Blogging Integrity in a (dog eat dog) World

WRITE THE VISION DOWN, MAKE IT PLAIN: BLOGGING 101

If there’s a blog out there similar to this one, I don’t know of it! I didn’t bother to look.

It was the end of the day. I was frustrated and started typing.

Less than a month from the date I made the decision to blog, my eyes have seen a little too much.

I am appalled by the behavior of the majority of bloggers.

I know the world is “dog eat dog”! But somehow I thought blogging groups/pages were communities.

‘No Wire Bras’ Type of Bloggers

 I expected to see bloggers supporting one another since we have the same goal: winning!

We will most likely be one another’s first partakers. There’s an intimacy in that alone that I did not take lightly.

I know writers are sensitive about our work!

I did read a few blogs that briefly mentioned negative behaviors. But I thought it would be rare to see it, especially with my being so new.

No Such Thing as a ‘Solo Blogger‘

Disclaimer: I am a solo travel blogger! That is my one and only niche. So no, I never expected to be writing a blog like this.

But maybe if some of these offenders read it, it will help to shed some light. I will also be sharing this blog to ‘retweet’ posts.

My hope is that it gets the attention it deserves, so maybe these behaviors will lessen and eventually end.

A solo travel blog doesn’t mean I don’t believe in community. A ‘solo blogger’ doesn’t exist. We need one other for support and motivation.

Checked it Twice

I thought about writing a list blog but at the root of this matter is integrity. It’s not about 5, 10, or 20 things a blogger is doing wrong!

Integrity is defined by Dictionary.com as adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

What are the behaviors you’re exhibiting when no one is watching? Or at least when you think they aren’t.

If you have a moral code it will be displayed in your character. No one is perfect but your integrity should act as a compass.

Got Integrity?

When you go to commit wrong, you should get a check that reminds you to do the opposite. No one listens to these promptings one hundred percent of the time but you should listen more than not.

In my blog Haiti, I describe a time where I didn’t listen to a moral check. I try to be honest MOST of the times and that’s why I even told the story.

Maybe the excitement and passion involved in starting a blog got to me and made me think “kum-ba-ya” thoughts. But I am so disappointed with the childish behaviors.

I’ve been seeing them across all social media blogging platforms.

It all boils down to your word.

Character Witness

I’m a words person. I like to look up their definitions and make sure I use them in the proper context.

I’m a writer/blogger so it makes sense!

In the same manner, I value ‘my’ words. If I say I’m going to do something I try to fulfill all of my obligations (verbally or written).

Its very simple. If you say that you’re going to follow someone’s page, make sure you like the content/niche before hitting that button.

Be Sure

Of course, there are times (later down the line) where you may see that this page is not a good fit for you. If at that time, you unlike, that’s quite understandable.

But to practice the unethical and immediate “follow, unfollow” is horrible. In a way, I appreciate the ones who do unfollow instantly because that lets me know I shouldn’t be following you either.

Fraudulent

I was hurt the first time it happened! I had followed someone (via a ‘boost’ post). They had a 5 figure IG count. I was flattered that they responded to ‘little old me’.  

I thought to myself that she had to be a very humble person.

On IG, your worth as a page/person is often seen in follower’s count. At the time, I was under 50.

She even went so far as to like several of my IG posts. As soon as I submitted a comment on one of her posts, the page refreshed and showed me down by one follower.

I thought I was seeing things. FYI: It’s easy to notice with a small following!

I checked and sure enough, it was her account that had unfollowed mine in a matter of minutes. I simply returned the favor!

These seemingly small or unimportant matters is a revealer of your true nature. They display who you really are (your character).

Character Flaws

Your words may say differently, or you may see yourself in another light. But actions rarely lie.

If you’re going to join a blogging group, check your heart and your motives at the door. Better yet, check your EGO at the door. This is supposed to be a place of mutual growth!

This is not about YOU and YOUR blog only! If my blog’s success will be built on tearing or bringing down someone else’s, then keep the success.

I thought by joining these groups and pages that everyone was on the same wavelength and mindset. Unfortunately, there are a lot of selfish individuals that only care about their blog’s success.

The Golden Rule of Blogging

It’s sad but I’ve resorted to only interacting with bloggers who specify that they will “follow or comment back”. I have noticed no reciprocity by those who don’t use disclaimers.

I’m a big believer in ‘killing people with kindness’ but if I apply that for too long in “blog land” it looks like I won’t get very far. So back to the ‘Golden Rule’ I go…

Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you!

While you’re here, have a look around!

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~Poof…Bee Gone

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