Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
Welcome back to Tuesday. Hope you are having a nice week. This week's topic, suggested by Susan at Bloggin' 'bout Books, asks us to share ways our blogging/review style has changed over time. I'm not quite sure I can think of ten, but I will give it a whirl. If not, I will add in some ways that it has stayed the same throughout the years.
Top Eight Ways in Which My Blogging/Review
Style Has Changed Over Time
I am okay with not finishing a book.
Initially, I read every book I accepted, even if I didn't really enjoy it. With such limited reading time now, I'm okay with saying a book was not for me and donating it.
I started a spreadsheet to organize my TBR pile.
When requests poured in faster than I could read, I had to find a way to keep track of incoming books and review dates. My handy Excel spreadsheet has been keeping me organized since 2009.
I turn down requests to review.
While I still struggle with this, I have to be realistic. There are so many requests, and not all of them can be accommodated.
Adding the First Chapter Review made spreading the book love easier.
Especially when I piled up Kindle freebies, the guilt in owning hundreds of books I wasn't reading gnawed at me. That's why I started the First Chapter Review feature. I read the first chapter, share my thoughts on the cover, share what the first chapter is about, and discuss why I would keep reading or not keep reading. This also allowed me to eliminate books from the TBR pile if they didn't capture me in the first chapter.
I stopped participating in most reading challenges.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I just don't follow crowds very well. The only reading challenge I can seem to come close to winning or win regularly is the Goodreads challenge, and I think that's because I don't have to read specific books for it. I just plain old read. Can't tell you how much I admire all of you who can complete book challenges, but it is not for me.
I stopped checking my stats.
When I started The Book Connection, it was to gain followers. I stressed over not having enough followers. My goal was to create a following for myself while sharing books by others. Would I like more followers? Sure. Who wouldn't? I just don't focus on it anymore.
Short reviews are okay.
Only so many hours in the day. A shorter review is better than no review.
Checking in with other bloggers is much more fun these days.
Because I've been at this for so long, I've virtually connected with a lot of bloggers. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the readers here, and some of you I feel like I've really gotten to know as a result of checking in with you weekly. Because I was so focused on building a following in those early days, it seemed more like work. Now, it's simply a joy to see what you all have been up to lately.
Two Ways in Which My Blogging/Review Style
Has Stayed the Same Over Time
I search for at least something good to say, even if I don't enjoy a book.
While my reviews are always reader-focused and honest, it rarely happens that I can't find one good thing to say about every book I read.
I strive to expand my reading horizons.
Every year, I promise to read at least one book in a genre I don't regularly read. I've discovered a love for some dystopian fiction and young adult fantasy as a result. While my overall tastes haven't changed much, I still like stretching beyond my comfort zone to read outside of my typical genres.
Not too bad of a list. How did you do? I look forward to visiting your blogs today. Thanks for your loyal readership.
I can tell you've really been listening to yourself and your needs. That is so good. I keep making rules about reviewing. One of my rules is I have to review all the books I read for book club. The other books are optional. Boy, that takes a lot of pressure off me. I also like book club so much I am trying to assist the b.c. world by writing discussion questions for books I can't find any for. I hope that helps my blog rise above a bit.
ReplyDeleteYou make up for my lack of ability to stick to book clubs, Anne. I simply am never successful. That's so cool you add that aspect to your blog. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteA great list! I started Blogging in 2021 and at first it was like posting to no one then I started to get followers. Again like you I wanted more (and still do!) but actually I just like these memes and seeing what people are doing and starting conversations here! The other social media sites are brutal and the soul has left them.
ReplyDeleteI only do Goodreads, Library Love and I started to participate in 20 Books Of Summer. These challenges are all flexible so I don't have that pressure. I have however got a list of Netgalley and Blog Tour books up to the end of June/beginning of July.
Anyway, have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2025/05/13/top-ten-tuesday-ways-in-which-my-blogging-review-style-has-changed-over-time/
The memes are so fun, Emily. Wish I had time for more. Hadn't heard of Library Love. Will need to check that out. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteI often refer to other bloggers as my friends when I'm discussing something I've seen on a blog, or a bunch of blogs.
ReplyDeletePam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/the-ls-have-it-ten-titles-starting-with-l/
That's so nice, Pam. It makes us feel more personally connected.
DeleteI stopped checking stats, too. It took the pressure off.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, Lydia. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThe first chapter review is a great idea!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kristyn. I've really enjoyed doing them. Appreciate the visit.
DeleteI used to check my blog stats multiple times a day. Now I look at them maybe once a year. I just do the best I can, and hope people enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to look at it, Aj. Blog for yourself and hope others find enjoyment too. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteThis is a great list! I check my stats once a month (at the end of the month) to see how/if I am growing or regressing. But, I don't stress about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Cindy. We really should find more pleasure than work in blogging. Appreciate your visit.
DeleteI relate to SO many of these! I also started a spreadsheet back in the day to keep track of all the physical review books I received. It has really helped to keep me organized over the years. I love me a spreadsheet :)
ReplyDeleteHappy TTT!
So nice to see you here, Susan. I didn't realize we started blogging within a year of each other until I visited your post. I definitely appreciate a good spreadsheet. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteAnymore I mostly do short reviews and that works for me
ReplyDeleteShorter reviews can be so helpful, especially when readers don't have a ton of time. Thanks for visiting, Lauren.
DeleteGreat post and many things are relatable!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://laurieisreading.com/2025/05/17/top-ten-tuesday-ways-in-which-my-bloggin-reviewing-style-has-changed-over-time/
Thanks, Laurie. Great to see you here.
Delete