New to Blogging? Don't Fear The Rain!

New to Blogging?  Don't Fear The Rain!

Okay, so you've found Active Rain.  Whether you came here because someone invited you or you found it on your own, you know you need to increase your Internet presence.  You know people are here to help, but it's still a bit intimidating.  If you're like most people, you take the baby steps.  You start with quietly reading, no commenting.  You're almost afraid to type that first comment.  What if they don't like my comment?  What if they think it's stupid?  And the thought of actually typing that first blog post?  Downright scary!

But here's one of many cool things about Active Rain.  Most people here are courteous.  Most people here operate on a Pay It Forward philosophy.  Someone helped them when they first started off, and we don't forget that.  Those first commenters, those first subscribers, they mean quite a bit.

Dont' fear commenting.  Don't fear writing.  Don't fear the people with all those points.  Every one of us started at ZERO!  More than anything what those points tell you is the people with them got to Active Rain and stayed, and they're dedicated to blogging.  They're probably here every day and highly active in the Rain.  They know the ins and outs of Active Rain well, what works and what doesn't.  That said, their opinion doesn't count more than yours, ESPECIALLY when you're talking about YOUR local market.  Who knows your local market better than you?  And local markets are vastly different.

Speak to what you know.  Active Rain gives you a  big voice, the capability to reach the entire world.  You can disagree, but do so civilly.  If it's a Members Only post you might state some things you'd leave off a Public post, but still, don't forget that what you type lasts.  Your Active Rain reputation rides on those comments and posts.  If you make a habit of being rude to your fellow Rainers, don't wonder why you get ignored or if someone tells you in no uncertain terms that you're out of line.  And if you make a faux pas, don't keep digging the hole deeper.  You'll get a lot more respect here by realizing the error than by seeing how many more folks you can upset by sticking to your guns.  Integrity is highly valued in the Rain.

So don't know where to start, ask for help.  But DO start.  Comment, write, evolve.  Find your voice.  Become a blogger.  Build your business.  You can become a valuable member of Active Rain, but you've got to participate first!

Keep on Blogging,
Liz and Bill aka BLiz