Bloggie Wednesday: Blogging Frustrations and Insecurities

Last week, I tweeted this:

 

I drafted this post soon after I tweeted that but I debated on whether to actually publish it or not. I don’t want the post to come across as feeling absolutely sorry for myself, oh poor me, I’m an ungrateful blogger, boo bloody hoo. After sleeping on it for days, I’ve decided to publish it because even though it does sound very boo bloody hoo, I have a niggling feeling that I’m not the only blogger who feels this way from time to time.

So here goes nothing. You can probably feel my nerves here from miles away.

I wasn’t having the best of the days that day. Everything irked me. It wasn’t PMS, mind you, although I can understand why that can be a potential reason since I can be a cranky cow during that time of the month. No, it sure wasn’t PMS. I was reading tweets and Facebook status updates from bloggers on how well they’re doing, how much traffic they’ve achieved (and we’re talking about tens of millions here) … and that pretty much sent me over the edge.

Truth be told, I was insecure and frustrated about my blog.

I took to Twitter and in my shallow insecurities, I sought after validation. And I got them. Many thanks to you who replied my tweet with words of encouragement. It was the slap in the face I needed to stop wallowing in self pity and look at what I have, not dwell on what I don’t.

It’s only human to be question yourself if what you’re doing is right. It’s only human to be envious of other people’s achievements and for a minute or two, forget what your own. It’s like a green blanket over the eyes and it feels downright petty. Yet, I’m only human. Call it an advantage or even a downfall of mine, but I do tend to over-think things from time to time. Shower times should usually be relaxing but they’re also the times when my mind starts wandering and it tends to think of the worst that could happen.

At the risk of being candid and also a total sook, I thought I’d share some of my blogging insecurities and frustrations with you.

  • My total web traffic is pretty abysmal. You might think it’s not, but it is. I’ve been blogging for 7 years and, it pains me greatly to even admit this but it doesn’t go over a total of 3 million views. A lot of bloggers I know who started much later have well surpassed that figure. Of course, I did mention last week that my web stats aren’t all that accurate but after doing the math, that’s the figure. I also had to take into consideration that year that I barely blogged and almost called it quits. My traffic is a lot better now but many a time, it’s like watching grass grow.
  • My mind goes on worry overdrive every time I accept a sponsored post. Will my readers like it? What if they don’t? What if they think I’m a sell-out, even though I am doing this full-time now? Will they understand that I always put them first? Will they also understand that I have bills to pay? Will the advertorial turn out all right? Will all these questions in my mind ever stop?
  • My photos are okay but they can be a lot better.
  • My writing is okay but they can be a lot better.
  • Every time I receive an email notification that a reader has unsubscribed from my blog, I want to cry out to them “Y U LOVE ME NO MORE?
  • There’s so much I want to do all at once but due to some health issues I want to sort out first, I wonder if I’ll be able to do them all. One thing at a time, I know, but do you ever get the feeling that sometimes, you just want to do it all?

Bloggie Wednesday: Blogging Frustrations and Insecurities

@ someecards

There’s a lot more but I’ll stop for now. Most of the time, I’m just overthinking things. I hear it can be a good thing and that I’m constantly evaluating myself to do better. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

I’m not writing today’s post to complain, to seek your validation nor ask for your words of encouragement although I do highly appreciate them. If you’re a blogger, you may feel all these too and worry that it’s probably just you. No, it’s not. It’s something a lot of bloggers go through but seldom talk about it. If you’re not a blogger, then this is just a little insight of the insecurities I go through on a daily basis when it comes to blogging.

I thought this might be a good time for you to share one insecurity and frustration you have about blogging if you’re a blogger. Just one will do although please feel free to share more only if you feel like it. If you’re not a blogger, do share one insecurity and frustration you have in your job. There’s absolutely no judgement here. Hey, I already told you my web traffic is shite. πŸ™‚

Better yet, what did you do to overcome those insecurities and frustrations? What did you focus on to pull through?

Bloggie Wednesdays is a series of articles just on blogging. They contain tips, how-tos, discussions about anything and everything you need to know about blogging and how we can be better bloggers. If you have any suggestions, tips and tricks about blogging you would like to share with us, or if you have any questions you would like me to address, please let us know in the comments.

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49 comments… add one
  1. Maddy

    You are an awesome blogger and I always look up to you for inspiration. As for my insecurities, I am always worried that I am not doing enough or for that matter anything for my blog. It was supposed to be ‘my place’,but now I rarely go there. This neglect keeps gnawing at me.
    Maddy recently posted..MAC Powder Blushes: Part 2My Profile

    1. Tine

      Aww thank you Maddy. Really appreciate it. I know what you mean by that gnawing feeling. I get it too whenever I take a break from the blog.

  2. Celina

    Aww Tine! You are definitely not alone in the slightest! I’m super fortunate in a way that blogging isn’t my full time job because I would be riddled with a bunch of insecurities, I think the worst for me is just stats. They fluctuate a lot and I really don’t feel like I have a strong or consistent grasp on it, no matter what I post or how much better I think my photos have gotten πŸ™ I feels like I have no control, I guess the other thing that bugs me is that I don’t know what I can do to be a more engaging and interesting blogger. I see lots of new ones just shoot past and I don’t understand what’s wrong with my content or how I come across πŸ™ The only thing that saves me is that at the end of the day it’s a hobby I just love doing so much and so I move on πŸ™‚ You’re an awesome blogger Tine, I definitely look up to you so keep on fighting the good fight!
    Celina recently posted..5 Cleansing Oil ComparisonsMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Thanks Celina. I know what you mean! Those damn stats will be the death of us yet. It’s really frustrating and even though I preach a lot about reader engagement, etc in my Bloggie Wednesday posts, sometimes I wonder if I’m doing it right myself because I’m not seeing all that much improvement. There is a little improvement but it’s not significant. Sigh. That’s why I call it watching grass grow because that’s how I see my traffic sometimes.

      You too, keep fighting the good fight! x

  3. MonicaP

    Oh, you’re not alone .. I often wonder if the blog is worth keeping up as I don’t have a photographer handy (my spouse is the photographer and he travels quite a bit) and my selfies are awful .. lol. So I just do what I can and watch my blog grow little by little πŸ™‚ But yes, when I see other blogs grow so much that they don’t even answer their comments anymore .. well, I do get bummed out for sure.

    Monica.
    MonicaP recently posted..Ann Taylor LOFT, Curvy Sexy Boot JeansMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Most bloggers are one-person shows so yours is definitely worth keeping up. I think it helps to study how to work cameras to your advantage and practise like crazy. My photos from when I first started were not good but in time, I’ve seen improvement. You will too. πŸ™‚

  4. Norlin

    My insecurity/ies? Hmmm where do I start? a) what if the readers hate what I read b)why is this person unsubscribing c) does my post sound too much like an advertorial? c) wtf is wrong with my stats?? d) is my content getting a bit dry?
    But…having had those issues bog me down, I have looked at it in a positive way – to make me feel better and yeah, as a validation
    a) they email or message you to tell you they LOVE what you’re writing b) for every unsub I get more subs (gee that sounds very kinky) c) well, you’ve got your thought out even if you’re being sponsored for it d) if it’s dry your readers won’t be asking you for more.
    So my mantra is, for every thing that gives you doubts, look for the positive in it – there always is. Plus…run your own race. Every blogger is different in their own way even if you’re in the same niche. Work on that. Your blog is an extension of your personality.
    Right now, my concern is my course mates knowing that I blog. Yeah…more to worry about.
    Norlin recently posted..Health & Lifestyle: Tips On Choosing The Right GymMy Profile

    1. Tine

      I’d choose all of the above for me πŸ˜›
      Yeah I know what you mean. Why is it that even though we get more likes than dislikes, subscribers than unsubscribers but we just look at that small percentage of dislikes eh? Are we suckers for punishment or what?

  5. Allison

    I originally started blogging about 15 months ago thinking I’d be able to supplement my flagging income as a focus group moderator. What was I thinking?! Now, I’m blogging kind of for the fun of it. I have no clue how to get a sponsored post, but I am grateful that I’m at least getting free products to review to supplement the ones I buy myself. I does piss me off when I see much and I mean much younger bloggers who’ve been blogging the same length of time as I have or even less and they are doing much better than I. Grrrr! But I’m going to hang in there. And you, Tine, have been my key inspiration. Love your writing, tone of voice, authenticity, and your photos are darn good. I may have said this before, but blogging wasn’t just supposed to be another form of advertising (she says as a long-time advertising professional), but a more focused kind of word-of-mouth. Photos that are too good seem almost like another ad, and for that I can read Vogue, Allure etc. Keep up the great work, Tine!!
    Allison recently posted..Spring 2014 Ulta 21 Days of BeautyMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Thanks so much for your words of encouragement Allison. I completely know what you mean! It frustrates me greatly when younger bloggers take a lot less time to succeed and well surpass me when I’ve been doing it for 7 years. Having said that, I have to remind myself over and over that back when I first started, beauty blogs weren’t popular. Social media? What social media? Does Myspace count? πŸ˜› These days, with the help of social media, bloggers can reach their audience so much quicker than we could back in the day.

  6. LeGeeque

    I don’t blog much but I have my insecurities at work. What if I’m not doing enough? What if my standards of excellence fall so far below the expected level? What if I’m teaching/guiding/mentoring the wrong things? What makes me think I’m good enough to even teach/guide/mentor/train? Am I even experienced enough to be termed a specialist? Am I spending too much time worrying how I look and dress and maybe I should focus more on developing my skills and capabilities? Am I questioning myself too much? (see the vicious cycle there?)

    I think a healthy dose of self-reflection is much needed. The trick of course is always to find that balance. Self-reflection, if done correctly, I find, grounds you and is much needed by everyone.

    And yes, as much as we should be confident with ourselves requiring no external validation, it is not always the case. I find it helpful to have a trusted group of people who can tell you you’re not going mad. Trust your hunch and bounce ideas off your trusted group.

    It’s people who think they’re doing everything right and perfectly who worry me. So,yes, it’s fine to have insecurities because it helps us realise our limitations and figure out how to overcome them and become better at what we do πŸ™‚ I’m fortunate because I’m surrounded by management who trusts me and reassures me I’m doing the right thing. They also drag me back onto the right path if they think I’m going to fall off the cliff. That’s invaluable and it’s something I will always appreciate.

    Lastly – YOU’RE FINE! YOU’RE DOING A STELLAR JOB and if you don’t believe me, read the comments πŸ˜›

    1. rinnah

      Tacking on to Geek’s comment because all of those worries you have about work – that’s me right there too!

      Tine, you’re my blogging inspiration – I don’t know how you manage to do it and everytime I read a Bloggie Wednesdays post I find myself thinking yeah, I really should do this or that but I don’t get off my butt to do it.
      rinnah recently posted..Skincare routine for managing eczemaMy Profile

    2. Tine

      Yeah I know what you mean. Without self-reflection, I’d be an arrogant arse. πŸ˜›

  7. Rose

    You already know I love your blog! Your posts are so interesting. I look at your photos and your writing as something to aspire towards.

    I have a lot of insecurities about my blog, like my lack of return visitors vs new visitors. It used to eat me up inside. But then I got over it and decided that blogging, for me anyway, is a hobby, and I shouldn’t let stats bring me down. The fact that I even have some return visitors, and people are reading my blog, is enough to cheer me up. However, I do still get nervous whenever I post a non-nail post, because even though it’s still beauty related, I’m afraid my readers will only want to read about nails! But I don’t want to be constrained to just one topic, even though my interests span the whole spectrum of beauty, health and lifestyle.
    Rose recently posted..Gwen Stefani for OPI Collection – Swatches & ReviewMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Aww thanks Rose πŸ™‚
      I like that you expand to other topics. Start with a niche and then expand. That’s something I learned from Pat Flynn from the popular Smart Passive Income blog and podcast. A niche is where people zero in on specific content and you serve them that content. Once in a while, you talk about something else and it’s fine. I think it’s better to do it that way than start broad and then narrow to a niche. That’s when people go, hey why are you suddenly only talking about nails?? You know what I mean?

  8. Paris B

    Tine, you voiced my own blogging insecurities which is pretty much what you are experiencing and I go through those roller-coaster emotions too off and on. Often, it comes on the coattails of opening up the stats and seeing a nosedive. It’s been happening a lot lately and I don’t know if it’s me or if it’s Google messing with me but I can safely say things are on the downward trend and it upsets me. A lot more than I let on a lot of the time. How to deal with it? I don’t know, because I’m still feeling that need for the graph to validate my existence, sad as it sounds. As for people unsubscribing from emails, I console myself by telling myself they’ve learned to use RSS Readers or they go to Facebook. Or maybe they closed their email account.

    So you know, I totally get where you’re coming from but at the same time, I’d like to tell you not to believe everything you see/read out there. Without seeing graphs and stats, you don’t ever really know how people are doing. Sometimes, people big themselves up. We hear of people buying followers on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook – take comfort that your numbers there were from your own effort. Take comfort also in knowing that you get genuine comments and interactions on your blog posts. I don’t see the point of shouting that you have a million followers if the comment count reads a big fat 0. In the end, the best way to feel better is to analyze what you want out of your blog and the direction you want it to go. I’ve learned the hard way that the direction I want mine to go in isn’t the popular one and it sometimes upsets me that I don’t receive some opportunities that I feel I should. But I’ve also tried to let that go. We can never help that green eyed monster but we can find ways to make us feel better about ourselves. Ping me if you need to chat *hugs*
    Paris B recently posted..Your Say: Choose or Lose: Save enough water to shower or to wash your face?My Profile

    1. Tine

      Aww thanks Peebs. I think the problem with using Feedblitz is that it allows people to tell me why they’ve unsubscribed. Sometimes it’s because they’ve moved to another method of subscribing. But when I get the “content no longer relevant” or “updates too often” or worst “undisclosed”, I’m like whhhhhhyyy? Best to not know why. Ignorance is bliss. πŸ˜›

  9. Monica

    First off, I love you for posting this. Seeing bloggers posts bits of their hearts and souls and opening up is wonderful, because it reminds us how human you really are, and that you share some of the inner issues we all do. So thank you for that. Second, as far as sponsored posts, only agree to do things you feel comfortable with, and that you know fits in here with your blog. If you keep that as your criteria, then there will never be any reason to second guess yourself. Third, “my photos/writing are okay but they can be better”…SAYS EVERYONE IN EVERY ART, EVER. none of us expect to be perfect at ANY of this right out the box, it is an ongoing work in progress, and we will never know when that work should be handed in as final copy. but instead of thinking of the due date, just PRACTICE. do it because you love it, work on what you feel needs to be changed, be a little hard on yourself because, well, that’s what we’re gonna do ANYWAY, haha.

    Oh and, MY insecurity: I’m always worried that I’m talking to myself when I blog. I also don’t have outstanding traffic stats. And I know I’m fairly new (I relaunched in December 2013), but like many have already stated, I see people doing this for like…a month and they have thousands of subscribers and I just feel…UGH, you know? I know in time I’ll get more (loyal) readers, so for now I just gonna stick it out and work on getting my blog out there.
    Monica recently posted..Milani Black Cherry Lipstick.My Profile

    1. Tine

      No worries, Monica. I figured I can’t be the only one so damn frustrated at blogging. πŸ™‚
      The thing with sponsored posts is always this: I can be very comfortable with it but what if my readers aren’t? Times like these, I wish I knew what you guys are thinking. Then I’d know for sure, you know what I mean?
      With gaining readers, I recently read something a fellow beauty blogger wrote about the same issue: the way to gain more readers is patience. Some hit the waves and ride ’em easy, most of us don’t. Perseverance will get you and I there πŸ™‚

  10. Victoria

    Hang in there Tine because you are really doing a wonderful job with blogging. I think it is harder for you because this is your full time job compared with other bloggers who only do this as a hobby. As a reader, I always come back to your blog because I love your sincere and humorous writing style and lovely photos. Eventhough I do not personally know you, I sensed that you are a truly beautiful, down-to-earth and genuine person who I would love to have in my close circle of friends.

    We all have insecurities about our job and my major one is that I am not fulfilling my real potential and taking the easy way out because I wanted a less stressful job. A change in my current job situation has now forced me to evaluate what I really want for my career. I try not to dwell on it too much these days and just trust that God knows what is best for me. Having a supportive husband who is my sounding board on all matters in my life really helps.

    I am sure you will get past this stage and look at the many positives in your life at the moment. Nothing wrong feeling this way as we are only human after all and want the best for ourselves. Chin up my dear, you are doing a great job with your blog πŸ™‚

    1. Tine

      Thanks Victoria. Aww you’re too kind!
      I’m sure He has great things in store for you so don’t you worry as well. πŸ™‚ x

  11. Karen

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I love it when bloggers share the ups and downs of their blogging experiences. It’s like getting some fresh air! I started out blogging as a hobby so my expectations weren’t too high. But as I dedicate more time and money towards my blog, buying makeup has become an unhealthy addiction and I get disappointed by the lack of new readers. I feel like a lot of times I underestimate how many beauty bloggers are out there and it’s difficult to get people’s attention. Every once in a while, I try to remind myself that even though I should cater to my audience’s preferences, at the end of the day, it’s my blog and I’m just sharing my personal experiences because I enjoy sharing tips and recommendations to others. Blogging should be a fun experience, not a stressful one. I hope you’ll be able to overcome these insecurities and stay true to yourself. An honest blogger is much better than a blogger who only has pretty pictures and doesn’t go in depth about the product. Good luck!

    1. Tine

      It was my pleasure Karen. I had to get it off my chest! πŸ™‚
      Oh my, I so know what you mean by buying makeup for the blog being an addiction. Many a time, I don’t know if I’m spending heaps of money buying what I like to share with my readers or what I think they’d like but I don’t really so the makeup ends up being a waste of money.
      At the end of the day, it’s just as you said it: we’re just sharing our personal experiences and it should be a fun one, not a stressful, financially-debilitating one. Good luck to you too! x

  12. MM Curator

    I totally hear you. My stats are truly abysmal. I’m not revealing numbers because they’re so embarrassingly miniscule, but I’ve been blogging for over 5 years and still don’t have a following. Like, at all. I try really hard to have good pics and writing but they’re mediocre at best. Anyway, I think what might help for you is to remember that it’s all relative, and like you said, focus on what you have. Some bloggers may have more traffic than you, but you’re still doing really well! Especially when you compare to a blog like mine – I would kill for your stats! I also think it helps to remember that you’re blogging for you, because you get satisfaction from it. I mean no one reads my blog. I’m basically talking to myself. But I do it because I enjoy it so much (although not lately – haven’t written in almost a month, just so tired), and I remind myself of this every time I’m disappointed about the lack of page views. As long as I’m having fun I kinda don’t care if no one else is following along. Of course, I have the luxury of doing this because blogging isn’t my full-time job, but I think it’s still helpful advice. If you’re too anxious about your stats it becomes much harder to write good content because you’re thinking only about what people want to read/see and how your posts can lead to more traffic, rather than what YOU want, and that can lead to writer’s block, etc.
    Keep up the great work and don’t get too down on yourself. You’re doing great!!
    MM Curator recently posted..Curator’s Corner, 2/16/2014My Profile

    1. Tine

      Aww your blog is amazing! Gee I can’t even remember when it was that I started following your blog. Seems like ages ago!
      Thank you so much for your kind words. Means a lot to me πŸ™‚ x

  13. Sally

    Just wanted to say that, as a beginner, and more of a hobbyist, I find your posts consistently helpful on all topics. I arrived here looking for make up reviews, and stayed because not only do you always have a great insight on makeup, but these Bloggie Wednesday posts are an amazing resource for someone like me just starting out. I think we all have insecurities, but I think that otherwise we’d be complacent, and never improve! My main insecurity? That I don’t get enough time to write content for my blog, and won’t possibly be able to sustain a readership without more frequent posts.
    Anyway, thank you, and you’ve definitely added one more dedicated reader to your flock.
    Sally recently posted..Progress: Claire McCardell 1957 DressMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Aww thank you Sally! So glad you enjoyed the blog. Don’t worry about needing to blog frequently because you don’t have to! Blog consistently, yes. Frequently, no. Eg if you just want to blog a day a week or maybe 2 days a week, stick to those days. Blogging frequently when time doesn’t permit you to will burn you out quickly. Stick to a consistent schedule but cut back.
      Good luck!

  14. Jade

    I always enjoy your blog Tine and I don’t care about your stats, however high or low a persons stats are they do not enhance or detract from my reading pleasure.

    Your blog has substance to it which I feel a lot of beauty/lifestyle blogs are lacking.

    I think with my own blog I just don’t have the time or patience to make it into an empire, I’d love to, but really the children/family life are my priority. Maybe one day in the future but just not now πŸ™‚

    1. Tine

      Thanks Jade for your words of encouragement. Really appreciate it, especially in the sea of a thousand beauty blogs. πŸ™‚
      You’re a makeup artist now! Even better! x

  15. Beth and Beauty

    My blog is only 2 months old and I already have the same insecurities. I find myself asking myself the same questions you are asking. I also have to make myself remember when my views are low to try not to take it personal. I also like some have mentioned above, my stats are like a roller coaster that I have no control over. I may get some slack here, but what irritates me is why if anyone chooses to blog do you not want to see all comments and not make someone who is trying to communicate with you get the little phrase “comment awaiting moderationf”. Why is it such a crime to to leave a link to your blog in another bloggers comments. I thought this was suppose to be a blogging community. Sorry just a little rant there…..LOL! Thank you so much for this post!
    Beth and Beauty recently posted..Ipsy March 2014 Glam Bag Reveal!My Profile

    1. Tine

      Haha I know what you mean. Having the link there doesn’t bother me. That’s why I have the Commentluv plugin so that people can share their latest blog post with their comment (makes it unnecessary for people to add a link to their comment but even if they want to, no biggie). The only links I delete are the spammy ones that don’t link to legit blogs but websites that churn the same content to make money out of Google Adsense.

      Comment moderation is something I’d recommend if the blogger is getting trolled. Then I’d say, yes, turn comment moderation on and kick the bugger out of the blog before turning comment moderation off.

  16. Angie

    I love your blog Tine, and the way you generously share so many awesome tips and tricks on your Bloggie Wednesdays posts, you’ve always had me thinking of ways I can better my blog… I worry about the time I commit to my blog (or lack thereof), as both my co-blogger and I work our day-jobs full time – I would LOVE to put every spare second I have into it and publish daily, but sometimes I’m just so brain-fried after work that I can’t! Which makes me wonder if the quality is going to suffer compared to those who are able or more motivated to put more time into theirs…. I just tell myself that one or two really great quality posts per week are better than 7 half-arsed ones.. You’re doing a great job Tine πŸ™‚

    1. Tine

      Aww thank you so much Angie. I wrote a post today about time management on blogging when working full time. But I’ll say this, when you are tired, don’t blog. Fried brains won’t get you good posts. Best to just leave it for another day when you’re not so tired. I absolutely agree with you: 1-2 great posts are better than 7 half-arsed ones. GREAT QUOTE!

  17. Megan

    I think your blog is awesome Tine and I don’t know exactly what that intangible factor is that some bloggers have in order to be overnight sensations but you’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are no doubt about. Don’t let the stats fool you into thinking you aren’t amazing, so long as you impact and entertain people in a positive way, whether it be ten readers or ten thousand you are doing an amazing job!
    Megan recently posted..February Violet BoxMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Thanks Megs! Screw the stats, eh? πŸ˜›

  18. Kaye

    1- I love you TINE! Your are my blogging hero/inspiration/enjoyment so please don’t ever stop
    2- I feel you. So much. I’ve felt the same exact thing many times.
    3- you are the only blog that I religiously follow that I can have long meaningful conversations in the comments, I envy and love that so much!
    4- I love your writing, it is relatable, professional and fun. It’s a important part of why I love BA
    5- there’s so many points to touch on, but did I mention I love you as the sister blogger I’ve never met?? Haha!

    It’s difficult to put it down into a quickly reply, but I think you get my gist. As much as you feel frustrated about certain aspects of your blog, just know those are the things we love! And I would never judge you for doing what you gotta do to make a little cash. There is no doubt your dedication to this awesome site and your readers and I think you more than deserve something in return. Blogging has morphed into a strange and ever changing entity in the years I starting following/blogging, and the ultimate question is how to we judge success?? I wouldn’t know the answer. You in my eyes, are one of the top bloggers around, stats or not! Don’t let numbers trick you into feeling like you’ve done anything wrong. You rock! πŸ˜€

    I could go on forever, but I’ll save that for another day… Keep your awesome work coming, and promise me (PINKY PROMISE) you will stick around! If ever you have a bad blogging day, just remember, there are an army of readers who love what you do. We probably don’t speak up enough, but know we are there…
    Kaye recently posted..Postcards From Lake Tahoe – Part 2My Profile

    1. Tine

      Awwww thank you so much for your lovely words, Kaye! You’re making me blush!
      HOW IS IT THAT WE STILL HAVEN’T MET YET??? xxx

      1. Kaye

        I don’t know, but one day we will! πŸ™‚
        Kaye recently posted..SensatioNail Australia Has Landed – Full ReviewMy Profile

  19. lyn

    Hey Tine, I meant to leave a comment when you posted this but have been completely swamped with work that I forgot. So this is slightly belated. Everyone has insecurities and it is only natural to feel this way. However you have one kick-ass blog and I love your posts, your honesty and how willing you share on Bloggie Wednesdays. The quality of your posts is what inspires me.

    Personally, I don’t bother with stats. I check them out once in a blue moon but it’s not something I’d obsess over. Beauty blogging is “fun” for me, more like a hobby, and it doesn’t bother me that I don’t get as many comments, subscribers, likes, etc. compared to others. When these things start gnawing at you, it takes away the joy of blogging. I blog whatever nonsense that tickles my fancy and it provides me a outlet from my hectic job.

    I wish I could be thinner, have even eyes, straighter teeth, nicer skin, but to be honest, I am happy with what I have and the way I am. The best way of getting rid of insecurities is to stop comparing yourself to others and accept what you have and own. I am now on a weight loss journey and it is not because I want to be skinny but healthy. You know, you’d start realising these things as you get older. Hehehe…
    lyn recently posted..You Only Need A Tiny Pinch Of NYX Powder Blush In PinchedMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Haha no worries. I’m only replying this 3 weeks later! Yikes!
      Sigh…I so know what you mean about wishing our physical appearance to be different. Having to compete with younger, thinner bloggers does things to your head. Just last night I received a comment on one of my blog posts saying that my nose is so big. So I replied, “all thanks to my dad!”. All good.
      Nothing wrong with going on a weight loss journey to be healthier. I keep telling myself I should go on one too to prevent diabetes, which my family has quite a strong history of. Damn ’em chocolate cake.

  20. Anusha

    ah tine for a moment my heart skipped a beat.-there’s VERY few blog posts I read all the way through. But yours? ALWAYS. You don’t have any idea how much we love your blog. I love how hardworking you are with a new blogpost . My day is not complete without reading it. I pray you continue to be blessed with energy and inspiration to continue doing what you do extremely well. Take care and may God bless you!

    1. Anusha

      and i am desperately waiting for MAY to come because it’s BA’s 7 happy birthday (hope i am not wrong).Please dont ever think of quitting.

      1. Tine

        Aww thank you Anusha! You’re always so kind to me πŸ™‚ x
        I haven’t thought of quitting … yet. Still having lots of fun blogging despite the frustrations and difficulties. There’s room for everyone, right? πŸ™‚

  21. Julie

    Nawwwwwh. Thanks for your honesty & sharing. I think blogging is filled with amazing highs and opportunities but also really outs us out there on a limb – open to being snubbed, ridiculed, rejected, it can be so unnerving. I sometimes wish I had started a blog in partnership with someone for confidence running with ideas or to have as a sounding board . Sometimes I think the only thing holding me back is being a scardie cat of all the above happening & not just going for it. I’m afraid to migrate to Wordpress & I’m afraid to try and just go for broke and make blogging my living in case of failure. My hubby literally had to force me to go to Problogger / not get return of investment/ guilt about spending that $$$ on me and my ‘hobby’. It’s just the damn love of writing about beauty that sees me through, the buzz I get when the writing juices flow. I think your blog is so filled with integrity and authenticity & reader-centric so keep on trucking & know that what you do is appreciated. Ps Stats schmats xx pps that was like bloggy counselling thanks for the vent opportunity!! I feel lighter already!
    Julie recently posted..This is the day cream texture I’ve been searching forMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Thanks so much for sharing, Julie. I’m so glad you’re going to Problogger this year (see you there!). I didn’t go for the one last year but I did go to the one in Melbourne the year before last. It will kickstart the hell out of you, that’s for sure. There’s something about so many bloggers in one room, the atmosphere and the things we learn that we just want to get started on that long checklist for our blogs right away! You will really enjoy it and trust me, the ROI will be great. x

  22. Hilary

    I haven’t been around for a bit Tine, due to some personal cr*p, but am catching up with the site now. I LOVE your site. There are precious few sites that I actually visit in my bookmarks list – yours really is one of a handful that I always come back to. There is no bad here – sponsored posts don’t matter, as you’re not selling out, you’re still giving a fully yours opinion – the styling is lovely, the photos clear, I could go on forever but your head will get too big lol.

    It doesn’t even matter to me that tbh your taste in make up and mine is a bit different – I’m a bit of a closet goth/rocker, not overly a fan of blush (Sorry!), and have angry teenage girl still trying to show on my face some days, whereas you are obviously aging far more gracefully than me (being a similar age I think) – your writing style, honesty and interesting comments keep me coming back for more.

    Its human I guess to doubt oneself and have wobbles from time to time, but remember – you don’t have to be loved by *everyone*, just have a core few who do really love you. And we do x
    Hilary recently posted..Sunset at Aldinga BeachMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Thanks Hilary, and I hope you’re all right now. I’ll always return to this post when my head is really deflated to get my head back to a big one. Hahahah!

      Aww man, your words are making me tear up :’)

  23. Bun Bun Makeup Tips

    Hey babe! I know exactly how you feel! Thanks for sharing your thoughts publicly. I think the most when I’m in the shower too. Heh.
    Bun Bun Makeup Tips recently posted..Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum Proves That Great Skin Can Be Created At Any AgeMy Profile

    1. Tine

      The best ideas come from either the shower or the porcelain throne. Ahem. πŸ˜€

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