Last week I wrote a post about plagiarism, something I hope none of you will ever have to encounter as writers. It was such a frustrating, hurtful and disappointing experience. Although I had closure and resolution on that situation (including an apology and explanation that it was done unintentionally), publishing that specific post made me think more about this blog. Moreover, it made me think more about this community.
The support I felt through your comments and tweets that day was overwhelming. Your words were precise, sincere and heartfelt. At the same time you were outraged. You shared your thoughts instantaneously and they continued to pour in. Many of you couldn’t leave my blog without letting me know exactly how you felt.
Why?
Because that post resonated with you. It was an experience that each of you imagined happening to yourself. You are bloggers. You get it. It hit close to home.
So all of this made me think more about what I want out of this blog…
This time of year we all make resolutions, many of which are blog related. Some of you are planning a redesign to WordPress (smartest move you’ll ever make) and for others a clean-up for your sidebar is in order, and others have expressed the need for commenting and visiting blogs more frequently.
What is it that I really want from this blog?
I want you to get excited when you see a new post at Theta Mom in your Dashboard, Reader, Blogroll or Inbox. I want you to come to Theta Mom eager to see what’s new…
I want you to come back again and again, and leave here wanting more…
I want you to become more active in this community. I want you to leave comments on posts that you relate to. I want my writing to inspire you. I want you to get excited about checking out a new product based on one of my reviews, or enter for the chance to win a fantastic giveaway.
How do you become more active in this community? Leave a comment and tell me you were here! And when you are here don’t just comment but also read through the comments. Find a new blogger from this community, go visit that blog and leave a comment there, sharing that you found that blogger through Theta Mom. There is an amazing group of women and mothers here, so go check one another out! I even have the Twitter plug-in, so use it! Add your Twitter url so we can follow you there as well. Get active, become involved, and put yourself out there.
That is what I really want… to generate an amazing blog and further establish this already fabulous community, not just of awesome bloggers but of Theta Moms as well.
Alright, now it’s your turn to show me that this is an amazing and supportive community of bloggers.
Leave me a comment and tell me anything bloggy, such as what you want from your own blog this year. Retweet this post and then find yourself another blogger to visit from the comments below and go spread some comment love! Get out there and make at least one new bloggy connection.
How far can this community go?
Your doing a great job, shake the haters lol.
.-= tami´s last blog ..MyJunkyTrunk! =-.
Tami, I love your site! 😉
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
I heart the bloggy community, and I heart the Theta Moms!
The Plagiarism thing was not cool, though its good it is resolved. It hit home a little for me because though I’ve never be plagiarized per say- I have had issues with copy catting… which in my case, I’ve decided is best to just ignore. Its a compliment right?
I am so glad I found your blog last year, I feel like we (and our blogs too) have so much in common
Moms trying to keep it real, and remain sane 
For the new year for my blog, I would of course love to build my community a little of course!… but I would also like to clean up my site and become a little more fluent in WP… I’m getting there… and its definitely worth it, but its A LOT to learn (at least I think so lol)
Happy New Year to you and your fabulous Blog!
.-= complicatedmama´s last blog ..Memo to Cablevision: My deal breaker is BRAVO =-.
Complicated Mama, I am so with you on learning more about the WP thing. I have so much to learn, too. I am so glad I found your blog because you rock mama!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
I already get excited about reading your posts…I’m here to stay! And as for what I’d like to get out of blogging…honestly I’d just really like a better grasp on what I’m doing. I think I sort of have it figured out, but I know I have quite a bit to learn! I’m going to try and Retweet this…but I’ve gotta be honest. I have barely figured out how to “regular tweet” so if I don’t do it correctly it wasn’t from lack of effort!
.-= The Mommyologist´s last blog ..2010 Sure Makes me Happy…and I’m Sharing the Love! =-.
Aw, you’re so sweet. I’m just happy I’ve met you.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Go Ask Aunt Becky =-.
Absolutely considering a move to WP this year! So glad to have found you that fatefull day when we both lost our feed (or whatever that turned out to be). Thanks for your heart to serve and create an environment where women can be a blessing to each other!
I love your blog!!! You are so inspiring and encouraging throughout everything you write!!! Thanks for always stopping by my blog!!! I look forward to seeing what all you have in store for us readers this year:)
.-= shirley rempel´s last blog ..101 things in 1001 days UPDATED =-.
Great post.
My goal for my blog is to just grow it. I want to start doing some more insightful posts, so my readers get to know the real me…but I struggle with that, because writing humorous accounts of my life is what is easy for me.
.-= Kmama´s last blog ..Not Me! Monday 1/4/10 =-.
i love theta mom, and this community!! :o*
i def want to become more active with my blog…more fun stuff and crafts for sure! i’m trying to set a goal to visit at least one new blog a day.
.-= tina´s last blog ..i need some toothpicks… =-.
So glad to hear the problem was resolved. I always get excited when I see a new Theta Mom post
.-= TooManyHats´s last blog ..Monday Menu Mania =-.
I am so glad to hear that you got some closure on the plagiarism situation!
I am definitely excited about new posts from you, you have built a great community here!
.-= Beth P´s last blog ..Our Weekend In Pictures =-.
I agree with everything you’ve said. What I’m taking away from reading this (and I feel really strongly about with blogging) is that it’s all about the community, and for us women, the sisterhood! The best part about blogging is when we reach out to one another and form the friendships.
.-= Hear Mum Roar´s last blog ..Top 5 Childhood Memories – Monday musing =-.
Ladies- This is exactly what I am talking about! Building your own blog and reaching out to the blogging community, were WE as mothers totally get it!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
Wow! You nailed how I’ve been feeling, too! I have let my blogging go a bit the last couple months because of a new job and the holidays. I’ve decided I want to really work on my blogging again because it does bring me so much joy and I’ve gotten to know and gain support by wonderful fellow bloggers like you. I look forward to becoming more active and this post definitely keeps me inspired to do so!
Happy New Year and Happy Blogging!
My first time visiting even though I follow you on Twitter! I’m in the process of switching to WP… It should happen shortly and I can’t wait!
I struggled for a while with what I wantedfrom my blog, with what I thought people wanted to read. And then I realized it’s more about what I want to WRITE. The posts that people respond most to are the ones where I pour my heart into my words. Not the ones where I try to be funny or edit my thoughts to appeal to certain people. So that’s my goal this year!
Great post and I’ll be back!
.-= Becca´s last blog ..Unexpected =-.
Becca- You hit my point exactly! I find I get the most response from posts that are spirit driven, speaking directly from my heart or experience. It’s THAT kind of post that others can relate to and make a connection with. So glad you stopped by and look forward to visiting your blog!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
Love your blog and my goal is to become a better blogger.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Just a bunch of random! =-.
Your posts are always fantastic! I definitely get excited to see what you have written.
This is a great community. I love reading what other’s have to say and getting a peak into their lives. I love building new relationships!
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Color outside the lines =-.
Good food for thought! I am still a little torn on what I want from my blog. I have a full time job and a family and my blog is really just a creative outlet for me and an exaggerated format for me to share our shenanigans with my family on the East Coast. Sometimes I think it’s morphing into more than that because I’ve been so sucked in by the blogosphere and all of the great women I’ve “met”, but at the end of the day I just don’t seem to have the time or the heart to take it to the next level. I’m not a girl to say never, but right now it is exactly what it’s going to be which is mostly random.
I love what you’re doing with your space and admire you for it. I’m behind you all the way ThetaMom! Go get ’em!
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Overwhelmed with Goodness =-.
Thank you Kim, I really appreciate that. And if you blog about “random” happenings, that’s great, too! This IS an outlet, a creative one that is the perfect platform for us to share our writing. Every blogger appreciates this! And I agree, I have “met” amazing women through this blogosphere as well.
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
Glad you got closure on the situation.
What I really like is that, as you said, you actually visit your followers’ blogs and comment. I know that the other bigger blogs I regular, I don’t comment because I have never been paid a visit. It isn’t a personal experience. That makes you special and why I think your community will continue to grow!
.-= Tara´s last blog ..Music Monday =-.
Tara- Exactly right. I don’t see how I can build community if I am not a part of the community myself…thanks for sharing.
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
WOW! It like you read my mind. I new to the blog community. Its been about 4 weeks now, and trying to learn the ropes! . I see blogs out there with contests, others loaded with followers and some that are just nice and personal. I wasn’t sure where to comment or not to comment! I understand now comments are the key to engage in dialogue and sharing, thank you for helping out a newbie!
…i don’t like mama’s last blog You are a what?
I’d like to make my blog a little more ‘personable’. I post alot of freebies, coupons and giveaways, and sometimes it feels a little ‘generic’. I’d like to show a little more of “ME”, who is a total silly goofball, who is a “Rachael Ray wannabe” (I LOVE to cook and share recipes), who makes alot of crafts for my son (who has Autism), and who loves to find and share fun frugal things for around the house!
You’ve inspired me to show a little more of me
Love, love, love your blog (THETA MOM ROCKS!), and I’m proud to call you my ‘bloggy friend”!!!
~Shelley
See I’m a newbie…got my link wrong!
…i don’t like mama’s last blog You are a what?
.-= Ottavia “Tammy”´s last blog ..You are a what? =-.
Have been reading here often, but I’ve not left comments… you’re right, it’s nice to get comments, it’s like when we used to receive mail in the mailbox. You know, before it was all just bills in there!
ahh… *sigh*
Well, as for my resolution, I just would really like to try and force through the chaos that is my house in order to write something almost everyday. It helps me get the crazy out!! ;-P
Thanks for that wake up post!
.-= Severine´s last blog ..Baby bath products we use — Produits de bain pour bébé =-.
I love that you are so into the blogging! What I really need is about 5 more hours in each day and I could be that way too. Or maybe I could quit my job AND hire a personal assistant???
.-= kys´s last blog ..Mama Stir-Fry’s Lofty Goals =-.
I am a very small fish in the blogging world. I post only once a week because that is realistic for me right now. I have a lot to learn and do get excited when I see what is possible. I have great admiration for many of you moms who put so much effort and commitment into your work. You inspire me to one day go further in my blogging endeavors! Happy New Year, with endless possibilities!
.-= Sara Lise Raff´s last blog ..It’s Not Even New Year’s Eve and I’m Exhausted =-.
I think you are absolutely right!!!
I try my bestest to respond and follow all my readers and support them like they support me!! 
Love it Theta Mom! You should organize a blogger meet n greet I think that would be a fantastic Idea and I will def be there 
.-= Nikki´s last blog ..Last Post for 2009! =-.
I love your community. I know I haven’t been around much, but kids, sickness and kids and sickness…you know the drill. BTW, your WP designer is who I am using!
.-= Lee the Hot Flash Queen´s last blog ..Does Your Pickle Use Lah Dee Dah Soap? =-.
Yay for using Lauren girl! Can’t wait to see the big reveal!!!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
I absolutely love your blog!!! I am so happy that I found it! I think that as a fellow blogger it is nice to repsond to people who leave you comments once in a while. I would love to form a huge blog community!
.-= Pres. Kathy´s last blog ..Happy New Year!!! =-.
Heather I already am super excited everyday to see what you posted. I look forward to what is coming up next on Theta Mom. I have found so many other blogs that I love through Theta Mom. I think you have a great community here. For my own blog I am just beginning. I do have some goals that I just posted yesterday. Have a great day! Now off to see some of the other bloggers that posted here today!
I love Theta Mom, it has truely been one of my greatest finds in the bloggy world. I am still new to all of this and it has been so wonderful meeting new people and others with similar interests and challenges. You are doing a great job with this community!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Looking Forward =-.
I love your blog and always look forward to your posts! As for my blog, I still want it to grow, but I want to keep the content true to who I am. I don’t want to post just to get new readers or have contests just to draw people in. I want those who visit my blog to do so because they want to, not because they fell they have to.
My lack of sleep and being emotionally drained has me rambling on now! I’ll stop by later and try to meet new people through the comments.
.-= Evonne´s last blog ..Where’s the Fast Forward Button =-.
I am baffled as to how I haven’t found your terrific blog before now. A vexing mystery indeed. Anyway, that is history. I am here and from this single post, I can tell you that I will be back and often. I applaud your call for community, for participation, for the bartering of words and dreams. I believe – and firmly – that inspiration and honesty are contagious things and we should all do what we can to spread them. This blog world has an intense resident power and it is up to us to tap into it.
From one (Insecure) Ivy Leaguer to another (I don’t yet know you well enough to sniff out any insecurities, but it is my position that we are all exquisitely insecure) – Cheerio! Thrilled you found me so I could find you. Look forward to blogging with you as well!
My blogging goal for 2010 is to develop a blogging schedule. Last year, I blogged whenever I could find the time. This year, I’m going to make time for blogging. Maybe not everyday, but 2 to 3 times a week.
And the blogging community is great! Very supportive! I also hope to make more “friends” this year.
.-= Leslie Limon´s last blog ..Memorable Moments of 2009 =-.
I agree Leslie, having a blogging schedule will not only keep you organized, but will also help to motivate and post more frequently!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
I’m so sorry you had terrible experience. I didn’t read that post but I hope they did it accidentally. Good luck making your blog all that you want it to be this year! Blogging is such an exciting thing, isn’t it?
One of my favorite things about reading posts and commenting are reading the other comments!
.-= MiMi´s last blog ..Are We Still BFF’s?? =-.
I do, honestly, love your blog!!! I always know that a smile will be on my face – or a comment will DEFINITELY be sent – if I stop on by!! Here is to wishing you the best that 2010 has to offer…can’t wait to read all about it!!
~WM
.-= Working Mommy´s last blog ..Lesson #39 – It Is Cool To Be Square {Giveaway} =-.
I want my blog to continue as it is…a place to vent, a place to share, a place to be me!
.-= shortmama´s last blog ..Beauty In Small Things =-.
I am certainly glad I stumbled upon Theta Mom.
One of my goals this year is to look further in to the switch to WordPress. It’s a bit scary, seeing I just got use to blogger.
My overall goal is to make Modern Style Mama a true success. A success with fellow bloggers (Whom I love & appreciate very much) and also with all mothers searching for reliable information and peace of mind. I want to reach out and touch someone. I remember when I was the first time mom looking for answers, for someone else who had experienced that “REALITY of MOTHERHOOD” moment I was going through. I want mothers and mothers to be to stop by, feel empowered, feel understood not alone, and of course have a laugh or two.
This blogging community is AMAZING and has done some pretty incredible things!
.-= Modern Style Mama´s last blog ..New and Upcoming: Mommy Manager & Much More =-.
Well I have Theta Mom to THANK because I have come across a lot of cool blogs and even cooler moms on her site. TY! Even today the blogs I clicked on LOVE THEM! My google reader is getting very crowded these days.
I’ve been thinking about where my blogs are going to take me in 2010. I need to make some decisions and figure out what/when/how on my blogs. I have a bargain blog and a family blog. I want to focus more on the family blog but my bargain blog makes me $$ (not a lot but enough to buy those extras).
Continue the awesome blog posts Theta Mom and look forward to meeting more cool bloggers!
.-= Pam´s last blog ..Lil Mama needs to learn how to play by herself. =-.
Don’t you just love the community feel of blogging? Love it! : )
.-= Jaimie´s last blog ..Photo LoVE =-.
Commenting and receiving comments has become one of my favorite aspects of blogging. And I never expected to grow to love that part of it so much. But I really, really enjoy interacting w/ the other women that I’ve met in the blogging community. My New Year’s Resolution is to try and carve out more time for writing posts and commenting, b/c it really is rewarding on so many levels.
.-= existentialwaitress´s last blog ..I’m feelin’ a little bloggy. =-.
Those are great bloggy goals! Hope 2010 is a great one for you!
.-= punkinmama´s last blog ..ch-ch-ch-changes =-.
Girl, you know I love you! I’m so glad you are here and I DO look forward to ‘THETA MOM’ coming up on my screen:)
Did “the switch”…you already know that. I have enjoyed all the friends I have met through blogs/communities. I have enjoyed this bloggy world so much I have decided to start my own business to help others who want it. BUT my 2010 goal…I want have my business and NOT forget I love to BLOG in the process. I love writing and want to keep it authentic. That will be the challenge…marrying my two web worlds and not losing individuality. I guess I should write a post about that:)
.-= Mariah´s last blog ..I’ve Resolved to Have No Resolution! =-.
So happy to hear you received an apology. I love you blog and look forward to reading much more!
.-= Just Another Momma´s last blog ..Lose It Bitch? Hmmmm =-.