So I've been thinking...yes, that's what that burning rubber smell was...I've been thinking about IMAGE. That persona or part of ourselves that we put out for the world to see.
I've come to realize that I have multiple personalities...thankfully, I'm not quite like Sybil...not yet anyway, but I somehow have gotten into the habit of changing my mannerisms to suit my audience, whether it's on Facebook, or Twitter, or our blog, at work, etc.
The reason I'm bringing this up today is because it's been frustrating me lately. It's exhausting actually! I've read posts written by some of my favorite snarktacular chicas {The Bookish Brunette and Supernatural Snark to name a couple} and thought, "damn, why can't I write more like that? I'm snarky too!" *pouts* I really admire those people who are "what you see is what you get". The people who are the same across the board and make no apologies for it. Frankly, I could never be one of them and I know it. However, while I think it's perfectly acceptable to be one way at work, another at home and another with friends...I took it one step further and split myself to suit different forms of social media. You see how complicated and confusing it's gotten *facepalm*
Now don't misunderstand me...I am NOT fake...I am everything you've seen/read on these various sites. I am a grammar nazi, I am sarcastic, I am temperamental & moody, I am perverted, I am sweet, I am funny, I am a perfectionist, and above all, I'm very complicated.
When we first started Book ♥ Soulmates, I wanted to be perceived as a professional. I developed a very specific review style, wrote my posts a certain way, never cussed and was rarely sarcastic. Now those of you who know me know that I had to work at hiding those last two because I've had moments where I'm pretty sure I could have made a pirate blush...but sometimes I want to cuss and be all Miss Smartass on the blog but I feel like that goes against the IMAGE that I've developed as a blogger.
So what I want to know is:
What is your perception of me as a blogger?
Not fishing for compliments *pinky promise*
How would our readers feel if I was more "Twitter-like" on the blog?
So what I want to know is:
What is your perception of me as a blogger?
Not fishing for compliments *pinky promise*
How would our readers feel if I was more "Twitter-like" on the blog?
Am I the only one who does this?
How far do you guys take it?
And most importantly, how IMPORTANT is image to you as a reviewer/blogger?
How far do you guys take it?
And most importantly, how IMPORTANT is image to you as a reviewer/blogger?
Good question!
ReplyDeleteA. I think you should do what ever your heart desires. After all, this blog is your place and it needs to make your heart sing.
B. Now if you want my opinion, here it is: I don't know. In real life I'm one tough mama (bold, snarky, and sassy) but I like reading and visiting happy clean things and places. I don't know, maybe 'cause life is rough enough so I like exuding and surrounding myself with cheer.
C. I think Jenny at Supernatural Snark has the perfect balance. She seems to say it like it is without ever coming across crass or vulgar. If I was going to be more "real" I think I would use Jenny as my inspiration.
D. Good luck finding your balance :)
@Juju: You pretty much nailed it when you said it's about finding a balance! With a 40+ hours-a-week job, a lot of my time is spent being chipper, diplomatic, and professional. I rarely "unleash" the snark unless I'm with friends or online so I guess that's why I relish the times that I can be Miss Smartass and have people accent it :)
ReplyDeleteOh, Jenny is one of the "snarktacular chicas" I was talking about. I heart her! I agree that she's sarcastic and HILARIOUS w/o being crass or vulgar. I want to be more like her when I grow up, lol.
♥Isalys
First of all, as I mentioned on Twitter, you and Juju made me tear up a little. Color me immensely flattered and I wish you both were standing in front of me so I could squish you in a giant hug. There might also be kissing. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I think this is such a great post, I know I've struggled with this exact same issue. I think it so easy for sarcasm and snark to get lost in translation online since there's no real intonation or accompanying facial expressions to help get it across, and a lot of times snark can just make you look like a bit of an a-hole. Obviously, I don't want to be an a-hole, but I'm a sarcastic person by nature and I want readers of the blog to feel like they know me the person, and not just the me that types words on the internet. It's definitely a tricky thing to get sorted out:)
Maybe you could try creating a feature where you get to be more "twitter-like" on the blog. Something separate from your reviews where you just get to let some of your personality shine through? Maybe a weekly or monthly post of some kind where you just get to be you without the boundaries you've set for yourself with your reviewing style.
Much love to you both, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend:)
I totally get what you're saying - it's hard to find a balance between the professional, the sass and the fun part of your personality. I love the twitter Isalys, she's hilarious! But I also love your review style, which is one of the things that keeps bringing me back to Book Soulmates.
ReplyDeleteI have the same issues, I have my work professional side of me, which I try and project into my reviews - keeping it free from cussing, etc.
There are times I wish I was more sassy and sarcastic like you, Jenn & Juju - you guys are awesome, and so much fun to chat with! All of you are inspirational in the blog world.
I just realized I wrote "ACCENT it" instead of "ACCEPT it". WTH?! I must have distracted by my shoe-gasms from this afternoon.
ReplyDelete♥Isalys
I wish I had more time to get to know you on twitter, but workday Chrystal has no time for fun while evening Chrystal spends tons of time reading and blogging. From what I've seen I like the Twitter Isalys a lot. But I also understand the need to keep your posts professional.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I personally love The Bookish Brunette BIG TIME! I admire her for being able to just be herself and not sweat the small stuff.
I say be who you are meant to be and not anyone else. :) So if you want to bring more sass to your posts - you should. Maybe keep the cussing to a minimum though. LOL
Dude. You know I'm not COMPLETELY 100% myself on my blog... I'm too "much" for a lot of ppl! Lol I'm more myself on twitter.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean though, I can't very well be my crazy ass self at my kid's school for example... ;)
Oh, the delicate balance of snarkiness and bitchness. It's a fine line. I would love to be able to dicuss books on the blog like I do with my best friend, but I just don't think that people would really understand it in the written word, you know?
ReplyDeleteIt took awhile for me to get a voice that I think can be understood by most people. That being said it is still hard to balance as I am much more sarcastic in person than I am on my blog. You probably get a little more of my sarcasm on twitter :) I think part of it had to do with knowing authors read what we say---honestly if I could go back to ignoring that fact a little more of my humor would go into my reviews. Alas, I can't crawl back into the rabbit hole LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat is your perception of me as a blogger?
ReplyDeleteSince I'm much more familiar with Twitter you I'd say that you are nice, professional, and still can have a good time.
How would our readers feel if I was more "Twitter-like" on the blog?
Sounds good! I am trying to relax more myself as a blogger. I find it more entertaining and more real to read a blogger who is letting their personality shine. And I know you'll still be professional under it all.
Am I the only one who does this?
OMG! No, I was so strict on myself when I began the blog. I wouldn't cuss, I wouldn't be sarcastic, I wouldn't be anything that makes me essentially me. I was just a much more tame version and since I'm already tame. Can we say boring?
How far do you guys take it?
I'm starting to loosen up a bit and allow a few cuss words to go through and rant when I feel like it. I still try to be professional, but there is no reason I can't be both.
And most importantly, how IMPORTANT is image to you as a reviewer/blogger?
Extremely important. Your image is who you are in a large part of your life (at least blogging is a large part of mine) and it can effect you offline as much as it does online. Be fun, be yourself, and be professional. It can be hard to find that balance, but I adore you and I'm sure everyone else will as well.