The book blogging community has been super supportive of this blog since its inception. In turn, I try my best to return the favor by reading their blog posts and Tweeting links when I feel the post has merit and is well written.
I came across this badge today on the blog: Hello Chick Lit
so I thought I would display it here (and permanently on my sidebar) as a way of testifying that I DO SUPPORT other book bloggers.
Why am I proclaiming this now?
Because I am continually being ‘tagged’ with blogging memes, blog hops, and blogger awards. I have stated in my “About/Policies” page that I do not wish to participate in these, along with my reasons why.
Lately, I’ve begun to feel that I’m letting the side down by not participating. I’ve begun to feel that I’m not a ‘team player’ if I don’t go along with these. But really, they make me uncomfortable. I especially don’t like the whole ‘tagging’ aspect despite the fact that I am flattered to be tagged or awarded. Is it an integral part of book blogging that I must take part?
I love ALL book bloggers! They share the love of books and THAT is what it is all about.
Do I HAVE to participate in tagging memes, blog hops, and blogger awards to be a good book blogger? Any and all comments will be gratefully appreciated. Please weigh in on this topic.
Fictionophile 
Really inspiring.. Lynne is a very good blogger, cares for her readers and followers. I could really use this post
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It’s your blog, and its your choice. You should do what you want to. No one will be disappointed 🙂
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Thanks for your comment.
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No problem 🙂
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Your blog is your way, you’re follower will enjoy it too
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I appreciate your comment.
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Where is the fun in blogging if you feel pressured to do something?
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So true!
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We’re a new book blog looking for followers! Thanks for blogging about this. Is it awful that I don’t even know what a book tag is at this point?
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A tag is when another blogger ‘tags’ you to answer a set of questions. For book bloggers they are most often reading related. They are a fun way of getting to know your fellow bloggers but they can become very time intensive. After you’ve been tagged as many times as I have you may just decide to adopt a ‘no tags’ policy.
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Thanks for the info! We’re trying to figure out how to grow this community we’ve created. All advice is always appreciated!
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It would be a great idea to start a blog roll. Other bloggers will likely add your blog to their blog roll as long as you reciprocate.
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Agreed. Tags are fun to participate in once in a while but not necessary. I feel the very same way!
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Thanks. Ironically I’ve just emailed someone declining their offer of an award. The email took almost as long as it would take to answer the questions involved. LOL. I still don’t want to participate. Yet, I don’t want to come across as ungrateful or, even worse, rude.
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I don’t think it would be rude of someone to decline. I think that any blogger would be flattered that another blogger thought of them, but at the same time I hope people will understand your reasons. The bookish/writing blogging community is pretty great though so I’m sure they will understand!
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I sure hope so. 😞
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This sort of situation is kind of like a company softball team, I guess. You’ll totally retweet fun pictures of the game and throw in $10 for team t-shirts but playing the actual game just isn’t for you. If making boundaries in your personal life is acceptable I don’t see why doing so on your website would be any different.
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Great analogy! Thanks for commenting!
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You’re not obligated to join in with anything you don’t want to. Your blog is yours and your followers will respect you and enjoy your posts either way 😊
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Thanks! I value your opinion Kerry.
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I think it’s okay if you don’t. For me, blogging shouldn’t feel like a job, something that you’re supposed to do. 🙂
I like participating in tags, awards, etc. since it gives me things to talk about when I run out of ideas. But not doing it will not make you less of a good blogger. It’s certainly up to the person. 🙂
And that’s lovely badge. Just added it to my blog. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing. 😍
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Well I am relatively new to blogging but I think blogging about tagged blogs /award blogs take a lot of time to write and it should be the blogger’s choice on whether or not they want to participate. I don’t think that you or anyone else is letting blogger’s down by not participating
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Thanks so much. I appreciate your comment!
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I’m just a reader and reviewer, but not a blogger, Lynne, but the fact that you are reluctant to participate in the tagging, awards, etc., does not change my opinion of your wonderful blog whatsoever. Don’t be forced into things you are not comfortable with.
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Thanks Christine. I guess I’ll just carry on as before.
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Absolutely not! Every blogger should do what s/he wants. I didn’t do these tags and awards for the first couple of years of blogging. Now I do them if the questions interest me – if I think I can make a fun post out of them. But I never tag or award other people – how could I choose some bloggers over others? So I always just say at the end that I tag everyone who’d like to answer the questions. And I don’t do them if I can’t see how to make them fun to read – there are only so many times I can tell “seven interesting things about myself” – frankly I find it difficult to think of three… 😉
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Good approach. I like your style!
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While I think that all of these things can help us get to know each other better and be fun, I do not think they necessarily make you a good or bad blogger. You can find many ways to give back to the community you love and that loves you. I personally put a lot into “hopping” because this allows me to share and read the efforts of others. But I do not think someone else is terrible if they choose note to. We all contribute in our own way. I wouldn’t worry too much about allowing what you feel others might expect to define you. I think you do pretty well 😉
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Thanks so much. Well said!
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Ah it’s perfectly cool for you to participate in book tags and the like or not- it’s upto you! We love you regardless!
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Awwww. How nice.
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Tags are fun to do on occasion, but I have to avoid doing them too often because they stress me out. One way I’ve found to be a part of the community is to be part of twitter chats – they’re super easy and you get to know other people at your own pace.
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Great idea!
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Nope! Your blog should express YOU. If you don’t want to partake in tags etc. that’s YOU.
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Thanks for the validation!
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Nice of you to permanently support everyone who blogs about books. It’s pretty much a no-win thankless job.
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Yes I agree. You’ve got to love being a book blogger in order to spend enough time on it for it to be viable.
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I’m so glad you mentioned this as I feel the same way about the tags. I’ve been nominating recently and I’m not sure if I’m going to do them. If I do participate I think I’ll just leave it for others to join in rather than tag them. 🙂
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Glad to know I’m not the only one who feels like I do. Thanks!
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Personally I think blogging is purely about reading and reviewing for pleasure. The only feedback I care about is from authors or publishers. I am probably in the minority because I don’t want attention. The focus for me is the books. I want non bloggers to read my reviews. I want someone randomly to find my blog and to say ‘ I fancy reading that’….
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Great attitude! Thanks Christine.
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In my opinion it is your blog and you do what you want. I recently took part in the Blogger Recognition Award basically to say thank you to those who had put me forward and to give a shout out to others. They weren’t tagged however and I would not expect them to take part if they don’t want to. It’s their choice and certainly does not make you any less supportive as a blogger xxx
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Thanks Abbie. 😊
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Lynne, I can only respond with complete honesty, and maybe this will sound ‘cutting’ or maybe it won’t. First of all, I adore your blog for several reasons: we seem to think alike and I know we read and enjoy the same books ( I have bought and read and loved so many of your favorites). I also like your extreme sense of candor, as well. I began with Good Reads, and joined many groups and although I participate slightly in a few, I have pulled back a bit, NO A LOT. I also joined many book blogs, and felt uncomfortable by some remarks I have encountered, so I also withdrew my time and energy. I am glad you made a hard but honest decision to stick by your guns in this. Many people have already said the things I would say—–but it’s true, this is your blog.
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Thanks Skye. It is wonderful that I can always count on your support. 😊
On a personal note we Nova Scotians are in the middle of a terrific winter blizzard. We just lost our power and they estimate it won’t be back up until TOMORROW night around 8:00pm. Guess I’ll be incommunicado for the forseeable. Supper will be interesting…
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I feel the same as you. It’s flattering getting tagged/nominated for things, but doing so myself often makes me feel awkward. I haven’t done much in those terms, but occasionally I consider doing the question and answer things because they are interesting and I feel like they help personalize the blogger.
For me, supporting other bloggers means reading what they’ve written, liking their posts (if I actually like them), and commenting when I feel compelled to do so. In fact, I would say getting comments from fellow bloggers is the most awesome flattery of all.
At the end of the day, you do you. That’s what people come here for. 🙂
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Thanks. I’m already starting to feel more justified in not participating. It’s wonderful to know that I won’t be judged harshly for doing so.
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I don’t usually participate either but I’m always grateful and appreciative when I’m nominated and I make sure to thank the person who thought of me. I think it’s ok to skip them if it’s not your thing.
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Great approach! Thanks for your comment.
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This is a good question.. one that I always ask myself… I’m really not that great with going along with all the awards and tags myself.. I have been ‘nominated’ often and I always find them fun to read (unless they get repetitive) so I always think I will do them but I never do… It’s not just about time either, but I always feel- who cares what I think or do? 😀 Or how I read my books? I mainly stick with reviews because that’s what I enjoy doing and that’s what I really only have time for… that being said- it’s great other bloggers put so much effort into the awards and tags, especially when they create loads of graphics and include gifs- it’s just entertaining, right?! However, I don’t think.. or believe… that one has to go along with every tag/meme and award to put a certain value on their book blog.
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Thanks for your well thought out comment, Liz. You’re right, they can be entertaining, but participating should be totally optional.
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No you don’t have to participate in all of them. Blogging should be fun and as such you should just do what makes you happy with your blog. Everyone is different but we are all book lovers and bloggers which is the main thing.😀
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Thanks Drew. Nice to hear.
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You don’t have to participate, people just want to share the love & cheer. I don’t always join in when tagged, I will thank the person who tagged me or nominated me (if I’m swayed if it) but it’s not for everyone 🙂 Doesn’t mean we value you less in the blogging world lovely xx
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What a lovely comment! Thank-you.
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I don’t know…….I only do them if I have the time……blogging is supposed to be fun not stressful!!!! Right? Lol
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I think all Book Blogs are different to fit each of our personalities and behaviors. In my opinion not doing a tagged post or the award isn’t distancing yourself– that is just the kind of blog you have.
A ‘good’ blogger, in my opinion, is someone who posts semi-frequently and joins discussions, i.e. comments or replies.
Then again, I’m not a great blogger since I don’t have time to maintain my blog, so my opinion might not weigh much in the scheme of things. ^_^
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Thanks for your opinion – it DOES mean a lot. I’ve always prided myself in being a ‘team player’ but tagging others just doesn’t seem to fit with my view of what blogging is all about.
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Thanks Susan. I guess I just don’t want to insult anyone who has cared about my blog enough to include it in their tag/hop/award. I’d like to know a way to let them know I’m flattered but still don’t want to participate.
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With this platform it seems a bit difficult and unnatural. If we were blogging on Tumblr, I think I could understand tagging more.
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I agree. To me it akin to having one of those home parties where you are expected to persuade your friends to buy something – or selling tickets (which I hate!) I guess I just don’t want to impose on people.
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You can still not participate in those things and support bloggers! There is a Blogger Recognition Award going around now and I was tagged several times in it. I was surprised, honored and felt good about it since my blog is a smaller one. I did continue it, but some of those I tagged don’t continue it then that is ok.
**It is YOUR blog to do with as YOU want! If you don’t want to participate in something that is fine. Who ever said you had to. If someone is upset about that then they are the one with the problem, not you. Especially since you have said that you will not participate in those type of things.
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Thanks for your supportive comment.
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