***If you are not a blogger and/or don’t care… please feel free to skip to the next bright RED section… but please don’t leave just yet!***
So Ive been seeing much talk on twitter these days about “THE PR BLACKOUT” in August, and until I listened Mom Dot’s Podcast on “Blogger Burnout”, I didn’t really get it.
Now, I do- though Im not sure I see the “controversy” or Drama surrounding it- It’s a challenge (meaning optional) based on a theory that some bloggers are becoming overwhelmed and burnt out by PR requests…. To me this sounds pretty harmless… I personally do not feel a need to take a break from the few reviews I am doing, but its an individual choice based upon a bloggers needs not a boycott- so what’s the fuss?… then again I tend to be pretty laid back about a lot of things people get crazy about, so maybe its just me.
My journey in blogging has been a winding road. When I started, my posts were completely unfiltered- for better or for worse. To me, the site was my sanctuary; A place I came to vent about what some would consider nonsense and perhaps connect with other woman who have similar cases of “The Crazies“, or with folks who were completely sane but equally entertained by my complicated craziness–Yo! Dis B*tch is Crazy! check this out… she’s fighting with a similac container-(yes, there were some dark ugly days with a colic baby)... Either way, this small sliver of the blogosphere gave me a chance to be heard.
And then it happened.
Real life people (AKA as IRL-ers) started to find me, and cencorship started to set in. Suddenly all my “good posts” started to be taken down.. what was once harmless venting, no longer seemed harmless when people were going to start to take personal offense… hm, or should they just not be allowed to take offense if they made the choice to read?? ….unfortunately, IRL-ers are not as black and white of an issue as we bloggers would like them to be… .and well, anyway it took me a long while to re-find my muse.
Then one day, I started to get offers from companies to review their products! (“why, little ol, me?? aww shucks guys! :) ” ) I have to admit, upon getting the first few offers-I didn’t give it much thought as to how relevant it was to the voice of my blog. I was too excited to think- sorry guys!
After my trip for Oscar Mayer’s Sandwich Summit, I did start to take the blog in a new direction. Focusing a little more, and trying to limit my reviews & giveaways to products that in some way make life easier for moms.
Complicated is my brand so to have an on going list of “Things to Uncomplicate life” only seemed fitting. Yes, I do have a few straggler reviews that dont necessarily simplify, but know that if you find it here its because I loved it so much that I had to include it.
The other turn I did not expect, is that with these reviews and posts and tweeting in between… I’ve had less and less time to clean out my Google reader, comment backor visiting some of my favorite blogs… and it makes me sad. I do still try to do my best, but it does become a lot… and I wonder how many of you are pissed at me.
Thats right– I hear you all.. “Pssshh this chick gets some Organic yogurt up in her blog and she forgets where she came from!”
(continue …)
****** My very rambling- very wordy point here is this:
Complicated Mama has taken some turns I did not expect when I started up, and perhaps some turns you did not expect upon subscribing either… or maybe you didnt notice at all.
I started out blogging only about what I knew…. my own mellow dramatics…. my life and my kids….and now sometimes I talk about products and host giveaways to things that I find helpful… and hey! we all like free stuff- don’t we? (… I saaaaid “DON’T WE?”)
Truth is, Im still finding my way.
The PR blackout issue has raised some interesting questions for me… and the bottom line is that the readers are what matter- Cause if you ain’t reading, I ain’t be’in heard and that is what it about for me. Being heard and connecting.
I watch my subscriber numbers and page views and get (probably way too) excited every time I see the numbers go up or get a new comment.
So I must know from my readers what is it that brings you back here? …. besides the obvious… u know, – my wit, charm and super adorable lasso’d up cartoon complete with baby eating my tabs ;)
I AM A COMMENT WHORE! I am not going to lie. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM & I truly feel like I have this relationship with ya’ll because of those comments and feedback.
Yet, lately I must admit I feel like that emotionally detached boyfriend you kicked to the curb in college “O come on babe, I don’t got to tell you I love you… you know how I feel” (hmm, or maybe that was just me )
Truth is I do love my readers- and love visiting my fellow bloggers… but with 2 kids (and a
husband) who (as Elizabeth put best) spell LOVE: T-I-M-E… it is hard keeping up.
So Inquiring minds want to know (…..I want to know)
… what brings you back?
… Do you like hearing reviews and entering giveaways— or do you click through those days and wait for the next real lifepost?
Do you visit me only to get visited back? Or do you just enjoy my virtual company?
I am promising all who comment on this post, I will comment back….
I declare it Complicated Reader Appreciation Day!
xoxoxo
