If you use WordPress you likely know who Lorelle VanFossen is. If you don’t know who she is yet, don’t worry…you will soon.
Lorelle VanFossen, of course, writes Lorelle on WordPress (RSS) – one of the best resources for anything relating to WordPress. Need a plugin? Lorelle’s likely written about it. Need to solve a problem? Lorelle may have covered it. Want the latest news? Lorelle’s the one. She even sums it all up with her WordPress Wednesday column on Blog Hearld (RSS).
Lorelle’s done it all. Including make every blogging mistake possible. At least that’s what she said in her interview with Daniel Scocco from Daily Blog Tips (RSS).
Daniel: What is the biggest blogging mistake you did?
Lorelle: Oh, honey, I've done them all. I've been doing this so long, I've done all the big mistakes. When I read through blog posts listing their blogging mistakes, I think, “Yep, did that one in 2001. Oh, that one, I did it big in 1998. Been there, done that in 2004. Won't repeat that mistake of 1997.â€
Is there just one big mistake? Nope. There are only big lessons that come from every mistake along the blogging path. I tend to focus on the lessons learned and not the screw-ups.
Lessons…that’s the perspective I love about Lorelle. Having spent some time with her at SOBCon07 back in May, it was easy to fall in love with her. She’s real, she’s honest and she doesn’t judge. And just like me, she has her opinions…
Daniel: How long should a blogger wait to monetize the blog?
Lorelle: I do not think bloggers should monetize their blogs. I think that people who want to get into the business of blogging must make a business plan on how they will use blogging for their business or as their business, thus creating a plan for monetizing their blogs.
But general bloggers? Why should your hobby make money? If you want to work your way towards professional blogging, then blog for a year or two to get a feel for blogging and make your business plan. Then move towards being a professional blogger.
I couldn’t agree more. Too many bloggers are watching what the business bloggers are doing and think about the “easy money” they could be making off their blogs. But it’s not easy money. It’s hard work.
But so is blogging in general. Some days it’s easy, some it’s hard. Everyday it’s effort. That’s why many blogs aren’t successful.
And that’s what I love about Lorelle, she tells it like it is. She doesn’t sugar coat it. She’s honest about the ups and downs. That why I recommend that everyone read her new book, Blogging Tips, What Bloggers Won't Tell You About Blogging.
I’ve read it three times cover to cover and it’s full of great advice. It’s literally the first blogging book I’ve read that’s really about blogging. Most blog books spend way too much time covering blog platforms or why to blog. Authors sometimes spend 1/2 to 3/4 of a book getting to the meat.
Blogging Tips is different in that Lorelle assumes you’ll get that type of information elsewhere. Instead, she gets right into meat. I highly recommend her book (and I’m not getting an affiliate kickback to say that).
I also really enjoyed Adii’s interview with Lorelle where they talk a bit more WordPress.
You know, it’s also kind of challenging to find photos of Lorelle. I snagged one with her and David Dalka (he’s on the right, I’m on the left and Lorelle is between us) when we were at SOBCon.
Great overview of the genius that is Lorelle. Thanks Dawud. One day I will plunge headfirst into WordPress. For now, it’s one toe at a time.
Dawud – I have a special place in my blogging heart for Lorelle! She is a wonderful resource, but more so, she is just so nice.
Great post on Lorelle! 🙂 And thanks for publishing the link to my interview with Lorelle.
Char,
I understand. Meeting Lorelle was a real treat. And she’s been incredibly helpful with some WordPress issues I was having.
Now if we could only stop playing phone tag.
Phil,
Thanks. She really is brilliant – like the planet venus shining brightly in the night sky.
And when you’re ready for WordPress, we’ll all be right here to help you out.
Hi Lorelle’s a good one all right. It’s so nice that every one can see that. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this all in one place.
Adii,
Thanks. I loved your interview. Thanks for spending much of your questions on her perspectives on WordPress. Personally, I’m much more interested in that then the same old questions of ‘how did you get your traffic?’
Also, I’m updating your name in the link in the post.
Liz,
I would say, “more than good!” I’m deeply moved by how much Lorelle gives. Talking to her about WordPress til the wee hours of the morning at SOBCon was great. And neither of us really wanted to stop. I’m just in love with her.
Just had to drop in and say the book is first class. There is a note written in the front of mine and nobody can read it, other than that it is 100% top notch blogging wisdom 🙂
Chris,
Thanks for droppin’ in.
Obviously I agree. The book is great. After reading about 15 books on blogging, I found this the best book for learning the how-to’s of blogging.
Awesome.
Lorelle has certainly pushed me to be better at everything I do. It’s great to be around people who raise the level of those around them.
It’s nice to be in one of those rare pictures!
What a heart-warming post! I started smiling as soon as I read the title, and the picture topped it all off.
The title reminds me of the Zen master Dogen. When someone asked him how he reached enlightenment, he said, “It was just one mistake after another.”
Ah, wow, I’m totally blushing. Mushy blushing. I adore you, Dawud. This is way too much. And I look so tiny “under” you and David in the picture. Too funny.
Really, thanks for the kind words. I just do what I do, screw it up, figure it out, move onto the next screw up. I think that’s one of the reasons the WordPress folks like me. I’m always screwing things up which helps them make a better product. 😀
And thanks for the support, everyone.
Chris: I’ve been typing for so long I forgot how to use a pen for those book signings. 😀
What it definitely says is “blog your passion” and “keep blogging”, my mottos of late. And good recommendations.
Ditto, ditto — meeting Lorelle at SOBCon was indeed a treat. I found myself talking with this energizing, down-to-earth, funny-as-heck lady on the first night, and then I glanced down at her nametag and said, “Oh my goodness — you’re Lorelle! THE Lorelle!”
When I need info on any WP-related, I go to her site first, then weblogtoolscollection.com, and then to WP.org . How’s that for being THE resource?
Aaah, so it is truly 100% great blogging advice 🙂
The needing to learn how to use a pen again or the “blog your passsion”? 😀
hee hee
I was thinking more about the “blog your passsion” but it probably would be a good idea to reacquaint yourself with pens again if you are going to do much more signing 😉
David,
I relate. I find Lorelle to be inspirational when it comes to WordPress and blogging. And I love her writing for BlogHearld.
Lorelle,
You’re so welcome (and deserving). I love your insights and appreciate your wide open sharing.
And for the record…I adore you too.
Chris & Lorelle,
Boy, you both got me thinking…I have two (soon to be three) young kids. I’d better brush up on my penmenship before I have to teach them how to write.
Jean,
Ooh, so maybe the post title should have been…
How Lorelle VanFossen reached blog enlightenment.
This thread is too wonderful!
Miss Lorelle, President of the Enlightened WordPress Errorati Society
I’d like to pledge membership. She’s taught me plenty. 🙂
As have so many in this conversation.
I’m sure I’ve noticed a few articles on various blogs about Lorelle’s book, though until now I haven’t been prompted to get my hands on a copy.
Thanks to this article, and your personal recommendation (which I highly value), I’ve just ordered a copy to get shipped across the pond.
Looking forward to reading it already.
Liz,
I will definitely be a founding member.
Lorelle, did you know you have such a loyal, loving and large fan base?
Adam,
I know. When I met her Friday night, I shook her hand, looked at her name tag and had the same OMG experience.
Lorelle on WordPress is THE WordPress resource.
David,
Oh, you have to get a copy. You will without a doubt learning something. Definitely worth the price. And looking at other blog-related books, much more value.
I really enjoyed Lorelle’s book and it’s on loan to a friend right now. Every blogger should grab that book before they start blogging.
Karen,
I couldn’t agree more…even if I didn’t know Lorelle. This book is a must.
Okay, folks, this is getting overwhelming. I just do my little blog thing and now I’m blushing and feeling a little anxious. No, I had no idea that my little blog meant so much to so many or that so many felt this way about the little stuff that I do in my little corner of the blogging world.
I feel…intimidated. But appreciative. It’s nice to have nice things said about you and right now, I really needed to hear this, so I’m humbled indeed.
Thanks all.
Lorelle,
As I’ve poked around the blogosphere, you’re everywhere. People love you and they love Lorelle on WordPress. Everywhere I look for information about WordPress, you come up.
What you’re doing is a great service to all of us. You continue to touch so many of us out here. So please, don’t be intimidated. And don’t change a thing. Be cause we love you just the way you are.
Here’s to your little blog continuing to share the little stuff that makes such an impact on the rest of us. Thank you.
Hi. What a lovely site. I has been a wonderful time. I enjoyed myself.Thanks. see you 🙂
I too think Lorelle provides great information…as do you. That is why I subscribe to you both 🙂