This post is for the readers of my blog who also maintain one of their own.
I recently requested another travel blogger add a link to my site on his. I first learned about this person's blog from the comments he left on mine as I was traveling last year. The response was “no” because I didn't comment on his blog in return. I fully understand his perspective, yet it has caused me to reflect on the way I tried to balance my travels with running this blog. I realize there are a lot of other bloggers who have proactively added a link to my site from theirs. I am very appreciative. Hopefully they're still reading.
In advance of my trip, I spent much of my free time on the internet learning about blogging, asking and answering questions in the Bootsnall forums, reading other people's travel blogs, commenting on them, and generally making connections within the online travel community.
When it came time to leave home, I switched gears, focusing solely on relaying my travel experiences in writing, photos, and videos. My #1 online priority was providing daily updates for people to read. If I had to guess, I probably spent an average of 1.5 hours per day on the internet, usually in a cafe where I was paying by the minute, often seated uncomfortably, and subject to a slower-than-ideal connection or small monitor. The main reason I read other people's travel blogs before my trip was to stay motivated and entertained while I waited for my turn.
So, once I was off having daily adventures of my own, the last thing I wanted to do was sit in an internet cafe reading about other people's adventures. As a result of this conscious decision to limit my blogging experience to the boundaries of Gobackpacking, I did not read other people's blogs, even the ones I considered my favorites. And if I wasn't reading them, I wasn't in a position to leave comments on them. I insulated myself from other blogs for the sole purpose of maximizing my travel experience. Blogging became an integral part of that experience, but I had to draw the line somewhere.
I fell into a routine which did not involve making design updates. I rarely added a new unpaid link, and turned down many requests from other people, with the response that I was limiting my blogroll to people I met along my trip. In reality, it was more about not having a links page on the blog, and thus not wanting to fill up my sidebar with unfamiliar sites. I think this was a mistake. To correct course, I created a new Links page when I updated my theme a few months ago after settling in Medellin.
Now that my travels are wrapping up with this transition period in Colombia, I am trying to be more proactive about giving back to other bloggers – both the new ones getting ready for upcoming trips and the more established ones who've shown me such support the last two and a half years. I'm reading my favorite blogs again, and adding new ones every week. I'm become more social again, taking the time to comment on others' blogs and answer questions in the Bootsnall forums. In an effort to share what I've learned, I began the Developing a Successful Travel Blog series. And if I can get my butt in gear, I'm planning to do some guest blogging.
These are some of the ways I plan to “pay it forward” for the support I received while traveling.
Regards from Medellin on a cool and rainy night, as I type to Bob Marley's Legend in an apartment that is about to be mine alone for the next 3 weeks.
Dave
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Dan says
June 10, 2009 at 4:01 amWell I’m still here Dave, I’ve moved on from The Lost Globe but my new site is still, well new, so I’m not expecting links from anyone at the moment. I’m still trying to figure out if you are settling long term in Medellin or heading back to the States soon? Anyways I hope the blogging continues to go well and you make enough from it to extend your travels as long as possible. If you would like help with your designdevelopment I’d be happy to, no cost.
Happy Days
Dan
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Dan says
June 10, 2009 at 9:01 amWell I’m still here Dave, I’ve moved on from The Lost Globe but my new site is still, well new, so I’m not expecting links from anyone at the moment. I’m still trying to figure out if you are settling long term in Medellin or heading back to the States soon? Anyways I hope the blogging continues to go well and you make enough from it to extend your travels as long as possible. If you would like help with your designdevelopment I’d be happy to, no cost.
Happy Days
Dan
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Andy says
June 10, 2009 at 9:05 amIntersting perspective.
With thousands of travel bloggers out there it’s only natural that each will have their own goal, priorities and agenda. With 600 subscribers you’re not going to be able to please everybody all of the time.
Have fun and keep going.
Andy
(BTW I added a link on my blog ages ago! lol)
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Andy says
June 10, 2009 at 4:05 amIntersting perspective.
With thousands of travel bloggers out there it’s only natural that each will have their own goal, priorities and agenda. With 600 subscribers you’re not going to be able to please everybody all of the time.
Have fun and keep going.
Andy
(BTW I added a link on my blog ages ago! lol)
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Brock says
June 10, 2009 at 1:42 pmDave!
Time and time again you articulate exactly what I need to hear as I plan my own endeavor of this nature. I got some questions I believe I will run by you at some point in the near future but figured I should take your tip and begin commenting early on the blogs I love.
Keep up the great posts. They are marvelous.
Brock
Canada
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Brock says
June 10, 2009 at 8:42 amDave!
Time and time again you articulate exactly what I need to hear as I plan my own endeavor of this nature. I got some questions I believe I will run by you at some point in the near future but figured I should take your tip and begin commenting early on the blogs I love.
Keep up the great posts. They are marvelous.
Brock
Canada
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Dave says
June 10, 2009 at 2:45 pmHey Dan, always good to hear from you! It was too bad we missed each other in Thailand.
I’m leaving Medellin in mid-July for home…my parent’s home to be specific. Time to recharge and reconstitute. Like you, I intend to focus on building my “online empire” to the point where I can fund future travels or a more independent lifestyle. At the least, it should help me get back on my feet.
Just last night, I was discussing my blog and SEO and stuff to my roommate who is an economist, but not familiar with this online world. He asked why I wasn’t consulting! I took that as a compliment. I think I know enough by now…just a matter of feeling confident about marketing my services. Maybe we can talk about your plans to do freelance consulting in the future.
And your newest blog has a new subscriber.
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Dave says
June 10, 2009 at 9:45 amHey Dan, always good to hear from you! It was too bad we missed each other in Thailand.
I’m leaving Medellin in mid-July for home…my parent’s home to be specific. Time to recharge and reconstitute. Like you, I intend to focus on building my “online empire” to the point where I can fund future travels or a more independent lifestyle. At the least, it should help me get back on my feet.
Just last night, I was discussing my blog and SEO and stuff to my roommate who is an economist, but not familiar with this online world. He asked why I wasn’t consulting! I took that as a compliment. I think I know enough by now…just a matter of feeling confident about marketing my services. Maybe we can talk about your plans to do freelance consulting in the future.
And your newest blog has a new subscriber.
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Dave says
June 10, 2009 at 2:55 pmHey Andy, thanks for the link! I remember checking out your site before, but this time around I’ve subscribed and added a link from mine. :)
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Dave says
June 10, 2009 at 9:55 amHey Andy, thanks for the link! I remember checking out your site before, but this time around I’ve subscribed and added a link from mine. :)
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Dave says
June 10, 2009 at 3:02 pmBrock – good idea about the commenting! Besides simply letting bloggers know you’re out there reading, it can lead to new relationships, new links back to your blog, an uptick in traffic, and advertising leads. For example, I was part of the discussion that lead to the creation of http://www.trustedtravelblogs.com
That website has been the source of many advertising leads for me, and it doesn’t hurt to be in such good company. :)
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Dave says
June 10, 2009 at 10:02 amBrock – good idea about the commenting! Besides simply letting bloggers know you’re out there reading, it can lead to new relationships, new links back to your blog, an uptick in traffic, and advertising leads. For example, I was part of the discussion that lead to the creation of http://www.trustedtravelblogs.com
That website has been the source of many advertising leads for me, and it doesn’t hurt to be in such good company. :)
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Traveler says
June 10, 2009 at 8:43 pmDave – thanks for your reply yesterday – I’m just getting caught up, why are you going home? :)
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Traveler says
June 10, 2009 at 3:43 pmDave – thanks for your reply yesterday – I’m just getting caught up, why are you going home? :)
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Dave says
June 11, 2009 at 2:10 amI’ve been gone 19 months now, and without having worked during that time, I’m running out of savings to sustain myself. Plus, my family misses me. :)
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Dave says
June 10, 2009 at 9:10 pmI’ve been gone 19 months now, and without having worked during that time, I’m running out of savings to sustain myself. Plus, my family misses me. :)
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Kyle says
June 11, 2009 at 5:01 amI commented and linked from my own blog to yours a time or two but after no reciprocal activity I moved on. I continue reading in google reader of course, but I think it’s human nature not to keep participating with a blogger who doesn’t participate back. However, I never blamed you for it, by any means! I know when I am out traveling I won’t have much time at all for commenting on other blogs. Totally understandable.
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Kyle says
June 11, 2009 at 12:01 amI commented and linked from my own blog to yours a time or two but after no reciprocal activity I moved on. I continue reading in google reader of course, but I think it’s human nature not to keep participating with a blogger who doesn’t participate back. However, I never blamed you for it, by any means! I know when I am out traveling I won’t have much time at all for commenting on other blogs. Totally understandable.
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Lilliy says
June 11, 2009 at 6:39 amI totally agree with you that when you are on the road I think its very difficult to sit and read other blogs your time is very limited. But once you slow down a bet and be more settled I think other bloggers do expect a visit at least from time to time or you might be portrayed as a blog snob expecting to be read but don’t feel you have to read others. I think when blogs are more of personal level reciprocation is important in order to keep the feedback running its kind of a friendship you are building you want people to subscribe to you as much as they want you to subscribe to them or link to them. Now saying that some blogs don’t have enough good content to keep you coming back a lot so its like a dead end situation boring is the end of that friendship some things just don’t work out.
I really enjoy your blog and your content especially the series of making a better travel blog I look for it every week. so keep them coming they are great.
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Lilliy says
June 11, 2009 at 1:39 amI totally agree with you that when you are on the road I think its very difficult to sit and read other blogs your time is very limited. But once you slow down a bet and be more settled I think other bloggers do expect a visit at least from time to time or you might be portrayed as a blog snob expecting to be read but don’t feel you have to read others. I think when blogs are more of personal level reciprocation is important in order to keep the feedback running its kind of a friendship you are building you want people to subscribe to you as much as they want you to subscribe to them or link to them. Now saying that some blogs don’t have enough good content to keep you coming back a lot so its like a dead end situation boring is the end of that friendship some things just don’t work out.
I really enjoy your blog and your content especially the series of making a better travel blog I look for it every week. so keep them coming they are great.
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Dave says
June 11, 2009 at 2:00 pmKyle – good to hear from you again. I remember your comments because I remember checking out your blog about getting married in Chile. The new blog design looks great.
I’m sorry to hear about your accident – hope you feel better soon.
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Dave says
June 11, 2009 at 2:00 pmKyle – good to hear from you again. I remember your comments because I remember checking out your blog about getting married in Chile. The new blog design looks great.
I’m sorry to hear about your accident – hope you feel better soon.
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Dave says
June 11, 2009 at 9:00 amKyle – good to hear from you again. I remember your comments because I remember checking out your blog about getting married in Chile. The new blog design looks great.
I’m sorry to hear about your accident – hope you feel better soon.
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Saben of "Sabenandlin" says
June 11, 2009 at 3:23 pmI couldn’t agree more, I would spend hours traveling through other blogs before our trip. Now I barely have time for my own let alone to read anyone elses. It really takes a large amount of work to keep a blog up while on the road and its a hard balance to strike between “work” and play.
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Saben of "Sabenandlin" says
June 11, 2009 at 10:23 amI couldn’t agree more, I would spend hours traveling through other blogs before our trip. Now I barely have time for my own let alone to read anyone elses. It really takes a large amount of work to keep a blog up while on the road and its a hard balance to strike between “work” and play.
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Andy says
June 11, 2009 at 3:31 pmSaben – just like Gary’s Paradox!
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Andy says
June 11, 2009 at 10:31 amSaben – just like Gary’s Paradox!
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Kyle says
June 12, 2009 at 3:58 amThanks, glad you like the new site!
I am feeling way better, thank goodness. If you ever make it down to Chile watch out for the crazy drivers…
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Kyle says
June 11, 2009 at 10:58 pmThanks, glad you like the new site!
I am feeling way better, thank goodness. If you ever make it down to Chile watch out for the crazy drivers…
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Dave says
June 13, 2009 at 6:51 pmI remember reading Gary’s Paradox when he posted it, and re-reading it now only sums up what I felt traveling too! Just wish I had beaten him to the name claim!
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Dave says
June 13, 2009 at 1:51 pmI remember reading Gary’s Paradox when he posted it, and re-reading it now only sums up what I felt traveling too! Just wish I had beaten him to the name claim!
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Christian Haugen says
June 15, 2009 at 12:13 amI really understand whereyou are coming from here. Spent so much time online before I left and now that I am travelling I comment maybe a blog per month. Stuck in Puno due to strikes and waiting for the route to Cusco to open again so this was a good time to catch up on some reading! Been following your blog since before the trip and have time for a quick RSS look now and then :)
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Christian Haugen says
June 14, 2009 at 7:13 pmI really understand whereyou are coming from here. Spent so much time online before I left and now that I am travelling I comment maybe a blog per month. Stuck in Puno due to strikes and waiting for the route to Cusco to open again so this was a good time to catch up on some reading! Been following your blog since before the trip and have time for a quick RSS look now and then :)
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Alisha says
June 15, 2009 at 2:06 pmHey Dave!
Great to see you’re back. Sosauce also created a new blog(www.sosauce.com/blog) if you want to check it out. Since we did a post on you a while back perhaps we can do some other form of link exchange? Contact me if you’re interested and have free time.
Best,
Alisha
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Alisha says
June 15, 2009 at 7:06 pmHey Dave!
Great to see you’re back. Sosauce also created a new blog(www.sosauce.com/blog) if you want to check it out. Since we did a post on you a while back perhaps we can do some other form of link exchange? Contact me if you’re interested and have free time.
Best,
Alisha
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Jason says
June 16, 2009 at 2:55 pmDave,
We met at Casa Kiwi back in February (we went out to Babylon one night) and now that I have been living in Buenos Aires for a while I have time to read your blog and really enjoy it. Keep up the good work!
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Dave says
June 16, 2009 at 9:20 pmJason – great to hear from you. Maybe my next trip will be a tour of Latin America and I can see what all the fuss is about down there in Argentina!
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Dave says
June 16, 2009 at 4:20 pmJason – great to hear from you. Maybe my next trip will be a tour of Latin America and I can see what all the fuss is about down there in Argentina!
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Locationless Living says
June 16, 2009 at 7:55 pmDave,
We met at Casa Kiwi back in February (we went out to Babylon one night) and now that I have been living in Buenos Aires for a while I have time to read your blog and really enjoy it. Keep up the good work!
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aseper says
April 27, 2010 at 7:15 amI did the same exact thing while on our RTW. It's hard to keep up with your daily blog and read and comment on others as well. Now that we're back, I'm doing the same as you.
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aseper says
April 27, 2010 at 12:15 pmI did the same exact thing while on our RTW. It's hard to keep up with your daily blog and read and comment on others as well. Now that we're back, I'm doing the same as you.
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Marcus says
September 28, 2014 at 9:43 pmGreat info Dave! Obviously it’s an old post, but it still holds true. I find myself doing the exact same thing now that we have begun our travels. I’m sitting heads down trying to launch the blog and disregarding my faves that have provided me the much needed motivation in the past. Time to right the ship (starting now)!