Marketing and promotion have a lot to do with it, part of it is being around for a long time, and I think follow-through matters. The phrases “community” and “networking” are thrown around a lot, but they can be done on a superficial level or with real authenticity.

I think posts where you show “you”, put yourself out there, and show your vulnerable side, are the right approach.

In a strange way, it’s nice to read posts like this. If someone, who by many measures, is a “successful” blogger can have these type of doubts, those of us who really are just starting out, shouldn’t feel bad at all about having the occasional “down day”.

I’ve been subscribed to your feed for the past few weeks, and when/if I ever get around to trimming my blogroll down to just my “must read” sites, this one will still be on my list … for whatever that’s worth.

p.s. I was also a military brat, before I joined the Air Force myself. Did you ever spend any time overseas as a kid? … I graduated from High School in England.

But I know that I am still learning, nor am I as prolific a writer. It’s coming, though, I have gone to full-time blogging because my wife and I have just moved across the country and there is no work for me here yet.

And if you think it’s tough not being very well known, try having someone come along with the same name as you and steal your number 1 spot on google…

I think the key is to keep providing content that adds value to people’s lives. When you do this people seek you out even if you do move.

Darren – It is a real honour to have you comment here. I feel like I have hit the level of success that I have always wanted in so many ways, and realize that most people that are well known on the web, sometimes don’t even realize that they are well known.

I just worry that if I disappeared from the blogosphere tomorrow, no one, but my closest friends and contacts would wonder what happened to me.

Again, this is all stemming from a strong insecurity I have, and have always had being a Military brat, moving from place to place, hoping to make new friends and have people “like me”. The blogging world is a much larger podium, and thus even more nerve-wracking as you realize people may not “give a damn” about what you have to say.

Your advice is really great, and jumbled comments are the best. I don’t need to be an A-List blogger, but I’d hate to think I am still the guy that goes to the conference and is referenced as “the guy that writes on the sites Scrivs used to own”.

some scattered and non-logical thoughts:

Your post makes me think a little about ‘success’ and how we measure it as bloggers. The ‘fame’ or notoriety that you talk about here is one measure – but so is making a living (as others above have pointed out), personal satisfaction, knowing you’re helping people etc

Another thought – I think there are only so many names that people remember in a niche. It’s sad reality but most niches can only sustain a handful of ‘famous’ bloggers. Your list of other bloggers above is fairly tech/metablogging oriented – its a fairly crowded space and difficult to break into – but there are other niches that perhaps would be easier. Not saying you should give up on the niche – just an observation.

Another thought – some of the bloggers who I think get most attention really really work not only at writing but marketing. Not saying you haven’t done this – but it’s something that I think many don’t see.

I’m not really sure if any of the above makes any sense or is helpful – all seems a bit jumbled to me – but my last thought is to hang in there I know who you are!