Self Review of my Reviews - I suck!
My daughter has this stuffed Teddy Bear that sings toddler songs. Great for learning, awful on repeat. There are only so many times the adult brain can tolerate "if your happy and you know it jump up high!".
But the other day my daughter was sitting in her high chair, and apparently not happy with what was on the menu, put her hands together, squeezed and said, "I'm taking a breath"!
It took me a second to put things together. There is another verse to the above tune that goes. "If you're frustrated and you know it, take a breath."
When it comes to my review posts, I am in big need of a breath. I can't even get one out. I love writing about what I'm doing, and it comes pretty easily. I wrote my WA review and it's posted on my site, but I kind of hate it.
The other reviews I've started just make me vomit in my mouth a little when I reread the first two paragraphs. I'm not exactly sure what the crux of the issue is, but I think it's that I am reviewing stuff that I'm not that familiar with.
I also think it triggers a deeper concern with my content development. I'm kind of living my niche and planning to post real-time experiences and reviews, but I'm in a little of a holding pattern at the moment. *takes deep breath*
I still want to get content out there, but feel like I'm making crap up that may lead to distrust down the line. I don't want to create BS reviews just for the sake of reviews. Should I just power through, or put the review crap on hold for a while?
Sorry if this turned into a rant.
PS- Got this message when I hit publish. "Your blog content needs to be unique, original, and not copied from anywhere online. We found that your blog content is already published on other website(s)."
Weird considering this is completely unique content.
Recent Comments
30
Why not get some ideas into your inbox through google alerts, newsletter subscriptions and then go from there
I find these help greatly
That sounds like a good idea, Dave. I am going to look into some niche related Newsletters right now as a matter of fact.
Thanks,
Haven
Unless it is futuristic is their really any unique content?
I know what you are saying, but have you at any time in the past read about what you have written.
With so many people writing in the English language there are bound to be similarities or even exactly the same without knowing it.
There are only so many words in the English language, and it is just a matter of the order you put them in.
Derek
This is true, Derek. I imagine there are only so many unique thoughts that can be written in the English language.
I just like to think that I'm unique! Ha.
Haven, we think it is maybe time to take a step back and get away from it for a day or two.
Although we have been reading your posts, we may have missed something. We still don't know your niche. Is it possible that you have chosen a niche you are not really passionate about and don't feel confident enough yet to write about?
We had an epiphany this evening...when we finally admitted to ourselves that our chosen niche, even though it is something we are really passionate about and know a lot about, was far too broad. This, of course, is different to your issue but we have decided to start over.
At first sight, it seems like we have wasted the last 4 months but, upon reflection, we have learned so much that our failure is maybe a blessing in disguise.
We already have some new ideas and are very optimistic.
What we want to get across to you is sometimes you have to take that step back and reboot your brain and just don't be so hard on yourself.
We are truly with you on this journey. Our thoughts are with you.
Colette and Philip
Thanks CandP. I am definitely passionate about my niche. Confidence may be an issue in certain respects, but I also think it's a little atypical in how it approaches the market.
I am hoping that is the cool part about it, but it may make things more difficult. I guess we'll see.
I don't think there is such a thing as wasted time if you are working to achieve your dream. It's simply time spent learning your craft.
Thanks for your help, and best wishes on the reboot.
Haven
Hi, H,
Out of the mouths of babes, lol...as a parent I would have dropped to the floor. Hence, I’m taking a breathe. Now that is my review, lol.
Kindly,
Becky
Oh, I was absolutely floored when I realized what she was saying. I had to take a breath, not out of frustration, but awe.
I appreciate your review.
Thanks,
Haven
Hi, H,
Exactly. Way too funny, lol. I swear kids are getting smarter with every era that passes by. Have a good one. Becky
Absolutely. You have one very smart child and it sounds like it will only get better as the days go by. Btw you are unique, and so is your writing. Can't wait to see where you go with this opportunity that you have come across with Wealthy Affiliate.
Good luck with your reviews. Haven, you can always go to the live help and asked them the why as to why you received that odd message or just publish it again.
Yes, and, yes, I feel that you have always been writing from your heart, so ask around starting with live help. To the left below research, and above help center, and again that's my review, lol.
Good luck. Without a struggle where's the reward? or when you're frustrated and you know it, take a breath...so cute, lol. Best story ever...sorry, I can't get passed that one. Nope.
Best wishes,
Becky
I think struggling with reviews is normal, I myself struggle and I have seen others mention this as well. As for the "unique content", I don't know, that is weird.
Mary
The unique content thing was weird. I just sat down and wrote.
Maybe I'm not as unique as I imagine?
Hang in there buddy. It'll get better as you get further into the training. Reviews are hard. I have a difficult time with them as well. I may be talking out my ass right now, but I don't think they need to look exactly like Kyle's, as long as they are original and you are happy with them. I know, I know you aren't happy with them. Then perhaps you are reviewing the wrong things. Write a list about all the things you could review on and start with the easiest. That's what I would do. Get it out of your head and on to paper so you can see what is in your head. Make sense? I hope I helped at least a little.
Rae
Thanks, Rae. Definitely helpful!
I think that I am trying to review stuff that my eventual audience will be interested in rather than just speaking from the heart about things I have real familiarity with.
Maybe I am also trying to monetize things too soon?
We all want to monetize our sites yesterday but sometimes it takes time. There's a reason for that depending on who your deity is. Take your time, take a deep breath and do what you know for now until you are ready for the future stuff. That's my 2 cents
Thanks, Rae. Surely true. I have given that advice more than once, but thanks for letting me hear it.
Cheers,
Haven
You're welcome Haven and don't be so hard on yourself. It will all work out as long as you don't give up.
Sounds like you're being too hard on yourself! ... chill out a bit and relax & breathe ... :)
Probably true. I am not at all a stressful person, but it's been a crazy month or so.
Thanks for the reminder.
Haven
you're most welcome! .... and as for the 'un-unique' content--- likely need to re-tweek it here 'n there to make it work ... (was wondering at what point will market saturation hit on the 'content' side, after all, how much 'original thinking' is there out there)
....anyway, enjoy a few moments of peace & quiet OR perhaps get outside in the fresh air to clear the ol' noggin and then get back right on your horse again!
See more comments
Sounds like the universe is telling you that you need to take a step back and regroup. I thought I was doing good with my reviews until I went through the training, and it seems my format is way off. Maybe that explains why I'm not getting any results. I know I need to rewrite them, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.
If you're really not happy with the content, maybe it's best to hold off, keep it in draft form, and work on it as you see fit. Inspiration usually appears when you least expect it, and before you know it, you'll be creating reviews that you'll be proud of in no time.
Thanks for the ideas. I'm really not all that worried about it, despite my ranting post. I know they will get better and I can always rework previous posts once I find my "review voice".
Thanks again,
Haven
At times "ranting" does wonders. It helps you clear out your frustrations and realize you're not alone in your struggles. We are all learning as we go.