As part of Bloggiesta, I’ve decided to take part in a few mini-challenges. This is the first.

Word Lily is hosting the ‘10 Things Bloggers Should NOT Do‘ Challenge. For this challenge we are to Read the post, 10 Things Bloggers Should Not Do. Rate yourself (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being muy excellente) on each point. How are you doing? Brainstorm examples of what you can/will do to improve your ratings in those areas that could use improvement. And/or: If you feel you’re doing particularly great in one area, share examples of how you’ve reached such excellence.

1. You Must Not Expect Results Overnight –
   While I have not expected results overnight I would like them to happen a bit faster. I love blogging and generally do it for fun but it takes a LOT of time to pull in the links to GR, CBD, BN, & Amazon for every post that I do and I have yet to see one penny from it. However, do to my snazzy follower base I’ve managed to get some awesome prizes and gift certificates for some snazzy stores. Am I doing something wrong? Does it take more time? Or am I just being unrealistic? Rating:3/5
2. You Must Not Ignore Your Readers –
   While I do try to add a personal aspect into my blog, I know it doesn’t revolve around me — I just don’t know what to say about me that I think anyone would find interesting so, unless I have a funny story to relate, I just skip it. Rating:5/5
3. You Must Not Scrape Another Bloggers Content –
   I don’t take content from other’s blogs, books, etc without giving credit. I do pull devotionals from The Blazing Center for my Sundays if they strike a chord for me but I always try to give proper credit. If someone has seen something different, or if I make a mistake, please, let me know so that I can correct it. Rating:5/5
4. You Must Not Expect Success Without Promoting –
   This is the hardest part for me. I’m doing better — I’ve gone from 100-200 followers in just a month — but I do have trouble coming up with the time to live my life, work, read, blog, and promote. It’s really time consuming! I try to visit other TT sites but just don’t have time to too much. Rating:1/5
5. You Must Not Be Another Blogger –
   There are several bloggers out there that are popular and that I adore but life with life, I can’t BE anyone but me. Rating:5/5
6. You Must Not Fail To Update Your Blog Regularly –
   I agree. To the extent that I feel guilty if I don’t follow my schedule exactly. UGH – I so have OCD!! BUT, I don’t write on my blog daily and cannot always respond to comments. I honestly don’t always know what to say. And when I comment on others sites – I forget where I’ve let the comments or even thaat I wanted a response. I think it comes from trying to fit too much into not enough time! Rating:3/5
7. You Must Not Ignore SEO –
   I really need to look into this more. It’s not something I’d considered for my blog… Suggestions? Rating:1/5
8. You Must Not Ignore Networking –
   This is where I struggle the most, as I believe I’ve been telling you throughout the other items… Rating:a/5
9. You Must Not Have An Unreadable/Unnavigable Site –
   I think my site is pretty good – I’m sure it could be better – but I’m open to suggestions. Rating:4/5
10. You Must Not Throw Mud Around –
    Mud? I think not. The worst thing I do is an occasional rant about poor customer service experiences. I will say if I don’t enjoy a book but even those I try to pull out the positives. Rating:5/5

** The author of the 10 Things Bloggers Should Not Do is Onibalusi Bamidele who can be found at Young Entrepreneur Blog.