Thursday, December 2, 2010

Busting the Newbie Blues!


This is such a great idea!!  Busting the Newbie Blues is hosted by Small Review.  It was created to help new book bloggers (like me!) by giving us a way to interact with more established book bloggers.  
SO here are my answers to the questionnaire:

1.  When did you start your blog?
A:  About a month ago.

2.  Why did you start your blog?
A:  I was reading book blogs for a few months before starting my own.  I was reading a lot and wanted to be able to discuss the books I read.  Sadly, my family doesn't read as much as I do (nor do they read the same types of books as I do), and my friends don't read as much either.  So I pulled an all-nighter and created Bon Bons and Reveries.  

3.  What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far?
A:  Hmm, well, I guess that would either be (1) trying to write reviews on books I read a while ago or (2) trying to figure out a way to improve the look of my blog (layout, etc.) with my limited to nonexistent knowledge of CSS.

4.  What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?
A:  I don't really find anything that discouraging.  Sometimes I feel like my blog will never be as good as the blogs I read but I know it will come with time.

5.  What do you find most encouraging?
A:  When people comment on my blog saying they love/like it.  Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :) 

6.  What do you like best about the blogs you read?  Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?
A:  Yes, before I made my blog I visited all the blogs I read and I made a list of everything I liked about each blog.  I used that list when I created mine.  I still do that, even now, as I try to improve my blog.  My favorite things about the blogs I read are: easy to navigate, colors, nice blogger, organized, and content.  My top favorite thing about the blogs I read is their passion-if I can see how much effort and hard work they put into their blog then I know they are dedicated and I can count on them.

7.  What do you dislike about blogs you've read?  Do you try to avoid this?  
A: I don't like blogs that are completely blank (white background, etc.) with no header, and messy sidebars that post about once a month and don't seem to care.  

8.  Any advice for other new bloggers?
A:  Blog about what you like/love.  Let your passion and love for reading, writing, or anything you blog about shine through because that is the real reason for blogging-to share what you love with others.

9.  Anything else you'd like to share about your experience?
A:  I've probably said this a million times already but-  I love the blogging community.  Everyone is so nice and supportive of each other.  I don't feel that competitive pressure to beat anyone-because there is no one to beat.  We all share the same interests and want to share that with the world.  

10.  Is there anything you'd like to tell us about your blog?
A:  Books + Food + Music= Bon Bons and Reveries
Also, those of you who don't know- I'm hosting a holiday giveaway called Happy Holly Jolly Holidays Giveaway, click here for more info.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

Aww your passion is inspiring!!! I totally know what you mean about the design aspects and not knowing what you're doing. That is totally me, but I lucked out in marrying the worlds best man, who happens to double as a web/digital designer. Good luck with your blog :)

-A

Chazz said...

Love this post! I should have done that when I was newer to the game.
I love your blog design and I shall pop by when I get a chance to read more of your posts.
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier.

Chazz

Anonymous said...

Great answers! I'm off to have a look around your blog now :)

Unknown said...

I put my giveaway as my last comment too! Nice to meet you by the way, I'm going to stick around and stalk you like... like a big stalky... thing...

Jenny Q said...

Just hopping over to say Hi! I think your blog looks great! I'm going to go check out your giveaway now! I've got a big giveaway of my own going on, please stop by if you get a chance! Let Them Read Books

Small Review said...

It's so nice to get to know you a little more! Thank you for participating :)

And thank you for answering all those questions. Your answers are very helpful. I'm glad to hear you don't get discouraged. You're absolutely right that it just all comes with time. You have such a great attitude there!

I'm an old follower, but I'll be checking out more of your site and your giveaway. :)

Jenny said...

Love this idea! I haven't been blogging too long and I know I was very intimidated when I started, I didn't know if people would enjoy reading the blog and I was really nervous writing the reviews since I really haven't done any serious writing since college. I adore your blog, you are one of my frequent stops so I think you're doing a fabulous job!

Cialina at Muggle-Born.net said...

Hey, I'm a newbie blogger too and if you need any help with CSS feel free to ask me. I'd love to help you out. :)

I think that it was a great idea that you made a list of elements that you liked from all your favorite blogs. What a great way to start off!

I'll definitely check out your giveaway right now.

Unknown said...

Hi Caroline! Thanks for stopping by and following, I'm following you back!
Hafsah @ IceyBooks

Megan Bernard said...

You're a new blogger? I never would have guessed. You are doing a fine job :)
I'm a new follower!

Jude

Nina B. said...

I'm not just a new follower, I also joined this event because I saw what you did. I love your enthusiasm. I hope we can share great reviews in the future :D

You can check out my answers here

Deb said...

Hey, fellow new blogger! I'm trying to get some followers, like you. It's no fun writing just to "hear" yourself!! LOL I think you're doing great, and I love your blog design...very sensual and inviting. A question and answer like you did is a great idea.
Please come and see me when you get a chance. I'm a new follower!

Deb/BloggishDame
http://abookishlibraria.blogspot.com

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

I'm so glad you're having fun with blogging and that you enjoy the community! That's the whole point of this :)

Never doubt that your blog will be as good as other blogs...the point is to make it the very best that your blog can be, and you're well on your way! <3

Books for Company said...

Your answers are great, interesting to read them. Thanks!

Aylee said...

Ah, yes, I agree with your answer about the challenges of improving the look of my blog. I'm such a noob when it comes to that kind of thing!

Jen said...

I completely agree with you about being technologically impaired. I'm great with surfing the internet and Word, Excel and things like that but I'm lost when it comes to coding.

Jamie said...

I agree with you completely. I'm in the process of trying to balance blogging on 3 different blogs so I don't post as often as I like. I'm off to follow you now.

Najela said...

I think your blog is really cute. I love the header and the title is great.

Sniffly Kitty said...

Lol, I have the problem of friends not reading as much as I do or maybe it's just that most of them aren't as into reading as I am. Blogging has definitely meant meeting more of these book crazies ^.^

Sniffly Kitty
Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books

SimplyMe said...

Your blog is amazing! I would have never known your new to blogging. I really liked your answers, check my out if you have time. Thanks :D http://simplymeabookaddict.blogspot.com/

T.B. said...

Hello fellow Newbie! I love your answers!

I understand how you feel when someone posts a comment. That happens to me every time! I also really like your idea of how you made a list of everything you really liked about the blogs you read. That's such a great way to get new ideas that you already like and are doing well! I agree that the community of bloggers is so accepting and really knows how to welcome everyone. I said the same thing in my answers to the Busting The Newbie Blues questionnaire!

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