Or…How Lady GaGa taught me how to love my blog…
I recently had a friend ask me about starting a blog. She asked me…”What should I know?” Well…a long, long time ago, I kind of made a list of what you should do when blogging…but that was before Lady Gaga. And what does Lady GaGa have to do with blogging? Well…if anything, she has shown me that you have to be very thick-skinned.
On March 27, 2009, I read an article in now-defunct “Blender” magazine that was an interview with pop singer Lady GaGa. In the article, she was quoted saying several things that I found to be somewhat obnoxious for an artist just getting out of the gate. I called her out on it in my “What The Heck…” series (one of my favorite series’ of posts, I might add). Since then, not only have I gotten a shitload of hits (I went from averaging 450 hits a day to over 1,500) from people “Googling” her image which I posted with the article, but I’ve also gotten a boatload of comments from people who either agree with me or who think I’m a complete woman-hating schmuck. I have re-read the post and I still don’t disagree with what I said, but it is interesting other people’s interpretation of it and THAT is where I would tell my friend to be careful when blogging.
Initially I was taken aback by what some people thought of my comments. Then when all the hits started, I figured I didn’t care. Then I took it personally. Then I thought about it and decided that this was good for me. It keeps me in the mindset that everyone has a different opinion about things and as it has gone along, I have actually learned a few things about myself through that blog. So…in a way, Lady GaGa has taught me a few things about myself. And I’ve learned a valuable lesson about blogging…you gotta have thick skin or else you will get eaten alive.
There are people out there who have strong opinions, whether you feel they are right or wrong, and they will comment and they will say rude things and they will rain on your parade. It’s in our nature to want to be heard and some people will say anything just to get on your nerves. It’s also in our nature to want to be able to say anything just because we can. I admit, sometimes when I write a blog, I write it without thinking about it. Sometimes I just let it out without much thought to who would care about WHAT I say. But then you find out that sometimes it’s best to save your post, then come back and re-read it later to see if what you wrote actually conveys what you are trying to say. I have been guilty of publishing something too quickly and then wishing I hadn’t. Although I admit…the Lady GaGa post is NOT one of them. Anyway, in order to enjoy the process of blogging and being creative, I guess the most important rule is to understand that not everyone is going to agree and they will argue and call you names and they will leave rude comments and it’s all up to you to decide how you handle that kind of criticism.
I am a blogger. I write down my thoughts and my ideas and I post pictures because I enjoy it. If some people find what I write to be offensive or disparaging they don’t have to return. They can continue on their merry way and I won’t care one way or another. But occasionally there is an interesting debate that comes along and I find it fascinating. And THAT is the reason I blog…to make a connection. Not to be argumentative or to be bitchy. I do it because I can connect with my family, with my friends and with the occasional stranger who passes by and actually reads what my thoughts are. Maybe they agree, maybe they disagree, but either way…they are reading and hopefully enjoying what I put out there. But really…it’s all about me and my thoughts & ideas. And it doesn’t really matter what they think of me…because it’s MY blog and I can do what I want with it.
So there’s my advice…do what you want and say what you want. But be aware that not everyone will agree with you and if you can accept that…you’ll be just fine.
Have fun typing Julie! And let me know if you need any help! 🙂
A Round World Through Square Glasses 
Welcome to the blogophere Julie! I echo what Alan said. And remember that sometimes people can be just plain mean!
Great post and perspective. I agree the connection is what keeps me blogging.
Aww, thanks Alan! That’s very good advice for blogging. Actually it’s good advice for living life, too. There are always those people that thrive on knocking other people down. I try to be a weeble-wobble but sometimes it’s hard to get back up, especially when it concerns things that are close to my heart. (“Weebles wobble but they won’t fall down!”) Sorry- couldn’t resist. That’s gonna be stuck in your head now. Tee hee. 😉
I totally agree with everything you’ve said. I welcome debate, but not bashing. The thing that bugs me the most about rude people on the internet is that they generally say things here that they would never say to someone’s face. That should be our gut-check. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it at all.
Hey I hate Lady GaGa too! Who dosen’t? None of my friends do. niether do I I got a joke 4 u
How do U wake up Lady Ga Ga?
Poke Her face!
Well I know dat was dumb but keep writing!!!!!!
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I wholeheartedly agree with you that you (and everyone else) has the right to express their own opinion. However, when you say “it’s all up to you to decide how you handle that kind of criticism” (criticism against you in your blogs), I don’t think the best way to respond to that criticism is by insulting your commenters (as you do in your What the Heck entry on Gaga).
If “my” commenters insult me, I am allowed to insult them back. It might not be in the Bible, but it’s how I do things.
Omg I luv u lady gaga I’m ur bigest fan-( I luv u!!!!!!!!!!)
some poeple hate Lady Gaga, but in my opinion Lady Gaga is just a very talented and unique artist ”