Liking, Tweeting, Pinning, Aching...
Years ago, when I first started blogging, I wanted to be popular. I looked at all the big bloggers with envious eyes, and dreamed of a day when I’d have just as many followers as they did. After a while my dream changed which is just as well because those followers didn’t materalise.
Why do we want lots of followers? So we’re popular? Do we all have a need to be liked? Because it’s a sign we’re successful? All our hard work has paid off in a visible way. So we’re seen as experts in our field? So we can share what’s important to us with more people? So we become rich and famous (or at least make a living!) by selling whatever we have to offer? I bet there are lots of reasons.
There are three reasons why I’d like to be better known.
To tell as many people as possible about unschooling. I do like to promote this way of life and would like to encourage others to consider unschooling, especially if they are struggling with their current method of homeschooling and parenting.
To share unschooling ideas and resources in a hopefully helpful way
To do a little promotion of my book. The Angels of Abbey Creek is never going to make me rich and famous, but it’s fun to share a little bit of myself in this way.
Even though I’d like to be better known, there’s little chance of me changing the world in a big way because I’m hopeless when it comes to social media and self-promotion. Most people seem to agree, you have to get out there and work hard at networking if you want to be successful. And somehow I can’t seem to do that.
Every now and then, I decide to give social media a go. Full of enthusiasm and new resolve I start liking and tweeting and sharing. But before long, I begin to feel overwhelmed by all the posts and links and conversations that keep hurtling towards me, demanding my attention. I just can’t keep up. I fall behind with retweeting and sharing and then I feel guilty. Eventually I retreat back to my small corner of the Internet. Yes, I haven’t got what it takes to carve out a bigger space for myself here online.
I often wonder if my reluctance to network in a big way has anything to do with being an introverted blogger. Is socialising online just as draining as socialising in real life? What do you think? Do you have networking problems too? Or do you breeze through social media enjoying the contact with other people?
It’s always interesting to ponder social media. I hope you agree because this is one of the things I chat about in this week’s podcast!
In episode 46, I also tell you about my sore legs. I’ve been sharing one of my daughter Sophie’s recent passions! I chat about a few resources too. And I ask a question about exercise. Will you listen to my podcast and then stop by with your answer?
Show Notes
Picture Perfect Social Media: A Handbook for Styling Perfect Photos for Posting, Blogging, and Sharing by Jennifer Young
Pixabay: Free High Quality Images You Can Use Anywhere
Canva: Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software
Picmonkey: Free Online Photo Editing
My children’s novel: The Angels of Abbey Creek
The Angels of Abbey Creek paper dolls
Fitness Blender: High-quality, full-length workout videos for every fitness level. Absolutely free
Music: 60’s Quiz Show by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)