Common Myths About Bloggers
When I tell people I’m a blogger, they usually are very interested. This is probably because they have no idea what a blog actually is or what a blogger actually does. Others think this means I’m internet-famous (LOL), I make a ton of money or I’m a loser who writes an online diary. So I’m here to bust just a few of the common myths about bloggers that I see and hear often.
We are full of ourselves
People think that because we post photos of ourselves (whether it’s a fashion blogger posting an outfit post or a lifestyle blogger posting photos of last weekend’s wedding), we must be so full of ourselves. If we write anything positive about ourselves, we are seen as arrogant. When we post DIY, recipe or advice posts, we clearly think our opinions are superior. While some bloggers might fall into those categories, I know that I don’t. I’m just as insecure with myself as anyone else, and I certainly don’t blog because I think my life is awesome. In fact, my blog is full of self-induced humor and posts about things that suck, too (in addition to the positive things).
Blogging is easy
Yes, anyone can write their thoughts and post them online, but it takes a lot of time, knowledge and skills to be a good blogger. I used my background in writing and interest in fashion and beauty to start my blog. I taught myself HTML, Photoshop and WordPress and utilized my SEO skills from my day job. I devote a few hours a day to my blog. Although it’s a hobby for me, but I also see it as a side job.
All bloggers are rich
Yes, a lot of bloggers buy their Michael Kors bags with their mommy and daddy’s money (or in some cases, their husband’s!) The rest of us, myself included, are posting outfits from stores like Target and Forever21. People also think we make a ton of money from our blogs. Yes, some big bloggers do make a considerable amount of income- but those are only a select few. Getting thousands of page views a month doesn’t necessarily merit a large amount of income.
What are some myths you have/had about bloggers? Or that others had about you as a blogger?
Awesome post. Another thing is that people think we have a considerable amount of free time, yeah right!
Hah! These are pretty much right on! The misconceptions people have about bloggers is just amazing. I wish I was rich and had tons of free time.
Lol people think we don’t work, I work very long hours and that’s how I can afford my stuff. My daddy stopped financing me a long time ago and I don’t have a husband or bf. People think blogging is free, but nope having a domain, a nice template, a good camera..etc all these things were not free I had to pay for them. I could go on about this.
This is a great post.. So true! It always surprises me how little some people know about it with the assumptions they make.
I think you nailed this one on the head!! I think that biggest thing is the amount of time it takes to make your blog worthy of people reading it!! Like you said anyone can write crap, but to make it actually sound interesting is the key!!
Yes! “Writing” 100 words isn’t really blogging, IMO
The amount of time people think blogging takes is really laughable. Heck- I’d have 7 different blogs if I only had to work on each one for a few minutes a day
haha same!
Agree with all of these! A blog is literally a part-time job. I see a lot of bloggers getting big because they are housewives who spend their husband’s money – LOL. They have that extra time and money to put into creating a successful blog. Oh wells! 🙂
They give us all a bad name, don’t they?
Love this post! Thinking blogging is easy is a big one…unless you’re a blogger, I don’t think other people really realize how much time/effort it takes.
ha! I think that people think all of these things. And hey, sometimes I think it about certain bloggers as well! Except it is not easy!
I definitely agree that people think blogging is easy and that anyone can do it. But it’s actually really time consuming and takes a lot of dedication!
such a great post rachel, and very informative for those who don’t blog. i want to share it with everyone i know outside of the blogging community 🙂 and i have to say, every single blogger i consider a friend and interact with is totally genuine, talented and a hard worker.
Love this post. So many people think that blogging is easy, when it really isn’t!
YES! I think so many people believe that it’s easy being a blogger. They are absolutely shocked when I tell them how many hours a week I spend on my blog! I’m so glad that you also mentioned the whole self-importance thing. I also worry that when I tell people that I’m a fashion blogger that they’ll start to think I’m completely self-involved and full of myself!
I always worry about that, too! But I work in marketing full-time so I think most people can see how the 2 jobs/skills compare so it may be a bit easier.
yep. way harder than people think!
People never realize how much time it takes, I feel like whenever people ask what I’m doing it’s somehow related to my blog!
ha same!
So many people ask me how much money I make from my blog (rude) and why I don’t take elaborate vacations with the money….
lollll
You hit the nail on the head Rachel! I totally agree with each point…I’ve been blogging for close to two years and some of my friends still don’t know that I have a blog because they would probably assume that I’m full of myself for posting outfit photos. When in reality it’s such a fun and creative outlet that is completely different from my 9 to 5 job. It definitely takes a lot of dedication but it’s also very rewarding!
Drive me crazy when people don’t realize how much work actually goes into blogging! It’s fun, but it’s still hard work a lot of the time!
OMG I totally here you on these myths! People always think that when I get excited for a new follower on Bloglovin or Twitter, because I am a new blogger, that I am just full of myself. So rude!
Blogging definitely isn’t easy. I hate when people just assume it’s some online diary or that you’re “weird” because you do it. It’s been a door/opportunity/frind finder in so many ways!
Great topic, and I completely agree with you. I’m not full of myself, I have a ‘real job’, I buy and create things all on my own, and posting a quality article takes hours of work. Also, I barely even make spare change in return. So where’s the payoff? It’s in reaching out to people. It’s SUCH a great feeling!
Like most people here are saying, blogging is legitimately a part-time job that can easily go full-time. I think a lot of people don’t understand that, even first-time bloggers.
I agree with everything you said! And I think it’s important for many of us (bloggers and readers alike) to keep in mind that the rich girl bloggers may be just that, and not put too much effort into wishing we could afford the things they have.
I think the “blogging is easy” is the biggest one for me. Yes, I have a TON of fun doing it, but dang I’ve pulled some late nights working on it! A labor of love.
I greatly identify with this post. Blogging is a lot of work. Especially if you are a noob like me. I’ve made very little money and don’t plan to flashing my Prada collection my blogging millions will buy me. I will also add it takes a lot of bravery and vulnerability to put your ideas out there. Unfortunately, there are a lot of bullies on the internet!
Yes, thick skin is a MUST!