Friday, August 2, 2013

My 6 Year Blogiversary Thoughts and Giveaway

This month marks my 6th year as a blogger.

Six years!

That seems like an eternity in blogging yet it still feels fresh and fun and I continue to learn each and every day. (I still have SO much to learn!)




I know blogging means something different to everyone. Each person has their own reasons for getting into the world of blogging - and for sticking with it.

For me, it's pretty simple. Blogging lets me share whatever might be on my mind or going on in my life at the moment. I can talk, vent, laugh, cry, or ask for feedback on a variety of topics. Maybe I'm having a parenting issue with my teens or want to get your opinion on what color to paint my living room. Maybe I want to show you some cool new product I found or dish about the latest chick flick I saw or some great book that I read.

While I'm doing all this talking and sharing, I'm getting the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people that I might not otherwise have had the chance to "meet" - that's a pretty cool thing!

When it comes to blogging, I have pretty much always just winged it. I'm not a technical person, at all, so that aspect of blogging has always been a challenge. I don't plan elaborate calendars, set big goals, or schedule my posts weeks in advance. That's okay. I don't have huge followings or make a lot of money from my blog. That's okay, too. I just write what's in my head or my heart, sharing some cool sponsored posts along the way, and hope that I can make some real connections with my readers.

As far as the future of my blog, here are a few things I'm thinking about...

1) Making the switch to Wordpress - Everybody that's anybody says you have to be self-hosted on Wordpress, that Blogger blogs just don't cut it ( but I love my easy, comfy space on Blogger). I really want to make this move, but it scares me to pieces to even think about. I am pretty clueless when it comes to the technical part of blogging so I'm sure this would be a difficult change. When I hear the words "plugins" and "domains" it freaks me out!  If I did make the change, I would need a very patient helper to take care of it for me, holding my hand through the entire process. But, as I look at using my blog as more of a way to earn money, I know it is something I will do eventually.

2) Should I change my blog name? - Alas 3 Lads, was something I came up with that represented my kids (I have one girl - a Lass - and 3 boys - 3 Lads). It seemed clever at the time, but sometimes it feels clunky when I say it. People don't immediately understand it. I sometimes wish I could come up with something else that flows a little better. But, the process of re-branding seems very daunting and I just don't know.

3) Attending a Blog Conference - This is something that is high on my bucket list. I've met some really great people through my blog. It would be nice to get to meet in real life. And, I'm sure I would learn a ton. But, I'm pretty shy and a little co-dependent. I would have to work up some big-time bravery to take off and go to a blog conference on my own. I need a blogging buddy to adopt me and mentor me through my first time;)

4) My stats - This is another area where I feel really challenged. I just do not fully understand how to use and interpret Google Analytics. I really need to look around for a tutorial or something to help me utilize this in a better way.

If you're still reading, thanks for sticking around. I would love to hear any words of wisdom you have when it comes to the things I mentioned above. Also, if you are a regular reader of my blog, I want to say THANK YOU. I really do appreciate each and every single visit and comment.

BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

And, now as a small token of celebration and thanks, I have a $25 VISA Gift Card for giveaway. 

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older. Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. a Rafflecopter giveaway







54 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy anniversary! Thank you :)

Unknown said...

Happy 6 years of blogging. I bet it went by faster than you would have thought. Love your blog and I want to see another six years of blogging. Thank you for the nice giveaway. We should be giving you a nice giveaway for all your good work.

Wendy said...

Happy Blogiversary and thanks for the giveaway! :D

Wishing you another 6 years of blogging success!

Alison said...

Happy 6 years, Kari!

For the stuff like moving to WordPress, looking at stats etc, I know a few good people who can help. Let me know and I can hook you up. :)

Unknown said...

WOW! Conrats on 6 years! I've only been doing this 2 :)

Unknown said...

Congrats! Thanks for doing the giveaway.

JC said...

Congrats on your milestone.

Unknown said...

Way to go on having a blog for 6 years that is wonderful and I like that you keep it friendly and easy to use and it is fun to read

Seyma Bennett Shabbir said...

Congrats! I think that blogging is cool! Its a great way to read another persons experience and share your own and find people with similar interest!
seyma_bennett@hotmail.com

Chronically_JuJu said...

Congrats to 6 years! You need to venture out to.a blog convention! Switch to.WordPress! Take the leap! Have a great day! ,:)

Jackie said...

Congrats on six years of blogging! I like the name of your blog...very creative. I hope you keep it.
Thanks!

ann said...

Great job on 6 years of blogging along. I didnt even realize blogging was around till a few years ago . Lost in tech land LOL . I like you telling us all about it and how you came up with your blog name . Keep up the good work

June M. said...

Congrats on 6 years! I don't have any tips on blogging or conferences (just a reader/follower) but did like reading about how you came up with the name for your blog....cute :) I personally like the name of your blog

Some Lucky Dog said...

Happy Anniversary! You do a great job and I enjoy your posts :)

CINDY B on rafflecopter

Unknown said...

Congrats! Happy Blogiversary!

If it were me I'd stick with your blog name but you could always change your design to include your little girl. Readers don't have to get the title, you just have to write something to draw them in.

Give and accept credit where it is due you've made it this far! Cheers!

RC Name: Danielle Papsis

Amy Orvin said...

Congrats on 6 years and many more!
Thank you for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

Congrats on six years! Great blog! Thank you for the giveaway as well!

Unknown said...

Wow 6 years! That is awesome! I would keep the same name, I think it's cute. :) Plus that's what everyone knows it as, so changing it now could be confusing for some? Thanks for giveaway, too! My name in the RC form is Lynda Thomas. :)

DianaLWard said...

When you get your WordPress blog, how about having a header created that features your three boys and one girl, that should be charming and explain the name in a humorous way at the same time.

As for the learning curve you'd face...no doubt there would be one, but WordPress is pretty user-friendly, especially if you have a knowledgeable person to do the initial set up for you. Depending on the way your mind works, WordPress will likely either be amazingly easy or very confusing. At least that has been my experience and observation in 15 years of working in website design and webmastering.

Anonymous said...

I know lots of people who are doing quite well on Blogger blogs that don't have their own domains... I don't have my own domain on my blogger blog (hillhouserock.blogspot.com) and I'm already doing reviews and such etc.

I think you should do what you feel is right :) Congrats on your 6 years! Keep it up!

jhuber7672 said...

Happy blogiversary! I have a blog on Blogger and WordPress - and I actually like the Blogger platform better.

Keep on blogging!

Live Laugh Love said...

Thank you for hosting this giveaway, everything helps (:

I also tried adding your badge to my blog, but it seems to not be saving. I will keep trying. Thanks for the giveaway (:

x0

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

Congrats, hang in there and enjoy blogging! It is a lot of work, that is so true, I blogged for three years and then turned it over to my daughter. thanks for the giveaway.

hotwhllvr79 said...

I appreciate your honesty about not placing a lot of emphasis on how many are following and how much money it may or may not make you. That means that you truly are doing this because you want to, and not because you have to. I have been following blogs for several years now. It started as mostly coupon ones, now I follow foodies, tech people, etc. I can say I have seen some ridiculously long blog names. Some of them stick with me, some don't. I think if you went with "A Las & Three Lads," it would sound better and stick more. And the change is minimal. There may be people who already pronounce your site that way! Happy 6-years, and keep on keeping on!

Paula Parrish said...

Congratulations on your six year blog anniversary. I love reading and following along on your blog. I would also love to attend a blog conference, we should plan a trip together since we both would be newbies. ;o)

Tabathia B said...

Congrats on blogging for 6 years

boricuabam said...

Happy blogiversary! Thank you for sharing some of your thoughts about blogging. I haven't been blogging for too long and I still have a whole lot to learn. But it is nice to hear that other people have some of the same concerns I do!

sohamolina said...

Happy Blogiversary!

GeorgiaBeckman said...

Well, you're one step ahead of me as at least you're blogging! I have been having a war in my head for over a year now & I am so technologically inept that I've not done a thing about it. (except buy the BLOGGING FOR DUMMIES book!) I like your blog name & I wouldn't change it if I were you.

Sarah said...

If you want to change your blog's name, you could do it when you switch to Wordpress. Just pay a designer to switch everything over for you. You could change your domain name (web address) and still keep the content of the old blog posts. Wordpress is not too hard to use, but hosting costs can get expensive. I think your name is fine though. :-)

Melanie Montgomery said...

Congrats on 6 years!

whitewash00 said...

Congrats on 6 years. I am only on about 6 months! But a blog conference would be fun, and the Wordpress switch is constantly on my mind as well. Just a little nervous. Keep it up!

-PregoForMen
@PregoForMenBlog
http://pregoformen.blogspot.com
Also on Instagram, Facebook, Google+

Unknown said...

I SO need to make the switch to Wordpress but I am soooo nervous! Plus, I really don't have the time to do it. Maybe one of these days...

flairshare said...

6 years of blogging is absolutely impressive! I wish I had that kind of stick-to-it-iveness...how do you like that word! lol!

Colleen said...

for me, blogging was therapy :) it's a great way to unload after the day and work things out in your head. And the feedback is great, too! Good work.

Helen S said...

Congrats on the first six years and many blessings on the years to come!

helyn4 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT GIVEAWAY!

Ellie Wright said...

Happy Blogiversary!! Thanks for the giveaway!

Sherry said...

Happy Blogiversary! I love reading your post keep up the good work.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your 6 year blogoversary! I am a new follower but I really enjoy this blog. Thank you for all of the work you do to make sure your reader's are informed. Here's to many more anniversaries!

judy gardner said...

congratulations!!! thank you for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary!
I really like how your blog name represents your family but I suppose if you are looking at it in a way to make an income you could change it to something that relates to the majority of your posts and still somehow try to include the lass and lads.

Unknown said...

Happy 6 years of Blogging! :) Congratulations and I wish you more blogging years to come!! :)

Anonymous said...

way to go at sticking with it for 6 yrs- congrats- I have started at least 3 blogs and cant seem to stick with any of them- ugh
tcogbill at live dot com

Unknown said...

Happy anniversary! Good luck on the next 6 years!

rounder9834 @yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Congrats on 6 years! Such an accomplishment :) Thank you for the giveaway!
Name on rafflecopter: Amanda Sakovitz

ken ohl said...

Happy Anniversary may you have many more. Thanks for all the great info you provide all of us. Ken pohl19@comcast.net

Marti Tabora said...

Congratulations on six years. This is hust my opinion, but I don't think you should change the name. The one you have is interesting and unique.

Marissa M said...

Congrats on 6 years! I am thinking of starting a blog myself and loved learning more about yours!

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary!

Jennifer Speed said...

6 years is a long time anywhere but congrats on making it to 6 years and I wish you a Happy Blogiversary!!!!!

Vanessa said...

Congrats!! I just found your blog and I am following now. :)

Unknown said...

congratulations! I personally like your blog name, and think you should stick with it

kolpin said...

congrats on your blogiversary! i think you have a cool blog name, so don't change it just to change it! only change it, if something feels more you. you'll probably know it in your gut if it feels right.

rafflecopter: daniel