Mar 16 2008

Two Years of Kurokuros and a Bit of Blogging Advice

Published by Toe at 8:37 pm under Blogging, Personal, Writing

So I missed my second anniversary of blogging on February 24. We were in Bangkok then and I was thinking more in the line of shoes and bags rather than kurokuros and blogs. No biggie, it’s just as well as my second year of blogging has been notable perhaps only because of its mediocrity.

This is so unlike my first year – which had been phenomenal in terms of blog growth. The rise in my stats was astronomical. From a few visits a day, mostly from family members… okay, okay, it was only my Mom… to… well, a lot of people. My learning curve in the technicalities of blogging was also steep. By myself, I learned about XHTML, plug-ins, cPanel, and I even got my own domain and bloghosting.

Then, enter my second year. Besides the fact that I didn’t learn anything new, well it was marked by the fact that I lost my blog twice… after I upgraded my Wordpress and after I forgot to pay for my bloghosting. Oh, and my stats chart? It was pathetically mostly horizontal and straight as a dead heartbeat. As Simon Cowell would put it… it was ghastly (pronounced gohstly).

But anyway, I did do something to celebrate two years of Kurokuros. It may not be noticeable because the Angkor Wat is still my header, but I changed my theme. This theme is called Paalam which is Tamil for bridge. It’s another design by my favorite blog designer Sadish Bala. I love his designs because they’re neat and come fully loaded with features like customizable headers, widget compatibility, big fonts, and neat presentations. Coincidentally, Paalam is Tagalog for farewell. I think this is fitting because I am in my last months of my tour of duty here in Cambodia and I am about to say farewell to this country which has been home for almost six years. Though I have mixed feelings about going back to the Philippines (I’m excited to go home but not really thrilled about the loss of allowances), I’m quite looking forward to changing my by-line from “blogging in Cambodia” to “blogging in Kamuning” and hopefully a few months after that, “blogging by the bay.”

So anyway, I guess that after two years of blogging, I earn the right to give some advice to personal bloggers out there, especially the new ones. These tips are not on how to increase traffic in your blog and how to make money. Besides the fact that no way am I an authority in that area, there are also a lot of other blogs out there which can give that information. But I could give some advice, especially on personal blogging, so that you guys would continue to blog, even during the times when it’s difficult, a bit of a struggle, boring, and stressful.

  1. Blog because you have something to express and to share (and if you’re human, you always have something to express and to share). Don’t blog for the stats or links. These have nothing to do with freedom and imagination.
  2. When you write your blog posts, imagine one or more of your readers (especially those who love you) and write as if you are talking to or chatting with them.
  3. Don’t stress about your blog. Your blog is not your life. Your life is your family and your loved ones.
  4. Don’t blog out of dry duty but blog but do so because there is this frog inside your throat struggling to get out.
  5. Don’t bloghop and comment in other blogs out of dry duty either (so that they would also visit and comment in your blog). Do so because you are genuinely interested in the other bloggers and you have something to contribute to the discussion.
  6. Keep in mind that when you have a personal blog, you somehow automatically join a community of other personal bloggers.
  7. Be careful what you write in your blog. The reason it’s called the World Wide Web is because it’s world wide.
  8. If you want to be original and interesting, then simply write the truth. The truth is what you know is so. It could be different from the truths of others. Your truth should also be differentiated from facts which are declared by authorities and experts on the subject. If you tell your truth, you will be funny or deep or thought-provoking or entertaining… whatever it is, you will be original and interesting. You cannot be funnier than you really are, or smarter or deeper. You can only be yourself… and yourself is always original and interesting.
  9. Be kind.

So I continue to blog and I hope that I would have many many years of blogging. Even if people stop reading my blog, even if sometimes I take long breaks, I would always go back to it. I will repeat this quote which I’ve already written on this post. It talks about writing, but the writer could might as well have been talking about blogging, especially personal blogging:

We are important and our lives are important, magnificent really, and their details are worthy to be recorded. This is how writers must think, this is how we must sit down with pen in hand. We were here; we are human beings; this is how we lived. Let it be known, the earth passed before us. Our details are important. Otherwise, if they are not, we can drop a bomb and it doesn’t matter.

- Natalie Goldberg in Writing Down the Bones

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41 responses so far

41 Responses to “Two Years of Kurokuros and a Bit of Blogging Advice”

  1. #   Two Years of Kurokuros and a Bit of Blogging Advice by The Philippines According to Blogson 16 Mar 2008 at 8:42 pm

    [...] Read more in Toe’s Kurokuroatbp. [...]

  2. # bingskeeon 16 Mar 2008 at 9:08 pm

    hi, toe. i would like to greet you a happy 2nd blog anniversary. it’s late, i know, but still, i wanna greet you, and thank you also for gracing my blog life. though i have not been visiting that much lately because of time constraint, you are one of those who inspired me. you are one person who is humble and seems to be very easy to be with. (’alang ere, ika nga, at sana wag lumaki ulo ha ha ha; malayo namang mangyari sa tingin ko). you, despite the comfort and tip-top life you have, made your readers feel that everyone is welcome. you, despite your status in life, made your readers feel that life is not that hard. i salute you, toe. happy blog anniversary. may God bless you and your family always. :-)

    funny, as i ponder about anniversaries, i never ever celebrate any blog anniversary. must be because 24 hours is not enough for me.

  3. # Wilon 17 Mar 2008 at 8:00 am

    Congrats on 2 years, Toe! I also didn’t blog about my 2nd year of blogging, but i just might since it’s always nice to look back at what’s happened.

    Don’t worry ’bout your stats not going up. As long as they’re not going in the other direction, then it’s ok. hehe

    btw, those are good words of advice to newbies and long-time bloggers alike. :)

  4. # Toeon 17 Mar 2008 at 12:02 pm

    Hi Bingskee! Those are really touching words and I’m very touched and grateful! The blogging community where we belong is really great for we inspire and uplift each other. More blogging to you too Bingskee! :)

  5. # Toeon 17 Mar 2008 at 12:06 pm

    Thanks so much Wil! :) I’m not worrying about my stats at all. What’s important is the quality of my readers who actually read and enjoy the posts… like you. :)

  6. # noemion 17 Mar 2008 at 2:32 pm

    Imagine that, we have the same anniversary date. I still clearly remember the few days after I blogged. I was so thrilled you linked to me…hehe. Look how far we’ve gone.

    Happy 2nd blog anniversary and more to come.

  7. # snglguyon 17 Mar 2008 at 5:00 pm

    OMG, has it already been two years since we, or rather… I started reading your blog? Tumatanda na talaga ako, hehe. Ambilis talaga ng panahon, I mean, just a year ago we had our first eb with Myrna and Verns, ngayon pauwi ka na… at magkikita na naman tayo. Waahhh! :-D

  8. # Sidneyon 17 Mar 2008 at 6:17 pm

    Wow! To years already! You are old, pala!
    Congrats! I am glad you will continue to blog since it is always a joy to read your new blog entries!
    I wish you a safe return to your homeland !
    Ingat !

  9. # lazaruson 17 Mar 2008 at 6:39 pm

    Halos magkasabay pala tayo, Ms. Toe. Mag 2 yrs din blog ko on the 19th. I wish you all the best and more power to your blogging!

  10. # Tingon 18 Mar 2008 at 1:23 am

    Buti ka pa nga, naalala mo kahit papaano. Ako, I don’t know what happened to me. I got hit by the WWW sting and the “Be careful what you say” thingie.

  11. # Daphneon 18 Mar 2008 at 10:37 am

    Great blogging pieces of advice/tips!

    I like the sound of your soon to be title “blogging by the bay” :)
    It has a breezy tone to it.

    Happy 2nd blog anniversary, Toe!

  12. # raytson 18 Mar 2008 at 11:43 am

    hi toe! congrats on your two fruitful years of blogging. i’ve noticed the change in the layout, neat and more friendly to the eyes. it’s a subtle change as you said, but still enough to be noticed.

    thanks for sharing to us a slice of your life. i’ve always said that first and foremost, more than the urge of going to Cambodia and experiencing this place through your experiences, i’ve always like your wit and your humor, your narratives and interesting stories. most of all, your HUMOR. :-D

  13. # Toeon 18 Mar 2008 at 2:03 pm

    Noemi, and I remember naman, yours was the first comment ever outside my family. I was also very thrilled. :)

    Wow, two years… and you’re really making big splashes in the blogosphere Noemi! Congratulations to you too! :)

  14. # Toeon 18 Mar 2008 at 2:06 pm

    Snglguy, was that EB only a year ago? Wow… ang bilis nga ng panahon… pero sana bumilis pa… gusto ko ng umuwi e. :)

  15. # Toeon 18 Mar 2008 at 2:09 pm

    Oh, thanks Sidney. I’m really honored that you visit my blog. You’re also one of the first ones who have done so. I remember one of your first comments… you were asking if I married a Cambodian. :)

    Thanks again… I really appreciate it!

  16. # Toeon 18 Mar 2008 at 2:13 pm

    Thanks Lazarus! Wow, 2 years ka na din… advanced congratulations to you too! :)

  17. # Toeon 18 Mar 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Ting, how are you? I hope you’re doing fine. I hope you come back to blogging… you’re blog is really great. That sting? I’m sure it would heal. :)

  18. # Toeon 18 Mar 2008 at 2:17 pm

    Oh, thanks Daphne! :) I somehow know that we have the same attitude towards blogging. :) I hope that “blogging by the bay” would happen soon! :)

  19. # Toeon 18 Mar 2008 at 2:22 pm

    Rayts, yes, I love my lay-out so much that sometimes, I just look at it without reading anything… hehehe… narcissistic no? :)

    Oh, thanks Rayts! I’m so happy that you read my blog and appreciate my humor (not everybody likes my humor… some don’t get it… hehe)! :)

    I’m also happy that through this blog, I get to meet interesting, adventurous, and talented people like you. :)

  20. # donG hOon 18 Mar 2008 at 9:16 pm

    Hi toe,

    can i feature you in my blog? I am sending you some questions coz part of it is an online interview. your blog is very interesting. You will be the first to be featured in this blog link. this is a new feature for my blog.

    thanks.

    donG hO

  21. # bwon 18 Mar 2008 at 10:13 pm

    “Don’t stress about your blog. Your blog is not your life. Your life is your family and your loved ones ”

    Absolutely right Toe :) Nice words of wisdom from you and I happen to agree with all of them. :) We all strive to be more than just cut and paste bloggers don’t we hehe :) BTW I really thought you have been around longer than 2 years :)

  22. # Tingon 19 Mar 2008 at 12:08 am

    BTW, are you back in the Philippines already? Last time I was here, you were talking about how your time is almost up. Haven’t had the chance to go back to your posts. See, I’m also hit with the “kata” sickness. (Katamaran)

  23. # Toeon 19 Mar 2008 at 11:43 am

    Hi Dong Ho! Wow, thanks for considering me. Sure, you can email me. It’s found in my about page. :)

  24. # Toeon 19 Mar 2008 at 11:45 am

    Ting, haha! I know… I have the kata too… especially now, when the weather is so hot! :) I’m still here in Cambodia and will be back in the Philippines by end of July. It’s still a long way away but I’m so excited na! :)

  25. # Toeon 19 Mar 2008 at 2:41 pm

    Thanks BW! Yes, I totally believe in not stressing over our blogs, especially for us, personal bloggers. I think that a lot of those who have stopped blogging were overwhelmed with the pressure of bloghopping, commenting, stats, etc…. I should know… sometimes, I feel like stopping too. :) But then, I always try to go back to my purpose on why I started blogging, in the first place… and that usually brings me at peace with blogging. :)

  26. # momoftwoon 20 Mar 2008 at 4:12 am

    Happy 2nd Blog Anniversary, Toe! May you have more, more years in blogging :) Those are valuable tips!

  27. # Toeon 20 Mar 2008 at 10:16 am

    Thanks momoftwo! More blogging to you too! :)

  28. # hazeon 20 Mar 2008 at 3:40 pm

    First off Happy 2nd Anniversary to your blog and to you Toe :D ! Second, there are no goodbyes only hellos nga daw. So your 6 year tour of service will be terminated soon ? Is it always after 6 years when someone works for government ? Just curious because my cousin works for the Philippine Embassy in Paris for a 6 year tour din, kaya may kapamilya na ako dito ;) !

    Second, I am 100% agree on all the aforementioned tips/advices. Especially 1,3,5,7 & 9 very well said Toe !

    Third, I never celebrate my blog anniversary! Bad girl :( ! More blogging years for you Toe !

  29. # piningon 20 Mar 2008 at 9:44 pm

    Happy 2nd blog anniversary Toe, I know it’s a bit cliche, but I’ll say it anyway: I wish you more years of blogging (and I sincerely mean it) because I enjoy reading it, you’re an inspiration :-)
    About the tips, I ditto what Haze said, very well thought indeed!

  30. # IAon 21 Mar 2008 at 3:45 pm

    Toe, happy anniversary! You know, I can’t even remember how I found your blog, but I believe it is just providential that I did. It’s just so refreshing and inspiring to visit your blog, and I admire you for the kindness that I saw and experienced here. I have very little time to blog and blog-hop, but even if it’s only your blog that I get to read, I am blessed for I leave inspired. Thank you for that, and may you continue to be a blessing to everybody!

  31. # Toeon 23 Mar 2008 at 10:27 am

    Haze, yes, six years for us DFA people when we’re posted abroad. It’s great that you have family in Paris now. :) I am so glad you agree with me. I know we’re kindred spirits when it comes to our blogging policies. :) Happy Easter to you and your family Haze! :)

  32. # Toeon 23 Mar 2008 at 10:28 am

    Thanks Pining! :) Personal bloggers like us should always remember why we blog… to express ourselves and record the details of our lives and to tell our stories. :) Happy Easter to you and your family Pining! :)

  33. # Toeon 23 Mar 2008 at 10:32 am

    What nice words, IA! They are very inspiring. :) This community of bloggers really inspire us to blog more and express ourselves. :) Keep blogging IA! Happy Easter to you and your family! :)

  34. # pinaywifeon 23 Mar 2008 at 7:26 pm

    Hi Toe! Good points.. esp. #3.. _> when I was trying to monetize my blog, I was almost always rejected coz I didn’t have much post etc or there are some weeks I didn’t post anything.. so I decided to just give it sometime and not to fret about it..

    #5 _>so true! i find blog hopping a chore and its frustrating din if some bloggers make kulit and ask you to add them up. hirap sabihing i only add blogs i really read and visit regularly

    Congrats on your 2nd year!

  35. # Linguist-in-Waitingon 24 Mar 2008 at 4:04 am

    Wow. Time flies fast isn’t it? I recall that the first time I chanced upon this blog was when you blogged about the recall order. That was back in January of 2007! Well, I guess, it may be depressing to go back (I can vouch for that, as a kid; going back meant losing my friends at school and starting over again), it may also be exciting because that means you’ll be assigned somewhere after that again, although I don’t know how long you have to stay in the home base before you get deployed again. As far as I can remember, it was 2 years, but I might be wrong.

  36. # Toeon 24 Mar 2008 at 3:07 pm

    Pinaywife, thanks a lot! :) I know what you mean about bloghopping. But don’t worry about it… bloggers can’t obligate each other to do this or that. If you have good content, they will come and comment. And even if the traffic isn’t so good, as long as you have quality readers, that’s the important thing because it really makes blogging worthwhile. :) Keep on blogging! :)

  37. # Toeon 24 Mar 2008 at 3:12 pm

    LIW, you got here through Prab, I remember. :) Whatever happened to that guy? :)

    You are right… six years in the Home Office, then hopefully, get posted somewhere… like where you’re Dad is right now, for instance. :) It’s pretty exciting going home. Two years in one place is a bit too long for me. :)

  38. # Leahon 28 Mar 2008 at 10:32 am

    Congrats in your milestone and thanks for all the tips. I am a culprit on some of those. Thanks for the reminder. It is true, a blog is a blog and it should not rule over us. It is a creative outlet.

  39. # Toeon 28 Mar 2008 at 11:20 am

    Thanks Leah. We all are guilty of these… even myself. The advice is also for me as well because oftentimes, I also forget and get entangled with all the stresses of blogging. :)

  40. # annamanilaon 05 Apr 2008 at 1:17 pm

    Kurokuro is one (I think second only to Noemi’s from whose site I found the link to KK) of the first blogs I visited as a new blogger, Toe oneof the first blog friends I made. More than a year and countless blog visits and blog friends later, it’s still topnotch in my list. Mabuhay, KK (kuko?) and Toe!

    Thanks for the inspiring tips. I should have read this before I began to blog and spared myself some disappointments. haha

  41. # Toeon 06 Apr 2008 at 6:46 pm

    Annamanila, wow thanks… I’m really honored with your nice words. And KK – I like! :) Come back to blogging na! :)

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