a very manageable TBR pile. I can no longer say that... It has all been so much fun, though! I am very happy that I became a Blogger.
When I wrote up my post the other day for Trish's survey I went to double-check when my blogiversary was. I am horrible at blogging at December and more often than not entirely forget to blog about the day. I actually had another post scheduled for today and hastily moved it to another. Back in 2009 I wrote a post called The Changing Face of Book Blogging. I thought since it had been 2 years since I wrote that post I would look back at some of the things that I said.
At the time I wrote the post I think the whole disclosing where a book came from scandal was going around the blogosphere. That was 2009, right? Since then it has been joined by many more issues. In 2009 I said that I hated that they even had to be there, but they are probably always going to be. I still continue to mostly stay out of things. I am not enough of a 'voice' in blogging to really weigh in most of the time anyway. I have always done my best to meet new people, but also stay on the outskirts at the same time.
The longest paragraph in 2009 is still something that I hate about blogging today. Blogging is not a popularity contest. It was always supposed to be a community. It used to be smaller, so maybe this was more manageable. Nowadays it is sometimes an online version of high school. Not surprisingly I hated high school. Sometimes I hate blogging. I was reading a post on Beauty is a Sleeping Cat and in the comments she referenced the The Book Blog Mafia. I was horrified. She is a relatively new blogger and she thinks that some of the 'older' bloggers act smug and superior. I would hate for this to be the opinion held by new bloggers. Do I think she has a point? Well, yes... And that in a nutshell is what urks me about blogging at times. Obviously her post is about something entirely different, but I got stuck on one random comment. Probably because I am an 'older' blogger and I would hate for my blog to come across as anything but a friendly place to visit.
Caroline ended her post by saying that she blogs to connect. That's why I blog! That's why 90 percent of the time I ignore the scandals. That's why I just stop reading blogs when they start bothering me. I have made some very wonderful friendships in 6 years of blogging, and the best thing of it all is, I continue to make new friends! I get so excited when I receive emails, Christmas cards, ocassional presents, etc. from the people I have met through my little blog. I even still get excited when I receive comments. I love comments!
So, ladies and gents, thank you for 6 years of blog visits. Thank you for the comments, the emails, and the chats on Twitter. Thanks for the books and the recommendations. I really do hope that even with a few hitches along the way, we can continue to be a large community that is continuously welcoming to new bloggers and visitors. This is an experience that I wouldn't honestly trade for anything and other people deserve the right to enjoy it. Here's to many more years of blogging at this little blog...
On an entirely different note, I think 2012 is going to have to bring a template change. I have been using the same one for years and only had one other before that, so.... Look forward to that! Once I find someone techno enough to do said template change. Any volunteers?
Oh, my goodness, six years! That is phenomenal and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging for just under two years, and I've loved every second of it. It seems like there's always some scandal going on out there and while sometimes I put my two cents in on Twitter, I normally stay away. Good gracious, I just blog for the fun of it also, and to connect with others, and so far, it has absolutely served its purpose for me. I've actually stayed away from accepting books for review, with the exception of two or three I think, and I've been a lot happier with blogging and having more fun with it all. I'll have to check out Caroline's post on the mafia. I guess there are some out there who might act that way, but most of the time, I probably won't be following them anyway. There are too many fabulous book blogs out there to be introduced to. Not to mention... more books to read!
Great post today!
Yours is a great blog that I enjoy a lot. Happy Bloggiversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary! I'm glad to have gotten to know you better this year through a few read-alongs. You occupy a unique part of the community and I hope you continue to do that for years to come!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! I simply can't imagine the place without you and your kindness. Blogging has definitely changed and it's changed me as well, tbh. I don't know about a mafia, I will stay in ignorant bliss!
ReplyDeleteHappy bloggiversary, Kelly! Thank YOU for everything. You've been a great friend for all these years and I'm so glad to have met you.
ReplyDeleteHappy blog anniversary, Kelly. Six years is really great!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. I agree with everything you say, it's all stuff that I've thought about and come to the same conclusions. I decided ages ago not to join the race to be popular, I wouldn't succeed anyway as I'm not the type to attract legions of friends. I'm very happy with the lovely little group of people that visit my blog and feel I've been able to get to know them well and have fun. If there were legions that would be impossible! LOL. And as to the 'superior' thing... absolutely it's true.
Hope you'll be blogging here for a long time to come, Kelly.
Happy Blogiversary, Kelly. You are certainly one of the positive examples of a blogger who has been around for a while but treats the "young ones" kindly.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments and the link to my post.
I think your blog was one of the first to catch my attention.
I'm curious to see what new look you will choose although I like this one a lot.
It is good to see that many blog in order to connect and share things and not for selfish and competitive reasons.
Wow, 6 years, how cool! Your blog is one of my favorites and I think it's a wonderful and friendly place. And I had to laugh, because I don't even know what scandals you're alluding to, I think I'm pretty good at avoiding/ignoring them then, eh? Although I do get the smug blogger comment and can think of a few oldies who aren't that friendly. But who cares, I read the blogs I love and connect with some great people (like you) so it's all good!
ReplyDeletelike you, i forget my blog anniversary.. we are only two months apart I began in Oct. of 2005 but completely forgot it..
ReplyDeleteI feel really bad when people who have blogged for a long time just suddenly up and stop blogging. I know some are due to horrible life changes and I totally understand but the loss is always there...you'd think we all were relatives or something lol..
I certainly don't blog for popularity lol.. and I'm not even a fast reader to be an "official" book blog..plus I can't give a review to save my life LOL..but I still enjoy it all...but you are right.. i never expected to be doing this for 6 years! Congrats Kelly!!!! I'm glad I found you !!
Happy blogoversary Kelly! All that controversy and scandal you mention is the big reason I've backed away a lot from blogging. I just don't have a reason that compels me to do it so much anymore. Still, I love connecting with people, with the few people who still read my blog and want to connect (which is admittedly very few), and I'll probably keep doing it for that.
ReplyDeleteps - I'll send you an email back soon. I've been rushing to finish this section of my book before this weekend so I've been offline 95% of my time. :)
Happy Blogiversary! You were one of the first bloggers I followed when I started almost 5 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI won't comment on the post you linked to since I have no idea what's going on there.
Anyway have a good one and keep on blogging!
Wow, six years is amazing! Congrats, what an accomplishment! I do think "scandals" come up in blogging occasionally (ok, often...) but many of them are important discussion points for how we can all blog better. I try not to get too involved, but it is interesting to see the discussions.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary! 6 years is a major accomplishment! Wishing you many more years of fun on the blogs. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season as well!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!I've (only?) been doing it for 1 year and 8 months and usually sit on the fence in most shop-talks. It's a normal thing in any mature community. The good thing is that you instinctively start gravitating towards more like-minded bloggers. This makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogoversary :) Like you, I think it is all about community. While there are various groups who may converse more, that doesn't mean that it's a bad thing. I think we all gravitate toward people we get along with the most.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on six years! That is an amazing acheivement that few manage. I want to reassure you that you always come across in a very friendly manner.I agree that all these scandals are best avoided. In the past I have occasionally added my thoughts, but always regret it later. I am going to do my best to ignore them in future, but sometimes they are really interesting debates and I do enjoy reading the comments. They always seem to turn bad quickly though :-( Shame because a lot of the topics do need discussing - I just wish people did it in a mature way without all the agreesion.
ReplyDeleteHappy 6 years Kelly!! I have to agree with the part about ignoring scandals. I got into blogging because I wanted to, it was before I even discovered a community. To meet bloggers like you was just an added bonus!!
ReplyDeleteSix years is just amazing! Happy blogiversary!
ReplyDeleteWow! Six years? And I just discovered your blog recently. Congratulations, wishing you many blogging years to come.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!!! Six years is a long time. Though I haven't hit the year mark, I have to say it feels like I've been doing this for a while. My TBR pile has tittered on the verge of unmanageable for a while before I started blogging and now it is way past hope. But tis okay, I'll get there...one day...hopefully. I can't imagine what six years will be like. Though there are some blogs that do have the "inner elite circle" thing going, I definitely don't think your blog is one of them, :)
ReplyDeleteHere's to even more years of blogging to you. (you can't see this but I am toasting a glass of orange juice to you!!!)
Ha! I'm adding to the tbr pile, I mean, MOUNTAIN! :)
ReplyDeleteCELEBRATE with pie if you can get some.
Congratulations on 6 years! Yours was one of the first blogs I discovered and connected with back in 2006 when I started mine.
ReplyDeleteI pretty much let the blogging hoopla and nonsense fly by without getting involved. I started my blog to have a nice relaxing place to talk about books and that's still my primary focus.
Looking forward to many more years of chatting about books with you!
Happy 6 years! I have discovered most of the blogs I like the best are ones that have been around for a long time. You just helped prove that point. I guess because I'm an oldie when it comes to blogging, too. ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy blogoversary!
ReplyDeleteSix years, what an achievement! It's amazing that you've kept up this long while enjoying it too (or so it seems :) )
I think that's an amazing post. I blog to connect, too, and to discover more books of course. I've been at it for almost 3 years now and my blog still has a small following, but I don't mind at all. This means I have enough time to visit back most of the people who comment on my blog. I never got the popularity thing; if it happens it happens, and if it doesn't, it doesn't!
What I can say is that you have nothing to worry about; I don't see how any reader could perceive your blog as something else than friendly. :)
Wow, 6 years! Congrats! I read and blog to connect with others. It's been wonderful and has really opened up my world!
ReplyDeleteHere's to many more years!
Congrats on 6 years! And on remembering your anniversary this year!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary!! And congratulations on a non-mafia like 6 years! :-D
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on six years! I'm so glad we met. :) And if you want to make a full change to WordPress, Kevin does great work on templates...
ReplyDelete**Natalie: Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, the book blogging community is huge. It overwhelms me at times at the same level as how overwhelming all the books I want to read are! I could follow many more blogs than I do and I know I probably miss a lot that I would love.
**Clarissa: Thank you!
**Kristen: Same here! And, thank you. :)
**Amy: Thanks, Amy. I couldn't imagine the place without you either. And, I agree, blogging has changed and I am a much different blogger now than when I started 6 years ago.
**Ana: Thanks! You have been a great friend, too, and I am very happy we stumbled across each others blogs. :)
**Cath: Thanks!
Yes, I am going to go back in my hole and not say anything for a while again. I think it has been 2 years since my last 'opinion' piece, so I am doing well. :) I enjoy your blog and am happy that we visit with each other.
I hope you are around for many years to come, too!
**Caroline: Thanks! I am happy to know that. I do try and think I come across as friendly, but who can really say.
I really like my template, too, but I am getting tired of the black. I have heard it is hard on the eyes. I don't actually read my own blog, though, so it is not something I pay particular attention to... I really should!
**joanna: Thanks!
Sometimes I happen to be on Twitter and such when the scandals are being.. debated... Not to mention the occasional blog post. I don't do very well missing out on them it seems!
**Pat: This is the first time I have mentioned it in 2 years. I should have said something last year because 5 years was a bit more of a milestone. Oh, well!
Yes, it is always sad when bloggers vanish. There are many from when I first started that are no longer around. It's sad.
You write great reviews. Don't be so hard on yourself. I enjoy your blog. :) I'm glad I found you, too!
**Amanda: I am glad you are still around, though, Amanda. I would be sad if you left entirely. I enjoy reading your blog posts!
(And no worries on the email! Whenever you have time is fine.)
**Chris: Yes, I think I have watched you grow as a Blogger. I think that is one of the best things about being around for a while... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
**Kim: Sometimes the discussions are just silly, but yes, they sometimes serve a point, too. Thanks!
**Anna: Thank you, Anna! I wish you many more fun years of blogging, too!
**Daphne: Thank you! I hope you have a happy holiday season, too!
**Alex: I didn't think you had been around that long. I can't even remember how you made it to my Google Reader, but I discovered you somehow.
**Amy: Yes, I believe that is what happens, too. I enjoy the people that I follow and their blogs.
**farmlanebooks: Thank you! I am glad you think I come across in a friendly manner. That is what I aim for. I add my thoughts once in a while, but mostly in brief tweets. I very rarely say much of anything on my blog unless something REALLY bothers me. And, yes, I wish it was handled much more maturely. I have seen some things that just shocked me!
**Kristina: Thank you! I started blogging because I wanted to talk about books and didn't really have many people in 'real life' that wanted to listen to me. Meeting all the people that came along with it is the added bonus!
**rhapsodyinbooks: Thank you!
**Gavin: I had seen you around, but for some reason it took a while for me to start reading your blog. Just one of those things, I guess. Thanks!
ReplyDelete**Starr K: Thanks! You are still in the very early stages. I have to admit I am curious just what it would be like to be starting out now in the book blogging world. When I appeared it was still relatively small, but started to grow within the first few months. I sort of had the chance to get my head together. To start now would be entirely different... (I toast my cup of coffee back to you!)
**Care: Yes, well, my Christmas books arrived today and I looked at the guy (who bought them for me) and asked... 'Where do I put them?' He didn't have an answer... So, yes, mountain. lol
**SuziQoregon: Yes, I was going through old posts and you have been basically around since almost my beginning. I like that we continue to interact now!
I look forward to more years of chatting books with you, too!
**Cat: Yes, and yet it took me forever to actually start reading your blog. I kept hearing Karen (Sassymonkey) mention you (well, not hear, but you know what I mean) and then not clicking over. I am glad I have now!
**Kay: Thanks! It is always nice to connect with new people. :)
**Linda: Thanks! Here's to many more years for you, too!
**raidergirl: lol I am impressed that I did. Thanks!
**softdrink: haha, thanks!
**Carrie: I am so glad we met, too. It all started with a random conversation on Google Wave... I can actually remember that!
Congratulations on six years! I think you're very right about the changing atmosphere of book blogging. I was just reading Jill's (FizzyThoughts) latest post and how she divorced herself from the term "book blogger".
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad we've found each other online. We've had some great conversations and you've added some great books to my tbr list.I hope you have many more years of blogging ahead.
meant to comment yesterday. Happy Blogiversary!! I found your blog this year and I never once thought it unfriendly. I like your creativity, your sense of community, your eclecticism. hope you have a fabulous 2012 and many more herein the blogosphere.
ReplyDelete~L
**Vasilly: Thank you! Yes, I haven't exactly, but at the same time I have added different things to my blog.
ReplyDeleteI am glad we have found things online, too!
**L: Thanks! I hope you have a fabulous 2012, too!
Congratulations on your 6 years :) I'm a realitively new visitor to your blog but I've been around for almost 4 years. Lots has changed even during that time, but I am able to stay out of the controversial stuff. It seems a lot of that starts on Twitter now. Hope your next 6 years are just as fun and worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never (I do have excuses, but I won't bore you with them), but CONGRATS! It's been wonderful knowing you these past 6 years. And here's to many, many more.
ReplyDeleteThere's a blogging mafia? I didn't get an invite, but then again that's not a surprise really!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your blogiversary. I didn't even mention mine on my day. Probably should have done. Oh well!
I look forward to seeing what new template you end up coming up with. Then again, it doesn't feel like all that long ago when we were searching for this template!
Happy Blogiversary!!! It'll be my 6th in January. Hard to believe, isn't it? I'm so glad to have got to know you through blogging and hope you'll continue for a long while to come.
ReplyDeleteI've been a terrible blogger this year so have effectively missed the scandals but I just avoid them anyway. And I know what you mean about the popularity thing. I wasn't keen on high school either. ;)
Congrats again! Here's to many more great books and book chats. :)
Happy bloggiversary Kelly!! I'm glad that you're in a place where you enjoy blogging. Sometimes I kind of hate it to but I'm trying to let a lot of that stress go.
ReplyDeleteI see multiple generations of book bloggers and honestly I feel like it's the second generation of book bloggers who are the most competitive and where most of the drama occurs. I feel like some of us older kids can finally just relax a bit and blog because we want to instead of trying to grab author and publisher's attention. Truthfully I don't really like where book blogging seems to be going so I'm glad to see so many of the older folks evolving into more personal type places. Hope this comment doesn't come off sounding bad...
Anyway, glad to know you Kelly. :)
Happy blogiversary!!
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging for three years now. And yes, my TBR pile has grown outrageously.
Its funny because I will have been blogging for 7 years later this month (January) and I must be more of an outsider than I even thought I was because I know little about the controversies or that they even existed. I'm not totally oblivious, but I am largely oblivious to them. I guess I'd probably stay out of them anyway even if I knew.
ReplyDeleteThen again, maybe I'm one of the snobbish bloggers. Lord I hope not. I know all of those who know me well wouldn't think that, but I'd hate to give that impression to any new bloggers.
In the end I keep doing it because its fun and it keeps me in contact with friends old and new in a way that is much more satisfying than Twitter or Facebook. It isn't and shouldn't ever be a popularity contest. I hate it when it feels like that which is why I'm not big on the book blogger awards or anything like that. I feel for everything I do well there is someone admittedly doing it much better and I would hate to get some recognition and have people out there hating on me because of it. I'd rather just make friends and maintain friendships and be an outlet to bring people together.
Happy blogoversary!!!
**stacybuckeye: Yes, Twitter is bad for it, I know. When I hardly use it I miss a lot... Thanks!
ReplyDelete**Melissa: I has been wonderful knowing you, too!
**Marg: lol I wouldn't really want one...
I missed last year, so I decided to make up for it this one. Of course last year was my 5th year so should have mentioned it.
I am just tired of the black...
**Nat: Thanks! I think I have known you almost as long as you have been blogging, but it is a bit hard to believe it has been that long.
Look forward to talking to you more soon!
**Trish: Thanks! I actually know exactly what you mean in your comment. I feel that way, too.
**Carol: Yes, my TBR pile will continue to grow, likely...
**Carl: Yes, there is always scandals. I know I probably miss some, but every so often they appear on my RADAR.
You are very much not one of the snobby bloggers! I am pretty sure that everyone that knows you loves you. :)
I think you have inspiring reasons for blogging! I am glad to know you through all of it.