Have you ever sat down and reflected on how your blog has evolved? I bet some of you started off blogging about one thing or another and the blog sorta took on a life of its own, right? Yeah, me too.
2010 (did you say twenty-ten or two-thousand-ten?) is 5 years blogging for me. Five years! Other than my hottie husband, that means this blogging relationship we share is my longest one to date. I must really like you, ’cause I tend to be kinda fickle about hobbies. Ask me about oboe lessons, my 4-week stint as a waitress, scrapbooking, the elliptical machine gathering dust in my basement, and other various hobbies I have picked up and couldn’t stick with.
And I started blogging reluctantly. It was summer 2005. I really believed this newish blog phenomenon would spark and fizzle. I mean writing is hard work. And all that photo fixing, cropping, resizing, uploading… sounded tedious. But I was asked as a volunteer leader for my favorite non-profit to help get the ball rolling. “Sure,” I thought, “I’ll get the horse out of the gate and slip quietly out the back barn door.”
You’re reading this, so you can see how that story goes. I just can’t quit you. You complete me. *coughsnickercough*
I’m at another cross roads though. Like a chunk of cells about to undergo my own mitosis. Exasperated with the FTC, I pulled ads and reviews. ‘Cept now I’m feeling kinda lonely over here, and while I don’t love reviews I do love give-aways and what I miss is promoting my network and the small businesses I believe in. I don’t mean Google Ads, or corporate non-sense. I mean shops I love… like etsy crafters, photography prop shops that I support and shop from myself, bloggers I’ve discovered and loved sharing with you. I feel like you all are missing this amazing network, and this amazing network is missing YOU.
So what are your thoughts – since you all and I are practically married – is 5 years common law, yet? Do you like the give-aways, learning about the places I’ve discovered online… or do you prefer the wide canvas and ad-free sidebars? I’ve gone back and forth over this as both a reader and a blogger. I’ve gotten to know about some pretty cool shops and bloggers because of ads on my friends’ blogs. But I don’t love the blogs that appear to blog for the ads / profit. Those never withstand the test of time, that kind of profit-end-goal is transparent.
So, how do you share those things you love with your readers?
How has your blog evolved? What has changed most since you started?
Inserting obligatory photo now. (C’mon, you know I can’t NOT.)
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
evolution of my blog is definitely something to ponder. I may steal this idea for my blog. Air hug to you! i would air kiss, but I don’t think we’ve been together long enough to be considered common law married, more like dating. but i don’t have a commitment issue.
“commitment issue” *snort*
at word press you guys actually have pages right? well you could always make a page of your favorite sites/finds for people to go look at and put a link up at the top. Just a thought. Whatever you do will be purdy but I do love this layout too.
Amanda´s last blog ..Maryland Zoo partners with the B&O Railroad, Maryland Science Center, and Port Discovery for the Months of January and February.
I’m actually pondering a journal entry about this very thing. I started writing a blog to share the boy with their family in Texas. And then, other people, total strangers, got on for the ride too. Who Knew? A couple of months ago I had to totally change blogs to get my mind re-focused to blog for People, instead of Grandma, but in a way that was still targeted at Grandma. Now that I’ve jumped head first into the blogosphere, I see the tantalizing idea of earning money while I type, but so far, I’m resisting. I really don’t like the blogs that are surrounded by ad space – but if it helps the family income – I’m all for it! For me, as a consumer, I rarely purchase anything on the internet, as we are a single income retail industry family. So my vote may not count – but I do really really enjoy learning whats out there and verbally supporting folks. I’ve never won a giveaway so I’m definitely against them. (ha ha) We’ve recently moved to a town with VERY few kids or heads of family under the age of 60, so that has made my turn to blogging and chats, to find some virtual friends.
Long answer eh? We’ll be reading either way, unless of course, you quit posting pictures, then um, we’ll unsubscribe. Snicker.
Angie/Pebblekeeper´s last blog ..Glorious Blue Sky!
Congrats Darcy! Wow, five years huh? That’s almost as long as I’ve been married for real!
I would welcome the reintroduction of giveaways and reviews… even the ads, because I value your opinion, and love to find new resources like that. And I have absolutely no problem with you being an affiliate — why not?!
So might vote is to bring them back…!
Sharon –
Hey – congrats on your new job. Now that’s a cool outcome for all your hard work.
Oh mine’s constantly evolving. I like promoting things that I think will help people but not fond of “ads”. I don’t like the idea of being ’sold’. LOL
Nikowa Lee´s last blog ..365-24 Savory
Hey Darcy, Well – our relationship is almost at our year mark so we really shouldn’t even be engaged yet. But, since you made my blog and made it so gaw-gous, I absolutely feel like we’re at least common-law by this point!
I love the idea of have a “page” on your blog with just such things. Then, you’ll have a little sumpn, sumpn for everyone.
I’m still evolving…into what I’m not sure.
I don’t get the whole blog for money thing…I don’t care for the ads and the selling of ad space and the request my marketing package etc.
Did that help?
No?
Me neither…
LOL
Karin Katherine´s last blog ..The Mommy Make-over photos continue…
I’m in the middle of this dilemma because my blog is also evolving. It started as a record of some summer trips and projects I was involved – a way to keep in touch with family. It has transformed into meandering thoughts about marriage, our house, and random things online that I like. And it’s definitely tempting to make money from it, though I’m not sure I’m THAT motivated to blog
For what it’s worth, I don’t mind ads, but I like white space too. Blogs with a never-ending sidebar of etsy shop ads drive me a little crazy just because it looks SO cluttered. I’d prefer a few well placed ones, and that’s it.
Jen´s last blog ..Virtual Vacation – New Zealand
I can’t believe that it’s been five years. I remember when I first came to your site, you had a music player and it played KT Tunstall’s Suddenly I See. I loved that song, had to go buy it afterward! I’ve been evolving myself, unfortunately I’ve switched web homes each time. I just felt like each new venture needed a new home to go with it. I love the wide layout, but I do love hearing about the places you love. One thing that I really miss is that you had some AWESOME html tutorials either hear or on your graphic site. Ones that I’m still using the information from, but I wish that they were still around so I could get a refresher instead of having search through the internet for them
Looking forward to the next five years!
ha! Yes, back before music was widespread and it wasn’t a clutter of noise. Those were the good ol’ days.
They were on the Graphically Designing site. They are still there, but hard to find since I changed it to a site instead of a blog.
but I love this idea! I can totally make an html coding reference sheet. It would probably save me a lot of emails, too. not that I don’t love hearing from you all. I do! But I rather chat about just about anything other than code.
ps – thanks for stickin’ with me all this time. <3
You’re welcome!
I’m torn. I LOVE your new wide layout and picture size but I also like finding new places and I really appreciate and value the things you recommend. That probably doesn’t help much.
I say go back to having a few things on the sidebar. You’d be able to have the best of both worlds since you’d still be able to have the big beautiful pictures.
becca´s last blog ..Words
quick question, how to I add a profile picture for when I comment here? have you already told us how? if so just direct me to that post!
becca´s last blog ..Words
Becca,
You need a “gravatar”. I’d love to see your pretty face. Once you sign up, you will be seen on ALL wp blogs you network with.
Go here: http://en.gravatar.com/
Can’t wait to “see” ya!
I like both. Enjoy the bloggin’ but gotta have me some link love too!
It’s the only way to find other great people on the www like you! After all….. you were a sidebar button at one time. 
I can’t remember who shared you with me, but I’ve linked to your site from my blog now too. I like links to other sites and even suggestions of things people have tried or organizations they support. But not a major fan of the ‘blogher’ ads or adsense to make money. Just my .02
Renea´s last blog ..[ The 'Good ole USA' ]
Veddy, veddy interesting, Renea. “You were a sidebar button at one time.”
And I do love me some link love. That’s just the kind of networking I’m talkin’ about.
I agree with Renea. I like a few, carefully chosen, sidebar buttons … that’s how I found YOU!
It helps us ‘newbies’ out tremendously!
Debi´s last blog ..Children and Chores
I’m coming up in April on 2 years, and I’m still evolving. I am so ADD I don’t focus on one thing long enough to decide if I like it enough to make it a regular part of the blog. I do know that I love networking and love meeting new bloggers and staying connected with seasoned bloggers, however that happens. I do have a blogher ad on my blog, but it makes me next to nothing. I’ve been considering canning it.
I know I don’t comment that much but I am still reading…however you decide to “evolve.” : )
How else will I get my grammar questions answered?
Heathahlee´s last blog ..A Hero Once More….My Husband Rocks!
hey, my old blog was born in 2005 too! and now it’s all stylish and modern thanks to YOU! does that mean we are practically twins… fraternal twins?
i don’t like the blogher or adsense ads at all. they just seem so fake.
i DO like to know tidbits about what people are reading, where they like to visit, fun new finds… those little pieces help paint the bigger picture of a person.
Marsha´s last blog ..F-R-I-D-A-Y
i would love to know people from your network, but ours is more of one sided love affair!
i would have participated in your previous mcklinky too but i have same paranoid streak like yours when you went to grand canyon holiday….see your stats if you know what i mean…
anyhow…i prefer wide images and would prefer yours to be home of some awsome photo meme like shadow shot sunday, color carnival, i heart faces kind of thing..
I’m still such a newbie that my opinion hardly counts. But since you asked. . . .
I like ads, links, giveaways, and all the rest, as long as they’re well-organized. If they’re on the side, I can choose to disregard them if I’m in a disregarding mood, or I can choose to read through them and link on them if I wish. I love the fact that a blogger might earn a bit of income and advertisers might gain some exposure and traffic. And I especially love learning about other bloggers via links.
I may be alone in this, but I personally prefer a more narrow column of text. Wide photos are beautiful, but wide lines of text are hard for me to follow, literally and figuratively.
You are my hero for blogging for five years. I’m so glad you stuck with it, since otherwise I never would have known you.
Richella´s last blog ..Rainy days and Mondays
Congrats on 5 years! As a photography lover I don’t think I could part with my clean white space {If I had it). ; ) I love your recommendations. Your one of the few people I value listening to, because you only talk about what you love. What about a separate page of your favorite things with pictures of course! You could blog about things as you discover them and then add them to that page.
Beth @ Pages of Our Life´s last blog ..new {baby} and where I’ve been lately….
I like everything you like. I want to buy everything you have.
So, basically ~ I wanna be like you. Walk like you. Talk like you, too-oo-oo-oooo.
I’m with Marsha on the Google ads and BlogHer ads. I never, ever, ever {like evah} click on those. What I like are recommendations to products/people that you luuuurv. Take Etsy, for example. I love Etsy, but it’s so vast that I know I’m missing out on some really awesome finds. You probably know tons of people who sell stuff on Etsy. I would highly value your recommendation on a product!
Been blogging for 2 years this March. {Go, Ruthanne!} When I started my blog, our family was just starting to come out of a pit of despair. Feeling heartbroken and bitter, I blogged that way. No wonder nobody read it back then!
Blogging has been healing for me. I’ve found love, acceptance, encouragement, friendship and a whole gaggle of cheerleaders.
Ruthanne´s last blog ..A Valentine’s Day Treat
Darcy, I don’t comment here much, but I do keep an eye on what you’re up to. I’ve been blogging since 2003 .I lost my first blog in the terrible Upsaid disaster, then moved to blogspot, where I’ve had a couple of different set-ups. But honestly I haven’t evolved much and with my new blog, I’m trying to move past 2003 in my blogging.
I honestly like to see ads, as long as there are not too many. I don’t like too much visual clutter, but a well-placed recommendation from someone I cyber-trust means a lot to me. I don’t like to go to the mall to shop – hate it really. And if I have to buy something, I’d rather someone like you get a cut – what an awesome thing to be able to support one another that way!
Giveaways can sometimes feel like a desperate grab for readers to me, (in general, not referring specifically to you – I think you probably know what I”m talking about) but an occasional giveaway, especially if a company gives you the product is just fine.
I love your wide layout. Really love it! It’s so relaxing to come here and read after all the busy-ness of so many blogs.
And there you go. My not so humble opinion! -Amy
Amy loves Bud´s last blog ..Rules for Kids by a Mom
I love it. I love no ads. I would love to have a peak of what you know, though. I guess that I would like it somewhere other than where I am reading. Is that an answer?
My husband and I will be together five years in 2010, dating and all. I view your blogging as an evolution parallel to my marriage. I would say that you are definitely married by now.
I’ve loved watching your blog evolve (and your businesses take off)! I come here for you, baby, not the ads. ;o)
As for my bloggy evolution…I’m in desperate need of a change. I would like to somehow link/integrate my art business and pursuits with my personal blog and Blogger just ain’t cuttin’ it. But growth, even when uncomfortable, is a good thing, no?
PS~ Took a gander at tax info. for small businesses/self employment….Oh, my!
Anna K.´s last blog ..Singing at a funeral….not as easy as I thought.
Oh yeah, the evolving has definitely happened and it’s mostly been good. I’m hitting my 3 yr. anniversary Feb. 1st & have loved every minute of it. Glad I started when I did. It’s been quite a ride & I can’t wait to make more changes on my blog & see where else it will go.
Enjoyed your Blissdom post! I confess, I bought some mini-Moos, since they were so popular last year. I can’t wait to meet you!!
darcy-
i like it! I like that I came and read and enjoyed your words and thoughts that you took time to write. I did not feel distracted (I’m totally ADD) by anything on your sidebar. Sometimes when I see all that stuff I have a small panic attack b/c it all looks so fab and i want to take it all in, and then I start clicking and I’m deep into it and forget that Oh my gosh, I have kids, and i was suppose to put them to bed like 30 min. ago! So, thanks for all of us ADDers! Distraction free can be a good thing!
MJ
Mary Jean Taylor´s last blog ..The Kelly Ripa Arm Project
I am so new at this…still learning and evolving. I suppose that will never stop, and if it does, than I should stop blogging
. Thanks for the post!
Amy´s last blog ..The foyer remodel that almost brought on early labor
Well, Beautiful Blog Designs has certainly grown and evolved. Where it will be four more years down the road – who knows.
Moving Forward, my personal blog, has kind of reduced in size. This year it looks like it’s going to be more of a photo blog than anything else. I’ve only had it for 1.5 years, so it still has more time to change again and again.
I agree, add back some stuff on the side. I would love the photography props and Etsy stuff (so addicted to Etsy).
Amanda´s last blog ..365-29 The News