Hi Everyone, I found something and I am so excited about it that I wanted to share it with you.
I keep a list of blogs I like to read. As I find new blogs, I get excited, read them a lot and then forget about blogs I used to love to read. Such was the case with Jaden’s Steamy Kitchen. I hadn’t been there in ages but I used to love her site because Jaden is so open to sharing her blogging knowledge. I could go there and get photography tips, marketing insights and use her food styling wisdom.
I popped over there a couple of days ago and found out that Jaden and Diane from White on Rice Couple have put together a forum for food blogging. The site has only been up for a few days and they still need to work out a few of the kinks, but I was amazed at how much I am beginning to learn after just a couple of days. So far, I have seen how someone put together a light box for their photography, I am learning about the kinds of issues people have when they set up their own URL and I am learning that advertising on a blog will not make someone rich (but they did have suggestions about how to make a living otherwise). I am so happy this resource is now online because the community that is forming around this forum is answering two and a half years of questions that I have been afraid to ask.
I truly think this site is important for us. For instance, my boyfriend’s mom recently asked me to help her set up a blog that she plans to monetize. I have no idea how to set up that kind of blog. I started researching it for her and found a lot of good information on the web but it took me hours and brought up more questions than answers. Now I have a single place to go where I can ask for help and get the answers quickly.
The only thing that is strange to me so far is the social networking aspect of this forum. I have never used Facebook or Twitter and I have only recently signed up for LinkedIn. The fact that being on this site for ten minutes gets me seven people who want to friend me is kind of scaring me…but that’s just my own personal problem. 😀
Jaden, Diane, this is one blogger who wants to say thank you. You have made me very happy.
Delectable Tidbits 
ronnie said,
March 15, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hey, I just signed up for that this morning!
Natashya said,
March 16, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Thanks for reminding me, I have been meaning to check this out.
I did join twitter a while ago and enjoy it, there isn’t much commitment needed if you don’t want it.. but I am afraid to join facebook. I already have so much online stuff that sucks up all my time.
I’ll go check it out, thanks again!
Mimi said,
March 16, 2010 at 1:46 pm
You’re welcome!
Am I lame? I don’t really understand the point of Twitter. As a matter of fact, it seems to me that most of the social networking sites have become another way to advertise to us. Oh well, I’m sure I will break down and join the 21st century, but I’ll probably do it just when Facebook and Twitter stop being cool. 😀
Joanne said,
March 17, 2010 at 3:54 am
I found this site as well and really really love it! Such a great tool to talk with other food bloggers. I cannot stand Twitter and definitely don’t use facebook to its full networking potential. but then again, I’m not really a networker. I like to take more of a hands off approach.
Jeanne said,
March 17, 2010 at 8:01 am
Thanks for the recommendation! This site seems to have some good advice on photography and blogging (which I am in need of, especially in the photography dept)! I have a pretty firm stance against Twitter right now, but I imagine that if it sticks around for a while I’ll eventually join it.
White On Rice Couple said,
March 17, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Hi Mimi,
Thanks for the kind words about our joint project with Jaden. So happy you’ve been able to use it to learn already. Hopefully the community will continue to build and become a great resource and gathering place. We are working hard at making it the best we can for everyone. See you around.
T & D
drfugawe said,
March 20, 2010 at 8:43 am
Hi Mimi,
At your suggestion, I’ll check out this resource – nothing wrong with learning, but I’m going to remain a purist as regards my own rationale for blogging – I blog for my own enjoyment, sort of an outlet for my writing desires – kinda like the old hobby of keeping a diary – wouldn’t matter to me if no one else ever read it, but I do enjoy getting comments from regulars – but that’s where the “social” part ends – I don’t get why anyone needs 4,850 friends!!! Are we that insecure?
And I will always shield my blog from advertising, just to keep it clean (I have nothing against making $ on the internet, just not in my blog) And my favorite blogs to read are those without advertising.
Mimi said,
March 20, 2010 at 9:31 am
I know how you feel. The idea of monetizing my blog is just out there in case I never find a job again (which is what it feels like after all these months).
For now, I just want to learn things. There are always design elements we all need. For instance, Jaden just posted her ideas on how to keep your photos from getting ripped off. There were good ideas in the comments that followed. As you know this was a concern of mine.
I’m also often embarrassed by some of my less stealable photos and I’m hoping I can get tips so I don’t feel compelled to post the ugly dark blueberry pie pictures just because I feel like I need pictures to go with a recipe
As for the friends? I’m letting them friend me, but as in life, they are ignoring me. We know where our real friends are when we need them. 😉
A Canadian Foodie said,
March 21, 2010 at 9:55 pm
And I had stumbled upon this when it first started – and got so busy, I never went back… and now there is a sign in and belong! Which I did. Thank you.
Valerie