Dear book-loving bloggers,
There has undeniably been some drama in the global blogosphere in recent months with various issues arising. Luckily here in Australia our close-knit community hasn't been affected as much, but what is happening elsewhere does inevitably have an impact on us all. Book blogging, above all - should be something we choose to do because we enjoy it. It's an outlet to share our opinions openly, while still importantly giving everyone the respect they deserve. No blogger or author should be subject to harassment online for their actions, whoever they are. Acting immaturely and spreading those negative notions of jealousy and hate will ultimately get us...nowhere.
*end lecture*
Every blog is different, and so too is every blogger an individual. Sure, we all have our own styles and ways of doing things - that's what makes us so diverse and unique. It's only natural that at times we doubt ourselves and look at those follower numbers, thinking they're not nearly as high as some of the 'bigger' or 'more recognised' blogs out there. Yes, we may look at people's book hauls and wish that we had access to those highly-anticipated ARC's as well.
But is this what our blogging experience should be reduced to?
I think not.
Let's get back to basics - Why do we blog? What are our commonalities?
Well, the most obvious one is: we love books.
Isn't this what it's all about? Isn't this why we're book blogging in the first place? If the answer to those questions are yes, then it's this common factor that should be a cause to bond over, and not something to spark all the dramas we've been seeing.
Sharing our passion about the books we love, and supporting the authors who write them is what makes blogging all worth it. Authors out there need our support to get the word out for their novels we believe are amazing, and if we don't like it - it's NEVER an option to go against them personally. Without authors we wouldn't even have books in the first place (so basically - we have a lot to be thankful for.) SHARE THE LOVE PEOPLE!
It may have been said before - but let me reiterate:
#bookloversunite
I said it on Jeann's post and I'll say it again - these kinds of reminders are SO important, and in the end it's not about the most followers or ARCs, or the best blog designs or whatever. If we didn't have people to share those with, there would be no point to blogging. Thank goodness we have such a lovely community for the most part <3
ReplyDeleteExactly Emily, having a bunch of supportive bloggers out there who all band together like our Aussie community does is such a good thing.
DeleteAgreed! It's all about book love and camaraderie! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Jessica - bonding over books is one of the best things we do!
DeleteI love the #bookloversunite hashtag you've come up with Genie! I really love our Aussie book lover community, but we're not immune from all the drama happening in the greater blogosphere as well. It can get tiring at times and I just want to spread positive vibes to everyone that YES they are good enough! And that we're all in this together.
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely right Jeann - spreading positive messages and encouragement is what keeps us united and driven to do what we love.
DeleteThis is a really nice post, Eugenia. I admit that sometimes I feel down about not being as successful as other bloggers, or I feel like my post aren't up to scratch. But you're right, I blog because I love books and I love the community - that's all that matters! Books are the reason we're all here, not followers.
ReplyDeletex Ely
Thanks Ely :) Books are what it's all about, and everybody's blog is different but special in their own way!
DeleteOmg #bookloversunit?! I LOVE IT! I'm gonna try to draft up a post of my own like this just to spread the message further. I think it's such an important one to share! Good on you for this because it's so true. We're here to spread the love and unnecessary drama is just that, unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it Laura - this is a message that we all need to remember :)
DeleteEugenia this a great post! Sometimes in the stress of posting and reading review copies everything seems like a chore so this is a good reminder that we blog to share the book love!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jaz! Those little reminders to ourselves of *why* we blog and the reason that we do love it is the pick-me-up that we sometimes need.
DeleteLove this post! I have not caught a lot of the drama happening and that is a great thing. I blog because I love books and I love the community. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it Cynthia! I haven't been involved in it either, but occasionally you do see it happening or hear of it and it can be sad. But - remembering the books and the wonderful community out there makes blogging worth it.
DeleteThis is a great post, a lot of truth too. I find myself watching the drama a lot because I'm really active in twitter but I'm usually not PART of it. It's really sad that there are some bloggers in i for the followers and the ARCs. It makes me wonder if they would blog without those things
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Nova - blogging is much more than the 'perks' that come with it, and people who do it should be blogging for the right reasons. Thanks for visiting :)
Delete*applauds* I haven't seen too much drama. Although I did see an author and blogger arguing on twitter the other day and it really made me cringe that both sides were falling to an argument. Gah. It does make me sad. I love that our community is usually tight and fun and so many people are ready to flail and enjoy books. x) I think the Aussie book blogging community is absolutely awesome.
ReplyDeleteThat is sad - there shouldn't be an author-blogger divide in any case since we both need each other. Our community though like you said for the most part is amazing which is fantastic to see :)
DeleteBeautiful post, Eugenia! When we bring it back to basics, we were all brought here for our love of books. And that's so important to remember!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jess! Exactly - it's the essence of why we blog, why we should support each other, and why we love it.
DeleteLOVE THIS! YES! It's all about spreading positivity and encouragement and cheering on the little guy in my book. Pardon the pun. We all love books, that's a given, but when it comes down to it, I'm so thankful for our Aussie bloggers. I think it's just in our nature to be a no bullshit kind of blogger that doesn't involve ourselves in the drama and we don't put one another down either. Yes, I've felt like strangling a blogger or two on occasion, but frustration is healthy, so are passionate discussions but leave the hateful comments at the door. No one needs that crap... Or deserves it. Love the post Eugenia, it's exactly what we should be all promoting <3
ReplyDeleteHaha no problem Kelly, all puns are welcome here :) Aussie bloggers - we are a special bunch, and I think the fact that we are smaller makes us smaller in number does mean we can be more close-knit. Discussions and sharing opinions is great to get a conversation going, but yes - the hating isn't ever acceptable. Thanks for stopping by, glad you liked the post :)
DeleteI don't get to say this often, but I actually LOVE our blog/reader community in Australia, it's so friendly and awesome and generally flaily and lovely about books! And I'm glad that's what we have.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I haven't heard much about blogging problems elsewhere....
meh I'm only a half blogger so I'm bound to miss things. :)
It is! We certainly have a great bunch :)
DeleteYAAASSSSS!!!!!! Also fangirling if book the is good. :D And time and time again I'm so thankful for the wonderful Aussie book blogging community! Thanks for sharing Eugenia!
ReplyDeleteYes! Fangirling is the best - especially with the #SparkArmy ;)
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