While Karl and I were sitting in LaGuardia Airport for five damn hours last weekend, we found ourselves rambling on about all kinds of ridiculous crap. Including the term “Alpha Blogger” that we’ve both heard thrown around the Internet lately.
Karl came home and wrote a very thoughtful, polite, constructive post on the subject.
There will be none of that shit here. Not today.
Because today I am foaming at the mouth at the idea that my husband might have to take a pay cut in order to accept a promotion – a pay cut we cannot afford. Today I am battling between my desire to have my husband home more often and the suffocating fear that wraps around my throat when I think about going grocery shopping with a calculator. Today I am wondering how long it will be until the next time my family gets to spend two whole days together.
Today I am not just rolling my eyes or blushing self consciously when someone calls me an Internet Rock Star.
Today, the very idea pisses me off.
Let’s put it all out there, shall we? On a good day I might get over 700 unique visitors to this site. On an average day it’s more like 400. Between 500-600 people at any given time subscribe to my RSS Feed. And while I know that is more than some people get, I can also say with absolute certainty – those numbers are laughable in the grand scheme of things.
This site? Is not a big fucking deal.
Maybe – maybe – 1,000 people know that I exist because of this blog.
Woo fucking hoo. I don’t know my next door neighbors.
I get around 50 comments a day on my posts. Sometimes over 100, but that’s fairly rare. And while I read, love, appreciate and respond to each and every one of them – having 50-100 people chime in when I prattle on is not exactly indicative of me setting the world on fire or changing the social consciousness.
I run ads on this site. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I get paid in Amazon gift certificates to write about crap like Beach Resorts. My ad revenue covers my hosting, domain and monthly coffee costs on a good month. I’ve never been approached or accepted for a paid writing gig.
I am a teeny tiny drop in a big, huge, so much bigger than me bucket.
And I am OK with that.
I poor my blood, sweat and tears into this site. I love it. It has had a meaningful impact on my life in the fact that it has connected me with some amazing people, helped me learn more about myself, and given me the space and motivation I needed to keep pushing myself forward in my life.
But the moment people start throwing words like “rock star” and “A-list” and “alpha” around, it makes a big joke out of something that means a lot to me.
I’m not some elitist celebrity prancing around with a mass of adoring fans clamoring after me. The very idea is laughable. And embarrassing, if you want to know the truth.
Because the reality is I’m just a pretty average, plain Jane woman trying to figure out how to keep all the balls up in the air. I’m a wife and a mom and I work in sales. I don’t do my laundry often enough and I wear the same earrings for 3 weeks straight sometimes because I’m too lazy to change them.
I’m probably not very different than you.
Whenever someone calls me a Rock Star, it cheapens what I am. It makes me feel like there’s some bizarre, high-flying persona that I’m supposed to being living up to. I worry that I’ve contributed to that facade in some way, and that makes me feel like a fraud.
While I appreciate the sentiment behind telling someone they are “popular”, I don’t want to be valued based on a misconception. I don’t want to be seen through a veil of smoke and mirrors.
I don’t want to be a joke.
I just want you to see me. Just me.
I’d like to think the reality is enough.
******************************************************************
How the hell did this end up coming off as the most narcissistic post ever written? JEEEZUS. Well, we might as well roll with it. You can download my radio show here.
I think you’re seriously missing the point. People love you and think you’re a rock star because you’re an ordinary person who lays it all out there in a way that everybody can relate. That’s your star quality!
And you’re not just a regular person – you’re one of the smartest, funniest people I know. :kiss:
I had a thought but yes, exactly what Adam said. You and I are a lot alike in that we totally keep it real on our blogs. Except, I don’t get 100 comments…ever.
But here’s the thing. I don’t want or need that many because I love what I have now…the community, the back and forth, the FAMILY that I have built as a result of all of this.
I too got called an A-List Blogger this last weekend…but really, I’m just a me. So I totally see you for who you are and not what I need you to be
.
I’m not even close to an A-list blogger, but I promise to only call you Miss Britt. or Britt. Okay?!
I love your blog. I do. It makes me happy to read it. You’re good at this. I think you should write for a living.
I am writing sentences like a 3rd grader.
I blame the Benadryl I took.
And the show?! Was freaking awesome! It really was!
Hope you guys get a cash windfall out of the blue! Or a raise on the promotion, at least!
Regardless –
You are enough. :hug:
“Woo fucking hoo. I don’t know my next door neighbors.
“
Best line ever.
I’m sorry you’re going through the tough time about Jared’s job. I have no idea what choice I will make when I am inevitably in your situation. (I know, “thanks for the help Poppy.” Sorry.)
Can I hug you today?
:hug:
What Adam said too.
Besides, those A-listers are only famous among what, 10, 20, 50 thousand? Bigger fish maybe, but still in a giant ocean.
Don’t compare yourself to others – what brings me back is your insightful way of writing what I’m thinking or getting me thinking about the way I think. How’s that for talent?
I have no clue on the whole “a-list, celebublogger” business, but I will say that I think your volume of readers is definitely down to your insightful, funny, relatable posts. Or at least that’s why I read.
And I started commenting because I could tell that your readership is important to you by the fact that you take the time to reply to every comment, which I imagine is no mean feat. Hell, its just my dad that comments on my blog, and I have trouble remembering to reply to him!
Adam is right. Totally.
You don’t have to change the entire world. You make a difference in your corner of the world each day.
In other news, great show tonight. I was “Guest 15.” I’ll download the program by next weeks show so I’ll be a real person with a real name. Although I might choose the name “Guest 15″ cause I kinda like it.
The reality is definitely enough. The reality is what people are drawn to. No high-flying persona required – just pure, unadulterated Miss Britt.
Okay… so… the whole “alpha blogger” thing got started on Jester’s Radio Show a few weeks back AS A JOKE. It was never intended for it to get this blown out of proportion. It was never intended to upset anyone or make them feel like they couldn’t be who and what they are.
I used that term because people like you, Adam, Karl, Jester, Hilly, Shelli, and many, many, others have an AMAZING ability to make people CONNECT with you. Albeit in different ways. People connect with YOU because of how real you are. Because you just put everything out there and it’s rare a post is written – even about things like bills and the stress of taking kids to the grocery store – that I don’t sit back and go, “WOW! I can TOTALLY relate to that!” And be in absolute awe over how you can EXPRESS that.
Adam? He makes people laugh. And every so often, he shows what a big, mushy, heart he has that make people love him for his sarcasm, cynicism, wit, AND mushy loving heart.
I could go on from blogger to blogger, but I’m hoping my point is getting made.
You wrote your average stats here. What about those who get say… 30 to 50 unique hits a day? Or 3-10 comments a day on average? See, what’s a “big deal” to you doesn’t mean that that is a “big deal” to everyone else.
“Alpha Blogger” was never meant to offend anyone. It was simply a term thrown out there to show that YOU and other people out that who make us FEEL like we’re your very best friends and your sharing your life and making us realize that we ARE NOT the only people on the planet going through our own shit… well, y’all are a big deal to us. Or to people like me, or whatever.
There are people that are more *popular* out there than others – but I have never looked at blogging like a popularity contest. It’s about the community, the sense of family and friends. It’s so much and such a big part of my life that often times? I rely more on all of YOU guys, than people in my offline life. Maybe that’s why it’s crushing to think you don’t AFFECT people. Or that no one seems to comment when you pour your heart out about something that is painful or heartbreaking or a HUGE DEAL to you. It kind of makes you feel like you don’t matter all that much, like people don’t care all that much.
I guess that’s kind of getting off the subject, but I’m just trying to give you an idea of the history behind the term that’s being used right now.
So yeah… maybe “1000″ people know you exist because of your blog… but what if it was 50? Or even just one? There’s a lot of bloggers out there who have no regular readers.
None of this was meant to make anyone feel like y’all are up on some kind of throne. I certainly understand your frustration, but I hope you can look at it in a different light when you see it through the eyes of someone(s) whose stats (ie people who they may be touching in some way or another) meter barely tickles 100 most days.
And I’m not saying any of this to be rude or offensive and I hope I’m not coming off like an ass. I’m just half asleep as I got 3 hours of sleep last night and have been up for nearly 24 hours running and traveling. I’m sure you get that after BrittCon! Lol
Anyway… hope this explanation makes things a little more clear… at least from my POV and where I stood when I said it!
As I tried to explain to someone tonight… it’s not like “A-List” or “Alpha” is meant to equal others in the WORLD… but among a certain circle that does exist online, there is a hierarchy… and baby… you’re on top!
First of all… you’re not a Rock Star. Sorry… but I’ve heard you karaoke. TV Reality Show star maybe… but definitely not a Rock Star.
Second and more importantly… that whole thing with Jared’s job sucks… but I have to be honest here… had I NOT taken a promotion so we wouldn’t have to go grocery shopping or clothes shopping or to McDonald’s with a calculator, there is a good chance I may STILL be married… so calculators may not necessarily be a bad thing.
Then again… I’m still kinda glad things worked out the way they have… so I can’t complain anymore.
(I :heartbeat: you my Bitch (aka Poppy)!!!)
(Love you too, baby. :heartbeat: :kiss: )
(Now, can your bitch PLEASE go back to sleep?)
When I think of the word alpha, “talented” springs to mind. So, it’s not really a put-down. Dude, you DO rock.
Star yes, and you rock so I guess you could be called a rock star. Many others here have already said much of what I wanted to say so I won’t repeat it.
I do want to add that when someone can be themselves and not hide behind some farce or trying to be someone they think people want won’t last. They will soon be looking for themselves and will be forgotten. You will be remembered forever.
You are so ahead of them. You know who you are and aren’t ashamed of anything. We love you for that.
Now labels and Jared’s situation suck.
Sorry about Jared’s work situation. That’s tough.
I think your appeal as a blogger lies in your approachability. You are a genuine person, a sincere person, with a good sense of humour who talks about real issues. Some of those uber bloggers (who I don’t read because I can’t relate to them) seem to me to discuss things which are very contrived. You are someone I can read but who I know I could also sit down and have a cuppa with. That’s important and very rare these days. Keep up the good work, mate! :hug:
I’d pay to attend your concert
hgreatone: 
hgreatone:
I’m not even a blogger at all….just read you…the first blog I read every morning! And you know how much we have in common ZERO! But I read you because you are real and that’s a good thing. Be who you are!
:peace:
I believe that you are seen as a “rockstar” “alpha blogger”…. etc… because you aren’t afraid to put out there what some are even afraid to mention… You keep it very real and share real parts of your life. People can’t wait to see what Miss Britt is talking about!!! My morning… literally every morning starts with reading Miss Britt.
You know there are so few things in life that we are given credit for doing good… this is definetly something you are very good at … take it and run with it!!!
As for the job… you guys will figure it out… you always do!!! Maybe Adam should give you a raise to counteract your husbands pay raise!!!!
i have never felt from reading this blog that you consider yourself above anyone. after meeting you in person the thought never crossed my mind. in fact, part of the reason you are so wonderful is because you do not consider yourself the be all end all.
you don’t need to defend yourself. it is very ok to be smart and wicked funny and pretty and outgoing and all of the terrific things that make you who you are. you might see the every day woman who doesn’t change her earrings often or do laundry every damn day, but others can overlook that and see all of the positive. britt, it is ok to let folks see the good. often (hello yesterday’s post) you show us the imperfections. you are loved for all of it.
:heartbeat:
It’s the bloggers who don’t place importance on titles that I have the most respect for. You are genuine and a real person with real problems that I relate to all too well. Just keep doing what you are doing and the rest will fall into place. And if you want to know at least one more person that brings a calculator to the grocery store then I gladly stand up and say HI. My name is Mindy and I shop with a calculator and I also am a coupon whore!
It’s as if you feel like you have to apologize for the ability to clearly write your thoughts and feelings in a way that witty and readable. Not only that you aren’t allowed to enjoy it??? Well then what’s the point of blogging?
You are a good writer and I think that’s what people have a problem with…and it’s a jealousy factor.
I’m also sorry about Jared. I understand calculators…we are down to rationing food at this point.
Oh, you mean it’s not ok to think you are a Rock Star? Damn. I try to live like one very day! :rock:
[...] today, via twitter. When I got back from the-class-that-didn’t-happen (more on THAT later), Britt had posted a massive post about how she hates being called a rock star, or an alpha blogger, or a [...]
It’s all relative. To my piddly little corner of the internet, you are a rock star. On a good day, I’ll get maybe 100 hits, on a normal day I get 35 to 50. You so seriously rock to me. You do this for you and damn anyone who gets in your way…… I like that. Rock on… :rock:
I said it yesterday, I’ll say it again today, and I’m sure that I’ll say it a truckload of times in the future:
You amaze me.
:heartbeat:
Wow, I didn’t realize that this affected you this much. I totally just laughed the whole “Alpha Blogger” thing off as ridiculous. But I agree with Adam. You rock. You’re approachable, witty, intelligent, and relateable to many people. As long as that is the case (and I imagine that’ll be as long as you’re on Planet Earth) you’ll be a star in our little corner of the universe.
I, personally, just love to read what you have to say. Period.
Yeah I’ve met bloggers who were supposed to be megastars in the blogohexadroxysphere and had them turn out to be prunes in drag. I try to look through the crap and see the person. And I already know we’re all full of shit.
I dunno. To me, being labeled a Rock Star isn’t an insult. It’s something I strive for.
I didn’t read anything anywhere that did the alpha blogger comment or whatever, so I’m cluelessly clueless. But I’ll again put out my opinion that the monikers “a-list” and “alpha blogger” to me aren’t insultive. “Elitist” maybe. “arrogant” perhaps.
I guess my followup question would be – what distinction (label) would you put on the millions of people who have blogs and get 1-10 comments per week and the very few people who have 50+ comments per post? I mean, a label that wouldn’t offend any of those people?
First up… I am SO SORRY about the new level of stress with Jared’s work situation. Taking a calculator to the grocery store is my scary point too.
I think that very few of us started down the blogging path with grand plans of putting a roof over our heads and food on our tables. And for the very few that get there… good for them. But I have to wonder if they maybe sacrifice something to get there.
Because maybe they started blogging to have a little place that was all theirs, somewhere to vent or to deal with the shit that was getting to them everyday. And somehow it just all got out of control. Don’t get me wrong… if I brought in what people estimate Heather Armstrong brings in on a monthly basis… I wouldn’t turn it down. I would probably start having visions of new boats and a two story closet just for shoes.
But I think there is a lot of crap that invisible people like me don’t ever have to dream of dealing with because I’m… invisible. And I kind of like that. I don’t have to wait for the phone call from my mother because she didn’t like what I had to say on the internet. I don’t have to deal with loads of email from people telling me how much I suck and how screwed up my kids are going to be.
And I think it depends on how you define internet rock-star-dom. Is it based on comments? Traffic? Links? Or are you a rockstar because you are honest and poignant? Do you pair something relatable with humor and deliver it in a well-written post that sparks conversation? Or does your sidebar of ads pay your mortgage and get you a book deal?
All of the above? I don’t know. We’re all rockstars. Let’s hold hands. Somebody give me a drink so I’ll shut the hell up.
Oh and also? I know a shitload of bloggers who get maybe 1, 5 or 8 comments (and two are theirs) who really DESERVE to be more widely read but aren’t. And I recognize that they aren’t read because of various reasons including they don’t post whore on other blogs as much as – for instance – I would do, or they just haven’t expanded their community with meetups or participate in technorati and all the other stupid shit that passes for blog seeding.
I have a TON of blogs I know of that don’t get a FRACTION of the traffic some shitass trendy circlejerk blogs get that are way better than the popular crud.
I have never in my life wanted to take down a post as badly as I do this one. RIGHT NOW.
Holy CRAP I’ve got some fucking issues.
avitable: thank you. (I’m working on that today.)
Hilly: I’m really grateful for you.
Sybil Law: *sob* Jesus Sybil. You are so fucking supportive. Thank you. And thanks for being on the show last night!
Poppy: yes. Please. With two arms.
Karen Sugarpants: it’s funny you should make that comparison because I think I emailed/commented/twittered/something to that effect yesterday. That even the “big” blogs are still small fish big ocean. Blogging itself is still a subculture type thing, you know? I just want to keep things in perspective with what else is out there.
I don’t know why I feel the need to do that. LOL
little_lj: well thank you. I’m glad you started commenting – and I appreciate you tuning into the show last night! I hope you got your money’s worth.
Jay: you grow up telling yourself you want to make a difference – and then when someone tells you that you do… you don’t really know how to handle it. Well, where “you” equals “I” in this case. Heh.
YAY FOR GUEST 15! Although I could have been more inappropritae towards you had I know it was you.
SJ: whew!
Amber: that was a loonnnnnnggggg comment with lots to respond to. I’m not sure where to start.
I guess, first of all, to say that I am aware that other people get much smaller amounts of traffic. THAT is part of the reason it makes me uncomfortable. Because I’m afraid people will think that I don’t value what THEY do and the connections THEY make if they don’t get as much “traffic” or “comments” or whatthefuckeverelse.
Tori: well when you say it like THAT… OK. I’m ready for my coronation now.
NYCWD: so… if Jared continues to work all the time I might start digging girls more???
Seriously though. I know what you’re saying. And if I had my choice I’d choose the caluclator and time with my husband. Having to use the calculator and STILL not have my husband? That part blows.
And my karaoke rocks. Clearly you’re confused.
Andria: thank you.
Zanthera: well, I’m not ashamed of the stuff that MOST people are usually ashamed of anyway. THAT is true. Thank you.
Selma: thanks babe – and thanks for jumpin on last night! I would sooo love the chance to have a cuppa with you. Some day, yes?
Rachel: wow. That is amazing to me. Amazing.
Thank you for that.
Terri: it is amazing to me that someone starts their day with me. That is so… I don’t know… awesome.
I seriously need to work on this “take it and run with it” thing you are talking about.
hello haha narf:
“you don’t need to defend yourself. it is very ok to be smart and wicked funny and pretty and outgoing and all of the terrific things that make you who you are…..britt, it is ok to let folks see the good. often (hello yesterday’s post) you show us the imperfections. you are loved for all of it.”
Wow. Way to cut through the bullshit and jump into my psyche babe.
Lots to think about. Lots to think about…
Mindy: we should swap strategies for HOW TO FEED YOUR FAMILY ON NEXT TO NOTHING! LOL
Lisa:
“It’s as if you feel like you have to apologize for the ability to clearly write your thoughts and feelings in a way that witty and readable. Not only that you aren’t allowed to enjoy it???”
Yeah. It is like that, isn’t it?
What the fuck is up with that?!?!?!
blondefabulous: thank you.
Dawn: :blush:
Karl: yeah, I didn’t realize this was such a “thing” for me either. Can I borrow your shrink?
Mrs. Schmitty: thank you. Period.
RW: I think I look fabulous in drag, personally.
whall: yeah, the term rock star shouldn’t be offensive. I’m kind of kicking myself and wondering why I’m having this “thing”.
Although now that you mention it with the “other” bloggers – maybe that’s part of it. They don’t deserve something that’s “less than” someone else. They matter just as much as anyone else. Ya know?
PaintingChef: “We’re all rockstars. Let’s hold hands. Somebody give me a drink so I’ll shut the hell up.”
Not to invalidate the awesomeness of the REST of your comment – but Dude. This rocks. LOL I wanna hold your hand and mix you a drink.
RW: yeah, me too. And those people should know that their writing is amazing. That someone like me dies to read them every day.
Wow…this bug is really going around the blogoshpere this week, eh?
Me? I tried figuring out my site stats about 6 months ago (I went over a year without any at all) and I couldn’t figure them out. I’m kinda stoopid.
So I stopped. Trying to figure them out, that is. I sometimes still go the check on them but it’s more to see what silly google phrases people search for that link to my blog. That shit is funny, yo!
And sorry…forgot to listen to the show last night. Got caught up in a movie (not porn!) instead. I’ll have a listen sometime this weekend. I’m sure it was fabu!
Dude. I just think you’re funny. And sassy. And I like that in a writer.
You are all of those things you talked about.. and that is evident through what you write about.
That is probably what makes others think you are a rock star.. most people – or at least for myself I know that I come here because it is raw and real – and that is what reaches a lot of the readers who keep coming back.
At least that is the way it works in my opinion.
I could be wrong.
I see a lot of my sister in you–your open honest sharing of your life reminded me so much of her when I first started reading you.
But you are undeniably YOU and no label changes any of that.
And as long as you keep writing and sharing I’ll keep reading.
Your posts are funny, real and from the heart; and I enjoy reading them as so many others do.
If you’re not a ‘Rock Star’, how ’bout a ‘Superstar’? Visualize Molly Shannon with her hands under her arm pits and…For those that haven’t seen the movie, please skip this part.
Anyhoo, you rock.
Toodles~
I enjoyed the show last night and am looking forward to next week’s. So glad it’ll be on Wednesdays so as not to interfere with ‘Big Brother’…I’d hate to have to miss “Big Brother’, ya know?
Ok so lets get this straight:
When we meet I SHOULDN’T tell you how pretty and funny you are?http://miss-britt.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/heartbeat.gif
:heartbeat:
Oh ok, I get it, your humble, I like that. But when you don’t accept compliments, remember it’s insulting the one who freely gives them, ya know??
What the fuck kind of promotion comes with a pay cut?
I keep trying to find something to say to you about the “rock star” label, but I find myself unable. Here’s the thing: You can communicate with people, reach them, without intimidating them. You are accessible. People seem to like that.
You’re good enough, smart enough and gosh darn it, people like you! Just don’t let it go to your head or I’ll kick your ass.
I love you because you are yourself – that makes you a Rockstar. Me? I STILL care far too much what people think. It’s in my blood. I can’t help it. I think it holds me back in any ability I may have to be a good blogger.
I love that you’re open, honest and a very talented writer.
Plus, you’re hot.
Britt, you let people be themselves on this blog….you don’t get pissed off if someone dares to have an opinion different than yours (unless, of course, this person is one of those horrible mommy group ladies). I’ve had people call me a crazy Christian lady recently bc of my opinions on something you had to say and yet you were proud of me for voicing my opinions and standing up for what I believe in.
Not many people can do that.
So yeah. I think you’re a rockstar. And I’ll say it again and again. What are you gonna do? Kick my ass bc I admire you? Shit. Okay, I’m backing away slowly.
Oh! And. I missed the first half of the show (I locked myself in the bathroom with my Calgon, smokes and book before I went batshit crazy) but got to listen in on the call-in section. Today’s lunch hour, I’ll be listening to the first half….hopefully that’ll help me understand the second half, bc I was so lost last night. lol
I still think you’re a rock star… with a blog. Totally separate issues.
And every once in a while I get to thinking that my blog is just another blog surrounded by a bazillion other blogs with more hits, more comments, more opportunities than mine. And then I have to remember why I started this blog… what made me want to do it.
I’m in the same league as you. It’s nice to have someone call you a star, but you’re right, we’re very small fish in a very big pond. But hey, when everybody and his brother’s dog has a blog, I suppose a few hundred readers is pretty damn good.
Even if it offends you I think you are a Rock Star. Not because you are a popular blogger. BUT because you are YOU! That is something I love and respect about you.
To me Rock Star means something good. Fuck the sex, drugs and rock-n-roll that people think of.
Muah!!!!!
LOL. Only rock stars have radio shows. ; ) I kid you with love Britt. I recently started reading you regularly because you’re an effective and talented writer. Sometimes your post topic is something I can relate to, sometimes not, but when it is, in my opinion, you usually knock it out of the park. : ) And you say “fuck” too much, but you were pretty good today, ; )
Love from VA.
HOLY SHIT! Never, ever, let me near a computer when I was running on auto-pilot due to 3 hours of sleep and HOURS and HOURS of traveling.
I don’t know if I reiterated myself enough in your longgggg ass comment, LOL.
Erm, sorry about that.
Britt, you DO make people feel appreciated. Cared about. You somehow have this way of making people feel like they are your very best friend – even when you’ve never met them in person or so much as had a phone conversation with them.
Your emails leave me with this warm, fuzzy, feeling inside and I find it truly incomprehendable that you find the time – between EVERY OTHER THING in your life, to respond to all your comments and reach out to people, through more ways than your blog.
I certainly don’t want this to become a NOVEL of a comment again and I think that everyone else has said it much better anyway. So I’ll leave it at this: YOU TOTALLY ROCK, DUDE! (please tell me you’ve seen Finding Nemo to “get” that line).
*HUGS*
Britty – I am not going to repeat what everyone else has said, although I do agree with them. What I will say is this – People throw around the word Alpha-blogger like they throw around the word diva – but far from everyone deserves the title. However, you, my dear, do deserve the title because in my eyes, I feel like I know you and have a window into your life every time I read your blog. It’s not about how many hits you get or who reads you…it’s about the message you send.
It’s ok to be loved, dear. It’s ok to be Alpha!
This is a great post. Sometimes hearing bloggers brag about their alleged status or brag about their numbers or who reads their blog is so passe, and it often makes me lose any shred of respect I had for them. It’s so nice to hear someone talking about it in this manner and so honestly.
I agree with John about saying fuck far too much; everyone does. At least spell it like “phoque”. Easier on the eyes. It’s like picking your nose (and eating it) in public, that overused word. I know, I know, such a prude, but can’t help it. “smutty” words IN literature are all right, but “smutty” writing ain’t cool to read.
My word, Britt, better not publish this, DeannaBanana will shoot my ass :slaphead:
Oops, did I say “ASS”??? :blush:
I think it is absolutely amazing that so many people relate to you. Regardless whether or not I share your experiences, I share with and understand your feelings and reactions to those experiences. You have a self-imposed transparency that allows us all to see inside of you. That’s what brings me back.
Don’t get sucked in by the labels. My favorite song lyric sums it up for me:
“Look at me
and what you see
is what I am
cause I’ll be
who I want to be!”
B.E. Earl: yeah, what is about us? We all have to talk about the exact same thing at once!
jennifer: well thank you. That’s very sweet.
Kate: I don’t think it’s possible for you to be wrong about your opinion. I think you’re safe there.
Turnbaby: awww, thanks honey. I know what a huge compliment that is coming from you.
Employee No. 3699: SupahSTAH!
Yeah. I can totally get behind that one!
misi: I promise not to insult you by being a rude ungrateful bitch. When we meet.
Finn: what the fuck indeed. Girrrrrrl, don’t even get me started.
sam: you’re held back? Wow. I can’t imagine you UNLEASHED! I adore your blog just like it is.
Sheila: rotflol Point well made. :clap:
Undomestic Diva: yeah, you can start to feel reallly insignificant if you let your mind wander too far down the wrong path. And that’s really bullshit.
Because NONE of us are insignificant.
diesel: this is true. Although, I keep waiting for the day I’m good enough for THE AWESOMENESS THAT IS HUMOR BLOGS!!!
themuttprincess: MUAH right back at you. Rock Star sounds totally cool when you say it like THAT.
John: yeah.. I’m trying to work on that. Not because I have a problem with the word, but because I’m trying to use words more purposefully. Thanks for noticing.
Amber: thank you. It’s really good to know I can make people feel welcome and stuff.
Robin: this comment really hit a nerve with me. Thanks, love.
Shamelessly Sassy: I don’t think I’ve seen those blogs, luckily. I don’t think I would enjoy that either.
Momma: OK! OK! Jeeeeeez! :nana:
Willie G: what song is that from?
And thank you.
fuck that…if you wanna say fuck, say fuck!!!
fuckity, fuck fuck!
i’m sure i should say sorry, but 1) i am having one hell of a day and 2) i try not to should on myself.
I love you no matter what you are labeled.
Being someone that has called you a Rock Start more than once, I never meant to offend you in any way or make you feel…
” … it cheapens what I am. It makes me feel like there’s some bizarre, high-flying persona that I’m supposed to being living up to. I worry that I’ve contributed to that facade in some way, and that makes me feel like a fraud.
While I appreciate the sentiment behind telling someone they are “popular”, I don’t want to be valued based on a misconception. I don’t want to be seen through a veil of smoke and mirrors.
I don’t want to be a joke.
I just want you to see me. Just me.
I’d like to think the reality is enough.”
I tell people all the time that they are a Rock Star as a different way of saying, “Thanks” “Good Job” “I can appreciate you being you because you made a difference in my life” There are a million reasons why I tell someone that they are a rock star. BUT that is beside the point.
Who thinks you are a joke? Certainly not your readers. Your readers seem to genuinely care about you and your life. As far as seeing you for you, reality being enough, I think you do that on a daily basis, don’t you? I don’t get the impression that you blog one way and are another in real life. I think that your reality and your blog go hand in hand.
I am not sure I’m not reading this post clearly, but I almost get the impression that it’s like a really pretty girl who gets told, “you are so pretty” and she says “No. No I’m not.” You may not feel “pretty” but you are, like it or not. You do get a ton of comments a day and (on average) 400 people stopping by your blog to just check in is pretty cool. 400 times a day someone is thinking, ‘Humm, Miss Britt?”
So, stop being that pretty girl that hates being told that she is pretty and just accept that you are.
BUT for the record, if it makes you feel better, I am officially taking you off my rock star list.
You keep it real. You are open and honest and that is why I keep reading. I may not add to your comments each day, but I read and you do make a difference in more people’s lives than you realize.
Britt, I am sorry if i upset you by commenting on Karl’s blog that I considered a few of you “rockstars”. I didn’t mean it offensively,i just meant it as a compliment..I strive to be able to write as openly and effectively as some people, and instead I churn out a lot of fluff. I admire your blog because of your candor…to me, you are a star. So sorry if I offended you, it was certainly not my intentions. I didn’t mean to offend anyone I included in my A-list.
The song is from a defunct alternative rock band from the early 90′s called Animal Bag. They were originally from the Charlotte, NC area, but played all over the country. The name of the song is “Hello Cosmo”, and is actually pretty appropriate totally to this discussion. So, here are the complete lyrics. You can hear the song on Myspace at
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138281270
Hello Cosmo
Hello Cosmo didn’t mean to go astray
Took life to serious began to slip away
One must conform to expectations of the mass
Need to relax awhile and lie down in the grass
Good day sunshine can I share in your warm glow
Put trust in people that I did not even know
Almost convinced me to regret the things I’ve done
Need to redeem myself and sit here in the sun
Look at me and what you see is what I am
And I’ll be who I wanna be
Look at me and what you see is what I am
And I’ll be who I wanna be
Hello Cosmo didn’t mean to go astray
Took life to serious began to slip away
One must conform to expectations of the mass
Need to relax awhile and lie down in the grass
Look at me and what you see is what I am
And I’ll be who I wanna be
Look at me and what you see is what I am
And I’ll be who I wanna be
I’ll be who I wanna be
I’ll be who I wanna be
I’ll be who I wanna be
I’ll be who I wanna be
I’ll be who I wanna be
hello haha narf: *snort*
Sarah: aww, thank you.
Janelle: no need to remove me from the list.
I was thinking about this this morning actually – and how “Rock Star” is a pretty commonly used compliment now a days.
Just ignore me. I was in a mood yesterday.
But thank you, just the same.
Foo: thank you. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to the idea that I might be making a difference in other people’s lives. That’s just.. I don’t know… something…
Stephanie: oh honey, you didn’t offend me. Seriously. Thanks for being concerned. But we’re good. :heartbeat:
Willie G:</b< wow, that is REALLY fitting. In more ways than one.
Thanks for the lyrics and the link!!
When someone gets excited that I visited their blog, thinking I’m some big summin’ summin’, I want to slap ‘em upside the noggin after I pick myself up from the floor laughing. Because I am such a nobody and I blog about farts a lot. World changing topics, I tell you.
This whole clamoring for popularity as a blogger is such a weird game. On the one hand, I see it for what it is and know not to measure myself by it. On the other hand, it is hard not to get caught up in it. Thanks for the reminder!
Great post!
I am totally a D-list blogger but I’m ok with that.
I really don’t like labels. Rock Star is a cool label, but not if you are a blogger. I personally don’t think it applies unless you are getting laid and signing in band.
And Adam’s comment is right. People may call you a rock star because they like you and you write great posts that people love reading.
A lot of us small-time bloggers enjoy reading posts that tons of people post on. It means we are getting recognition for the text we post.
Well said Miss Britt. Loved it!
Thank you.
I am also grateful that you discussed your numbers. It really helps to demystify the whole blog celebrity thing. I wish more people would share their stats.
Or maybe I should care less? I don’t know.
I just got here this morning (via comments at okayfinedammit) and I think you’re a great writer and funny as hell.
Write/rock on.
I just popped over from Maggie’s link, and you know what’s cool? I don’t know your blog, but I can tell from this one post that you’re a great writer. So I’ll tell you the same thing I told her (albeit with slightly less gusto, simply because I just “met” you), but your popularity — your rock starness, if you will — is the stuff of substance. Wear it proudly. Don’t feel cheapened by it. Your work gives that title substance.
Now I’m off to scour your archives.