Thursday, November 6, 2014

Me? Professional Blogger? And You?


Today's post is a NaBloPoMo* prompt with the following questions, "Do you consider yourself a "professional" blogger? Why or why not? What does that mean to you?"

My immediate response is "No, I am not" as firstly I do not write frequently - daily? (is that required?!) - enough, except for when I partake in blogging challenges due to various reasons. For some of my reasons, read my post as follows: http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/talented-thursday-blogging-and.html.

And secondly, my interpretation of a professional blogger is one who is either a professional and/or an expert in a particular field to blog about.

For better or worse, I consider myself a generalist as you can probably tell from the nature of my blog as I am familiar, slightly more or less than others on numerous topics. I think this is due to a friend I admired years ago who possessed this trait and I so admired that quality in her. Though I imagine it also has a lot to do with being interested in a wide array of subjects, as my profile to the right of my blog post testifies. No wonder: I have a sense of curiosity like a cat and wonder like a child! ;)

I have explored various subjects through formal and informal courses including school, workshops, research, i.e., reading, volunteer work, and the like. Also, in meeting friends with different backgrounds opens up a whole new world of discoveries.

And essentially, I love to learn and grow. I believe this is the underlying reason as I know that if I don't, I feel dead inside. Don't you? I think our soul is meant to blossom, not stagnate!

But hey, wait a minute! Am I not getting ahead of myself (here)? What is a professional blogger anyway?!

When I google it, Wikipedia of course does not have a direct definition. Other blog sites do though. When I type, "What is a professional blogger" I get John's post with some detailed ideas of what it means: http://john.do/professional-blogger/. He states: "A Professional Blogger is a person who blogs for a living." Essentially, one who blogs full-time.

Here's another great post with an idea I had mentioned as #1 on this guest blogger's list, and also with three recommended posts on blogging: http://www.problogger.net/?s=professional+blogger.

And lastly, the story of a former part-time software engineer who became a professional blogger along with his story and helpful tips based on his experiences: http://www.shoutmeloud.com/how-to-become-a-full-time-professional-blogger.html.

A professional blogger posts on a consistent basis once or more per day or even once a week, though as referred to above, there are other layers to that position.

I know, for example, that I am not a professional blogger though before these challenges I did write generally consistently, although usually once every two weeks. And, after reading the blogging links above, I am not sure I want to be one, at least not at this time: my life is too full with other commitments...did you read my somewhat amusing post that I mentioned near the top of this post? ;)

Now your turn: After perusing some of the sites above on professional blogging, would you consider yourself a professional blogger or a hobbyist blogger? There is no right or wrong here or better than in this regard. It is whatever works best for you based on your aspirations, values, and time commitment.

I am linking this to NaBloPoMo, Write Tribe, and Ultra Blog Challenge.

21 comments:

  1. I don't think I'm a professional blogger because that will need me to be dedicated seriously and work on it...With my day job , this is not possible..I write because I love to do it, It's a hobby and a passion...But maybe someday in the future I would like to turn to a professional blogger

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    1. Ditto to everything you say here Nabanita: like you I too have a day job so I completely understand where you are coming from, I also write 'cause I love to - hobby and passion for me as well - and maybe one day consider being a professional blogger. :) <3

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  2. Me? Professional? No way! Sure I write daily, but I'm still a newbie and have much to learn. One day I will figure it all out.

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    1. And that's ok Marie. We needn't be professional at it unless we want to; however, writing for the sake of passion and/or learning is great in itself. :) <3

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  3. I'm still making my way and so I can't be a pro right now. However I would like to be one in future. Also, like you, I write on several things and not on a particular niche.

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    1. And that's ok too Anmol as not everyone is meant to be a specialist. Good to know I have a fellow 'generalist' blogger! ;) <3

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  4. I might write daily in few occasion but that definitely doesn't make me a proffesional blogger. Being a Professional Blogger desreves commitment at another level which I have never thought of commiting to. Maybe sometime in future :)

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    1. Yes Raj, it sure does take another level of commitment from what I understand from reading those sites. Something to aspire to if you desire. ;) <3

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  5. Nah! I am not a professional blogger. Like you, I write about anything and everything. My blog is just a creative vent and an online journal for me!

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    1. That's great that it's a creative outlet for you Shilpa - it "should" be in my opinion - and an online journal...well, that's cool too if you can do that! :) <3

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  6. Same story here! I may blog daily but then I can't be professional about it! I blog because I love to write not because I want to earn from it! I guess most people will agree with me when I say most of our blogs are just an extension of real lives in virtual space! Isn't it??

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    1. Yes, I can relate to what you say here Nibhz. And I suppose it is or can be (at times depending on the writing) an extension of our lives - virtual reality. So we are essentially 'virtual bloggers' is that it? ;) <3

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  7. The links to the posts you've mentioned don't seem to be going through...hmm...oh well. But as far as being a "professional" blogger, I don't fall into that category. I blog about all things spiritual and it will find its way to those who are seeking it. So I see blogging as a gift to be shared with other like-minded individuals.

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    1. Yes, I am having difficulty with that and wish I had a techy person to let me know HOW to do it....anyone out there...PLEASE let me know! I love that you write about spiritual things Penny: that's what I love about your blog! I do from time to time directly and indirectly. And I agree, it is a gift meant to be shared...isn't that what writing is all about anyway (other than a journal)? ;) <3

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  8. I think I am a hobby blogger but I do take it very seriously.
    Great post and all the best for NaBloPoMo

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    1. Oh indeed, a hobby blogger is what you and I and other bloggers are who aren't professional and still take it seriously...that's great! Thanks for your well wishes Inderpreet! :) <3

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  9. But i must say you have the making of a professional blogger in you, Elly :) thanks for sharing the links

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    1. Thanks for your sweet words Asma. I'm definitely far from it now though. ;) <3

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  10. Not yet. But it would be an awesome dream come true if I could make money from blogging, especially since it's more of a pleasurable activity. As of now, I'm just enjoying it as a stimulating ventilation of my inner voice.

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    1. Yes, that is certainly an ideal isn't it Vinodini?! ;) Love those choice words you use: "stimulating ventilation of my inner voice!" :) <3
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