1. You get criticized. A lot. Articles like this one, written by a food blogger. And this one, written tongue-in-cheek. Or this one called Are Food Blogs Killing the Joy of Cooking. Not only are you fodder for other bloggers, but from your readers, chefs, writers, everyone who has an opinion. Countless negative, opinionated, articles have been written about food bloggers.
2. People are picky. That is all.
3. To be “successful” you need to be multi-talented. Writer, recipe creator,food stylist, photographer, master marketer. Not only just good at these things, but great even! You have to be active on twitter, instagram, facebook, pinterest, google+, and countless other social media avenues.
4. Unlike opinion bloggers, mommy bloggers, fashion bloggers, gossip bloggers, etc… you need to create all your own, original content. With pictures.
5. It costs a lot. You have to buy all your own ingredients, which sometimes dont even get eaten because you spent and hour photographing it. Hour old eggs=gross.
You purchase props and photography equipment and editing programs. Even a inexpensive point and shoot camera is not free.
If you are blessed enough to have ads, campaigns, and/or sponsors on your blog, readers can be put off by it. They dont want their screen clogged with flashing ads or running banners. The truth is, bloggers are not raking in thousands of dollars from these ads, they are often just trying to break even.
6. People can be cruel. It seems in food blogging, people feel they have a greater license to be critical and harsh. Someone makes your recipe and it doesn’t turn out and suddenly you have 7 nasty emails and a hate campaign started against you on twitter.
I cant even tell you the number of times I have heard that my blog sucks and is not worth reading because I have (and will continue to) use box cake mix. Or that I don’t use the word “than” correctly. Or that I use shortening or a brand name they have boycotted.
Even within our community there are cliques and dissension. Very few food bloggers cross over genre’s. The Vegans stick to plants. The Carnivores unite and grill stuff. The Bakers read fitness blogs and lament while licking buttercream off the mixer paddle. Wait. Thats just me.
One great exception to the rule is Marla from Family Fresh Cooking. She is lean, mean, and a universal food blog lovin’ machine.
7. People copy you. They steal your recipes, your pictures, your ideas. Sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. When I saw one of my original cake designs in a VERY famous bakers book, I cried myself to sleep. For a week.
As stated in this post, there a many people who believe that once you publish something on the Internet it is fair game. That you have no rights to your images and content and should be grateful that someone likes your stuff enough to steal it.
Not only is that completely false, it often means food bloggers lose income and potential readers.
And sorta makes my head explode.
Elise Bauer has been the victim of this more times than most, and is always generous in offering up her advice and wisdom. She also has a great post on the topic posted on Food Blog Alliance.
8. Rejection is the norm. Not only are there contests and awards that repeat the same blog names year after year, food bloggers are often rejected through photography. Sites like foodgawker, tastespotting, serious eats’ photograzing or tasteologie are just a few of the places you can submit pictures. Submit being the key word. They can then be rejected for reasons like “Composition” “lighting” or even “unappealing”.
I have heard of stunningly talented professional food photographer bloggers like Gourmande in the Kitchen or Rawmazing have been rejected.
Seriously, if they get rejected, what hope do I have?
But, there is a reason that food blogging is one of the most popular and fasting growing trends on the inter-web.
Its fun.
Its rewarding.
Its challenging.
Its food. And sharing food is good.
Eight Reasons Why You Should Appreciate Your Food Blog
1. You get complimented. You are changing peoples lives, bringing them joy, and sharing YOUR take on food.
2. People are picky, yet can challenge you. For the better.
3. You find out you are multi-talented and more capable then you realized.
4. You get to create your own original content. If 100 people all make the same chocolate cake and blogged it, you would find that you have 100 different perspectives on their experience. That is what I love about blogging. YOU!
5. Any investment in yourself and your talent is priceless.
6. You learn grace through blogging. Through less than kind comments, you see the value in the great ones.
7. It can be flattering to know others want to do what you do.
8. Rejection can be a great motivator. (I would still be using a camera with a flash if I didnt experience rejection!)
This community may have some downs, as all do, but at the end of the day, the good far outweighs the bad.
Kristen, Amy, Cheryl, Sandy (image courtesy of Tidymom)
The friendships I and many others have made are priceless. The fact that we are tested and challenged and pushed beyond the limits of our comfort zone is one of those things that we look back on and are forever grateful.
I can think of no greater motivator than inspiration. Knowing you have inspired someone to make a positive change in their life just cant be put into words. As mentioned often below, bloggers are speechless and humbled by these revelations.
I asked some blogging friends if they would share some of their personal highlights and comments from blogging, and here are their replies.
“So many things… but I broke down in tears on US Thanksgiving after a single dad emailed me to thank me for my turkey tutorial. He was making his first single-handed Thanksgiving dinner for his girls and, according to him, it turned out perfectly. This in itself was awesome, but the fact that he took the time to write a kind letter was so touching.”
Aimee of Simple Bites
“The most rewarding thing for me has been the friendships that I’ve formed with other bloggers. Some that I’ve met in real life, and some that I still haven’t. I’ve found a group of people that not only love food as much as I do, but that contribute to a community and support each other in their successes and struggles and everything in between. Some of my best friends have come into my life because of blogging, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
Brandi from BranAppetit.com
“I would say the most rewarding part of blogging is learning that my recipes have helped people put healthier food on the table for their families. I love hearing about a 6 year old who prefers my cauliflower mac and cheese to the boxed stuff or learning that my pumpkin spice baked donuts full of wheat germ and yogurt were gobbled up as quickly as traditional fried donuts. So many people helped me navigate through my weight loss journey so it feels really good to pay it forward one recipe at a time through The Lemon Bowl.”
Liz at The Lemon Bowl
“I love when I get a comment from someone just to say they’ve been reading my blog for such & such amount of tine and thank you. Those really keep me going, because even after 4+ years of blogging you still wonder if anyone’s actually reading. I got one of these comments this weekend and it really filled me up!”
Aggie at Aggies Kitchen
“When a reader recently contacted me to tell me that she made one of my recipes for her anniversary it really made my day. She said that she had been going through a rough patch in her marriage (nothing horrible- just feeling kind of “dull” she said) and she hadn’t planned on doing anything special for the big day. When she saw my recipe pop up in her email she knew it had some of her husband’s favorite flavors so she gathered the ingredients and had the cookies ready that afternoon for her husband. As fate would have it he picked up her favorite ice cream on the way home from work and they were both able to laugh and have a good evening together. I get kind of teary thinking about that, quite honestly.”
Katrina In Katrinas Kitchen
“Nothing warms my heart more than an email from a reader. Just recently I got an email from someone I know, but have not heard from in ten years. They follow my blog! Imagine that…. He expressed how I inspired him to start cooking more and how much he enjoys my food and photos. It was probably the most touching email I have ever received. It reminded me why I started my blog. I want to share my love for food with as many people as I can. Teach people that good food can be made at home… everyone can cook and bake if they try.”
Carrie at Bakeaholic Mama
“I just received an email the other day that really made me feel good. It’s nice to know that people really love your recipes. Plus, it’s a great way to put an extra pep in your step Here is a quote from the email: “I’ve struggled to find meals that were easy to cook, friendly on the pocketbook and acceptable to all the various pallets in our household.Nutmeg Nanny, you have met all those criteria – and then some. Even when I am harried, coming home with little time to put dinner on the table, you are my go to source! I know I can find something I can make *usually* with what I have on hand that is hands down something we’ll all enjoy…And I thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for making home-made meals accessible and tasty!”
Brandy at Nutmeg Nanny
“Friendship with bloggers, for sure. And daily questions and positive feedback that I’m actually making a difference in the world. For me, it’s about “intentional” blogging, or I wouldn’t be doing it. “
Sandy at The Reluctant Entertainer
“I recently had someone make an ice cream I had re-created hoping to have it come close to my childhood favorite; Butter Brickle. She said it had also been her mom’s favorite and she made it for her mom’s birthday. Hearing how special it was for both of them made my day. It is those type of comments; the ones where someone has really enjoyed the effort, well, those make the effort worthwhile.”
Barbara at Creative Culinary
“I love to get comments and emails about how a reader tried a recipe and it was the first time one of their family members liked a particular vegetable that they thought they hated! I also love hearing about positive changes readers make in their diet because of something I wrote.”
Natalie at Perry’s Plate
“The best are always the comments saying that a family member wasn’t keen on healthy eating, but after trying one of my recipes they changed their mind. Or, when a mom writes and says now she can feed her kids fun, gluten free/healthy foods. I absolutely love helping people! I’ve also made many dear friends and learned from many people all over the world through my blog. It’s such a blessing to be able to help and reach out to so many.”
Carrie at Deliciously Organic
“The best thing ever about food blogging was that when I made a few posts about my husband’s hospitalization (now over 3 months) I got a very supportive reaction. I was hesitant to post such personal things, but life affects blogging and I felt close to my readers. Still, I was a little afraid that people would say, “Get back to food!” When I reached a point where our finances were stretched to the breaking point, I put up a paypal button, but worried that people would think it was a scam or that I was being too needy. I was scared to look at my blog the next day.
Not only did I get encouraging comments, but fellow bloggers shared the link to my story, and people I knew – and people I didn’t know – sent in donations. “
Donna at Cookistry
One reader wrote,“I just LOVE your posts. All of them! Because of you I have started to bake, and I have completely stopped buying Hostess desserts! Thank You! I adore Diethood!”
99.9% of the readers leave nice comments… Thank goodness!
Kate at Diethood
“meeting so many great people face to face through blogging – in particular Jaden Hair, Marla Meredith, Aida Mollenkamp, Gaby Dalkin and Carrie Vitt – oh and Michael Procopio – always dangerous to name names as I’m sure I have forgotten important people but that’s the most positive thing that has come out of food blogging – the friendships I have made.”
Lucy at Ladles and Jellyspoons
“Blogging has turned my life around, especially this past year. I just lost two childhood friendships, making me question my self worth. I didn’t know what else to do, so I became more active in blogging and joined an online blogging group. Little did I know that these other food bloggers would become family to me. I feel more connected to these “strangers” than I do with friends I grew up with. I even had the chance to meet some in person and planning on meeting more next year. I can’t even imagine where I’d be now without the blogging community.”
Carla at Chocolate Moosey
“The most rewarding comments and emails I get tend to come from my French Canadian Crepes (http://snappygourmet.com/2011/08/04/french-canadian-breakfast-crepes/) recipe. I’ve gotten numerous messages from people who were so excited to find the recipe because their mom, grandma, or other family member used to make the crepes for them and they have since passed away and they never got the recipe. Always brings a few tears to my eyes!”
Lisa at Snappy Gourmet
“Whenever someone emails to tell me they made something from my blog and loved it. One woman made my bleu cheese crusted pork loin twice and emailed me pics to show me how she was improving on her cooking. It was really gratifying to know my recipe & instructions were making a difference. (http://cake-o-cake.blogspot.com/2011/11/bleu-cheese-crusted-stuffed-roast-loin.html)That’s just one example of rewarding. After starting the Food Bloggers Network in March I’ve “met” so many lovely people and have even visited one of my blogger friends on a weekend trip to her hometown. I regularly correspond with several other bloggers and have been introduced to many great blogs. This is what got it all started: http://cake-o-cake.blogspot.com/2012/03/food-bloggers-network.html
Awesome and very surprising have been the inquiries from people in my real life as to when I’m going to post again. I took a hiatus while we moved into a new house. People who never made a peep about reading were coming out of the woodwork saying, “but I read your blog all the time! Where’d you go?!” I was (pleasantly) stunned.”
Jessica at Oh Cake
“The coolest thing that has ever come from my blog was the opportunity to film at the Food Network Studios for a Cooking Channel show. I have watched tons of Food Network and Cooking Channel, and it was so cool to be in Chelsea and see the kitchens, studios, and all the crazy equipment! “
Joanne from Fifteen Spatulas
“All of the true and beautiful friendships I have made since I started. Some are still virtual and others are for reals. Another positive ~ being able to free my creative spirit and share it with others daily.”
Marla at Family Fresh Cooking
“For me, it’s my reader Louise and the relationship we had. I love blogging for many reasons, but her friendship through the years made it all worth it.”
http://dineanddish.net/2012/10/saying-goodbye-to-a-favorite/
*This post by Kristen really speaks to me. I cant help but wholeheartedly agree with how she feels about her readers! I feel the same about mine!
Kristen from Dine & Dish
“I think the most rewarding thing is when I share something a out my faith and someone tells me how much they needed to hear just that thing. That has nothing to do with food at all. But of corse someone telling me that their husband hates mushrooms yet loved my mushroom marinara just makes my day!”
Cassie at Bake Your Day
As you can clearly see, no comment nor email nor expression of kindness goes unnoticed by food bloggers.
I cant even being to tell you all the positive ways that food blogging has changed me. I have gone to events and traveled by myself to far away cities when my first inclination is to stay here and be a home body.
I have met and befriended bloggers who I have very little in common with, yet we are bonded through a love of creativity.
I have seen the blogging community come together in a moment’s notice to uplift and support someone in need. I have seen food bloggers use social media to raise money (and spirits!) for virtual strangers, without any questions asked.
I have laughed. And cried. And laughed some more.
These people, these delightfully sweet and savory food bloggers, captivate and inspire, motivate and encourage, share and support.
And the best part is? There is always room for one more.
Love this post. Sometimes as food bloggers, we feel so alone out there dealing with all of the stuff (you described). It warms my heart that you write so honestly about it. That said, I am like you, I love what I do and wouldn’t want to do anything else!
xo
And you do it so well girl!! Love your site!
What a great post!! Reading everyone’s comments almost brings tears to my eyes. I’m such a sap!! Thank you for taking the time to put this together – great post.
I was the same way Liz… you all are an amazing group! So lucky to know you!
Wonderful post! I’ve just completed my first year blogging and have experienced the (mostly) good and (occasionally ) mean spirited comments from readers when a couple of my recipe posts went viral on Pinterest. It really made my day when Liz introduced herself to me, I was so honored that she’d take the time to say ‘hi’ & to comment on my blog.
It’s been great to ‘meet’ other bloggers this year ~ what a great online food community we have!
Nice to meet you Vicki!
Love this article! I was definitely nodding at each point you made.
Thanks so much for being a part of it Carla!
This post is outstanding – thank you so much. It’s perfect, spells it out 100%. I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one that feels that way!! You warmed my heart today and now have a new reader – xoxo
Thank you so much Shea… and so nice to meet you!
Food blogging can get very discouraging at times – especially when content gets stolen. I appreciate all the reminders of why it is still more than worthwhile. The big payoff for me is hearing from readers who have changed their diets for better and are reaping the benefits. Thanks for the great post!
And thanks for all you do Lea! I am still getting up the courage to do Paleo… everything about it sounds great to me!
What a great post! Really all the negativity is shoved aside when there are so many positives. I’m so grateful for all the friendships I’ve made from blogging and I believe there is lots of room for everyone, and their styles of blogging.
XXXOOO to you Amanda!!
Thanks Diane! Many blessings to you!
Great post. As long as you love what you are doing- nothing else matters!
I love you Amanda! Seriously, this sums it up! Kudos to you for putting this on your blog and saying what all of us feel… and with class! XOXOXOXO
I love you too!
I love your blog. Simple.
This is such a great post! Thanks for sharing!
Here here! You made me laugh – I love doing it and I do have a bit of a jealous streak when I see people who’ve been running their blog for the same amount of time as me but they get a tonne of comments even though their photography isn’t as good blah blah. I do enjoy doing it and it’s a good hobby…on the cost thing – I keep messing things up so end up buying ingredients twice. SO COSTLY!
I love the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” You are by far the best YOU… and no one can hold a candle to that. When you blog it is a peak into your heart and soul, and that is priceless to your readers. Keep on girl!
I love food blogs. And cook books. And cooking shows. When it comes to recipes,I’m not creative. So the food blogs help me find things to make. I like feeding people. I always let them know where I got the recipe. There was one blog that I had to unsubscribe for because I’d get 10 new posts or more a day about coctails. But usually I love seeing what people come up with. I’m sorry someone took your idea and published it without credit to you
And I bet the people around you love being fed by you! Keep it up my friend!
LOOOOOOVE THIS. I needed to read this post today. I have taken 2 weeks off from my blog because I have been sucked into the black whole of negativity. I am working on next weeks posts today and I am having major burn out still…. I need to remind myself WHY I started blogging. So Thank you, because this post just summed it all up
Missed you Carrie… so glad you are finding your passion again!
I love this piece so, so much, Amanda!
You perfectly captured the ups and downs, failures and victories, challenges and successes that make up a day in the life of a food blogger. It is incredibly easy to get discouraged, but wonderful readers and incredibly special food blogging friendships is the fuel that keeps my engine going – I feel truly blessed to have both in my life.
Thanks so very much for the inspiring words, Amanda! Please keep up the honest, beautiful, and DELICIOUS work in the New Year!
Well said! And thanks sweet Meagan!
Loved this! It’s true, there are hurdles we have to go through, but food blogging is so fulfilling, and such a joy. Loved reading everyone’s thoughts here.
What a wonderful post!! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Love! I’m saving this in my Inspiration file. Thank you!
This is such a great post. Thank you so much for writing it. It rings so true in so many ways – both the good and the bad! Food blogging is not for the faint of heart. It’s scary when you’re not successful, it’s scary when you are successful. And you need to have very, very thick skin – not only to deal with the (thankfully fairly rare) negativity that can come from readers, but also when dealing with stolen content, or feeling rejected (whether or not that’s actually the case) when trying to network with fellow food bloggers or even just being turned down by a food porn site. We are a lot that *cares so much* about what we’re doing – most of us are following our bliss, after all – and I think that’s why the negative aspects can be tough to simply brush off and move beyond. But time and again, whenever I read articles like this, I always come away with the undeniable message that it is all so, so worth it – following your passion always is, right?!
You bring me to tears! Thank you for sharing today!
I love your honesty, Amanda! And your humor! Thanks for taking the seriousness out of all of this and share the authenticity of it all!
Leave it to you to see my warped humor in there… you are so good about seeing more than the words on the screen. Thanks for being such a great friend and supporter and inspiration!
This is such a wonderful post…and just what I needed to read. A couple of days ago I read that BlogHer article, and maybe it was just bad timing, but it really, really discouraged me. I have done 99% of the things mentioned in there. I felt so embarrassed and wondered what I was even doing. Then I remembered why I blog. Because I love it. And I’m so encouraged by all the positive comments I get from so many people. I want to inspire. So I’ll keep on food blogging. With bakers twine. And ‘annoying’ text on my photos!
Thanks for the great post! Loved it ALL!
Jo-Anna
You know what Jo-Anna? I felt that same as you. Some of the things she talked about… cake pops and twine… I have WANTED to do but never felt like I could make it look as good as it should!!! I was so disappointed in that author and the people that embraced her line of thinking. As food bloggers we are not in competition with each other. Whats right for me may not be right for you. There is room for ALL of us. No matter if our blog is dedicated to turquoise and pink cake pops or emulating master french chefs. We all have the right to share our voice and our passion!! So glad you will keep on. And I look forward to getting to know more about that gal from aprettylifeinthesuburbs!
That blogher article went way too far. Even if it was tongue in cheek, I wouldn’t listen to a second of it. Honestly, do what you love. Represent yourself and your work. And if you use colored twine, enjoy the color and texture it brings. And honestly, I checked out her blog….it isn’t her pictures that would bring me back. (ok…I didn’t say that, did I?) That piece is just one woman’s opinion who got up with her crabby pants on.
lol crabby pants. Love it. I cant help but think… EMBRACE THE TWINE!!!
Too funny…that is it. New motto. Love it.
I actually got so upset by how so many people were second guessing themselves because of that post I left a crabby pants comment.
Embrace the twine, baby!
I think it’s good to remember why we all started in the first place….because we LOVE to bake/cook/eat/whatever!!! There was no drama, no heartache….it was just FUN! The way it should be. And, I’ve been blessed with so many true friends and amazing experiences all from a little blog about cookies.
Happy (almost) New Year, Amanda!
Thats exactly right!!! Wish I would have thought to have said that!! Much love to you Bridget!
Oh such a great post Amanda!! What I love most is your honesty, candor and wit ~ fun to hear from all of the other blogger as well. LOVE this job
Such a great post! Love this. I have made the most amazing friendships from my blog and love all of the quotes above from our blogging community in your post. Thank you for such a lovely article and a great picture of you ladies! Love it.
Happy Holidays; keep up the amazing blogging AND amazing recipes!
xoox
I LOVED this post! Even though I am a much smaller (in reader size!, not physical size
) blogger than you and many of the other bloggers mentioned in your post, it is incredible and so nice to hear how much I can relate. I started my blog about a year and a half ago as a sophomore in high school. I had no idea what the heck I was getting myself into. My blog has turned into a huge passion of mine and, as weird as it may sounds, an addiction. Being a blogger is a serious commitment. It takes a special person (like us!) to eat that infinite about of cake batter and frosting to get the recipe just right. It’s rough, but someone’s got to do it 
I love blogging, and when I get those occasional responses from readers in e-mails or comments, it is a true feeling of satisfaction and success. I have no regrets starting a blog, but this is great post for anyone who is considering starting their own blog
I love everything about this post!! Happy New Years Amanda!
Thanks! And howdy stranger!
Thanks for sharing! It’s a lot to keep in perspective when I am up to my elbows in powdered sugar.
I’m so glad you shared this, Amanda. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the negativity out there, and forget about the positive, and as you’ve shown, there is a lot of positive.
Keep on truckin, girl!
You too! Just spent way too much time on your site today… everything is so beautiful!! You have the greatest blog!
Thank you for this! I found myself nodding at each point because its so true. It’s so easy to get discouraged when you receive a nasty or critical comment, or when reading articles such as the ones you mentioned but for me all of the lovely and supportive comments make it worth all the hard work. I was so touched recently when one of my readers took the time and effort to send me a Christmas card. In fact, I was in tears when I read it. I’d never met her but she wanted to thank me for my blog. Knowing I’ve touched one persons life makes it all worth it.
That is what its all about. You be blessed my friend!
Sweet letters from followers!
Love that! 
I think with any endeavor worth doing there are always difficulties. How we choose to look at the challenges is really up to us. If we turn the hard stuff we encounter as learning opportunities and a place where we can grow, I think only good things can happen.
I love everything about blogging. Even the hard stuff!
Thank you for all the great feedback from all your friends. Their quotes were great!
When I started my food blog, I never anticipated finding the community and friendships I have formed. I don’t think I could stop blogging, even if I wanted to. because many of my readers and blog friends have become like a second family to me.
Great points – food blogging is not for the weak of heart… because your heart will grow and grow the more you grow!
Well said!
Have I mentioned how much I love this post? So nice to see a positive spin on food-blogging, with all the critical articles going around lately. I say…love what you do, share it and see what comes of it. Most likely, something good.
This was wonderful to read! I agree that the friendships with other bloggers is so appreciated. The support from my readers makes every minute I spend learning to take better photos makes it all worthwhile. As always I love your perspective, you always inspire me!
Right back at ya!
I’ve always wanted to start a foodblog, but don’t know how to start. Maybe you guys and give me some advice. This blog is so informative that I want to start sooner that I want to
. Thanks.
I’ve heard that Food Blogging for Dummies is a great resource!
I love everything about this, it’s funny, honest and right on the nose.
Thanks girl. And thanks for being amazing.
Lovely, lovely, lovely post – thanks!
I can’t begin to count the ways I’ve grown and gained since starting my blog (and not just in the hips), but often we focus on the nay-sayers a little too much.
I think we should all read this post at least once a month!
You are too cute! Thanks girl. And cheers!
This is one of the best posts I have read in a LONG time, maybe ever. Everything you said is SO TRUE, both the bad and the good. Sometimes it is hard, but that has made me grown so much. As a cook, a photographer, even a friend. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you Tiffany… its nice to “meet” you!
I just wanted to know that I love your recipes and they help me improve my cooking and diversify it. Thanks!
Thank you for posting this. I just heard about the article you mentioned “Are Food Blogs Killing the Joy of Cooking” I haven’t read it yet. I just don’t want to hear the negative. This blogging world is big enough for all of us, no matter what we choose to write about or how we chose to do it. In the end, the readers will decide what they like and continue reading.
I try to ignore the few negative Nellies that choose to belittle what others are doing. Bloggers as a whole are the warmest, most giving group of people I’ve ever met (even if it is only through the computer for most.)
If at the end of the day, I have one comment from someone saying, I made this and it was wonderful, amazing, great, perfect (feel free to add any other positive expletive) then I know I’ve done my job as a food blogger. First and foremost, I blog for myself. A way to record memories and great food. Some day, my kids and grandkids will be able to go to my blog and look up that family favorite that I made every Christmas or the incredible cake I made for someone’s birthday.
Happy New Year and just for the record, you’re not along licking the buttercream off the paddle, I just don’t waste time putting on a fitness video
Great article. It’s all true, all of it. But it is one of the funnest jobs out there. Thanks for the positive article.
Yay! Love this list. And it’s so true. Sadly, it can get a bit much at times. Thank goodness I find it easy to ignore the haters. Happy New Years to you and your family!!
Happy New Year to you too… loving all you do and share Mike!! Keep up the amazing work!
Awesome post! Thanks so much for including me! I love reading why people find it so rewarding!
You speak the truth! All of it. Food blogging is hard, one of the hardest in by comparison. But I do it for pleasure and hobby more than anything else.
I was just telling someone today – blogging is such a wave! You never know when you’ll be up or down!
I feel a little naive at times, not realizing how much ick and criticism there is out there, I guess I’m ok with that
Thanks for including a feel good moment of mine in your post – happy new year!!
Wow…this is a fantastic post! Everything is so well said and its so nice to know we are not alone in our ups and downs about food blogging! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
Such an awesome post! Yes on both accounts. Food Bloggers get slammed hard on lots of things and people always steal your stuff.
BUT the people you meet and to me more importantly the people I inspire to bake/cook something outweighs the bad by a landslide!
I love this! yes, there are some negatives, but the happy and the positives FAR outweigh those! I love this community and connecting with readers and other bloggers.
reading everyone’s personal highlights gave me chills – thank you for sharing!
I am a food blogger and I couldn’t have said this any better!! Well written and thank you so much for writing it!
Thank you so much for writing this. It really moved me especially today when as a newer blogger I received a comment that was less than stellar. It really can shake you and make you forget (if only for a moment) why you blog in the first place. I had to remind myself of all of the beautiful comments I have received and how warm and loving most people have been. I blog for a more important reason and you can’t please everyone. Thank you once again for this.
That struck chords in so many places! Thanks Amanda! Love the honesty and writing-it-the-way-it-is. Happy Holidays!
I am so inspired! I just may make it a 2013 to start my own food blog!
WOW! Such a great post! And wow so very true
Best wishes to all of us hard working food bloggers in 2013!
Agreed!!
Loved reading your post! I’ve just recently started my own food blog and get discouraged at times, so its been a blessing to run into your blog! So encouraging! Also, I love that you’re a Bible-believing Christian (as I am too) and don’t shy away from your beliefs. God bless you!
I started my food blog to keep myself sane while on maternity leave. I think a lot of the downsides of blogging are about expectations. If you expect to make lots of money and be famous, then you will probably be disappointed. If you expect to enjoy the process, then you probably will.
For me, one thing I will NEVER, EVER do is spend so long photographing something that it’s inedible. I cook firstly to eat and for my son to eat. The blog is incidental to all of that and if it means my photographs aren’t perfect, so be it. I will not waste food, it’s not in my nature.
Thats a good point!! Expectations are huge!
I love this post, Amanda!
Love, Love, LOVE the post. I’ve surely gotten my fair share of criticism, but for the most part, food blogging has been rewarding. The emails and comments telling me that something my family shared has brightened someone else’s day makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks for your refreshing post. I’ll continue to blog due to the million other reasons…
You hit on it all, Amanda. Yes, there’s plenty of negativity involved, but the positive far outweighs all that. Or we wouldn’t be in it! {mwah!}
You nailed it every point. I love blogging because it give me opportunity to try, experiment lot of food which I won’t try it if I am not blogging Also it helps me to rekindle lot of childhood memories, and reminding my mom’s cooking.
Beautiful post
I think people take blogging too seriously. It’s supposed to be fun, and entertaining! The blogher article did not offend me. The day I read it I was cooking quinoa for the first time (# 13 on her list). I tweeted the author of the post, and we laughed about it.
Amanda – this post is spot on. Thank you for taking the time to put it together. I think it is a much needed (and awesome) way to end 2012. Sorry I missed the deadline and Happy New Year!
great article. As a new food blogger it gives me the encouragement to continue and continue to submit my photos ~ maybe some year they will be accepted instead of rejected. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for this inspiring and oh-so-true post! You did such a great job of capturing both the struggle and the satisfaction of what we all do, and sitting here at my solitary laptop it made me feel the big and wonderful community all around us. I too have had my share of nasty comments (once because I blogged about cooking catfish, and included a picture of my cat…the commenter told me I had no right to write about catfish because I was from the North, and by the way nobody wanted to look at my cat. Ouch! I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.) And much worse…but the wonderful comments and emails I get (some from your sweet blogger friends in the post) far outweigh the cranky ones. So thank you Amanda, for a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. I’ll bookmark this post and keep it with me through the new year. Big hugs to you. xo
I’m sort of a Luddite about food blogs. I really miss the days of forums, when everyone was on ONE site discussing food, restaurants, recipes, posting pictures… Upon their demise, everyone scattered to the four winds and started blogging.
I think the group conversation about food was lost when that happened. I really don’t want/have time to visit 20 different sites just to read up on what everyone is doing. And even if I did, that doesn’t recapture the ‘group conversation’ that forums enabled.
Amanda, this is a great post. Went onto Facebook to post a photo of the slow cooker lamb sliders I made last night and was feeling that my photo was not worthy and that I really should have posted last night (doesn’t matter that I had company here watching the Patriots game). I’ve had a food blog for over 6 years and all your points resonated with me. Thanks for saying it so eloquently!
Thank you for adding a light of positivity to the conversation! For whatever reason, I don’t get many comments on my blog, and I consider it mostly for me. I don’t have the time to be super active in social networking, and haven’t made a lot of flashy changes to my layout. Still there are highlights… One day, a student told me that their professor mentioned my blog in class, that he’d made these pancakes I’d posted. Then his wife stopped by and said those pancakes had revitalized their marriage, and blushed. Seriously, that was worth it.
Good post! The reasons you should not blog are definitely not strong enough compared to the other reasons mentioned. Just go for it and don’t worry. All the best in the year!
I absolutely love this post (and your blog as a whole!!) and found myself nodding along with every point.
Love it.
LOL! What a fun post. I completely agree with all the reasons NOT to start a food blog. That said, having my own food blog is great fun and it takes cooking and baking to a completely different level. For me, food blogging is now an art form in and of itself… even on my tiny scale.
Love this post! Both lists are a must-read for anyone who is thinking about starting a blog and for those of us who are already in it. There are good sides and bad sides to everything. It just depends what you focus on and what will you draw your motivation from. I choose the friendships I made with other bloggers and the comments from my readers who say they love my recipes. Thanks for sharing, Amanda! Cheers to a Happy New Year!
Reading this at the end of one year and the start of another — at a time when we all reflect on past actions and wonder what’s best for the future — was perfect timing. Thank you!
As a reader, I’ve never even thought about being negative toward my favorite bloggers! I’m so appreciative that you take the time to do what you do! I love the design of your web page, I love reading your blog and your recipes have ALL been delicious! I’m glad you wrote the pros and cons-it’s something I’ve never really thought about before-what a great insight to what you do! Just know that some of your readers appreciate you and pray blessings for you and your family! Happy New Year and I look forward to reading and cooking with you in 2013!!! (Is it really 2013!?!?!? Yikes! My kids are growing up way too fast!)
A truly uplifting post – it’s always good to step back and take a fresh look at what we do, and why we do it. All the best in the coming year! -Donalyn
Wow – so much truth in one post! I’ve been struggling with so many of these very things! Thanks Amanda!! xo
This post is so inspiring! I always wanted to start a food blog, but I didn’t feel like I would fit in (I’m only 16) and I always feel afraid about the negative things.
But thanks to you I realized that every thing has a good and bad part, and I think that next year I will finally start a food blog
You’re such an inspiration, like 99% of food blogers, I wish some day I could have such great blog as yours, God bless you
Start it! I love it when teenagers begin nurturing their passions early. Do not worry about what others have to say.
Wow this is such a great post. Thanks so much for sharing!
*clap* *clap* *clap* Well said, Amanda. I thank you for writing this post. I have been toying on the same sort of rant, but, you have said it perfectly! If, I did not love cooking, writing and shooting so much as I do, I would have quit a long time ago. The negativity out there as well as the “rules” on how to food blog “right” is completely annoying. I give every food blogger so much credit, and applaud every single one of them, for the raw creativity they bring to the table. No one should tell them otherwise. If you love to do something, you should just do it, and not worry about what the masses say. I appreciate your thoughts, and thank you for bringing the positive forward.
Happy New Year!!
Hi Amanda,
I’d like to thank you for writing this post.
Sometimes I feel I’m crazy putting up so many hours baking, photographing, and blogging. But then when I get to receive lovely comments, funny messages, long wonderful mails saying they have tried my recipes, tutorials for important celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, it makes me appreciate what I do more. It just makes everything 1,000% worthwhile.
Happy New Year!
Aikko
Great post, as everyone else has already said! I found myself this holiday not being able to stay away from my blog – it’s what I love to do, and although it can be hard and people can be cruel, more of them are lovely and supportive and wonderful. I’m trying to not get discouraged by the sheer number of food blogs out there, and the stigma that has evolved over the years, but to just enjoy it. Happy new year!
Hi Amanda!
First of all, happy New Year and thanks so much for posting it! I love my blog it completes my passion for food and as you said I have learned so much since I first started it.
To all our foodie friends: Keep up the great work and don’t inspiring your readers!
Many greetings from Germany, Christine
Great post. Very encouraging. I plan on bookmarking it and reading it over again, when I find it hard to stay motivated. Thanks!
It can be hard to let negative stuff just roll of my back without it affecting me. Maybe I’m naive, but I can’t blow it off as easily as some people. I should get better though. It’s sad when most of the negativity comes from other bloggers.
Although, when I keep in mind that I’m doing this because I’m having fun learning, it’s a lot easier!
Thanks for this post!
I really enjoyed reading this; thank you! Many things I wish I knew before I started blogging, but it also made me want to stick with it! : )
Thank you, Amanda, for sharing. I am new in the food blog world (but not to food and baking), so I don’t know much about the negativity. I strongly believe in doing what you love most and sharing with others to include supporting your peers. If you don’t have something nice to say, best not to say anything as the old adage goes. Thanks again for the positive message! ~Stacy
Fantastic post! Instead of actually DOING, some people can only hate. Ignore them. I know it’s easier said than done. Most of us read blogs because we’re fans of what you’re doing!
“The Carnivores unite and grill stuff. ” hahaha – go meat! (loved this post)
I think that what people need to remember is that a blog is personal. It’s not talk radio, and it is a blessing when other people share their lives and food and photos with the rest of us through blogging. I have just started blogging again, and I started with fear and trepidation, but I have and will continue to have the attitude that I am not trying to be rich and famous, nor am I trying to get everyone to like me, because as you have testified, that doesn’t happen. If someone reads my blog, and is encouraged, then I’m happy. I see so many amazing blogs (yours included) and I think that a lot of women feel like they can’t blog because theirs will never be as beautiful, or as successful. In a lot of ways I feel like we’ve lost that spirit of sharing, and have moved into the realm of sheer entertaining. All I can say is – keep it real and be transparent. You are you, and that’s a good thing!
I absolutely love your words. A blog IS personal. Thank you for this!
Another reason you SHOULD start a food blog is for food lovers like myself who just enjoy looking at food, smelling food, and eating food. Thanks for posting!
What a wonderful post Amanda! Thank you for highlighting all aspects of being a food blogger… the good, the bad and the ugly. And for reminding us of all the little things that make it so amazing! Inspiring words for those of us who’ve been blogging for years, and those just getting started.
I will be back to re-read this post on a cloudy day… thank you!
What a great article. Yes there are negatives which have been highlighted first, but then reading the rest of the article with all the positive sides to food blogging, I’m glad I blog too.
This post is so amazing! However, for me blogging is so personal that I started my food blog was because my fondness of food and I want to share it. I just write my post the way I want it but later I positioned myself as a reader and realized what a reader wants when they come to a food blog. I mean like a nice pictures, readable writing structure and so on. But on the other hand no matter how great you are, pros and cons will always come
I am such a newbie, I am lacking of skills and experience, nor a good cook and blogger too. Hehehe. I just really enjoy reading what you’ve written down here, honestly it is truly motivate me. I want to be a better food blogger and improve my blog for sure! Thank you!
Cheers!
I LOVE this post! What you said about hour old eggs, people thinking that because something is on the internet it’s fair game, creating all your own content b/c as a food blogger you can’t just post another pair of workout shoes, all of #3 being multitalented…so huge and spot on. Everything you said in this post is true, on point, and I’ve had conversations with friends about all the points you’ve touched on.
I love that you shared the good stories and the good things because they win! And I love blogging and can’t imagine life without it. Just without a few of the things you alluded to would be nice
Thanks girl!
Love this post! I think another great thing about blogging is sharing the food. I have gotten to know a lot of people I otherwise wouldn’t have (my neighbors, people at my dad’s work) because I give them my leftovers. It’s amazing how food brings people together. The rejection is by far the hardest. All the ways you mentioned can be devastating and frustrating. I kind of hate taking pics because I almost know they’ll be rejected. Personally I feel rejected on a daily basis looking at my traffic numbers, or lack thereof, along with numbers on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Some days it makes me want to cry, some days I do cry, and even though in this year of blogging my numbers have no really grown at all, I still have hope. Though giving up is something I fight on a daily basis at this point. Sorry to ramble on, but this post really struck a chord with me. Thanks for sharing it!
I don’t write, and therefore no blog for me, but this seems like the perfect place to say I really love reading your baking blog. I do a lot of serious cooking and baking, but I don’t do much decorating and you inspire me to think about finding the time to make pretty cakes.
Fantastic article – I got choked up reading it. Thank you so much for posting this; so inspiring and warm-heated. : ) I found it on Pinterest, and am looking forward to reading more of your lovely site! Happy blogging!
I see you being copied all over the place…..and that makes me sad. I know I know–imitation is the fondest form of flattery…..but I think it sucks!
I love this post. Your an inspiration to me. I am a photographer, an average cook and a better baker.
I love your tutorials and photos. They inspire me to try and make things that I know we as a family cant afford to buy from the bakery.
What a great article with so many things I can relate to. I was so glad to see it ending in a positive way. There have been days when I have felt really like giving up because of some cruel comments or because someone has stolen my picture. I will be more positive now.
Great post and very inspirational. Its great to see all this in one place as its inevitable for most bloggers to feel this way at some point. Makes me realize I should keep going and that success is different to everyone! Thanks!
I am extremely delighted that I found your blog, not only because of the amazing way it’s designed and the delicious food you portray, but because you are also a believer and a worshiper of God. Continue doing what you love it is the greatest feeling in the world. Cheers Abigail
Dear I am Baker,
I was about to come and tell you that I read another food,baking blog that posted a rose cake, and your name wasn’t credited. And then I saw this post. You are amazing at your work, and I am so grateful for you sharing your creative work with us.
Keep up the good work and fight the good fight.
Ladies i have been dying to start my own food blog for a while now but i need some help, inspiration and a push to take the leap. I would really appreciate some help and tips, i have a facebook page named Culinary Creations https://www.facebook.com/CCbyfmsoorty (here’s the link) if you would be so kind to check it out and give me a few suggestions. Thanks a bunch!!
Thanks for being so honest about this! I’m about to take the leap into food blogging and hope to have as much success as you have! Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this! I just started a food blog and I have been struggling, it seems there is rejection around every corner. It deflates you really fast. Reading this reminded me of why I started it in the first place. Thank you again and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Well apparently I am waaaayy late to the game in finding this particular post. It’s like you are living in my head with a lot of these thoughts. While I have not taken the plunge into being an actual food blogger- although with the number of times a week I post about food, I’m sure my readers think I already have at least one foot in the water in doing so- I am encouraged to hear that I am not the only one going through the ups & downs of blogging about food. Have to say- getting rejected by foodgawker or the like is really depressing. I get one “professional” opinion that says one thing. I fix it, & then then next person that views it critiques the exact thing that made that other “issue” go away. Definitely no consistency & it’s hard knowing that here some of us are, just making things in our little home kitchen & capturing to the best of our ability with the resources we have & we are competing against professionals. Guess that is what makes it all the more rewarding when an image gets accepted. Some sort of validation for what we put into it. It does make me feel better that those I admire go through the same thing with that. I know their images are nothing short of amazing. Why they are rejected is something I will never understand.
My hubs often asks what we are gaining from my blogging. I have to say that while he doesn’t really understand & is all too aware of the cost going in being far greater than whatever I’m earning from it – that’s not why I do it. It’s the personal satisfaction of creating something, sharing it with those scattered around the globe that mean so much to me & possibly getting a pat on the back when a photo gets accepted or a post is more popular than “normal”.
Thank you Amanda for talking about this. Thank you for the inspiration.
Very insightful! Great job of laying out what to expect—the negatives and the positives. After reading this, you won’t have to walk blindly into the blogosphere. LR Bergeron
Hi. I am just entering month 2 of blogging. I came across this very post (among a few others) when I was just getting started. The reasons you have listed of why one should never start a food blog are outweighed by the reasons why one should start a food blog. As a novice blogger, I am struggling with the challenges (mostly tech stuff..I am not tech savvy at all). But all the things you mentioned about the benefits of food blogging make it so worth putting in the effort to get through all the obstacles to have a successful blog.
In my blog post http://www.behgopa.com/2013/04/after-month-of-blogging.html I mentioned this very post! I am sure you can relate to what I am going through right now, but you have managed to overcome everything and blossomed itno an awesome blogger.
Thanks so much for this post! I love being a food blogger with all my heart, but sometimes I get down about things (reasons why you SHOULDN’T start a food blog, hah) and it sucks. It’s so nice to know that someone else goes through the same ups and downs as you and it’s all good. But my favorite part was this: “The Bakers read fitness blogs and lament while licking buttercream off the mixer paddle. ” Sort of the story of my life!
Hi Amanda, I’ve just started food blogging a couple of months ago and this article has given me so much insight on the ups and downs of blogging. It has inspired me to continue sharing recipes and photos of food I love, but also to become more aware of some of the “annoyances” that may come from it. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom. It means a lot for a new inexperienced blogger like myself.