Well, I had planned to give you my keeping it real post next week and to have a different topic for you, but as life would have it, I need to do this post today. Will you join me this month for my post where I keep things real and let it all hang out?
Why on earth do I need to give you this post today? I’m tired and I’m super behind. Writing this type of post is easier and faster than trying to give you another craft or project all of which I have had issues with lately. This leads me to a discussion of craft fails and exactly how much time does it take to blog?
While blogging might seem easy on the surface, it isn’t. Enjoyable? Absolutely! Quick and easy and the road to riches? Nope
It takes so much more time than most people think it does. I put up 3 posts with my own new content each week. Doesn’t sound too bad, right? I host a link party and I personally view all of the 90-100 posts that link up. I also comment on at least one post on each blog. Still not too bad right? Add to that a features post. Now I am up to 5 posts per week. Then add in about 30-50 email messages per day times my 4 email accounts, that is roughly 120-200 email messages to deal with on a daily basis. Don’t forget that I personally reply to each comment that is made on my blog. Now add in time for additional guest post and their projects. Oh and don’t forget social media….you know getting the word out about all this work I am doing. And we absolutely can not forget the time it takes to link up at link parties every day. Those are part of how I grow my audience and get more pageviews. Whew…I’m getting tired, how about you?
What I think most people, who aren’t bloggers, don’t realize is just how much time running a blog can take. Now, I am 100% not complaining. I have chosen this blog and I really enjoy it. Most of the time. It does take an unbelievable amount of work. I talk to people all the time who tell me they have thought about and/or want to start a blog. That is the main thing I tell them, “If you want to do this with the goal of building an audience and making some money, it will take a lot of time.” How much time?
I think I am embarrassed to tell you how much time. Especially if I were to tell you exactly how little I am actually making from this blog. My husband and my best friend joke that I make about 10 cents per hour. They aren’t too far off, either.
So, if I get over my embarrassment of how much time vs how much money I make. I spend about 3 to 5 hours every day Monday through Friday working on this blog. I spend at least another 7 hours on the weekends. It can be more if I am working on a project that takes a little more time. That means I am spending between 22 and 32 hours every week pulling this blog together. Does that surprise you?
OK, so I’m just gonna do it…I’m gonna tell you how much I made last month. I made a whopping $45.45. Ummm…Yeah….so totally not worth it if you look at the number of hours I put in versus the pay. The sad thing for me is that just 3 months ago, my income was much greater. Three months ago, with about the same number of pageviews per month (50,000), my income was $123. Now that still isn’t a lot, I know. The thing that was great, I was seeing an upward trend in my income. I was believing that all my hard work was beginning to pay off. That if I just kept going, I was headed in the right direction. I know it takes time. It takes time for brands to want to work with me and for me to get paid sponsor posts and such. I’m fine with putting in my due time, but to see the numbers diving bombing in the wrong direction has been a little depressing. (BTW: if you are a blogger and you can see I am doing something totally wrong in the arena…I’m all ears!) It has made me question, why in the hell I am spending so much time and taking so much time away from my family.
I’m not entirely sure I can answer that, even right now. I know that I want to keep going. I know that I believe that this blog has potential. No, I’m not going to become a millionaire, but I really believe that I could earn some income from home and still be here at home with my kids. Still homeschool, etc. I also know that I really enjoy blogging. I enjoy the things I have learned. I enjoy the bloggers, with whom I had started friendships. I love all the variety and the ways blogging causes me to need to learn and stretch myself. I enjoy knowing that I have tons of creativity and that coming up with new ideas doesn’t intimidate me. I totally thought I would have no clue what to blog about month after starting. Currently, I have so many ideas there is no way I have the hours to get to them all. Nice problem, right?
Anyway, this post comes from the fact that I have been working really hard lately and I have had one thing after the other that has just taken soo much more time than it was supposed to take. Both things in my personal life and getting things ready to post. I have projects that were supposed to be quick and simple that have taken hours and hours to get the right. I’ve needed a lot of time for our family and all our end of year activities. I’ve also started training for my next half marathon, which takes a chunk of time. So, it leads me to my post today.
There just wasn’t enough time in the day to get one of my project posts pulled together. I have a bunch in the works….not one of them has gone like it was supposed to go. Let me show you a couple:
I’m working on my apothecary jars and showing them all ready for the 4th of July. However, I haven’t been able to find 4th of July M&M’s anywhere. Don’t they sell those? Or am I crazy?
I finally bought a huge bag of M&M’s and sorted out all the red and blue thinking that would look fine. It does, but it doesn’t scream 4th of July to me. How about you? Now I have spent time running around to stores that usually sell the M&M’s by color to get some white M&M’s…guess what? All gone or sold out! I guess everyone else had my idea?! I’ve come up with a solution, which I will show you soon, but the whole thing took tons longer than it was supposed to take.
My next craft fail, which I am now in the process of remaking, is a pair of shorts for our American Girl Dolls. It all started innocently enough with making a 4th of July dress for our dolls. Only the dress turned out to be way too small…it turned out to be a top rather than a dress. Our dolls don’t have any shorts and hardly any pants, so now I needed to add another part to this project. I found a pattern to make shorts. Got them almost all made and realized, as you can see above, I made them wrong. I can’t sew those together into shorts, can I?
I pinned them together to show you what they would look like…not quite right, is it?
So, I’m hoping you enjoyed my latest keeping it real post. This was definitely real and I’m a little nervous to hit publish on this one, but I have promised you and myself that I will keep this space real…so I’m letting it all hang out this month and hope you enjoyed the ride.
Any of you more seasoned bloggers have tips for me? on making more money? and spending less time? Or does this sound totally normal?
KC, thank you for posting this “keeping it real” post. I feel the same way you do many days. We work really hard to get things going and then see the nosedive. The good thing is, things will pick up again. I think blogging is a little bit fickle. Some days will be great and others will not. Some months will be “profitable” and others won’t. I appreciate your honesty and just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. 😉 Remember your priorities and the rest will fall into place. Keep up the good work and don’t beat yourself up when things don’t work out as you have planned. There’s always tomorrow. 🙂 Have a great week!
Blessings,
Nici
Thank you so much for commenting, Nici! It means so much to me, especially on this post. I have seen all day that plenty of people have been reading it, but no one has commented…made me wonder if people thought I was nuts.
Anyway, I know you are right. Things definitely ebb and flow and some does are fantastic and others just stink. I think that is life and blogging, right? I think I just want this to work out so badly that it gets frustrating. How about you?
I also just need a few projects to go smoothly…. please! I have another two projects that are giving me problems…yuck! I need this season to move on and as you said it will…eventually.
Thanks so much for your kind comment…I really appreciate it. It meant a lot to me.
Take care,
KC
I hear ya! I’m only 3 months in so I don’t make anything with my blog (not that I expect to), but I spend a TON of time on it! I have had so many craft fails lately that I am way behind in my blog. Ugh! I feel your frustration. I know you said you were already working on a solution for your M&Ms but I think there is a candy in Bites – y’know those smaller bags where they take larger candies and make them look like M&Ms – I think it is Almond Joys and they are blue and white. Maybe you could mix them with your red M&Ms.
Kristin
http://www.exploringdomesticity.blogspot.com
Craft fails can be so frustrating! I hadn’t thought of your candy idea, but I think you are right about there being something in those candies that is blue and white. Thanks for the idea.
KC
Don’t give up sweet friend!! You are doing just fine. I think that peoples numbers are down in general right now. Have you thought about not posting as many times during the week? That has helped us tremendously and I am finally feeling like my head is above water. You are so gifted and honest and I just love that about you!! Nici is totally right about having good times and not so good times. Just slow down and breathe… or run if that works for ya! Big, huge hugs!!
Take care,
Trish
Thank you, Trish! I probably need to post less each week, I just kind of like having 3 posts per week, but having my head above water sounds really nice, too! I will totally do both…slow down and breathe and then tomorrow morning go for a run! I need to get off the computer and read and watch TV tonight… with a glass of wine. Sounds lovely!
Thank you for your sweet comments and friendship. I’m so glad we meet at BBC!
KC
I am sorry KC that you’ve had some challenges recently. My husband and I decided that my goal for my blog, my big long term goal, was for my blog to be self-sufficient. I didn’t have to spend money to pay for my craft projects, but I know that goal is going to take a long time from now. As for craft fails, I hate when that happens. I don’t think the blue and red M&M’s look that bad though!
~Emily
A Tossed Salad Life
See, right now I’m essentially supporting my habit (sort of). I know that is good, but it isn’t my end goal. I do LOVE that I am supporting my habit and the I don’t even have to run it by my husband because I’m earning the money to make the things I want. That is super fantastic…I need to remember that right now. Thanks for the reminder!
KC
I can totally relate! I am a SAHM who still homeschools one. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have only so much energy to put into life and yes, those crafts take lots of time!!
I started my blog with my daughter to try to earn some money from home and yes, have not made a dime, yet. I was ready to give up a little while ago, but after talking it over with my sweet hubby, he encouraged me to hang in there. He suggested to back off a little, don’t push the gas pedal all the way down and let it grow at it’s own pace. So that is what I’m doing.
I encourage you to hang in there. You have a beautiful blog with lots of great ideas! All things in moderation, yes? Keep your priorities in order and things will work out. 🙂
Thanks for being real and sharing your heart. We all get discouraged at times but the blog world is filled with great people who make it worth the effort and bring encouragement.
Maybe focus on what works for you in your blog and not try to do everything? (you’re not a type A person like me, are you? 😉
May your blog prosper and grow!!
Blessings, Gloria @The Resourceful Gals
I think it sounds like your husband had some good advice…it is funny though, I don’t think that advice should apply to me. Kind of dumb to write/think that, but I need to take a look at that and see what I need to change and pull back on. Thank you for your sweet comments about my blog. Not try to do everything? What is that? Oh, it is something I’m not very good at doing…lol!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for commenting. I really appreciate it.
KC
{Melinda} I’ve been blogging a year and am just now getting in to trying to make some money with it. Blogging can consume your whole life. I’m constantly battling to keep it in line with my prime priorities — God, husband, kids.
I know many people make money with it, so it can be done. I’m always curious though as to what sacrifices have to be made to achieve that — and if I’m willing to do that.
It sure can, can’t it! It is a constant battle to keep things in perspective. It is probably one of the most surprising things I have learned blogging. It sounds so simple and it can become so all consuming. I’m not giving up at making money this way…I just think I still have a lot to learn and grow as well.
Thanks so much for commenting.
KC
Please feel free not to respond to this comment. I want you to know I love hearing your heart. Learning what it really takes to post your weekly blogs. Love you, C3
Love you too, Mom! Thanks for supporting me the way you have. I appreciate knowing you are reading my posts and that you comment as well.
Love,
KC
Thanks for this post, KC, and for putting yourself out there! I think all of us struggle with the balance of life vs blog and we are bound to have those fail projects. I hate when they happen since my type A personality wants everything right the first time! But I think that sharing them with your readers might be something to consider. I am going to do that with a recent project that didn’t quite work the way I wanted just because I want my readers to know I go through the same frustrations as they do. I look at the “big” blogs and see perfect pictures of perfect projects and want to know the parts that didn’t work because maybe they would help me see a new way of doing things. Just my 2 cents but I am looking forward to reading more of your posts! Happy weekend!
Yes, it is always a struggle to attempt to balance life and blog. I think reading craft fails is kind of fun, but then when I think of putting it on my own blog I’m not so certain. I’m kind of funny that way. I think as much as I like keeping things real…sometimes I don’t want to be that real…kind of funny since a craft fail is way less personal than a blog post like this…haha!
Hope you have a great week!
KC
Hey Girl, I had written a long response to this yesterday in the waiting room at the doctor’s office — but I couldn’t get on the internet to post it. Ugh. I can so identify with your frustration. Life does make it hard to implement all those good blogging practices. LIke yesterday, a total surprise that I had to spend an hour and half in doctors office while they tried to get my daughter’s ear cleaned from wax. She had been having an earache, couldn’t hear and is going to camp for two weeks this weekend. I’m determined to enjoy this summer and still keep up with my blogging the best I can. But when I can’t, I just can’t. We all understand. Those failed projects made me smile. I can’t imagine the time that goes into creating stuff for your posts.
I think it sounds like you have a really good attitude toward your blogging. I need to learn that attitude a bit more. The failed projects did not make me smile…they made me make the gesture I saw your son making on the Legoland ride. lol! It got so frustrating. I finally had a project go well and it was so fun! Makes such a difference.
Have a great week!
KC
I just love reading your blog and appreciate your honesty. You are super creative! Keep up the good work!
Thank you! I appreciate your kind comment and your support.
KC
Oh man, I feel your pain. Every once in a while I have to schedule a blogging break for about a week where I don’t post and I don’t link up to parties. If I don’t I just get burned out. If you are looking to make more money with advertising I would suggest applying for Blogher. I make way more with their ads than I ever did with google. Good luck!
I need to schedule a week off a few times a year. I keep thinking I need to and I don’t do it. Thanks for your tip on the advertising.
KC
KC, Thanks for your honesty. It really is refreshing! It seems like balance is a constant struggle of life. It is a great balancing act that I struggle to navigate! Good luck in all things! Your blog is a fun space!
You are welcome for the honesty…it is how I roll. I was a blog conference not to long ago where the speaker said, “It’s not about chasing balance. It is about being 100% with where we are.” Loved that quote and want to get it framed because it is just such a great thought. Balance seems impossible, but if we are 100% present with where we are in that moment, we have what we need.
Thanks for the sweet well wishes as well.
KC
I appreciate your honesty. Sometimes, I feel like I’m the only one out there who’s not making it big with this whole blogging thing. Here’s my keeping it real moment: I’ve been blogging for a little over a year, and I have made a grand total of $25.00 from my blog. *sigh*
I honestly think a lot of people are seeing a decrease in their numbers right now because summer is just getting into full swing and a lot of people are suddenly looking around their house and realizing they have little ones they need to entertain. There goes blog reading time! I wouldn’t hit the panic button just yet.
Please don’t give up! You have a beautiful blog!
Big *sigh* right along with you. I think it takes time, determination, a lot of work, and a lot of time…did I mention time!
Thank you for your super nice comments about my blog. I have no plans of giving up…none! It isn’t in my nature…unless I have given it the super effort and really feel like it isn’t going to work. I’m not there yet.
Take care,
KC
Keep at it 🙂 You are doing things you enjoy while enjoying maximum time with your family. Work hard and it will all come together.
Thanks, Heather. I am totally going to keep at it. I think you are right…work hard and it will all come together. I just have to keep at it and that is the plan.
Take care,
KC
And with this post, you’ve gained a new follower. I had a friend email me your post this morning and I loved every word. I’ve talked about similar issues on my blog where I feel like there’s this illusion that having a blog is a get rich quick scheme to fame and fortune and a lifelong easy career. And while you can make a living at being a blogger, people sorely underestimate how much work goes into. I could easily be on my computer or phone from morning to night, 7 days a week.
At some point this past year I took a step back and thought this needs to change. So I decided for my sanity and for my family’s sanity, that I would rather write one really good post every week than a series of posts everyday that you can find on 50 other blogs or Pinterest. And you know what? It has changed how I blog and given me peace of mind.
PS – I read your 4th paragraph and I’m tired for you. 😉 I don’t even do a link party and God help if I ever tried to start a Facebook page.
I’m so glad that your friend emailed you the post and that you loved it! I’m glad to have a new follower as well. Blogging is NOT at all a get rich quick scheme it is a eventually if you have all the right stuff and can navigate this blog world and work hard for a long time with no/little pay, maybe it will pay off scheme! Yep, I’m with you about the being on the computer from morning to night 7 days a week and that would just totally not satisfy me. How about you?
I bet your change last year really made a difference. I am considering my options and may possible drop things down a bit as well. I’m just not sure yet, so for now I plan to keep up with my own commitment to post new content 3 days per week.
Take care,
KC
PS – I’m glad someone else is tired reading my 4th paragraph…me too! 😉
Loved your post and the behind the scenes story that we bloggers share. I’ve been blogging just over a year but only started being consistent and trying to make money for about 3-1/2 months. I’m still working on followers and page views ~ and I’m working day and night like you say and making about $0. Even though I have affiliate programs, etc. Anyway, I love blogging and the friends I’ve made and will keep at it. But it will take time. Right now I’m focus don great content and growing my members and page views. I also have lots of craft fails – and usually just scrap them. It’s nice to know others experience the same thing. Thanks for sharing and keep ut the good work!
~ Megin of VMG206
I’m kind of glad to know I’m not the only one and yet I wish that I didn’t have to say that. I wish that we all could be out there working and making some money. I really do believe that if we keep at it, it will pay off…so keep at it.
I’ve also talked with some people as a result of this post and the affiliate thing just takes some time…make sure you are working with affiliates that really make sense for your blog. Then blog about them and give it some time. They are supposed to pay off in the long run.
Take care,
KC
You rock! You are so awesome for being SO HONEST about the reality of blogging. It takes a tremendous amount of time with often very little pay-off, at least money wise. People should really know that in order to do it right, you have to pour yourself into it. Great post. Stopped by from the SITS Sharefest on Twitter and so glad I did! :)-Ashley
Thank you! I’m so glad that someone things I rock by being honest. Not sure everyone in my house agrees with my honesty being great. 😉
So glad you stopped by!
KC
Stopping by SITS – great post! I think though you are questioning the money too much. 🙂 You enjoy blogging so keep at it! Hobbies don’t have to pay you back, but it IS nice when you do! Implement affiliate marketing, pitch brands yourself, and try to spend less time on social media by using tools like Hootsuite + Buffer. I try to schedule everything by Sunday night so my weeks are free to catch up, email, and network! 🙂 Good luck!
So glad a SITS girl stopped by. Thanks for your tips and well wishes. I appreciate them.
KC
I really appreciate your post. I am completely new to having a blog. I have only had mine for under a month. It is incredible how much time goes into it. I have enjoyed doing it so far and I have so much more appreciation for bloggers who have been at it for years. It has been a complete eye opening experience. 🙂
Allie, you are so right about how much time goes into blogging. In those early days you are in, it is such a huge learning curve. At least if you are like me…figuring things out and learning all kinds of things that it takes to run a blog. It does get easier, despite what this post looks like. It gets harder in other ways, but it is so enjoyable in so many different ways, I find it worth it. Thanks for stopping by!
KC
Thank you so much for sharing with such honesty. I have been blogging for a few years but I haven’t tried (until recently). I understand your frustration. I am in a different place than you. I am almost finished homeschooling our three children. My youngest will be a senior next year. I have other money-making ventures/jobs that allows me to spend time pursuing blogging…which I love! So hang in there! I will be subscribing to see how it’s coming along for you.
Love and prayers. <3
Thanks so much! It seems to me like where you are would make bloggin much easier…the having an older child. But, it is totally my choice to try this at this time. So, I am working to learn how to make it work. It is a work in progress probably to never fully be hashed out as things are always changing.
Thanks so much for your support.
KC
I can so understand. My blog is about making and fixing things. Sometimes, it takes much longer than I expected to finish a project. I didn’t know that it was going to be SO MUCH work with a blog. Though, I must say that I am quite proud of my blog. It wasn’t until 4 months ago that I really started focusing on my blog and it is coming around. So, I continue to push forward. And, just had a company to contacted me to review a product that I’m interested in reviewing. So, things are looking up…. Money? Well, maybe that’s coming….
I think it is soo awesome to hear you say you are quite proud of your blog. That is so important and so great. I think that alone will translate. I’m so glad that you have had some great interest and positive experiences as of late. I have had some great experiences as well since this post. It comes and goes, right….kind of like life.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
KC
I really loved reading your post. I think all of us have felt how you felt as fellow bloggers. I’m back at blogging after having a break for quite some time but only now I have a baby to go along with it. I just like to remind myself that I’m doing this because I love it. I love to share ideas and connect with other people. Thank you again for being so real with us.
– Tina
You are welcome…Real is in the name of the blog…better keep it that way, right?!
KC
My question is this, with all of the time invested (and little monetary compensation in return) do you still really, really love it? I’m in a similar situation as you, I want to work from home, I have one that I homeschool and a toddler. I also have two teens (who seem to need me more than my Little’s). I have to be available because I’m a single mom and live far away from my family. I am hoping that I can find success in blogging! I really appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness!
#SITSShareFest
Mariann – your question is a great one. You know, most days I really do love it. There are just time, which I think is totally normal, that it wears on me. There are times that I just get down at how much time I have put in and how little progress I see. Then the next day HGTV puts me on their blog and voila, I feel excited again and see some rainbow of hope. Maybe I take it all too personally and too hard, but that is how it goes for me. I keep going because this does satisfy so much for me. I also really want it to pay off.
Take care,
KC
Love your honesty!! And I so ‘get’ where you are. This past week I took time off from linking to other parties. Sure, my numbers went down, but my well-being went way up. There is balance in all of this somewhere…we just need to find it. {hug}
Thanks for linking up at Monday Funday Party!
Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!
I can’t remember the last time I took time from off from linking up. I now have it on my to-do list to schedule 2 weeks off for me between now and Thanksgiving. I think it is important and I have thought I need to do it, but I keep not scheduling it…so it will never happen.
Glad you stopped by.
KC
I’m a baby blogger and still learning all of the ropes… all I can say is hang in there and keep the faith. Do it because you LOVE to do it, not for the money. Hugs, Holly
https://coconutheadsurvivalguide.com/blog/
Thanks, Holly!
KC
I just found your blog via craft-o-maniac. What a great post! I don’t make anything from my blog but I enjoy doing it even though it takes a lot of work.If I eventually make a couple bucks from it, great but I do it because I enjoy it not because I *could* make money. I love your honesty. You’ve gained a new follower.
Thanks, Vanessa! I do it because I enjoy it as well, however, I really do have a goal and a need to make money from it. I wouldn’t put this many hours in as a hobby. I know lots of people would and do, but that isn’t me. I’m so glad you enjoy your blogging so much…that is fantastic and super necessary!
KC
Thank you so much for this incredibly honest post. I think it is so easy to look at some of the big bloggers who seems to just do it all so effortlessly and get discouraged. Blogging is definitely not a get rich scheme for most people and those that are making decent money at it have been doing it for a long time.
Your blog is wonderful! I come here at least 1-2 times per week {even though I may not always comment} to see what you are up to.
The bottom line: If you are happy with what you are doing, then don’t get too hung up on the money. I make literally peanuts when it comes to ads on my site. The only time I see any real income is when I work with a brand/company for a sponsored post. Even then {after you consider all my expenses throughout the year like conferences, etc.}, I am just breaking even.
I also second Trish’s suggestion. I usually post 3-4 new content posts per week + my menu plan + 2 link parties + a features post. I am cutting that back though because I find it is just too much. I changed my features to social media features instead of a post. That way, I can do more of them but it doesn’t take as much time as putting a post together. I am also cutting out one of my new content posts per week too.
Thank you, Shannah! I really appreciate your enouragement. I am really considering dropping the number of posts I do per week. Just not fully there yet to make that call. Glad you are figuring out what works for you.
Take care,
KC
All of these comments mean we all hear you! Totally understand where you’re coming from. I put in a lot of time, and I don’t even earn anything yet. I’m constantly battling blog time vs. family time, yet there’s enough drive in me to keep going with my blog. No easy answers I guess, just do what you can and what’s best for you. Can I just tell you how much I appreciate all you kind comments and your efforts on taking the time to visit each of your links! That’s rare! You’re kindness and hard work will pay off. Thanks again, and enjoy your day!
I totally get it…I’m always battling between family vs. blog time. Like you there is enough drive in me to keep going. Thank you so much for your sweet words and your encouragement! I really appreciate it.
KC
Thanks for your honesty!
Your welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
KC
Hi, KC! I just have to tell you I am with you all the way! Almost every day, I ask myself why I’m doing this. It all comes down to “I love it, and besides, God told me to.” Until He tells me to stop, I guess I’m in. Just so you know, with crafty posts (not yours, because this is my first time to visit you), I skim the pictures and read only some of the words. We lack time, remember? Who has time to read? With this post, I read every word. No skimming. I love getting to know people. When you speak from your heart, that gets my attention more than the latest “tah-dah”. I so appreciate seeing some project failures. (I have them often!) It lets me know you are real – yes!! You are the real Coake. 🙂 So refreshing! Thank you, blogging sister. I’m sending a big hug your way to encourage you to keep going. Tomorrow, I’ll need one, and we must all stick together, help one another, learn from each other, and enjoy this thing we do. Some day, we’ll enjoy a little cash. 😉
His blessings,
Kim @ Curtain Queen
You are so right about the skimming posts. I know I’m guilty of it and I know many are as well. I also read the personal posts…I just can’t write the personal posts all the time. They hit me when they hit me. Otherwise I think they would just be babble and no one wants to read that! 😉
Absolutely on the sticking together. I have found that to be very true of the blogging community thus far.
Take care,
KC
Don’t let anything get you down! Just remember that it is the season where people are out and about more and online a lot less. With school out for summer in most places, a lot of families are switching gears too.
I have been blogging steadily since January of this year and to date, I have earned $2.45. AT that rate, it will be a cold day somewhere before I get a paycheck from my blog. Now if That doesn’t make you feel better, just know I am an expert at craft fails…that’s how I roll 😉
Bev @ Give me a paintbrush
LOL…you crack me up! Thanks for putting a smile on my face and for your nice comments.
KC
I started blogging two years ago and thought I would be an instant success just like John & Sherry at Young House Love. Ha! Never mind that Sherry has a degree and experience in writing ad copy in NYC. Never mind that I’m a former secretary/now stay-at-home mom. However, having said that, I know there are people who have kept with blogging and eventually began to earn some money, good money, rent money. I have “quit” several times, but always stick to it – I’ve come to the place where I realize I’m not going to make money and my goal now is to enjoy my blogging friends and just have fun doing what I enjoy and blogging about it when I actually have something to share.
Now that was a long diatribe, wasn’t it?! 😉
Mary
I love the place that you have come to with your blogging. It sounds like a really great space to be in and enjoy the ride.
Take care,
KC
Thank you so much for sharing this with us and staying real! I started blogging in January and finally understand all the time and work it takes running a blog. I’m definitely not where I want to be with my blog right now, but I’m still working full-time. But I do love doing it, and that’s what counts!
You know, you just started in January, so I think that it would be impossible to be where you want to be (though I don’t know exactly where that is). There is so much to learn when you are first getting started. It can be overwhelming. Keep at it…it takes time both to write things and for things to grow. It is fun along the way, even though this post was more of my frustration.
Take care,
KC
I hear ya girl! It’s not all it’s cracked up to be! hahaha between doing projects, blogging about them link party, networking, social media… I make very little money per hour. That being said, it’s not like work for me either. I love what I do, but I love it a lot better when it goes like it is suppose to. I worked all week on a project hoping to blog it next week, when I’ll be out of town.. is it done? NO close? sort of. What am I going to do? no idea! hahaha enough about me!
Hoping you had the intuition to not fill the whole jar with m&m’s. That you put something in the center so you didn’t need so many… by the way, who ate all of those non-blue and red? 🙂
Keep it up, you’ll get there!
gail
ps You might want to try a “you might also like” There is nrelate and I use contentad. Both pay. Content ad? maybe .04 cents a day, but can be as much as $50. The revenue from that on my blog goes to my daughter’s adoption fund. 🙂 free money for she and her husband.
I love that you are (were at this point) heading out of town and have no idea what you are going to do with the project. Not because I am glad that is happening to you, but rather it makes me feel like things are normal around here. These kinds of weeks and months happen. Just have to get up and keep going, right?
I sure did fill the center of the jar…I still have to pay the electric bill…LOL! 😉
I have looked into nRelate, but I’m on blogger and I haven’t been able to figure out how to not have it show up on my abbreviated posts on my home page. They only way I know how to do it, it shows up under every post on the homepage and makes it look so cluttered.
I’m thinking about moving to WordPress and I know it would be different over there.
How neat that you save that money for your daughter and her husband. I bet they really appreciate it as adoption is so expensive.
Thanks so much for commenting and helping me smile today!
KC
Blogging takes so much time and with little financial gain but its the warm and fuzzy gain we get from doing something that we love. I think thats the main reason so many of us do it for nothing is because we really enjoy it. I have not seen any money from the ads Iv had on my site for months, its really just pocket money what we make. Having said that I would love to blog for a living and if someone was to pay me a full salary to stay home and renovate my house that would be my dream job 🙂
I love your dream job…sounds fund and frustrating all at the same time (at least with the renovating we have done).
Take care,
KC