Monday, April 28, 2008

A Meme about Blogging

Melissa at What Knot tagged me for a meme about blogging. Thanks Melissa! I've seen this one around and I think it's a good one. Here goes.

1. Why did you start your blog?
I love how people in the craft blog world take everyday events and make something beautiful out of them-- I wanted to be a part of that. I've always been a journal keeper and list maker, so blogging was a natural fit for me, but I love how a blog takes those things to the next level with the addition of lovely photos and interaction (through comments and links) with like minded people.

2. How did you come up with your blog name?
I was bouncing ideas off of Faith. Eventually I came up with "Salt and Chocolate" because I love a salty-sweet combos and it seemed fitting. It's not a food blog though, so I hope it's not misleading. I have no idea how people think of it.

3. Do your friends and family know about your blog, and what do they think?
My mom reads my blog every day and she loves it. She's never left a comment, but she mentions my posts sometimes when we see each other. My brother has looked at the blog occasionally too, which surprised me. And my good friend Carrie in Kansas has been my most enthusiastic supporter since the blog started and she still checks in every day. I have appreciated her support so much--for months, she was my only commenter. Otherwise, I've had an interesting learning curve. I've mentioned the blog here and there to people in "real life" and was so surprised that they don't "get it." Now I keep it as a separate world and that is working a lot better for me.

4. How do you write posts?
Quickly, before any babies wake up. I'd like to have more time to put into the blog and become a better writer, but I just don't. And in a way, perhaps this helps me maintain more balance. I wouldn't want to be in a situation where I feel obligated to put in more time and then get burnt out. So I keep it simple--I post what's on my mind that day and leave it at that.

5. Have you ever had a troll or had to delete unkind comments?
I'm not sure what a troll is. I've deleted a couple comments that seemed to be advertising a work from home scheme or something like that. As far as my real commenters go, everyone has been unbelievably kind and supportive. The craft blog world is filled with amazing, nice, creative and crafty people.

6. Do you check your stats or care how many people read your blog? If you care, how do you increase traffic?
Well, for the longest time I was curious but had no idea how to check my stats. Finally, I figured out how to install Sitemeter, and it has been interesting to see my readership grow. I admit to being a bit obsessed for awhile, but that is simmering down now. For someone who is quiet and sometimes feels she can barely get a word in edgewise in a conversation, it's a real change to have people who want to click over and read what I've written. I'm enjoying that (thank you, bloggy readers!). I've never tried to increase my traffic, but some things I have found that do increase traffic are commenting on others blogs and also being featured on Sew Mama Sew or The Crafty Crow. Lots of people click over and some stay on as readers if it's a good fit.

If you think this is an interesting meme (as I do) and you'd like to participate, consider yourself tagged by me.

(And, I'm really liking the look of homegrown roses lately.)



7 comments:

driftwood said...

this is such a lovely meme, thanks for sharing more about yourself.

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Rachel said...

Those roses are so pretty, I love the colour. This post was really interesting to me as I have just started blogging in the last few weeks and am still waiting for my first comments! I have told some family and friends about it but, like you, some just don't get it. But I am really enjoying it, and spending far too much time reading other blogs, like yours - it's addictive!

Ria said...

Hi Mary Beth,
I read your post every other day. Just because I like the things you make, you write about, because I'm concerned about Rainer. For me, it's a taste of the American life. The ordinary way a mother like myself is living. With all the ups and downs, and all the sparkles. Thanks.
Greetings from Holland, Ria

ames said...

Exactly! The blogging community is so warm and welcoming, how could you not want to be a part of it? I've throughly enjoyed getting to know you through your blog.

And although you protest that your blog's not a food blog, one of the first posts I found you from was a chocolate chip cookie recipe, so I hope your non-food blog keeps the recipes a-comin' ;)

Julie said...

What pretty roses... and I think your blog name is great! I've often wanted to begin a blog of my own, but can't seem to get started. I'm definitely a quiet person too... and wonder about focus or direction.

Kelli said...

Very well said. I guess I have not gotten to the part of keeping the two worlds separate. I am still getting from my family and friends the blank look about why I love to blog. hehe. My husband teases me but he wont when he sees a great family journal printed and hard bound at the end of the year. and little ones (grand children) reading it for years to come. Great job on your meme post