Seriously!
Nearly a month ago I decided to take a blogging class. It was offered by two local personalities who are both very successful in their fields and my hope was that I would get some great tips for blog layout and design and also some suggestions on the written material.
Something happened during the class. We went around the room and each of us were supposed to introduce ourselves, share our names, why we blog and something about our objectives.
When it was my turn to speak I shared my blog title which was quickly projected on a big screen. I tried to be as clear and concise as possible but frankly the day is now so blurry in my mind because of what happened. The presenter at the front of the room began describing the funnel concept (and at least I still remember that). Then somehow the other instructor was by my side, standing a couple of feet away asking me what would the world be missing without me in it. As a blogger, can you answer that question?
I heard myself stammer and fumble on words without being able to answer the question and for the rest of the afternoon session I was so upset. Why was that question directed to me? I felt scalded by the question and frankly it has taken me some time away from posting in order to muster the courage to blog once more since that awful moment.
Initially I was disturbed and hurt by what happened though I kept trying to understand why the instructor came to ask only me, "What would the world be missing without you in it?"
I still can't answer that question but the next week I experienced a small miracle. I got to meet Debbie Macomber! So later this week I'll be back to tell you how she made me cry and cheered me up, at the same time.
Nearly a month ago I decided to take a blogging class. It was offered by two local personalities who are both very successful in their fields and my hope was that I would get some great tips for blog layout and design and also some suggestions on the written material.
Something happened during the class. We went around the room and each of us were supposed to introduce ourselves, share our names, why we blog and something about our objectives.
When it was my turn to speak I shared my blog title which was quickly projected on a big screen. I tried to be as clear and concise as possible but frankly the day is now so blurry in my mind because of what happened. The presenter at the front of the room began describing the funnel concept (and at least I still remember that). Then somehow the other instructor was by my side, standing a couple of feet away asking me what would the world be missing without me in it. As a blogger, can you answer that question?
I heard myself stammer and fumble on words without being able to answer the question and for the rest of the afternoon session I was so upset. Why was that question directed to me? I felt scalded by the question and frankly it has taken me some time away from posting in order to muster the courage to blog once more since that awful moment.
Initially I was disturbed and hurt by what happened though I kept trying to understand why the instructor came to ask only me, "What would the world be missing without you in it?"
I still can't answer that question but the next week I experienced a small miracle. I got to meet Debbie Macomber! So later this week I'll be back to tell you how she made me cry and cheered me up, at the same time.
I do not understand how asking you that could be a help to anyone! I don't believe that kind of 'help' is what any of us need. A little too full of their own success it sounds like. I love your blog and wasn't worried because you often take breaks but I'm so glad you haven't quit blogging!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs, Linda
My world would miss your smiling face and genuine posts. I always enjoy reading what you have to share, Cheryl. Glad you popped back. Sorry you had that negative experience.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah. It was a bit overwhelming and it has taken me a while to be able to talk about it but I know there was a purpose or reason for it somehow. Oh well, back to blogging :-)
DeleteI think that's a question all of us ask ourselves at some point in time...but are seldom required to answer out loud. I love your blog! You are so genuine, kind and concerned about others and it comes shining through in your writing. Don't let them steal another second of your time! Who do they think they are anyway? Looking forward to reading your next post!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I think we need a fall get together to do some laughing. Laughter heals all things!
DeleteI for one, who DOES NOTlike attention drawn to ME, would have been frozen, paralyzed . . . much of what you might have experienced . . . I think blogging is personal, it is our chance to be ourself and share our unique self with others. Your blog is delightful, I have missed you. I was initially drawn to you by a post you did with your grandchildren and ice cream . . . I can't wait to read your next post with Debbie Macomber ? . .
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynne. While I've moved past the experience, I still don't think I'm over it but I do think it was a message that I was supposed to hear and think about, though maybe not in the context of blogging. Your comment is very appreciated.
DeleteHi Jojo!
ReplyDeleteI understand how this made you feel. I have been blogging for several years and I honestly did not start blogging to change the world, have a huge following, or land my own TV show. I have taken various seminars, many of which were intended to boost readership, exposure, etc. Similar questions have come up and I found myself searching for an answer. I finally concluded that I, Karen, have a value and something to contribute. My blog is ME! Some people will be attracted to that, some will not. First and foremost, my blog brings ME great pleasure. If others wish to share my enthusiasm for life, learning, discovery, curiosity, and so on, that is a huge and special bonus; however, I will continue to blog.
I really enjoy your blog. You are real, transparent, and refreshing. Keep on keepin' on!
Karen
Idaho
Karen, THANK YOU for responding to my post. Honestly it was painful and it has helped blogging about it and hearing from such a kind audience. In some ways the who experience helped me realize some of what you shared...this blog is for me.
DeleteP.S. If you love tea, I am having a FREE TEA GIVEAWAY, just because. Drop by if you would like. :)
ReplyDeleteYOU are an excellent. compelling writer, Jojo.
ReplyDeleteGoodness. I can't imagine such an occurrence. How rude and hurtful. Blogging is such a personal thing. I blog for self expression, and for the measure of connection I get from other bloggers.
ReplyDeleteI came back to read this post after the Debbie MacComber one, so I'm very happy this story didn't end there. How wonderful to hear encouraging words from someone who has struggled as Debbie has. And what a great reminder to share encouragement and positive words with those we meet throughout our days.
Your blog is a joy to read.
I've been away but now that I'm back, yours is the first blog I've looked for. I'd miss your upbeat, happy and sensitive take on the wide variety of experiences that make up your life. What struck me about this post is that the seminar leader is in the WRONG business!
ReplyDeletewho were these two smucks that insulted our JoJo??....You are a wonderful blogger and even though I don't always leave a comment I know all your comings and goings and all you do to help people in the community with your work through the law office....Not to mention your travels and your family...These people should not be giving seminars on anything....Blogging is a personal thing and by posting we let the world in on "our world" WHAT WOULD THE WORLD BE LIKE WITHOUT YOU IN IT....well I know I would be missing a very wonderful kind person being my friend.......that's what!!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, That's awful! Shame on them! I guess we all think of that question at some point in our lives, but what does it have to do with a blogging seminar? Rhetorical question, of course. :) It sounds like the two seminar instructors need to attend a seminar to learn kindness.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm glad you're back posting, because I missed you.
Hugs,
Babs
Dear JoJo, I must tell you about my very hurtful and negative experience at a blogging class in July 2011, in hopes that you will feel better and not make the mistake I did. My blog was singled out as 1) not a serious effort, because it was on blogger instead of wordpress, 2) focused on ... trembling now ... housewife interests !!! ... 3) full of pictures which were much too large ... 4) difficult to follow as it was not in paragraph form with a single picture. The real problem that night was that the criticism was not done politely or in a positive and helpful manner. I stopped blogging for 6 months after that, feeling foolish about exposing myself to the world. But I missed it and came back, and if no one reads it except my family, well, so that's what will happen. I'm not doing it for $ or attention. The teacher could not understand that, and several "important" people rolled their eyes openly when I described the focus of my blog ...personal, fun, family ... I love your blog! It's all about a real person with a unique perspective and photos, not just copied pictures and wish lists. I love it. Keep going!! Linda
ReplyDeleteI hope you got a refund for that silly class! It was terrible that they made you feel so self conscious and singled out. I love your blog and all the interesting aspects of your life that you share with us -- you are a very loving, caring and giving person and the world is a better place because of YOU! ♥
ReplyDelete