There is hardly a show I watch without seeing it mentioned that they have a Facebook page, are on MySpace, and/or on Twitter.

Celebrities, Authors, Poets, Politicians . . . nearly every public figure who wants to remain in the forefront uses these services.

However, before all these mediums took society by storm, there were blogs.

(Author’s note: The first blog started in 1994. Blogger started in 1999. MySpace was founded in 2003 and Facebook launched in February 2004.)

Thus, this community has had enough time to grow and flourish, even suffering from the inherent growing pains that occur when one combines freedom of thought with anonymity.

Overall, I see it as a good thing; especially that part of the blogosphere where bibliophiles come together to discuss, debate, and more importantly support each other.

Inquiring Within has sought out one member of this vast network who working alone and with others, has become well known for her generosity, ingenuity, and wonderful personality.

GalleySmith aka Michelle, was brought to my attention by Pam who mentioned Michelle’s work with the Book Blogger Convention. In case you are not aware, it is a one-day event held so that those attending are able to get support, instruction, and social time with other book bloggers; helping friendships form through the common bond of loving books, reading, and sharing the love for literature in all its forms.

The list of organizers is a virtual who’s who of the community: Amy at My Friend Amy, Michelle at GalleySmith, Natasha at Maw Books, Nicole at Linus’s Blanket, Pam at MotherReader, Rebecca at The Book Lady’s Blog, and Trish at Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’?

Recently, she and Rebecca of The Book Lady’s Blog announced a new venture that, well, let me use their own words to describe it:

“Inspired by the “teach a man to fish” philosophy, Social MediU provides education, training, and marketing solutions that equip you to promote yourself and your creative product effectively and efficiently.”

What I would give for even half her energy! Between the BEA, Book Blogger Con, Social MediU, this is one busy lady. I appreciate her taking the time to answer a few questions.

Q:  Have you found that as you’ve grown as a blogger, your goals have evolved or changed much from when you first started?

A:  I definitely think I’ve grown as a blogger.  When I started GalleySmith a year ago I envisioned only posting reviews. I hadn’t thought of doing special features, challenges or anything else really.  Now I’ve got my fingers in all these different great tasting pies!  There is such a wealth of experience and innovation in the community it’s virtually impossible not to feed off of it. I’ve be so very fortunate to have developed the relationships I have because they directly influence the work I do on my blog.

Q: Do you feel new bloggers need to understand that blogging inherently requires an ability to adapt as it grows and changes along with society and technology? And how can they do this while trying to remain true to their personal mission whatever that may be?

A:  This is such a tough question!  On one hand I think it’s of great importance to be adaptable and flexible as a blogger.  But, I also think the need to be so directly relates to what you are ultimately trying to do with your blog.  If you are reporting on trends and actively pursuing industry relationships I’d say it’s more important to be (at a minimum) knowledgeable of issues related to blogging, society and technology.  If the goal is to enjoy a hobby and share your reading with the world being in the know isn’t likely as significant.

Q: How would you counsel someone who wants to contribute to the community in ways other than by using their blog?

A: I’d say jump right in!  Get on Twitter and Facebook and start connecting with people.  I’m sure many will tell you that great ideas are born of conversations in these locations.  Participate in blogging events (both online and in person) like The Book Blogger Convention, The Kidlitosphere Conference, Book Expo America, Readathon, BBAW and the multitudes of reading challenges that are going on over the course of the year.  Also, I don’t know of any blogger out there who doesn’t love getting comments!  Even if you don’t want to blog regularly jump in and be a participant by reading blogs and getting into conversations.

Q: Growing pains happen to all communities – even book bloggers. Most recently, there was some hubbub due to observations made of cultural differences and in the past related to first generation bloggers versus later generations. There have also been discussions related to authors and publishers in regards to how they perceive blogging and bloggers. Do you feel events like Book Blogger Con will help to alleviate some of these issues to help improve understandings and community relations?

A:  I think that any event that brings members of a community together to network and learn has the potential to influence growth and understanding.  I don’t, however, believe it’s the only way to do so.  While I’ve seen some of what I’d call “blogging drama” first hand I do think that respectful conversation can and does happen online with equal effectiveness. 

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Again, I’d like to thank Michelle for her time and insightful answers. If you have an idea for Inquiring Within, please share by leaving a comment or using my contact form.