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Blogger, to thine own self be true.

By Anita S. Crum

Real Estate Agent with Rose and Womble Realty Company

October 01, 2009 05:29 PM

So, it's been months since I've blogged. Now I can give you all the standard excuses - not enough time, couldn't think of anything to write about, etc. But the true reason is that I have been suffering from a serious case of self doubt. Now I know those of you who know me are probably saying "No way! You, doubting yourself? Not possible." But it's true. I haven't been able to blog because 1) I didn't think I was able to add anything of value and 2) I was worried that I was going to offend someone.

I had plenty of material to write about and often started my post but seldom finished it. I would start a post and then while doing a little research for it would realize that everyone and his uncle were writing about the same thing. I felt redundant. What could I add to the plethora of information already out there on this subject? Why would anyone want to read my stuff? And what if they were offended by what I wrote? blogging, anita crum

I got myself tied into knots worrying about having original material and presenting it in a way that would not offend the world at large. And then I came to a realization.... I wasn't suffering from self doubt. I was suffering from an extreme case of hubris. Who am I to think that I can write original material that would please everyone? Wow was I full of myself! (And I can see those of you who know me smile and say "now that's more like it").

I realized that I was lucky if I had a small audience, if any. And, to misquote someone, I can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time but I can't please all of the people all of the time.

Blogging is about sharing your ideas, thoughts and knowledge with anyone who might be interested. And it's important to be true to yourself in your blog posts. It's a way of letting people get to know you before they ever get to meet you in person.

Think of the blog like the agent photo. We've seen the ones that are from 20 years ago or the glamour shots one that doesn't look anything like the agent now. Your blog should reflect the real you, not be a glamour shot.

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John Rakoci

Eagle Realty - North Myrtle Beach, SC

North Myrtle Beach Coastal Carolinas

Please- do not hold back! No reason. Have you read some of the blogs? Most are informative, some are humorous. A few are rediculous. Some are nothing but cut & paste and quite a few are word for word copies of the same at least 4 or 5 others have pasted. Free speech means you do not have to please everyone- or anyone. Heaven knows obama supporters do not like reading some of the truth I post. Don't waste another day- keep the blogs coming now and have fun.

Oct 01, 2009 05:42 PM

Mari Montgomery

Mari Realty - Huntsville, TX

Mari Realty

Hi Anita,

It's so weird, I just wrota a blog about how to just write--you can't "break it." Then, you guessed it, some comment about the lack of my blogs' effectiveness and I was totally shut down. Trying to get the "mojo" to write the perfect blog--what a bunch of garbage (see, I meant crap). Write on, sister!

Oct 01, 2009 05:59 PM

Charles Perkins

Charles G. Perkins, CPA - Burien, WA

Funny how often the same thing can be said and then some one says it just a little differently and a new understanding comes to light. I have been a tutor and gone through the same material many times. It fascinates me that there is always more to learn from. A teacher less as much or more as the students.

You may be surprised that your reverberates better than someone elses that was similar. I just try to speak from my heart and try to give as much as I can.

Oct 01, 2009 06:08 PM

Theodora Wu

TJ Investments - Burien, WA

I am still trying to come up with ideas. Looks to me like your blog is doing quite well.

Oct 01, 2009 07:01 PM

Anita S. Crum

Rose and Womble Realty Company - Newport News, VA

Hampton Roads Real Estate (757) 692-6438

John -It's true there are a wide variety of blogs out there from the truly creative to those that aren't work a click. I'm just trying to find my little niche. Thanks for the support.

Mari - Solidarity yeah! You seem to be doing well with blogging. BTW I never really thought of
Texas and raw oysters going together. When I think Texas I usually think steaks. :)

Charles - I know what you mean about how sometimes things make more sense when explained a different way. I should have remembered that from my teaching days. Thanks for that reminder.

Theodora - Thank you. And don't try too hard on finding just the right topic. Sometimes the silliest things can bring the greatest results. And when all else fails, a top ten list of some sort is always fun. Even if it's something like "Realtors top ten favorite things to eat in the car". Hmm, that might be a fun one to write about. LOL

Oct 02, 2009 03:05 AM

Anita,

That is so cool. Youe READ my blogs. Thanks. Isn't it fun to just talk and support each other and have fun!

Oct 02, 2009 05:06 AM

Kate Wheeler

Country Homes and Land Murphy NC Realtor - Murphy, NC

CCIM - Murphy NC Real Estate for Sale

Anita, I loved your analogy about blogs being like agent photos. I thought you made some excellent points.

Oct 02, 2009 05:30 AM

Mari - How could I not read your blog? I love how creative you are with your titles. Things like There's a frog in my shoe! and 5 steps to snake killin' and Eight People in the Butler's Pantry catch the eye and beg for an explanation. Keep it up!

Kate - Thank you! For short time I debated using an avatar instead of a photo but decided to stick with the photo instead, which btw I need to update. My son, bless him, tells me I still look just like my picture except that my hair isn't straight anymore. I keep meaning to get a new photo done but I want to get my hair done first and who has time.... That's what I've been telling myself for months now. :-)

Oct 02, 2009 06:05 AM

I am so glad to meet you Anita. Thanks for your encouragement. That is really sweet.

Oct 02, 2009 06:37 AM

Krista Abshure

Fathom Realty - Fuquay Varina, NC

I understand your Old line of thought, but like the new one better! Every agent is going to have a different way of presenting ideas. So what if someone else wrote something about it previously, you may reach an entirely different audience than they did. I applaud you for getting back into things again! Have you ever heard that song that says "just breath," well I say just BLOG!!! :) Look forward to reading your future posts!

Apr 02, 2011 08:06 AM

Blogger, to thine own self be true.

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