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Friday, March 18, 2011

Friend Friday: Mistakes Overturned, Lessons Learned

 Here was the question put to us this week...

So far, what have been the 5 hardest blogging lessons you’ve learned
during this process and have helped make you a better blogger as a result.

1. First and foremost, I realized just how computer illiterate I really was.  I knew just enough to be  dangerous as they say.  I have learned a lot, but have so far to go.  I really am jealous of the younger bloggers that have so much computer knowledge.  I will say that they are very helpful to those of us that did not grow up with computers.
 2. People can be mean and cruel in their comments.  I personally have not experienced it, but know those who have.  There is really no excuse for it.  If you can't say something nice, then move on to another blog!
 3. Not to get sucked into  feeling like you always need to do more or do what everyone else is doing.  Early on I was so overwhelmed by this world I never knew about.  It was easy to compare and start to feel lacking.  Sometimes, it even feels like other bloggers may try to say things to make you feel bad if you aren't on board with their particular project.  I do what is true to me and try to not to be persuaded even if it seem like everyone else is doing it.  I blog for the enjoyment of it.
 4. Not to think you need every piece of clothing you see that you like.  One of my early goals was that I was going to try and "shop my closet".  If I see things that I like I put them in my phone and think about how they will fit into my wardrobe.  If they will work yay, if not I delete that item from my list.
 5. Less is more when it comes to the look of your blog.  I like a lot of color, design and change.  It took me a while to realize this was not a good thing for the look of a blog.  It needed to be clean and simple to get the best visual look.   Here is what I have learned on my journey...

  • Blogs that are on dark backgrounds are hard to read
  • cluttered ads take focus away from your content
  • weird fonts are distracting
  • music will make a person leave your blog faster than anything else
  • a wild colorful background doesn't let your eyes rest on the text
  • and lastly, put breaks in your text.  One long paragraph is too much for the eye and brain to take in at once. 

I have made some of these mistakes and I have witnessed some of these mistakes.
But~Hey, blogging is a learning process to each and everyone of us and the main thing is not to beat yourself up over it. 

Learn, move on and have

 To see what others have learned click here Modly Chic.

13 comments:

Judy said...

That thing about not having to have everything I see, if it's jewelry, it's hard for me.

Rebecca said...

I definitely agree that less is more when it comes to blog design.

Toneycarla said...

I'm like that with shoes--have a terrible time passing them up--even thought I end up wearing the SAME few pairs all the time.....

sabinasupernova said...

This is such a fantastic post, thank you for it!

xxx
Lovely blog, come see mine! :)
www.sabinasupernova.com

Hey There Carole! said...

Thanks for the insight. I have just started blogging but I at times have compared mine to others out there. I am so glad I found you and Never Growing Old. I was beginning to think I was just too old for fashion blogging.

Again, thanks for the insight and your wonderful blogging.

Thriftygirlvintage said...

Thanks for sharing about being overwhelmed at first. I am overwhelmed! There's so much I want to do and so much I need to learn in the computer department. Finding balance is what I'm working on right now. You have a good weekend, too. Debbie

Halie said...

Great post, Brett! These are all fantastic observations - I've experienced most of them since I started blogging. I definitely agree with you on #1 - even though I grew up around computers, I still get super confused whenever I have to use even the most basic HTML. #5 I've found to be very true as well - I tend to stay away from blogs with very busy layouts and lots of ads and black or dark backgrounds definitely only look best on photography blogs.

Halie

Writeitinlipstick.blogspot.com said...

I agree that sometimes bloggers can be a little testy if you dont join in their project and that's why I gave up on my link up. I didnt want people to feel like they had to do it.

Write it in Lipstick

Deborah said...

Your number five is spot on. I instantly turn off my volume on a blog with music.

I am a graphic designer and cluttered blogs make me insane. And they are very hard to concentrate on as you said.

Yay you girl!

Kristin & Megan said...

I've never understood why people take the time to leave nasty comments...and usually anonymously!

Terri said...

Brett--I have made ALL of these mistakes. We keep going. :)

Natasha Janzen said...

I love everything you mentioned in #5...and I'm pretty sure in the past I have made all those mistakes!! Lets just hope I'm still not doing it!!

Natasha ~ Required2BeInspired

Halie said...

Great post, Brett! These are all fantastic observations - I've experienced most of them since I started blogging. I definitely agree with you on #1 - even though I grew up around computers, I still get super confused whenever I have to use even the most basic HTML. #5 I've found to be very true as well - I tend to stay away from blogs with very busy layouts and lots of ads and black or dark backgrounds definitely only look best on photography blogs.

Halie