Alternate title: My life in blogging through funny pinterest e-cards. . .
Wow – this Blogging ride is quite the adventure. I can hardly believe it’s been 2 1/2 years already!
I wanted to take a minute and update you on some things going on – I know most of you aren’t bloggers, so the “business” of blogging isn’t so interesting. That’s why I’m keeping this short and sweet. Hopefully. :)
But I also thought you might want to know some behind-the-scenes stuff – cause that’s always fun. Or maybe that’s just me. I’m nosy like that.
When I started blogging I really had no specific goals. I wanted to share things I was making, find others to connect with, and maybe someday try to get published. or something.
Making money didn’t really seem like an option.
I was working from home doing graphic and website design part-time and trying to balance that, blogging, oh and everything else. Like life.
And while I loved doing everything – it was a stretch sometimes not to feel like a crazy person. Or to actually have clean clothes.
Well over the past couple of years I’ve figured a few things out with this blog, and been blessed by a lot of things and I am excited to say that I have been able to quit my job and am now able to blog for a living!
Wooooohooooo!
Well, not really for a living. Because let’s face it – blogging does not generate a lot of income.
The blog does generate enough income now though to cover the costs of blogging (hosting, supplies, etc) and help out with bills. So yay for that! I’m super excited.
And I owe so much of that thanks to YOU! Without you to come and visit and support and be encouraging, I would not be able to do what is basically my dream job every day.
Just kidding about the being politely ignored part. :)
Even though there are definitely ups and downs – this is not always all fun and rick rack (points at rude commenters) – I feel so blessed to be at the point where I can do this full-time.
Now that does mean that I’ll be supplementing just a bit with some sponsored posts. I know there are some very strong feelings out there about them – and I understand that. But I promise to keep things balanced and bring you info on products or companies that I feel like would be a great fit for us! If I could do this full-time and be able to create and give away tutorials for free all the time, I would love to do that. But in order for me to be able to keep going like I am, I will be adding a few in here and there. If that’s not your thing and you feel like you have to unsubscribe, that’s ok.
I’ll be sad, but that’s ok. :)
So I’m looking forward to having time for creating more patterns, and hopefully getting that book proposal in – and getting some of the big projects I have in my head done!
Oh – and did I say thank you for all your support?? I am so happy that I can share this adventure with all of you!
Yay, Bev!! This is the perfect post. And I hope to copy and paste it on my own blog in time. ;) I’m so super happy for you!! I can’t wait to see where full time blogging takes you. I know it will be fabulous!
Congrats, Bev!! Excited for you! :) How fun!
Get your blog on Bev! Getcha getcha getcha getcha getcha blog on.
So happy for you!
Haha, love the e cards. I am a very new blogger but a long time blog reader. So know I am learning how much goes into putting together a post, why are people upset with sponsored posts? I’ve bought things from these types of posts and if I’m not interested I just click away. It almost seems like bloggers who go down the track of trying to make a living from a hobby they have loved, feel the need to apologize. You work hard, why not. If you inspire people and teach them (as per tutorials) for free, why should you not be paid? I don’t mean this to be rude and I hope it doesn’t come across that way, just enjoy whatever income you generate because you worked hard for it. Congrats and good luck with your sponsorship. Mel xo
I say Yay! If you’re loving what you’re doing, people will get that from your posts, no matter.
Congratulations! I love your site.
Bev – you are a class act and so is your blog. I have zero issues with sponsored posts – I do them and try to keep them geared towards things that are relevant or I think people will benefit from. I do not have any ads on my site so there are my only income source (and an affiliate) from the blog. (I admit I have made scheduling errors and had a ton of sponsored posts at one time) I honestly don’t look at whether a post is sponsored or not …I look at if it is a topic I like. As for those who do not like sponsored posts…well, that is there issue.
Bev – Go for it. I don’t think it will matter to your friends who follow your post daily.
Judy
Yay! That is awesome, Bev! So so happy for you!
That is so great, congratulations! I will definitely be sticking around!
You are an inspiration! Good for you! Never apologize for being successful! You earned it. :)
I am thinking of blogging and I thank you for this inspiring post. :)
Congratulations! I’m happy for you and will always read everything you put on your blog!
You go girl!!!
Congratulations! I am just a blog reader and sponsored posts don’t bother me – especially when they seem to fit with the blog and when the blog doesn’t turn in to just sponsored posts. Anyway, I hope your blog continues to grow and be profitable for you.
PS – I knew the answer to a question on a game show the other day because of one of your retro ad posts you did. Thanks for making me feel smart. :)
congratulations! so happy for you!!
Your blog is one I count on for really great DIYs and ideas. I have nothing against sponsored posts as long as the blogger mentions that they are sponsored. I can’t believe any one would unfollow you for sponsored posts! Just checked out one of my favorite weekly features – the crush of the week.
Good for you!!!! I’m so happy for you–you have a wonderful blog! :-)
Hats off to you for what you’ve achieved in 2 1/2 years! Honestly, Bev, Flamingo Toes and your readers are AMAZING!!! I also admire your honesty for bringing up the subject about sponsored posts (let’s face it, it is quite a difficult topic to talk about, isn’t it?) – I personally don’t mind it, and I’m guessing most of the readers won’t mind, too :)
woo-hoo!!! i love THIS!!!!!!!!!!
Kudos!! Yours was one of the first blogs I followed when I started reading and I’ve enjoyed being a subscriber, obviously since I’m still here, LOL. I trust your instincts will be good in choosing advertising, you wouldn’t want to compromise all your hard work any more than the readers would like it. Happy for you!!
Congrats Bev! I’m so happy for you. Like Janet, you were the first blog that I discovered too. I was so excited by it, I showed my hubby and he started encouraging me to start my own blog. So thank YOU for the inspiration you’ve brought me! I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for Flamingo Toes :)
YAY! What great news! I don’t even know how to sew or wear a lot of jewelry so a lot of what you do on your blog isn’t stuff that I am even CAPABLE of. HOWEVER, I read every one of your posts because I enjoy you as a blogger so much! Maybe that makes me creepy?? :) HAH! Either way, congratulations! I love that you have found success doing something you enjoy and I look forward to continuing to read your posts!