Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Some blogging insight...

It was early January 2008 when I started this blog. I have come to determine that I love blogging; what a great hobby it has become! My blog inspires me to cook, my dining experiences make me want to write; blogging is a past time that has really become a part of my life. If you're a fellow blogger reading this, you probably know what I mean.

I really enjoyed reading the blog Dine and Dish today, because Kristen really spoke to me when she discussed "the hazards of blogging". Her blog is amazing... I would love for my blog to someday be like hers. I strive to make my blog as good as it can be, but I still sometimes have to step back and ask myself, "why am I doing this?" It's easy to get caught up in getting more comments, having more subscribers, and other little things that make my blog seem successful. But really, when I stop and think about it, I'm blogging mostly just for me. I want to keep track of my cooking and dining experiences in my kitchen and around the wonderful city of Chicago. I also love having the chance to connect with other people who enjoy cooking as much as I do. When I look at the goals of having this blog, I would have to say I feel really good about where I am with it.

I feel like a tease, though, because a week or two ago I mentioned that I was thinking about having a contest that people would enter by giving me suggestions on how to improve my blog. Now, I don't think my blog is perfect, and I think there's plenty of room for improvement. But I think I need to just slowly work on that on my own at this point. So the contest is on hold... I think I'll make it a celebration instead! I only have three more months until I've been blogging for a year, so I'm going to plan sometime involving a blog giveaway at that point. That gives me time to settle into a new position at work (I got a promotion, yeah!), and to plan a blog event that's a bit special and fun.

So, if you managed to read that... thanks for reading, commenting, and/or being a part of the blogging world I enjoy so much. And if you're a blogger, too, thanks for sharing your blog with me as well!

I'll be back tomorrow with a recipe as usual :)

7 comments:

Terry at Blue Kitchen said...

Erin--You're right. Food blogging really is fun. It makes you think about food a lot and turns you into a better cook for it. I read Kristen's post today and also think she made a good point about blogging and balance. Regarding improving your blog, I think that's an ongoing process for all of us. If you ever think your blog is perfect, you're probably getting lazy.

Sarah said...

I absolutely agree with you. As much as I love having readers and getting comments, I love doing this just for myself. And I have taught myself so many things in the kitchen thanks to my blog. It has really helped me grow as a cook.

Keep up the great work! And congrats on the promotion!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Good for you, I'm glad you have it all figured out. Blogging is suppose to be fun, not a job. It's virtually impossible to comment on ever ones blog, and visa versa. Just make it fun, and I guarentee you good things will come from it! Congrats on your promotion Erin!

Darius T. Williams said...

I'm sooo with you and I totally understand how you feel. I'm loving your blog - so in 3 months - let's celebrate!

-DTW
www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com

Laura in Paris said...

It's obvious that you enjoy cooking and blogging - and in that roder. At my end, I enjoy reading and trying your recipes. Perfect match!

Erin said...

Thank you all for your comments! It's nice to see that the responses on this post are all from people I really like, who have blogs I frequent and enjoy!

Nicole said...

I know Erin. I have to keep myself in check often. I get a little obsessed and feeling obliged.... meanwhile my 2 kids are begging me to play. I just can't ignore them.