On blogging and other drugs
It’s been almost a year since I started blogging, and around 5 years since I started becoming aware of the phenomenon. How much this entitles me to give advice on blogging techniques, or etiquette I could not say. Yet since a lot of you asked for my opinion on various blog related topics, I decided to share the little that I know so far.
So let us start with the basics, the who, how, what, when, where, and why.
WHO
“Well, this is obvious! ME!” you’ll probably say when seeing this headline, but I’m asking which you? Is it the “I just woke up, I’ll blog in my pjs” or the “I hope my boss isn’t seeing me blog”? I hope it’s neither of these two because making an effort to allocate time, space, and other resources to this will really make a difference in the quality of your blogging.
HOWWith passion, dedication and commitment. And correctly! Whether you’re writing in your first language or not, spellcheckers come in every language, so no one is excused from using them.
WHAT
One of the most important ideas which formed the basis of my blog was to have an entirely original content. And with a couple of rare exceptions, up to now I managed to do so. Still, not all blogs are alike, or should be alike for that matter. Thus it is more than understandable to use content from alternative sources, but it is never understandable not to reference them.
With websites like weheartit or those on tumblr adequate referencing can be, at times, quite tricky. If you really can’t find it it’s ok, yet not spending the extra 5-10 minutes to research the source of a quote, or photo is not acceptable behavior. Forget to reference something and be sure that others will forget to reference to you.
As for the actual content, just try to be as original as possible, and always be true to yourself. Writing about things you like will be ten times easier, and more enjoyable, that about what everyone else is writing. If you must write something that someone else already wrote, than try to add your own twist to it. Substance and consistency are the key to good blogging.
WHEN
This is usually up to everyone’s daily schedule and inner rhythm. I for one do my research in the evening, and continue to write during the night. There is something about the still and quite of the night that is both comforting and inspiring.
As for the photos, unless I need some party photos or other low light shoots for which I use a flash, I like to have as much natural light as possible. Remember that the best hours for shooting in natural light are during the morning, with the worst being between 12.00-14.00 when the sun is at its strongest and it creates very strong and unappealing shadows. The afternoon is not bad, just don’t forget that during those hours the intensity and color of the light can change rather rapidly leading to a photo shoot that looks far from consistent and put together.
As for which are the best hours to post at, it usually depends on which hemisphere represents your main target audience. Still, if you want to get more details on the matter try this article from ProBlogger.
WHERE
Whether you have a home office or not, a space that is exclusively dedicated to blogging is a must. This means a big enough space to host your laptop or personal computer, a cup of coffee and a notebook. As I’m sure you know inspiration for blogging comes from everywhere, so it would be good to have some space for various books and magazines too.
Although very tempting, the bed is usually not the best place to blog from as your brain most probably associates it with rest and relaxation. And these are two things that shouldn’t interfere with your blogging concentration. Other distractions such as TV, the obsessive (is it just me?) need to continuously check social networking websites, friends, boyfriend etc should also be avoided.
Treat blogging as seriously as you yourself want to be treated, and it will reward you immensely.
WHY
For fun! And most importantly, for you!
57 Responses to “On blogging and other drugs”
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Ai mare dreptate! Un articol ajutator pentru incepatori dar si chiar si pentru cei care scriu de ceva timp.
Pozele sunt foarte frumoase!
Lovely idea for a post!
http://haveyoueverfalleninlove.blogspot.com/
Great tips!
I also have “the obsessive need to continuously check social networking websites” while..doing anything on my computer…
Love the pics, btw
This is amazing. Everything you said is true. Blogging is a big part of me, so I give it the respect and time it deserves.
Blogging is always fun for me, I love every minute of it.
wow such a cool post!
very lovely blog you have!
what a nice idea for a post, great masterclass. well done on the birthday too
So true1 And yes I always have more inspiration at night too!:)
si eu am aceeasi obsesie/nevoie de a verifica the social network non stop, orice as face pe calculator.
imi place partea despre mentionarea surselor si ma bucur mult ca ai adus vorba de asta. atat de putini bloggeri fac asta si e foarte trist, rusinos.. urasc, as putea spune…
frumos post, foarte inspirat, ca de obicei
xx
great idea of the post! I like the layout of text and images on it!
thanks for your comment!!!
love this!!
xx
fashionbit
I absolutely loved this post. It was really great to get such a detailed other blogger’s perspective! Inspired me and made me feel excited about my blog all over again!
UO x
unionolivia.blogspot.com
Most interesting, and lovely photos..
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Your article is so interesting, I couldn’t help reading it and keep some notes! thanks for sharing all that great information!
xoxo,
Froso from Style Nirvana
Like this post!And your ring its perfect!kisses
http://www.cailinplace.blogspot.com
this is such a great post! thanks!
2nd photo is my favorite <3
Marc.
http://vicissitudinilombarde.blogspot.com/
yep…sources are so important. It tells readers also in a way…that you have researched and taken your time…for them! And oh, am I happy to find someone who finds it impossible to do any work in bed….I love people who still find use in a desk and who own one
and of course those who have great books for the inspiration….such as yours 
You certainly are the right person to give advice! Such an experienced and wonderful blogger! I enjoyed reading this. such beautiful photos to illustrate! Thank you for sharing:-)
Enter my Follower Giveaway!
Great advices, sweetheart!
http://myfashioninsider.blogspot.com/
really pretty blog !!
http://www.theupperfashion.com
http://www.theupperfashion.com
i agree, it’s really not advisable to blog in bed. i find that it’s better to be sitting down. and yup, a blogging space is a must!
<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
Amazing post
you’re ideas are very organized and you know how to share them. This was truly inspiring. 
feel like sharing it. *i’ll twit it
sorry. Your ideas. ;p
This information is so appreciated. You definitely do a beautiful job blogging! Great example for us new ones:)
Thanks for you comment!!!!Lovely blog!!!Xoxo Cybelle & Fabi
http://www.fromustwoyou.com/
follow u, follow us back???
i like this post-sometimes people forget why they started their blog in the first place and start churning out the same images(yeah it’s pretty much impossible to be original but posting something cause it’s popular is annoying)
but, not gonna lie, i’m usually not writing to my best ability in my blog hahaha
adorable blog (:
http://whoop-itup.blogspot.com/
Great tips! Love your blog!
Thanks for the nice comment;*
I’m sooooo going to follow you!! Adorable:)
xoxo
http://www.snoturt.blogspot.com
Great tips!
And I love the photos!
Bisous,
Mika
Overseeing Fashion
nice post! and we are using the same laptop <3
vdcouture
great tips!
Loving your blog, I’m following.
would love you to enter my giveaway:
http://thoroughlymodernmilly5.blogspot.com/2011/01/giveaway-be-my-february-girl.html
xx
wow i love them all!thanks for sharing!
kisses from greece!
ffffashionmixxxx.blogspot.com
the info on when to shoot photo’ best comes very handy. Too bad my boyfriend = my photographer and he never wants to get up early to go for a walk in the nearby forest, where beautiful photo’s can be taken =) also I love to shoot out at the docks or the old industrial zone ^^ x
such a great post!!
katslovefashion.blogspot.com
great post, very inspiring
LOVE YOUR BLOG! this post have a really cool information, the pictures gives inspration… amazing im a new follower!
Look my blog and if you like it, follow me.
http://www.sickbytrend.com
xx
sBt
Great post! Very nice! …And I love your nails’ color:) ~ xoxo Diamond Cat
Great tips!
♥
I really enjoyed this post!
xxx
The photos accompanying this post are absolutely beautiful! And it’s always refreshing to read someone else’s take on blogging, so thank you for that
XXo,
Neekoh
Live Love LA
Great tips for new and older bloggers. We can all learn a little something from one another. Thanks for the advice.
http://www.thegiftofgab-gabby.blogspot.com
Blogging in PJ’s-dedication! Thanks for the lovely comment, new post up!
http://www.swampedinflowers.blogspot.com
Love the pics! <3
congrats on blogging for a year and these tips are really great!
thanks for stopping by my blog, yours is lovely and l’ll definately be visiting again!
http://www.beckydazzler.com
Is that a topshop ring? I have the same one
. LOVE your blog – thanks for stopping by too!
http://www.oddandchic.com
PS Following you!
xxx
Hey you, this is a truly worth to read post! Great suggestions!
Keep up the good work ♥
Dana
This is such a great post. Very inspiring and helpful. Thank youu
Nice photos. I just love the colour combo of pink and mint green: like salt water taffy.
http://www.forthoseabouttoshop.ca
(sorry bout the spam but there’s no URL link)
Very good advices. thank you very much.
))
I think now i’m want to delete my blog and start over
I wanted to be more organized but i feel like it’s a total mess. Anyway. I’ll deal with it:D
De asemenea
Daca esti interesat/a organizez un giveaway pe blogul meu. Te astept! Pupici
http://sandrashop08.blogspot.com/2011/02/dupa-cum-am-promis-am-revenit-cu.html
Your photos make your blog, specifically. Not that I am not interested in your words, but I find your sense of construction to be very pleasing.
It might sound cheesy, but this article is really helpful. Even though are common sense advices, sometimes you need a stylish-smart-pretty girl to point them out for you. I also find my confident in the silence of the night and I also always misspell out of a pathological rush
I absolutely <3 the second pic!
Everything you say is everything I try to do. Good to know I’m on the right track.
Great blog design.
Thanks CamilleA
http://ka-st.com/blog
What a great post, I love that you’ve used some really good quality photos to accompany it too!
x
This is a wonderful A to Z on how to establish a strong online presence! Terrific info, really newbie-friendly, comprehensive and thorough!