Wednesday, April 30, 2014

My Blogging Journey


With the arrival of spring I've been revisiting my own blogging journey so Strawberry Singh's Blogging Journey Challenge is very timely indeed.  What a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my travels, ponder the paths taken by other Second Life bloggers and make some corrections to my current course.  Thank you, Berry for launching another excellent adventure!

Which electronic devices do you use to blog with? Tatiana, Duchesse de Provence Coeur, would say she uses only the finest quill pen and perhaps some oil paints.  I keep it almost as basic and stick to my computer.

Do you have a mission statement for your blog, if so, what is it? Connect; Create; Entertain; Inform; Have Fun; Do no Harm; (not necessarily in that order).

How do you feel about blogs that use their platforms to spread negativity? If that's their only goal I'm not interested in them.  Though I appreciate all sides of a discussion, relentless negativity will just suck the soul right out of you.

Are you a grammar junkie? Do you thoroughly check your blog for errors before posting and/or do you judge other people’s posts if they contain errors? I do make an effort to act as my own editor (it's not easy) with the goal of communicating clearly.  As for judging other people's posts; I firmly believe that people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones :)

If you could switch blogs with another blogger who would it be? He's not a SL blogger but I would switch with Philippe Joubert Lussac of Gris-bleu, consistently one of the most beautiful blogs I've ever seen.  I also love Jamie Adair and her History Behind Game of Thrones.  Dang!  Why didn't I think of doing that!

Has your blog/blogging style evolved over the year(s)? How? My first post, Just Arrived, was published January 1, 2009.  The whole blogging process was exciting & a tad overwhelming.  Not only did I have to begin writing again but I had to figure out all the technical aspects as well as the whole blog design thing.  At least now I can leverage my basic knowledge and concentrate on improving.  Honestly, I continue to find the whole process fascinating.


What is the most extraordinary thing that has happened to you because of blogging? It's definitely expanded my world.  I have an excuse to research history, art, architecture & Second Life all at the same time.  Life is good!

When it comes to Second Life blogs, there are different styles: Fashion bloggers, Lifestyle & Travel bloggers, Informative bloggers, and more. Which style do you prefer and where do you feel your blog fits in? I love them all.  As hard as I try, I really can't seem to limit myself to much of a niche (cue the music for ♪ Don't Fence Me In ♪). I've even blogged a bit about Fashion (18th century of course) even though it is at the bottom of my list.  An interesting point is that much of my audience comes for the historical research and have no prior knowledge of Second Life.  I always hope that I deliver a good first impression of this virtual world.

What has blogging taught you? The potential to engage with others via your respective blogs is vast.  Whether you're looking for inspiration, information or just good entertainment, it's all out there.  I've also learned that blogging is a very creative process that requires endless effort to do well.  It can be extremely frustrating and rewarding all at the same time.

Share your top 3 tips for new bloggers. Follow your heart & blog what you love.  If you enjoy making connections you can use your blog as the anchor for other Social Media platforms and expand your discovery of many vibrant communities.  Find your own balance, i.e. what works well for you, and don't worry about what others are doing.  Blogging is not a competition.

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My Blogging Journey by  on 2014-04-30 Tatiana reflects on her blogging journey as part of Strawberry Singh's latest challenge 

Images: Tatiana Dokuchic (click to enlarge)
Location: Petit Trianon, Provence Coeur Est

Find Tatiana Dokuchic on Google+

4 comments:

  1. I WISH we could blog with quill pens! I love the way you answered the questions in roleplay and beautiful pics. <3

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    1. Thanks, Berry!

      Those of us who roleplay in the 18th Century often joke that we've learned to paint REALLY fast in order to record what's happening around us. Too bad the camera wasn't invented until some 40 years later.

      I had a lot of fun setting up my easel as a counterpoint to other bloggers that are showing themselves with their tablets :)

      As always, a wonderful challenge. Thank you!

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  2. Hello, I'm new to SL and I like roaming through historical sims (and getting a chance of wearing a period gown, love historical costumes :) ). I've got the chance of visiting le Petit Trianon recently after finding your blog, and I have to say it has been a wonderful experience. Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your talent.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Hildoara. I'm so glad you are enjoying the historical side of SL :)

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