R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Definition: A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
Blogging is a weird world. We start off on a course of writing a blog, relating to our own lives, or own ideas, and then, boom, we start getting invited to places, and brands really want to begin to work with us because they see our ability to create content, to share a story, and more.
When we first start, we may not know a single person in the blogging world, but as you go to more and more events, you begin to meet other bloggers, you begin to interact online with others more and more, and you begin to read content day in and day out.
The content can make us laugh, make us cry, make us shake our head, or just think “WHATTTT?” We all have our own stories to share, our own ideas, and passions, and that’s what makes the world so awesome.
If you’re like me, there are some bloggers you truly look up to. Literally. They could say anything and you nod your head, laugh your ass off, or just sit stunned for a minute or two. You can’t wait to see what they do next. As their post lands in your mailbox you can’t wait to open up just to read.
Blogging is pretty incredible, but BLOGGING has a dark side too. The side of jealousy and greed. The side of when you first start out and trying to keep up with the joneses. Why do we have that mentality? Why? Just because little Suzi is doing that with her blog shouldn’t we be too? (NO!)
Well, lets think about this, shall we? In my blogging world, there are a variety of niches: Food Blogs, Foodie Blogs, Lifestyle Blogs, Mom Blogs, Art Blogs, Theater Blogs, Movie Blogs and more. If you think it, there’s a blog out there creating it. Some people are just better at some things than others. And we just need to learn from these AWESOME people. AND not only that, work together.
There are times when you see others get invited to an event and you ask yourself, “Why didn’t I get invited?” But really, when you see others get invited somewhere wouldn’t it be more awesome if we put that energy into supporting them? Into reading their content, commenting on their pictures as they’re working to share the content instead of asking the question, “Why not me?”
So, what’s the point of me writing this, you ask? Well, I just wanted to reign in the point of R.E.S.P.E.C.T and some blogging etiquette. (BTW: I don’t know it all, and will never admit to knowing it all, but there’s just some things I’ve been seeing that has been bugging me lately!)
1) Respect the work that Other Bloggers Put In.
If you see other bloggers getting invited to events, it’s because they’ve been working hard, and others have noticed.
It may be hard to see when you first start out, but when you first start out, really work on developing the content of your blog, work on your business plan, and the opportunities will come your way. They always do.
2) When Another Blogger Asks a Question, try to help and answer.
There have been times when a blogger has asked for advice about a specific event or product they’re reviewing and others have come in asking for the contact. Please stop. That is the blogger’s work right there, if they’re asking, they’re genuinely looking for advice, lets provide it if we have been through the situation, and not think of “what can I get out of this?”
3) Respect the Campaign.
We, as bloggers, are working hard on our posts, and we often work with a variety of brands. Sometimes, a blogger may work with a brand that you don’t agree with personally, but we still should respect the work the blogger has put in. Whether it’s a tweet, picture on instagram, or blog post.
HOWEVER: As a blogger, we also have to understand that when we decide to work on a campaign, we are endorsing the brand we’re working for, and negative comments may come in. Be able to stand by your word.
4) AWESOMENESS Shared on Facebook
As bloggers we often find some pretty amazing content, and we share on our facebook pages or google+ pages, OR we work with a brand and share the information.
Imagine how a blogger would feel after they just posted something to find someone had ran off to the brand’s facebook page and just shared their content in all the social media channels to get on their radar.
Wouldn’t it have been more awesome to have shared the blogger’s content to show you supported that blogger, and think what they just shared was awesome, and also the brand? Or, if you wanted to have the brand see you, at least acknowledge to the other blogger “thanks for the heads up.” Trust me, those words go a long way.
I’m all for bloggers working with brands, but I’m even more about respecting other bloggers and the work they put into their blogs.
5) Friendship Before Blogging
The one last piece I want to end on is this: Friendship Before Blogging.
If you see a friend post an awesome event and you go to message them asking for the contact, is that really the right thing to do? =)
Again, being that awesome supportive friend is a much more desirable quality.
Thoughts?
