Building a Community Is the Point
Blogging is an incredibly ego-centric activity. When I’m in the middle of writing something I’ll often begin to wonder, “Hummm, is this post too much about me, me, me, me?” And although I’ve joined the blog world with growing enthusiasm, I’ve felt those little twinges of discomfort as I wonder, “Who really wants to read all about mememememe?”
Then I’ll receive such wonderful comments from people who found their way to Shout, or e-mails from people who want to remain annoymous, but still reached out to say, “You touched me.”
People have e-mailed to say they were going to try clicker training their dog. One woman wrote to say she’s been fighting the infertility battle for five years and reading, Baby Choices & My Internal Bitch helped her to better articulate how she feels, and gave her a resource to share with friends and family. Several people wrote in to comment on relationships between their mothers and stepmothers after reading, The Other Mother, and someone reached out with encouragement and thanks for my honesty about how my relationship with my husband began (an affair).
Blogging brings people together to laugh, to support and to validate each other in a way that’s incredibly unique, and I’m honored to be a tiny part of it all. When I began Shout, I had no clue that such amazing communities were forming online, but after a few months and thousands of hours reading other people’s blogs, I’m in awe of it all.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised then to discover the phenomenal success of a new initiative called, The Secret is in The Sauce (SITS), but I am. Two women have started a blog that’s all about introducing bloggers to each other, and the response has been phenomenal. Heather and Tiffany started SITS only a week ago and already they’ve had thousands of visitors and hundreds of participants, which proves their theory that…
The recipe for success is support.
Go ahead. Put a little sauce in your blog.
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All the sexual innuendo is much appreciated and the idea of trading out sexual favors for studio time does seem ...
Thanks love! This is a great idea!!!
Jens last blog post..My secret addiction 
Okay, I have to side with your hubby. Just because I know that passion. But you should DEFINITELY ...
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My mom, 75, claims that what you have said is very true. I know...ewwww.
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Well, um, swap some, you know, time in the sheets for some portrait practice? Kind of like "honey, do me, ...
C''mon now Tricia this one is easy. passion for passion right? a win win for both of you... a fair ...
Comment by Apple on 9 June 2008:
As a former military wife, I have to say that support is sometimes they only way to get through this. I’ve got terrible luck with finding friends in real life that aren’t backstabbers or immature or any other unsavory characteristics that you don’t necessarily care to have in someone you’re close with. The only place I can find halfway sane people is through these blogs. It’s really great to know I’m not alone in the things I go through.
Comment by mama's losin' it on 14 June 2008:
I joined this group in the beginning and you’re right, it’s like one giant happy sorority. New people are jumping in all the time and my blog roll is growing every day. It’s an awesome idea and they deserve every bit of success they get with it!! Girl power, right!?! Love’em.
mama’s losin’ its last blog post..Friday Foto Fiesta…or something.
Comment by AFRo on 15 June 2008:
Heather and Tiffany’s idea is certainly a phenomenal one! I’m not a big “joiner,” but decided to give it a try and it’s been so much fun and encouraging. It’s good to know that a bunch of women can still gather in one place and build one another up instead of tearing one another down like some sites I’ve found.
Comment by karen on 16 June 2008:
I love SITS. Heather and Tiffany have created a group that is warm and welcoming. There are people of all ages and interests. It’s a comfortable place to be…
karens last blog post..I’m awake .. I think
Comment by Dodi on 17 June 2008:
I’ve had all the same thoughts since beginning my own blog. I love doing it, but it feels very narcissistic sometimes…thanks for a post that makes me feel justified!
Comment by laurie beggin on 18 June 2008:
http://lauriebethbeggin.blogspot.com
This is fantastic….I am still wraping my brain around all of it but it sure seems brilliant to me! With gratitude, Laurie B…one of the newest members of SITS….
laurie beggins last blog post..Round Suncatcher in Antique and English Muffle Glass