Sunday, June 10, 2007

My Blogging Story

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Chilihead is hosting a carnival and inviting everyone to tell their blogging story. Go on over and link up.

Here is my story:


How did you start blogging?

I started as a result of Barbara Curtis wishing someone would make the apron she loved, but was no longer available. I thought to myself, "I could do that!" and Barbara suggested that I start a blog to advertise my aprons. At first, I was just going to have the one post up about my aprons, but my husband kept urging me to write about life with the kids. Slowly, but surely, I began to think of more things to say.

Did you intend to be a blog w/a following? If so, how did you go about it?

I hoped I would have some regular readers and I emailed my blog address to all my family and friends. I try to comment on blogs I enjoy and I participate in 2 blog carnivals regularly, Works For Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday.

What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog? Have you been successful? If not, do you have a plan to achieve those goals?

I was just thinking about this the other day when I saw a statement explaining the purpose of someone's blog. I asked my husband if he thought my blog even had a purpose, and he said, "Sure it does! The purpose is to amuse me!" Pretty much every day he calls from work to tell me what he thinks of my post or to say, "Where's a new post?" So, I guess I do keep him amused and that's a measure of success.

Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How?

Well, yes, since I only started out to advertise my aprons. Now, I focus on retelling the stories of my family hijinks or sharing my views of the world around me.

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started?

I wish I had been more thoughtful about the name of my blog. I considered it for a full 10 minutes before I published it. One day recently, my daughter, also a contributor on this blog, said, "You should have named your blog "Odds, Ends, and Aprons". I said, "That's a great name! Where were you when I was naming this thing?" and she said, "Right here telling you to name it 'Odds, Ends, and Aprons!'" Note to self: Listen a little better.

Do you make money with your blog?

Only when someone orders one of my handy dandy aprons.

Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it? If not, why?

Yes, they know about it because I emailed everyone in my address book a note saying I was starting a new blog. My mom reads regularly. (Hi, Mom!) She thinks I'm famous!

What two pieces of advice would you give to a new blogger?

First, read plenty of other blogs to get a feeling for what "works" and is appealing to others. Then, write about what you find interesting.

14 comments:

Rocks In My Dryer said...

I love the name "smockity frocks"! It totally fits!

Anonymous said...

I second Shannon: I love the blog name. Of course, the other name is great too, but I'm just sayin' this one is good too. ;)

And the aprons? Oh so cute. I've been here a few times just to look at the aprons!

Anonymous said...

I think Smockity Frocks is very cute! :)

I think it is awesome your mom thinks you are famous! :)

Tracy said...

I've been lurking for a while now. I LOVE the name of your blog, and while meaning no disrespect to your daughter, I wouldn't change it. It's perfect!

Smockity Frocks said...

Thanks, everyone! My husband talked me out of changing it a while back. I'm a little happier with it since I put some actual smocked frocks in the header. So, it stays!

D said...

I also love the name! And how wonderful, truly wonderful that your husband enjoys reading your blog! Really! :-) Mine will read mine if I ask him to...

Deena Peterson said...

First, I love your name...but that other one would make a great catagory title...

And my hubby is one of my biggest fans, too! He'll call me from work and quote my blog...it's fun!

Tiffany said...

Hey there! I agree with everyone else - I think that "Smockity Frocks" is beyond clever. I think it's so neat to find out how others began blogging - it seems like everyone has a story! -Tiffany

Nikki said...

I love your blog. I stalk it at least a couple times a day. Odds, Ends, and Aprons would make a great subtitle. I too didn't take much time in thinking of a blog name and can now think of better names. Maybe I'll change it one day. maybe.

I love the description of your occupation. :)

I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you and your family through your blog. Thanks!

Smockity Frocks said...

Thank you, everyone!

Anonymous said...

I think your blog name is cute, clever, and distinctive! I enjoyed reading your story.

Dana~Are We There Yet? said...

What a cute, fun place you have here! Great blogging story, too!

Hmmm. I'm going to need to peruse the apron offerings at some length...

WendyDarling said...

Very cute aprons, and a wonderful blog. :-)

Shalee said...

I think your blog name is perfect too.

And I can totally relate to the amusing your spouse bit. I feel that if I get Mr. Right to smile, then I've done my job for the day!

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