Blog Reshuffle and Manifesto

I've been blogging for about a year and a half now which is equivalent to dog years in blogland.

  Even though I set up my account years before I actually started, 

I didn't have the energy or confidence to blog.  

I went into blogging blind.

I didn't "know" anyone but these people below.

  

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I didn't have an agenda nor do I now.

I didn't dream of becoming a star through blogging nor view this as a money making exercise. Although I have nothing against those who do monetize their blogs.

I don't know what prompted me to write other than simple expression and an itch.

This might be quite apparent through the eyes of experienced bloggers and blog readers as I don't have a niche.

 

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I am not a mommy blogger nor a corporate climbing ladder tip sharer.

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I am neither a fashionista selfie blogger nor a crafty before and after furniture makeover guru.

I am not thin enough to set myself as an aspirational woman nor am I fat enough to have a chunky following.

I am not young enough to blog about disastrous dates and the angst of youth nor old enough to join the menopausal brigade. 

It is a wonder I have any readers at all.

When I first started I didn't know anything whatsoever so if anyone told me you would forge internet friendships I would have raised my eyebrows.  But alas I have and perhaps that is what keeps me plogging ( blog + plod ) on.  But what I have noticed in the last 18 months is the inner shift that has happened that I only just realized yesterday.

I was reading a post on One can't get over the habit of being a girl all at once written by our ever engaging and cheery Wendy when I realized that a topic that would have been a standard dinner party topic seemed so edgy on blogland and I was worried for her for the possible deluge of negative comments.

After I sat back and reflected, I realized how slowly I have become apprehensive to write about certain things because someone out there might misconstrue it and write either a comment that I would have to repudiate or reply to a puffy email. 

 I was starting to restrain from commenting on some blogs because my unedited stream of consciousness quickly typed words might be read differently from my intention.  I also don't like laboured writing with too much forethought ( some of you may have noticed!) so if I have to think about what to comment then I prefer not to say anything.

In my blogging time I have been naive at times and not realized  that people don't know me and the context in which I say things.  

I have had and seen other people be unjustly maligned and misinterpreted by their posts or comments.  

I was finding that aspect a bit tedious.

But I have rejigged my brain and decided that I should be freer.

That was one of the reasons why I blogged in this parallel space was for polite but honest expression without worrying about the opinions of real life friends.

Blogging does seem to bring out unexpected reactions both positive and negative in both cyberspace and in real life which I won't expand on today.

But I suppose there is nothing one can do that one can be free of criticism so you might as well do what you like.

I appreciate my readers and fellow blogger mates more than I ever expected to. 

It is lovely to be read and have discussions.  

I feel so lucky to have a growing readership.  

However, I won't be the one to chase blogging stats.

If I did then this blog would be very different.

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 It would consist only of filtered pictures of candles, macaroons, and the Eiffel Tower.

Or if I was really pushing viewing stats I could just post pictures of boobies and puppies.

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Don't get me wrong I am not going to get all divisive and politically fundamental.

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I won't be mean spirited but you may not always like what I have to say.  But I will try and be honest in a way that I would be if I met you at a friend's dinner party.  I will give you an opinion that may differ to yours but be polite and open to discussion.

And like real life conversations you have with your friends, 

you may not relate to my topic du jour. 

Not all chats are going to be funny or interesting. 

They may be hum drum and just catching up talks.

While I love my real life friends, I can't speak about all my various interests with just one person.

I have a friend who I can chat about the intricacies of fashion but not interiors.  The friend who I can chat to about politics; another who understands the nuances of London life and its social stereotypes.

So I will be treating this more like a real life chat with a friend.

Please don't expect any huge differences but I have had a little wake up call and will try to be less restrained in my expression and find my blogging voice.