What I learned while blogging: Part I

So if you read my latest post, you know that I am giving up this old shack...turning over a new leaf, and staying goodbye to Melinda Zook. For those of you who don't know, that is not my real name. I started this blog anonymously due to the fact there are way too many creepies out there and no way did I want to put myself out there for anyone to look up. Not that they'd really care to but you know...you can never be too careful.

I also wanted to be able to write what I wanted to write and not feel that those around me would get offended. I have read way too many stories where someone blogged about someone and they read it and became angry. Even if you weren't writing about that someone, just about anyone could think, is she talking about me?

It is a touchy thing in the blogging world to share stories but not to exploit or shame others. This is on the Internet for the world to read. That argument aside, in general the world is becoming much less private because of the Internet. People share their deepest darkest not only on blogs but MySpace, Facebook or Twitter. There is no more hush hush about anything; it seems the opposite, people want to tell the world everything about everything.

This blog for me was also a source of income. I am not talking large sums here but it certainly did help to offer reviews and contests. I actually learned a lot about products I wouldn't have otherwise tried; anything from learning about a barcode scanner to fishing equipment. Regardless, I made enough to buy a few things for myself (and not feel guilty about it) like a few nice handbags and shoes. Sounds stereotypical since my blog is all about girlie stuff : )

But now I actually know a lot about blogging, how to set up a website, commenting on other blogs, stat counters, blog directories, advertising, traffic...the whole sha-bang and it's been fun. Maybe some day I will pick it up again, under some other phony name...but for now, the real Melinda Zook's out there can have their name back and feel relief that they won't be confused with my little pink blog.