I've been blogging for awhile now. My first post was in May 2006. No kidding. Just thank God nobody much was reading at that point.
Now I am only rarely a daily poster (we can't all have the Capitalist's energy) and I'll never be as cool as some (we can't all have a punk rock soul), but overall it's been a hugely rewarding (no compensation pun intended) gig.
Here's the thing that's been particularly amazing to me: Every time I find my motivation and enthusiasm flagging, the online community seems to find a way to reach out and give me a kick. In the very best sense of the word. Sometimes its just a great shout out on Twitter, sometimes (and especially when I most need it) it's more.
Until today, I hadn't posted for over a week - a long time, even for me. Really, I've been trying, but everything I've written has totally sucked. Once again, I began to wonder whether this was a sign. Whether I had said everything I could say, and it was simply time to hang it up and move on. Then ... Boom! Here comes this great and - for me - inspirational discussion started by Trish McFarlane on her HR Ringleader blog. Her post, about being a social media "pitchman", asked the questions "who was the person that convinced you to get involved in social media?" and "who's the pitchman or woman we can learn from?" Some of my favorite HR bloggers mention my name and I, of course, have my own list that includes many of them. Cool.
The first HR bloggers I found online were Evil HR Lady and Joel Cheesman. I read and tried to learn from them. Soon after I started blogging myself, I ran into Kris Dunn, Paul Hebert, Lisa Rosendahl and Frank Roche - their styles and their content were so great and so inspirational. Things snowballed from there and I quickly discovered a host of terrific HR bloggers, including Lance Haun and Mike Haberman. Then it was Kris and Jessica Lee, and their work in founding and editing Fistful of Talent, that inspired me to bring together a group to write about rewards at the Compensation Cafe. And now the last year or two have seen a number of impressive new voices in the HR blogosphere. So many smart people devoting their time and energy to pushing the profession forward with great ideas and conversations.
How can I not be motivated?
I am grateful for the online HR community. Thanks, once again, for delivering the kick that inspires me to keep going - to follow along and try to contribute what I can. I am in all of your debt.
You were one of the first blogs I subscribed to - and continue to read every time! No one can go 100 mph - we all need to recharge.
Posted by: Paul Hebert | August 17, 2010 at 04:40 PM
Paul:
Ditto here! You're right ... we do all occasionally need to recharge, but it can be frustrating facing that dead battery in the meantime!
Thanks for the support!
Posted by: Ann Bares | August 18, 2010 at 07:19 AM
Thanks for this post Ann! I've been feeling a little "drained" in my blogging lately... it's reassuring to know that even the best need to recharge!
Posted by: Stephanie Thomas | August 18, 2010 at 07:32 AM
Ann - you could stop right now and you'd be the gold standard for the next decade - thanks for all the great thoughts over the years!
KD
Posted by: KD | August 18, 2010 at 08:29 AM
Stephanie:
You're welcome - I guess we have to learn to give ourselves permission to step back and recharge when needed. And no guilt, please.
Kris:
Thank YOU. That means a lot coming from someone I consider MY blogging standard and mentor. Thanks for all the encouragement and support over the years!
Posted by: Ann Bares | August 18, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Ann, you made me chuckle. I too started in 2006. I am coming up on my anniversary on August 31. Four years. I have tried to increase my output and I try to make it at least 4 times per week. But sometimes it is very tough. And when the brain is dead one of the FIRST PLACES I turn for inspiration is Ann Bares. I think you write the premier compensation blog and to add to that you have assembled a first-rate team for Compensation Cafe. I also usually turn to Kris as well. Afterall, he is the pinnacle...
Keep up the good work and great writing. Despite the fact that we have never met in person I consider you a friend I have known for a couple of years.
Best wishes..
Mike
Posted by: Michael Haberman SPHR | August 19, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Mike:
Thanks so much - you've given me my smile for the day! It's been great having you for a friend through the blogging journey.
(And readers, if you are one of the few not already reading Mike's blog - click on his name above and get over there. The guy is ON FIRE lately.)
Keep up the great work, Mike! Those of us who've been doing this for awhile know the discipline, commitment and energy it takes to put out great content four times a week. I stand in awe.
Posted by: Ann Bares | August 19, 2010 at 01:40 PM
Thanks for the kind words, Ann. Much appreciated and keep up the great work.
Posted by: Joel Cheesman | August 23, 2010 at 11:33 PM
Joel:
Thanks to you for getting out there early and showing so many of us the way!
Posted by: Ann Bares | August 25, 2010 at 04:30 PM