Well, I’m restoring my blog and have figured out a way to recover all of my comments as well. It will be painstaking though, as I cut and paste each one of them and then edit dates, etc. But, hey, what else have I got to do with my time, right?
I’m really glad that I’ve decided to refocus this blog towards women’s issues in mid-life. It was my original vision and like I have said before, there is definitely a demand for the information.
One thing that I wrestle with though is knowing how to strike a balance between offering information to an audience that is searching for something specific and keeping a personal touch to the blog.
One thing I am not is a marketer. But, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that marketing was one of those subjects in business school that I found incredibly easy. Perhaps it is having a good sense of how to connect with people – because I do – and that is the essence of marketing.
But, nothing puts me off more than a sales pitch, some body’s spiel or some kind of an agenda that someone is pushing. I always find that approach disingenuous and well, I hate that.
The other extreme in the blogging world seems to be this edgy, sharp, caustic voice. It is found across the board it seems in all types of blogging. And I guess there is a market for it, but for me, it’s a suit that doesn’t fit. Not that I can’t be sharp and caustic, but because I feel like the best blogs are the ones that are organic. Having to be sharp and caustic – for me anyway – would mean having to push myself into a frame of mind that is contrived. And, like I said, I hate that.
I think people respond to genuine. They respond to honesty and they respond to intellectual and emotional authenticity. At least I do and I don’t think I’m too far off the mark to suggest that everyone does, in some way.
I will definately try to post content that is more than simply my own personal experience and subjective expression, because I think there’s a place for that. But, I can’t see myself turning into a magazine blog that becomes an agenda machine. It’s not me and I have no desire to turn this blog into that type of outlet.
In all of my reading on finding one’s passions, I run across the same type of statements over and over again. And that would be, that when we do what we love and we are truly passionate about it, it seems to open doors for personal success and gratification.
That is really what I’m after. To do this because I love it. Not because I want to become some world famous blogger or one stop shopping place for menopause issues.
There are plenty of blogs that offer that and that is fine. There is room for all of us I think.
So, every so often, as I’ve already done in the past, you will find posts on real life and honest stuff that I go through as a woman in her fifties. Because, at the end of the day, I think we all want to connect on a personal level with someone and feel understood.
It is something that matters to me and I guess I could say that would actually be my passion. Connecting and keeping it real as they say.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Well good for you Mags. With all the temptations out there to jump on the marketing bandwagon, I applaud you for choosing to focus on intellectual and emotional authenticity, keeping it real and balanced here with menopause issues and your personal journey. It is that very balance, that very authentic voice and connection that drew me in and hooked me.
so, here’s to keeping it real Mags! Here’s to keeping it real!!!
Hey Miss Cheryl,
I don’t know any other way to be. So, in order to keep this blog alive and well, it has to be “me”, otherwise, I will burn out and blow it off all together.
I guess life continues to be a journey doesn’t it? We are constantly learning, growing, evaluating and considering. To keep oneself focused on who we really are is a continual path.
I’m relieved that you’re getting your content back. Your ordeal has been freaking me out a little.
I’m with you on the “divided” blog issue. I struggle w/that too…and use it for an excuse not to write. Today, I’m thinking Screw it…it’s my blog, I’ll write what I stinking want.
Who knows what I’ll think tomorrow…
I’m GLAD you’re BACK!!
Well, it’s only occurred because I know just enough technical knowledge to be dangerous.
I’m a risk taker and my risks haven’t always worked out so well. So, most of my woes have been due to my own stupidity sometimes.
And yeah, I hear ya about blogging about what you want to blog about. There can be a lot of pressure when you jump into this blogging thing. But, if you keep the right perspective, (I can blog when I want about what I want) it can actually be fun.
My dearest Magnolia,
I’m sorry to learn about the troubles you’ve had with your blog, but am thrilled to know that you are returning to your original concept. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no one out there with more honesty, compassion, and knowledge than you. Over and over you have shared your life and your struggles with your readers. With your courage to be open and honest, I know you’ve touched hundreds if not thousands of readers.
Keep it up, my friend. Your voice is needed out there in the world of the blogosphere.
Wowza Eileen, that’s pretty good props, coming from you. Like, Miss Interent Marketer, therapist kind of person that you are.
I don’t know any other way to be……except real. It’s like pretense makes me throw up or something. It just doesn’t sit right with me. So, I have to “keep it real” as they say.
I’m beginning to think it might be my spiritual gift