I mean really, it’s my blog right?  How many people are willing to bet that I get shot down for my opinion on this.  I’m going to try to be as tactful as possible, but honestly, there simply doesn’t seem to be a nice way to say it.

I am not an A-lister when it comes to the blogging community.  Yes I probably have more blogs than anyone you know.  Yes I probably have been writing online as long or longer than most people you read.  But, I am just your regular ol’ run of the mill blogger really. 

And then……………

First of all, I was included in a conference with some pretty big named bloggers.  And, then, after writing some 200 pitches for sponsors for that conference, because let’s be real here, nothing is ever as cheap as it seems, I received an opportunity that only one other blogger at this conference received. 

And, basically, I received the sponsorship and then my buddy got one too by simply doing what I did, she asked.  I have spoke out quite often about how that is the key to all types of help.  From product review, to product giveaways all the way to sponsored conferences, the key is to simply ask someone to help you.  You do need to be prepared to hear the word “no” a lot.  Out of the 200 plus pitches I sent out, I managed to get 5 people willing to take a gamble on me, the non-A-lister blogger.

So, what am I complaining about?

The fact that once I made the announcement that I had received a sponsorship for a fairly large item, strange things started to happen.  First and foremost, bloggers who I consider to be A-listers started tweeting at me , emailing me and some folks started following me on twitter for the first time ever.  Most were simply asking me questions about the conference.  Nothing specific, just general small talk.  Bloggers who have never even given me the time of the day were suddenly asking me about my trip. 

Why?

I don’t know exactly why something or someone would suddenly decide that I was worthy of their attention when prior to this they never even bothered to say hello.  And then, a few company’s that I had pitched too numerous times emailed me.  And, the merry-go-round just kept turning. 

I know, I shouldn’t complain.  And, trust me, I am not complaining per se.  But, it is quite odd and relatively sickening to think that this is what we’ve come to.  Honestly, I’ve blogged since 1999, I’ve changed my group of “friends” many times and for many reasons.  But, I don’t think I’ve ever simply ignored someone only to decide I wanted to be their friend based on what they could do for me. 

That’s just wrong, plain wrong.  So, am I alone or have you experienced a similar issue?  Is it simply that now that one large company invested in me that others found out that I actually exist or is it that since this one company took a gamble, others are willing to now do the same?  Either way, I’m the same blogger I was 10 years ago.  I still write for crap, just spewing my thoughts onto the page and watching as others respond.  And, in general, very few people actually respond at all. 

My husband was kind enough a few weeks ago to remind me that no one ever really comments on my blogs.  And, when I indicated that I had indeed noticed this, he asked why I actually bothered to comment on 25 blogs or more a day when no one ever comments on my own blogs. 

So, yea, why do I do that?

Well, I do it because comments are like crack.  Take them, lick them, smoke them, shoot them into your veins, whatever you have to do to keep your spirits up, comments are awesome and will keep you motivated.  So, what motivates me since I am not an A-lister and I don’t get a large number of comments?

My motivation is simple.  I write because I enjoy it.  I can go look at stats and see who is reading and when people comment, I spend an enormous amount of time reading and re-reading what they have said.  And, if I can brighten just one person’s day by commenting like the one or two comments I get do for me, then it is worth it.

As for those only interested in me because they think I can take them somewhere now that larger corporations are investing in me, to you, I say bah, I’m still the same blogger I was when I was getting a pack of gum from sponsors instead of large items.  And, if you want attention from me, you simply have to find a way to be real, be truthful and don’t stray from who you are simply because of who you think someone else is or has become.

Ok, rant over!  Back to our regularly scheduled ramblings…..