I have been blogging for almost four years now, and while I am no expert at all to food blogging, I have seen a lot of things as the food blogging niche has completely exploded into something beyond belief. When I first started blogging, there was a small, intimate handful of us. Now, there are more food blogs than any one person can keep track of… it has gotten quite insane!
What I have noticed over the years, however, is there seems to be two different groups of bloggers. Neither “type” of blogger is good or bad… there are just two totally different philosophies on how they will build their blog.
One type of blogger is the blogger who is all about growth and development of their blog. It is all business and getting to the top of the mountain with ultimate success and financial reward as their main motivation. They are not in it to build friendships. They are not in it to assist others. They are in it for themselves and to become a brand name in food blogging. They believe the information they have is proprietary and they don’t really want to share their blogging tips, photography tips, etc. because it might help to make someone more successful than them. Twitter and other social media outlets are used as a marketing tool versus a chance to engage with others. This isn’t saying that they aren’t nice and kind… there are many bloggers who fall into this category who are some of the nicest people in the world. Their motivation when it comes to blogging is just purely business.
The other type of blogger is the one who thrives on building a community of people to help and support each other with their blogging efforts. They rally around each other, celebrate successes, promote each others blog posts, and do not see the other bloggers as competition. They look at working mostly with PR companies and brands that want long term, mutual relationship. Their first thought isn’t “what’s in it for me” but instead “what’s in it for us”? Sure, it may take them longer to make it to the top of the mountain, but more than likely they won’t be standing there alone…they’ll have a support network of people they’ve built relationships with standing around them cheering them on.
One of my personal goals with blogging is to help as many people as possible find their way along their own, authentic blogging path. This is one of the reasons why I started Adopt a Blogger a little over three years ago. I wanted people to have a person they could trust and count on to provide that sense of community in this big blogging world. Adopt a Blogger will be launching again this month with a new website and a new format! I hope, if you are new or experienced, you’ll join me in building up our blogging community.
I am also excited to announce that I will be speaking about the value of building a blogging community at the BlogHer Food 2010 Conference in San Francisco. I’ll be on a panel with some bloggers that I truly admire: Elise from Simply Recipes, Ree from The Pioneer Woman and Alaina Browne of Serious Eats (I know… pinch me now. I am so lucky to be paired with such a great group of talented ladies!)
So with that, I leave you with this thought (and a link to a killer banana bread recipe from Simply Recipes). What kind of blogger are you? Do the actions you do everyday in regards to your blog speak volumes to the world about how you want to be perceived as a blogger?
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Awesome post!! While I am interested in the business side, I am COMPLETELY on board with helping others and I so appreciate the help that I have recived from fellow bloggers!
I LOVED the idea of your adopt-a-blogger program. It came when I needed it most. When I started I NEEDED help, I had no idea how to do it. Unfortunatly, the blogger I was paired with didn’t respond to me at all. Oh well, I figured a lot of it out and I still have bloggers helping me out!! Yea them.
I look forward to your new adopt a blogger and I hope I can be there to share my “limited” knowledge with others. There is still SOOOOO much more I need to know, especially the business side of it. But I never want to lose touch with the personal side of it, that’s what I ENJOY about it!
Your blog has helped A LOT with questions and I thank you!!
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy´s last [type] ..Santa Fe Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Love this post Kristen! I definitely try to be the latter although it can be hard to keep up with a full time job and trying to have a life too
It’s interesting to see the growth of food blogs and how each person chooses to tackle their own.
Esi´s last [type] ..Watermelon Cucumber Cocktail
I started out as the first type, solely in it for the money, with no direction. All I wanted to do was make from home what I had previously made in a day and a half for the whole month. (So could that really mean a money hungry food blogger wanting less than 2 days pay for the whole month? Is there actually ANY money in food blogging? Even if I had a successful book, there’s no way I could replace my previous salary, and it would be SOOO much more work) I wish I could have kept working one day a week, but the childcare problem made it impossible. Finally, this month, I was short 10% making my goal. Through the process, I have made a ton of friends, alot outside of the blogging community. I did find many food bloggers don’t share tips and tricks, can be passive aggressive, unthoughtful, and even leave rude comments (why?). But we all know who the exceptionally sweet ones are, and you are of course one of them. I would now like to think I’ve moved to the other type of blogger. I’m so glad I did this. I am a much better photographer and cook because of it. I also have fallen in love with the community, it’s especially important to me since I have no family and feel like an outsider in most circles. I wish I could spend more time on twitter, facebook and commenting on other blogs, but we all do what we have time for. Congrats on being on the speaking panel! Wish I were going this year, but I’ll be there next year cheering you on!
Angie´s last [type] ..Pork Tenderloin with Peach Compote
Great post, Kristen. For me, blogging is definitely about community–I can’t believe the number of wonderful friends I’ve made through this in the past several years. And I can’t wait to see what you have in store for Adopt a Blogger. =)
Di´s last [type] ..Cookie buzz
My blog just went public a week and a half ago, so I’m still in the overwhelmed-and-trying-to-figure-out-what-in-the-heck-I-am-doing phase. Your post is such good timing for me to read so early in my blogging days. I’m just starting to get my feet wet with social networking and making new friends online. That is definitely important to me and a big part of what drew me to blogging. I’ve been “between jobs” for awhile and I love how quickly blogging is making me feel connected with other bloggers and readers. However, I also hope to ultimately find at least some financial rewards from blogging. So, I guess I’m striving for a balance between the two. As with most successes in life, if you focus on other people first the other rewards are more likely to follow. So, I guess that’s my approach as a newbie blogger. And, if I could also add a blanket “THANK YOU!” to all of the generous, smart, witty bloggers out there who have already inspired me.
First off, congratulations on being selected as a speaker for Blogher. They’re lucky to have you!
I definitely think bloggers should support one another. I’ve seen a few really good bloggers become unsupportive of others/ hoard support and it makes me less likely to read their blog.
Of course, good bloggers do get busy and can’t always keep up with the traffic and/or comments. That happens to everyone.
I’m pretty new to blogging but I actually think people reveal a lot about themselves as bloggers through Twitter. I love when people do something positive and others Retweet, and provide positive reinforcement. Why not? Share the love! :>)
El´s last [type] ..Orchard-Fresh Nectarine Mousse and Charlotte
Congratulations, Kristen, on being selected to speak at BlogHer! I think the people who guard their “secrets” are missing out. The more you share, the more people see you as an expert and as someone to turn to. This increases your standing in the community – any community – and that leads to greater success. Karma is more than a concept!
I would be in the second category and I’m looking forward to your new website for Adopt a Blogger. I’ve only experienced positive interactions with fellow bloggers so far. I’m in this for the fun of it. I believe in creating art with whatever you choose to do be it typing up a report at work or writing about and photographing my latest recipe.
You are truly an inspiration! I loved this post.
Janna M´s last [type] ..If at first you don’t succeed…
I have been putting recipes online for 15 years. It’s true! I started in 1995 with a website with just recipes, no photos. It was the very first website I developed before starting my web business and the intent was simple…put my skills to a practical use in a way that would benefit me, my family and friends. So much easier to send someone to the web for a recipe than having to write it down and mail it, etc.
I was surprised at the number of people who found recipes and contacted me as a result but it always remained within my original intent…a recipe depository.
I decided to revise the format 2 years ago and have been both transferring those older recipes without photos and creating new posts with the requisite photo piece and during that process and my use of Twitter have found this huge world of food blogging that has become a source of friends, inspiration and yes…business.
It’s been an interesting experience as my primary focus remains the same; sharing my cooking experience with others. To be perfectly honest…I was pretty amazed at the focus on doing food blogging solely to make money and as you mention…those in it just for that purpose are evident. I find no sense of community with them so I applaud your initiatives as I see the sense of community as the best way to insure success for anyone. Call it community or synergy or whatever; that ‘no man (or woman) is an island’ holds true here too.
I’ve started a new blog for that purpose, inviting others to participate in a monthly roundup of recipes made from the RSVP section of Bon Appetit. I’ve limited it to that one section because I love the restaurant recommendations but also because they never have photos included so thought this would be a fun chance for those interested to provide that missing piece of the puzzle.
Please join if you’re interested at rsvpredux.com – it’s open to all! And I’m looking forward to the Adopt a Blogger program; sounds wonderful!
What type … ? Interesting question. I started solely as a convenient way to pass photos on the grandparents. Somewhere along the way, we made a Lulu Press cookbook as a Christmas card for family and friends, and that morphed into an online repository for recipes. Nothing more.
But I haven’t noticed something. My family is on the Luddite side, not really into conversing digitally. And my Facebook friends have this thing about venturing outside of the FB world — they just won’t do it. So the three worlds don’t mix: the real family, the blog world, and the FB world.
HPD´s last [type] ..Little Girl
Congratulations on your speaking engagement. I enjoyed reading your post on the subject of community in the blogging world, it’s something that I have given a lot of thought to as well:)
Oooooh! Adopt a Blogger! What a great idea! I feel that everyone should take someone under their wing–no matter what business they’re in.
Another piece to giving back to others moving up in the world is being humble. When you seek out people to help along the way, you may find that their innate talents are even bigger and better than yours. So be willing to be generous and giving as well as humble. Sometimes your best “students” become your best teachers.
Thank you for an awesome post! I have been looking forward to info on your next Adopt A Blogger opportunity, hungry for some healthy mentoring. I’ve only been blogging for a short time and welcome the wisdom from those who are willing to share their experiences, and are happy to see others succeed. Having seen both sides of the spectrum you talked about, I definitely know that I want to be mostly in Category B, with a healthy & respectable balance of Category A. I’ve reached out to a couple bloggers I have deep respect for, who I think do a nice job with this balance, but have had little to no response. I do enjoy the community so very much and try to participate as much as I can. However, it’s not easy, and often times it leaves me exhausted while I’m just trying to keep up with regular ol’ life! I am constantly reminding myself of the core reasons I started the blog = my passion for food & sharing it, my love of photography, and my desire to document/scrapbook my family’s life. It has been a fun ride so far, reconnecting me with people I haven’t talked to in years, plus creating new relationships with people I never knew existed up until this blog. Just knowing how much enjoyment this has brought to my grandma, family, and friends, it’s all so worth it.
Congrats on your speaking engagement at Blogher Food – I know you’ll do a spectacular job, and I look forward to hearing about it. I only wish I could hear you in person! You are a very special example of admirable blogging. I am very thankful for you and what you do. Thanks for starting up this conversation!
Even though I’ve been blogging for nearly two years, I am still most definitely a newbie! I started blogging because my best friend was, and it seemed like a fun, creative outlet. I don’t expect to be the next big thing. I just want to have fun! I’m learning as I go. Learning the etiquette, photography skills, honing my baking skills, etc. I’ve become a little more obsessed lately with being a “good” blogger, whatever that means. Of course it’s fun when someone you don’t know reads and comments on your blog! But I’ve tried to keep myself from looking at stats and such. I don’t want my blog to become my business. I want to keep it like it is, something that I enjoy and (try not to) worry about.
I would love to attend a blogging conference, not as much for getting the name of my blog out there, or learning about SEO or any of that (though there are definitely some things like photography and such that I’d love to learn more about) but more for community. I’d love to meet the authors of blogs that I read and admire, or at least be in the same room with them!
I’m just tickled to call you my friend, Kristen. {Along with the 60 something other ladies that have commented before me} You are just some kind of awesome on steroids.
I’m a relatively new blogger who started when I left my corporate job to come home and take care of my son. We started homeschooling shortly after and I began blogging as a way to journal our homeschooling life. That quickly morphed into more about writing, cooking, and sharing along with our homeschooling journey.
I’m a people person at heart and blogging has definitely allowed me the ability to *meet* and spend time with people while still being able to fulfill my true love of being home with my family.
As to the which type of blogger I am, I honestly am looking for a successful balance between the two. I began my blog as a hobby and my creative piece of the world, now I see there can be more to it and am interested in all that it could bring.
I can’t wait to hear your session at BlogHer Food! You are a perfect person to be on that panel, my friend!
Robyn
Robyn´s last [type] ..Mushroom Macaroni and Cheese
It’s really interesting to hear your thoughts on this! For me, this is a hobby. I don’t mind making a few (measly) pennies while I am at it (thanks, Foodbuzz!), but this is not my life’s goal. It’s something I enjoy doing, and want to keep enjoying. It can be frustrating at times, as when one keeps getting shot down by Foodgawker, but I take a deep breath and remind myself why I am doing this. To become famous? No. To make loads of money? Hardly. It’s simply to put something out there, to connect with the world, and to share my love of all things food.
I am up for adoption if anyone wants me!!!
fooddreamer´s last [type] ..Basil Ice Cream Low Carb
I can’t lie. I would love to make money with my blog, either through the blog itself or through some other avenue. Who wouldn’t? But I know that’s a long, long ,very long shot. Ultimately, I started a blog about something that I am passionate about and enjoy doing, whether I’m getting get paid or not. I have to be — it’s what I do at the end of a long day, when everyone else is in bed. If I didn’t love it, I would just fall into bed myself without turning on the computer.
I have been so, so thrilled with the community of supportive, curious, like-minded people I have found online. I am a newbie bread baker, and whenever I have a question, I can turn to Twitter or my blog, or the blogs of others, and I know I will get lots of great, helpful answers. I am ten times the bread baker I would have been if I had been doing this alone. Now when I’m in my kitchen I never feel alone.
It’s a long way to the top of the mountain but I Stumble all the way! I dont want to be loney at the top!
Cant wait for the adopt a blogger event again! It’s always nice to make a new friend!
Congrats on the Blogher panel. See ya in SF! 5 more weeks
megan´s last [type] ..100-2355-edited-1
That would be lonely at the top, not loney!!! I am loney, but I dont want to be lonely at the top, if I ever make it. LOL
Well, I suppose I remain somewhat in the middle of all of that, though I’d certainly never say that I’m “all business” or “never willing to help others.” Just the opposite, really. I’m trying hard to make a living doing this food blog thing, and because of that and a busy home life, it’s tough to find a whole lot of time for interaction and fun. I do find myself on Twitter more than I should be… chatting away w/ internet friends, and I am always willing to help fellow bloggers and give advice along the way. Elise was/is that person for me, and I’ll always remember how much time she took to chat w/ me about my blog and give out great advice. She tells you everything she knows bc she wants everyone to be as successful as she is. I love that.
You’re doing a great thing w/ your “Adopt a Blogger” program! And congrats for speaking on the panel- you’ll be great!!
Lori @ RecipeGirl´s last [type] ..Win a 429 Masterbuilt- Stainless Steel Electric Smoker
I would be the latter. I was never in it for the money, or to be popular, or to be number one. It was an archive for my recipes, originally for my family to use, but it seems I have more blog friends visit it than family now. And that is OK!
Melissa´s last [type] ..The Amazing Disappearing Rice Krispie Treat
Wow what a great post. I totally agree with you. I am going to check out Adopt a blogger now, hopefully i could be adopted
Delishhh´s last [type] ..The Best Minestrone
I’m excited about the new Adopt-a-Blogger website. I’ve had so much fun doing it the past few times. Really helped me feel comfortable in the culinary blogosphere when I was a newbie and since I’ve met some great people!
Hopie´s last [type] ..Allspice is a Spice and Nectarine-Plum Pie
Very interesting post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I definitely fall into the second category. I love being able to share and besides it’s a hobby for both my and my husband, actually it was his idea. I cook/bake and write, he is the photographer. Looking forward to reading your new site.
What a great post, Kristen. And while I do think it would be a nice side benefit for my blog to make some money, it is not the reason I blog. Because I do work a full-time, 8 to 5 job, I can only manage to post about twice a week and I find that what I enjoy most of all is the interaction with other people. It excites me no end when someone comments that they’ve made one of my recipes and enjoyed it! This is what it’s all about for me.
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme´s last [type] ..Southern Sweet Tea
I think adopt-a-blogger is an awesome idea! I am new to blogging (Jan ’10), have a great time doing it, and get a lot of great traffic from around the world. I am also a stay at home mom to a 1 year old and a 2 year old without any assistance. That doesn’t leave me with much time. I’ve had multiple companies contact me regarding advertising and giveaways, but because I’m not sure what is the normal compensation, I keep turning it all down until I become “better educated”. The feedback I get on my recipes is amazing and I would love to know how to better share my knowledge with others. I just don’t know how to make it all happen. I’m up for adoption! If anyone wants to mentor me, please let me know!
Love Love Love your post I think I am a combination of all 3 types trying to grow plus using twitter and building a network slowely but surely.
Those 2 types seem like they’re true for people for whom blogging is their job. I think there’s a third type that is people for whom it’s just another thing they do on the internet – people like me. PR companies couldn’t be farther from my mind!
camille´s last [type] ..Curry Chicken Puffs
I’ve been blogging for about nine months now and really am interested in being part of the community of bloggers! Please include me in Adopt a Blogger! I think you have come up with an amazing way to connect people
I don’t know if it’s really that rigid, the division. For instance (and I can only speak for myself) – I am mostly interested in blogging as a way to share what I believe I have to offer and also to get out there as much as possible given my (admittedly rather mild) publishing ambitions, but I also very much enjoy other bloggers and am delighted to interact with them and promote their posts. While community-building specifically in is not my goal, I enjoy engaging with the community that already exists. Promoting oneself as a primary motivation does not have to include trumping others, don’t you think?
What a wonderful post. I agree that creating a community is really important and enjoying the process of blogging. For me, the aspect of meeting new people, learning new things and expressing my creativity is the most rewarding. I participated in “Adopt of Blogger” last round and was paired with an outstanding blogger, Lindsay from “Love and Olive Oil”. She was super helpful and wonderful. To this day, I know that I can reach out to her and she would be right there. Love to be a mentor this time!
A provocative post. I can’t help but wonder who the heck you are talking about, these “business” food bloggers, since you don’t mention any names…
Amy´s last [type] ..The Keys To Good Cooking by Harold McGee
I’d really love to be a community-type blogger, as I see more value in it. But I have a hard time getting away from the “what’s in it for me” attitude. (Just being honest here.)
Thanks for providing the Adopt-a-Blogger forum. My pairing this year didn’t work out. Hopefully next time will be better.
Nate @ House of Annie´s last [type] ..Homemade Steamed Egg Tofu
Yup I’m definitely a community driven blogger – in fact that’s one of the things I love most about blogging – the wonderful people I’ve met (both IRL and online). Sure I use twitter as a marketing tool, but I engage in conversation and other randomness much more than just spamming my own links. I even tweet about other people’s posts – there’s a LOT of audience to go around, so why not?
Marisa´s last [type] ..Caramelised Orange and Spinach Salad
Thank you for such an interesting post. I’ve only been blogging for a couple of months and was new to all this sharing. I have to admit that I find it very encouraging when people leave comments and inspiring when people share their ideas.
Interesting..never thought of it that way! I’m a newbie & trying to figure this blogging stuff out! I love to share recipes & love how everyone has different twists on them! I also made Banana Bread that week! We must of been on the same wave length!:) But I was too impatient to wait for the hour..so I made muffins instead! Turned out nice!:)
great post as always!
Although I would love to make a few extra bucks to help pay for school, its more important for me to have a supportive group of foodie friends!
However, I seem to be having some problems with that. I’m not quite sure what it is that I’m doing wrong, but I havent been able to create those kind of special relationships I see that many food bloggers have. I’m intrigued to know how people get to know each other? I’m thinking it may be because the majority of food bloggers are either moms or are a few years older? Perhaps some tips on that?
Anywho, I will be one of the first to sign up for the next round of Adopt a Blogger!
Wow, you raise some good points. I agree that I’ve seen both kinds of blogs, but I think I’m drawn more to the blogs that are in the latter category – wanting to build community & sharing what they know. That’s how I feel too. The more we can do to help others around us, the better we’ll all be for it in the end. Thanks so much for this great post…and the banana bread recipe is a nice bonus too!
Great post. I would love to see you at BlogHerFood. I didn’t get a ticket this yr. Which totally bums me out since I live in SF. I learned so much last yr and met so many cool peeps – including you! And thanks for mentioning adopt-a-blogger. I better check in with mine!!!
Kris´s last [type] ..Mahi Mahi Burgers and homemade Garlic and Green Chili Spread
I have definitely seen people who are only in it for the money, the sort of people who only tweet links to blog posts, and never respond to comments.
I’ve been blogging for a year now, and I find it interesting to find new ways to increase traffic to my blog. But I always try to focus on community, I would rather have a small number of people who comment on my posts And take the time to interact with me than hundreds of people who just view!
Lauren´s last [type] ..Social Media is Social
This is a very true post. I started blogging 6 months with my normal blog, where talk about all kinds of stuff. I have been fortunate to have forged a blog friendship with three wonderful bloggers, and I get to meet them next months for the first time; but they embody everything everything that made me join blogland: friendship. eventually I started posting more and more about food to the point that I decided to open a food blog a month ago. The myriad of blogs is amazing! They are all beautiful blogs but I have noticed the distinction you make. It is very palpable. I think though, deep down we are all after the same thing: making more friends, and sharing our recipes or whatever food topic we have.
Angie´s last [type] ..a childhood favorite- besitos de coco coconut kisses
I have a confession to make. I have grown online communities for a living for almost 15 years. I rock at it. I can whisper to a board or a group and have the community grow and respond.
Here comes the confession: I haven’t nurtured my blog community much at all. I have no excuse. I could do it. I need to do it. After Friday, I REALLY need to do it. I know how, but somehow my blog, built as a gift for the ones I love, never has reached out to build the online community for which I have passion.
Brand new blogger and I just stumbled upon this. Thanks for your insight! I began my blog as a creative outlet as I start my professional career in consulting. I’m looking to become part of a larger community to build relationships with others w/ similar passions. If you still run you’re adopt a blogger program, I’d really love to participate
Best,
Kaitlyn
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