Over the last couple of weeks, this has been on my mind and I wonder if I am on the right path. I get caught between blogging for self or writing for contests, giveaways, books, products and of course the gift vouchers.
I never want this blog to lose its focus which is to make you happy, give you some food for thought and tell you tales from my life – the ones that are about food, travel or even to inspire you a bit when you travel from one end to the other.At the same time, the temptation of a giveaway, a gift voucher attracts me to write about things I may or may not have otherwise thought.
Those close to me share their concerns advising me to not let quality drop and quantity take over. Being honest, when ever I write, it’s never just for the sake of it. What’s on my mind is on my blog even if it is a post for some contest, I try to pick and choose so that I write only when I am totally inclined in that direction.
This time I wanted to put my dilemma across to you all and ask what you think and if you go through similar tussle, how do you sort it out?
We are half way through February and stepping soon in to the month of colors. What would you like to read? Keep sharing thoughts, comments and yes, keep visiting. Your presence encourages me.
happiness and food 
Have been through this myself – writing for myself has won and thats what I do now 🙂
Listen to your heart !
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Great advice! Listening to heart is the nest thing ever. Thank you Uma!
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You know I went through the same thing in November! It was a bad phase in general for me, but after I finished 100 posts on my blog, I just didn’t post for a month! I’ve only made a handful of posts since then – one explaining why, a couple about New Year’s and so. So I’ll happily discuss this with you, I know what it’s like! 🙂
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Vaibhav – glad you shared about yourself. It means that I am not alone. Thank you som much and welcome back!!! You were missed 🙂
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Haha, I’m glad you remember me. About 20 posts coming up before the ides of March [hopefully].
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Of course I do..All the best and know that I will be around 🙂
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For me, blogging for myself keeps me writing on a regular basis, and that’s good for when any other opportunities come along. I need structure and a purpose to write, and for me the blog lets me process this area of my life, while classes or other opportunities allow me to explore other areas. You have to do what’s right for you, but I can see a dilemma in the balance. Good luck!
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Jess – You are right! I need to do what’s right for me! Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
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I am ok with doing both since it is all about connecting with the friends. Contests also help you do the same, if you only write what you are comfortable with…not that the monetary aspect diminishes its value.
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Right! That’s a great point – the monetary aspect is actually not diminishing the value 🙂 Thanks Alok!! Appreciate you stopping by!
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My pleasure
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Lovely dilemma 😉 I will be very honest. I started off as writing only for myself. I still do. But, nowadays, if the interest of the contest piques me enough without diverting from the focus of my blog/s, I give it a go. The line to draw between quality posts and writing for the sake of a contest should not be a problem, if you can effectively straddle both. My two cents 🙂
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So true Shailaja – I should be able to balance it! 🙂 Thanks a bunch!! 🙂
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You’ve rightly highlighted the dilemma Parul. Personally I feel the need to be selective while writing for contests, so that there is not too much of a deviation from the theme of the blog.
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Thanks Somali! Yes, well said – not too much and being selective!
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I will say go for a balance. I will do a few sponsored posts/contests but not too many. But in the end do what you enjoy.
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Thank you Mridula! Great two cents from you! Appreciate it!
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Hi, I jumped over here from the A to Z website. Are you still interested in being a Minion for this coming April challenge?
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Hi Lauren – Yes, I would be willing to. Though I am not sure what would be the expectations from me 🙂 Let me know and I willing to support! Thanks for reaching out!
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I think if you follow your heart and post what you want to post, you can never go wrong. It’s the only thing you can control. You can’t control readership, but you can control being happy with what you post.
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Very right Mel! I can control my own happiness! Super words. Thanks a bunch!!
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hmmm well this is what I do , I write how i feel and what i would say in REAL life tooo…
if someone likes good if they dont then VERY good .. I am me simple… no one should change for anyone ..
my best wishes always with you and i enjoy coming over so whatever you write I will read , simplesssssssss
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Bikram – How wonderful you are and I privileged to have known you! Thank you Thank you! 🙂
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I guess its a dilemma all of us face time and again. It’s important to balance out in the sense that I personally believe we should write for contests that are in sync with stuff we generally right about on our blogs rather than just randomly promoting a brand for the sake of it :).
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Totally agree Aseem! Thanks for the great advise 🙂
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My take – to maintain the quality of your blog. Stick to that idea/ that thought which inspired you to create this blog. Maintain that theme…As for temptations/giveaways – if any of the topic matches that core idea of your blog theme, write about it. Let your every blog post carries the same theme so that user can connect to your blog theme strongly.
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Great one Vishal! Thank you!
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