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?
Well said! I am fairly new to this whole blogging thing, but am completely absorbed by it! Who knew this whole other world was out there? I had no idea! I have met so many amazing people, found so many resources, and have won some awesome giveaways. I absolutely love blogging and our community.
Thanks as usual Heather!
.-= Jean Myles´s last blog ..3 1/2 pounds lost! 2010, so far so good! =-.
I love your blog!!
As a new stay-at-home mom, I have found this community to be a supportive and inspirational life saver when I am feeling just at my wits end and don’t know what to do. I have been able to tap into an awesome group of women who inspire me on a daily basis on everything from losing my post-baby weight to expanding my own creativity and stop beating myself up for my shortcomings.
I started my blog as just an outlet for the feelings and frustrations I was encountering through my transition from a professional woman to a full-time mom. It was definitely harder than anyone ever led on and impossible for me to make it look effortless. I had to wonder what I was doing wrong looking around at all the recently showered, perfectly styled, pulled together fashionista moms I knew. Through this blog I have come to terms and realized I am not alone on this crazy adventure called motherhood.
I’m still very new to the blogging community and am looking forward to learning and growing in 2010.
Thanks so much for all your thoughts and insights!
I love how you found a silver lining! As for me, I want to monetize my blog this year in a way that I am comfortable with. I also want to carve out time to make new blogging friends. Thanks for the push!
.-= Teresha@ Marlie and Me´s last blog ..Monday Morning Parenting: Paging Doctor Mom =-.
Oh how I “heart” you!!!
I’m so glad you recieved a much deserved apology.
The blogging community is amazing ~ you’re absolutely right about everything you said.
I wish you much continued success in all that you do. The bloggy world is a much better place with you in it!!!
.-= Michele´s last blog ..Back to School, SAM, and the hockey helmet =-.
I am glad that the individual apologized and it’s nice to know it was not intentional.
Love your blog, babe.
kiran
I am so glad you received an apology. I have been blogging seriously only since October and I have met many amazing women. I think it is great how we all support each other. This year I want to get out into the “blogosphere” (I don’t think that’s a word:)) more and meet more wonderful people and also to continue writing to the best of my ability. I think your site is amazing and I just added it to my new blogroll. I’ll be back!
.-= Joy´s last blog ..A Fresh Start =-.
Heather – you are a great inspiration to your readers, full of integrity and inspiration! Keep up the great work building the amazing community you have around your site! I’m new to blogging (almost 3 months now) and I’ve been so in awe over the amazing friends that are out there!!
Enjoy the new year!
.-= Shanna – My Favorite Everything´s last blog ..it’s here!! =-.
I’ve been reading via my rss reader for a bit now, so you’ve drawn me out of the closet!
The plagiarism thing isn’t something I’ve dealt with, but in some ways it shows that what you’ve got is worth stealing. So it’s sort of flattering.
I know that MY blog is starting to hit the big time, because the spammers are swarming all over me, telling me how amazing my blog is. *sigh*
A real community of people who read because they are interested, and feel the same way as you do is a wonderful thing.
.-= pixielation´s last blog ..press 5 for a childhood meltdown =-.
I am glad you got the respose you deserve.
I also totally agree this community is a wonderful one. I’ve made some wonderful blogger friends (not too many mom ones yet though hint hint). I have only been reading your blog for a while but I can’t wait to read more!
Thanks for bringing us out hehe!
.-= Stacey @ Say Something Stacey´s last blog ..Lets Lose Week 22 =-.
it is so true what you said about comments. I know one of things I want to do do this year is leave more comments and not “lurk” so much. It is a great idea to find new bloggers right from within the comments, I never thought of that before. You have got me pumped up
.-= 1stopmom´s last blog ..Carol’s Daughter “A Magical Beauty Collection” =-.
Ladies- See, you inspire me, just from your comments! So glad some of you came “out” to say hello and now I can’t wait to go check out your blogs! And 1stopmom, it’s a great way to find new bloggers by reading through comments on a post that you can relate to. I’ve been following you on twitter for awhile and you are awesome!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
I love that you wrote this. I love reading comments and finding new blogs to read. It is so exciting to start reading a new blog and find you totally relate to someone. It is kinda what this blogging thing is all about and I just kinda figured that out this last year.
.-= amie´s last blog ..This Place is Getting Too Small Already (And I Might Be Fat) =-.
I’m so sorry about your experience last week. That makes you just feel violated, I’m sure. I’m glad it’s resolved now.
I am taking some time to write down both my blogging and writing goals this week. I was so new to blogging last year, I didn’t really know how to make the most of my blog. I think I can be a lot more targeted in 2010. I’m starting with a minor design update in January.
I really want to move to WordPress… just don’t want to lose my subscribers! I’ve worked too hard for them! Did you get most of yours to resubscribe?
I wish you continued success with your blog this year…. it’s fabulous!
.-= Melinda´s last blog ..No New Year’s Resolutions? I’m Positive! =-.
I’m wondering how you found out she lifted a post of yours…
I think it’s HIGHLY unlikely that anyone would plagiarize me (gosh, do you know how many tries it took me before I spelled plagiarize correctly?) since I write a whole lot of gobbledygook. But one never knows, gobbledygook may just be all the rage very, very soon.
Your blog is great and so are your readers…
.-= Amanda@BrilliantSulk´s last blog ..The Worst Invention Ever. Trust Me =-.
I have always tried to find something to comment upon every time I go to a blog. We all love the comments! Makes me sad to think people visit me and don’t leave a comment.
.-= debbie´s last blog ..Are You Sure Kids Really Have to Eat? =-.
Amanda- It was a blog I frequented and it was all there, word for word. And thank you so much for the comment, it’s knowing someone read a post and related to it that is so satisfying.
And Debbie-you are right, we love comments!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
I am a fairly new follower of yours and have been bloging about a year but didn’t know about all of This ( I thought you could only follow someone you knew). I am so glad you received an apoligy!!! Not sure what I want my blog to become…really haven’t had a whole lot of time to give it more thought..but want to. I guess I would like to write about a more variety of things…I have hear a lot of things about word press…do you mind filling me in on why bloggers are switching and how could they lose followers…not sure I understand this. Thanks for all you do!! Look forward to reading more in 2010!!
.-= gayle´s last blog ..Problems Problems Problems =-.
I’m on it, Theta Mom!!! I would love to hear more about the advantages of wordpress….I’m thinking of redesigning…and what I want out of my blog if for every mother/father/person to feel like they have hope no matter what their situation.
You hit on the very thing that I’ve enjoyed about blogging than I never, ever expected – the sense of community and the dialogue that it opens!
.-= Jane´s last blog ..The Word ‘Parent’ Is Also A Verb =-.
I love visiting your blog and even though I may not always leave a comment, I’m always here reading! I’m going to try and be better about leaving comments “around town”!
Now I’m off to find a new bloggy buddy or two from your loyal followers!
.-= Beth´s last blog ..Mommy Wars =-.
So well put! I can’t believe someone stole from your site. Awful! But I am glad you did get an apology.
.-= Sarah C.´s last blog ..So here’s the lowdown… =-.
You are absolutely one of my favorite bloggers– and I can’t tell you the chills I got the first time I saw an email from you in my inbox. You’re one of the gals my husband is on a first name basis with… he knows who I’m talking about when I say “ThetaMom”– how cool is that?
~Elizabeth
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..Going Into 2010… Kicking And Screaming =-.
OMG! I am honored! That IS so cool Elizabeth! 😉
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
Stopping by from SITS!
Just wanted to let you know about my button swap and the chance for your blog to be featured! Check it out:
http://singing-in-the-rain24.blogspot.com/2009/12/button-swap.htm
.-= Kathryn´s last blog ..Button Swap =-.
I have been overwhelmed by all the wonderful people I have met through blogging this year. I just never expected all the support that is in this great community.
I am actually taking the leap over to WordPress tomorrow night (if all goes perfect, of course) with a complete re-design. I am thrilled and petrified at the same time.
Happy New Year!
.-= Sherri @ Luv a Bargain´s last blog ..Johnson & Johnson $10 Rebate offer is back on Coupons.com =-.
Sherri- I can’t wait to see it!!! I’ll be over tomorrow to see the big reveal! Woo Hoo!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
I’ve had that happen to me too. I couldn’t even believe it. I was stunned. If someone can’t come up with original content, maybe they’re not cut out for blogging. I’ve been scraped several times too.
.-= blueviolet´s last blog ..Things I Learned Over My Bloggy Break Most of Which Are Courtesy of My Children =-.
I love your blog and do look forward to seeing what is new when I visit. I have found it hard to make connections with other bloggers so the idea about checking the comments is a great one!
Thanks!
You are so right! This community can be very supportive. I have a post coming up soon about the blog love I received since my baby blog started and it feels wonderful. At night, when the kids are asleep and I start blogging, its almost like I have girlfriends over in my living room. Love your blog BTW!
.-= Vivanne´s last blog ..A Child’s Plea =-.
That is so sad that happens. I just don’t get it. The same reason I have to put my blog name across photos. I’m so afraid to see photos plastered everywhere. Glad you received an apology but sorry it happened.
.-= Nichol´s last blog ..WINNIE THE POOH: A VALENTINE FOR YOU Special Edition DVD Review! =-.
It’s a sign. Today I’m doing the SITS thing and you were the post above me. I’ve been hear before and regular, but for some reason I can’t get you into my reader, no matter how I’ve tried. I’ve “subscribe” through your button and just get a mess of code. I’ve subscribed by cutting and pasting your URL directly into my Google. Nothing. I have the email, but it is easier for me to go through my reader.
Anyway, I do have you on Twitter, so I’ve come thru Twitter sometimes. But I need to “fix” this so I can be part of the community too.
.-= corrie´s last blog ..One Benefit of Asperger’s Syndrome =-.
Please do Corrie! Not sure why it’s been a challenge for some to add me to their reader. Glad to know I’m in your inbox. 😉
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
Ohhh, YES!!!
So happy about this posting! haloo, I’m not alone!!! So happy! happy!
Normally we look at the sidebar 50, 100, 300, 500, 1000, 3000 etc. followers but why is so quiet?
I’ve been a SITSta for 2 months or so. I’ve noticed how I get comments and visits ONLY if I AM active.
It feels so frustrating to be most of the time the active one.
It’s the same thing with friends – some of them tell me far too often how busy they are. Okay you may be busy but if you want keep up the friendship you have to find time! How long does it take to send a text message: I hope you’re okay, your friend xxx. Or whatever BUT something! Silence is a language too!!!
I’ve noticed how most of the SITStas leave their greeting in the morning and that’s it. They just sit and wait OTHERS to do the job.
But blogging is interaction. Both ways. I give, you give, we give and the world is much nicer place! Right?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post!
You got a new reader!
Sunny and happy greetings from Cairo!
.-= BLOGitse´s last blog ..I love sharing but I hate STEALING! =-.
hi…just popped over from sits. i really like sharing my interests on my blog. my big project this year is going to be renovating a doll house and turning it into the house from the movie “practical magic”. i love the movie and have the original spellbook from it so this will be a fun project.
Well, I’m glad whoever did it apologized. This is an important topic for all of us. And it’s kind of disconcerting, because the blog I just visited is in the middle of an incident involving a picture that she took being used without permission, etc.
Crazy, that someone would think they could get away with this!
.-= Shirley´s last blog ..Not One Of My Better Ideas =-.
Great post Heather and I can tell a lot of thought went into it. Glad your issue from last week got resolved. Yesterday, I saw my I Give Good Blog award on someones blog but they had removed my name and replaced it with their own and passed it out. While I have never seen this done before, with any awards, I was a bit suprised. Awards are not remotely parallel to your actual writing but I still felt surprised by seeing it done.
Here is to a fab 2010..for all the bloggers we know and love, and the many more we will encounter.
.-= JennyMac´s last blog ..Is a Monica Lewinsky reference ever a good idea? =-.
You’re too awesome, too! It still surprises me how many “friends” I’ve made through the blogging world. People I feel like I really know and would be good friends with in person. I hope your blog is everything you want it to be – that’s a GREAT resolution!! Have a good one girl ~ ♥
.-= The imPerfect Housewife´s last blog ..A little splurge =-.
I’m constantly going around checking out others blogs. It’s so fun seeing new Mommys
That is one way I stumbled onto your blog. I lurve your blog so much!
What I want out of my blog is just to continue journaling about being a working Mom. I find it hard and challenging and but so rewarding.
.-= Kaci´s last blog ..Take A Look =-.
I haven’t read all the comments yet, but I fully intend to. And I hope to learn a whole lot of other good bloggy habits from you.
My biggest bloggy goal for 2010: retain the 15-25 readers who currently subscribe, write posts that get them engaged and commenting, and hopefully double my subscriber base over the year. I am trying to set realistic goals, and although I would love to be a bloggy community household name, I think aiming for 50 people reading my blog regularly is the first of many small steps.
.-= WannabeMomErin´s last blog ..A blogger’s review 2009 =-.
Heather, great post with some great points! We hope to change how we all work together also through the WeBlog! Conference.
.-= Jyl´s last blog ..Focus Group Contest! =-.
You’ve certainly inspired me with this post! I love your excitement about your blog, and about the blog community. Happy to a part of your bloggy world.
What I want for my blog is too provide content that will inspire, provoke some thoughts, and occasinally get you to laugh.
Cheers to all of us!
.-= Flory´s last blog ..A Yoga WOOFer or Downward-Facing Dog =-.
What an inspiring post! I am going to take your challenge and try to visit at least 5 others on here today. Your goal is an amazing one, and I enjoy being a part of your community!
I just really appreciate your honesty and directness. And that’s only after reading a handful of your posts since I found you on Twitter last week. Thank you for honoring this community with your words.
Question: why do you like wordpress so much? I’m on blogspot and it’s very user friendly. I looked into to wordpress when I first started my blog last April and it seemed overwhelmingly complicated. (But I’m much savvier now…) What does wordpress offer that I don’t have now? (By the way, I think your blog is beautiful…)
.-= Kami Lewis Levin´s last blog ..Where’s My Chill Pill? =-.
Ladies- This is exactly what I mean about creating a community of bloggers. It is so satisfying to know my post has inspired you, but your comments also inspire me to keep this train moving!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
Great post. This post as well as your post on Plagarism gives me fuel & helps me stay focused. My goal is to be true to myself. Allow my God given talents and creativity to flow through my blog. I’m a new blogger so haven’t made too many friends. So I’ll also make sure I show myself friendly. Thanks for you words of encouragement.
I am currently getting my blog redesigned. So it doesn’t look as cluttered…. I am going to do some reviews and giveaways but my blog is not going to focus on that… I want people to read my lack of grammer, crazy moments, and funny stories……
I already totally look at other comments.. Maybe a rican thing cuz I am nosey.. LOL… I found some great bloggers out there by doing this…. I have a great network of about 20 bloggers who I constantly visit , support etc… and they support me I LOVE it!!!
I hope you had a great holiday season I look forward to see what else you have to offer. Woo hoo!!
.-= Grissell´s last blog ..Ok stick a fork in me and send me to the crazy house, I’m done! The scariest day of my life. =-.
Awesome post! Agree with you 100%. And again, I’m sorry you had to go through that…all I can say is, don’t let IDIOTS who WANT what YOU’VE EARNED ruin this for you. You have an audience and they know no one can duplicate you.
For me, I hope to build and audience through really defining what I can offer them. I’m working on that. I’ll leave it at that for now.
Good luck to you this year…thanks so much for your comment love on my new site…you are a very selfless blogger!
.-= POM´s last blog ..Are You Mommy Blogging for Money? Part II (and 2010 blog goals) =-.
Thanks for the compliment POM! Happy to be blogging with you!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
I applaud you, Heather! You are so awesome and I always look forward and enjoy reading Theta Mom.
I am all for blogging with a purpose and helping others achieve their goals. I try to find a new blog eachday to read and leave my mark (comment) so they feel the love.
You will always have my support Theta Mom!!!
.-= Michie´s last blog ..Overcoming Your Fears & Finding Strength To Forgive =-.
I’m so glad to have discovered you! (Should I really consider changing over to wordpress? Why?)
.-= Kami Lewis Levin´s last blog ..Up All Night, Sleep All Day =-.