10 Commandments Of Blogging

As this space grows, I’ve been thinking a lot about best blogging practices. I’ve spent some time reflecting on early  mistakes I made and realized I could have avoided them very easily, if only I’d known! Last week Rabia asked what one of my oldest unfinished drafts was. This is it.

The 10 Commandments Of Blogging.

10 Commandments Of Blogging

1. Thou shall focus on creating great content. Without great content, I have no blog.

2. Thou shall use this space for good and not for evil.  I will not hit publish on things written in anger or with a mean spirit.

3. Thou shall be engaged with my community of readers. I will reply to comments left on my blog and visit the blogs of those who have commented as often as I can.

4. Thou shall not use captcha. Commenting will be easy for my readers. No extra logging in with weird apps or trying to guess a random number and letter combination to leave a comment.

5. Thou shall be thoughtful about my readers eyes. My space will not be cluttered or have a distracting background.

6. Thou shall be thoughtful and intentional about ads, reviews, and any endorsement opportunities that might come my way.

7. Thou shall not be jealous of the success of others, especially those newcomers who explode right away.

8. Thou shall not attempt to write in any else’s voice but my own.

9. Thou shall be supportive and encouraging of other bloggers. I will share excellent content written by others on my own social media channels.

10. Thou shall rest. The Lord rested on the 7th day, and I will power down too. I will not live to blog. I will blog about life.

What would you add to this list? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

Comments

  1. 1

    Nancy says

    I noticed you responded to all my comments today! :) Great commandments.
    Nancy recently posted..The Good Mother Myth + Giveaway!My Profile

  2. 3

    Allie says

    Words to live by…err, blog by!! Especially number 4. This is serving as a reminder for me to clean-up my space a bit. Thank you!!
    Allie recently posted..The RundownMy Profile

  3. 5

    Herchel S says

    I love it NJ. Nobody should use their blog as a weapon. I love that your ads will be run with intention. I read and try to follow your intentional acts of kindness.
    Herchel S recently posted..Gingham and Roses Link Party!My Profile

  4. 7

    Jhanis says

    Great tips to follow! But I have to admit number 3 has been a challenge. I try to visit everybody who has commented on my blog but sometimes life happens so I make up by following them on twitter or FB, if I don’t comment, I read and share posts. Will try harder next time. And amen on the Captcha! Drives me crazy! :)
    Jhanis recently posted..How Parenthood Changed MeMy Profile

    • 8

      NJ says

      I use bloglovin a lot to help keep up with commenting on other’s blogs. I’ve got several feeds set up so when I have 10 minutes I can read and comment on a bunch.

  5. 9

    Tim Havenith says

    I really like these commandments. I also like your blog design, it’s really crisp and clean.
    Tim Havenith recently posted..Introduction to Ecosystems – A FutureLearn CourseMy Profile

  6. 10

    Sarah says

    Oh, these are perfect!! I am working especially on #7 right now. I love all the references to community and engagement and quality content ~ I hope a lot of bloggers see this!
    Sarah recently posted..Why Mindful Parenting Works For MeMy Profile

    • 11

      NJ says

      Thanks so much! I am always working to make this a welcoming space and community is what blogging is all about for me!

  7. 12

    Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama says

    This list is great for newbies and veterans! Especially love #4 (my hatred of Captcha burns with the fire of a thousand suns!) and #10. Going to do #9 right now and share this out!
    Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama recently posted..Optic Nerve Clover Review and GiveawayMy Profile

    • 13

      NJ says

      Thank you for sharing, you are so kind! I hate captcha SO SO MUCH, also with the burn of a fire of a thousand suns. I mean, I’ve come to your blog and I want to comment. And now you’re going to make me jump through a hoop to do so? More often than not I will leave without commenting instead of trying to figure out the code. Truetwit validation is right up there on my list of annoying things too. I mean, I want to follow twitter, and NOW you’re going to make click on a link in my DM box and then do a captcha? LAME.

  8. 14

    thedoseofreality says

    Fantastic! Nodding along to every single one of them! Especially number 4, as that is the bane of our blogging existence! ;)-Ashley
    thedoseofreality recently posted..Would You Rather: Listen To The Wiggles Or Kidz Bop?My Profile

    • 15

      NJ says

      Captcha drives me batty! That is what was the inspiration for this entire post. If I was teaching a Blogging 101 class, this would be one for the first things we covered!

  9. 16

    Sarah @ Redemption Diary says

    Wonderful list to have as a reminder! Great work.
    Sarah @ Redemption Diary recently posted..A Prayer for When I Am WearyMy Profile

    • 19

      WriterMom Angela says

      I commented earlier from my phone and it’s so full of typos I had to reply and correct myself. Love this post!
      WriterMom Angela recently posted..Does Skinny Equal Happy?My Profile

  10. 21

    My Special kind of crazy says

    Found you through the Dose of Reality tweet- aren’t they great? When I started my blog almost a year ago my goal was to write about my family and create memories through my stories. I had no real audience in mind other than my family. Then I got caught up in the blog world and saw some fairly new bloggers reflecting all their growth over their first year and…..I got jealous. Reading your list brings me back to my original purpose: writing about my family and creating memories. The greatest compliments I have gotten was from a friend that said “I feel like you are sitting at my kitchen table talking to me when I read your blog” and “you are like the voice in my head”. Those compliments let me know I am doing what I set out to do- connecting with others. I don’t need to focus on the number of page views or compare myself to other bloggers. Thanks for the well timed post!
    My Special kind of crazy recently posted..Friday’s Photo Finish: Queenie and the ScooterMy Profile

    • 22

      NJ says

      Lisa and Ashley are two of my favorites. I’m so glad you’ve found me through them!

      I love that your friend feels like she’s sitting in your kitchen when she reads your blog. That is also my goal here, I want my space to feel like we’re out to coffee or laughing over something silly.

      It is so easy to get caught up in the blogging “storm” especially when someone takes off and grows like wildfire. I look at my page views from time to time, but it is comments like yours that really keep me motivated to blog. Thank you!

  11. 23

    Nancy says

    These are great! I can’t choose a favorite, though I would add thou shalt proofread, at least twice! It is hard to proofread your own work, but it can help with all the other commandments too! I was mortified to find (have it pointed out to me) that I had misspelled the same word numerous times in a post last week. UGH!!! Don’t let this happen to you!
    Nancy recently posted..Meyer LemonsMy Profile

    • 24

      NJ says

      Yes to proofreading! I try to read over my post at least four times before I hit publish. I am a TERRIBLE speller because of relying on spell check so much!

      I have misspelled my fair share of words, even in the graphics I make! Picmonkey needs to come up with spell check ASAP!

  12. 25

    Meg says

    These are fantastic – especially the captcha one… ugghh I hate that! With my blog, I set it up so people can’t post anonymous comments and that’s gotten rid of all the spam!
    Meg recently posted..Our “No Plans” WeekendMy Profile

    • 26

      NJ says

      I’ve got a pretty good spam filter set up that catches 99.9% of the spam, but it sounds like you’ve found something that works great for you too!

      I hate captcha with every ounce of my being.

      • 27

        Heather says

        Every time I come across a blog with Captcha, I want to leave a comment telling them to get rid of it, but then I realize I’ll have to decode another secret message to do it…so I just leave and try to remember that blog so I don’t comment there again. If you have Captcha and I comment on your blog more than once, I either really like you, or I forgot you had Captcha.
        Heather recently posted..January Monthly Review Link-upMy Profile

  13. 29

    Kristen Daukas says

    Nice list!! I’m trying to incorporate #10 more.. not just with blogging but with all of my social media. Considering it’s what I do for a living, it’s really hard but I find I’m SO much better when I do. That being said.. I’m shutting down and going to paint ;)
    Kristen Daukas recently posted..Teaching Kids About Race Using EggsMy Profile

    • 30

      NJ says

      Yay for painting! A lot of people I know do “analog weekend” where they power down Friday night through Monday morning. That doesn’t work for me, that’s when I get the bulk of my stuff done! However, I am going to stop staring at the computer and start reading more books this year. I’ve gotten a bit smarter about social media, thanks to hootsuite pro.

  14. 31

    Tamara says

    I’m astonished that people still use captcha. Don’t they see all of our tweets and posts about it? Then again, I think I used it for a brief stint a year or two ago because I didn’t know any better!
    Tamara recently posted..This Is My Life.My Profile

    • 32

      NJ says

      I think I used it when I first started too, because I didn’t know any better! Sigh, those baby blogging days. I’ve learned so much since then!

  15. 33

    Tracie says

    This is blogging list perfection! We all need to follow it.
    Tracie recently posted..Every Character In Looking For Alaska Is MeMy Profile

  16. 35

    Marielle Altenor says

    Glad I stumbled across this,! I’m a fairly new blogger that loves learning about the ins and outs of the blogging world. Thanks for sharing!
    Marielle Altenor recently posted..How to Remove Wax from CarpetMy Profile

  17. 37

    Kim says

    I love #7 – so true that some blogs just seem to take off without much effort but for all I know those people have been reading and commenting way before starting their own blogs or sometimes they just really hit the niche!!!
    Kim recently posted..Today We Honor a True American HeroMy Profile

    • 38

      NJ says

      I helped start a blog for a friend of mine last spring. Literally, I sat at her dining room table and walked her through all of the steps of setting up a blog. She didn’t know much but she knew she had something she wanted to share with the world. She’s hit her niche and has EXPLODED. She often has days where she gets more pageviews on a single post than what I get for my entire month. I’m happy for her, I’m glad that she has found her niche and is succeeding!

  18. 39

    Rabia @TheLiebers says

    I’m so glad you finished this one! These commandments are great. I can tell you that I have written out a blog post in anger, and the re-read it and thought better of my words. I hit delete and the world never sees my anger, but I still feel better!
    Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted..It’s a Black and White IssueMy Profile

    • 40

      NJ says

      I’ve vented feelings a few times for sure, but I never hit publish on them. That is a time when I am writing for ME and not FOR MY READERS. My blog is about me, sure. But it is for others. I usually leave the post in draft for a few days to see if there are any lessons to be learned. And if there are, those might end up on the blog with the incriminating details left out.

  19. 41

    Gracielle says

    I was really looking forward to this post and I think you hit all 10 commandments on the spot! Especially #10. I try not to blog on Sunday or even when my children are awake. I live for them, not for my blog! I recently saw a blog that was negative and spreading nastiness into the interwebs. I was going to comment on it, but decided not to because I didn’t want to feed off of those negative vibes or give the writer the gratification of having a comment on that nasty post. I even wish I could take back my page views! LOL
    Gracielle recently posted..{Ask Away Friday} Questions with Herchel from @ScruggbugMy Profile

    • 42

      NJ says

      Thanks Gracielle! I was surprised at how “done” it was when I looked in my draft folder. I need to peek in there and see what else I’ve got that is 90% finished (I only had to write #10).

      I am trying to find a little bit of balance, but it is hard. Especially because I am home all day with the kids and Lola is a hot mess after 6:00 pm. There are times when I am working on blogging stuff while they are awake. But they are otherwise engaged in an activity. I am also trying to say yes to play instead of saying “just one more minute.” I want my kids to have great memories of our time at home together, and they aren’t going to get those if I’m busy blogging all day!

  20. 43

    christie elkins says

    Love love this, as per usual! Number 4 cracked me up! And love how you always promote intentional living and blogging and motherhood. You are a gift, friend!
    christie elkins recently posted..my blog is growing up. and getting a new name.My Profile

    • 44

      NJ says

      I’m glad I could make you smile Christie! Being intentional is something I’m working REALLY hard at, so I’m glad to see that you notice it is shining through!

  21. 45

    Tara newman says

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this. Practical, true, and creative. I will pin and tweet for you :-)
    Tara newman recently posted..Simple Steps for Creating Vision and Purpose in Your LifeMy Profile

  22. 47

    Cindy says

    I love this! Especially #4. If it isn’t super easy for me to comment on your blog, I’m moving on. I won’t take the time to figure out your crazy system!

  23. 49

    anneliese says

    Love this list! Thoroughly agree with number 10. I am trying to find balance in my life right now and trying to stay present in everything I do. So easy to become distracted.
    anneliese recently posted..small house, big livingMy Profile

  24. 51

    Lisa @ The Golden spoons says

    Great list!! I struggle with #7 & #10, but I’m working on it!
    Lisa @ The Golden spoons recently posted..Tuesday Ten Linkup – Ten Things That Distract MeMy Profile

  25. 53

    Eli@coachdaddy says

    I picture you carrying these down the mountain on stone tablets.

    Engagement is so important. Every day I am eternally grateful for those who spend the time to visit my blog and comment. Because if a blogger falls in the forest and no one else is there – who is going to answer his comments?

    This is an awesome list, and you’re one of those bloggers doing it right I hope to learn from, NJ.
    Eli@coachdaddy recently posted..Guest Post: Dana of Kiss My List, on Greatest Fears of MotherhoodMy Profile

  26. 55

    shannon @ financially blonde says

    This is a great list! I especially love #9. Bloggers are truly a special community of people and great ones lift you up and help you succeed. So happy you have joined the SITS tribe this week!
    shannon @ financially blonde recently posted..Financial Fitness Series – Emergency LandingMy Profile

  27. 57

    Dana says

    So glad you finished this post – I try to follow all of those commandments. One that is rarely mentioned is #5 – I don’t like arriving at a blog and searching for the post among all the widgets, ads, and graphics. I have a headache before I even start reading!
    Dana recently posted..My outside heartsMy Profile

    • 58

      NJ says

      I know, right Dana? I’d rather see a very well curated and thoughtful sidebar! You can tell the bloggers who are promoting with their readers in mind.

  28. 59

    Jen says

    i like #4. i hate when I have to do all this extra stuff to leave a simple comment. Coming to you from Newbie FB.
    Jen recently posted..What a Mama KnowsMy Profile

  29. 63

    Melissa @ Stitches in Flight says

    Great post! It’s always easy to do it the quick way, but the blog will be stronger with better content. I also like the 10th commandment. It’s always hard to rest as there is always something to do!

    P.S. I would be interested in reading a post on tips on writing great content quicker and what your process is for writing a post. I am still a newbie and it takes a day to write a post, which takes away from making the things I sell.
    Melissa @ Stitches in Flight recently posted..Adventurous date ideasMy Profile

    • 64

      NJ says

      Content is king, that is for sure! I used to think I needed to post five days a week to be successful. But I’ve decided to write quality over quantity!

      I’ve noted your blog post request and it’s coming! I’ll make sure you see it!

  30. 65

    Kim says

    Yes, yes and YES! Great list you have here! I know I struggle at times with some of these but I do my best whenever and wherever possible to stop by and comment on others’ blogs and share their posts.

    Thanks for sharing this fantastic list!
    Kim recently posted..My 500 Words and Project 365: Why I’ve Gone SilentMy Profile

    • 66

      NJ says

      I too, find it hard to be great at all 10 of these all of the time. But I’m always working towards it! I think commenting on other blogs is one of the best ways to grow yours!

  31. 69

    Bette @ SOmerset Lane says

    Great commandments. I need to learn to “rest on the 7th day” too. i’ve pinned to my Blogging board!
    Bette @ SOmerset Lane recently posted..Valentine’s Day BookmarkMy Profile

    • 70

      NJ says

      Thanks for pinning! It can be so hard to rest. I know that whenever I try, I always feel like I’m going to lose momentum or miss out on something!

  32. 71

    Alison says

    Oh Captcha, I abhor you!!
    Great list, NJ. Love it. All of it. Off to share! (#9!!)
    Alison recently posted..Through The Lens Thursday #4: WhiteMy Profile

  33. 73

    Amber says

    Yes, PLEASE no captcha. And PLEASE get rid of NO REPLY e-mails. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve replied and then realized, DOH, it’s NO REPLY.

    I also take a break. I think it’s important. When I first started blogging I thought I had to have a new post daily. Then I realized people were busy and don’t always have time to read 7 new posts. So I now post about 4-5 times a week.
    Amber recently posted..Why I’m Glad I Didn’t Have A Big WeddingMy Profile

    • 74

      NJ says

      I only posted twice this week, and it worked out really well because it gave me three other days to spend commenting on blogs and connecting. I think somewhere between two and three is perfect for me. I don’t think I’ll ever go to five days a week. That is TOO MUCH for this girl!

  34. 75

    Rebeccafaith says

    Love these, especially the captcha and success of others. We’re all in it together people!
    Rebeccafaith recently posted..Friday Fun FaceMy Profile

    • 76

      NJ says

      I agree! I want everyone to accomplish whatever their blogging goals are. And I want to cheer for them when they do!

  35. 77

    Michelle says

    Ugh – captcha! It’s getting harder and harder for me to decipher those. I really can’t stand it! I don’t know why anyone would use it. It makes it really hard to comment.
    Michelle recently posted..4 Easy Ways to Save Money Without Changing Your LifeMy Profile

    • 78

      NJ says

      I thought maybe it was just me, that I was getting to be older and my eyes were going bad. But I think you’re right, they are making it hard and harder to decipher! I’m always wondering… is that a 3 or a G? And whichever it is is, I always get it wrong on the first try!

  36. 79

    katie says

    Love these! Clear, succinct and to the point! I def. need to work on #10! I forget that! lol Coming by from Sharefest :)
    katie recently posted..All Quiet on the Fertility FrontMy Profile

    • 80

      NJ says

      Happy Sharefest! #10 is the hardest one for me too. Blog life balance can be so hard. So much of blogging ISN’T writing, and all of that stuff takes time too!

  37. 81

    T.Dashfield says

    Thou hast written a good post ;) Oh how I hate captcha! Stopping by from SitsSharefest
    T.Dashfield recently posted..Birdwing ButterflyMy Profile

  38. 83

    Adrienne says

    I love this! I’d pick one, but I love them all. I seriously want to email every blogger that still has captcha and just ask them WHY?
    Adrienne recently posted..Why I Love Being Part of a Homeschool Co-OpMy Profile

  39. 84

    Debra@AModernTranslation says

    Awesome list! And I love that you included Captcha. I hate it. Seriously. I will leave a blog if I have to figure out what those letters & numbers are. Ugh. I guess that’s my blogging pet peeve. Visiting from Sharefest. Have a great Saturday.
    Debra@AModernTranslation recently posted..Friday Five – What’s In My BagMy Profile

    • 85

      NJ says

      My hatred for Captcha is what inspired this post! I often leave a blog without commenting too, if the person has it on!

  40. 86

    Jonna says

    This post was totally on point! I agree 100% with all these commandments and I will be sharing this with a few blogging communities I’m a part of. I was nodding as I read each one!
    Jonna recently posted..3 Prom Dresses I’d Wear for Under $150My Profile

  41. 88

    Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says

    Captcha drives me nuts. I never get it right the first time. I really need to work on #10. Blogging is always on my mind, it’s hard to step away.

    • 89

      NJ says

      Blogging is always on my mind too! I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one. I never get captcha right on the first try either. I think they make it triple hard on purpose !

  42. 90

    Anna says

    I love this! #7 is spot on. I see so many people, especially in the beauty and nail blogging world, who get downright mean and it’s so sad. The internet is a BIG place and there is room for everyone on here :)

    • 91

      NJ says

      I really feel like there is room for everyone at the blogging table. Even if we’re saying similar things, it is our voice that makes us different!

  43. 92

    Echo says

    This is awesome. I’d like to think that I adhere to all of these.
    Echo recently posted..Traditional or Non-Traditional…My Profile

  44. 96

    OneMommy says

    Love #10! I used to take off every Sunday; need to get back to doing that! Stopping in from SITS. Have a great week!
    OneMommy recently posted..2 Simple Experiments for WinterMy Profile

    • 97

      NJ says

      Today is Saturday and I’ve spent 99.9% of the day away from blog land and it has felt really great. I feel much more recharged. I struggle with this one so much, because I can never win against my to do list!

  45. 98

    Taylor Brione says

    YOU ARE SO RIGHT ABOUT THE CAPATCHA….I leave blogs that have those there! It’s just hard and terrible on mobile too!
    Taylor Brione recently posted..Protecting Your Mobile Tablet! #TabletCrewMy Profile

    • 99

      NJ says

      Me too! Captcha makes it so hard to comment on a blog. If they’ve got it on, I’m more likely to leave without commenting than I am to try to figure it out.

  46. 100

    Delia @ Blog Formatting says

    Love, love love: “I will not live to blog.”, so true!
    Delia @ Blog Formatting recently posted..Top tips to plan your blog content for 2014My Profile

  47. 102

    Courtney says

    I found this via Pinterest and I just wanted to say I absolutely love this list. There are some fantastic reminders in there for me right now, thank you for this!

  48. 104

    The Involuntary Housewife says

    What a great list, I loved all of it…I am trying to get better about taking more time off, all I can say is that I’m working on it.
    The Involuntary Housewife recently posted..Enchilada SauceMy Profile

    • 105

      NJ says

      Powering down is so hard because the internet never stops. I can’t ever finish my to do list, because social media is a beast that just keeps on moving!

  49. 106

    Andrea B (@goodgirlgonered) says

    I love this. These are fabulous guidelines for yourself and the rest of us. Seriously! Thanks for hitting publish. :)
    Andrea B (@goodgirlgonered) recently posted..Amazing Reads: The 1/24 EditionMy Profile

    • 107

      NJ says

      I’m glad that you enjoyed them, Andrea! I’m also glad Rabia asked me what my oldest draft was. I had forgotten all about this post. It had been in draft since early fall!

  50. 108

    Emily @ Words I Wheel By says

    Amen! Great words for any blogger, new or experienced, to remember! Would make a good printable :)
    Emily @ Words I Wheel By recently posted..Acceptance Over Awareness – Celebrating 3ELove’s International Day of AcceptanceMy Profile

  51. 110

    christie says

    It was great to find your post on my very first link up today. (#322 How to Run Your Race of Faith) This is great info. for this new (overwhelmed) blogger. :) Also just read your prior post…blogging like a horse with blinders on. Awesome! Exactly what I referenced in my post above. Thanks for the reminder to not look to my right or left, but to look straight ahead to the One who calls us to write. : )
    christie recently posted..How to Run Your Race of FaithMy Profile

    • 111

      NJ says

      Here is my advice if you are new and overwhelmed. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Also, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither should you expect your blog to be. Focus on great content and connecting with other bloggers!

  52. 112

    Chrystal @YUMeating says

    Stopping by from the ‘bloggers brag’ link party. I have to agree 100% with captcha. I’ve been blogging a long, long time and I find captcha to be a pain on both sides of the coin.

    When blogging one must think of their website as their business and the folks who read and comment as their customers. You want to easiest , quickest check-out as possible for a great customer service experience, especially if you want repeat clients.

    I find captcha more on Blogger blogs than any other host and it makes me wonder if these bloggers are aware that they can turn off captcha and instead opt to approve comments. It might be more work for them, but it should be. It’s their business. It should not be work for readers to comment. If it is, you are losing out on comments and readers.

    I know if I find a lot of blogs with captcha, after a few, I will stop reading and commenting. It’s a huge turn-off in the blogging world.
    Chrystal @YUMeating recently posted..Guinness Grilled Shrimp and SteakMy Profile

    • 113

      NJ says

      You are right Chrystal! When blogging one must think of themselves as a small business and their readers as customers. I want them to love my space and come back time and time again. I want to make it easy for them to comment and connect with me!

  53. 114

    Rachel says

    What great ideas! There is so much more to blogging than meets the eye and it certainly takes more time than people think:) Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
    Rachel recently posted..Bloggers Brags Pinterest PartyMy Profile

    • 115

      NJ says

      Thanks for pinning me, Rachel!

      There is SO much more than meets the blogging eye, you are right! On the surface, it seems so easy. Just write and be done. But it is all of the other things that come along with it that can make it hard to figure out!

  54. 116

    Kimberly Curtis says

    I so agree with the no Captcha, jumping through hoops to leave a comment drives me nuts, and my old eyes can’t read it anyway!

    I’m still trying to learn this blogging thing, I just post what I feel like with no rhyme or reason, as life happens.

    So glad to “meet” you on the SitsGirls FB group. Have a wonderful day.
    Kimberly Curtis recently posted..1950′s Valentines and Where it All StartedMy Profile

  55. 117

    Wendy Bottrell says

    I like your list so much I am going to share it! Thanks!
    Wendy Bottrell recently posted..Should you eat oats if you have problems with gluten?My Profile

  56. 118

    Tara @ A Daily Dose of Fit says

    This is great! I am so very easily turned off by bloggers who don’t practice #8 and #1. Isn’t it so easy to tell when bloggers are trying too hard to be something they aren’t. It’s a total turn-off. Thanks for sharing!

  57. 119

    LeeAnn G Taylor says

    This is great and helpful for me to read as a new blogger. Visiting from the #fmfparty! :)
    LeeAnn G Taylor recently posted..I’m Sticking AroundMy Profile

  58. 120

    Steph says

    Stopping by from SITS: I LOVE #4!!! I have to force myself not to run away from blogs that I have to jump through hoops to interact with.
    Steph recently posted..My Favorite Things Saturdays 2/1My Profile

  59. 122

    Sara R says

    Wonderful tips. I really love that last one. So important! Getting out and living life is the only real way to find new things to write about. Plus I am sure we all have loved ones who would love seeing more of us.
    Sara R recently posted..Fruit of the Spirit: Submitting To And Respecting Our HusbandsMy Profile

  60. 123

    Tickle and Delight says

    I Love no 10 – Though shalt rest. Sometimes we lose sight of how important a little R&R can be. We can’t keep going without it or we end up burnt out. Hope you’re sticking to that one :)
    Tickle and Delight recently posted..Sharing the Instagram LOVEMy Profile

  61. 124

    lisacng @ expandng.com says

    These are spot-on! Interacting with readers, being mindful of what you promote, advertise, review, etc on your blog, and resting from it! Living your life! Great last one. I might actually follow that one MORE since I don’t blog consistently 3x/week.
    lisacng @ expandng.com recently posted..Confessions: baby editionMy Profile

    • 125

      NJ says

      I’m glad you enjoyed these!

      Following #10 hasn’t been as hard to do as I thought would. I haven’t been taking an entire day off, but I have drawn some definite boundaries with my time. In fact, in just a few minutes I’m turning off the computer and curling up with a good book!

  62. 126

    Bianca @ Rant Rave Crave says

    Yes! Words to live by. Especially not writing anything mean spirited & above all, take a break when needed!
    Bianca @ Rant Rave Crave recently posted..Best Decision EverMy Profile

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  1. […] This weeks featured blogger is NJ from A Cookie Before Dinner Her post 10 Commandments of Blogging is really well written and several excellent points.  Click here to read it. […]

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