When my blog grows up. . .

What Do You Want Your Blog to Be When it Grows Up party.  Thistlewood Farms, It All Started With Paint, The Space Between, Eclectically Vintage, The Cottage Market. are hosting a link up with that very theme.   You’ll find this post linked there along with a number of other bloggers who are sharing, too!

I actually thought about this topic and did a lot of research before I began blogging.   Just because I take things seriously like that.  Why would I want to undertake this additional commitment in my already busy life?  Just who did I want to be when I grow up anyway?  Well, that one was easy —   Martha Stewart  with Oprah’s heart.  Shoot for the stars and dream big, right? Well, yes but there’s more. I scribbled notes on yellow stickies that laid around my desk for weeks until one day I picked up my beautiful black and white, tabbed, every page has a design, and totally blank journal and wrote:

Blog goals

1. Become a repository for knowledge

I’m curious.  I want to know how things work and why.  I want to know what makes people tick.  I want to know what makes ME tick. That became my first reason for starting a blog.  Because I am curious, I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge.  I always lose at trivia and I refuse to clutter up my brain with things like the formula for pi.  But I know where to go look things up, which is a great life skill.  And, some of the things, I’ve learned have actually stuck – like how to use joint compound, how to knead bread and why, how to choose colors and plant flowers and lay brick pavers and teach a class and budget and . . .  And I want to share that knowledge because I’m a teacher at heart.     Specifically:

• Write about a diversity of topics
• Organize posts in ways so they are easily found

2. . . .and give that knowledge value

Knowledge has to be shared in a way that people can understand or it has no value.  I can talk to anyone about anything – and learn something from anyone about anything. But can I communicate on a platform totally new to me?  I’ve been long time blog reader –but producing one is a totally different ballgame.   Thanks to other folks who freely share their knowledge in all sorts of way – and the patience of Bytes, the resident computer guru – I’m learning!   I want what I share to be as valuable as the information I seek.     Specifically:

• Give accurate information
• written so it can be easily understood

3. Brand that knowledge

I am not the only one with this knowledge or access to research materials.  But I am the only one who filters it through me and that is what makes it unique.   I want  my own personal stamp on everything I do.   When non-bloggers try to understand what I do, I always end up saying “a blog is like an online magazine.  Some specialize in one topic and others have a little bit of everything.”   I want my approach to be as easily recognized as any print production.    Specifically:

• Keep personal standards of quality and excellence
• Develop ways to express creativity,  such as learn more about photography and new design programs

4. Sell it

This doesn’t mean make money – although that is one of my goals.  What I mean by this is connecting to others to share ideas, goals and information in a variety of ways.  I need to let others know I am here and to interact with them.    Reading other blogs keeps me renewed and motivated.
Specifically:

•  Just started  Busy Monday, a link up for ideas that make life easier, better and more fun!
• Participate in as many linkups as possible
• Follow and read a diverse selection of other blogs

5. Remember to keep the Pinch of Joy.

It is a delight and an honor to be featured, to have someone leave a note of appreciation in the comment box or email.  Some of the friends I know in real life have been incredibly encouraging.   It is exciting to see the numbers double every month, to get those traffic spikes, to be pinned by a “big” blog, to be invited to do new and exciting things.  It is also humbling and a reminder of the fact that we are all inter-related in ways that we cannot fathom.     To share ideas, a bit of beauty, a laugh, a personal anecdote, time — these are the great joys!    Specifically:

• Keep it fun and lighthearted!
• Be appreciative.
• Stay positive.

What I know for sure. . .

That was what I wrote just a few short months ago.  Lots of other things, including the specifics,  have changed — and will probably change again — but those guides remain.   Even though my little spot is — well — pretty little in the grand scheme of things . . . . I still  find there is a lot in common with my main girls – Martha and the O!  This is a great big wonderful world and lots to learn and share about a lot of things!   And what I know for sure — there is always something new, a different viewpoint and a unique approach!

Have a wonderful day with a pinch  of joy!

Charlene

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