A very big blogger for the New York Times called me amateurish. Can you believe that? I am amateurish, but still. Was that necessary?
Blogging has come a long way in the last few years. When I started writing almost six years ago, I never wanted or planned to be a professional. I just wanted to write about what I know...being retired!
So when I commented on a Times blogger post, I had no idea I had broken some big rule. I asked a question. Yes, I am sure I did break some big rule. Or did I? Could it be that even the big boys don't know the rules? Could it be that they don't understand social media and how it works? Or do they live in a lofty place that requires that we just listen when they talk. period? I think some might fail to understand what the term "social media" means.
I write a blog for people who are interested in the senior life style. That is what I know about. Retire In Style Blog is a mélange of articles about life out here where the rubber meets the road and you are getting old. Life on a daily basis is sometimes interesting, sometimes funny, and sometimes a learning process. I don't dabble in finances or even retirements/assisted living. I don't talk about Alzheimer’s or dementia. I don't even think about those things. I know about motels, travel, RV Resorts, small home living, being a grandparent/parent, the snowbird lifestyle and (dare I say) lots of other stuff. So if I writing about my life is amateurish then so be it!
I participate on forums and have both a Facebook account and a Twitter account. I own three domains. I may be amateurish but I am not clueless. So when I commented on the Frugal Traveler's tweet a few weeks ago, asking about a motel he recommended, he was offended, really offended, and I was surprised at his response. How offended was he? Well, in his weekly blog post in the Times he mentioned my Twitter name and then called me "anti-motel" and amateurish! Ouch! (Oh by the way, what is anti-motel anyway?)
Article comments
1 - Chris
I wouldn't worry about it. Nice way to get our attention though, and a well written article.
2 - John Lake
I had an anti-Motel once. She was nice. Remember, there's no such thing as bad publicity!
3 - Nancy
His getting huffy ensures an article on Blogcritics which can then be passed around via more than a few forms of social media. I'd say the problem was on his end, NOT yours.
4 - RetireInStyleBlog
When I wrote this article, I was a little concerned that people would think me a whiner. This was a tiny blip on the screen. Twitter is a place for quick exchanges (if you happen to be in the right place at the right time) and "firing back" as he called it was simply me seeing what he said when he said it. I suppose that he just didn't understand that twitter is about conversations and questions. That is why we do it!
Thank you for your comments.
b