How do I blog? - Story from a Newbie

How do I blog? That, my friends is a loaded question for me. You see, I am very new to the “blogging” world and like a newborn infant, I think I stumble and grasp at things more than actually move and reach with a purpose. With that said, I can share with you my learning experience so far.

 

I started to blog because my dear friend and mentor strongly suggested that I do. Granted I am a techno-phile/geek at heart and the idea of learning a new technology was intriguing. I first started to explore the same way I like to explore any new city that I visit.  I tried to let myself get lost.  I started with the blogs that my friend had recommended and I followed links to links to links till often times my back button could not find me my way back home.  In those convoluted hour-long journeys, I learned so much about what was out there and I have found hidden gems of sites that I now love.

 

Tip #1 – Don’t be afraid to get lost.  Explore fearlessly and relentlessly. 

 

My first impression of The Big Blogging World (BBW) was one of awe.  Almost mind-numbing awe from the amount of learning and sharing that was out there.  Every where I looked, there was great minds and large hearts that were willing to give to anyone who will read.  It is truly incredible.  Of course, this wonderful view is in part because I started with the Ho’ohana Community and with JJLN. In these two communities, I have found the best teachers and guides.  They have coached, taught and encouraged me through this BBW and have shared their insight with me and have also allowed me to find my own way.  They have inspired me when I felt like quitting and they have saved me when I was lost and overwhelmed.

 

Tip #2 - If you are new and want a positive experience for blogging, find guides that will be kind, protective and nurturing teachers. 

 

 

Since these first few experiences and impressions, I have been blogging for about 3 months.  With the gentle guidance from my great teachers and my own wanderings, I have started to learn how to keep the flow of information controlled.  With so much out there to know and new material being released every day, every hour, my next challenge has been finding a way to control the amount of information I receive and still keep a hand on the pulse of current activity.  My solution so far has been learning how to use Bloglines, and RSS feeders.  Of course, the mundane solution of good habits that keeps me connected with my computer has also been essential.  Right now my habit is to check my sources at least once a day. I spend about 1-4 hours reading, exploring and learning.  Eventually I find the courage to write comments.

 

Tip #3 – Find a way to control the flow of information and keep in contact with the sites you love.

 

 

Ahhhh….. comments!  Now isn’t that a big team player to try and tackle?!  One of my teachers gave me the best advice for comments.  He said to make sure you really have something to say or add to the post.  Don’t fall into the trap of writing comments just to have a comment written.  As I have explored the BBW and have read other comments, I understand what he means.  I struggle with the internal argument of validating the comments I sometimes draft.  I have learned that if you have something to say, say it.  If you don’t have something to say, then read, enjoy and go back to read more later.  The best thing is, say what your thoughts are in a comment and then write about the post in your own post.  The highest compliment I have seen so far are the links that tracks back to someone else’s post.

 

Tip#4 – When it comes to comments, don’t be shy, be thoughtful and remember to link in your own posts your source of inspiration.

 

So far, this is my story and my advice from lessons learned.  I welcome you to share your stories, suggestions or feedback.  Please help me to continue to learn and Mahalo (thank you) for letting me write and reading my story.

 

Toni Howard is a Workplace Aloha Coach for Say Leadership Coaching. She is passionate about bringing nobility to working arts of management and leadership by sharing the principles and practices of Managing with Aloha.

Comments

[Steve Sherlock]

Well done, Toni. You have made a fine start. I look forward to obtaining the link to your blog so we can leave some comments and "link love" to continue the conversation.

[Carolyn Manning]

Um, did I miss something or is your name not here? I'd love to visit your blog.

Here's where I think you hit the nail on the head: "The best thing is, say what your thoughts are in a comment and then write about the post in your own post. The highest compliment I have seen so far are the links that tracks back to someone else’s post."

To write about another's posts in one of your own is water-cooler blogging at its finest and is, indeed, a high compliment.

I'll be back to see who you are. If the info is here already, it should be a lesson to me to wait until I waken fully before I try to concentrate.

[toni]

Not to worry Carolyn, you are awake enough to see that my name and information was not posted. Mahalo Steve and Carolyn for your kind words and pointing out that I need to add my name to this post. This is exactly why I say great guides and teachers are a must!

I just added my information though I do have to admit that my own blog is very much a works in progress and not as polished or established as others. I look forward to seeing your comments and continuing this conversation. Thank you again.

[Rosa Say]

Toni, though it’s taken me a few days to comment, I keep coming back to this, for the more I read it, the more I truly love your four tips. They have more to do with how to be part of the whole blog community experience than they do with the way we normally think of the word “blog” — a verb to mean “author and write one.” However as you’ve so eloquently explained here, (at least in the way I read between the lines) the writing of blog posts is too easy; being the complete, giving, community-minded blogger is far more involved.

Thing is, you’ve got to write too, and write fairly often. For once people find you, and start to fall in love with you, you’ve got to give them more of your mana‘o (your thoughts expression.) Sometimes, I do miss those days I was the carefree blog visitor without one (or more) of my own calling me back home to do my “chores.” But it’s a fleeting thought …