I'm still on bed rest and recovering from my biopsy surgery so this post will not be a cooking/food related one. Instead, I am officially making this my first 'rant' post of 2012. I have been itching to write this for a month now....so I am thrilled to be able to finally do it today! Last year around the holidays, someone said something to me that really, really got under my skin. This 'said person'....(who shall remain anonymous) had lots to say to me when she found out that I owned and operated a blog. Here is a run down of how our conversation went (I can't really remember word for word but y'all will have the idea):---------------------------------------------------------
Her: So.....I heard that you have your own blog....
Me: Yes...I do as a matter of fact...
Her: That's interesting. I can never get into something like that. I guess I don't quite understand what the purpose of a blog is....
Me: Blogging can be fun once you start to get the hang of it.
Her: Well....I think that's all fine and dandy for those who stay home and have nothing better to do with their time. However, for people like me, who have two jobs during the day....the last thing I want to do is come home and work on a blog...let alone read a blog.
Me (dumbfounded): I can see your point.
Her: I mean come on, for those of us in the real world....with real jobs....who has time for crap like blogging??
Me (astonished and surprised): Wow! Well...blogging isn't for everyone I guess.
-------------------------------------------------
Wow....huh? In all the years I have had this blog, no one has ever, ever, ever said this to me....least of all, in front of my face. For the most part, people around these parts over here have been super, super supportive of this blog. So when I heard this, it definitely threw me for a loop.
First of all, blogging just isn't for those who 'stay home' as she liked to call it. There are PLENTY of bloggers out there who do it either after work, on the weekends, and sometimes even during work. It's not just for those who are 'at home.' I guess she thought that since I'm a Stay at Home Mom, that I basically don't do anything at all during the day except twiddle my thumbs...so I have time to blog. Ha!
Second of all, for some people, blogging is their REAL job! I am not even going to mention how much money I have gotten paid so far through this blog to write posts. Just suffice to say that it has been enough to have some spending money here and there. If you know what you're doing and are good at it, it is possible to make money from it.
Now I'm not saying that you should start a blog and quit your day job...not by any means....but for the one's who are really great at blogging, it is possible to do it full time.
And for us food bloggers, it is a job...but it's a fun one!
It's not like all of these yummy desserts and dishes just decided to jump up and cook themselves, then take their own pictures, edit themselves, write up a post about themselves, and then advertise them. No sir. WE do all of that.
I guess to an outsider, blogging can look intimidating, boring, and complex. But for the one's who really do enjoy doing it, it's the greatest job on the planet. There have been many successful food bloggers out there who have made it their full time job.....Ree Drummond, Bakerella, and Christy Jordan just to name a few. Then there are others who enjoy doing it for fun and could care less about the money end of it all.
I'm not sure what was going through this woman's head of hers when she was talking with me. However, I guess it all boils down to that popular saying.......
"If you don't have anything nice to say to someone, then don't say anything at all."
-----End of Rant----
P.S. Husband Man was with me when all of this happened and after he heard her say those things to me, he proceeded to give her a run down of all the successes and achievements that this blog has had over the years. ....then it was her turn to look dumbfounded ;) And this is why I love the man ;)
<3 y'all!!! :)
Most people do not understand internet businesses, be it blogs, websites, etsy etc. I is hard to find a group of "like minded" people to chat with who understand. But, we stil keep plugging along at our dreams.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely true Rebecca. I'm still going to keep plugging away at it ;)
DeleteLibby, I get that from some of my co-workers (not to stereotype but it usually comes from the men). They think it is something I do because I'm bored or have too much time on my hands. It really bothers me but I try not to let it weigh on my heart too much. I truly am hoping one day my blog will start to make a consistent enough amount of money so that I can leave work but I do earn a small income from it. But besides all that - I really love it. Perhaps they are snarky because they have yet to find their passion like we have. It took me a long time but I thank God for showing me the path everyday! Love ya Libby!
ReplyDeleteBran...that is exactly what I was thinking...that maybe they haven't found what they like to do yet. Amen to that ;)
DeleteI'm always amazed at people's reactions too once they find out you write a blog. They act as if it's a chore or something; I wouldn't be doing it if it was! It also surprises me when they say that you have the time since you don't work...oh, that's right, cooking, cleaning, laundry, carpooling isn't work...what were we thinking Libby? I guess we just have to continue on and ignore all the naysayers :) Get some rest and get well soon!
ReplyDeleteYep...that's what needs to be done...ignore the naysayers. I guess people really do think that since you stay home, you really do have all the time in the world. If only they knew huh? :)
DeleteI know how you feel. I've told a few of "the Mommies" at my son's school that I'm a food blogger, when they ask what I do for a living. They all go silent, so I'm guessing they are following the "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it rule". I mean if you enjoy being in the kitchen, why not share your passion with others? Who cares, if you stay at home or work? For some working Moms, blogging is a way to relax and forget the pressures of work. Some people are just too full of themselves, LOL.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Cindy. Everyone down my way has been really supportive with things...except for this one person...lol.
DeleteFor me blogging is a lot like sewing, knitting, or quilting; it can be done just as a hobby or can be a money making venture. Right now I fall into the hobby blogging category and there are some weeks when I put in enough hours on the blog that it's almost a part time job on its own.
ReplyDeleteIt's a labor of love for me though because I love what I do and have made some absolutely amazing friends over the last 3 and a half years.
It makes a difference when you love what you do :) And yes...the friends you make are absolutely amazing ;)
DeleteHey Libby, this is the first time I am here but I can tell you this much - never let anyone saying you are not doing a "real" job ever get under your skin. I think they can't afford the time nor do they possess the talent to achieve something like this that requires so much of love and passion and goodwill and consistency, so it is their incabability speaking. I am an ameteur blogger myself, I know first hand how much of time management and organization the best of this trade demand! Those of you who can turn this into a business are real stars!!
ReplyDeletePS BTW, "she" should know that I was searching for "top food blogs" on Google and came across yours from the food blogs directory. That goes to say something about how good you are at this. Keep up the good work, and happy cooking and blogging!! <3
Awwwww...thank you :) Welcome to the blog ;) It is pretty time consuming but so well worth it after that long awaited post is written ;)
ReplyDeleteLibby, I have enjoyed your blog for sometime now. I cant beleive that woman said those things to you! I work full time AND have two blogs( for fun) one is a family journal of sorts and my other one is a recipe blog where I post recipes to share with family and friends. I do it because its fun and relaxing after working all day, not to mention a great way to journal things. That lady just doesnt know what she is talking about!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Patti. I did try to tell her that reading a blog is like reading a magazine...except it's in chronological order and much more interesting. It totally went past her head...lol. Guess she just didn't quite understand it all.
ReplyDeleteLibby I found your blog last night after seeing your button on another one. I sooo enjoyed my visit and now your button is on my blog too. Please don't take to heart the things the other person said, I don't go out to work due to illness and disability BUT, I don't always find the time to come on each day.
ReplyDeleteHow people who do work accomplish this I don't know and they have my admiration.
Recently a person trawled through 4 yrs of my blog until she found something I had said and tried to discredit me through it. She couldn't there was nothing to back up her accusations, the fact it was my younger sister made it all the more sad that someone would feel so much bitterness she needed to do that.
If the person concerned can't grasp the concept of blogging then that's fine, however we all know what she's missing :o)
Take time to get over your surgery and make sure you don't rush it. I'm looking forward to trying some of your recipes, I make my own bread so am really looking forward to trying your home made yeast rolls.
Peg x
Awwww...welcome to the blog Peg ;) I hope you enjoy the yeast rolls ;) I'm so sorry to hear about your younger sister. I think some people are just bitter...period. I'm trying to recoup as best I can from the surgery. It's going to take a few more weeks though. Great to have you aboard :)
DeleteNice to see you back.. I suspect that there had to be some kind of jealousy going on there.. Even if she did not understand what you get from blogging she could have kept her mouth shut.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly Mike :) And it's great to be back ;)
Deletesheesh. I just got off the phone. A guy called and said, "how are you today?" I knew that was off to a bad start. I gave my standard reply.
ReplyDelete"I'm working, who's calling?"
"welllllll," he drawls out, "I'm Henry and I'm calling from the RSPCA."
and then pauses....
"and??" I said
"this is a tough time of year for dogs and cats..."
I interrupted and said I was working and I needed to quick version
he went on and on and on and on without taking a breath... obviously reading.
finally I broke in and said I had no time for this, I was working.
He said I didn't have to be rude. I asked if he called professional offices like this and he said no, they weren't allowed to interrupt work.
I wanted to spit.
Your friend is ignorant. Blogging can be for work, it can be for a hobby, it can be to indulge a passion but we all blog for a reason. I love blogging and I love reading other peoples' blogs. I learn so much.
Your friend will never reach out to learn anything new. It's her loss. I never understood anyone who needed to insult someone else to feel better themselves. There's only one word for someone like that. wanker
Wanker...lol...that's a new word for me ;) Seriously though, you are right. People blog for soooo many different reasons...whether it's to make money or to share their hobbies with others. I think this person I'm mentioning really didn't quite understand how a blog works.
Deleteah libby.......a gifted writer like u shd just shake off such comments from insensitive people. Its appalling to see she said that to ur face.........
ReplyDeletei started my blog at a time when i was really really in the pit! and ive only made new friends, learnt a lot, did share a lot and am learning everyday.............
stay cheerful..........happy to read ur page while recovering! in prayers always !! hugsXO
Yes girl...she went there and said it to my face...lol. I seriously was shocked because that really was the first time anyone has said that to me. Ever. Thank you for the prayers and thoughts ;)
DeleteI've gotten this before. I think people think it's only for people who have lots of time on their hands. LOL!
ReplyDeleteYes Carey...I think that is what this particular person thought also. That it is just a big time waster...lol.
DeleteSo happy to hear that all is benign! Wishing you a speedy recovery. I wish I lived close enough to bring you and your family some of your YUMMY Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings--that I made. :)
ReplyDeleteAwwww....how sweet Kay Dee :) Yes....I am hoping for a speedy recovery as well :) I am glad you enjoyed the dumplings :)
DeleteHmmmm....I say she is a WITCH with a B. Jealous and petty and mean. Good on your Hub.
ReplyDelete