Comments on: Sharing Your Secrets?

By: Laura Dahl

Laura Dahl — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:54:04 +0000

I say, share away and let go of your fears.
Laura Dahl´s last blog ..Moonday Medicine | Horny Frenchie Humps a Kid

By: WendyB

WendyB — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:39:40 +0000

When it comes to my design business, I don’t give away client lists or design/manufacturing tips. I only give wholesaler/manufacturer names to other designers I think are truly deserving and who are willing to help me too.

As for the blog, though, what’s really secret? Layouts and widgets can easily be copies. And I just put together a huge, detailed list of “online responsibilities” for someone else. Someone suggested to me that that list could be considered a trade secret. I wavered over it but decided that just because it’s written down (and a lot of it is common sense) doesn’t mean anyone will actually be able to DO it the way I would do it. So who cares if they know it. I can afford to be charitable.
WendyB´s last blog ..Outfit Photo by Bill Cunningham of the New York Times

By: Grace

Grace — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:11:30 +0000

I love what Alice said a few comments above this one: “Besides, there is nothing more motivating than worthy competition”.

How true. Why wouldn’t we want other bloggers to succeed? Isn’t challenge what forces us to grow? And besides that matter, blogging is all about community. The best way to build a community is to reach out to other bloggers, and I firmly believe that means helping out where you can.

So I try not to have secrets I keep from my readers. Of course, as mentioned earlier, there is such a thing as integrity and we need to uphold that value when it comes to privileged information.

Love Grace.
Grace´s last blog ..As If…

By: queenbee

queenbee — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:45:28 +0000

You guys all brought up some great points! I’m glad to hear people have information they share and and others they don’t share. I was feeling bad about not sharing certain contacts and other information, but I see that even in this online opensource community, some things are kept to yourself.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to post!
queenbee´s last blog ..Comfy Sweater Dresses

By: julia

julia — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:28:46 +0000

haha thanks Jennine! I think it’s the Italian in me that must equate every analogy to something Italian Chocolate chip cookies is a good one too
julia´s last blog ..Wardrobe Wish List: Belted And Buckled Bootie

By: jennine

jennine — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:11:57 +0000

juia i love this analogy, i’ve always said that about chocolate chip cookies. everyone has the EXACT same recipe (the one on the back of nestle tolhouse semi sweet chocolate chips) but everyone’s batches come out differently. it’s crazy!
jennine´s last blog ..Sharing Your Secrets?

By: Alice

Alice — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:59 +0000

Knowing the secrets gives you about 10% advantage. The rest is dedication, passion, imagination and hard work. Whenever I am asked for tips or advise I say to myself that if the person has all those qualities to benefit from the ‘’secrets”, then they deserve to know them.

Besides, there is nothing more motivating than worthy competition.

And the most important thing is that the only way for blogging to grow is to establish a friendly, growing community like IFB.
Alice´s last blog ..Jewellery vs. Accessories

By: julia

julia — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:49:39 +0000

Excellent, excellent topic choice! I think that even though you share a “secret” or two, even if you reveal a a step by step guide as to everything along the way exactly as-is to be duplicated, it will never be the same! Everyone has their own unique views and preferences, and each of us can implement the same process or steps, however it will come across differently each time. Take for example pizza — its essentially dough, sauce, and cheese, follow the recipe, and you will get a pie, but how many times have you had an amazing slice and a terrible slice of just cheese pizza? I think that b/c we have such a great community that is so supportive and sharing of everything that if we didn’t help each other out, who will? As long as you keep doing what you’re doing, the special way that you do with your unique point of view, it will still be your “secret”

By: Renee

Renee — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:58:31 +0000

I agree with so much of what has been said so far- trade secrets as far as the specific skills we have are one thing, but trade secrets in regards to writing a good blog are another thing entirely. I think that having a community resource that helps me be a better blogger is incredibly helpful. That doesn’t mean I will be using the content of the other blogs I follow. If I had a knitting blog, for example, I might post tips to help improve my readers knitting skills, but if I wanted to sell my pattern designs, I wouldn’t necessarily post them for all to see. For me, the communication with other bloggers is about making my blog better, but the content is still all my responsibility.
Renee´s last blog ..The oh-so versatile LBD

By: Margaret

Margaret — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:55:08 +0000

I definitely agree with Jeanine. I will give advice about blogging, how to start, how to manage, etc. because I have gotten that help from someone else and I’m happy to help someone out. However, when it comes to my contacts, I definitely hold those near and dear. Those are things that I personally had to work to get and still work to maintain. Will I give networking advice? Absolutely! But that person has to do the work the same as me. Otherwise, how will they learn?
Margaret´s last blog ..An Instant Hair Makeover! How to Rock a Drawstring Ponytail