Friday, April 1, 2011

Friend Friday: Rules of Engagement

Hi all, come and join us on Friend Friday, brainchild of Katy  at ModlyChic.. go check out her site for more info on how to join us!!


Rules of Engagement
A number of bloggers have reached out  about how to deal with Tweets, emails, DMs etc… from  people who seem to be only pushing their own blog. It us thinking about  the rules of engagement with others in the blogging world is uncharted territory. We learn a lot about how to do it from trial and error.

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?
I haven't pursued doing guest posts, rather, someone has asked me.  I have asked someone to do a guest post on my blog as well.  I am not out to do anything on my blog other than have fun, show some outfits, make friends and get better at my photography.  Heck, not even sure what I would say is so  great about me that I should do a guest post for someone else anyway! Other than be a dork, that is :)

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’?
OH! PUL_LEASE don't leave a message like that on my blog. That is a SURE way for me to NOT follow you. At least add a comment about my outfit or photo!! Sheesh.  I only follow and comment on blogs that I think are somehow interesting to me, where they have great outfits, or photos, style, ideas.  When I do leave a comment I do my best to forward what they are up to. What I mean by this is that I provide some feedback (compliment) on outfits or photos and I also share a little about myself to help connect. If they are interested in following me too thats great, if not, not biggie!

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work.  How do you make your email stand out from the crowd?
To be honest, the only emails I send are to connect with the person (another blogger) and comment on something in more detail, or ask a question, or share about something. The purpose is to connect, not to sell myself.  And to be honest, I have gotten numerous emails from others doing the same thing.  I had someone email me saying they had been following my blog from the  beginning and they told me how much of a difference my blog made, etc etc and we have been emailing back and forth for months now! cool!!

4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure?
I have no exposure to seek.  I am not trying to GET anywhere with my blog. Its a hobby. Just for fun. If people are interested they will follow and will share it with others. If it is helpful and a resource people will like it.  I am not trying to get some kind of sponsorship or freebies or anything by building my numbers.  Of course, some free stuff is always good but was never really the intention of my blog. Also, I like to reply to comments and if I had a million I wouldn't be able to keep up!!

5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that?
My goal is to reply to people who comment on my blog. I also have a list of FAV GALS in google reader and those are my regulars. I mean, they are the ones I visit daily if possible. I like to comment regularly on those blogs that I really like and with those I really connect with.  I also make a point to connect with new bloggers I have connected with to provide support.  Colette (Statements in Fashion) was one of my first followers (Thanks Colette.. me loves you xoxox)  and she provided ongoing support and encouragement and has made such a big difference for me, I try to do this for others as well. We are a community, why not reach out and have some fun, make some friends while we are all dressing Fabulous!!!

I look forward to reading everyone elses answers... off I go into my weekend, chat next week Lovelies!! MWAH xoxo Jodi

15 comments:

  1. This is why I follow you're blog! You don't beg for attention. Your photos are great, the commentary if entertaining and honest.
    ... and one day I'd like to find time in my schedule to train for an 8K. (Aiming Low).

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  2. I'm a hobby blogger too - not trying to get anywhere, but really enjoying the interaction and the creative outlet. Most of the blogs that I read tend to be similar - hobby bloggers who like to interact. I almost wrote blooger instead of blogger, which is kind of funny.

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  3. Apparently I should have just taken part in FBFF this week..haha!
    I love that you blog as a hobby...I wish more people could do it with that mentality. I was so glad that highschools way over because I didn't have to be in a popularity contest (which I totally lost by the way)...but now I'm in one again and I didn't even know it (losing again..haha)
    Loved your answers, and totally love you (not the I wanna jump you and make babies kind..haha just the personality person kind..haha)

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  4. Hey girl, thanks so much for the shout out in your last answer. i think you have fab answers to all the questions. You have REAL answers that are doable:) I think you are doing a fantabulistic job on your blog and Im super proud of you...wayyyy more than you know.

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  5. Great to read your answers. Such a tricky area!
    thanks for visiting my blog :)
    http://cgdn.blogspot.com/

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  6. As always, I am absolutely loving how honest and straight-forward you are!

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  7. Good answers Jodi
    I agree with all of your points
    BTW, thanks for stopping by the blog, I love to hear from you.
    Brett

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  8. I second that...I'm not trying to get anywhere with my blog either, it's just for fun. All the drama just passes me by.

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  9. Great answers. I like that you leave meaningful comments, and those are my favorite to get. I think the best thing we can do is be genuine, and comment because we want to.
    My Heart Blogged

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  10. I'm glad to hear you aren't trying to get anywhere. Blogging is absolutely a hobby for me; I like the new creative outlet and it's fun to meet people I'd otherwise never have met. But it is so not about monetizing or trying to get sponsored or any of that. Whatever happens, happens, and as long as I'm still enjoying it, I will continue.

    Just Take a Bow

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  11. Great answers as always, Jodi. You are definitely genuine and that comes through in each and every post. I agree with what you said here.

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  12. Great answers Jodi! I agree with everything you said.
    Just like you, blogging for me is a hobby and a way to make new friends. That purpose really comes through in your blog. That's why I follow! :)

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  13. SO with you Jodi, loved all of your answers. AND I so agree with number two, it's a good message to get out there. I often think that some bloggers may not know that it's poor manners, to ask for a follow. Hope your having a good start to your week & hope you know how much I enjoy your blog! xx veronika

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  14. Mine is also a hobby I love it but I am not going to beg people to look at my blog. That feels pathetic and I don`t do it for attention I do because I love fashion. :)
    Your answers are great btw!
    Fashion in the Fog: Busy Beaver

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  15. That's the main reason I follow you Jodi - you do it as a hobby and it seems like you just like to share. You have brightened my day many times. :)

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