Before this blog, Solo Travel Girl, I started Quirky Kitsch Girl’s View in 2005, a blog to post my random thoughts and share what was happening with family and friends. It wasn’t my first blog, I’ve actually been blogging since at least 2003 (or maybe 2002) but that blog no longer exists.
I chose “Quirky Kitsch Girl” because I was in a transitional stage and have always felt I’ve had a slightly different perspective on life. My divorce was finalized about six months earlier (after three years of separation), had just returned from an amazing exchange program in Japan, had my heart broken (more like ripped out and stomped on – but I’m not bitter), was living at my uncle’s house and wasn’t sure what my next move would be. I felt alone and needed an outlet.
As far back as I can remember, I don’t like going with the flow. In sixth grade, I was the only girl who didn’t participate in the performance during our promotion. I loved doing off-the-beaten-path adventures before the term was coined. I didn’t, and still don’t, feel normal like everyone else. I feel as though I’m a little quirky.
Blogging with Some Filters
When I first told my friend Matt about blogging in 2004, he didn’t understand it. He now tells me I’m innovative yet don’t know it. Possibly.
He invited me to coordinate the live Tweeting efforts during the 2009 Sarasota Film Festival. Although I had already been using Twitter for a year-and-a-half, Twitter was still new. There weren’t many tools to measure engagement but it was pretty successful from the standpoint of media attention we earned and other Twitter users who used the hashtag (code).
At that time not many people were using hashtags in their Tweets but these days it’s common place. Back in 2009 I wrote an article, 6 Tips for Live Tweeting During an Event, which others have referenced and have told me it’s helped them.
I don’t consider myself a blogging expert because I don’t like following “the rules.” The rules for SEO, key words, monetization and other rules. Although I take pride in my blog and run it as a business, I don’t take it too seriously. I’ve met too many bloggers who don’t think their you-know-what don’t stink and honestly, life is too short to snub and put down others. I’m always posting for myself first and love sharing my thoughts and experiences, hoping to inspire others.
Chances are, you’re here because of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Why do you blog?
This post is part of the 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Check back daily for a different letter!
Nice post buddy! I blog cuz I think I’m addicted, lol!
Good on you, that you don’t have any rules in your blogging .. that you go where ever you want to go and of course we should be proud over what we are doing – blogging takes it time and it’s an extension of us. Really like you view to look at blogging, very healthy.
Just came across your blog through the A to Z Challenge. I blog to keep the creative juices flowing and to challenge myself to keep the ink flowing. I’m writing a mystery cozy and figure if I can keep up (although I’m a day behind) with this challenge, then afterward, perhaps I can write something on my novel almost every day and eventually have something to show for it. We’ll see. You might enjoy my blog at http://www.dianeweidenbenner.com Happy blogging!