Why do you follow blogs?

Why do you follow some blogs and not others? What is your decision making process? If it's kind of a gut feeling , why do you think you say yay or nay? 

Here are some of my thoughts - 

My favourite blog topics are definitely art, fashion, lifestyle, and photography; but even if a blog has all of that, it takes something more- some of that je ne sais quoi - to fully entice me to click the follow button. So here, I will attempt to pin down some of what that 'I don't know what' quality is that makes me want to read more of a person's blog. 

The most important quality to me in a blog is personality. If you have great content, but I can't feel a connection to you as a person, then I probably won't follow you. I want to know what your style is, what you like and dislike, why you chose to share that photo, and what your hopes and dreams are. I like to know I'm reading a human being's blog! Show me your awesome nail polish collection, let me in on your daily bike ride adventure. An example of such a blog>> Angie's blog at Lariats & Lavender + Launna's blog at Letters from Launna

I think sincerity is also a key part of creating blog posts that people want to read. If you're trying to promote your products, don't just posts links to your shops or ebay auctions and expect people to be interested. Sale's pitches are boring. Instead, I'd love to see your creative process, and know why I should value your items. I want to see your excitement about your items shine through. An example of such a blog>> Tuckoo and Moo Cow, by Sarah-Lambert Cook

Sincerity also means that while trends are trendy, being a copy cat trend whore is not. An example of this, is the popularity of all things kitsch and vintage. I find a little dose of that here and there interesting, but when I see blog, after blog, aaaaafter blog, of vintage ceramic cats and deers, modcloth clothes, and antique/vintage camera collections, it gets tiring. That, and whenever I see said vintage trendy items I wonder if I too want that because it's so trendy (I'm not immune to trends either lol). But on the flip side, if you love trends, and are passionate about them, go for it. But please, try and inject some personality along with it, and make sure that you like something because YOU like it, not because you want to feel a part of something. (This may be a touchy topic. If you disagree, or agree, feel free to comment on any of my thoughts). 

Next, and in some ways opposite to what I wrote above, I want to be inspired when I visit your blog. I love seeing what nifty ideas you have about how to fix something around the house, how big your tomatoes are getting, your fabulous new thrift store find, or the delicious rainbow cupcakes you baked. Two blogs that really inspire me>> The Dainty Squid & Love Elycia

Last thought, for now at least, don't be perfect. Be imperfect! So what if you're wearing two different coloured socks, have a messy desk, or a little dirt under your finger nail in a photo - hey! It happens to everybody! Don't be afraid to be human in front of other humans. If they judge you than that's their problem, and they're not your right readers anyhow. 

That's the end of my uber opinionated article on blogging. I'd love to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree with my points, or have any ideas to add. :)

MMM! Raspberries! My dessert of the evening. :3