Saturday, April 27, 2013

The Most Surprising Thing (about blogging)

When I first began this blog, I suspected it would be a fun and interesting thing to do. I was right. There are so many wonderful things associated with both reading blogs and blogging, some that were expected and some that took me completely by surprise.

"What could possibly be surprising about reading/writing blogs?" you might ask.

My answer is: plenty!

Product introduction immediately comes to mind. Some of the products I have tried and will love forever more, that I likely would have never seen if it weren't for blogs are Pediped, See Kai Run, Hugg-a-Planet, Name Your Tune CDs, and EatSmart. And that's just to name the first few that instantly come to mind.

See Kai Run shoes

The second thing that comes to mind is the people. I don't think many could argue that there are tons and tons of really fun, interesting, wonderful people who we come across reading blogs or blogging that we never would have if we weren't doing the reading and/or writing.  I cannot count the number of people that I know I genuinely LIKE, even though I have never met them face-to-face, and likely will not (for a good number of them).


The most surprising thing about blogging, however, is that there always seems to be something new to learn. Even better, you get to pick and choose, meaning you can do it if you're interested, at the speed you'd like to do it, or you can skip it entirely and still be okay (and who knows, maybe you'll revisit it later). I love that factor!  It means you can evolve, grow, learn, expand your blog, and increase your knowledge on so many things...as much or as little as you'd like. That's been the most unusual benefit of blogging that I've come across, and it's been a very welcome surprise.

When you think about blogging, in terms of either reading them or writing one (or more) of them, what surprises have come to pass for you?

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73 comments:

  1. The people are amazing. You said it so well. I have met quite a few people, that I consider friends, that I've never met (and probably never will) in real life. I am so glad that I started blogging!!

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    1. Agreed, there's an awesome sense of community and friendship when you're blogging. :)

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  2. I've met many bloggers. I've gone on a cruise with a whole bunch of bloggers. I've a blogging buddy that came all the way from Norway to visit. I can't count the bloggers I've met.

    These people are my friends and I'd do anything for them. That's been the best about blogging.

    Have a terrific day. ☺

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    1. Ohh, lucky! I know you're right that bloggers do get opportunities to meet up from time to time, and I love that!! I'm glad you have already done it so often, my guess is it makes blogging that much more fun, yes? :)

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    2. Yes, yes and yes. Much more fun.

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  3. I have met so many bloggers that wear halo's. They are angels in disguise. Plus... you are right, all the products I get to read about and also try myself.

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    1. I agree, blogging folk are sublime. :)

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  4. Yeah bloggers are way nicer than people in real life, even met up with one in NY and she showed me around. Never would have done that before hand, plus never would have done the books. And jut learning new things from everyone along the way is always fun too. Know people in blogland better than many people in real life lol

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    1. That's fun that you got an insider's tour of NY. And hurrah for you blogging because we're fans of your books. :)

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  5. Blogging is really amazing. I have met so many wonderful persons including you Rosey! I have also learnt a lot about a wide range of subjects. Another big plus is that it has turned out to be therapeutic for me. I am really glad that I decided to start my Blog just over 2 years ago.

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    1. You are all so nice, Judy. Wouldn't a big Bloggers Day just be fun? Unrealistic w/the way we're all spread out, but I still think it'd be really great. :)

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  6. I think the support is amazing. Like when a blogger gets sick or a job is lost. The kindness of strangers is so inspiring.

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    1. I've seen some pretty amazing step-in's too, you're right.

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  7. I love reading others. I like that I meet people from all over.

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    1. I think it's neat when you get to see read a blog from someone who's living in a place you'd love to visit. It's like an inside scoop on the great places/things to do or see if/when you finally get to go.

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  8. I think what surprises me is meeting so many different types of people. Then finding people who love things I love.

    It's an amazing world.

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    1. Pinterest is good for that too, I'm slowly finding out. :)

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  9. I think I have learned there are so many wonderful people out in the world. Makes it a wonderful place. sandie

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  10. I've enjoyed reading the blogs of people who live life styles different from my own. For example, people from foreign cultures or with situations unlike mine.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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    1. I enjoy that too, & I like to see the travels. If people are moving about, I think those are fun/informative posts to read.

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  11. I love the interaction. I too have a bunch of people I'd like to meet one day - you included. One of the coolest things I've experienced in reading a blog is someone going from infertility to pregnancy and miscarriage to pregnancy again. The little guy is born now and I love him like he's related.

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    1. It does feel like you get to know people, I agree. And I have no doubt we'll make our way down there at some point (we go to Florida every now and again and your place is right on the way). I'd love to meet when we do. :)

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  12. i love blogging for the social interaction, i have made greater friends thru blogging then in reallife :)

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    1. You seem to have a strong social group in your church too, so you've got the best of both worlds, yes? :)

      Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  13. I think I have to say the thing I'm most pleasantly surprised is how "close" you get to connect with people you have never seen or even heard their voices!To the point of missing your regular readers and bloggy friends when they are gone for a little while (on vacation to Ireland for example, lol)!!! You miss seeing those names you've become so familiar with an attached...like you need your weekly dose of such and such! It's awesome! and they are all over the world too! amazes me all the time. Learning new things is always exciting too and finally I would say, finding your own creativity and strengths that come from trying to give something better to your readers with every post! Like wow...I never thought I could do this...until I put my mind to it kind of thing...ok again...I'm writing a novel instead of just a comment..LOL..hugs my friend!

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    1. Have I told you lately how much you rock?? :)

      Totally agreed on everything you said, people here (and at the blogs I visit regularly even if they don't come here) feel like an extended network and you find yourself thinking of their well-being, or wanting the very best for them with things going on in their lives. It's fun, and it's nice.

      I like how blogging stretches you a little in areas we might not have considered before too... like altering html code and being scared you're going to mess up your whole blog (my morning yesterday, lol)!

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    2. LOL...poor you! much Love my friend!!!and stop messing with the html whatever thingy!!! :0)

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  14. I love this Rosey ~ and you are so right. I would never have thought that I could have the relationship I do with some amazing people through blogging, but I do. I genuinely care about some of the happy and sad times that they go through. It's such a unique relationship because you wouldn't think you could feel that way about someone you've never even met. But the truth is I call a handful of these people my friends. And I love that!

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    www.raising-reagan.com

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    1. Agreed. :) I remember being livid for you when your car was broken into at the gym, and right now I'm sad for Petro and hoping all works out wonderfully well for her daughter! My every happy wish is with her because I feel how hard it is for her. And I've never met her, or like Lizy said above, even heard her voice. Blogging does have the ability to pull heartstrings. :)

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  15. Blogging is definitely a fabulous way to meet lots of new and interesting people...
    It's great to read lots of blogs... I love it xx

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    1. Tons of good stuff out there, I agree. :)

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  16. Awesome post! well said. It has opened up a whole new World for me too; the things I have learned, the places I have been able to go and see in other's blogs, and best of all the wonderful new friends I have met, and even more so bonded with. I have never looked back on my 2 years of blogging once with ever an inkling of regret. Enjoy your day ... The "Checkerboard Aussies" always look forward to your comments btw. xx

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    1. That's a perfect way to put it, something that you invest a lot into, but never look back on with regret. I like it. :)

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  17. I couldn't agree more. I've been a little surprised by a few things over the past year too. Have a great day!

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    1. You too, Karen. Thanks for the visit.

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  18. I totally agree on all counts! For me, I'm most surprised and thankful for the people I've met and friendships I've made (yours especially!). I didn't expect to meet other bloggers who were genuinely interested in my blog and so nice! It has been wonderful.

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    1. Your blog rocks, Tammy, and your personality does too. You've made a lot of us love chicken who never would have thought to in the past...AND I love how you take everything back to it's natural, that's an awesome thing to do.

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  19. Pleasure to meet you, mail4rosey :) Well, there you go... we get to meet interesting new people. Some of them might become a friend of yours - who knows - even if you'll probably never meet in person. But that's alright. It's just a different kind of knowing people.

    What I like about blogging is you can be funny in one post, and be known as a certain persona (like my friend Patrick pretending to be a cat or me literally being a blue guy), yet at other times the same readers who play along with you are always willing to lend an ear when you've got a problem or when you want to talk about a more serious topic. It's wonderful.

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    1. I can clearly see you have a loyal fan base over at your place, and that really is nice (for fun and being serious, just like you've said).

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  20. i love it for the people i get to meet and call my friends.... and the knowledge of learning about so many products ;)

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    1. Have you been to a blog convention or anything? I know you've been blogging a long time. I remember your church spa day, but I can't remember convention news? I think it would be fun to go to one of those. :)

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  21. i couldn't agree with you more.
    i have learned so much since beginning my blog. i had NO idea of all the beautiful people i would meet and get to learn so much about. i learned a lot about love and life and myself. writing has been such a blessing!
    xoxox

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    1. Your posts make me cry, lol. Happy or sad I always end up blubbering over there. Lots of heart you share with everyone. I think that's really nice. :)

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  22. Definitely, people! I found so many friends through blogging whoa re amazing, talented and inspiring! If I knew how much I would gain from blogging, I'd start years ago :)

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    1. If I knew about what bloggers put on Pinterest I'd have started years ago, hehee :)

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  23. Oh yes, definitely the people. I was sort of nervous about sharing my stuff for fear of ridicule, but so far, everyone has been super supportive and it's nice to meet people with similar circumstances, since I don't have that in real life.
    And I love getting to be creative with design!

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    1. Blogging is a great way to egg on creativity, I see it all of the time. I alas, haven't an ounce of it, but I still try from time to time. ;)

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  24. Such a wonderful post and I totally agree with everything! Definitely the wonderful people that we meet is what makes everything we do worthwhile and meaningful. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful week! ~Cindy@littlemisscelebration.com

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    1. You have a wonderful week too, I can't believe it's almost here, this week FLEW by!!

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  25. I am surprised at the friendships I have made. There are some bloggers I can't imagine not knowing now. How cool is that? Also, what surprised me the most was stepping out of my shell and putting myself out there. I am very quiet and somewhat shy in person. A lot of people take it for being stuck up or snooty when they meet me. I'm just more comfortable sitting on the sidelines. I wanted to see if I could really put myself out there, and was shocked that it was fairly easy for me. It's helped me open up a little more in the real world too!

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    1. I cannot imagine anyone ever thinking you're stuck up or snooty. I bet when they give you half a second they change their mind in an instant.

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  26. I love this post, hmm I am surprised at just how many people I have met from all parts of the world who I genuinely care for. On the other hand some blogs I had read and thought they must be the sweetest people in the world..disappointed when I discovered they were not. Oh well that's life, I love what blogging has brought into my life.

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    1. Online dating, hahahhaha...so many people say they liked the person online but not in person. ;)

      I think blog conventions would be a nice, safe way to meet others. I don't foresee myself going to any, but I still think they'd be a fun way to mingle in person. :)

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  27. Blogging has opened up so many doors for me. I never thought I'd make so many friends. I also find that I have to keep learning new things if I want to keep abreast with blogging.

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    1. I agree, Pepper. So many buzz words are in my life now that certainly weren't there prior to starting a blog. SEO, html, no-follow, disclosures, and so on and so forth.

      There's a lot to learn and keep learning, that's for sure. I like that you can dip in as much as you like, or be as simple as you'd like. I've opted for simple so far, but I can see the benefits of really jumping right in and learning all that you can.

      Thanks for the visit. :)

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  28. I suspect that many people say things in blog comments that they wouldn't say to my face. And that's ok, because if I don't like what they say, I can delete it!

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    1. I've seen people leave comments on blogs that were completely unwarranted, and left me surprised. Thankfully most people use good manners. :)

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  29. I think I've come across the same surprises that you have over the amount of time I've been blogging. It's been a great and rewarding experience! :-)

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  30. Hi! I’m new follower of your blog and would like to invite you to join me at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop:
    http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/04/clever-chicks-blog-hop-32-crayon.html

    I hope you can make it!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick

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    1. Alas, I'm not crafty, but thank you for the invite, and I am now your latest e-mail subscriber. ;)

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  31. For me the most surprising thing when it comes to blogging is the number of connections I've made with people over the years.

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    1. Lots of good people, I see it every day. :)

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  32. I agree that there are so many great people that you virtually meet when you blog (like you for instance! :)

    Also, I am surprised and amazed at some of the opportunities for bloggers. Who would imagine that just because I have a blog that a pr company would be willing to pay for my overnight stay at a hotel to cover an event. (That was probably the best event that I've participated in.) There are so much more out there like Disney Social Moms or whatever it's called and I've read about so many other great opportunities...it blows my mind.

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    1. Yep, I agree, tons of good folk (like you too). :)

      That's an awesome event and it's a huge perk of blogging, I agree. The stories you all share of sponsored trips, or of conventions you go to are awesome!!

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  33. I couldn't agree more... My life has changed so much since I have started blogging. I don't know what I'd do without some of the amazing people I have met in the bloggy world. It's just such a great way to find connections and people who can relate to us! :)

    Following you now from Smile with Us Mondays! :) Would you be willing to join in on this project with us? Check it out... http://modernhippiemomma.blogspot.com/2013/04/may-is-for-all-women-project-post-1.html

    <3 Amanda*

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    1. I did check out your project, it's really a good one and I've shared it for you!

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  34. Same here even though I'm newer to blogging, I'm truly enjoying it! I thought for sure that ppl wouldn't follow me and I'd fail. But this has taken me to a whole new outlet in my life. I get to vent sometimes, share what I love and so much more.
    Stopped by through Smile with Us on Monday's
    Thanks, Corey
    www.coreycreativecorner.blogspot.com

    I will too follow your blog as I love finding new blogs!

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    1. I'm following you back, thanks for the visit. :)

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  35. What a great post! As a newbie blogger, I couldn't agree more! Thanks for sharing this! Visiting from Smile Mondays :)

    Jessica
    The Wondering Brain

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  36. There are some wonderful bloggers out there. I love that you can find more information on just about anything you want, by reading blogs by people that have actually done whatever it is you are researching.

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