This post is as much a reminder for myself as it is general advice for other bloggers. Looking back at my last few posts, I could not help but to ask myself, "why would anyone be interested in my blog?". It is amazing how easy it is to get caught up in the latest craze sweeping the blogosphere. I have spent hours messing around on EntreCard, trying to optimize Google AdSense (with no success), learning all you can do with Feedburner, what the deal is with Digg, StumbleUpon, etc. - the list goes on and on. And unfortunately, I think my posts have suffered from these distractions. Don't get me wrong, these are all great services. But in the past week or so, this is all I talked about. I have ignored what I believe is the most important thing to remember about blogging - just be yourself, be honest, and be real (Tip #1).

I was getting greedy. I was focusing on the latest hype promising to drive traffic to my site and failed to provide any original, interesting content. This is a recipe for failure! What good will it do to have loads of traffic hit my blog, only for them to leave right away because there is nothing interesting there? It is absolutely vital that you strike a balance between promoting your blog and maintaining the integrity of it through sincere and original content (Tip #2).

Luckily, I did not dig myself too deep of a whole thanks to the help of a few friends. Forming a good group of friends and networking with other bloggers is a necessity for a successful blog (Tip #3). The ironic thing is that with all the time I spent focusing on blog promotion services, the majority of my traffic still came from links and comments from other bloggers. I had a great conversation the other day with Dane Morgan, a well known blogger with much more experience than me. I am grateful for the following piece of advice he offered:

"I can't stress enough the importance of networking. Blogging is a PERSONAL media, and if people get a sense of YOU they'll get more out of and put more back into your blog. Most of my MOST loyal readers were friends in forums and social sites first."

Another friend that helped me during my dark period of meaningless posts was Jason over at Jason Boom. He started his blog around the same time as I did, and I have enjoyed numerous conversations with him regarding strategies, ideas, and just plain old friendly chit chat. Jason has done a great job of abiding by Tip #2 above. All of his posts are interesting, entertaining, and very well written. He has managed to do this while still effectively promoting his blog.

Finally, it is important to stay true to your self and to your blog (Tip #4). Don't stray from what your blog is all about. Stay passionate about the topic you committed your time and energy toward in the first place. I was inspired by a recent post by Darren over at ProBlogger about a Reality Check on Blogging for Money. It reminded me why I started this blog. I am not in this for a quick buck. My original goal was to create an informative and collaborative online community where fellow bloggers can learn and discuss ways to make their blog more successful. I hope with this post I have corrected my course and am once again on the correct path of my original aspirations.

And in response to Darren's post, I am happy to say
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