Eat, Write, Retreat was an amazingly wonderful experience. I met so many cool people, and I really learned a lot. One thing in particular has stuck with me since the conference, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot.
During the “Beyond Your Blog” panel, the conversation turned to fame and cookbook deals. It struck me that a significant number of people attending the conference are blogging as a business, or at least a business venture. They were focused on how to turn blogging into money.
At one point in the conversation, Shauna Ahern of Gluten Free Girl said something quite profound, and it’s been on my mind since [paraphrasing]: “Do what you love. Forget about your stats and just blog because you love it.”
A lot of people have asked me why I have not yet monetized my blog. I have no ads, and I accept but don’t solicit giveaways. I occasionally guest-post on other blogs, but I don’t actively seek out tons of opportunities to get my name out there. I’m okay with my little point-and-shoot camera.
I am immensely happy with where my blog is at right now. I have fun sharing my recipes with whoever decides to read my blog. If that’s mostly my friends and i don’t have a hundred comments per post, who cares? I don’t want to be rich and famous. I like that my blog is a hobby–if I turned it into a business, I think it would really take the fun out of it.
So thanks EWR for an amazing experience, and thanks Shauna for reinforcing the idea that you should blog because you love it, and not because you are looking for fame and fortune.
Great post. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and I have to say I agree with you. I blog because I want to, because it’s fun! If my blog progresses to another level in the future, great, but for now, it’s all about sharing the food for me
I hear ya!
I do enjoy other people reading my blog! (New comments make me happy!) But I never want to do it big time. I do it because I love writing, I love photography and I value and appreciate the relationships that have been creative with my blog!!
well said what she said is exactly right hugs
EWR provided many of the same affirmations for me! Still using my Itty Bitty camera, still ad-free and still enjoying blogging. It was terrific to meet you!