In some ways, thus post is a continuation of the one I wrote last week regarding blog posts I enjoyed as a non-blogger. Writing it made me re-evaluate why I started and continue to blog. According to WordPress, this will be my 100th post on the blog, so I wanted to recap and review my own journey as a blogger. As with all my discussion posts, I don’t have a concrete answer – but would love to hear your side of things, too!
It goes without saying that I blog for myself first and foremost. I initially started this blog as more of a book journal, one that I never expected or wanted anyone to read. It meant that most of what I wrote was book reviews, they were a way for me to keep track of the books I read. It also helped motivated me to read more books – I went from someone who read maybe 2 books a month to a crazed devourer of 4 books a week!
I got lonely just speaking to myself, of course, so I started to blog for…
In hopes that my blog posts will benefit someone other than myself, I started making posts that would appeal to me as a reader. This included making Top Ten Tuesday posts (I love lists, as you all know), or a masterpost featuring all the fairy tale retellings! I also started to reach out in the community by using Goodreads and Twitter.
However, I quickly realised that readers like myself are unlikely to comment or give me feedback on my posts. I would never know how I am doing! While I love lurking myself, I wanted to have a conversation via my blog post.
So I then spread my wings to commenting like crazy on other blog posts, and my posts started to morph to suit…
One thing I learned when reading other blogs is that Discussion Posts tend to generate the most conversation, I look up to people like Cait at Paperfury who could have engaging and meaningful dialogue with her commenters. Hence, I started incorporating discussion posts into my own blog, I discovered how much I enjoyed writing them and have never looked back since.
I also started writing some blogging tips post e.g. my design one, as they tend to be the ones I find most helpful!
However, the flipside of noticing and interacting with other blogger is noticing those new books and ARCs, which brought me around to a VERY short phase of blogging for…
Ahhh, those shiny ARCs that are so covetable whether you’re new or a veteran to blogging. Although no publishers expected it of me, I felt compelled to write at least some nice things about the books I received. Because no one likes writing those emails announcing they hate the book? Or am I lone in my spinelessness? Needless to say, this phase lasted only a millisecond, as in the end, I much prefer being honest. In fact, most of my poorer rated books were ARCs, oops.
As a ‘moody’ reader, I also have difficulties reading ARCs on schedule, making me feel bad about the books I’ve requested or received unsolicited. Needless to say, I’ve cut down on the number of ARCs I’ve requested.
Even more challenging, there’s blogging for…
Whether it’s to increase followers or pageviews, this was something I struggled with for a while. It was a constant game of beating my own numbers month after month, and it got draining very quickly. For steady growth, one of the requirements was a constant stream of both blog content and blog commenting. I basically fizzled out after a while, and I am still trying fight back to blogging blues. I know the numbers does not matter, but seeing them drop still makes me sad? Why am I pressuring myself so much for a hobby? As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, there’s no real way to measure blogging success, so chasing the numbers is a no-win situation for me personally.
So it’s time that I start remembering that I should be blogging for…
Meaning I should be able to look at my blog and feel HAPPY, not dread about updating or commenting. I have started reading more books I know I would love, and ease back on my blogging schedule in order to allow for this. I realised I was the only one pressuring me to try and schedule post or burn through 5+ books a week. As my 100th post blogoversary present to myself, I am taking a night off to watch some TV and plan my holiday 😉
Who do you think of when you write a blog post? Are there any specific goals you have in mind? Let me know!
Read at Midnight 
First off, congrats on your 100th post! It’s a great milestone :D!
I’m not quite sure who I really write blog posts for, mostly myself I guess. At least in the beginning it was about me wanting to express my feelings and thoughts on a book or TV show, but now it has more and more become about the reaction I have gotten out of it. Do people feel the same? Are they willing to discuss?
I guess in the end I do it for the same reasons as you though!
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Thank you so much!! I guess writing for yourself is always the funnest, but I sometimes get lonely and the discussion post is a space where I can talk to more of you guys – I guess?
I love blogging about things i am passionate about though, currently I am working on a blog series for centred around Japan (as I’m leaving for holiday there next week) and it’s so much fun!!
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I love discussion posts and I definitely get what you mean! Unfortunately, I can’t come up with any good ones myself hahaha
I am so looking forward to your Japan posts! I’ve seen on Twitter that you’ve been getting ready for the trip 🙂 I hope you have a great time!
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I still think about the numbers a lot, actually, and that’s after three years of blogging. I wish it went away but it’s always kind of THERE, you know. And the periods where I’m on hiatus, it’s always discouraging to see the numbers drop, so I have to remind myself that it’s a hobby, that it’s for myself – as you say.
Lovely post ❤
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I still sometimes peek at the number but I try to not let it bother me TOO much since I haven’t been updating as often as I did haha.
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AWWW THIS MAKES ME FEEL SO HAPPY THO. ❤ I think talking to readers is so important and I think my prolific commenting and replying to comments is 100% of the reason why my blog has grown a lot in the last year. xD Although it took me, um, 3 years to realise this needed doing. -_- I…am not fast. (Insert Baymax gif here. xDDX) Ahem. I think blogging for oneself is really important. Or else it can just…be the exact opposite of fun, and what’s the point in that?! But I also think it’s okay to blog because you want something, like ARCs or a large audience to sell stuff (like, idek, a book?) to eventually, or because you plan to take over the world. <— My humble blogging reasons. SO YES THIS POST = FANTASTIC.
And congrats on 100 posts!! 😀
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Your prolific commenting are so memorable, but I think a lot of your popularity has to do with how much your personality burst through your blog posts. Your writing voice in inimitable 😉 I have been a bit busy trying to schedule blog before I go on holiday so I am dreadfully behind on commenting 100% of the time D: I think you’ve already toppled the bookish community, next step: Australia.
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This is such a lovely post Aentee, I completely agree, even though your blog is your own and you can do whatever you want with it – we have to remember that there IS a following and that we DO provide reviews for publishers as well! This reminds me when Jess was talking about being politically correct on her blog and she wished she didn’t have to be. I think not putting the pressure on yourself to please everyone, but just to be happy with your own efforts definitely helps to strike the balance!
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Hello Jeann. Would you mind linking me to the blog post about political correctness? I would love to read it and I don’t know Jess’s blog. Yet. 🙂
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Yes, I don’t want to go off and write my own thing and just alienate the people who followed my blog for a different purpose, I guess. Then again, I am writing so many blog posts for my Japan series lately because it’s something I am passionate about – and it’s so much FUN, and I want to do more of it XD
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This is such a great post. I started blogging for myself, and to talk about books with more readers. But the number of views/comments is pretty important now, too. I’m challenging myself, as you did. Even though I’m trying not to. BUT, I’m not forcing myself to write when I don’t want to. I prefer to watch Arrow’s last episode ? ok. Or I want to spend more time with my current read ? still ok. I don’t want my hobby to become a chore 😉
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I feel the same way, though at times I lose sight of the initial reason I started to blog (for myself). You’re right, I also don’t want it to become a chore but I also find myself falling into that trap of wanting to know if what I’m putting out there is good/useful/funny or not. I don’t know all the time where that healthy balance is between blogging for myself and blogging for my audience, it can be a hard line to see at times.
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Yes I agree it’s difficult to find the perfect balance.
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I think setting yourself small challenges in terms of stats is fine, it’s still a way to motivate you to grow your blog! I certainly consider the numbers quite a bit when I first began. But I completely understand about wanting to indulge in other hobbies as well – I’ve been getting a lot of TV and non-review book time lately and I am SO HAPPY.
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What a wonderful post Aentee – and congratulations on reaching your 100th post too! 🙂 This just goes to show that yes, we can blog for different reasons/people – though to do it because we love it and for our own enjoyment ultimately comes foremost. It’s always nice to think that yes, our posts can make a difference and do help readers to gain some more perspectives on books from a whole range of voices. Thanks for sharing lovely 🙂
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Thanks Eugenia! I’ve been blogging mainly non-ARCs and just writing on a schedule that fits with my life, rather than fit my life around the blog, and the pacing suits me a lot more 😀
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That’s a very important issue you’re talking about.
Of course I’m blogging for my readers and other bloggers, which is fun, but sometimes I’ve got publishers or – even worse – authors in mind. Whenever that happens I can feel my energy draining, because I often get the feeling, that I can’t speak my mind and have to think about how to word things or if they really need to be said.
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Yes. I am currently working on a blog series that’s indulgence for myself and my upcoming holiday, and I had SO MUCH FUN writing the posts for it. I can’t wait to share it with you guys, and it really goes to show that when you’re writing for you, it makes a whole world of difference motivationally.
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As always Aentee, this is a wonderful discussion! It never ceases to amaze me the topics of discussion that you bring up on your blog. They are truly thought provoking and wonderful. I know these topics must weigh on your heart in order for you bring such passion into the discussion, and I really admire you for this! You inspire me 🙂
I struggle with what you’ve brought up today, about who I blog for as well. At times, my focus is just for me. And at others I stress about the audience and whether or not I am doing enough for them. So thank you for bringing up this issue. Reading the other comments has been immensely helpful.
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Thanks for your support Nicolette, I hope you find your blogging niche soon!
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I love this so much Aentee. I wasn’t expecting this post to be so dang encouraging but it is!
First and foremost, congratulations on your achievements, honestly I look up to you so much as a blogger! 😭💕
Secondly, I can related to all the points you made here about who you blog for! In the end, we are our own bosses here and all the pressure we get is ultimately from ourselves!
Loved it Aentee, as always 😘
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Thanks Josie, I probably don’t have enough back bone to write something super negative and discouraging to my readers tbh haha!! You’re completely right, I can at least be queen on this tiny site haha *flips hair*
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YES. Always write for yourself, Aentee. And your personality shines through your post so that is enough for you to attract readers. You can always tell when a blogger is writing for themsleves as opposed to publishers (for arcs) or readers (for blog numbers).
I was starting to blog for everyone else but myself too, but I’m changing everything about how I view blogging.
Fantastic insightful post, lady! 🙂
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AW it makes me so glad to hear that, I always assumed my writing voice was too passive to have personality, tbh XD *hugs*
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Congrats on 100 posts!! I started off blogging for myself ( as I’m sure most people do) but then I started to blog for other people like me ( this started as other readers, then other teens as my blog changed direction). I think I’ve come back around full circle though recently and am blogging for myself again. I used to comment like crazy on anything and everything desperately trying to pick up pageviews but now I only comment if I genuinely have something to say or want to join in the conversation! I think you can tell who blogs first and foremost for themselves as you get more of a sense of personality than a blogger who is trying to fit in. Great post as always!!
Eliza xo | http://www.lipglossandpaperbacks.blogspot.co.uk
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Same here, I used to do my commenting rounds on everything but now, I mainly just comment on the people who drops by on my post or in a post I am VERY interested in, as I have less and less time for this hobby.
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Well said! Congrats on the 100th post! Blogging for publishers and ARCs seems to be the harshest on a blogger. I burnt myself out on ARCs after only a few and knew ultimately it wasn’t worth it. I started my blog to help others who love to read and have less time to devote to reading to find a good book I know they will love. Of course reasons change and grow to incorporate other things but blogging for yourself is always the best/least stressful. 🙂 I’m trying to get into the groove of keeping up with comments/commenting more on other blogs but I feel it’s really hard when you aren’t online 24/7.
I hope you post pictures when you get back from your holiday! I’m really interested to see what you did. 🙂
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Ah yes, I have definitely stopped reading as many review books lately, and I have been enjoying myself more. I still love the ARCs though, there are some wonderful books I would not have discovered without them!
I have a blog series coming up about Japan and will include a lot of travel photos in them, I hope you guys will enjoy it!
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I’m sure I will love it! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful time!
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Congratulations on the 100th post 😀
And yes, we should all blog for ourselves more and you made some awesome points
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Thank you and I am glad you can agree with some of my thoughts 😀
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Congratulations on the 100th post, Aentee!! 😀 I loved reading this, and I agree with you on everything. It’s hard somedays to keep in mind that we’re blogging for ourselves: there are stats to check, and that quickly becomes a habit, shiny ARCs to ask for, even though it’s out of what we usually enjoy to read… I think it’s great sometimes to remind ourselves that we should do this for us. Read and request books we think we’ll enjoy, and always be true to ourselves when we, well, don’t enjoy the books. I absolutely LOVE when other people comment and interact with me on my blog posts: these conversations are the best, and it reminds me that, while doing all of this for me, I can meet people with the same tastes and opinion as me, and begin some amazing discussions 😀
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Completely agree with your assessment about the interactions with the people that visits your blog that matters most! I love getting comments most of all, or tweeting, as it’s a way to instantly connect with you guys. Thank you for your support!!
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Really amazing post again, Aentee. Loved it. Back when I had my own blog I was so concerned with numbers. And that really made me lose a lot of motivation. I couldn’t read or post as fast as everyone else. But when I started co-blogging with Kelly it really just came down to the books. I blog and review because I really want to spread the word about a book – especially if it’s good and it deserves the attention. It’s also about myself as well. Being able to communicate with others that are also passionate about the things you are is absolutely fantastic ❤
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I’m glad that blogging with Kelly has brought about such a positive change and perspective for you, I love what you gals are doing so keep it up ❤
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Yey, I’m so glad to hear that you’ve successfully pushed through the publisher and stats motivations, it takes some of us longer ;-).
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I know right, I feel like I’ve unlocked another level in the Blogger Achievement Game 😉
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I am almost into my fourth year of blogging, and I wrote a post like this sometime during the past year. I thought when I started out that I was blogging for me, but I learned that I wasn’t, Like you I started blogging for publishers, other readers and authors and soon lost sight of why I loved blogging. I have learned to back off and do more of what I want and it helps. I still need to cut back on the ARCS because I have the same issues you do. It takes a long time to find the right balance, heck, I am still working on it.
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It’s so humbling to hear that you still have the same issues even after four years of blogging, I guess this is one of those things that can cycle through a blogger’s life haha! I am going on holiday next week, so hopefully the breather will give me fresh energy!
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Congrats on the 100th post, Aentee! 😀 Such a great one too. I blog because I like it. ^_^
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Thank you Bieke ❤
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My least favorite bloggers are the ones who blog for publishers… you can tell who they are, because ALL of their reviews are 4+ stars and positive and they never ever talk about books they don’t like. I much prefer the bloggers who give honest opinions, and who blog for other readers and for themselves. Honesty goes a long way! Excellent post 😀
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I kind of know who you mean, but luckily, most blogs I visit have very fair reviewers who are honest in their opinion – I think there’s a fine line between being diplomatic about your dislike of a book and outright lie – but I guess that’s another discussion topic altogether! Thank you!
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Aentee, I miss your blog so much. I’ve been so busy. This is the first time in weeks I comment on a blog. 😦 Anyway, I love this post and I relate entirely (except with the publishers part because I don’t read ARCs). I started Books With Chemistry for the same reason, then for other people, and when the obsession came I had to remind myself the same you did. Fantastic post and graphics (even if they’re simple) as always! 🙂
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I’ve missed seeing you pop up on gchat!! hope life is treating you right *hugs*
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I completely agree with everything you’ve said here. Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up with ARCs and publisher contacts and page views that it’s sometimes easy to forget why we started blogging in the first place: to share our passion for books. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous discussion! ❤
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Thanks Zoe! I have been writing a blog series I am really passionate about – can’t wait to share it with you guys at the end of next week 😀 It really reminded me of why I started blogging and gave me so much motivation.
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Thank you so much for everything you do! I know I have said it before, but I genuinely love your blog! Your passion shines through every post, and I love to read them! Congrats on 100 posts!
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EEP that’s so kind of you to say, this comment is everything, THANK YOU SO MUCH *tackle hug*
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You deserve it!
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This is such an important post! I agree that sometimes you do get caught up in the pettier aspects of blogging: trying to get followers and get numbers, focusing on physical aspects such as ARCs, that we forget why we do what we do: because we love books. And because we want to interact with other people that love them as much as we do.
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Thank you Ten, I am glad you could relate!
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LOVE this post! A great reminder for everyone. Thanks for taking the time to write it. 🙂
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Glad you found it relatable and thank you so much for stopping by!
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Wow! I love your discussion posts. They get me thinking so much most of the time I don’t even know what to say. I feel like the answer should always be myself but to be honest, the reason I started, first booktube and then blogging, was to find like minded people who I could be friends with. Where I live it’s hard to find people who love to read as much as me and specially people who do it in English. I felt so disconnected and I wanted to find people to talk to about male leads and crazy plot twists and things that my friends, even my best friend doesn’t understand. I still feel like a tiny tiny fish in a giant pond. The only thing I have going for my blog is my regular posting schedule. But even then I feel like it’s the same as everyone else. I don’t know how to make graphics and I never know what to discuss in discussion posts so I never make them. I want to make my blog unique to me, to represent all facets of my personality and myself. I just don’t know how
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Thank you Sara! I know exactly what you mean about blogging bringing you closer to likeminded people book wise. Whenever I criticise any books or movies in real life, I just get glared at and declared a party pooper who can never enjoy anything, Bookworms here can understand that I can enjoy stuff AND still have a valid criticism for it.
I hope you’ll find your footing soon! if you want to include graphics, try using Canva – I know a lot of people use it and the graphics are very sleek!
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Yes! It’s okay to enjoy something but it’s also okay to express the things you liked and didn’t like. I think that helps you find yourself as a person, knowing the things you enjoy and those that you don’t.
I have Photoshop PS6 I just don’t know where to start. I feel like my theme is weird, I don’t know how to create images or what colors. The actual creating part is what I suck at haha
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YES!! I totally agree with all of this!! Becca and I may not be the biggest blog around, but we blog the way we want to, regardless of what others may think. Whatever you goals are, you still need to always stay true to yourself. Great post! ♥
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I love yours and Becca’s blog, and you must be doing something right as the blog seems the be withstanding the test of time!!
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I can’t agree with you more. This a great post and a good reminder that you have to stay true to your blog no matter what.
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Thank you Erin, I am so happy you can agree 😀
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I’m not really sure… I guess I used to blog mainly for other bloggers/readers and publishers because of ARCs, but I think when you’re not doing something for yourself it takes the enjoyment out of things a little and it’s just not as fun so ever since I relaunched my blog I’ve been blogging a lot more for myself and I’m loving it! I feel like I’ve finally found my blogging voice
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I am glad you’re finding more of your own direction and enjoyment after the relaunch, good luck with all your future blogging!
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First of all Congratulations on publishing 100 posts. I always enjoy reading your posts and I can actually relate to what you’ve been through. It was very motivating post and thanks for sharing your thoughts. Great Post! 😀
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Thank you Raven, I am glad some of the post could be helpful to you!!
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Uwahh congratulations on 100 posts! Here’s to many, many more. I was all caught up in numbers and ARCs and stuff and really burned myself out a couple months back, so I restarted, and while it’s hard not to fall back into that mindset, I think I’m definitely happier and having more fun blogging now. Thanks for the reminder, and I love your graphics!^^
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EEP thank you Chri, I love your graphics so much so that means a lot to me! I also love the voice and the unique spin you have on your blog, it’s so fantastic!
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Yes yes I blog for MYSELF! I have never really cared about numbers, and sure I look at them once in a while, but I don’t strive to increase them.
I would love to do more discussion posts, but I rarely have anything to discuss. And when I do, the posts end up being super short because I go straight to the point hahaha!
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Hi VAL! Yesss join me in the corner of largely ignoring stats hahaha!! Omg same here, I feel like I’ve gotten into the habit of posting a weekly discussion but there’s only so many things you can say about book and blogging?! I can feel my brain fizzing out and giving up on me hahaha.
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Congrats on getting to your 100th post. That’s brilliant. Personally I don’t worry about numbers so much as comments. I stress if I have had a post with no comments even if I got lots of likes. For me comments are important and I want so badly to engage with my followers. Does that make sense?
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I can completely understand, I still feel a bit down when my posts don’t get many comments – as I see it as a reflection that people aren’t engaged in my blog. I find that having a question at the end of the blog post helps encourage discussion a lot!
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Glad to know I am not alone with my insecurities. You have an amazing blog Aentee so you don’t need to worry.
You are so right about the question at the end. I have thought of that too and noticed that on other people’s blogs, it seems to work 😉
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I love the circular structure of this post! (And here we can observe an IB student in her natural habitat: procrastinating writing her essays but still spewing relevant content. XD) No, but seriously, I relate to almost all of these. I definitely write for myself, but blog readers are SO IMPORTANT in keeping me going. And I can’t help but peek at those stats! So it’s a mix for me, I’d say?
And congratulations on your 100th post! So happy that RAM has flourished so wonderfully already 😀
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What’s this, a writer approving of my blog writing and noticing the circular structure? ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED. Thank you Alyssa haha. I am glad you can relate, I love your blog though, you always have such interesting and unique content, gimme your brainsss.
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Great reflection on why we blog!! I am still usually thinking of potential readers who might be looking for a new book for themselves or their children. But the process of writing is also definitely for myself as a record of what I’ve read … and my response to it.
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Yes, I initially started out with a book journal where I basically just jotted down my own thoughts on the book – but I recently wanted my reviews to be helpful to people who are considering buying the books as well. I want to spread the crazy book loving!! Thanks for stopping by, Barbara 😀
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This is SO perfect! Because it’s incredibly true. I know I went through ALL of this. Aw, hell, who am I kidding, I STILL do most of this. You know, my lowest rated books are ARCs too. Kind of makes you think- maybe I shouldn’t care that much about them after all, it’s so hit or miss.
I kind of think that while I DO on some level blog for all of those people, it’s because I WANT to do it that makes it for me? Does that make any sense? Like, I want to engage all of the other people, so it becomes for me by extention? I don’t know, I probably need sleep- good for you for taking a night off 😉 And congrats on the100th post, that is amazing, especially in such a short time!
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I completely get you, Shannon – I love being able to engage with my readers so I am always thinking of content that can spark a conversation with them! Thank you!!!
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Aentee, I love your discussion posts. This is a great reminder to me. I find myself almost obsessing over numbers and questions like “why isn’t my blog growing as fast as others?” “why do I only get x number of readers a month?’ Its helpful to remember why I started.
Also, have you considered turning this into a link up? You always get me thinking and I would love to be able to write a similar post and read others’ thoughts on the topics you discuss. I think it would be great 🙂
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Thank you so much Jane! I will definitely consider a link up idea and see how much interest it gains during my next discussion post (which won’t be for a while due to the hiatus!) Feel free to write your own post in response to anything I have written, though!
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First of all, congratulations on your 100th post! I really like your blog, it’s both thoughtful and beautiful, a rare combination, indeed. 🙂
I find myself thinking about this, too. The responsibility I feel towards my readers is definitely something to consider, but I want my blog to be my fun part of the day, my release, not an obligation or a chore. It’s hard sometimes to walk the thin line between the two. Or maybe it’s okay to do circles like you mentioned – changing your priorities as mood suits you? In any case, do what feels right at the moment, I guess.
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Thank you so much Kaja! Those are some high praises and means so much coming from you, as I love your own blog as well ❤ Yes, I try to please myself first and foremost at the end of the day, as the hobby is so time draining it can't be HAPPINESS draining as well!
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Nick sent this to me last week and I loved it! Now I have time to comment 🙂
I think it’s sad that so many bloggers are blogging for publishers now. It’s really weird how much publishers are relying on bloggers to pretty much do their work for them. I think they forget this is a hobby for us that we do in our spare time. When everything becomes a ‘hey publishers, I’m posting this promo you wanted me to do so I can stay on your good side an get more ARC’s from you’ it really shows through and comes off as fake and… greedy.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with promos, but it should be books you are genuinely excited for. Or else I just can’t trust any of your reviews…
I blog for myself now. I haven’t requested anything in MONTHS and I ignore 99% of publiser emails and I have to say that it feels pretty damn good! I still keep getting emails (and unsolicited ARC’s) so bloggers that worry about the ARC’s stopping, they don’t have to worry about that.
Lovely post! Hope you are having a blast in Japan.
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This post is so relatable #thefeels. I used to check the number stats numerous times when I was just starting a few months back probably because I wanted to get some approval on some ARCs. Then there were approvals and I realized that reading and reviewing books on schedule isn’t that much fun for me who’s stressed with uni and other personal matters (and I had a requesting galore one time, it was a disaster). One thing I realized was that blogging (at least book blogging at this point for me) is about me. Other minor things shouldn’t make me feel otherwise. Overall, I’m just very thankful that I can express myself freely. If people are willing to listen, then I guess that’s just a plus. 🙂
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This entire post is the marvelousest of the marvelousness. Mostly because it reads like a book!
1. There’s a whole arc in there!
2. Your fabulous MC – you – learns a Very Important Lesson.
3. As do we.
4. And when you’re back to the beginning, you’ve come back with a whole fleet of readers/followers/general cupcakes who made it all worthwhile.
Congrats on 100 posts! (Though I know I’m incredibly late. I’ve had this post open in my browser with the intention of commenting for weeks, because I’m a procrastinating procrastinator from Procrastinaria.)
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