I’ve been thinking about my blog, what it means to me, what it is, and where it can go. As I think about my blog, there are a few blog posts that jump out as personal favorites – here are six of my favorites:
Substantiate Yourself – I loved this post – it talks about how to show others what you can do when you are in a job search, as many people heard what I was looking for and got the deer-in-the-headlights look. It was an epiphany post for me.
I Smell Blood! – another epiphany post, talking about a phone call I had with a senior-level HR professional. We were good friends but I must have sounded gloomy, as he gave me some advice that only a friend could give – “never let’em smell blood!” He says recruiters and HR can smell blood from a mile away.
I need MONEY! – This was the first time people really reacted to one of my blog posts. I was a new blogger and decided to go out on a limb and share a really stupid thing I did (cut my hand open), and the amazing stress I had as I wondered how to treat it. A normal, employed person would have immediately gone to the doctor or hospital. I knew that it would be expensive and felt our money was running out. Scary times, and I got a bunch of comments via e-mail – that is when I realized that people were reading my blog!
Gen Y Sounds Like A Bunch Of Entitled Whiners – I know this is recent but it is an all-time favorite of mine. I had wanted to write it for a long time, and am quite pleased with the great discussion that followed in the 30+ comments.
Depression Clouds Everything – This is the post that wasn’t supposed to have any comments at all. I thought it would be too sensitive to get anyone to share, or even agree with. But now there are over 225 comments, and it’s taken a life of it’s own. I’m continually amazed at (a) the support that people show for one another in that thread, and (b) the amount of new people who happen upon the post.
What I wish recruiters knew and the followup – This was a blast, it let me whine a little as a job seeker, put our perspective on the table, and then get awesome response from recruiters. There are 22 comments on the first post, and 10 on the follow-up. I’m not necessarily right, but the dialogue was great!
I’m sure there are others I’m forgetting. Two years is a lot of writing! Thanks for being with me for all or part of this journey!
Hey Jason, congratulations!!!
Did you notice the common thread in all of these fave posts? (Except maybe the GenY post…) You opened a vein, showed us your pain, and used it for teachable moments. Your generosity in sharing your most personal experiences allowed people to open up and share theirs. There’s been a lot of catharsis in comments on your blog. And it’s your doing. Your ripples spread farther than you know, I am certain of that.
Keep up the great work!
Deb
I will second Deb’s comment. Keep up the good work.
It’s been great reading your blog as well (about 2 years I would say)! I truly commend your ability to form a community of random strangers, introduce them to a topic and have them engage in thoughtful banter.
Seriously, this is one the best blogs on the web.
Keep it up!
Bloggers who can really put themselves into their blogs are definitely more engaging. Also love the concept of revisiting the “Best-of” of your own blog periodically.
Marcie