Ten years ago when I desultorily started writing blog posts, I had no idea that I'd turn out to be still reading and reviewing a decade later. I didn't even know at the start that this was going to turn out to be a focused book blog. SO MUCH has changed in ten years of book blogging. For example:
- the book blogosphere has exploded with new bloggers
- book review and author scandals come and go and come again....
- the focus on social justice and diversity in our reading is so much stronger and more active
- reading challenges are both broader and less common these days
- professional book review sites are much more in evidence
- other social media avenues, like Booktube and twitter, have garnered some of the original book talk from blogs
- BUT book bloggers are still reading and talking and sharing bookish thoughts!
Can you think of any other startling differences that have happened over your own blogging career?
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| On the phone, er, internet, nobody knows you're a dog |
What has blogging done for me over the decade?
Well, I find that my reading community is fantastically huge. I love all the bloggers I've met, some of whom have become real life friends, and many of whom have become online friends who I follow eagerly. People have disappeared from the reading community, some who are simply tired of blogging and some who have left us altogether - and who we all miss greatly.
Book blogging has enriched my professional life as a librarian. I've made connections, I've deepened the habit of reflection on my reading, and I have a record of those thoughts! I often check in to see what other bloggers are talking about when I am thinking about purchases or about book recommendations. And the book talk about all kinds of issues in the publishing world and the reading community is enlivening and refreshing, and helps me stay on top of the issues I need to know as a professional book person.
Blogging has been a lifeline for me into a vibrant, thoughtful community of readers, a community that I am very grateful to be a part of. While the amount of blogging I've done has varied over the years, I've counted myself in as a book blogger for the past ten years. And I don't really see that changing - I enjoy my blog, and I love sharing my love for books.
Here's to another ten years ahead!
*all photos thanks to the British Library & the Library of Congress flickr streams
Congratulations on ten years! It's been so interesting to see how the book blogging community has evolved, but I'm glad that so many of us from those earlier days are still around. The thing that has delighted me about blogging has been the friendships that developed, some only online but several in person. I never expected that, and it's been a real joy.
ReplyDeleteI agree - the friendships are wonderful! I am glad to see that there are still quite a few of the 'old-timers' around too :)
DeleteCongrats! Ten years is a long time for a book blogger! Here's wishing you many many more years of interesting reading. I feel like things have really changed, and I'm so glad to still be a part of it all. Do you remember when bloggers used to pass awards around to each other? Seems that meme has fallen on the wayside, but I do still see challenges everywhere and I still do one myself every year.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, those awards! I do recall a few. I still enjoy a challenge or two, but find that they have been greatly diffused among the huge numbers of bloggers now active.
DeleteTen years! Well done. Blogging has changed but like you I still like the connections and thinking a bit about my reading. I'm glad you are still around!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's great to see another long-time blogger still excited about sharing their reading. I'm glad you're still around too!
DeleteCongratulations - that's a real achievement, especially as so many burn out with blogging - well done!
ReplyDeletekaggsysbookishramblings
Yes, the bookish burn-out is real. I've found a rhythm that works for me; and no-guilt blogging is my watchword
DeleteHappy Blogiversary!! I am glad you are still around even I am atrocious at blogging and reading blogs myself!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I have found my blog reading/commenting time has been greatly reduced -- more blogs to follow and less time to do it in as I get busier with other things as well. I still love to see that people are still blogging though!
DeleteHappy anniversary! I can't believe it's been something like seven years that I've been going. I see no sign of stopping! (Love all the photos)
ReplyDeleteThank you - 7 years is pretty long in the tooth in this area too ;)
DeleteWow. Ten years. That's an amazing milestone to reach. Congratulations! (And I'm glad you're thinking of continuing your lovely blog for another ten.!) Happy tenth!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's been very rewarding, I can't see stopping it :)
DeleteMany congratulations, Melwyk! 10 years of book blogging is an achievement, though not surprising for a librarian. Your blog is thoughtful and always a pleasure to visit. I am also celebrating a blogiversary this month, although my blog is not quite "double digits" yet. :)
ReplyDeleteEvery blog anniversary should be celebrated - we are tenacious readers and sharers & it is all wonderful.
DeleteCongratulations! I noticed the other day that almost a third of the book bloggers on my sidebar no longer post which is sad, but I like to think they are reading as much!
ReplyDeleteYes, there have been a few going missing along the wayside; I do hope they are still enjoying their reading, as you do.
DeleteCongrats on 10 years Melwyk!
ReplyDeleteGreat observations and I definitely concur. I can't think of much to add as I think you really nailed the greatest changes. I think maybe graphic novels have become much more mainstream, but because I read them more now, there's a chance I just pay more attention.
Thank you John! I also think graphic novels are more mainstream -- I know we buy a lot more for our library and actually have a whole "Graphic Novel Section" now -- it is a change. And I've read some ;)
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