Support Your Fellow Blogger?
14 November 07
Photo by Nad Renrel
What motivates you to support a fellow blogger? It doesn’t matter how large or small the good deed is…perhaps a few thoughtful comments, social bookmarkings, or helping out with coding errors and what-not. Do you have any expectations for a reciprocal favor?
The reason I’m asking is because I read a few blog posts pertaining to methods for gaining support in the blogosphere.
There was specific advice like: Only comment on smaller blogs because the big and popular blogs don’t appreciate it (I’d link to the article, but I can’t remember the URL). Well, I think experimenting with ‘methods’ kind of suggests that one has ulterior motives.
Then there are general perspectives such as: A selfless act of kindness will go a long way. And in contrast, you shouldn’t do anything for free because it cripples people into laziness and into thinking your services are less valuable than if it was paid for.
While all these opinions do have merit, I believe in keeping a well-rounded view of why it’s good to lend a helping hand when you can.
The Golden Rule in Life & Blogging
This is a familiar and practical value. If you don’t enjoy the occasional bash, don’t dish it out. If you appreciate honest, yet tactful comments than that’s what you should give. And if you recieved some other form of help that was valuable, then give some back…or forward. This rule implies a give and take system.
But sometimes you may feel like you’re giving but not receiving as much in return, and that can be discouraging.
Blogging Hope without Expectation
I mentioned before that I’m also a pc instructor at an elementary school. Teaching is an act of giving, and in return I would like my students to remember and apply the things that I teach them…this is not an expectation, but a hope. Expectation leads to disappointment, whereas hope leaves you…well, hopeful.
Some students completely forget what they’ve learned within a year. Then there are those ones that remember me and the points I brought to their attention even when they leave for middle school…that’s the return I hope for in exchange for giving, and that’s what contributes to loving what I do.
This same concept can be applied within the blogosphere. You’re probably thinking, ‘hurry up and get to the point!’ Well, okay:
When you follow methods and formulas to blog networking, they won’t always work. Sometimes you’ll offer support and you’ll get some in return, and sometimes you won’t. If you lend a hand only because you’re expecting something in return, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. So when handing out favors in whatever form, hope but don’t expect.It makes for a better outlook and less discouragement.
The Wrap
So to answer the question I posed in the beginning: What motivates me to support a fellow blogger? Believing in the give and take system implied by the golden rule and then hoping, without expecting, that others will do the same. What about you?
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14 Responses to “Support Your Fellow Blogger?”
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Nice post J. What motivates me to support a fellow blogger?
Several things:
1> If I like what I see in the blog.
2> Similar interests
Generally though, if I can help I will, but not if it’s expected.
Do I expect a return?
no, that way I’m never disappointed.
Good points Colin
It’s natural to gravitate towards a blog if you have similar interests. That’s what most of us as bloggers try to do…relate to our audience. Thanks for sharing!
The golden rule is pretty good advice!
@Tim
I think it goes well with your recent post about being unselfish. Thanks for your thoughts!
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emm.. nice post dude.
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[…] will receive one. If we form a support system where we all give and as well as take, and view fellow bloggers more as positive catalysts rather than competition, this will make it easier for all of us to […]
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Blogging is also like creating a network. This network can be helpful to you in the future. So keep on blogging!
What motivates me to support my fellow blogger is the thinking that if ever i’ll gonna be in the same situation, there would also be a person willing to give time and effort in helping me out. Its hard to be out there with no one else. I also learned that in helping my fellow blogger, im learning from them too, even unconsciously.
great post and I like the Golden rule.
The blogging without expectation is great too.
It is easy to be discouraged when no one comments on your posts especially if some of the one you frequent only have a few commenters and you think you are helping them out too.
It takes time to build a network though.
I try to focus on blogs similar to mine.
The wrap is perfect.
My Little Drummer boys