I began this blogging journey for many reasons. Being censored in any way, was never part of the plan. I know, I know…don’t be offensive and you have nothing to worry about. (That was just me being super sarcastic. I’m kind of pissy pants at the moment. Forgive me.)
I mentioned on FB a few weeks ago that I would be addressing something that really left me heart sore. It took a few weeks. Well, mostly because you are all looking for ideas that are far more important than drama. It’s also that time of year when we can get out of the house, focus on family…yada, yada. We all want happy thoughts, right?
However, it is now time to talk about this.
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Rebel…
I may have mentioned a time or two in the past, that I am in fact, a bit rebellious. It is in my nature. When I use the word “Rebellious”, I mean it in a sense of thought and opinion. I don’t actually break the law, cause trouble in any fashion, etc. I just don’t necessarily accept the mainstream way of thinking with certain topics. If that puts me in some sort of category, so be it.
Today’s Inspiration…
That having been said, I listened to an interview this morning with a controversial individual as the guest. I will not say a name. Why not? That is the entire purpose of this article. Speaking that person’s name in any positive way, could possibly get my content put toward the end of the search, feed, etc., so to speak.
In any event, I very much enjoyed the 2 hour long interview. The interview was conducted by someone I respect, and the interviewee was someone I really knew nothing about. I only watched, because I was intrigued. I spent that entire 2 hours listening, because it struck a cord with me. (That is why I knew I had to finally get to this topic).
It was all about the fact that any of us who produce web content, give opinions on certain subjects, or influence a larger audience in general, are vulnerable to powerful individuals or groups that may disagree with you.
The Disappointment…
I launched my website right around Halloween. I have worked incredibly hard and I’m quite proud of what I have already accomplished in a short amount of time.
Shout out to my friends! You all made that happen!
Shortly after I went live, I began paying for advertising on FB. It was once a month with a very meager budget, but it didn’t matter. It helped get me out there and took me from absolute zero, to getting a bit of attention. I may not have gotten anything without the advertising. Worth it.
I recently discovered a section of my FB page that had a warning attached. That warning stated I receive less than average exposure, simply because I had 1 time, 2 years ago where I got my first and only strike in their book. They didn’t even suspend me back then. They just limited my exposure. I thought it was done and over with after 30 days.
Uh…What?
Here’s the problem(s). First, it was 2 years ago that I got that little strike. Second, that warning was toward my personal FB profile. That warning was over sharing a single meme about politics. (I don’t even talk politics now! Not on social media at least! Lesson learned!)
That warning had nothing to do with my page that I launched 8 months ago. Why should any of it matter? It was just a stupid sarcastic meme I found funny! I do have a sarcastic sense of humor, after all. Sue me.
Keep your opinions and Humor to yourself, Rebel!
The thing that makes me mad is that I have been paying this company every single month (meager budget or not), only to discover I am being punished and not getting the exposure I should be getting, had I not pissed off the powers that be.
I feel like Society, in general, has become perhaps less tolerant of various viewpoints. While I understand no one really wants to hear or see offensive things, shit happens. You can not control anything (Except Yourself). Nor can you control communication among others or opinions for that matter!
The Point…
This brings me back around to the main point of this article.
Some of you are influencers, writers, youtubers, etc. You have put every ounce of energy into your creation. You’ve gained a following. You have gained a community, and you have gained friends.
Considering this world is changing and none of us can really anticipate what comes next in the realm of communication, it would be wise for us all to utilize a form of communication that can not be messed with so easily.
For those of you who are not influencers and simply like a specific page or creator, this advice is for you as well. If for some reason that creator you like, gets booted from a platform, you will still want another way of keeping up with that person or group.
Newsletters. That’s all I have to say.
I know…no one wants constant emails in their inbox. I almost NEVER clean out my email folders. Terrible at that.
However, I think most of us can agree to give our fellow friends and followers the option to communicate with us in a safe, secure manner. If I send out 1 newsletter per week and you really only want to see it once every 2 weeks, send that request. Done!
If we do not maintain a form of communication aside from the major corporations that have full control, how will we continue to strive for a more harmonious world where perspective is valued? You learn from others all the time! That should never be prohibited.
Back To The Start…
I started this blogging journey for a few reasons. The first one was simply my love for writing and my ability to put my feelings into words better on paper, than verbally. I’m kind of shy, face to face…lol!
Well…and I can come up with a bunch of things to talk about!
The second reason was to in fact, gain other viewpoints along the way.
The last reason came through the journey, but it has now climbed to the top of the list.
Community.
I can’t say how happy I am to have come across so many different folks and become a part of a community. The internet is a fascinating place and opens the door to a whole other world outside of your immediate scope. That by itself, makes me want to preserve any relationships I have come to establish over the last several months.
Final Thoughts…
In conclusion, my point was entirely about newsletters, contact information, and the such. I know…sounds kind of yuk to some on the receiving end. However, it really is the safest way to maintain connection with the communities you have built or become a part of. After all of the work you have put into this beautiful venture, do you really want to put your sweat and tears into the hands of some jack on the other side of a corporate computer that thinks you are a nuisance?
Just a question…Think on it.
Love this! Building an email list is so important but it’s almost always overlooked.
Agreed and even I didn’t grasp just how important it is, at first. I have a few small recipe items, bonuses and the such I would like to share with my audience in the near future, but it’s not enough for a full article. It would be easier to share with email 🙂
Great post! I enjoyed reading it! I really think FB just uses this as an excuse to give people strikes. Your strike seems petty to me. I know my husband has a FB page and his viewers didn’t see his posts simply because they felt that if he wanted everybody to see he has to pay money. SMH. I see why it’s important to gain some control and have an email list. I need to start one. I’ve just been lazy about it.
It felt intimidating at first, to promote my newsletter. Once I got it all set up, tested a couple of newsletter campaigns, and began gaining subscribers, I have begun to look forward to it every week 🙂
Nice post. Currently, I focus on FB, but in the near future, I’ll need to master other platforms and get email followers. I already know it won’t be easy… ehhh
Agreed. It does take time to begin focusing on a newsletter. There’s so many other things to master at the same time. Thanks for reading!
Very interesting read! I have been mainly focused on making posts for my blog that get me ranked with Google. But at some point, I need to give some real attention to building an email list just like you advise.
One step at a time, right? lol!