Guest Post: Melissa Blake from So About What I Said...

so about what i said
Hello, everyone! My name is Melissa Blake, and I’m the brains (and the awkward gaffs) behind So about what I said. I’ve been reading Blair’s blog for awhile now, so when she asked me if I’d like to guest-post, needless to say, it was a huge honor.

I’ll admit that I probably should have started blogging sooner than I did, being a writer and all. But when I finally worked up the courage to “spread the good word” about my life with a disability and looking for love and all the funny, weird and just plain “huh”-ness my disability apparently brings out in guys, I was a bit scared. At first.
Did I really want people knowing my inner-most thoughts? Did I really want to make myself vulnerable in that way?
on blogging
Apparently, I did because that was in November 2008 and since then, I’ve blogged some 1,230 posts about everything from my love of polo shirts (it’s a lifestyle choice, as I say…) to the hilarious moment my wheelchair just broke down in the middle of the sidewalk (ironically, I was wearing a polo shirt that day…) to the countless time I’ve made like an awkward dork in front of guys. I’ll admit, when it comes to love and romance and flowers and candy, I don’t have much experience, except for the whole buying-candy-for-myself thing. But that hasn’t stopped me - or my wonderful 1,942 subscribers – from learning a few things about love and myself over these last 18 months. If you’ve just started a blog or are thinking of starting one (c’mon, you know you want to, right?), might I offer these pearls of wisdom I’ve learned.
on blogging
BE HONEST
Online, as in life, people can spot you a mile away if you’re being fake and insincere. I’ve prided myself on being honest, sometimes brutally so, on my blog. It’s cost me one reader (my own mother!), but I don’t know of any other way of writing than being completely honest with every single word.
WRITE WITH PASSION
I suppose I should warn you now that blogging is completely addicting, but make no mistake: it takes hard work and lots of dedication. That’s why it’s important to choose a topic (and I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a FOCUS for your blog; people will lose interest quite quickly if you’re writing about random, nonsense things all the time…) that you’re extremely passionate about. In college, my journalism professors taught us to “write about what you know.” The same simple rule applies to blogging. If you find a topic that interests you, blogging will be one of the most rewarding things you could ever do. But choose something you aren’t interested in? Well, that will just make blogging feel like a chore and a job. Remember, blogging should F-U-N.
on blogging
BE NICE
No one likes a mean person, and people hate a mean-spirited blogger. The big blogosphere is a community, and I’ve met some amazing people. I read countless wonderful blogs, and there’s no need to create tension of hurt feelings in a community where we’re supposed to support one another. The same rules apply when you’re commenting on other blogs. I’ve had people anonymously post some extremely rude comments, and honestly, what’s the point? If you don’t like a blog, don’t read it. Surely, you have some sort of life to get back to. Or maybe not, and that’s the reason you’re so jaded…? Bottom line: If you wouldn’t say something to a person’s face, save it for your diary.
Hopefully, these tips will help get you started or motivate you to take your blog to the next level of greatness. I’d love to read your blog, so email me at mellow1422@aol.com. I look forward to chatting with you!
{photos: weheartit}

Comments

  1. Blair! Thanks so much for letting me guest post!! The photos you chose are incredible!!! :)

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  2. Such great tips! You sound like such a delightful person Melissa. :)

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  3. oh Mel, you're such a doll as always!!! i once more understood why you deserve to be loved and read so much!! i honestly enjoy every word of your posts and i totally admire your honesty (about which you're quite right)..

    i loved your guest post.. and thanks blair for having you here :))

    xoxo
    S.

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  4. Melissa, what wonderful thoughts for us all to remember!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  5. Oh thank you! You're such an inspiration and I love (and very much appreciate) your advice.

    Smiles, T

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  6. This is an amazing post. Melissa, I love all your points. They are so true. You are in inspiration and I can't wait to follow your blog.

    Best,
    Marcie

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  7. ok, i heart you... i have yet to read your blog but i love it already.

    thank you so much for this wonderful post!

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  8. Hey Blair - your blog is so charming and "precious!" I came across recently through your Facebook page. It's been a while; I think the last time we hung out was when we made the trip out to Steve & Barry's so very long ago! Anyways, love your posts, and this one is no exception. Saw David's work featured in the Dunn's home through Rachel's blog! Great job.
    Annie Heyward

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  9. hey guys -- just wanted to peek in again and say THANK YOU!!! I'm emailing all your blogs to myself to look at tomorrow. LOVE reading new blogs! xoxo

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  10. Thank you so much for introducing Melissa and her lovely blog to me, Blair...I'm hooked!

    Liesl :)

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  11. Awesome post! Thanks for the great tips and reminders!

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