My top ten lists are usually something silly, or at least a bit offbeat. Today, however, you’ve caught me in a slightly more reflective mode.
- Blogging Makes Me Tired - Earlier this week, Blogger selected MBS for a special recognition. Their robots declared this to a spam blog! It’s since been straightened out, but this kind of stuff wears me down.
- A Question of Format - I strive to stay on topic, because that’s what readers tell me they want, and because I have a lot to say about the subject of spanking. Even so, there are times when I envy CeeCi and her ability to gracefully transition from one topic to the next. If I posted an article about goofy things I see while commuting on the freeway, I wonder if people would think something was wrong…
- Moving On? - Yes, I do think about hanging up my keyboard. Or maybe I’ll take an extended siesta instead. I know I would deeply miss the people and the interaction. Yet, I have other projects that beg for my undivided attention. Could I really give up blogging? I think so. Will I? Eventually. When? Now there’s the real question.
- Absent - I know some fellow spanko bloggers think I must be mad at them because I haven't been commenting as much lately. Let me say for the record that I’m not upset with anyone. It simply comes down to a question of time. It’s not possible for me to always be everywhere. So I compromise. I write constantly, read frequently, and comment occasionally. It’s not an ideal system, but it’s the approach I’m using now. I’m sorry if it seems like a snub. It truly is not.
- Still Strange - It feels weird when people write to me as though I were some sort of celebrity. I appreciate their positive words, but the admiration seems misplaced. There are many real heroes in this world who are far more deserving.
- Hey, Guys - When you write to me, I guess I don’t really mind if you feel compelled to tell me that you think I have a “beautiful ass.” But I hope you understand that I’m more than a hunk of meat. I invite you to read the words as well as look at the pictures. I believe most spankos will find something appealing.
- For the Love of Spankings - The blow-up that occurred this week leaves me feeling mostly sad. I’m sad for the readers who were misled and for those who unwittingly underwrote this unfortunate episode. I'm sad for legitimate spanking models whose dedication may be brought into question needlessly. But I’m also sad for the mixed-up young woman at the center of the storm. We all have to eat, but in my mind, a purely mercenary existence is a wasted life. There's a reason why I have never made a dime from this blog. I spend my days writing for someone else. What happens here is just for you and me.
- Interviews - I’ve been contemplating a new interview segment for a long time. I’ve held up because so many other bloggers are already doing something similar. I don't want to appear as though I have to borrow concepts. However, I think I could add some elements that might be different. If anyone has any opinions, I’d love to hear them.
- Spankologue - Last year, I presented a series of posts where I offered brief introductions to spanko blogs. It was fun and well received by readers, but it got to be more trouble than it was worth. I had bloggers lobbying for coverage, complaining about my characterizations, and asking if I would go back and update a post. I discontinued it because I didn’t need one more hassle. I’m thinking of reviving it now because there are so many great and deserving new blogs that a casual reader is unlikely to find. What do you think about that idea? Should I allow bloggers to write their own introduction? Should I enlist volunteer reviewers?
- Gratitude - Although I may complain about the occasional annoyance, you, my dear readers, are extremely generous in your support of the blog. Your encouragement keeps me going, even as my words hopefully make your day a little more fun. I seek fulfillment through my writing and this medium provides the means. But without all of you and your wonderful insight, there could be no dialogue and I’d just be talking to myself. Thank you!
22 comments :
wherever you decide to take this blog i imagine it will be well recepted...you rock!
Dear Bonnie,
Thanks for all you write and for all the time and effort you put into this blog. You must know that you are appreciated and your blog is always the first one that I refer to.
You are obviously an intelligent and attractive woman...as well as being the owner of a shapely, well-stocked, spankable bottom. I, for one, appreciate you for your intelligent and perceptive analysis of spanking, spankers and spankees as well as for your bum.
Take good care of your lovely mind...and your lovely bum.
Aristotle
Bonnie,
I've only ever commented on your blog once and you were so gracious in inviting me to continue posting comments. I haven't but I feel compelled to today.
You have a wonderful blogging site. There are a few that I visit but this on and one other are the real things for me. I've made friends with the other blogger and she's helped me in ways I cannot explain. Even if I've never talked to you your blog means a great deal to me as well. I crave this type of life but am not successful in getting it thru my husband so I listen and read those closest to my type of relationship and yours is one of them.
I appreciate your hard work and intregrity in a creative field that can really mislead people as we have all witnessed this week. That scared me to death about what I could really believe or trust on a spanking blog. So this site and my friends are the only ones that I trust these days and it's mainly because of the integrity of the owners of the blog. (no offense to other bloggers I'm just leary these days)
So please as long as you can tolerate sharing every aspect of your life I would appreciate it. I know you don't know me from Eve but your site helps me in a lot of ways.
Kathy :)
PS I don't ever look at your bottom...hehe!!! It's your words and stories and your obvious love of your husband that keeps me coming back to read day after day.
Bonnie,
One day when I was fairly new to spanking I was unable to get to your blog. You see you were my first experience of finding another human being who expressed similar feelings on the subject without thinking one needed counseling. The panic that ran thru my mind as it took me days to find the link (for privacy reasons I had not bookmarked). I thought you were gone or worse something had happened to you. I understand the time a blog must take and of course nothing last forever (except love) but the light of your thoughts, instruction, guidance and inspiration provide to so many is GREATLY appreciated!
As for changing things up, I believe change can be a good thing. But most of us resist it too much; change keeps things interested doesn’t it? As for interviews I would love to read your spin on one. Your spankologues have led me to Ellis, Eva, Reesa, Cassie, Emile and so many more wonderful bloggers. It’s your blog “have it your way”, volunteer reviewers would be interesting. As for changing your format now and then, you write very well and your thoughts are always worthwhile if you wanted to write about doing your laundry I would read. As far as someone feeling snubbed, cut yourself some slack no one should feel snubbed you are obviously giving this your best efforts or else you wouldn’t care like you do.
We do tend to put those we admire on a bit of a pedestal, please know though that if someone is truly reading they know you are a just a woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend like so many of us. But please understand that for many of us you have helped us find a way to express a very private part of ourselves to our lovers and for this you have earned our admiration. I’m sorry this is so long I really just needed to let you know how much you are loved and appreciated. THANK YOU for all your efforts at MBS!!!
Sally
Bonnie, I can only reiterate what the others have said. You are on my must read list, if you stopped I would miss you, lots.
You and perhaps half a dozen others can set the mood for my day.
We may not know what your bottom looks like, but we know or at least we like to think that we know, something of your heart, mind and spirit.
For this generous gift, I for one am very grateful.
Thank you dear Bonnie.
Warm hugs,
Paul.
Bonnie,
Thank you for such a wonderful blog! No matter what you write in relation to spanking or being spanked, the wealth of information you cascade to the whole spanko community, either newbie or oldbie...it helps more than you'll ever know. Personally, I make my way over to you blog every day and learn something new all the time. And it's not like I haven't been in the spanking scene for a while either. I have my blog to keep up with too, but living your life is as important as you make it. I choose to live and if I have time, I'll write about it or post a picture or two.
All in all, thanks for being wonderful at sharing your spanking knowledge and heart. I hope you know how much I appreciate what you do and most of all YOU!
~funny brat girl...aka maria
Bonnie: I fully agree with the idea that keeping a blog going gets difficult at times.
I am very glad that you have this blog, but maybe you should consider the three times a week posting, to give you more time for other things. I am finding it difficult to find time to even visit other blogs.
Mike
Hi Bonnie!
I love your blog and read it daily. I would be sad to see you leave but certainly would understand! I'd love to see you do interviews adn have some new elements. It would be cool especially if you could get new bloggers to write an introduction or someone else to help with the reviews. Maybe incorporate somehow with interviews too:-) I think to everyone your caring, fun, heart and spirit comes through in every thing you write!
Take care!
Carye
Aw Bonnie, every medium has its stresses. I think you deal with them splendidly, and with a sharp wit to boot.
Perhaps for the blog intros you should try to email the people and ask for their permission? Getting them to write their own intros might be a good idea as well, though I'd prefer to hear your take on them.
I know everyone has said it, but you're a must read for me, please keep it up!
I thought I posted a comment on here already. *frowns*
Ah well.
The gist was that I read your blog every day because I love the way you write everything and your expression. You've a unique style which appeals to me both as a writer and as a reader.
Keep doing what you do.
~Deviant
I really enjoy reading your blog, Bonnie, and I just want to say Thanks for all the help you give others - I love your technical advice, too!
Huggs,
Reesa
PixiePie - Thank you for that vote of confidence. I really appreciate your support!
Ari - You're quite welcome. I strive to make MBS a blog worth visiting.
As for taking good care of my "lovely bum," Randy has a great deal of experience in that area!
Kathy - Hi! It's great to hear from you again.
Thank you for your generous praise. I will endeavor to live up to it.
As for being scared to death over the whole "princess" fiasco, that reaction is probably unwarranted. The level of outrage around the community demonstrates the extent to which this case is an exception.
I believe you'll find that the vast majority of spankos you meet are trustworthy and genuine. Should you find someone whose words you don't like, then don't read their blog.
As far as sharing every aspect of my life, I actually don't. There are many details I intentionally omit. Some of it is privacy-related. In other cases, these are the hum-drum aspects of life that most observers would find boring (I certainly do). Finally, I want the blog to make a positive statement. If I'm grumpy, as we all are sometimes, I don't generally inflict that emotion on my readers.
Sally - I'm not ready to pack up the blog just yet, though I do think about it sometimes.
Thank you for the content comments. I am glad to get the additional insight.
I am indeed "just a woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend." In my world, that's plenty!
It gives me a warm feeling to be able to help people. Messages such as yours inspire me to continue.
Paul - Thank you, as always, my dear friend, for your supportive words and your presence here. I too am grateful for your continuing friendship. You make this road easier to travel.
Maria - Thank you so much. Your endorsement means a great deal to me.
Your point about priorities is absolutely right. I'm just not quite certain how to get there.
Mike - I do consider various formulations along those lines. The difficulty is my tendency to put everything I have into the projects I undertake. It pains me (and not in a good way) to do anything halfway, especially if it's something I love. This is why I talk about one day walking away.
Carye - I appreciate both your opinions and your kind words. Thanks!
Susan - Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I will consider them carefully.
Reesa - You're most welcome. Thank you.
Deviant - I almost missed your comment and I certainly don't wish to do that. Having the comment lost once is already one too many times.
Anyhow, wow, thanks! Your words make me smile.
Bonnie,
Thank you for creating and maintaining your blog. I read it every day, I learn from it, I am amused by it, and I contemplate the human condition from it. Thank you for letting us in on how much work it is, and letting us try to help.
Perhaps you could leverage the talents and skills of your readers and fellow bloggers? Maybe once a week or so you could feature a guest post (Paul's Honeymoon series on Ceeci's site, for example) where someone else is doing the writing. You could solicit articles on specific topics for guest posts.
The number of links to other blogs is a rather tricky issue. I go to some regularly from your list, and discovered them from your site, but it seems to me the majority of sites you link are infrequently updated (and therefore not really worthy of your link or endorsement). I think Figleaf changes his links at regular intervals - maybe you could just refer readers to his list! At any rate, it's fair for you to have a manageable number of favorites that you link, and to give a nod to other up and comers, if you wish, in the body of the blog. You can always link someone in time that you've continued to visit and who continues to update.
As for branching out, and going "off-topic," I know I would read whatever you wrote. You could try making one day a week vanilla musings and you'd find we're all still here. Nobody's life is all spankings, all the time. I know you'd have interesting and insightful comments on the infinite number of topics that aren't spanking-centric but are known and shared by all of us. You would be a terrific interviewer - please go for it.
All the best,
Scout
Bonnie,
I know exactly how your feel about your blog becoming SPAM. I had the same thing happen to me recently.
As for two other things, don't feel like you have to post comments to every blog on your links page. Because that is like.... impossible and anyone that expects you to do that is crazy.
As for the "beer.com" issue. I got a personal email from the spankee herself, because at one time she was my idol. She admitted her fault and apologized personally for the hurtful words that she said. It was still a large crushing blow.
And the interviews are such a wonderful idea and a good read. You said you wanted some ideas. You should do interviews with people who aren't as popular in the spanking industry, I mean... of course people that everyone is familiar with and will likely make a big start in the world, but haven't kicked it up yet. It's kinda sad for me to see only interviews of the populars. It's like high school all over again. Except it's different, because I'm not the popular one. Or maybe you should interview people behind the scenes. We'll not really... mostly I've just see the interviews of the spankee's, why not the Spanker's? Or the people that actually make it happen. You know? I'd like to hear from them.
Well. That's my two cents worth.
I hope things get easier for you, Bonnie.
I read this blog post last night and thought about what you said quite a bit. I understand so much a lot of what you said in your post. I also really struggle with blogging, and feel it takes away from projects and time that I should be spending doing other things.
I've enjoyed doing the interviews and it's let my readers get to know other bloggers. I hope you will consider starting this on your blog. It can be great to get to know other bloggers.
Thanks for posting this, bonnie.
BIG HUGS
padme amidala
Scout - Thank you. I want the blog to be both a resource for our community and something fun.
I post guest articles occasionally, but I am very conscious of the tone and message of the blog. In particular, I strive to be consistent in the way I present adult spanking and its role in loving relationships. These topics are confusing enough for newbies without adding in any mixed messages.
As a result, I seldom use unsolicited submissions. It's not because these works are unworthy. In many cases, they are excellent, but they don't fit with my vision of the blog. Could I revise the vision? Yes, but that's a hill I have yet to climb.
What I am more likely to do is to solicit articles on specific topics. For example, your observations about getting started were excellent. This type of scenario has real possibilities.
As for the links, I agree the list is huge, it requires a lot of maintenance, and some are stale. I keep a large list as a resource for the community. Every blog and site on there is worthy in some regard. I think I do pretty well at trimming off dead links as they arise. It's the stale ones that give me trouble. Many of these bloggers are friends. I cling to the hope that they'll return to wow us all over again. Eventually, I give up and drop them, but it's hard for me to cut loose a blog I've loved.
I may expand my content somewhat, but MBS will continue to be primarily about consensual spanking. I do indeed have plenty to say about the vanilla world, but that's a different blog.
Thanks for the great feedback!
Emmy - Thank you so much for adding your insight.
I agree that commenting on every spanko blog is impossible and unnecessary. But that doesn't prevent individual bloggers from feeling snubbed if I fail to leave comments regularly. I suppose I could say that's their problem not mine (Randy's take), but I'm not wired that way. I aim to be supportive of my friends and colleagues because it's the right thing to do. Hence, the uncomfortable dilemma. In the end, of course, I can only do so much.
Your interview ideas are fantastic. I was thinking somewhat along those lines myself and your suggestions reinforce that direction.
Padme - You and Anakin have been blogging as long as I have and post even more frequently. I know you truly understand. This life is a balancing act and I often wonder if perhaps I'm leaning a bit.
I probably will try my hand at interviews at some point.
Thank you for your wisdom and support!
Hi Bonnie,
JD and I would be sad to see you guy; you have really helped us out and I know you've helped out a lot of other young bloggers as well. But, I can understand the time demands and that you might want to do other things with your life. Whatever you choose, we wish you the best!
0:-)
Angel - I have no plans to go anywhere, but I do consider it periodically.
I'm delighted to be able to trade thoughts with spanko bloggers and other members of our community. Were it not for the people, I expect I would have given it up long ago.
Thanks for your well wishes!
I'm late to the party because I don't take the time to read that often and I comment even less. But yours is always the first one I go to when I do spend time reading. I've used your spankologues to check out other sites that I might not get to on my own. I would love to read some interviews--I like your writing style and would like to see your take on the interview process. And I was hoping for some brunch topic (even though I'd be late posting there, too) that would make my beau's demand that I post this on your blog make some sort of sense: It's a beautiful day when you're spanked first thing in the morning because your ass still hurts from last night's spanking. I know that doesn't make sense. It's out of context. But I was directed to post it and I can't take the pain from "disobedience" any longer. Take care, and thanks for blogging.
Dear Bonnie,
I too am late to the party as I was away over the weekend. Your blog is indeed a great resource for this community, and you thoroughly deserve all the praise which has been heaped upon you above. Yours is the blog which I visit first, and from where I travel to all others.
With regard to other ideas, I suspect that inviting other posters may well be no less effort for you as I found by the amount of editing which you were required to do when I made a guest post for you a couple of months ago.
With regard to interviews, it would be interesting to see other peoples ideas which you have extracted from them rather than those which come most easily to the top of their minds.
Anyway, thanks for your work, you have my respect.
opb
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