Blogging drama, that is…

I see a lot of people post about how bloggers can be so mean and so hurtful and people get attacked by bloggers all the time.  I have personally never experienced this and I pray that I never have to.  To me, blogging should be fun, I’m not doing it to make money (although, I know that for some people it’s added income and that’s great for them – so maybe it gets a little more serious there), I do it because of the fabulous friends I’ve made and because I enjoy discussing fun and exciting topics while sharing my workout goals and accomplishments in order to motivate and inspire myself and others.  Although I’m not in the heat of it, I still witness a good bit of blogging drama.  I don’t want to point anything out about anyone, I’m simply sharing how I keep myself out of the line of fire.  Who knows, one day, no matter how hard I try, I may be in the middle of some blogging drama, but I can assure you that I’ll be doing my best to not!

{1} Be respectful
I completely agree and understand that everyone has a right to say whatever the heck they want to at any given time.  It’s the whole “Freedom of Speech” thing and I get it, but just because you have the RIGHT to do something, doesn’t exactly mean you should… If I disagree with someone on something, I can respectfully let them know in a comment or I can keep my flapper shut.  You won’t see me talking about it “openly” or even in a “round about” way to let someone know that I don’t agree with them or think they’re crazy for saying or doing what they’re doing.  I may have the right to say what I want, but I’d rather just respect that person, let them say what they want to say and stay out of it because chances are, if I’m following them and reading their blog, then I agree with about the other 90% of what they say on a day to day basis, so I’m just gonna let that go and not put a damper on the relationship I’ve built with them.

{2} I don’t always speak my mind
If you know me IRL, then you know that I’m a very open minded person and I usually don’t hesitate to speak my mind or let you know how I feel about you.  Honestly, you can usualy tell in my facial expression (yes, I’m one of those people), so with blogging… a lot of that gets hidden.  I don’t think that means that you don’t know the real me, but I think it’s me letting another part of myself out into the world.  I don’t like every post I read and most of the time, if I disagree with a post, it’s because one person was so closed minded and only saw something from one side and I can see how both sides could have a solid case about a topic, but I like the particular blogger who wrote that one post that didn’t quite sit well with me, and again… I’m just not going to speak my mind on it.  Some people may think that the purpose of blogging is to create discussion and debate and that’s why we as bloggers choose to write about controversial issues, but it’s not that for me.

{3} I don’t use all forms of social media to attack other bloggers
I see blogging as a large group of friends… most of us, if we follow each other, we follow a lot of the same bloggers!  If someone does something or says something, I don’t necessarily believe in blasting that all over social media (even if you don’t use a specific name or call anyone out), I firmly believe that most of the people reading either know exactly what you’re talking about (and in this case, creates even more angry and upset people and more drama and people start feeling attacked even if they weren’t originally) or they assume you’re probably talking about someone they do know and they start searching for the post that you’re ranting about.  I don’t think social media was intended for this.  Because people don’t have to look someone in the eye, they think they can say more and do more, but that thinking ends up hurting people a lot more and it’s just unnecessary. 

I say all of this to point out that I am full of honest and true opinions and YES, I have every right to speak those, but I don’t.  I have not embarked on any social media drama or blogging drama because it’s not why I’m here, Honestly it stresses me out… when I read of people attacking each other or attacking what other bloggers do or say, my heart races and it’s not good for my health.  I’m not saying this to point out a specific event or topic, I’m saying this for all the blogging drama and social media drama that I’ve witnessed since my very first time as a blogger (and have just chosen to not speak up about it until now).  Why can’t we all just be respectful of others, keep our dang mouth shut if it doesn’t pertain to us, and use social media as an encouraging platform, not a place to spew venom on those we don’t like.  I realize that I may be putting myself in the line of fire just a tad with this post (maybe that’s hypocrytical, but I’ll just use everyone elses excuse- the 1st amendment)  I think it’s important for beginner bloggers to understand that not every one has to deal with blogging drama when entering this way of life and there are ways to avoid it.  I’ve been blogging for over a year now and sure I’m not a “big wig” in this blog land, but I haven’t dealt with any blog drama and it’s because of these 3 things here.

On a way more positive note: If you’re interested in an uplifting and encouraging blog relationship, consider signing up for the Bloggers Helping Bloggers swap that starts in July.  You have until the 27th to sign up and it’s focused on praying and encouraging your partner (gifts are not required, but an encouraging note during the month is!).

Have a wonderful Wednesday, try to stay clear of the blogging drama, encourage and uplift each other, and stay positive friends!