This post was written by Deb
5 Tips for Letting Go of Your Network Blogs
Blogs are so personal. They truly become a part of you. Many of us pour everything we are into our blogs. We give them personality and our voice. It’s not easy to let go and watch someone else take over our network blogs. I never had problems moving on from more traditional writing jobs or turning down one client in favor of a better gig. It’s different with blogs. I’m too territorial - these are MY blogs.
I find myself in a position where I have to let go and it’s not an easy decision. If you find yourself in the same situation, here are a few ways you can make the break easier to bear:
- Give advanced notice - Let your editor know a few weeks in advance. This will allow her to find someone to replace you, and it will also enable you to tidy up any unfinished blogging business. For example, you may have some product reviews to complete or a series you’d like to end.
- Find your own replacement - For my favorite network blog, I recommended my replacement. I’m hoping she gets the green light because we both see eye to eye on our vision for this blog and I know she’ll do it justice. I also know she’d let me come back and guest blog once in a while. Which brings me to tip number 3:
- Offer to guest blog once in a while - Even though it won’t be “your” blog anymore. You can still come back from time to time as a guest blogger.
- Remain a part of the community - Don’t make a clean break, remain part of the community. Visit and share comments. Don’t take over - it’s not YOUR blog anymore - but do visit and share your own thoughts.
- Don’t burn your bridges - I’m hoping one day I can have a network blog again. I have nothing but nice things to say about my experiences as a network blogger. I love the sense of community among the network and my editors and managers are top notch bloggers and people. Even if I didn’t want to come back one day, I’m happy to call my blogging associates “friend” and will continue to support them.
It’s tough letting go. I’m not going to gloss it over. I almost didn’t apply for a much better opportunity because I didn’t want to give up my network blogs. My decision is the best for all concerned, however and I have no regrets. It’s going to be tough to see my blogs fall into someone else’s hands, but I’m not going to be a stranger. I’m not going to be posting to these blogs, but that doesn’t mean I can’t participate.
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4 Responses to “5 Tips for Letting Go of Your Network Blogs”
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Deb, I hope it all works out for you! And that you will indeed still come around to visit.
Don’t burn your bridges is huge. There’s a job I’m quitting soon I think, (you know), but really, they’re decent money if you need it, and cool people, just a dull job, so trying not to burn my bridges there is huge.
Not a great post title, given what’s currently running over on problogger.net - “letting go” has two very different meanings!
I’d agree strongly with the “don’t burn bridges” comments, but it’s very much a case of do as I say not as I do… I was asked this week if I’ve added up the carbon footprint of all the bridges I’ve burned!
You’re right, MJ. I didn’t know I’d be offered the BlogTalkRadio job when Darren asked me to guest blog.
But not every job is forever - and if you’re going to leave any gig it’s best to do it as quietly and respectfully as possible.