I don’t know what your problems are, but look, I had 3 and I came through it. I believe my strength came from the fact that I never hid those disadvantages, on the contrary, I shouted on the roof whenever I could that I was lebanese and a pharmacist, I also emphasized on my gender more times than I could remember. By acknowledging them, I was able to build an identity that is even more unique and more unforgettable than many others. 10 days ago, during Nokia World 2009, it became clear to me that I was now picking up the fruits of this strategy: when you’re the only girl in a room of 15 male bloggers, the impact is much easier to make, on everyone.
I’ve been around long enough to see many blogs and writers rise incredibly fast, and fall even faster. Plus, we’re now at a time where it takes one original article, a Twitter identity and a couple or retweets to become known. The success is much more easy than it has ever been, but don’t fool yourself. There are a thousand others who also have an original article, a Twitter identity and some retweets
You have to find in yourself the will to continue despite the tough times, as well as the originality to differentiate yourself form what the others have to offer.
Rita El Khoury shares her blogging story. A very interesting one.
Now I'm known for taking a rather more 'pessimistic', people would say, approach to handing over advice to would-be bloggers (not that I am one, let's get that straight). I'd say I'm a realist more than a pessimist, but anyway, Rita's take is much more optimistic than mine could ever be.
Which, I guess, is rather easy when you have succeeded. It's a great accomplishment that she describes, at least in my opinion, and I'm really happy to read what I know is a true blogging success story. And I do agree with the points she makes in the first paragraph of the excerpt above. Turn what you perceive are weaknesses into your strengths. And just keep going.
But, I have to add a couple of things. You have to be ready for the possibility of nothing good ever happening even if you keep going for years. My opinion now is that you shouldn't attempt writing if you don't enjoy writing in itself, and also the subject(s) you're focusing on. It also helps if you don't know what AdSense is. Or are able to make yourself forget.
Also, one original article and a couple of retweets... are absolutely nothing. Trust me. I know.
As for the thousands of people creating original content... I don't know where they are. I'd really like them to exist. But honestly what I see most in smaller blogs is just the constant strive to out-Engadget Engadget. And I'll say it again: drop it. It will never happen. Don't be 'them', be yourself. Whatever that means. I for one am sick of reading press releases in blogs. I subscribe to PR feeds for that, you know?
Congratulations, Rita, and keep up the good work!
