1.21.2011

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.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

VERY well-said, my friend! i like you. :)

Anonymous said...

True that! ... when I once started blogging I wast caught between the lines, I didn't know how personal could I get, and if people would be really interested in those lines, as I started acquiring readers I saw their response when I talked about real situations so I started speaking my mind and being more real, this is why I started following you cause there's a soul behind every picture, and each post shows a part of you that you want to share unlike those huge produced blogs with amazing designs but not real souls! Congrats on yours, and thanks for taking the time to stop by mine, really means heaven to me!
Have an amazing weekend, seems like friday was great!

http://blog.cessoviedo.com

Alessandra said...

So true, Linley. You nailed it on the head.

This photo of you immediately made me smile, that's authenticity too!

Morgan said...

Very well stated! Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

I agree. And for the record, I love how candidly you write. Not to mention your awesome fashion sense.

Melanie@UnravelledThreads
Follow @UnraveldTreads on Twitter!

Unknown said...

I have the hardest time coming up with things to write! You make it seem so effortless and interesting which is truly authentic. Thank you for following my blog! It means alot to know that I'm not the only one who has started a blog with zero listening ears!

-Elizabeth

heidiluxe said...

completely agree. i love perusing lots of blogs, but following(the worst term ever, i wish i could rename it liking) is reserved for those that make me rethink my closet.
and the picture is really great. it makes me want to find a hula hoop!

Pearl Girls said...

Hello,

I just want to say that I love your voice style when you write and it really does come across as fun and friendly. Not to mention you have fun clothing posts that inspire me to be a little more daring! Keep it up girl.

-Elizabeth

snowflakes.please said...

i love that your hula hooping in the picture. i just got a new hoop because i couldn't take mine on the plane.