I’m heading to Melbourne for a blogging event today. No doubt there will be much talk about building communities - there always is - it’s what bloggers aim to do, build a community of folk who don’t hate the things we write about.
The community that have adopted my blog are an outstanding bunch of people. Yesterday I wrote a post that I felt uneasy about publishing, then loads of mothers came forward on Facebook and shared stories of their imperfections too. Then I had another terrible morning with the kids BUT I didn’t shout. (Small steps).
I really value the folk who hang around here, so I wanted to write you a quick note and tell you a few things I love about you.
1. You keep yourselves tidy.
Sometimes I write about emotive topics like marriage equality and immunisation, but never once have I had to remove a hate fuelled comment from this blog.
OK. There was that really angry man who didn’t like pumpkin scones but he’s not a regular reader, so I'm not counting him.
2. You empathise.
You empathise with me and with one another. I’ve watched you support each other through bereavement and other family issues.
3. You have impeccable timing.
I don’t know how you do it, but somehow you know when I’m having trouble making it all fit into twenty-four hours, and that’s when you send me nice comments about soup, photos of recipes you've tried yourselves and other wonderful things like this picture Peter sent me of his favourite cookbook.
Peter's favourite cook book is his folder of recipes printed from the site.
4. You’re thoughtful.
Last month Paul recently wrote to me to share a smashing steak success he’d had with his new sous vide machine. I told him that I regretted not having bought a cheap one when I had the chance and told him I'd sometimes wondered if my slow cooker would suffice. You know what Paul did? He tested his slow cooker and reported back that it didn’t hold it’s temperature stable enough - all in a day!
5. You’re generous.
Long-time reader Doc has sent me some great old-fashioned recipes over the years including a cracking recipe for molasses bourbon pecan pie that he’s agreed to let me share with you.
These are just five of the many things I love about you.
Thanks for being part of this community. You're all the encouragement I need to keep filling the inter web with cake and ugly food,
Amanda x
Lydia C. Lee says
What a lovely post!! Enjoy the Voices!
Amanda Smyth says
Thanks Lydia. From the timing I'm guessing it must be two years since we first met!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
Nice post. You have an awesome community. What caring people getting all involved. Enjoy voices.
Amanda Smyth says
The very best Karin! 🙂
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
Here are 5 things I love about you. 1. You keep it real. 2. You have an ace newsletter. 3. You wrote a most excellent ebook. 4. You are a champion of ugly (which everyone knows is the most delicious) food. 5. You have fostered a wonderful community, of which I am more than happy to be part of! Party your pants off in Melbs! Can't wait to hear all about it! xx
Amanda Smyth says
Oh Sammie I was a bit fiddly when I read this and you almost brought a tear!
So glad to have spotted your name among the top 100 - congrats lovely, well deserved!
Nicole - Champagne and Chips says
What a lovely community you have.
Have glorious fun in Melbourne and at the Kidspot event. I am a bit disappointed I won't be able to high 5 you but I am in Brisneyland this week hanging with my new nephew.
Good luck too 🙂
Amanda Smyth says
New nephews are the best! Enjoy Brisbane - I'm sorry that the weather is a bit rubbish for your visit. 🙁
Shannon Clarke says
What a lovely post! I loved your presentation yesterday at the Voices Masterclass, I have now spent a good half an hour on your site... love it! I'll be sticking around and subscribing 🙂
Shannon x
Amanda Smyth says
Thanks Shannon - I found your SEO info very helpful. I've been a bit slack with it and your talk was a great reminder. 🙂