When I first started blogging, I was the only one involved. Whenever I had an opportunity whether it was in class, on the bus, at Starbucks, I would sit and write as much as I could. A reputation was established where I was able to write a post every day. Approaching this time last year, I knew I could no longer maintain that pace. Not without help.
I launched a new community. It now has over 2500 registered users.
A second blog was launched a few days ago. Already it has 100 subscribers and will have been viewed 10000 times in under 48 hours.
You know what I realized?
I’m not just a writer anymore. I didn’t realize it at first. But I was going through my email and responding to other people on Twitter and I’m answering all these questions and throwing in suggestions to people I don’t really know.
I’m collaborating with the other bloggers on the team. We’re all bouncing ideas and suggestions off of each other. I’m having loads of fun working in a team environment. They all like to write. I can’t help but be worried. Writing and working with me is volunteer gig. I want to teach them what I know and what I’ve learned. Syd and Lodur were both excited because they knew they’d be able to work with one of the best. Everything about writing, about marketing, promotion, public relations, blogging, and so forth all taught by one guy.
In return, I offer them a place where all they can focus on is their blogging and writing. Everyone gets a thrill when someone reads something they write. It means that someone cares about what you actually say! They’re not quite building from the ground up. They’ve started at the mid level and have shortcutted the other technical steps along the way (which is good because those are boring).
I’m not just a simple blogger anymore.
I’ve become an editor, a mentor, and a teacher now.
At what cost, however? I’ve stopped caring about school. I’m 3rd year. Most of my friends are graduating within the next few months. I’m behind the curve. My GPA’s in the crapper. It’s 2.25 to get into the program and I just declared. I’m tanking my two courses this semester. One of them’s an online course. My GPA will probably drop as a result. I’m going to become undeclared. I’m running out of courses to take. Every upper division Crim course at SFU is online. The seminar courses require 2.55 GPA to get in.
I haven’t spoken to my former best friend ever. I still think about her every once in a while. She doesn’t seem to know or appreciate what a huge influence she’s been. Ever since we stopped talking, I’ve stopped caring about school. I had someone who could hold me accountable. Now I have no one. I work better with other people. I study better when I’m with other people.
I feel like I’m standing on top of a roof with my back against the edge.
Being a D-List internet celebrity isn’t all that it’s made out to be.