I started blogging on a more regular basis in 2008. I have created nearly 900 posts. Some of which have been read by no one and some of which over 1000 people read.

Here are a few things I wish I had known when I was starting out.

Names are important. I can't stand the name of my blog but it is too much work to change it. Be certain you don't pick anything too long. It is a pain typing out mine.

Blogger isn't the only choice. I am (mostly) happy with blogger, but I wish I had at least investigated some other choices, like self-hosting or Wordpress.

Comments are like crack. I am actually jealous of some of the comment love my fellow bloggers get. The funny thing about it is you can't control it. You can write a funny, thought provoking post about the trials and tribulations of lunch lady training and get 3 comments, while someone else can write a post about free cat litter and get 54 comments.

Posting a comment will not get you a comment. I once thought the more I commented, the more comments I would get. Nope. Doesn't work. Comment if you want to. Not because you feel like you have too.

Follow forcing. Some bloggers offer incentives, like prizes or blog candy, if you follow them. I don't care if you follow, if you aren't gonna read what I write. Therefore, I choose to believe all 120 of my followers are actual readers.

Stat reviewing can become addictive. At any given moment, i can look up what my most popular post to date is and ponder why people were drawn to it an not to this one about why I am not a doctor yet.

Google reader is as addicting as Facebook. I have blogged a lot about the vexes of Facebook and still continue to visit at least once a day. Google reader has the same power over me.

It's your blog, so blog what you want. If you wanna write a post about when liberal became a bad word or what you love the most about being a lunch lady, then write it. If people don't wanna read it, their loss.

Offend. Sometimes people find what I write upsetting or even offensive. I had a few people stop following after I posted my views on the new car seat regulations or my thoughts on this children's book. I am okay with that.

Enjoy it. The day this blog becomes something I have to do instead of something I want to do then that will be the day I write my last post.

Happy Blogging.

Inspired by the genius that is Mama Kat
(I will always be jealous of her comment love)