Friend Friday

So... I didn't get around to answering the Friend Friday questions this week (oops!). I decided to go out of town for some shopping Friday morning and then husband and I had a date night. However, I still wanted to talk a bit about blogger authenticity. 


I try my best to write/say what I would say to a friend - share things that I would share with a friend. When I started this blog I had zero readers. It was just me and my thoughts being plastered on a webpage. I share what's on my mind and I write as if I am talking to a friend. This type of blogging is most authentic, in my opinion.  To some extent (and those of you who know me can attest to this) I don't necessarily write the exact way I talk, but nothing really get's lost in translation - if that makes sense? 

I think authenticity is parallel with what is personally interesting (to the reader) when it comes to following blogs. I know it's kind of big in the blogging world for some to say "follow my blog and I'll follow yours." I can't give into that. I mean, sure, I will definitely follow your blog if it's interesting and inspiring to me; however, I cherish my google reader - I look forward to reading updates of my favorite blogs (again, blogs that are interesting and inspiring). I can't fog up my GR just to kindly increase a blogger's follower base. When your blog turns into a race to the highest numbers, you lose a piece (whether large or small) of your authenticity. Now, don't get me wrong, it is extremely flattering and humbling to see follower numbers rise - I love it - but that's not a reason to blog. So whether I have two, 200, or 2,000 followers, I plan on keeping my content the same - writing like it's just me and a friend.

I also think authenticity isn't always a priority for following. Look at We Heart It - this isn't the most authentic blog (e.g., personal, original), but I enjoy browsing through that blog for inspiring photos. And just because a blog is authentic, doesn't mean everyone will be interested. Opinions and personal preference (of the reader) is the root to being drawn to a blog - for me anyway - and everyone isn't drawn to the same. 


So to wrap up my ramblings, authenticity (in the blogging community) is someone transferring their real-life selves, as best they can, onto their blog. That's it. And authenticity is important in being true to yourself; however, it isn't always a requirement when it comes to enjoying a blog. And that's the beauty of blogging.