When you blog often, and venture into various online communities you find some good friends. And some not so good friends. One of the things I’m learning with my consulting, with my own sphere of influence and with my life in general is the difference.
What makes a true blogging friend?
In blogging, as with life, there are certain characteristics that define a true friend. Let’s take a quick look at them, shall we? I think that we sometimes forget.
A friend is true – and willing to tell the truth.
“No, that theme does NOT look better than the last.” “Um, did you see that typo in the second paragraph? Might want to fix that before you tweet it out again.” or “Hey! How’s it going on that blog post you said you were working on?” These are the types of things you might hear a friend say. Especially a blog friend. After all – everyone hates to find the typo in paragraph two a week and a half later. 😉
A friend has your best interest at heart.
In the blogging community I think we sometimes forget this. It’s not about you alone. You cannot reach every reader, work with every company, and write everything there is to say. So it should be obvious then that in the blogging community we should be looking out for each other. Perhaps, introducing sponsors and opportunities to those around us that if they are not something suitable for us specifically. Maybe it’s pointing out a fantastic post or article to our readers and followers. Maybe it’s just that our feedback isn’t fluff designed to stroke the ego, but rather our honest, heart-felt opinion designed to help another put their best foot forward.
I am grateful for those around me who are willing to stand by me, speak up to me and reach out on my behalf. Those who helped me when I championed a cause. Those who supported me when I started a new endeavor.
It makes me honored. And humbled. It makes me wonder, how am I being a friend to those around me? How do they perceive me? As approachable? As honest? As true? I hope so.
I know I can be blunt. As iron, sometimes. But I hope that my friends see the heart behind that – to make them sharper and more effective. What about you? What kind of friend are you?
Geez… between my posts tonight and yours, I’m gonna need more tissues! I don’t know how many times I’ve tossed out some of the examples you’ve given and gotten in return! Sometimes I think that blogging is kind of like an exchange student program. We’re thrust into other people’s lives and situations and from them we form friendships and bonds that may not have happened if not for who we are and what we’re doing.
I love that I’ve met so many wonderful bloggers both in real life and virtually! I hope that I’ve been the kind of blog friend that have made others be glad to know me. (I know you’ve been one to me! – Thank you!)
This is such an excellent, insightful post, Ang. It makes me proud to be associated with you.
It is good to have true friend