Tag: NaBloPoMo

What I Learnt From Helping People

type away

I’ve been a WordPress member for 2 years now, though I haven’t been blogging or taking active part in the forums for that long.

Ever since I started reading the forums and replying, I’ve enjoyed it so much that it’s like a way of getting high. Nope, I’m not exaggerating, but it’s so satisfying to see someone walk away (!?) with whatever little help you offered. It’s such a peaceful feeling.

A couple of days ago, I went through the threads I had replied to about 4 months ago, and it definitely made me smile. To see people succeeding in doing something for themselves — wow it was inexplicable joy. But more than that, I was proud of myself. I was proud that the knowledge I had gained from blogging on WordPress has really helped some else blog better.

And, I was getting better at relationships!

I hate to get involved in communities offline. I get claustrophobic whenever I’m in a large crowd of people, particularly around friends of friends. Strangers, I don’t mind — but people who could be potential acquaintances — that’s a scary moment for me. I get scared at having to live in some one else’s shadow. That awkward feeling when you are with a bunch of people you partly know, only because you have a mutual friend? What happens if the friend suddenly moves away, and you’re left alone with these people?

I know — that’s my chance to make friends of my own — but it’s a bit awkward. At least for the first few times. I tend to take some time with people.

But all these changed online. The forums really helped me interact with people easily, and without making a fool out of myself.

Well, I did make a fool out of myself once or twice — or more, but the thing is, no one seemed to think that way. Besides, even if they did, no one comments on it, or makes it a big issue. After all, we all make mistakes and we need to learn somehow.

From chipping in at the WordPress Forums, I learnt the details of a few features that I use myself. Not to mention how much I enjoyed being a part of the WP community.

Also, I learnt how awesome the internet is.

National Blog Posting Month – #Day2

November Ahoy!

A post a day!

Alright, so November’s finally here – not that I’ve been sitting on the edge of my seat for it, but – it’s the first day of National Novel Writing Month, and the more challenging, National Blog Posting Month.

Last year, same date, I was feverishly typing away at my first stab at a novel – an endeavour I’m so glad to say that I completed – though editing’s taken me over a year. Anyway, this year, I decided to take up the NaBloPoMo challenge.

There! I’ve said it – now that it’s out in the open, I’m going to have to sit and write no matter what. Either that or my ego would kill me, and I’ll have to cringe in guilt knowing I’ve lost a precious opportunity to connect with other bloggers.

But hopefully, that’s not going to happen.

Even to this day, going from Add New Post to Schedule/Publish in one day is quite a task for me – I prefer to create drafts whenever I feel like it and publish them in installments. So, this challenge, I plan to create and publish posts everyday – and use the drafts sparingly.

Also, I’ve taken up the Photography 101 Challenge – so I’ll probably club both challenges together – which will give me a lot of post ideas.

It’s going to be a mindful November – glad to get started.

All the best to all folks facing a variety of challenges this month – any beyond.