To Link or Not to Link - That is the Question

                            

I must admit there are times I am a bit overwhelmed by the power of blogging and the responsibility that comes with it. I wonder if there is a secret manual out there that no one really sees but exists all the same, on the terms of blogging. When I began to blog I did so as a vehicle to meet, share, and learn about others. Yesterday a group of friends and I were engaged in a conversation about blogging and the effect it has on others as well as ourselves. How and where do we find time to be consistent? Do we add links or do we not add links? Do we talk just about our artwork or put ourselves out there as well? I could go on and on for days as this has truly opened a well within me; a well of blogging questions and etiquette. Ideally a blog is exactly what you want it to be, putting out there what we want to share. In my eyes the gift of blogging is truly the abundance of lessons that are learned, beauty that is absorbed, sharing that is so openly put out there and often time the extra kick we all need. At times I find the need to hold back a bit, if I share too much what will others think I wonder? 

So where am I going with all of this you might ask. Well, I am making a few changes to the look of my blog...links will now be housed in my ABOUT page. I am always so honored by others sharing themselves and their work so openly whether it be artwork or writing, I have no desire to remove or condense my links as they are truly portals to brilliance. I look forward to hearing others thoughts on this, so please share with me and if you do not feel comfortable posting e-mail away.

UPDATE - The Links are back in town on the front page.....my idea of going to a 2 column blog did not work out how I had envisioned a little housekeeping and there is plenty of room.

Comments

[Cindy Dean]

It's your blog...you should do as you wish. For me, it's a easy way to get to the blogs I like to read often. I have to amdit, I do do a little happy dance when someone I admire puts my name on their list! LOL. Have a happy week!

[Ursula C]

Great topic Kristen. So here is my two-cents worth..... I truly believe that each person's blog should be about what they want it to be about. The frequency, subjects, look etc... are all left up to the individual and there should not be any rules in regards to these matter. I think that this can be hard for some people but you can only really be true to yourself. When creating a blog, I think the author/owner should decide why they want to blog, what they want to share and move forward from there. These can change, and probably will over time, and the blog should then reflect this. Each day (hopefully) we all learn and grow and become different to how we were yesterday. So, shouldn't a blog, which is one aspect, not the whole, of a person then reflect that individual.
The only rule in blogging should be Respect.
I think what makes blogs interesting is when they are diffrent and reflect a little of that person.
I suppose where it can get tricky is in regards to links. In particular if someone has linked you and you don't want to link them, to that I say 'who you link is up to you' and vice versa. Or if you have linked someone and then down the track you want to remove them, well remove them. You will have your reasons and if you want to share them then do so and if you don't then don't. To link someone purely because they have linked you is not showing respect.
I am not saying that having this mind set is easy but THE most important thing is that your blog is yours, and so is a reflection of you. (Anybody who thinks a blog is the total sum of soembody needs to get out more!). Well I think I could go keep prattling on but I'll finish with... Blog because of the reasons YOU want to and don't worry about what other people think. The people who connect with you will support and encourage you, and those that don't need to be ignored. ('Delete' is a great tool). Ux

[Julie Prichard]

I think about this topic often...while I agree with several of the points previously mentioned...I wonder why you chose to move the links to a secondary location. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but what's the difference?

Bravo for bringing this up in the first place!

Along the same lines, I am a little bit bothered by those who decide that they indeed hold the key to blogging etiquette. Several blogs and publications tout that there are certain ways to do this and specific ways to do that... it's not right. Do what you want to do!

[vintage moon studio]

In regards to Julie's question about why move the links to another page... I have done the same thing quite a while ago and the reason for my move was mostly an aesthetic one (as I suspect your's is). Many blogs are sensory overloads and are sometimes difficult to navigate. Long lists take away from the visual appeal and focus (your artwork!). All it takes is one click to get the link info if so desired. There is just so much you can cram onto a web page without having it look cluttered and discourage visitors from delving deeper. Content, frequency - all a very personal decision and you should not be influenced by anyone who thinks they have "the standard". I know you do not want anyone to feel slighted or overlooked, an impossible feat at best, as we both know all too well! Keep on doing what you're doing, dear one. xox

[Pam]

I do the "happy dance" too when I see someone link my site as Cindy said. It is, of course, up to each person. My own link list helps me get to all the friends I've made easily, but it also means that the people who read my blog may go to some/all of the links I've got. I prefer to swap links for many reasons. My own viewpoint is, the more the merrier:) Especially when one is selling on etsy. I enjoy clicking on links and finding great new crafters and artists.
Pam

[Julie Bergmann]

I have to admit that I do the happy dance too when I see somebody has added me to their links. Blogging is relatively new for most of us. It's sort of the pioneering days of blogging. I'm still learning about "blogging things" everyday. In fact, just today I learned that I had my "typelist links" for my "Typepad" at the wrong setting. I had them set to show 20 links (when I should have had it set to show more.) I didn't even realize that there was a setting for that. I kept wondering why it was when I added more links that the older ones disappeared. They were still there essentially just not showing up on the main page. Then my long time artist friends may have visited my blog and wondered.....why was I deleted? Well, being the worry wart that I am....I thought, "OH NO! Will people think that I deleted them on purpose?" (I know...such dilemmas!) However, I do worry about offending someone.
I know for me personally, I think we are all artists just trying to do our thing. If I can help someone out by linking their site, as long as it's appropriate, I love to do it. I will post someones link because I want to. I hope they will do the same but I don't expect them to. Blogging can be very overwhelming at times, I agree, but it does feel REALLY good when someone leaves a comment!
As an artist I feel like it's something special when I can connect with another artist. So for now...I will link, link, link.

Anybody game?

Julie Bergmann

[michelle ward]

LINKS! A thorn in my side. I'm about to go LINK-less. The next time someone asks to be listed on my page I will BLOW. *throws up hands* The only reason I have kept my links is because it's easier to go to my favorite places. I used to look at link lists on other blogs to see if there was anywhere I hadn't been that might need visiting but I admit now I hardly look at them. If one of my blogging friends has a new link to visit they will most likely mention it in a post.

Some of the sh** that comes with blogging is so junior high, but having said that, I have had some of the most amazing experiences that NEVER would have happened if not for being a blogger. I'll take the nuisances with the gifts because when I weigh it all out - the gifts win.

Now can we talk about blogs that have no name? What's that about? Having your first name (at least!) somewhere obvious on your blog should be required.

And another thing.....oh, right. This is YOUR blog. I should get off my soapbox. Thanks for bringing this up Kristen.

[Julie Bergmann]

So I guess asking Michelle to add me to her links is out of the question? *wink* *wink*
Julie

[deb trotter]

Your blog is wonderful, and many of us frequent it because we love you, your artwork, your writing, and, or, your blog in general. Blogs have personalities just as we artists do. I like some of them and others drive me crazy - too much going on in the sidebar for me - or, as I have mentioned before, so many delicately iced cupcakes that I am quite sure I will become an online diabetic! But all of this is who those people are, and you are who you are - so, blog away, enjoy yourself, and do as you like!

XO, my sweet friend!
Deb

[Megan]

mmm - I still don't know how to create a banner Kristin, and am a very slack blogger. But the reason I dont do alot is I am so hesitant to show anywork that I am not totally happy with. Hows that for allowing other peoples opinions to effect what you want to say!
I also began blogging for the connection and like minded connections. It is amazing how small it makes the world. I always wonder about the etiqute of replying to comments. I don't get alot so it is easy for me to reply. I wonder what is the right way for those that get tons of comments. I use the lists to visit and discover loads of interesting places and would miss it if Michell removed here wonderful list. I must say I am highly flattered if someone adds me to their list. I take it as a real compliment. Mxo

[Deryn Mentock]

Oh, I'm glad your links are still there on the front where they're easy to get to! In any case, each to their own...your blog is beautiful.