Eight Questions – Interview with Barbara Swafford of Blogging Without a Blog
Sometimes a star shines brighter by sharing the spotlight.
Barbara Swafford has been doing just that since March 2007, when she went live with two different blogs. It was her pursuit of ways to improve her first blog, Observation Mountain, that she came up with material for her second blog, Blogging Without a Blog. She would use BWOB to chronicle her blogging efforts in attempt to both learn more about the process and help instruct others.
Since then, BWAB has become a one stop resource for links, helpful hints, lessons and inspiration for both rookie bloggers and vets looking to improve their game. With thoughtful posts such as how bloging can be a lot like a one night stand, the power of comments, and the unwritten rules of blogging etiquette, Swafford discusses topics which affect every blogger. Combining her incredible knowledge with that of her numerous readers, Swafford has created one of the best blogging communities on the web.
Earlier this year, Swafford began helping new bloggers overcome one of their biggest hurdles – getting traffic. She did this by starting her weekly New Blog of the Week feature, inviting her readers to welcome the new bloggers to the web. Swafford is a one woman welcoming committee of her own. She not only personally greets each new reader to her site, but she also visits and comments at their websites.
Swafford was kind enough to recently talk a bit about blogging. We discussed her sites, common traits of succesful blogs, her favorite posts, what ticks her off and a host of other topics. While I tried to keep the interview true to its title, Eight Questions, this interview went a bit longer.
1. What are the origins and missions of each of your blogs?
In 2007 as I was searching my soul for other passions in life, I read “The Secret”. Additional research on the law of attraction lead me to Steve Pavlina’s blog. After reading dozens of his early entries, I realized blogging would be a great way to help others by sharing what I had learned in my life and possibly generate a passive income.
Knowing I would need a name for my blog, I began checking to see which domain names were available. All of my top choices were already taken so I began writing down ideas. Being a listener and observer, I came up with the “observation” part, and as a lover of scenery; especially mountains, I added “mountain”, hence, Observation Mountain.
As a self taught blogger, I wrote everything I was learning in a journal. Many of the blogging terms and behind the scenes procedures confused me. I feverishly studied my notes and kept writing. It was while I was working through this process, I wrote, “here I am blogging without a blog”. That was the birth of my second blog. Knowing I wasn’t the only one who was confused with the beginning blogging process, I turned my notes into what has become Blogging Without A Blog (BWAB).
Initially my goal was to build Observation Mountain (OM) into an income producing blog. I dedicated most of my time to writing (unpaid) product reviews, hints, tips and observations. I also posted to BWAB, but didn’t take it as seriously as my readership was very low. When I began receiving daily comments from loyal readers I found myself spending more time on BWAB and building its community. Although BWAB’s mission has always been to help others, it wasn’t until I began receiving feedback that I realized it was. And in my attempt to make my readers think, learn and be more informed, I found their answers were helping me become a better blogger, as well.
Although OM continues to receive traffic and generate income (enough to cover my overhead), it basically runs by itself. The majority of my time is now spent on BWAB; a blog that gives me more joy than I could ever have imagined.
2. What goes into the preparation of a typical post?
Like everyone, I build off of an idea. In the past I would write a lot of posts in advance, but recently have been using my readers’ comments as inspiration for daily posts. I “read between the lines” and also listen to my commenters for what they would like to discuss further.
Time spent on posts can vary drastically depending on how creative I feel. Although I can put a draft together fairly quickly, most of my time is spent on editing and finding a photo for the post. I continue to edit up until the time I hit “publish”.
For me it’s extremely important to visit the blog authors who frequent my site. It’s a two way street and under no circumstances would I expect someone to read my blog, if I don’t reciprocate.
3. Which of your posts do you consider your favorites?
One of my favorite posts is one I wrote for my Observation Mountain blog. It’s titled :“Wood Recycling – A Green Opportunity” It’s a lengthy post, but it describes how we turned an idea into a “green” business. Although we have since closed that part of our operation, I like the fact it may help others to pursue a dream of helping the environment via recycling.
On Blogging Without A Blog, the favorites of mine are the interview series I did with Lorelle VanFossen and Liz Strauss. I was honored they took time out of their busy schedules to answer my questions which in turned helped all who have read them. The series with Lorelle is recapped in Interview With Lorelle VanFossen – Part 9- A RecapPlus A Bonus”, and Liz was part of my A.S.K series (Answers Sharing Knowledge). They can be read here and here.
4. Two part question: How many blogs do you follow and how much time do you spend commenting on them? How integral do you feel such activities are to a blogger’s success?
I continually add blogs to my Google Reader and currently follow 134. My commenting time varies based on my work schedule and life, but on a good day, I spend up to four hours visiting other blogs. My problem is I run out of time and haven’t been able to zero out my reader for more than two months.
For me it’s extremely important to visit the blog authors who frequent my site. It’s a two way street and under no circumstances would I expect someone to read my blog, if I don’t reciprocate. Following others may not be necessary to succeed as a blogger, but for me it’s a respect issue. Although the day may come when time restricts me from visiting others on a regular basis, for now the process is manageable.
I’m always so excited when I receive comments; I wanted to find a way to help other bloggers experience that same joy.
5. What prompted you to start the New Blog of The Week feature?
In January (2008), in an attempt to pay it forward, I began thinking how I could help new bloggers “get found”. I’m always so excited when I receive comments; I wanted to find a way to help other bloggers experience that same joy. I then began searching online, in the comment sections of other blogs, and also asked my readers for nominations of new bloggers I could showcase. The series has blossomed and thus far has highlighted over 35 new blogs.
6. What has been the most memorable experience helping another blog, either with NBOTW or with your daily posts?
That’s easy. Debbie Yost of Three Weddings was on a mission to get a YouTube video taken down. It poked fun at children with special needs. As a mother of a child with Down syndrome, she asked fellow bloggers to help. I wrote a post about it, those in my community joined in and we Stumbled and Digg(ed) her post. Within days, the clip was removed from YouTube. Although it wasn’t just my efforts that helped, it did teach me how powerful a blog can be.
7. What blogs helped or inspired you when you were first starting out?
There were three: Steve Pavlina, Problogger, and Lorelle On WordPress
8. What qualities do you feel that the most successful blogs on the web have in common?
What I see in the successful bloggers is tenacity, patience, perseverance, and a dedication to unselfishly helping others. Although they do receive incomes from their blogs, it is small compared to what they freely give back to blogosphere.
9. Since you always seem to be so positive, I’m going to ask you to go negative for a moment. What are your blogging pet peeves?
My biggest pet peeve would be plagiarism. Another would be bloggers who slam other bloggers and show no respect when they are visiting another blog. I feel our blogs are our home in blogosphere and just like in real life, we must be considerate.
10. What sorts of things do you enjoy when you’re not working or blogging?
When I’m not working/blogging I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, family and friends. My hobbies include cooking/baking, faux painting, reading, and photography. I also enjoy going on road trips and seeing the country (or my state) close up.
11. What are your plans for your blogs?
This is a great question. I feel I’m at a fork in the road. Although I love how my blog is progressing, I’m feeling it’s time to do more with it. Whether that means converting some of my work into ebooks, furthering my career via blogging, or something else, I’m not sure. Whatever it is, I know I’ll enjoy the journey.
Eight Questions is my weekly interview with the people behind some of your favorite blogs. For prior updates, check out the interviews page.
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45 Responses to “Eight Questions – Interview with Barbara Swafford of Blogging Without a Blog”
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Dave, I really enjoy your eight questions series. I think it’s a smart idea and you do it really well.
Barbara, you are indeed the mother hen of the blogoshpere. It is nice to know you.
Writer Dads last blog post..I Said Stop.
Great interview. I visited Barbara’s site, but I didn’t really give it a good chance until I read this interview…now I’ve found a few other great blogs as well!
I don’t know if you can keep calling this Eight Questions..this is the second interview that has more!
Matthew Drydens last blog post..You Might Like Me (But Only As A Friend)
Hi Blogger Dad – Your words are so kind. I’m touched.
It was a real pleasure to be included in your interview series. I look forward to who you will include in the future. Ah, the suspense.
@ Writer Dad – There’s that “mother hen” term again.
@ Matthew – Come on by, dig through the archives and join the community of many great bloggers. The door is always open. Hope to see you there.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..It’s All About Me – An Interview
Blogger Dad, thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. I hung on every word.
Davinas last blog post..Free Spirit My Ass!
Hey Barbara – where would we be without you! (and I’m sure you are really a spring chicken)
Robins last blog post..Ice And Global Warming
I think that’s one of your strengths – reading between the lines.
Beautiful interview.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..If You Want to Learn Success, Study Success
Great interview Blogger Dad – Barbara is a wonderful resource! And, beyond that, just simply a wonderful person!
Barbara, it’s nice to get to know you a little bit better. I’ve learned so much from you, thanks for your support on the journey I’m on.
Lances last blog post..Winds of Change
This was really a great interview. Barbara is always so focused on everyone else that we rarely get a close look insider her head/life.
Great questions. I particularly like the last one about the direction of her blogs. “I feel I’m at a fork in the road.” Very interesting. I’ll be interested to see which way you go, Barbara.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Are You Best Friends With Your Spouse?
Writer Dad – Thank you, it’s been lot’s of fun so far.
Matthew – Awesome! That is exactly the point of this series. With the web, we make decisions instantly. Case in point, I used to consider a particular comic strip rather crudely drawn. It wasn’t until I got to know the author that I gave the comic a chance and found that it was in fact, PURE GENIUS! I even came to like the drawing style I had previously dismissed. I find that when we get to know people a bit better, it sometimes helps us better appreciate what they do. Thank you for the comments.
Barbara – Thank YOU for taking the time to respond. Great and thoughtful answers!
Davina – Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words. Barbara makes for a great interviewee.
Robin – Thanks for stopping by.
J.D. – Thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the interview.
Lance – Thank you, and YES, Barbara is awesome!
I don’t know how Barbara does it! She finds time to comment on *both* of my blogs (my other is one bag nation) every time I post, and she consistently posts five days a week herself. I so appreciate her loyalty and look forward to interacting with her every day.
Even more than that are her true generosity and genuine warmth – a wonderful oasis in a blogosphere cluttered with hype!
Thank you for the interview.
Vintage Mommys last blog post..Adoption Book Review: The Day We Met You
I’m so glad you did this interview. Barbara is so giving, and it was fascinating to know how she got started.
This is the first time I’ve visited your blog. and I’m subscribing. Nice underpants!
Betsys last blog post..OUTSIDE, SEEING
Vintage Mommy – Thanks for stopping by. I don’t know how Barbara manages to comment on so many blogs, either. I’m hard pressed to find time to read and comment on a fraction of the number she follows!
Betsy – Thanks for stopping by and subscribing. I’m glad that Barbara agreed to the interview. As for the underpants, thanks – in the first two months of this blog’s existence, you’re the first person who has commented on that drawing (hopefully not the first to have noticed)!
Hi David,
Thanks for interviewing Barbara. It was a pleasure to get to know her a little better.
And I hope to get to know you, too — I have no idea why I hadn’t come across your blog much. I subscribed now, so I’ll be reading.
ari
Ari Koinumas last blog post..5 Ways to Self-Produce Unconditional Love and Heal Yourself (Digest)
Blogger Dad,
Thank you for this wonderful interview!
It is amazing to see how hard Barbara works for others, isn’t it?
Thanks again!
Maya
Blogger Dad, you are a real Gentleman. How very appropriate that you should interview a real Lady.
Barbara, I’ve come to discover that you have class in abundance. As far as I’m concerned, you’re blogging Royalty.
This was a terrific interview and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You’ve both made me smile today.
Thank you
Dave
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Why I Want To Feel Hungry
I’m another one who wonders how Barbara is able to comment on so many blogs, especially in only four hours a day. However she does it, it’s certainly helped build BWAB into one of the best blogging communities in the blogosphere. Thanks for going beyond eight questions!
Hunter Nuttalls last blog post..The Personality Puzzle: Understanding What Makes People Tick
Found your blog through Barbara’s. Loved the interview. Barbara has been putting all of us in limelight since such a long time … I am glad today it’s her turn.
Avani-Mehtas last blog post..Honor Your Anger Style : Anger Management Series Part V
Blogger Dad, that was a great interview! Thanks for interviewing Barbara. She deserves so much recognition! I loved learning more about her. It never ceases to amaze me how she so selflessly gives of herself to others. I also love gleaning from her inner wisdom.
I too am absolutely amazed at how she comments on so many blogs. It exhaust me just thinking about all the commenting she does.
I wish soooo much good for Barbara in everything she does.
Jennifers last blog post..I’m a Star!
I had no idea that BWAB was essentially a byproduct of another blog.
A fascinating interview – thank you!
I enjoyed reading this interview because I like reading about the history and origins of existing blogs. The interview also confirms very well Barbara’s generous personality and community spirit. Well put all around, bravo!
Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..Why Don’t We Use What We Already Know?
Blogger Dad/Barb,
An awesome interview. Barb gives so much of herself, that it’s nice to see HER acknowledged for the outsanding – and interesting – woman she is!
Great job!
Rita
Oooh! I loved this interview. Thanks for bringing Barbara to my attention. I haven’t visited her site yet. Going there right now.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Pick the Brain of Harrison McLeod of Men With Pens
Ari – Thank you for stopping by and subscribing. My blog is still new and I vary between useful topics like this and humorous stuff (of little use to anyone) so it’s probably easy to overlook my little corner of the web.
Maya – Thank you for stopping by. Barbara sets a great example for all bloggers.
Dave – Wow, no funny insults today? I’m hurt. But I guess with all the grown ups in the room, we ought to behave ourselves, eh? Thank you for the kind words. As I’m sure you know, I appreciate your constant support and the witty banter we exchange daily. I promise I’ll get back to not making you smile tomorrow.
Hunter – Thank you for visiting. And it would’ve been harder to STOP at eight questions rather than continue on!
Avani-Mehta – Thank you for coming by. It was my pleasure to turn the much deserved spotlight on Barbara.
Jennifer – Thank you for stopping by. I echo all of your sentiments about Barbara. As for her comments, I would wager that she’s left more comments in the bloosphere than any other blogger ever!
Tom Volkar – Thank you for stopping by. This series has been a blast to do. I’m glad that others are finding value in it.
Rita – Welcome back. Hope all is going well for you. And thank you for the kind words.
Jamie – Thank you. I’m sure you will enjoy Barbara’s site and find lots of helpful info there.
Barbara is a wonderful lady and I’ve been lucky to know her. Not only has she given me the honor of being featured as one of her NBOTW, she’s provided me with lots of advice and mentoring during my first year of blogging. I’m glad to see she is getting some of the recognition she deserves. Thanks for doing such a great interview on her. I hope others will find her and her help, not only from her but from her vast community. It is an excellent site.
Debbie Yosts last blog post..SEW/WW – Pouting Zone
Ah, another blog added to the ever growing list of folks I want to read on a daily basis – thanks, Blogger Dad!
It is always lovely to stumble across, or be led to, a gracious soul.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..The Path, Almost There
What a great interview! I am fairly new in this blog world and there is so much to learn! Thank you blogger dad for doing this interview…very inspiring! This is a great blog, too
Carolines last blog post..Milk and Molasses…
Hi Blogger Dad,
I loved this interview, and Barbara definitely deserves the limelight and accolades! I especially loved hearing about her other blog (which I totally forgot about), getting her to be negative for a moment or two and when she says she’s at a crossroads. That was a surprise.
Great job and you’re now being added to my reader. Thankfully I don’t have as many to read as she does — but I still can’t keep up with them. Barbara has led me to the best of the best! Nice to “meet” you!
Blogger Dad, thanks for doing this interview of Barbara. I love getting to know my favorite bloggers better through the eyes of other bloggers. This is my first time to visit your blog. I intend to stay and read some of your articles and also check out Barbara’s Observation Mountain.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..Growing Up With Alcoholism In The Family
What a lovely interview! It is nice to know more about you after reading your blog, Barbara. I am off to check out some older posts. They may be from before my time.
Thanks for interviewing my favorite blogger, Blogger Dad!
Debbie Yost – Thanks for stopping by. It was my honor to do the interview.
Kyddryn – Thank you. Glad I could add to your reading list.
Caroline – Thank you and thank you. I’m new to the scene, too, so it’s great to find people like Barbara who offer so much advice for us newbies.
Linda Abbit – Thank you for stopping by, for the nice words and for adding me to your list. And yes, I was surprised by Barbara’s being at a crossroads comment, also. Nice to meet you too!
Patricia – Thank you for visiting. Enjoy your stay, hopefully the plethora of baby-related poopie jokes won’t scare you away.
Dr. Nicole Sundene – Thank you for stopping by. It was my honor to interview your favorite blogger.
Yes…I am wondering how Barbara does it. I can only guess how busy she is with just one blog. But she is so kind to go around commenting and spreading her love around the blogosphere. These little acts do not go unnoticed, which probably accounts for her popularity.
I’m glad to read this interview. It’s nice to get to know more about her. She sure has a beautiful, authentic and kind soul!
Wow, I can’t believe all the love for Barbara! I even have some to spread! She truly is a great commenter and a great blogger!
@ Davina – I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the interview. Blogger Dad did great with the questions, didn’t he?
@ Robin – Yup, I’m a spring chicken.
@ J.D. – Thank you! I try.
@ Lance – Thank you for your kind words.
@ Eric – Haha! I’ll be interested to see which way I go, too.
@ Vintage Mom – I’m laughing, as sometimes I don’t know how I do it either. Thank you for being so sweet.
@ Betsy – Thank you! The interview was a lot of fun.
@ Ari – Glad you enjoyed the interview.
@ Maya – Thank you!
@ Dave Fowler – Blogging Royalty! Wow! I’m glad we made you smile.
@ Hunter – If I had more than four hours a day to comment, I would, but that’s the perfect amount of time if I ever want to see myself catch up. The rest of my day is filled with work and other blogging activities – which reminds me, I have a post I need to publish.
@ Avani – Come tomorrow, the lime light with be back on all of you.
@ Jennifer – Thank you for the well wishes. I truly appreciate it.
@ Vered – Yup, BWAB wasn’t meant to be my main blog. Who knew?
@ Tom – You know it , I love my community.
@ Rita – Thank you for your kind words.
@ Jamie – I’m looking forward to seeing you at BWAB
@ Debbie – We go back a long ways, don’t we? You’re so sweet.
@ Kyddyn – I’ll be looking forward to having you as part of the BWAB community.
@ Caroline – Yes, Blogger Dad has a superb blog. Come on by BWAB and check it out.
@ Linda Abbit – Thank you for being so kind.
@ Patricia – You’ll love Blogger Dad’s blog. He’s a great story teller.
@ Dr. Nicole – It’s great to see you here. Thank you for the kind words.
@ Evelyn – Your words warm my heart.
@ Matthew – Thank you!
@ Blogger Dad – I hope you don’t mind me taking over your comment section for a short time to say thank you to everyone for their kind words and well wishes. As I told you earlier, I was honored to be asked to be interviewed, and I’m even more honored to be part of your blogging community. You have a great blog, and a knack for seeing humor in everyday situations. You’ll go far Blogger Dad, and I’ll be following you every step of the way. Thanks again!
Hi Barbara – What a brilliant interview. I remember that YouTube problem Debbie had. It was great having it taken down wasn’t it?
I definitely think it’s time for you to do something else now – like an ebook. You’ve given a lot now and you do deserve something back for all of your work.
hey blogger dad, i enjoyed reading this post. it’s always nice to know a little bit more about the person behind the blog.
barbara is a great helper, teacher and she shows up for “work” prepared everyday and it shows.
continued success to her and to you too! (i like the changes on your blog)
Hi Catherine – Thank you. Your warm words warm my heart.
Hi Natural – Thank you. I appreciate your support and kind words.
Hi Blogger Dad, Barbara,
This is such a cool interview, thanks for doing this! Barbara is a blogger with a big big heart.
It’s wonderful to be given a chance to get to know her a little better.
I love these interviews. This one is so full of great tips and wisdom. What made you decide to start the interviews? Are you just contacting the bloggers directly asking to interview them? Phone? Email responses. You do such a great job. Just curious.
Evelyn – Thank you for the comments. Barbara is extremely kind, in both doing the interview and in general.
Barbara – No I don’t mind at all. The stage is all yours! Thank you for both the interview and your kind words. I appreciate both.
Cath – Ditto.
Natural – Thank you very much. If you liked those changes, wait until Monday!
Irene – Thank you for the nice comments.
B. Wilde – Thank you. I started doing Eight Question interviews of comic artists on my comic’s website back in 2001 or so. I also do extensive interviews on Comixtalk.com from time to time. As a newspaper reporter, I interviewed people all the time, from politicians (mostly) to artists to musicians to writers. When I started this blog it was my intention to revive Eight Questions and interview other bloggers (with the intent to focus mostly on parent bloggers). I do the interviews via email, which saves me from having to type really fast while doing a phoner.
Barbara really sounds like a neat lady. I just discovered her site, which lead me to yours. I have subscribed to both. Thank you for the great interview questions. I look forward to ready more. Great background, by the way!
Jennifer – Thank you on all counts, I appreciate the visit and the kind words.