Good morning, lovers. Today is going to be one of those days where I take a second away from my normal, sarcastic persona and go on a slight rant. It's needed (for me, at least) and necessary after yesterday, when I was introduced to a side of this world I'm really not fond of. Not fond is putting it lightly... It was like finding out Santa isn't real, or something. The blogging world? Yeah, that shit can get really nasty, come to find out.
Now that I've removed myself and slept on what happened, I want to write about why I blog and how I got here.
You see, to an outsider this blog world looks confusing (and a little bit of a joke, if you are my boyfriend). Where do you start? How to do you get started? What do you write about? etc. etc. The questions go on. There are so many different classifications of blogs out there, it can seem overwhelming. To me, that was what intrigued me. All of these people with something to say about so many things. I thought it was cool, I still do, actually.
Blogging gives everyone the ability to write about how they personally see things.
If you're anything like I was when I was starting out, you find a handful of your favorite bloggers and know that you want to build your blog to be like theirs. For me, this blogger was PinkLouLou. After I found her blog I just knew that if I had to be filed in some type of category of blogger, I wanted to be a part of this "lifestyle" blogging because PLL wrote about everything and anything she wanted - all things that appealed to me.
Hair, makeup, going out, friends, love, heartbreak, happiness, sadness, celebrities. The list goes on.
You know what was really great about PLL and the other ladies I found with similar blogging styles? They said whatever they wanted to say, however they wanted to say it. Some were completely unfiltered and raw (looking at you, Ravey baby) and it sparked my interest in this thing even more. This world seemed to have no rules - I really liked that.
So, I started a blog. A lifestyle blog to house my thoughts, feelings, rambles and nonsense. A space with no rules aside from the ones that I create for my self, personally. I write, I network, I link-up, I meet new people, I write a little bit more and I work my butt off to make this a place I want to be. It's a place for me to do as I please and for me to write about what I want to write about. I can actually justify being selfish here because it's mine and only mine.
There are no rules in blogging.
If only it was that easy.
You have to have pretty thick skin to stay afloat around these parts, as I came to find out yesterday. People will try and tear you down at any given moment and you have to constantly remember why you're here and what inspires you to continue writing each day. I continue to gain confidence from seeing the world through so many different ladies' eyes, who are so amazing to write such real and raw emotion. I am consistently inspired by the courage some of the ladies in this blogging world have, to put so much out there for so many of us to see - and relate to.
This world of blogging does not need to be a world full of bullies and it's ok to be a fan of people in this world, regardless of how large or little their "follower count" is. At the end of the day what is all of this really about? It's not about follower count or what clique you are, or aren't, a part of. It's about writing - because that's what blogging is. Write what makes you happy and support your peers who are writing about what makes them happy.
Well said! I have seen a fair share of the ugly side of blogging and it turned me off from it for quite a while. Why can't we just all get along or let each other be?
ReplyI love your blog, dear! Don't let anyone get you down!
Love your post, I'm just getting started for the same reasons you stated. It's SO intriguing to see life from other people's perspectives.
ReplyI'm not here for anyone else or to get followers, I'm here because it's MY space and I can write what I want and when I want.
There is absolutely no reason for people to CHOOSE to come to your little corner of the world and spew meanness...
Stay positive! :)
Good vent!!! People will always be jealous. And jealousy makes the mean come out. Envy to me is fine but jealousy gets ugly! Keep on blogging girl, your doing big things!!! And excuse me but "Eff the haters"!
ReplyWhoa...What happened yesterday?! I agree with you lady!! :) PLL was that for me too :) xo
ReplyI've only been around these parts (I was going to say your parts but that just sounded dirty..ha!) for a week or two - but I love your blogging style! You're fun, I enjoy reading all your posts. Maybe I should start commenting more :)
ReplyBlogging is overwhelming and intimidating - definitely agree. Sometimes it's too much for us new gals!
Great post sister. proud of you :) (manI feel like I have told you that many times, ha!) but seriously, don't listen to the crap. I am sorry you had something negative happen, but you did the right thing slept on it, and handled it in a very classy way, so props to you my dear. You are a gem and I see something really special in you :)
Replyand thank you for the sweet sweet words, they may or may not have made me tear up. Just sayin'.
ha!
(and katie I see you there too!! Nothing but love for you sister!!)
xoxo
I love you for this! Before I started blogging I also wanted to be like PLL! That lady up there Katie also was a huge inspiration for me! I think you're blog is wonderful and for the record even though I should keep my mouth shut.. I think what happened yesterday was silly and unnecessary and also blown way out of proportion and completely unfair to you. There are better ways to handle something than on Twitter! But that's just my two cents ;) Keep on keeping on girl! Those people at Lucky seem to love you and I know you'll be a big blog star in no time because you and your blog are real and awesome :)
ReplyYou go girl! Well put and words that everyone should keep in mind!
ReplyI'm sorry that this happened...and that it happened in Twitter. Kinda not cool. Just keep doing what you do. Funny that PLL was such an inspiration to so many of us. I'm not sure how I stumbled on your blog...it was pretty recent...but I like what ya do hun. Kudos to you for bein sooooo classy.
ReplyGirl. I know we've already had the chitchats about it, but good gravy, was yesterday intense. I'll never understand the need for insecure women to tear other women down, and then claim that they're the victims of the same actions. You can't be both the victim and the martyr.
ReplyAt the end of the day, this is YOUR corner of the internet. Your place to call home, to share YOUR thoughts and YOUR ideas and talk about what YOU want to talk about. And if you happen to find people who share those things, fabulous! But the second you start blogging based solely on what someone else wants, you lose sight of why you started in the first place.
(end soapbox)
hahahaha, Lord help me.
Nicely said, lady. I have no idea what happened, but I'm sorry. It's sad how mean people can be. :(
Replyxox!!
I am so sorry you had to experience a taste of bishy blog land. I am terrified of the day that it happens to me! I know it's coming... because women can be downright vicious sometimes. But I will always remember this post. It's real. It's relate-able. It's true. Thank you for putting this out there and sharing it. Blogging is meant to be an expression of YOUR life, YOUR thoughts, YOUR experiences... and if someone doesn't like it then they need not read it. Keep doing what you're doing because I love what you have to say!!
ReplyI love your silly face! You know how I feel about what happened yesterday. Haters gonna hate, and crazy is gonna be crazy.
ReplyGod love you! You are rockin' this blogworld, girlfriend. You already know how I feel about yesterday, but you are a classy little FL girl for the way you handled it! :)
ReplyAs if I already didn't love you & your blog enough... I couldn't agree more. The second you aren't writing for yourself is the second that you should stop.
ReplyFor me, s blog is like s diary where er can keep thoughts & emotions {& a way to be able to go back & see how much we have grown}. I absolutely love having an outlet like this to share with others how I feel & have others express their support or advice! But on the flip-side people will cut you down & try to make you feel horrible about certain things... While it sucks majorly it also is a reminder as to why we are doing this in the first place. You are an incredible person & blogger... You are such an inspiration to a lot of people so keep on truckin' girl!!!
Love youuu!!!
<3 Melissa
I love you Whitney! You did a great job with expressing how you feel and I'm so happy you are classy enough to do that :) Once I got started and am still going, you were and are my inspiration. You make me laugh on a daily basis and I love how real and honest you are, all while be sweet about it. Definitely the signs of an amazing blogger! I'm done with the gushy middle school boyfriend comments :) But honestly, way to go! I'm glad my inspiration is someone like you!
ReplyWho do I need to cut?!
ReplyI was away from twitter and stuff yesterday - so I totally missed that something happened. I'm sorry. : ( I wish I could make it all better.
ReplyThis is perfect! Thank you for saying this.
ReplyYou are fabulous, Whitney!
ReplyGreat post. You should blog for you and all the friends/followers you gain along the way are a nice perk. I take days off when I feel like it. I know that my loyal readers won't care. Don't let others try to tear you down. Haters will hate, but your blog is about you and what makes you happy and keeps you motivated. Keep on keeping on!!
ReplyAMEN. You know my thoughts on the bitch bloggers :)
ReplyYou tell 'em! I enjoy blogging as well and have a follower count of 7 (Woot!). I don't sensor what I blog about because it's my little slice of life. I figure if people (all 7 of them) don't like it, then they don't have to read it. My current blog streak is about the 24 Day Challenge I'm currently doing. Keep up the task of being YOU! I noticed your yoga pant/no make up challenge is gone.... however, I followed your advice today. I teach PE, so the yoga pant thing I have down. As for make-up, I put on a little powder and some mascara. Nothing else. SO easy and fast!! Please keep writing - my nosey side likes reading it! :)
ReplyAGREED! I'm sorry for whatever happened, but I like your response to it. This is your space of the internet to say whatever you want and to share whatever inspiration you want. I personally think that the blogging community should be a supportive one, so it's really unfortunate that people screw that up for the rest of us. I'm glad that you can remember that writing and putting whatever you want out there is what it's all about. It's about you and what makes you happy!
ReplyMe loves you. Tons and tons.
ReplyLove, ravey baby ;)
Don't let whoever it was get you down. It's easy to be judgmental (especially on the internet)and people can often be jealous of another person's success and happiness. Your blog is great and I am glad you are feeling better after sleeping on it!
ReplyI totally agree with this statement and i feel like that's one of the biggest reasons that I started : )
Reply"Blogging gives everyone the ability to write about how they personally see things."
YOU ARE AMAZING! I love reading your blog and following you on Twitter! Even though I don't know you, I feel like we're friends, and that kind of personality shows through out your writing. :) Keep it up girl! I love it!
Oh also, I mentioned you in my blog today and posted a link to your blog, check it on out!
Amen, sister! I hope whatever happened wasn't too bad and you are ok. I agree that you do need to have a thick skin to blog. I am so sensitive and sometimes I have a really hard time with things so I try to remember that!
ReplySo true! I actually just wrote a post about my thoughts on blogging and why I blog. But it won't be posted until Thursday.
ReplyI found you because if your tweet to Raven and Pll but I'm kinda in love now. My boyfriend totally doesn't understand blogging either, and it definitely opens you up to critics who think they ow best about your life.
ReplyThis is all so true!! Well said girl!
Replytotally agree :)
ReplyAgreed. Love the lifestyle blog and everything you write about!! go girl :)
Replythis is ALL so true! thanks for sharing.
Replywww.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
Do I need to bust someone's kneecaps? I had a messed up knee so I know how much that'll hurt...oo down like a sack of potatoes. Seriously, someone else always has to hate on you because their life is just that pitiful. If you can't be happy that there's a cool blogger sharing her opinions then move on. Just goes to show how sad these people are when they feel they have to tell you about yourself. Keep moving bishes no time for that nonsense here.
ReplySo well said. With me being new to the blogging world that is some of the best advice out there! Thanks girl!
ReplyJust found your blog and agree with you 100% I write what I want when I want to write.. and nobody has the power to change that:)
Replywww.confessionsofaprofessionalbridesmaid.blogspot.com
Rock on lady! not sure what happened, only that a post that made me excited was taken down. I am so going to try and get away with yoga pants at work! and a little less makeup!
ReplyLove this post! You were that lifestyle blog for me! You and Erin at living in yellow
ReplyI happened to witness the entire tirade yesterday on Twitter...and honestly was disgusted at how blown out of proportion and unnecessary it was, considering some of the things that have previously been preached.
ReplyProps to you both on handling it the way you did, stepping back, and letting it pass. I love your blog for exactly the reasons you write it.
Keep up what you're doing, because that's exactly why you do it!
XoXo
I have no idea what happened. But for me, you are one of those blogs in my handful of favorites, and yours is one I want to build my blog like.
ReplyDon't let haters get you down. Your blog is wonderful!
Go gurl!! Yea not sure what happened but love your blog so ignore the haters!!
ReplyElle xoxo
www.thehighfeather.com
I love, love, love your blog, and I love how happy and positive you are! Haters gonna hate, don't let it get you down!
ReplyUm, not sure why I am just now finding you...coming over from Jenn's blog and I am so glad I did! (Thank you, Jenn). This post is EXACTLY how I have been feeling lately. It's like, someone wants to be your "blog" friend and then BAM, they turn against you in nothing flat!!! It drives me crazy. I LOVE what I do and what I blog about. I want to inspire not only other ladies, but myself as well. You do have to have thick skin and remember that ONE ant can kill an entire bale of hay. I am happy to be a new reader and hopefully soon to be friend! Love your blog!!
Replyxo,
Shanna
What a GREAT POST!!! I've been stalking your blog for awhile now but this post totally made me wanna comment. I go through spurts with my blog and I'm kinda sorta all over the place but that's what it's all about isn't it?! LOVE YOUR BLOG! EXCITED TO BE A NEW FOLLOWER!! XO
ReplyThis post is so incredibly true and a good reminder to us all :)
ReplySo glad I found your blog through Steph. I too love Raven and Katie and PLL :) All great ladies if I do say so myself. Your blog rocks, and this post rocks my socks off even more. AMEN for sure and a knuckle bump. Happy to 'meet' you!
ReplyHeart you. That is all.
ReplyI have a very new blog so I've yet to experience such negativity but its nice to see so many comments of encouragement! I love your blog and really enjoy reading! keep it up!
ReplyI just stumbled upon this blog and i would like to say that i am so thankful for it, this post in particular! Thank-you for the inspiration! I always second guess myself because i don't think anyone really cares what i have to say, or how i feel, or what i'm up to on a daily basis, but this reminds me that my blog is MINE where i am able to use it in whatever way i want to, and that's all that matters! Thank-you so much!
Reply~tirzah grace