“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” ~Ephesians 4:2
Blogging has become a community for most of us. None of us blogs into a void, but rather as part of a connected group. For better or for worse.
I have noticed a disturbing trend by some influential bloggers who pull back from, or worse, lash out, at new bloggers. Especially at what is perceived as someone encroaching on “their” territory.
What is sad is that, to me, it reflects poorly not on the new blogger. But on the older, more well-established blogger. How do we who are continuing to grow in success and add new challenges and new levels to our blogging treat those who are new?
Be Humble About Our Blogging Success
There is very little about my personal success that is something I did completely by myself. I am one unique visitor on this blog – just one of the thousands who have visited. Yes, I write. But others share. You come and read. Comment. Support. Inspire. Without YOU this blog wouldn’t be much at all.
Be Gentle To New Bloggers
Sometimes new bloggers ask questions. Sometimes the same exact question I’ve answered a few dozen times already. Just like my fourth baby born this April is bound to ask the same, semi-annoying questions a hundred times that my 5 ½ year old asks today with regularity.
And just like I won’t snap at my children for a healthy curiosity and desire to learn, it isn’t helpful to snap at newbies who are just trying to learn the ropes and curious about how to get where you are.
Experienced Bloggers Should Be Patient With Beginner Mistakes
EVERYONE makes mistakes. Let’s never forget the time when we stumbled in the public eye and be patient with eachother. I promise you readers this – I will never expect you to be perfect until I am perfect. Lol!
Quite some time ago – when I first started writing online – I sent an email with a sarcastic, teasing line. As soon as I sent it I realized that the recipient would not take it the same way I was meaning because of a personal history. Oh no! My hands were shaking and sweaty – I was beating myself up as I quickly called to explain and apologize.
What a gracious, loving response I received. Just like the end of the verse says to bear with one another. TOLERATE eachother’s mistakes. Eachother’s personality quirks. Because my goodness do I ever have some personality quirks!
And am grateful to you all for the tolerance you show me. 🙂
Yes, yes and yes! I would be floundering on a blogspot with no viewers except my mom if not for your patience and support!!
I don’t think a blogger should be anything. Blogging is as individual as the bloggers behind the writing. I think if there were fewer “shoulds” there would be more active blogs instead of many that are started and left after only a short time because the person writing can’t keep up with everything they should be doing.
Casey – Great point! And maybe that lines up well with what Cluttered Brain mentioned above that your blogging reflects your life. I think mine certainly does and I think that the best blogs, regardless of style, do. Maybe that’s really the only “should”….to be true.
Thoughts?
A blogger should be kind and considerate to everyone because that is the way you want to be treated right? If you don’t want nasty comments on your blog, don’t leave nasty comments. If you don’t like a post, simply close the window. If you do like a post, share it with your friends!
Thanks for writing this!