In my four plus years, I've heard a lot of interesting myths about blogging that I've dispelled over time. There are, however, also things that I've learned are truth…and things that I've come to my own realization about over time, as well. I'm not sure whether these things I've learned are solely about book blogging, or if personal bloggers discover them, too, but I know that book blogging is an interesting niche to be in, and I'm so glad to be a part of it - good and bad.

1. My book blog has actually been a large factor in being hired to my past two jobs. With online media relying heavily on social media these days, being able to show that I have a strong social media background and significant ties to a social community has definitely opened doors for me. I didn't start listing i swim for oceans on my LinkedIn or resume until it was nearly 3 years old, simply because I wasn't sure it was professional enough. However, over time I realized that I put as much time and effort into this blog as many people do with their careers, and I've learned a ton, as well. Needless to say, it's opened a lot of doors, and I'm actually excited to call it part of my job today.

2. I have not made a single dime off this blog. Obviously, this is barring the countless ARCs and promotional materials that generous publishers, authors and marketers have sent me throughout the years. In terms of revenue though? I haven't made a thing. I knew a lot of bloggers when I first started that were hoping to make money off their sites, and I know that it is possible, but I haven't done so. I don't sell ad space, and I don't really hope to make money off this site. I do it because I love it, and I love sharing my thoughts on books.

3. Book blogging is extremely time-consuming. To read and develop quality posts and reviews, I spend close to 25 hours a week working on this blog, and I'll readily state that this is significantly less than I did years ago. I've found a balance now, and because I do it for enjoyment, I let my personal life dictate how much time I can or cannot spend on here. Do I feel guilty when I can't put up a post? Heck yes, but I'd feel more guilty if I put up something substandard.

4. I'm not entitled to page views or comments. I've become more relaxed about constantly staring at my blogging stats over time, but I have to admit it was an all-consuming task for over a year on this blog. And, to be honest, it made me feel like my blog was never good enough. I felt like my blog deserved comments, and it deserved to be viewed hundreds of times a day. The truth of the matter, however, is that my blog might be worthy of such comments and views, but I am by no means entitled to either. It's a give and take kind of world, and while some posts soar, others flop. It's the nature of the game. These days, I work hard to validate others without expecting my own validation in return.

5. My blogs are only as good as my own original thoughts. There was a time when I was afraid to tell the blog world that a book didn't work for me - especially if I was the only blogger I could think of that didn't like said book. The same goes liking a book most people hate. Here's the thing though…that's the beauty of blogging! It doesn't matter if others hated the book. Chances are, there is another person out there just waiting to hear that someone else loved it, too. That's why I'm no longer afraid to share my real, personal thoughts.

6. It takes time. Honestly, this is the biggest thing I had to learn with book blogging. Blogging is work, and to find any semblance of success, you have to show consistency and longevity. Have I always shown both? No, and it's hurt me in the long run. However, I'm happy knowing that after four years, there are still people that come by to read my thoughts, and for that, I will always love this blog and the book blogging community.

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What are your top book blogging goals?

This is a question I pose to myself a lot, actually. I've been at this for two and a half years now. I know. Crazy, right? It started as a hobby, but I began to take pride in it, and I began to really enjoy what I was writing. Yes, it's still a hobby, but I put more effort in it now, and I really want to make something of myself as a blogger. What exactly that is...don't ask me. I'm still working on it. Regardless, I set goals for myself each year (sometimes each month), and posting them online helps me with accountability, and plus it really helps build familiarity with those bloggers I follow and admire, as well. So, without further ado...my blogging goals:

1. Transition my blog from Blogger to Wordpress. I've been grappling with this one for a long time. I think I've wanted to do it since late 2010 but, frankly, I'm too dang scared. I know that Wordpress is far superior in terms of SEO. I also know that there's something to be said for owning my own material, rather than having that constant lurking fear that Google actually owns me. So, this one will happen. Courage, self!

2. Comment more. This one stings a little bit. I was SO good at commenting last year. I really was. Then, a lot of personal stuff happened, I got a new job, I moved and everything was thrown up in the air. I still blogged, but I found myself extremely burned out. Now I'm just trying to find that balance again and really interact more again. It will happen. Soon.

3. Do more author interviews. This one is a complete and utter failure on my behalf. It's not that I don't want to do interviews, it's that I hate having repetitive questions and when I don't, I feel like my questions are too lofty and pretentious. This one is sheer lunacy on my part, and I really need to get better at it, especially because I love all the authors out there!

4. Be a better mentor. I've been in this game a while now, kiddos. I know the ropes fairly well, though I'll admit things are constantly changing. I think it's important to help the novice bloggers that really want to succeed though. There is a right and wrong way of doing things, and we've all seen what can happen if one falls into the wrong category here. The point is that I just want to lend what little expertise I have and share that wealth.

5. Build on this discussion feature. It took me a long time to actually decide to make Let's Talk a feature. I did a few posts at random every now and again, but it wasn't anything because I was too worried it would fail. I think I need to own my ideas and just back them with confidence.

6. Be confident. Regardless of the successes I've head here on le blog, I lack confidence a lot of the time. Jenny can vouch for that, as I usually pour my endless woes to her via text, twitter, email...and just about every other medium possible. I want to be in a place where I know I'm being the best I can be, really hone my skills and just go with my gut because, let's be honest, that's what makes us all unique.

I could probably list a dozen or so more, but the bottom line is that I need to own what I have here at my blog. And when I say I need to own it, I mean I need to OWN it and be proud. Same goes for all of you. Take pride in what you do, and above all else - have fun!

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What sort of book blogger etiquette do you follow, or do you think bloggers, in general, should follow?

Let's be honest, kids. There's no Miss Manners guide to blogging, and a lot of us simply learn by doing, but here's what I learned really quickly. You're going to catch more flies with honey, or, better said, you're going to make more contacts, have more fun and forge friendships if you're willing and ready to do so. Did I know what to do when I first started book blogging? Heck no, but I learned pretty dang fast. So, I've compiled some of the important do's and don'ts for book bloggers everywhere.

Do use your own opinions and stay true to them. That's what separates you from the others!

Don't let your personal opinion morph into snarky, rude and demeaning reviews/content towards authors. Nobody likes an a%$. I'm jussayin'.

Do actually read the books. If you're not going to read it, why review it?

Don't try and influence everyone else's opinions on the books. Let them make that choice for themselves.

Do write your reviews in whatever manner you wish...words, pictures, short, or long, they're yours, so run with it.

Don't be mean. If you don't like a book, fine...but why attack it? Shock value? That's dumb.

Do be yourself! People read your blog because it's different than others...put a little of yourself into that blog, and people will get invested in it.

Don't simply request books ad-nauseum for no reason. Limited ARCs are available - if you receive one, that's awesome! Use it wisely, and consider yourself lucky. :)

Do have patience. It takes time to build a following. The more you engage with others, the more they will engage with you.

Are there more things to do? Of course! And remember, these are my personal guidelines for book blogging which, frankly, could apply to all if others want. Ultimately, blogging is up to you to do what you want. Please bear in mind that these are my personal opinions, and they are in no way meant to degrade other bloggers or their blogs!

Want to weigh in? Feel free to link up!