A Personal Win In Spite of Losing

When Cheryl and I started the NaBloPoMo on November 5, our goal was daily posting for 30 days. Unfortunately, neither one of us made it but it wasn't a wasted effort. In the past, both of us have been avid bloggers but recently, with how our lives have changed, our blogs had fallen silent.

My goals were to get past the hurdle of a silent blog and to see how blogging would look for me at this stage in my life, and if I’m totally honest, to see if I could juggle it with everything else and if I even wanted to blog. Those goals were all met, even though I only posted 17 times in 30 days.

In one way I didn’t reach my goal. 17 out of 30 is a pretty pathetic percentage, BUT I’m counting it as a personal win. Here’s why…

• I struggle with balance and I was determined to keep blogging in balance with the rest of my life and responsibilities. And I did. Thanksgiving week hit and my life slipped into high gear. I needed to focus on family and then work, and I did.
• Jumping back into blogging like I did forced me over the hurdle I had been camped at for too long.
• I found that I could add blogging back into my schedule, but it took determination and discipline. Lots of both, mixed with a generous portion of time—something I need to work on.
• A major goal for those 30 days was to see what I posted when scrambling for posts (like I knew I would, LoL). I wanted to see if my focus had shifted while I was away from here. It was cool to see what came out. Because I didn’t make it the 30 days, I didn’t even get through my list of post ideas, and I didn’t touch the topics that I know are favorite soap-boxes of mine. But it was still enough to give me the answers I sought.

All told, blogging 17 days out of the hoped-for 30 days is a win for me. I remembered that I love blogging. I remembered the work it is yet how rewarding it can be. And I remembered how it kicks my creativity and thinking into gear and gets me rolling.

It was a very worthwhile endeavor.

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Changing of the Colors

Sometimes the best way to make a change is to do something drastic. Like remove the background I've been using for years. The background I love adore. The background that is truly me.

So I did it.

I removed my background.

I've always said I never wanted a white site, and we both know that using words like always and never is never a good idea.

Maybe I was holding onto my pink and green stripes too tightly...

Losing readers is something I've spent a lot of time thinking about over the years and lately too. I want to know what makes a person leave a site.

As I've tweaked my focus from time-to-time I've seen people stop following, and I'm good with that. Time is such a huge issue for everyone and I'm honored and humbled that anyone reads my blog--when I started blogging it was out of obedience, not to be found by others. I've worked at staying obedient even when it felt I wasn't doing what should be done to build my site. I want it to be relevant and good. I want people to leave with a smile, sometimes. I want to give them something to think about, sometimes. Sometimes I post things because I feel I need to.

Recently, on Facebook as well as on my agent's client loop, I asked for input on my site and my friends came through for me. They gave me encouragement and things to think about and opinions--I asked for opinions. =) I'm so thankful for all their input! I will be making changes here, as soon as I settle at home for more than 5 days in a row. LoL.

Some of the responses to my request for input made me think about what makes me leave a site...and there are some sites I will NOT go to, some that I leave without reading a word of the content (content I know they have and would like to read), and some sites that I'll scowl as I read the content and leave ASAP.

What is it that makes me leave a site like that?

• Black sites or too-dark sites. I just can't do them--can't read white text on a black or dark background without killing my eyes and my eyes work hard enough without adding to their struggle.
• Evidence that the site owner doesn't care about how the site looks. I find this in content-is-king-everthing-else-is-stupid group. Yes, content is king, but if the owner demonstrates they don't care about their site, why should I?
• Cluttered. AND, I've found that this is very subjective. What I find cluttered is far different from what a minimalist finds cluttered. 
• Ugliness. There. I said it. If I come across a site that strikes me as ugh-gly, I leave. Sorry, but I do. Chance are that I'm not the only one.

The interesting thing has been to see how my site fits into half of those categories (some people hate pink and my site is was definitely very pink). Do I have to please everyone? No way! It's not even possible. But, I can find a way to mold what I have here into something that doesn't drive people away before they read a word. And that's what I'll be working on. I may find something I like quickly and easily, but then again, it may take several tries. I'm not in a hurry and I want to get it right. The site may be pink when I'm done with it, but I doubt it'll be as pink and as bold as it was. The thing is, I'm staying open to change. So, if you see me changing faster than the trees up north, please bear with me. 

So tell me, what makes you leave a site?

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Confession

Tree Frog on my bay window.

Okay, time for a huge confession.
Hold on tight.

See, after four years of studying, applying and teaching about blogging, I'm still scratching my head as much as some of you. Truthfully? Probably lots more than many of you.

I KNOW the value and importance of knowing your focus and sticking with with it. The importance of knowing your readers and writing for them, giving them some kind of take-away value. The importance of all kinds of things... I know. I've taught it in workshops at a conference, online, and even here on my blog and a at least a zillion times in one-on-one contacts.

But.

But the truth of the matter is that after over 800 posts here on this site alone I'm still clueless.

Produce from my garden in one picking.

I don't know my niche. I don't know my focus. I don't even know my readers. Oh sure, I know some of you—but if the numbers are to be believed (and to be honest, I'm even doubting the numbers these days!!) I don't know who even a small fraction of my readers are. So how on earth am I supposed to write for you and offer some take-away value?!?

I've got a few ideas from the trial and error method I use and the feedback and comments I receive—both here on my blog, on Facebook and via emails, but there is no real rhyme or reason, let alone focus to what I do.

That's why, when I'm asked how I've built my site to what it is today, I'm clueless. I can only shrug and admit I don't know. Because I don't!!

During this break I took I thought seriously about posting a poll to find out who my readers are and what they're interested in—I want to be helpful and relevant. I talked about it with my husband, decided to do it, and then held back. There was just something that didn't feel right to me and I'm slowly, ever-so-slowly beginning to listen to that inner hesitancy. I'm glad I did. Here's why...

I started blogging out of obedience, not because I wanted to. It changed my life. And that's not an exaggeration. My blog has grown and changed with me over the years. If I had posted a poll to find out what you guys wanted to see on here, it could easily become me focusing on my readers (which is very good) to the exclusion of listening to God's quiet direction (which is bad).

Now don't get me wrong. I'm all for hearing what you guys want to see on here. I really am. So if there are things you want to hear more about, please, please, please let me know! All of my series have grown out of questions people emailed and asked and I've had fun writing the posts and they've been helpful to many others (again, if the stats are to be believed).

Cookie, one of our newest additions to the family.

But I've also decided that I need to keep the focus I've had all along: writing what's on my heart. That means this site probably won't ever find a niche to fit and I won't have one single focus and that I'll have plenty of off-the-wall posts along the way.

Yes, I know I break most of the rules about blogging—well, about building successful blogs that make great platforms. But you know what? I wasn't called to build a successful blog. I was called to obedience.

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On Deck... Blog Class

One of the things I LOVE doing is helping people learn how to set up their blogs and how to work on Blogger so they can blog. Blogging changed my life and opened up a whole new world to me and now helping others into that world is something that I love. I've taught just about every age group from teens to almost-eighty year olds and tech-savvy girls to those who are very tech-challenged, and had FUN doing it!

If you're interested in the blog class, here's more info:

Clearing the Blog Fog - Email based class - $125
Starts next week: June 1-30
Blogging is more than a web journal, it encompasses everything from marketing to ministry and so much more. If you're thinking about blogging but don't know where to start, are intimidated or frustrated by the details of setting up a blog, Clearing the Blog Fog will get you going. You'll learn the benefits and the basics of blogging, and how to set up a blog from start to the final tweaks. When you're done, you'll have a blog that's ready to roll.

This course will cover:

• Posting
• Basics of Blogging
• Pictures Plus!
• Ready-made Layouts
• Customize your Blog
• Sensible Sidebars
• Nav Bars and Pages
• Personalize you Header
• Personalization Plus!
• Creating a Siggy
• Creating a Button
• Linking with Facebook and Feedburner

How the class works: This 4 week class is set up on a Yahoo group and 2 or 3 times a week I'll send out the printable pdf lesson. You do the lesson on your time table--there's no set class times--and as you come to a question, send it to the group and I will reply and work you through the process. Just like in a regular classroom, you'll learn from the class interaction (and meet new friends!). These classes are fun and have a dynamic all their own.

If you don't need the whole class, tutoring is available too. Email me if you have any questions! Patty {at} PattyWysong {dot}com

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Premade Layouts

These premade layouts are ready to go. Just drop them in place and you're ready to roll. Don't know how to drop them in or are you out of time? I'll do for it you, just select the layout + installation option. I'll also put your blog/site title on the header for you, in the colors and font shown. If you want to add your own text, I'll send it to you without the text and let you add it yourself. =)

O'Fallber

O'Fallber has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too. Comes with a post divider as a bonus feature.

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Summer Stripes

Summer Stripes has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too. Comes with a post divider as a bonus feature.

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Tumbled Blue

Tumbled Blue has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too. Comes with a post divider as a bonus feature.

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Scriptie Scrollie Sophisticate

Scriptie Scrollie Sophisticate has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too. Comes with a post divider as a bonus feature.

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Spring Plaid

Spring Plaid has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too. Comes with a post divider as a bonus feature.

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Water Daisies

Water Daisies has a NavBar, 4 sidebars columns (a skinny bar to the left of the main post area, and a wide one to the right with two skinny ones underneath it) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too.

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Purplie Pastelie

Purplie Pastelie has a NavBar, 4 sidebars columns (a skinny bar to the left of the main post area, and a wide one to the right with two skinny ones underneath it) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too.

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May'd for Plaid

May'd for Plaid has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too.

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Marbled Green

Marbled Green has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too.

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Summer Clouds

Summer Clouds has a NavBar, 4 sidebars columns (a skinny bar to the left of the main post area, and a wide one to the right with two skinny ones underneath it) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too.

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the work of Thy hands

"The work of Thy hands" has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too.

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AquaFreeze

AquaFreeze has a NavBar, 3 sidebars columns (a wide one and two skinny ones underneath) and three columns across the bottom of the page and a full-width column, too.

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Layout with or without Installation:

Layout $20.00 Layout + Installation $30.00

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Blog and Site Design

I'm doing blog and website design and would love to customize a site for you. (Scroll down for pricing.)

I designed my own site, as well as these:

Diane Loew's website/blog

The name Patty Wysong is music to my ears. Such a patient kindhearted soul to put up with a non-techy person as I. I doubt that there would have been any other to tackle my job.

I had a basic idea and Patty explained how it could be done and what limitations I would have for the site I wanted built. I would send Patty different back grounds or fonts and she would plug them in, let me see and tweak it so it would be perfect.She was never farther away than my keyboard or telephone. We spent time on the phone while at the keyboard refreshing pages and adjusting things just so.And she introduced me to so many other really cool things.

I have the utmost confidence in Patty’s ability. If she doesn’t know how to do something, she will figure it out. She always returned my emails and phone calls the same day. I rested in her ability.I have no hesitation to recommend Patty’s creativity and work ethic to anyone.

She helped me with my first project, my book – 101 Ways to Celebrate the Ordinary, she helped me with my new site and she will be the only one I contact for any other project I have. ~Diane Loew  A Farm Wife

Joanne Sher's website/blog

Dee Yoder's website/blog

Melissa Henson

Clash of the Titles

Patty's services to Clash of the Titles have been invaluable! She's fast, friendly, and she knows her stuff. Patty worked tirelessly on the COTT to make it exactly to our specifications. It looks (and works!) better than we ever could have hoped. Patty rocks!
~April Gardner
Clash of the Titles

Lynda Schab's blog - On the Write Track

Lynda Schab's Website

For someone like me, who is pretty much a technological airhead, Patty was a God-send. Not only did she create a beautiful and professional-looking blog and coordinating website, she was a joy to work with and exercised more patience than I deserved. I so appreciate Patty and highly recommend her services. You won't be disappointed.
~Lynda Schab
www.LyndaSchab.com

New Horizon Church

After being thoroughly impressed by what Patty Wysong can do with just an idea for a community Web site and blog in the winter of 2011, I asked my church to hire her to rebuild our bulky website at a free hosting site. She was very gracious and professional and did the work necessary to get our domain name transferred from the expensive registrar to one more suitable to our budget and adaptable to the free hosting site in a timely manner. Her skill at showing me the possibilities of the new site and working with me to provide a useful church Website are highly recommended. --Lisa J Lickel
www.NewHorizonUCC.org

Jewels of Encouragement

The Book Loft

The Barn Door

Contact me any time for quotes and ideas. (Patty at PattyWysong dotcom)

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Pricing for Blogger Sites

Standard Make-over: $95
Includes: blog header, background, siggy, button, and installation.
*Includes a digital scrapbook kit.

Super Make-over: $115
Includes: blog header, background, siggy, button, and installation
And: navigation bar (text/links only, NOT a drop down navbar like on this site)
(with a drop down navigation bar, instead, like on this site: $145)
*Includes a digital scrapbook kit. 

Super-Duper Make-over: $140
Includes: blog header, background, siggy, button, and installation
And: navigation bar (text/links only, NOT a drop down navbar like on this site)
And: 3 social media buttons, and favicon.
(with a drop down navigation bar, instead, like on this site: $170)
*Includes a digital scrapbook kit. 

Supreme Make-over: $175
Includes: blog header, background, siggy, button, and installation
And: navigation bar, 5 sidebar headers/links, and favicon
AND: 3 sidebar headers/links, special fonts for post title and sidebar titles.
(with a drop down navigation bar, instead, like on this site: $205)
*Includes a digital scrapbook kit. 




Individual Items:

• Header - $30
• Background - $20
• Navigation Bar (text only, with 5 links) - $30, $5 each additional link
• Navigation Bar with images (5 links) - $45
• 3 Sidebar Headers, all the same graphic with different text - $20, $5 each additional header
• Social Media buttons (facebook, twitter, contact, etc.) - $5each
• Custom Banner - $15
• Favicon - $15
• Blog Post Siggy- $15
• Post Divider - $15
• Blog Button with grab it box and code - $20
• Special Font for post titles & sidebar titles - $25
• Matching Twitter background- $15
• Site Maintenance, changes and tweaks - $20 per hr. (1/2 hr minimum)
• Premade Designs, unless otherwise noted - $20
• Installation of premade, if desired - $10 

Email me what you're interested in.
patty {at}PattyWysong {dot}com
Payment is half at the beginning
with the balance due upon completion.

 Need something that's not on the list? Email me and we'll see what we can do.

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