in July 2008 when I started my blog I didn’t put much thought into it. I thought I’d write a post, and then forget about it like I did with most things. It was just the same as I the way I start a new novel, read the first chapter and put the book down never to meet again with it. The way I start writing journals, and forget about them. Or exactly the same way I eagerly start a new diet and then give up within days.
I was breastfeeding a newborn baby when I started my blog. I was bored. It seemed all I did was breastfeed. I was working at the time, but needed something more {I think I was just going crazy} so I started my blog with no real intentions. I didn’t plan to write all the time, or even more than once. I’m a spur of the moment type person, sometimes. And this was one of those moments.
So when I was prompted to type in the name of my blog, that too didn’t take too much thought. I probably looked up at the ceiling as I do when making any decisions and quickly wrote down Fat Mum Slim.
And so the name stuck.
I’m often asked: Why Fat Mum Slim?
My response is usually: Well, I’m Fat, I want to be Slim, and I’m a Mum. That’s how it is.
Almost two years on, I wonder if it should have been something else. Over these many months I’ve had emails asking if I am some sort of diet. Or can I give some weight loss tips? Some people have even misread and thought the title was actually Fat Muslim.
So now I’m thinking out loud. And I’d love you to think aloud with me. I’ve thought recently about changing my blog name. To something else. I always stop short though. Fat Mum Slim has become my baby, and I love what it is. I don’t want people to think I’m running a diet club, but I’m sure that’s the first thought that runs through new reader’s minds.
What do you think? Should I change my blog name? I have a list of ideas written up. I have only really fallen in love with one a little bit.
I’d love to read your thoughts. xx
I love you and your blog just the way you are. What can I say? I resist change. But either way, your blog….your call.
It'll be a beautiful thing to wake to regardless of name…….xx
All us loyal followers have grown to love the name Fat Mum Slim. But I see what you mean about new followers developing the wrong impression of your blog, based on it's name.
When you first mentioned something about a name change on Twitter, my initial reaction was NOOOO. But now, I wouldn't care at all. I'd still be here at 630 every morning!
Really curious to hear about this potential new name though! xx
Telle, whatever you call it I will read you. I love your writing and the way you show us parts of your life, very open with your feelings too.
I changed my name recently, I was Everyone Wants This and now, She Dreams Big. Why did I change? Well, it just wasn't 'me' anymore. Sure I was still posting as I always did, but Everyone Wants This felt too over the top.
So I moved.
I will read if you do change your name. Though I am hopeless with suggestions! When I finally settled on my new name, I wrote it down. Several million and one times. Just to be sure I loved it.
And I do.
Sure less than 10% of my readers came but I am not too worried. I don't post for them, I post for me. Sure I like to be interactive and ask questions, but when I am blogging it's because I needed to get something out of my head.
Like now. In my 3hr disagreement with sleep, I thought of three new blog posts.
xx
NOOOO you are FMS – LOL I think its a great catchy title and its you. But you do what you feel is right and it has to be good for you. Look forward to seeing what you do!
I understand your dilemma. I have been thinking about changing my blog name for a few months now but I just can't bring myself to do it. I always feel slightly guilty that I'm not as random as the title of my blog suggests, but it is what people know me as. I think I'll leave it how it is until I reach the next stage of my life (kids).
I love the name Fat Mum Slim, but like others have said I will still be here with bells on if you change it.
xx
I think it's a good idea to change your name. When I first started reading this blog I thought it was going to have some weight loss tips, or at least talk about every once in a while.
If I were you I would try and just change the header on your blog as a start, so people know you're changing…
Are you going to your own domain, or staying with blogger?
I actually had seen the FMS name on other peoples blogs and thought it would be a weight loss blog about a journey of weight loss so I resisited coming over…. when I finally did only a couple of months ago I was pleasantly surprised, I think if its niggleing at you then change it now before you really start to dislike it… maybe you could have a poll and we could help vote for the new name…. either way I am SURE you won't loose readers.
I changed my blog name at the beginning of the year because I wanted to change it to something that meant more to me, had a personal connection for me. I think you will know when, if ever, to change your blog name. You will know when you see it 🙂
The very first time I clicked to come here (which was via Mamamia), I was quite surprised with what I saw and how amazing your blog is. I think the name surprised me a bit, and I wasn't expecting to see all this… gorgeousness!
If you feel ready for a change – go for it. We'll all come along for the ride.
I love FMS, but I can also see the reasons for changing. It's a very catchy name, but like others, I too thought it was a weight loss journey blog at first. I guess it does place you in a certain “box”… Having said that, you need to change it for yourself and adore your new name. Have fun with it!
what you have to ask yourself is FMS a brand yet? and is that worth changing?
I actually didnt change my blog name BUT I did change my blog header so now people have started recognising me as seperate from my actual blogspot
good luck with your descision
Oh I like your name… but if there was a name you liked more and felt it represented you more then I'm sure I can could handle it 😉
Picking a name for my blog was very difficult, when usually I'm good at spouting catchy one liners. If you change it, it's up to you and I would definitely still be here reading you.
i love the name and would probably be a tad confused if it suddenly changed, as im sure many people would be…
but id love to options you are considering!
xx
I love the name and what it represents. But if you feel something will suit your blog better, then go for it. I'm sure everyone who reads now, will still read if you change the name. It does seem like you don't talk much about weight loss, so maybe a change will be good???
No matter what, I'll still tune in every day! xxx
Oh I dunno, I love FMS! But I agree with a previous reader in that you could change your header if you're after that change but keep the blogspot name the same?
Good luck Telle.
I would really strongly advise you not to change your name – fat mum slim is a great blog name and is so well branded, I think changing to something else would be a bit of a battle and damaging. Just my thoughts. With my business I wish I had've called it something a bit more specific, a lot of people read Little Miss Emma and ask what it is I do? But then i like it being general because I can go in lots of directions. Just remember the grass is always greener!
Bugger it! Do it! Embrace the freedom of this space Chantelle- it's yours,you are not answerable to a business model, or a boss, or ideas of losing readership or whatever. Who really cares about that? Your readers will be loyal; you'll be happy, what else matters?
And for what it's worth. Fat Muslim is very catchy.
I am too new here to try to suggest a name! However, I just love your site!
i love your blog name but what brings me back is your writing style and changing the blog header won't change that
i know what you mean i chose my blog when i started my designs not knowing much about blogging and what impact and influences it can take, now i have more blog names i would loved to change it too or should have changed but not sure if i should now as my blog is slowing growing. personally i love your blog name its always catchy and its yours either way.. change or leave it i will still be a loyal follower and friend XXX
What noo.
I love your name.
But then its your blog so your call.
I;ll still be here name change or not.
I'll stay utterly obsessed with your blog no matter what name it goes by, I love it. And if you've found another name you're already a little bit in love with then that's just exciting! Go for it! x
It's a hard decision isn't it! I think it makes you very accessible but then again I guess it doesn't really represent where you are today. A tough call darlin'! xxx
Ooooh…tricky. I have struggled with changing the name of my business but I think at this point I just can't do it because too many people know it as it is, I wish I had done it earlier. So if you are going to do it, best to do it sooner rather than later. If you don't feel that FMS is you or what you want your blog to be, and you have come up with something that fits better, then you have got nothing to lose, because everyone who loves you will come with you, change with you, grow with you.
What is life if not a journey marked by change and growth?
But…I think you are going to have to REALLY LOVE what you change to or you risk always look back to what used to be.
My opinion…………leave it! I started reading it because of the name and felt that I “got it”, the name firstly and then your words. But, as others have said its your blog and we will all read it regardless of its name.
no, don't change it. i love the name.
initially, when i read this post i was like “what! no!” but then i thought about it and realised that
i read your blog because of it's content, not because of the name.
i have recently started blogging. i am taking an online art class with elsie at “a beautiful mess” at the moment and the best piece of advice i received was to create something that you would want to read yourself (i took this from something that was said in a class chat session). so i'm going with that. as you said, it's your baby, make sure you love what ever you do and what ever you change it to (if you do end up changing it).
xxox
Funny timing! I just changed my blog name for the third and final time yesterday!
I'd still love reading your blog no matter what you call it 🙂
No way! I love it. It reminds me of the band Fat Boy Slim. Fat Mum Slim suits this gorgeous blog – it doesn't make me think of a diet at all, I just find it makes me smile 🙂
Telle – As others have said, I will read your blog no matter what its called! You have loyal followers who love what you have to say and new peeps will continue to be drawn in.
I just changed my blog name because I felt it wasnt reflective of where I am at anywhere.. I just made it up on the spot (like you) and it was about being a new mum.. Now its about that and more (sort of!!)
Anyway… change is good. The essence stays the same!
I always thought it came from Fat Boy Slim!!! I say keep it!
I will be here and reading no matter the name.
I do understand your thought process. I think the name of the blog is, at first and only fleetingly, misleading.
My advice is do what feels right, but also sit on the idea. As my hubby likes to say: “see if it sours”.
AAAAHHHHH……No please dont change it. I love it. It is so creative and I think it relates too well to people.
I think your blog is a whole lot more than about your weight issues. And your current title suggests it is a diet blog. Additionally, I think you are beautiful at your current weight and again, so trying to lose weight is superfluous.
So yeah, go ahead and change it. Don't take a vote on the title either, make up your own mind because it should reflect YOU, not what your readers like best.
Much love. xxx
My first thought was Fat Boy Slim! I thought the name was quite funky and actually had wished that I came up with something a little more witty and clever! Don't change, you are who you are! Be proud!
Sophie.
i love your blog and your name just as it is (obviously i'll keep reading if you change the name!). i think its your brand. whilst i've only become a regular reader of your blog in the past month or so (now addicted) i remember stumbling across it in the past and it was like being reintroduced to an old friend….and its because of the name, it was stuck somewhere in my subconsious.
I have thought about changing mine too as Confessions of a Jaded Gym Junkie started of being about weight loss but has become so much more…There's still confessions and i'm still Jaded so for now it is staying.
I like Fat Mum Slim…always makes me think of Fatboy Slim though!
Don't change. I love your name. It is catchy and individual. Sometimes change is good and sometimes it is bad. I will follow your blog no matter what. I love your blog.
Hello lovely! Well, I think it is actually a bit of a negative title which isn't what I think of as you at all! BUT I love your blog and I think you should do whatsoever your heart desires! You'll have your adoring masses (me included) behind you all regardless of what you decide. xoxo
I didn't read all the comments, so I dunno what the consensus is. But because you asked…
I have always loved you, but never been a fan of the name. You are SO.MUCH.MORE than your weight, whether 'fat' or 'slim'.
I hope whatever decision you make is right for you!
xo
Im a new follower of yours, just going back over a few of your old posts, and I would just like to say I absolutely love your name! I can honestly say I have never thought anything about the words ‘Fat’ and ‘Slim’ – I simply thought you were totally awesome to come up with a quirky take off of the musician Fat Boy Slim haha Just thought I would add that! Leah