Here's A Thought.... The Blogosphere - Do You See It As A "Competition"?

So here's a thought...

Something was just brought to my attention, and I want to address it.

For a few weeks, I've been doing a "Tasty Tuesday", where I just share a recipe that I feel like sharing.  What I didn't realize was that Christy at Dearest Dreams also does a version of "Tasty Tuesday".  Christy ties in a recipe to a book she is reading.
Well, after seeing Christy's post, I immediately left her a comment apologizing for "stealing" her idea.  She was gracious enough to say "hey, who cares!" (thanks Christy!).

Just a little while ago, I got a message from Lori at Dollycas's Thoughts apologizing for stealing my "Tasty Tuesday".  She does "Tasty Thursday".  She told me she would pull her "Tasty Thursday" because she didn't realize that I did it, too!
What???

Lori, please keep doing it!  If your readers like it, then by all means...
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Here's the thing:  I've only been blogging since February.  I love it.  I've made so many new friends and acquaintances, and I still have a hard time believing that what I write is interesting enough for other people to want to read.
In the short time I've been doing this I've learned so much and I've even gone so far as to ask my fellow bloggers for help when I needed it, Lori included!  It never even occurred to me that maybe they wouldn't want to help me.

It never occurred to me that the blogosphere might be a competition of sorts.  That bloggers would have "secrets" as to how they get ahead.  This floors me.
Also, I've seen lately on some blogs that people have been receiving nasty comments from others.  Why???  If you don't like what a blogger is saying or doing or their memes or whatever, then don't follow them!  I know for myself that if I come across a blog that I'm not really interested in, or I don't like that person's views, then I'm skipping over it.  I would never leave a nasty comment for someone.  That's hurtful and mean.

There are something like 200,000+ blogs started every day for goodness sake!  Isn't there enough room for all of us to peacefully co-exist?  I'll admit: there are times I see somebody who has reviewed an upcoming title - one that I would LOVE to review, and wish that I had that inside edge to review it before it hits the shelves.  And I've wondered how they are able to do that - get an advanced copy to review, and I've also asked fellow bloggers if they could help me get them, too!  And like I said above - it never occurred to me that people would not want to help, or "divulge their sources" so to speak.

Are bloggers afraid that someone will review something better than them?  Or get more followers than them?  Are people trying to get their fifteen minutes of fame with their blog and they're afraid someone else will steal their thunder?
Just asking.
I do not feel that way at all.  I think every single blogger has their own way of doing things.  I've said in the past that every book blogger has their own "formula" for a review.  That's the beauty of it!  You might review the same book I did on the same day, but I can guarantee you that the two reviews will be totally different!
When I first started this, I was trying to get my foot in the door, and I really hoped I'd be able to review ARC's , etc.  But it hasn't happened.  And that's okay!  I feel like I've come into my own.  My blog has grown, and it continues to grow every day!  But not at the expense of others'  (I don't think!)  If it comes down to that, I might just have to rethink things and give it up.

So, tell me your thoughts.  Are you "competing" with other bloggers to be fastest, bestest, prettiest blog on the block?  What do you think of the mud-slinging between bloggers?  Do you feel that sometimes things get to be too much?  Are you blogging for fun?  For your career?
And most of all, do you feel that there's enough room out there for all of us?  Or do you think the blogosphere is too crowded and there is a "do or die" atmosphere?

Tasty Tuesday... "Pop-Up" Rolls

This is a fun, quick and easy recipe that is great for weeknight meals.  It doesn't take a lot of time or ingredients.  If you're pressed for time, but want something a little extra on the dinner table, these are perfect!

Pop-Up Rolls

1 1/2 c. self-rising flour*** (see note)

3/4 c. milk

3 Tbsp. sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

In a bowl, stir together all ingredients until thoroughly combined.  Fill greased muffin tin half full.  Bake at 375 degrees for 18 - 20 minutes until lightly browned.

***NOTE:  to substitute self-rising flour, place 2 1/4 tsp. baking powder and 3/4 tsp. salt in a measuring cup.  Add enough all-purpose flour to equal 1 1/2 cups.

100 Follower Giveaway Announced!

I would like to congratulate Library Cat for being the winner of the gorgeous quilted fabric bookcover!  Woohoo!

Thanks to all the participants!

Happy reading!