Blogging Changed My Life
June 13, 2008 by John Hewitt
Article by Hana Kim
Without blogging, I wouldn’t have much of a life. I’m exaggerating a little but it’s true. I met a few of my friends via Blogger, and some of my blog-friendships have lasted for years. Back in the day, the term “pro-blogger” didn’t even exist. Like many people, I blogged because it was fun. I’m still a social blogger, but now I also blog for money. Considering how much time I spend blogging, it made sense.
However, it wasn’t an easy transition. In the back of my head, I always thought: “It would be nice if I got paid for blogging.” It was a thought bubble that never came to life. Last year I decided that I wanted to turn paid blogging into a reality. It would be nice if I said that I found the right blogging gig within the first few months. Real life is never that simple.
It was a long search, and I recently found my dream blogging job. I haven’t been a pro-blogger for a long time, and I can relate to the aspiring blogger. If you’ve just started your search or you’ve always wondered about it, I have a few tips for you. Some of it may sounds like familiar advice, but I hope I can share some new tidbits.
“Do or do not; there is no try.” – Yoda
This is a no-brainer, but I wish someone said this to me. There is a huge difference between wanting a blog job and actually searching for one. For a long time, I was one of those “aspiring” pro-bloggers. Aspiration is nice but it doesn’t pay the bills. After giving myself a kick in the pants, I searched through freelance job listings every day. I bookmarked writing and blogging job boards. Like any job search, you need to devote time and energy to that search.
Get used to rejection.
Rejection sucks. There is no way to sugar-coat it. I know it’s nothing personal, but it still sucks. Get used to it. I know a lot of people who don’t send applications because they’re afraid of rejection. Rejection is annoying but it’s not scary. I take the half-empty approach: I expect rejection so that I am pleasantly surprised by an acceptance. It works every time. After the twentieth or so rejection, you learn to deal with it.
Do the math.
I’m not going to discuss rates because I think it’s a personal decision. Even if you’re just starting out, you have to figure out what’s appropriate for you. Don’t lowball yourself, but don’t base your decision solely on rate. A job that requires 100 word posts is much different from one that requires well-researched 400-500 word posts. Some blogs pay per post, and some pay a percentage of ad revenue. Get your calculator, and figure out worst-case and best-case scenarios. It will help you decide if the rate is appropriate for you.
Blog first; find the right gig later.
I like vinyl toys, and I’ve been collecting them for a year. I told my friends, “Wouldn’t it be great if I could get paid to write about toys?” As a whim, I started a new blog with the intent of writing about vinyl toys. I didn’t expect to make any money from it, but I kept blogging. One day I saw a listing that looked for toy writers. I responded immediately and sent a few of my blog posts as writing samples. I received an acceptance letter within a week. I think it really helped that I was already blogging about toys.
I took a long-term approach to paid blogging. I knew that I wouldn’t find a gig right away, and I continued to send in applications. Instead of taking the shotgun approach, I only applied to blogs that I would want to read. I still blog for pleasure, but sometimes I treat my blog as a potential writing sample. If I find a great blog gig, I have ready-to-send writing samples. I already found one dream job, and I know I can find another one.
________________________
About Me: I write about toys at ToyCyte: Toy Culture Collected (http://toycyte.com), and I blog about nerdy things at http://chopsticky.vox.com. Eventually I want to blog full-time. Yes, that is a solicitation for work.
Related links
- 5 Reasons I Love Blogging More than Freelancing (0.500)
- Are You Determined Enough to be a Freelance Writer? (0.500)
- Why Writing Deadlines May Be (Almost) As Good As Money (0.500)
- Successful Freelance Writers Know How to Use a Feed Reader (0.440)
- Is Demand Studios the new Associated Press? (0.440)
Contact John Hewitt
Writing Content and Web Consulting
Email: hewitt@poewar.comPhone: (520) 261-6104
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Twitter: @poewar
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[...] Blogging Changed My Life – Without blogging, I wouldn’t have much of a life. I’m exaggerating a little but it’s true. I met a few of my friends via Blogger, and some of my blog-friendships have lasted for years. Back in the day, the term “pro-blogger” didn’t even … [...]
Your advice is helpful not only to bloggers but to all writers. Rejection, especially, is a big problem for many writers. I edit a church newsletter, and one of our church members submits poetry every month. Every month she says she will be devastated if her work is ever rejected. I’ve told her she doesn’t much about writing if she doesn’t expect rejection … a lot of rejection.
Hana, you offer great advice and your post is inspiring, as Lillian said, for all writers, not just bloggers. I love your Yoda quote; I should put it up on my refrigerator as a daily reminder
For years I struggled “to be” a writer. Then, on the cusp of my 50th birthday, I decided, “hey, it’s now or never!” I’m not trying to be a writer. I *am* a writer. It’s amazing how that attitude adjustment can make everything fall into place.
Of course, I’m not yet making any money from my writing, but your post has given me some great ideas. Thank you for such an informative post, and good luck with your blogging!
Marie Ann Baileys last blog post..Learn to Critique and Become a Better Writer in the Process
[...] freelance, guest blogger, Hana Kim, paid blogging, pro-blog, the Writer’s Resource Center, writing Hana Kim, guest blogger at the Writer’s Resource Center, provides great advice for anyone interested [...]
Hana, thanks for the encouraging and inspiring post. I especially agree with your last point, “blog first, find the right gig later.” It will increase your chances of finding a gig if you can already show that you have the determination, ability, and self-discipline to do the job.
Also, besides getting used to rejection you can actually even use some rejection as inspiration. I recently got turned down for a small blogging gig, but I was encouraged by the fact that 1.) I got a response and 2.) I was told they would keep my information on file. That little email made my day.
Like Marie Ann, I have had an awakening of sorts and am pursuing a “sustainable life,” which includes writing among other things. I agree, attitude does have an amazing impact.
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Oops! – I changed the link to my personal blog. It should read: http://hanak.vox.com
Since writing this, I have a new blogging gig at http://realityblogs.com
Lillie: I figure it this way…if you’re not used to rejection, you’re not sending enough submissions out there. Rejection is just a part of the process.
Marie Ann: I’m a big nerd for quoting Yoda, but it’s sound advice.
I struggled “to be” a writer for a long time. How could I complain about not being a writer when I wasn’t submitting my work anywhere? Thanks for the comment and I’m glad I could inspire someone.
Morgan: I agree with you. Ability is one thing, but determination and discipline will decide if you can make it through rejection after rejection. Sometimes you have to keep on chugging.
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Hana,
I love your gravatar!
Marie Ann Baileys last blog post..Learn How You Can Get Paid for Blogging
Thanks, Marie Ann! It’s Pucca, originally from Korea and now co-opted by Disney: http://tv.disney.go.com/jetix/pucca/
hanas last blog post..Guest Article on PoeWar.com
It’s nice to see the steps laid out like that. I think you’re so right when you said that you’re not sending out enough submissions if you’re not used to rejection yet.
You’re taking it by storm, one blog at a time
Hana,
Great advice for aspiring paid bloggers! As with any type of writing, taking the long-term approach is always a good idea. And I certainly agree that the “shotgun approach” is generally a waste of time. (Even if you do land a gig this way, what’s so good about landing a gig you’ll be sorry you got!) Targeting our markets is the best way to land gigs we’ll be happy with. Yes, we’ll have to deal with rejection; but once we realize that rejection comes with the territory, we’ll learn not to take it so personally.
Thanks for sharing these helpful tips!
Jeanne
hana k: taking over the interwebs, one blogsite at a time!!!
great post. i hate rejection. it hurts. a lot.
hey, whoa. how’d that picture show up there? what the hell just happened? i’m confuzzed.
grrraces last blog post..Entertainment: Movies, Music
Lisa: one blog at a time…getting that first gig is always the hardest.
Jeanne: thanks for your comment! I agree that the shotgun approach may lead to a gig that you don’t want to keep.
Grrrace: Rejection hurts…but you get over it. p.s. that’s your old gravatar showing up.
Good advice all. You have walked through the fire so you speak from experience.
I think I like this bit best:
I only applied to blogs that I would want to read.
There’s really nothing worse than writing stuff that you have no interest in unless it’s reading stuff that’s uninteresting.
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Cyn: Thanks for the comment! I think first-hand experience is always better than the best advice. I’m sure there are talented writers who can write about anything. You can fake it to an extent, but it’s the quicket way to burn out.
hanas last blog post..i love this
My day job involves reading and writing stuff that I find terminally boring. I only do it because I get benefits (insurance, sick leave, etc). No way would I want to hustle to do something I don’t enjoy. I think that’s what I like best about Hana’s post–it’s all about doing something you love to do.
Hana, congratulations on getting paid to do what you love. Ditto Marie Ann–it’s difficult to get overly enthused about reading, editing, or writing subject matter that you find boring. Challenging material is one thing, but boring is another altogether–and it depends on your self-motivation and will-power (a la: I will edit this dull-as-dirt article on the effects of radiation on rat molars so I can afford to pay my own dentist!). Your tips of course apply to any type of writing–have an elephant’s hide in terms of rejection, don’t expect to get rich writing blogs (either overnight or after a lifetime of writing), and so on.
I also found I had to draw a line in the sand for myself in terms of reading/editing things I found boring versus things I found simply counter to my own personal philosophy–and once I did that, I’ve been better able to move through reading/editing things I have a philosophical beef with.
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Marie Ann: I’ve done terminally boring work to pay the rent. I do miss having a regular paycheck and benefits. I pay for health insurance but I still have to worry about getting sick and missing work. I realize that I won’t always be able to write about something I love. I’m just glad that I do.
Leigh: Thanks for the congrats! I agree with you on self-motivation and will power. Writing/editing is still work. Sometimes you’ll enjoy what you’re working on, and sometimes you have to suck it up and do the best you can. I think that’s why it’s good to be a little selective about taking assignments instead of burning yourself out.
I’ve been fortunate, as my first blog lead me to several other paid blogging gigs. So I’m blogging the subjects I really enjoy and I’m liking those paper checks that come in the mail. Life is good!
Karen Putz / Deafmoms last blog post..Are You Living Your Dream Life?
The computer has changed my life immensely. I have discovered hidden talents I didn’t know I had, and realized that I love writing. It has kept me out of trouble, and given me a endless supply of work so I am never bored. Having the need for a internet connection has also brought stability to my life. Alot of positive changes have happened in my life.
I wish I had pursued a computer related career 15 years ago, instead of listening to all the reasons that I could not; One being my weak math skills. What does math have to do with building websites, and the internet? Nothing. In fact being a nerdy bookworm turned out to be my greatest asset.
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Hana,
Thank you for contributing to my guest blogger month. Blogging has helped me in many of the same ways. I have made friends and business contacts, i have made some money and I have had the opportunity to practice my craft in front of an audience. It has been a great experience.
Some of us are always looking for content, I would say it’s easier to become a pro-blogger than it seems.
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Karen – that’s awesome. Congrats!
Robert – I feel the same way. I don’t know what I’d do without the internet.
John – thanks again for the wonderful opportunity.
Magnus – It takes the same amount of determination and skills as getting any other kind of freelance job. The jobs are out there.
hanas last blog post..The Insider’s Guide to San Diego Comic-Con
Blogging has not yet changed my life, but if I can get about 10x the income I have now it certainly would as I could look to go fulltime!
Lisas last blog post..50’s Decade Box Gift Basket – Classic 50’s Candy
Nice real life experience that can help a fellow
Great tips from your own experience!
MarketingDeviants last blog post..Feigning Foolishness
Great post and I liked the way you express. In my personal case, life without blogging is not really a disaster as I am anyway hooked on to my puter. However, the satisfaction of interacting with many is something really good.
Cheers and good luck!
Ajith Edassery
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Yeah, blogging can be very fulfilling and takes time to master. The best thing to do is just start writing, and make it consistent. The more you blog, the better your writing skills get and the more effective your posts are.
Any post with a quote from Yoda is a winner to me!!
The only way to avoid rejection is not to put your self out there. That would certainly lead to a boring life!!! Yes, it is hard to deal with rejection, but you just have to remember–different strokes for different folks and move on.
Kevins last blog post..Benchmarking as a Blogging Tool
I just stumbled upon your site and must say that i’m inspired by your posts. Like with any business, you need to have thick skin and be ready for rejection in order to succeed. Blogging for money isn’t easy as it takes time and patience to see results.
Good luck with everything!
Sal
Sal / Movie Gift Baskets Blogs last blog post..Movie Gift Baskets: A Great Housewarming Gift Idea?
“Blogging for money isn’t easy as it takes time and patience to see results.” That is so very true. People dont understand that nothing comes easy and hard work and patience can and will pay off.
Great read.
Brians last blog post..100 Do Follow .org Blogs
Blogging means money for me ….If you can put all your effort on blogging it can certainly bring you the results. At the beginning of my blogging age, i was just a copy and paste fellow ..but later i turned to post my own . Well that was the start of all my earning
happy blogging
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Blogging is a nice source of extra income. You can research and write about topics that you are interested in and get paid for it in form of advertising revenue. World would be a better place if all jobs were like that.
ddoss last blog post..Identifying and stopping ddos attack on Linux box
It’s really a great blog post and from now on i will try to get some free time and post some great posts and share views with others…
Razareal
I read lots of positive comments about perseverance in the face of rejection or failure. A remarkable example is Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the USA (1861-1865). Before Lincoln’s election as the 16th president of the United States he failed as: a business man – as a storekeeper, failed as a farmer – he despised this work, failed in his first attempt to obtain political office, he failed when he sought the office of speaker, he failed in his first attempt to go to Congress, he failed when he sought the appointment to the United States Land Office, he failed when he ran for the United States Senate and he failed when friends sought for him the nomination for the vice-presidency in 1856. That should encourage us all!
Blogging changed my life too. Although i already run a tech blog, i am in a mood to start a personal blog too so that i can post my thoughts and findings over there.
Great post anyways
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Hi Hana,
First, I like your avatar.
Thank you for great inspiring post. Almost 6 years of my work in web development part, I found blog really inspiring me. I read several blog, I meet some new friend who have really good mind. I feel that I would like to be a pro-blogger. But from my first try, I got the rejection and hey it’s hurt. I was almost give up. Glad to read this post from you today. Thank you.
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It’s quite true for anybody. Blogging helps you make friends, gives you real lifetime experience, makes you money as well. It gives you ideas as well as experience on how to manage things, how to fulfil expectations (you know readers are expecting from you).
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Wow. I just realized that this article was still in the Freelance section. That’s pretty cool.
Thanks to everyone for reading and taking the time to comment. I recently started another blog (http://supahcute), and I’m still looking for more paid blogging gigs.
To anyone who’s just starting out, keep trying. If you’re still hurt by rejection, then you’re not sending enough applications, imo. After a while, you learn to shrug off rejection.
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