It’s nomination time for the MADS, and next month for the BIBS. For those of you who aren’t bloggers these are (to my knowledge) the two major awards for UK parent bloggers. Those that make it through to the next round will gain a lot of exposure, excitement and possibly the kudos of winning an award, exciting stuff.
Last year I asked for votes, and I’ll admit it, I really wanted to make the shortlist. I excitedly watched as the MADS released lists of those who’d received votes (even just one), and my name was there. I allowed myself to imagine seeing my name on the shortlist. I dreamed of attending the awards ceremony, which is, I gather, a glitzy party in a posh London hotel. Or in the case of the BIBS a posh affair tagged onto the annual blogging conference, all canapés and champagne, and recognition in front of lots of other bloggers. Very exciting, indulgent stuff for parents who spend a fair chunk of their time dedicating themselves to the needs of their children. I hoped and prayed that perhaps people where enjoying my blog enough to nominate me, that all the work I invest in my corner of the internet was about to be recognised.
Then the lists came out, I clicked, I held my breath, and of course, along with thousands of other bloggers, I wasn’t shortlisted for the MADS or the BIBS. Which doesn’t really matter, after all thousands of nominations are received, and there are thousands of parenting blogs, all vying for this opportunity. I certainly wasn’t alone in my disappointment. It’s just the matter of my ego, the performer in me that really wants to hear the applause. To be told that I can write, unequivocally recognised as a good blogger. I admit it, I wanted to be in that lucky few, and I wanted my ego stroked.
I realise now that I was never destined to be on that shortlist. The initial stages of these awards are numbers, plain and simple, votes added together to decide who makes that list. Obviously this is a completely fair way of doing things, numbers of votes equals number of fans equals winning blog, fair enough. My blog, as important as it is to me, simply isn’t ‘big’ enough. I don’t receive thousands of hits a day. I don’t have a prolific enough presence, and hence I don’t have enough voters and therefore will not make the shortlist.
Last year when the shortlist was announced I questioned myself, my blog, the effort, what was the point if nobody loved me (pity party stuff basically). Eventually obviously I got it, I love my blog, I love writing, it’s cathartic, pleasurable and it’s worth it in so many many ways, none of which are connected to scores or shiny trophies.
All that being said, nobody is making me enter, it’s entirely my choice, so this year I’m not going to!
If I don’t enter I can’t build this thing up, then fall down with a bump when the inevitable happens. If I don’t enter I’m saying to myself that I love my blog, I love my writing, people are reading and enjoying and that’s that. That’s really enough, I’m really enough.
To be clear though, none of this is intended as criticism of the awards, or those who get pleasure from entering, attending or even winning them. I’m pleased for you, the organisers, and those lucky enough to be recognised. You worked hard for it, and you deserve it, and I always feel genuinely happy, my disappointment isn’t focussed on being bitter.
So that’s it. I’m writing this to commit myself to not putting myself in the race, and by doing that I feel that I’ve won.
These guys are what makes me a winner.
To right!! I’m with you
All these awards are just a numbers game. It’s lovely to be nominated but not making the shortlist doesn’t mean that the blogger can’t write. There will just always be blogs out there that have alot more followers.
I’ve never been nominated for anything like this. My blog is under a year old but I think I’d be a little daunted if I was nominated!
Exactly.
Good for you – it’s nice to hear of someone who blogs for the joy of it. When I started my blog most people did it for the writing and the community. Now it seems like everyone is out to make money from their blog. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that but I have to keep reminding myself that the main goal is to write, share, inspire and be inspired. Thanks for inspiring me today 🙂
Yes, it’s good to try and keep in mind why you blog, and to try and not be distracted by the rest of the blogging community noise.
Ella – you are a fabulous blogger and I admire you and thank you for your wonderful blog, which both inspires me and has taught me a lot! You have the gold award from me with a huge satin purple ribbon tied around!
Wow thanks that’s really lovely of you.
oh pooey I have already nominated you! but i completely understand where you are coming from. it would be amazing to be a short listed blogger but it isnt going to happen for me. i also wondered where i could do better with my blog but at the end of the day i then thought about why i blog an why i started, that is reward enough (and the friends i have made and met on line since i started ) xx
Ah well, thanks for the nomination, it still means a lot that you did that. I’m also really glad of the wonderful people I’ve met, yourself included.
How very honest of you I loved this post because it goes back to basics – why blogs were created, which was for the writer to write and enjoy his/her space on UK blogosphere no matter how big or small. Awards are wonderful and I think your blog is wonderful with or without a trophy!
Thank you.
It sounds like you really know yourself and are taking a wise step for you. Of course, that may not stop others nominating and voting for you anyway! 🙂
Thanks, and no I can’t stop the fans 😉
I’ve written something very like this the last couple of years. This year I’m not sure I can even be bothered to write it. There are big names who’ve already started asking for votes, and I’m never going to get that mainstream.
Hugs for the hurting, glad that you’ve reconciled it.
Who wants to me mainstream anyway.
Good for you. I’ve blogged for 5 years because I enjoy it, it’s my “therapy” and something for ME. I’ve tried to promote myself to increase my readership over the past couple of months, mainly because I would love to get some writing work. But I refuse to sell my soul and write sponsored pieces, or dumb down the content to churn put more- so I’m never going to win anything, but retaining that integrity is really important to me.
Good for you.
You’ve put into words exactly how I feel.
My blog couldn’t carry it I know.
I enjoy discovering new blogs.
The awards are for others and I wish them well.
I’m sure your blog could carry it. Good for you that you don’t care though.
Great Post!! I’m also not bothered about awards, a nice comment on what I’ve written is award enough to be honest!!