The first rule of blogging is… don’t talk about the blog.

The first rule of blogging is...OK. It’s not really a rule. But it’s kinda my rule. I don’t like to talk about my blog very much. Or at all.

One of my priorities when buying our first home up the coast {where it’s remarkably warmer than it is in Sydney} was that it had to have air-conditioning. This house didn’t have the air-conditioning, so we saved like squirrels saving nuts {or whatever it is that they squirrel away} and in January we got it. Of course, ever since having it installed the weather has been remarkably cooler. But let’s not talk about that.

And then the air-conditioning broke, so we called the guy back to come and have a look at it. He reminds me of my brother. A really Australian, down-to-earth kinda guy. While he was fixing the unit Lacey asked me to come out of my office and sit on the lounge with her, so I grabbed my laptop {I was in the middle of a freelance gig} and kept working while she watched the air-conditioning being repaired. Thrilling stuff.

Mr. Air-conditioning turned to me and asked, “What are you doing……? Blogging?”

I turned a shade of pink, and replied, “Ummm…. yes.”

I don’t tell people about my blog. Because when I tell someone that I have a blog, it’s usually followed by a onslaught of questions. Questions like, “What’s a blog? What do you write about? What’s it called?” The questions are fine really, I guess. I just don’t normally talk about my blog, because I don’t. My Ma doesn’t read it, my Dad has read it once, my sisters read it a few times a year and my brother would have absolutely no idea what a blog is. Or what I even do.

Mr. Air-conditioning has read my blog. After installing the unit last time, he saw me in the paper and then read the blog. Hello Mr. AC if you’re still reading. The unit is working perfectly now. Thank you.

Having moved to a new town though, people want to know what I do, so I tell them I’m a writer. If someone was to tell me that they were a writer, I’d imagine them in some little log cabin, eccentrically writing a novel that they’ll self-publish and sell at the markets. My neighbours don’t really know what I do, nor do the teachers at school, or the parents. Except for one who reads my blog and finally confessed a few weeks back. It was a funny moment and yes I turned a charming shade of red when she told me, and quickly changed the subject. {Hello A!}.

When talking to bloggers recently, I realised that a good chunk of them love being in the spotlight. They want to be famous. They want to be recognised and they want to talk about their blog. That’s normal. I’m not normal.

On a recent trip home from Sydney, Lacey and I were stuck in the middle of a really packed plane. You know the etiquette on a plane when disembarking is to let each row go at a time, starting from the front and back… well we were the last to leave. So we sat and waited for every other person to get off first. The air hostess walked towards us and asked, “Do you want me to help with Lacey?”

I was bewildered. Air hostesses have really stepped up their game remembering every single passengers name, haven’t they? It was a big plane. She did good.

Until she must have noticed that I had a very puzzled look on my face, “Oh, I follow you on Instagram! I recognised you guys.” Cue me turning a shade of red and being a little surprised. People actually read my blog, and look at my photos. It’s actually real.

Anyways, I think I’m going to have to change my rule. Perhaps I will talk about my blog. Perhaps I’ll be honest with the next person who asks what I do. Perhaps I’ll even offer a business card. And perhaps, just perhaps, I might call my brother and tell him about my blog. It seems like the right thing to do {although so very awkward}.

But first, tell me about you. What is it that you do? Are you a blogger, perhaps?

photo credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com via photopin cc

84 thoughts on “The first rule of blogging is… don’t talk about the blog.”

  1. Chantelle, you SHOULD talk about your blog! You’re amazing! Your blog is amazing! Your Instagram is amazing! And you’re pretty much famous (at least VERY popular)! If my blog was as interesting and popular, I’d be talking about it, LOL! I work full-time, I have two girls (10 & 5), and in my little spare time I make cards. Then I blog about them and other little snippets from my life. My family and most friends don’t read my blog. But the other papercrafters who read it, love it! 😉 I’m @amusingmichelle

  2. Hi Chantelle. I agree you should talk about your blog it is great. But I can’t talk I can’t talk about my blog either – all the questions!! But as of May 2nd I am too now a full time blogger as I travel around Australia for 12 months sharing my adventures and stuff about this pretty cool place we live in. So from today I will talk about my blog too starting here. Check out my life on http://www.53buddhas.blogspot.com

  3. What do I do? Mum, in-class aide, photographer, jewellery designer, conservative hippy and yep, blogger!

    I had a little giggle when I read the questions people ask you if/when you mention your blog, Chantelle… blogger deja-vu!
    I’ve only recently started talking about mine… Have practiced the answers because I figure they’re a little bit like my elevator pitch. Some people get it. Others don’t. And at the end of the day it doesn’t matter, because I love what I do blogging and am proud of it!

    And I’m pretty sure that my 3 brothers wouldn’t have a clue that I exist in www-land either 🙂
    Tasha

    PS: My blog lives at http://www.tashachawner.com

  4. I agree completely! I don’t generally tell people about my blog and i get embarrassed when groups of people bring it up. My friends and family didn’t find out about my blog til 2 years after i started.

  5. That’s so sweet that you’re all ‘it’s real! People read it!’ Ha! You’re cray cray. X

  6. Right now I’m a new mum, a blogger and a student. I told all my friends and family when I first started my blog which took a huge leap of faith. Everyone was great about it, very encouraging, but I don’t talk about it at all any more and when people ask me what I do now I just say I’m a mum. Confidence is a funny thing. xx

  7. Hahaha, tell them you are a writer and publish blog posts! That will bewilder them! I am a sporadic blogger. I work, so fit it in when I get the urge, I started as I wanted to learn what it as all about and I love it. But now I also have my kids at school writing for our school blog! My 13 year old daughter told me that I was the coolest mum ever- cos I know about all this online stuff like blogging and Instagram and all that! I like being cool!

  8. LOL actually I do blog. Is not much, but since I enjoy writing as well, I got it done.

    On another subject, I was flabbergasted with the street sign one. I live literally across the country, in Puerto Rico (Yes Ricky Martin ring a bell? lol). And I question my self, what are the odds that I find someone here doing the challenge? Is a small word after all. If I find someone believe me I will let you know.

  9. I blog, albeit very sporadically up until now. Ive just started maternity leave (early due to my body falling apart, but we wont talk about that) and so now I plan on spending a lot more time working on posts than before. I am extremely honest in my posts because its like writing a diary for me or talking to an old friend. I do get quite freaked out when people I know tell me theyve read a post because I remember what ive actually shared and get embarrassed. Its like ive allowed them look into a therapy session sometimes, but being able to put it all out there for everyone to read is quite liberating too. I pretty much think in my head that only people in the online community read it, not real people if that makes sense. Im pretty sure my mum has only read one or two posts (thankgod). If you want to check it out its http://www.findingmyselfyoung.blogspot.com.au oh and if you find the secret to becoming famous let me know – although I think id rather not be recognised in public.

  10. Haha it’s pretty tough. I cringe a million times over when I know a family member has read my blog. I rarely talk about it and I NEVER post it on my personal FB page. I don’t want people knowing that much about me, you know? Even though I don’t really share that deeply. But … well, long story I guess, but weird family issues and all that.
    But strangers? Sure! Come aboard! Read all about it. I tell my students they should start one and how wonderful it has been for me, but I stop short of telling them the URL!

  13. I will confess – I am one of those people who, 99 percent of the time, LOVE people to know I have a blog. I think it’s cool that people recognise you, especially the flight attendant! And I hope you do tell your brother, even if he still doesn’t get it. 🙂

    I am a blogger, and writer, and photographer – that’s basically what I’ve been doing since I became chronically ill a few years ago. If anyone wants to visit, here is where I am: http://storeylines.net

  14. I am a housewife/mother who blogs cos I want to and its my outlet on life. I don’t tell people that I blog, FB or even instagram lol. I would like to be famous, but I am ME.
    I am writing this as a guest as I have an account, but the interweb hates me today lol

  15. I loved this post 🙂 I don’t often talk about my blog either – my friends and family didn’t know about it for nearly 2 years. I am proud of it, but it feels weird to talk about it especially to strangers!

  16. I’m an accidental blogger and mum of 6 (hence the name plate4eight.com), but I just wanted to keep all of our favourite recipes in one place instead of hunting through folders, magazines and recipe books to find them. So my husband set up my blog and then an FB page (I had no idea what I was doing and probably still don’t) and before I knew it people were liking them and writing to me. It’s actually quite fun and has helped me stay organized. I don’t read that many blogs on a regular basis, but I love yours and Retromummy’s (because our lives are so similar, lots of kids and a travelling husband). I actually get embarrassed when friends or family mention it or like my FB page because I’m like you, I prefer to hide in the background. And I’m like you, no pictures of my kids on my blog either.

  18. I’m a project manager who loves food, fashion, furry dogs and fun stuff. I blog about my FAV things on vivacova.com

  20. *lol* Well, I don’t have a blog… but I do hear people talk about yours, Telle. Or your PAD, at least. *lol*

    And if you ask my kids what I do then they’d say I am on the computer a lot, which is accurate, I guess. They’d also say if I have my headphones on then it had better be important if you’re interrupting me… and walking past their father to ask me for food doesn’t count. *lol*

    I’m a transcriptionist, proofreader and QA person for a transcription company… I’m on the computer a lot with my headphones on. 😀

  21. An IRL friend of mine who I work with told a few people at work and now everyone seems to know, I’m not a talker about my blog either. eep.

  22. I’m not a blogger, (just a struggling freelance designer) but my daughter is. In fact, she is the one who turned me on to the photo challenge, over a year ago. She is a mom of six, so she really needs her sense of humor to survive. Thus, her blog is quite funny. I’m really proud of her, and she is not afraid to talk about it.

    You shouldn’t be either… you should know that your challenge has really spurred my imagination, and I’ve watched my photography get much better over the course of a year. Your blog is lovely, and you should be proud, also. You have created a space for people to grow, and that is quite a service!

  23. My family know, and a few friends. I share about it, and it keeps me acountable to have people I know read it. But it does feel a little bit showy, or look-at-me at the same time? I’d feel weird about telling just anyone.

  25. I can really understand what you mean by not talking about the blog. It’s your space, your emotion. It’s quite interesting to envision all the people reading what you write while you are writing it up as you sit in the PJs after dinner. It’s your personal outlook and insight!

    Honestly, Chantelle? I can’t speak for your AC man or your air hostess, or the person named A … but I do know that you have changed my life. It started with photoaday. I started spending more time with the kids, catching a different view and being challenged by the prompts. Then, it moved to blogging. I actually started my own blog. It’s not as pretty or informative as yours, but its there.

    I am a mom with three kids. Two of which have special needs. I grew up crappy, until I was adopted. I have a fantastic husband, and my sporadic blogging has completely saved my sanity. I can blog anywhere, anytime and about anything. There are no rules, no filters. I can curse Autism, share a recipe for my grandma’s Coca Cola Cake … and talk about my daughters hips … honestly and openly. My feelings, my sadness, it’s almost therapuetic. And I need it. I have literally ten followers, but those ten people, believe in me. When I feel like I don’t matter, or make a difference in anyone’s lives? Aside from my kids, those ten people help me pick up and move on. And without you? Those ten people would never know me.

    In a nutshell, I love you. Not in a weird creepy way, but in an awe-inspiring, thankful-for-you, glad-you-came-into-my-life way. Thank you. And my kids thank you.

  26. i also dont talk much about my blog …most people I know, know I blog but I wish I was more comfortable telling new people I meet about it – its my space online and Im proud of it!! six years on I just cant imagine life without blogging.
    Anastasia
    http://www.anastasiac.blogspot.com.au/

  27. I have a blog but I don’t consider myself a blogger. Does that make sense. I write my blog mostly for me. I love having people come and visit but I am not trying to make money off my blog. I don’t have any sponsers. A couple of my family members know about my blog. I just write it for me. Now what do I do? I am a mother, a grandmother, a wife, a caregiver, a retired nurse, a blog reader and a woman who writes a blog.

    http://paulasplace-paula.blogspot.com/

  28. “When talking to bloggers recently, I realised that a good chunk of them
    love being in the spotlight. They want to be famous. They want to be
    recognised and they want to talk about their blog. That’s normal. I’m
    not normal.”

    Well, that understandable, right? You already have thousands of followers. You’re ALREADY famous! While us novice bloggers still WANT to be famous! 😀

    Loved that air hostess incident! Too good!

  29. Ha ha I never want to talk about my blog either and even though lots of family and friends read my blog, I don’t like talking to them about it, or what I have written on it. Weird huh?! As for having someone random mention they read it … it’s only happened twice that I can remember and I can’t imagine that I have ever turned a brighter shade of red both times.

    • And if anyone asks I say I am a writer because I hate trying to explain blogging to non-bloggers!

  30. Hahahaha! Awesome post Chantelle 🙂 I have only been blogging for six months, and I am still always surprised when I find out that people actually read House Nerd. At first I would be so embarrassed, although I was always very flattered. But you know what, the recognition is such a good thing. I feel like the world is friendlier to me now that I blog! I know that sounds really strange. But after I had been blogging for a few months, I noticed a subtle but definite shift in the way people related to me and talked to me. They were friendlier, more relaxed. Women in my social circle, who perhaps didn’t know me quite so well before, or more as an acquaintance rather than a friend, started wanting to grab coffee or hang out and when we spoke at social functions often they would ask me about a particular post. In other cases colleagues and people I contacted through work who had always been quite ‘clinical’ were warmer and more open and then they would tell me that they check out the blog and tell me how much they liked it. It is like my blog puts a face to my emails and perhaps in terms of my social circle, more of a personality to my face 🙂

    I still find it a little weird sometimes knowing my family is reading it and talking about it, but often I think start a blog is one of the best things I did. Love your writing Chantelle, I’ve only just ‘discovered’ your blog but looking forward to reading much more 🙂 xx

  31. We don’t talk about our blog much either and we always get a surprise when someone says they have read it. Your blog is great, you should shout it from the rooftops!

  32. Chantelle, you’re doing really good for others that you may be unaware of. You’ve changed my perspective towards Instagram {Your FMSPhotoADay has taught me how to use Instagram best and how to cherish and capture our small moments of life}. Many people {read the husband too :D} laugh at me when I stop on side of the road or somewhere and capture something I find it interesting in my own way. But, I do it anyway 🙂

    I don’t talk much about my food blog either. People give me an alienate stare when I try to explain what I actually do and how I’m involved with online blogging community. Recipe developing, testing/tasting, photo-shoot, editing and blog about it – many people or friends can’t really get my purpose and concern. So, I try not to explain everyone unless anyone is very much into food and ask me about it. Though, I haven’t taken my blogging hobby seriously yet. Will do soon, perhaps.

    Anyone interested in recipes? http://www.7spice.net or meet me on Instagram: @sonia7spice

  33. Haha – I am laughing, imagining you coming out to your brother 😛
    I was `recognized` once (When I was writing for a magazine). At Australia Zoo. When I was with my entire family and my Grandmother. I was sooo red.

  34. Oh, I so get this! I blog too, and am constantly sashaying awkwardly between my ultimate dream to be published (and the *need* to tell people it exists) and the natural, oft uncomfortable need for me not to talk about myself. I’m on your page here, baby!

  35. I have a blog but its for me. I used to have friends visit it and comment on it. But no family members have read it (to my knowledge) its for me to write about my family and our bits and bobs. Ive not updated it since Christmas Day…..so while i have one i would not say im a blogger.

    Now Instagram, well that’s a whole other story (or blog post, haha)

  36. I don’t talk about my blog either! Just somewhere where I can write about anything that pops into my head, that doesn’t get updated very often!

  37. I blog have a blog my husband loves to tell everyone..I am a bit more reserved and rarely tell anyone and recently at my first blogging thing I almost hyperventilated and passed out from pressure from all the questions but recently when someone in my community asked are you ‘a fifo wife’ I answered for the first time without hesitation yeah I am..but I’m still really embarrassed about it but sort of kind of proud that we (me and my readers- as small as we are) are creating (like you) an awesome community and thats something I should; we should be proud of..but I dont call myself a blogger that’s for the ‘big time’ I am just a writer who writes stuff..and I love that..

  38. Yes, I’m a blogger. I also make quilts, and cook, and grow tomatoes, and take pictures…which is what led me to you. Lucky me! Oh yes, and I’m a mom to two grown children and two bad cats.

  39. Ah Ah! I don’t share much about my blog either. I don’t want my family to read it. I dont’ really know why, but I don’t. I didn’t tell my friends until recently either (and only to the one who asked because I posted a picture from Instagram saying something about my blog by mistake).

    But maybe I should tell my friend more. I don’t have a lot of readers so maybe they would read it and tell about it to other people. But anyway I don’t write often, doesn’t have much to say!

  40. I have a blog that no one reads. It’s mostly filled with random rants about my life, and boring stuff, I have been looking for a common link between my posts, and haven’t found any yet. I just like to talk I guess. As far as I know, none of my family members know I have a blog. That would be a scary thought.

  41. Great post! I am a blogger, about sewing mostly, and I don’t talk about it either. It is almost like my secret 2nd life with a 2nd set of friends too. My real life friends don’t get my sewing so I don’t think they would get my blog!

  42. I had 3 pages views yesterday. That’s good enough for me! It’s just a little place for me to post things I like. It’s for me more than anyone else i guess!

  43. i can totally relate to that. i don’t talk about that little blog of mine a lot not even to my family. it kind of feels weird to me knowing they’d read my ramblings. i don’t know why.

  44. I hate attention too!!! I am not at all famous like you, I think I would die from fright. Us modest mice have to stick together.

  45. I do have a blog but I don’t blog so often as I would like, too. My blog is more for showcasing my scrapbook layouts and another one on photography. At the moment, I do have a handful of followers, though.
    Chantelle, I love your blog and it’s totally awesome. You should let people know.

  46. I’m like you Chantelle. I don’t talk about my blog (which is Off to the Park by the way ;)) to my family or friends. I don’t think my husband has ever read a post, my Mum or Dad didn’t know I blogged or my brothers. It’s not something I have openly talked about to my friends. I guess I don’t want them to think “Oh is that what you do all day, blog?”, which isn’t the case. I’m a little shy and protective about my writing, so I guess I haven’t wanted people I know to judge me for what I blog about.

  47. It’s when people start talking about what I’ve posted about that creeps me out, and I’m not sure why, because I’m proud of my little space on the Internet and overall have no problem with people reading it. I guess it’s just when the ‘openess’ of it because obvious it feels embarrassing because why the hell would you want to narrate your life on the Internet, it’s pretty arrogant, right?

  48. Loved this! I think you should be proud of your work, but I can totally relate. I do talk about my blog in certain settings. I get the same questions such as what do you blog about or better yet, what is a blog? I find myself getting a little uncomfortable though when people tell me they read my blog. It’s like I’m flattered, but embarasssed at the same time.

  49. It is often hard to own creativity, but step back Chantelle and see what you have created! Its amazing! I bet you would read it and follow it and do the photo a day challenges and try some of the recipes, if it was someone else’s blog. Its beautifully presented, not too heavy, fun and bright. Other bloggers talk about you – so do it – introduce yourself as a Blogger. I know I struggled saying I was an artist but then people started referring to me as an artist and now that is completely different! My teeny tiny blog is primarily for those who can’t come to my art workshops and still have the opportuntity to try some activities at home
    sunshineartblog.wordpress.com. I welcome everyone to have a look and just create!

  50. This is why I masquerade as a male half my age from another country. Only 2 of my previous 300 facebook friends know Im now ‘someone else’. No family no kids no work mates no neighbors. I get it. If I wanted to talk I would talk. Ild rather write anonymously. Then no one takes it personally. I have concluded if you tell your tribe you’re writing they all turn into paranoid narcissists. This is much easier and takes way less time in front of the computer. So youre not abnormal Chantelle; in my book you are wicked normal. xx

  51. I’m with you — I never talk about my blog or that I’m a blogger. Though, in my case, my blog is a speck on the map compared to yours 😉 Chances of me being recognized are slim (hah!) to none.

  52. I don’t really talk about my blog, either. It’s a personal blog, so I don’t feel a need to talk about it. When I am at my son’s baseball game or out with friends and someone talks about what they read on my blog, I am so surprised. And honored, too, that they would read it. I am glad that people get something out of my little bloggy-blog. I probably will not talk about it with anyone but my family because most people don’t know I have one, and I’m not into drawing attention to myself. You, on the other hand, might as well talk about it. You already have attention. You are kind of a big deal, you know. It would be like Jennifer Aniston not talking about her acting. Embrace it. Hand out cards. Tell your brother. xo, ab

  53. haha not sure that my 12 or so posts make me a blogger !! In creating my blog though I have not invited family or friends to follow….would rather it was just out there for myself…and anyone who might stumble upon it.
    Love your blog Chantelle… definitely something for you to be proud of xx

  54. I’m a newly married, college student. I’m not young, I’m not old. I started my blog back when I started dating my husband about 7 years ago. My blog was basically my online journal so that I can share my thoughts and my experiences of daily life. I haven’t written/posted anything as of late, as I have found my thoughts to be quite uneventful. Being unemployed for a year and a half, I never found the time to share how I felt about it. However, I do feel like I should start writing again. Summer is coming here in the U.S., and many events are happening that I would love to share. My BFF is getting married on Sunday. August brings a new baby to the family (not me, but my sister-in-law) and celebrating my one-year wedding anniversary.

  56. I keep telling people I don’t work when they ask me what I do. That’s not true because I do work. I nanny my niece two days a week and I’m the sole parent of my son. I also run my blog which has a tiny readership but takes an enormous amount of my time.

    The director at my son’s daycare told me the other day she’d started reading my blog. I was mortified. Having people at my son’s school know about my previous struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as my current mental health issues freaked me out. I figured though, it’s out there, anyone can read it and I have to accept the consequences of that. V.

  57. It depends on your personality. It can be hard to receive recognition for something that is viewed publicly. Well done on what you’ve achieved, but keep it real. I love your photo a day – I use it for my photography (that’s what I do) it’s a great way to keep my habit!

  58. I work in the property industry and also study property valuations at night but blog for fun. I hate talking about my blog though! I guess it’s always been my little space and only recently have I linked it to my twitter & instagram and that took a few years!

  59. YES! I am a blogger! While not afraid to admit it, I (like you) don’t usually readily offer up such information. I think it’s more because there are people out there who think anyone can do what we do. They think we just sit back and watch the $ and merchandise roll in while occasionally writing online. It’s just not true. So, if someone says, “What do you do for a living?” I am a stay at home Mom and writer.” To the question, “What do you write?” I will answer with the truth… but am always ready for the questions and remarks.

  60. Yes and no. Mostly I tell people I run a website for women because that’s seems a little more clear cut. If they ask more questions I explain about the blog and what goes on it. Which usually leads to MORE questions and on and on it goes. I’m proud of what I do, absolutely, but who has time for 20 questions when most people get to answer vet/receptionist/stay at home mum…? Not me! Haha.

    My Mum however says, ‘Melissa’s a blogger’ when people ask what I do. Matter of factly and that’s about it. Maybe I need to take a note from my Mum. Haha.

  61. Ha, so funny! Sometimes I feel a bit awkward saying my job is a “mum”, so I say I’m a teacher instead. People ask where, and I tell them that I have taught in many capacities, from teaching online, to teaching electrical apprentices, to being a primary school relief teacher, but currently I am a teacher of one. Only I’m sure he teaches me more each day than I teach him!

  63. I am a new blogger but when people ask I just say I am a college student working on my writing. I don’t like to talk about my blog either as new as it is, I just feel weird about the whole thing. Like does anyone reading it really like what I have to say. My family reads it sometimes but no one ever really says anything about it. I think it’s just a weird situation all around. You however have an amazing blog here you should be shouting it from the roof tops loud and proud. You have made something huge here and I can only hope to someday have a blog as amazing as yours. Keep doing your thing girl you are rocking it.

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