I was a medium sized trout on my last blogging site. Or at least a big mouth bass. I had quite a few followers, but in reality it was a really small pond. More of a puddle.
On Open Salon, I am a guppy. And this is a huge body of water. I love it.
I did not come to OS through the movie "Julie and Julia." I haven't seen it yet. I was actually unaware of OS (how embarrassing) until a friend of mine e-mailed a post by fingerlakeswanderer for me to read. I was hooked. Reeled in like the small fish that I am. I read some more of her posts. I read other people's posts. Oh my God, does everyone write so well here?
With the clear understanding that I was out of my league, I posted something I had written from last year. I had not yet figured out how to tell if people were reading my post, but there was nary a comment, so I could assume not many.
I continued reading as many different people's writing as possible. I found myself ready to try posting again. And again.
I am taking this opportunity on "Good News Sunday" to say, I am thrilled to be here. There are still many things I don't quite understand.
For example, can I write about food if it is not Tuesday? Is there a prize for being "First!" on the comments? I am still navigating my way around this vast sea of writers.
It is not so bad being a guppy. I'm here to write the stories I need to tell and to be inspired by yours. Happy Sunday.
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Comments
There are no rules besides don't be a spammer.
If reading and writing are your thing, then you have found your cyber-nirvana.
It's harder to find readers than it used to because this place has grown so fast, but it's still not that hard, so don't get at all discouraged. More members can mean more readers!
There are several things you can do to increase your readership. One is to get known. A good way to do that is by commenting on others blogs. That writer reads their comment thread even if they don't have time to comment. After they see you a couple times, they become curious and click on your name and read your latest blog. (OSers are notoriously curious, or nosy. Whichever you prefer).
Feel free to contact anyone via personal mail. Everyone loves personal attention and this method can spark some incredible friendships.
Build a favorites list and use it to send out notices when you post. Some don't care for these notices, but most don't mind and will read your work out of curiousity. They will let you know if they don't want to receive them anymore.
There is no rule about manners, but good manners will go a long way. You sound very nice so I doubt that will be an issue. "Agree to disagree, but be agreeable while doing it will serve you well." Speak your mind.If you write well, they will come.
I will ad you to my favorites list so I might catch you in the feed when you post (or you can notify me if you like).
When I joined OS, there were many who reached out to help me and they have become some of my best friends here. Feel free to PM me if I can help or have any questions.
Welcome, Guppy!
I love ya, girl and I love being a guppy with ya xoxo
Go for broke.
We all do.
You'll also notice that most of the time we're all swimming in different directions but are interested in what the other guppies are seeing. And that's what it's all about.
Beautifully put. Thank you for the post and a warm welcome. If ever we begin to believe we're the "Big Fish" I fear there will be something sadly lacking in our writing.
And considering the ancient recipe cards of one OS member it's always a relief to see anyone not writing about food on Tuesdays.
Rated and appreciated