This month I published my 500th blog post here on sueblimely.com, and my comment count went over 9000. It’s not that I’m a prolific blogger but I’ve written here for 10+ years now. I thought it a good time to look back and reflect on why I’m still blogging after all this time, when so many give up.
What’s the secret?
I think Jon Gordon summed it up when he said
“Donβt chase dollars or success. Decide to make a difference and build meaningful relationships and success will find you.” Jon Gordon
Let me explain:
I had a break from blogging of almost a year at one time and it wasn’t because the blog wasn’t successful. It had reached a rank of PR6, I was regularly among the top 20 Australian bloggers, and other top blogger lists.
Why did I stop blogging?
I lost motivation. I’d built up good relationships with other bloggers but, over time, most gave up. Communities I’d joined closed down, because of the newer, larger social media networks . My blog comments were now mostly quick notes from strangers (or spam).
I’d set comments as do follow and this had been publicized in some popular lists. A lot of visitors were coming for the backlinks, but not primarily to read. My aim has always been to provide information to those who need it. I felt I was no longer doing this. (I now use commentluv which rewards with follow links, but only after 3 comments)
I’d enjoyed the social side and relationship building aspect of blogging but now I was a lonely blogger. Aww!
Blogging Disaster
It was partly financial circumstances that brought me back, but not to this blog. As I explained in Purpose, Persistence & Positivity Pays that didn’t work out. My other site was too promotional, and I didn’t then know enough about online marketing to instruct or mentor. I joined some MLM programs under people I didn’t know well, and they didn’t, or couldn’t, help me learn.
Contacts persuaded me to join other things which didn’t sit with me ethically. Relationship building in online marketing is important, but they must be the right relationships.
A Return to Valuable Alliances
So back I came here, to what I consider my internet home, where I started building up blogging and marketing contacts, and friends, again. I’d almost given up on the idea of making money online, my confidence shot, but I don’t like giving up.
Power Affiliate Club founder, and constant mentor, Lesly Federici gave me the confidence to carry on and I sincerely thank her. As she says in her recent post
“Because we are own worst critic, we donβt see clearly our greatness. Thatβs why surrounding yourself with people who really support and believe in you is vital. What they can do for you is what you can also do for others.”
(Lesly is running a program, starting next week, called DO IT WORKSHOP , which will be well worth joining)
Other community members give me inspiration too:
I’d lost the belief that I could succeed in online marketing but as David Merrill, says in Success is a Self Fulfilling Prophesy “what is essential is that you decide to succeed at something, and that you believe it.”
What I’ve learned from my alliances with others is worth more than any course I’ve done. This is especially true of the PAC community. It allows you to connect with knowledgeable, ethical, bloggers and marketers, for mutual support, and gives us a chance to pass on our experience to beginners. I am now one the their website expert authors.
I highly recommend joining PAC
I’ve talked about blogging affiliations in personal terms here. Donna Merrill tells us of other advantages of How Communities Build Site Traffic
Another PAC member, Rachel Lavern, is giving away a free training program: Savvy Steps to Get Your Online Business Booming . It’s a great example of providing value to readers.
I wish I could mention everyone in the PAC community, other online friends, and all those who leave valuable comments here. I really appreciate you and thank you for your support. I’m no longer a lonely blogger π
Into The Future
As for here on sueblimely.com, I’ll continue passing on my experience and knowledge (including stuff I learned about myself). What others have done for me, I can do for others! When I do promote a paying product it’s only because I’ve tried it and understand its value. Believe me, I’m well past that shiny objects stage. They tarnish too quickly!
I’ll always try to give value although, of course, that is in the eye of the beholder. As bloggers we need to find the right audience to reach those interested in our topics, don’t we?
The last few weeks has been ones of reflection. In a couple of weeks, when I can see properly again after my eye op, I’ll be reviewing my new favorite, and time-saving, social networking tool. Reflection time is over for now. I’ve also cleared out some of the clutter which will give me more time to add to my free resources site.
I’m always willing to answer any questions you have about blogging, web themes, marketing and social media promotion. The best way to do this is in comments here or private messages on my Facebook Page, Sueblimely Sue Bride.
If you blog yourself, what have you gained from alliances with other bloggers?
Joan M Harrington says
Hi Sue,
What a wonderful post on the power of being in a community of other like-minded people who believe and support you like what PAC does for us bloggers! Thank you for sharing your experiences and why you need to “pull-back” from blogging and get yourself back on track again. I know the feeling all too well lol π It is really all about helping others and providing tons of value to your readers. That is what being a blogger really is, sharing our knowledge and adding value to other people, especially our readers. I feel if my posts can help just ONE person, then I have done what I set out to do with my post π
Awesome share my friend! Keep up the great work!
I do love being a part of PAC with you and all the others who share so much value!
Sue Bride says
It’s harder to provide value these days when there is so much excellent content out there, especially on popular blogs that often have multiple authors. It’s not possible for blogs with single authors to be a one-stop shop to learn everything there is to know on a topic. Thankfully, being part of a blogging community means you still get visitors and engagement. PAC is wonderful for that.
Chery Schmidt says
Hello Sue! What an AWESOME Post My Friend! I to Love what Lesly has done with PAC! and am so grateful to be part of her community! Thank you for sharing your story with us here! I just love Your Blog!!
Chery :))
emi says
Hi Sue,
Congrats on your 500th blog post!
Beautiful story, PAC is amazing and just starting to grow.
Love our community and how we support each other.
Thank you for sharing!
kathiemaclean@gmail.com says
Hi Sue,
Wonderful post, even more than usual.
500 blog posts! Wow I think I will start numbering mine.
You lost the belief that you could succeed with online marketing. But we are glad you came back.
I love David’s quote.
βwhat is essential is that you decide to succeed at something and that you believe it.β
As well as ” Dont chase dollars or success . Decide to make a difference and build meaningful relationships, and success will find you
– Jon Gordon
βBecause we are own worst critic, we donβt see clearly our greatness. Thatβs why surrounding yourself with people who really support and believe in you is vital. What they can do for you is what you can also do for others.β
-Lesly Federici
All the wonderful people who make up PAC. Every one contributes to the whole. We welcome you back after your eye op and you can see properly again. Take care my friend.
Sue Bride says
If you go to your posts page it says how many published posts there are right at the top. I’m looking forward to getting back into contributing to PAC again now I can see clearly.
Ravi Chahar says
Hey Sue,
Blogging is something the people start with the passion. But after some time they start losing the motivation. I know how it feels when you get connected to fellow bloggers and they stop showing up.
The future is in your hand. If you want to share your valuable content with your readers then go for it. Write more blog post. I wasn’t aware that someone can write for 10 years.
I hated books but like to read online. So just trying to maintain the proportion.
Thanks a lot for this motivational post.
Have a great weekend.
~Ravi
Sue Bride says
Even after giving away masses of books when I moved I still have bookcases chocked full of them. I haven’t touched them in years (apart from to dust them that is) These days any books I read are in digital format for PC or my iPad.
Erika Mohssen-Beyk says
Hi Sue,
congratulations on your 500th blog post ,this is amazing .
!0 years of blogging is a long time ,this is what made you
a great blogger π All the disasters you talked about made
you better in understanding and giving value to your followers.
Good to tell about ,this way others who are not that skilled
can learn from . Great you have your place in the PAC community.
A good place to be for all of us .
Thank you for telling your experiences of 10 years blogging .
Erika
Sue Bride says
I joined in another blogging community a few weeks ago just to see what it was like. I cancelled my subscription before the first month was up. Apart from being far more expensive than PAC, it didn’t offer so much.
Lillian De Jesus says
Hi Sue,
You certainly have been blogging for a long time. I think 10 years is about ‘FOREVER’ on the internet. LOL You’ve made some changes and you’ve learned through them. That’s great experience! So glad you stuck with it. π
Edward Thorpe says
Hi Sue,
Your eye surgery will go well. And, deciding to stay offline for a week or so after, is a good idea.
Thank you for sharing a little about your blogging history. Personal stories are always my favorite blog posts, and this one is no exception.
Loved all your quotes and agree wholeheartedly with your warm feelings for PAC.
I’ve not had time to interact with each PAC member. But most of the ones I’ve gotten to know, have been darn good for my personal growth and have improved my business views. (I’d love to name names, but afraid I’d omit someone) Thanks for being my Australian Friend,
Edward
Sue Bride says
Same here Edward. I too haven’t interacted directly with all PAC members and must make an effort to reach out to them and offer my support.
Lesly Federici says
Dear Sue
Thank you. Words escape me right now as I write this. I’ve known you for a while now and have always been in awe of your posts.. so informative, detailed and I often wish I could write like you. How others have helped me through hard times (and not shared) I take what I experience, turn it around to help others as best I can. Because I understand the mines in the field of life. The internet is a very cold place and when you find comfort in a safe environment – such as PAC, it can only be a catalyst for personal growth and success in whatever your interests are and want to accomplish. I am grateful to you and so many others. We are all thinking of you and hoping all goes well my dear friend. Sending lots of love …. and thank you …
Sue Bride says
I often wish I could write like you, Lesly! I learn so much from PAC members, not only from their blogs but the way they engage and interact.
Deborah A. Ten Brink says
It seems that 2016 is a year for reflection for most of us that have been running an online business and marketing online for some time now. That’s okay, reflection is good fr the soul!
We all need to regroup sometimes and get a clearer idea of exactly where we are at. If you don’t know where you are, how can you create a plant to get where you want to go?
Your comments: “My blog comments were now mostly quick notes from strangers (or spam). Iβd set comments as do follow and this had been publicized in some popular lists. A lot of visitors were coming for the backlinks, but not primarily to read. My aim has always been to provide information to those who need it. I felt I was no longer doing this. (I now use commentluv which rewards with follow links, but only after 3 comments)…” really resonates with me. Since my blogs are both relatively new, this is a common thing with both of them. I think a lot of people are online lured by false claims of quick easy money. They do not give us any real feedback or any value with their one-line or lame comments. I have to sort through them and just click delete. I have a great spam filter so it’s pretty easy.
Like some of your other commentators here, I agree that it takes faith in yourself, never giving up, being brave and recreating yourself to reach your goals. You are brilliant and already know these things.
Just keep moving forward Sue.
Deborah
Sue Bride says
Thanks for your encouragement, Deborah. There are times when I really need it. I’ve just been going through spam comments because Akismet, in its, wisdom, decided to spam some comments from regular visitors. There was no rhyme or reason as to why. Anyway, I had a good laugh reading some of the “genuine spam” comments. I must do it again sometime. π
Joan J. Carrigan says
Congrats Sue. Iβm a baby, just a newbie, compared to you, having only blogged for just one year but I understand now why itβs so addictive and compelling. Itβs another world that opens up. Happy blogging! π
Sue Bride says
Hi Joan and welcome to my blog. I’m pleased you’re enjoying blogging and I agree it opens up a whole new world to us.
ikechi says
Hi Sue
Congratulation on your 500th post. One of the things I like about your post is the fact that you share so much of your experience which is really a golden nugget.
I must commend you for staying in the blogosphere for so long. I know so many people that are not blogging again. I do know your surgery will go well and it is great to take a blogging break.
I am so glad to know you Sue. Thanks
Alicia Osmera says
Congrats Sue,
500th blog is an accomplishment.
I want to thank you for teaching me blogging success.
Debaran Mukherjee says
Hi Sue,
It’s been nice to get into your blog after kinda short break and enjoyed the look of your blog.Also enjoyed your 500 th post here in this blog and congratz for this long journey you spent.Though am kinda new to PAC but still I love the community and how we help each other.Best of luck to your blogging for future days and yeah hope after your successful cataract surgery you can reach your 1000th blog post sooner π
Jacob James says
HEy Sue , Congrats on your 500th post !! I always follow your post and love the way you share your experience and make people learn from your experiences !!
Mandy Allen says
Hi Sue, I do hope your eye op improves things for you. Wow, that’s some achievement, 500 posts and 9000 comments! I have been writing on my blog since 2009 and have amassed 177 posts and just under 2000 comments so I’ve got a long way to go to catch you up!! I must do some more 30 day challenges!
Enjoy the journey!
Aman Bansal says
Blogging is really incredible if it is done properly and on regular basis. Great to see you Sue making come back.
Monna Ellithorpe says
Hi Sue,
What an awesome accomplishment; 500 posts. Congratulations for hanging in there and not being the “lonesome blogger” anymore. I’m looking forward to more of your valuable posts and learning from you when you heal from your eye surgery.
You have helped me in so many ways over the last couple of years we have known each other. Thank you for that.
Take care and have a great day.
Sue Bride says
I’m sure you will reach 500 too, Monnna, and much quicker than I did. There’s no need for thanks because you’ve been there for me too. I only had to take a few days break after the surgery but I’m getting the other eye done too. Until then I can’t get new specs so my eyes are tiring easily. So I’m still not online as much as I’d like to be.
Dr. Erica Goodstone says
Hi Sue,
I have stopped writing blog posts, temporarily for a few months, since I have been literally spending every day, all day, from morning until about 1 AM, organizing, creating and getting all the pages and publicity ready for my second summit, the Love Me Touch Me Heal Me Virtual Summit.
Like you, I have spent years involved with groups and writing regular blogs. Yet no matter how many training programs, “got to have it software”, radio shows, ASK campaigns, clever videos, MLM programs, I joined or hosted or attempted to follow, success has been elusive until now.
The change set in when I attended a weekend with Wendy Lipton Dibner. What she said had a huge effect upon me. She labeled her attendees, her followers, people like me, as “Difference Makers” – not marketers or business people or even entrepreneurs. As a Difference Maker, my goal and desire, intent and passion, is to make a difference. Yes, it is nice to earn my fair share of income for the hard work I put into my projects, but the money is truly secondary, the dessert, not the main course.
In my summit I am featuring colleagues I have known for decades, people who have studied, taught, published about and created the trainings in their areas of expertise. My first summit was interviews with my leading sexologist colleagues. This second summit is with some of my teachers and many colleagues in the body therapy, somatics and body psychotherapy fields. These summit provide a platform for people around the globe to discover what is available for them to heal – and they can get direct access to leading professionals.
Sue, you have always offered so much information and value in your blog posts. Glad you intend to continue doing so.
And yes, PAC has helped many of us to stop being lonely bloggers with dead posts, but flourishing interactive and continually learning and growing bloggers and entrepreneurs.
Warm hug,
Erica
Sue Bride says
You have an impressive line-up for your summit, Erica. I’m not surprised it took so long to organize. For those interested, here is the link to the summit http://lovemetouchmehealme.net/. It’s wonderful to see that you’ve moved on to a new stage in your online career. I don’t think your years spent on other things were wasted because you are well known online, and have the experience needed to market the summit.
Mary sloane says
Congratulations Sue on your 500th blog post
I have personally found much value in the articles you write. They amaze and inspire me to do better.
So glad we have PAC to support us in keeping going.
I look forward to many more wonderful blog posts from you.
To great success Mary
Sue Bride says
Thank you for such kind comments, Mary. It’s an honor coming from someone who gives such value herself.
Joy Healey says
Hi Sue,
Wow – many congratulations on 500 posts and 10+ years as a blogger.
You must have seen so many changes – and to have kept up with them all, and adapted to them, is admirable.
I’m sure we’ve all gone through “bleak spots” in blogging. Some give up, but some are just too stubborn and keep on keeping on. Like you, I don’t like giving up.
Often people try and get me involved in programs or promotional methods that don’t sit well with me. I will confess I’m just extricating myself from a week’s involvement with something I shouldn’t have got involved with right now. But a week of diversion is sometimes well worth it to remind you to get back to my core beliefs of giving value.
PAC is great – you just feel “at home” there.
I hope your eyes are healing and you’ll soon be telling us about the 600th post.
Joy – Blogging After Dark
Sue Bride says
Ten years ago there were so many new things to blog about and a lot less blogging about them. Now we always have to consider how we can add our unique touch. To succeed with anything a lot of time and effort is needed, despite what many tell us when they want us to get involved. At least you’re experienced enough to recognize that what you were involved in wasn’t for you, and only spent a week on it. I left Skype open last week because I wanted a chat with my brother. I was inundated with offers of riches. A couple looked interesting but I resisted.
Reji says
Hi Sue,
Glad to be here again and note that you did publish 500 posts so far in this blog. I agree with you that bloggers feel demotivated at times and leave the entire scenario. Blogging continuously for a decade is not a small achievement.
Also, thank you very much for including my picture in the post. Actually, I was surprised to see it first when I opened the page.
Looking forward to see more posts from you soon and more years of blogging.
Have a great time blogging.
Once again thanks and regards
Reji Stephenson
Sue Bride says
This blog and I are now linked in a way that would be very difficult to give up. It’s now a part of me. I just had a thought: If I’d carried on with my blog about “earning money opportunities” that would have been more like my evil twin π
Adrienne says
Sue, 500 posts is an accomplishment to be proud of for sure! I’ve been blogging since 2008 – with some breaks now and then. It is amazing what you learn about blogs – and more importantly, yourself – when you surround yourself with others who have common ground with you. Bloggers whom I have established relationships with – in person and online – have helped me figure out how to change my brand, update my logo, seriously reconfigure my website, and refocus on the projects I’ve said I’ll get done “someday.” Thank you for sharing your blogging experience! It helps motivate the rest of us. π ~Adrienne
Sue Bride says
Congratulations on staying the course, Adrienne. Yes we all need help and support to see us through and keep us focused and motivated. I love your new blog header.
Ryan Biddulph says
Good for you Sue! Congrats on your persistence π
I too stepped away from blogging here and there over the past 8 years. I mean, I have blogged the whole time but ceased doing things like blog commenting, so I could write and self-publish 100 eBooks, and to do other stuff like enjoying my travels. But after I returned to networking and the like, those long term bonds I built with active bloggers like Donna payed immediate dividends.
Many of our former blogging buddies let go their blogs but the folks still blogging will support you when you making creating and connecting your 2 chief goals in this blogging game.
Lisa P Sicard says
Hi Sue, This is my first time to your blog. I found you on someone else’s and your headline intrigued me. Congrats on the 500th post. That is not an easy feat! I think communities are great for bloggers since we can’t blog alone in the internet. I have seen so many bloggers come and go in the past 5+ years I’ve been blogging so kudos for you doing 10 years! That is persistance…..
I know I could not have stuck it out if it weren’t for readers who came by to thank me for this or that. It really makes a difference on days when you feel no one reads your stuff….
Thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to more of your upcoming posts!
Donna Merrill says
Hi Sue,
I’ve known you for a long time and always admired your blog. And you as well lol. Taking that blogging break is normal after spending so much time. I see so many of us “old timers” do so. For whatever reasons, most of us come back. I took some little breaks myself at times. It can be overwhelming and we can loose our patience, our gusto and so on.
But SublimelySue has always been a great place to visit. Here on this post I have to say congratulations on your 500th post!
There is ALWAYS things we learn, bridges we cross in our lives and business. I am so glad you and Lesly are working together. When it comes to PAC, I’m always telling new as well as seasoned bloggers to join. This is proof that an expert seasoned blogger like you can benefit from this group.
-Donna
Sakura Vietnam says
Hi Sue,
Firstly congratulation for your 500th post. Your blog is so amazing. And i love this post so much. I used to meet your problem that i tried to make a good relationship with other bloggers and then they quited easily. I lost my passion as well as my motivation. It’s really a hard time for me. But now I can keep my belief to continue my blogging. Thank for inspiring me. Thanks a lot.
Andy James says
I just joined PAC and absolutely loved it. It felt like a family to me. Very awesome group to join for the blogger.
And woo 10 years Congratulations…. wuhoo partyyyy confetti popping ballons…. cakee… pooooooonnnnnn (Party Blower )
=D hahahaha
Its a great achievement and I am proud of you, You should celebrate and have a great party unlike tis lame comment one =D
Sue Bride says
Hi Andy and welcome to PAC. It is like a family – a functional one π I look forward to getting to know you and your business and reading your blog posts.
sonia says
Hi Sue!
What a terrific message you share here! We are all thankful that you are a a part of our lives and PAC is a community that just keeps growing and getting better.
I look forward to visiting your blog regularly again as I have had massive changes in my life and have long neglected my friends and community partners.
Keep writing! You do it so well π
Lydia Brown says
Sue I am so glad you returned to your blog. I am sorry I never told you directly how much you and a few other bloggers had influenced my decision to blog. Thank you for your transparency it is rewarding to others when a person shares their truth.
Sue Bride says
I’m pleased that you are blogging, Lydia, because you have so much experience in your feild and the information you post is so valuable to those suffering from addictions.
Rachel Lavern says
Wow Sue…500 posts should be a celebrated milestone! I admire you for sticking it out for so long. I am sure that you have seen many bloggers come and go within that time. You are an inspiration.
Sue Bride says
My next milestone will be to get to 10,000 comments. Approved ones that is.
Beth Hewitt says
Hi Sue,
Congratulations on 500 posts and 9000 comments. Such a fabulous achievement. Blogging communities have a special part in my life. I too have a had a break from blogging. Event though I was desperately yearning to come back. It just wasn’t the right time. But now that I am back I am really enjoying the supportive environment of communities such as PAC.
Thanks for sharing,
Beth π
Emebu says
Hi Sue,
A Big Congratulations Sue on your 500th blog posts.
Personally I find your blog posts much valuable to my blogging career. Your simple ways of blogging amazes and inspires me keep going.
I am looking forward to reading more of your wonderful blog posts.
Thanks
– Emebu
K. Lee Banks says
Wow, 500 posts! Kudos to you! Impressive record to be blogging successfully for this long. I also am so thankful for PAC – just blogged about it myself, as you’ll see in my CommentLuv link!