When we lost our fellow blogger and friend Bethany earlier this week, it was a real shock to many of us. She was young. She was vibrant. And now, just like that, she is gone. I went to her blog a few times this week and I was struck by how many lovely comments people left for the family. And many bloggers have said they wished they'd known her or found her blog before she passed away.
There are so many weight loss blogs out there. Many of them get few comments. I get quite a few emails every month from bloggers asking me: How can I find support? How do I get people to read my blog? How can I become a part of the blogging community? I tell them to write regularly and read other blogs and leave comments. Often, people will come and read your blog if you comment on theirs. But it IS hard when you are just starting out (or even if you've been blogging awhile) to find support and community in the blog world. Support is essential, and we all deserve a part in this community of bloggers.
In memory of Bethany and with the consent of her family, I created a new blogroll site in her honor. This blogroll is for everyone; if you have a personal weight loss (or related) blog, I will be glad to add you to the blogroll. This way, everyone who *wants* community, will have community.
The blogroll is designed to make it easy for anyone to find new blogs they haven't ever seen and new posts they haven't read; the titles of blogs you have not visited will be linked in dark pink, while visited sites will be in blue. Newly updated blogs will be at the top, but you can click a link at the bottom to show ALL blogs and go visit ones that have not updated in awhile (maybe they could use some encouragement). I hope you will use this blogroll in this spirit in which it was intended: to build a supportive blogging community by reading AND leaving comments on blogs, especially those with fewer readers. Everyone can use a hand. Maybe you'll make some new, dear friends through this community. Maybe someone will reach out to you and help you change your life.
Bethany left kindness wherever she went. There are so many sweet, supportive words from her on my blog. Let's let her spirit live on in the words of support we leave for others.
Here is the new website. If you would like your blog to be added to the blogroll, leave me a comment here and I will add it. Only personal weight loss (or related) blogs, please. I posted a few blogs up there already, just to get started. Everyone is welcome! Let's build something beautiful.
The Bethany McDonald Memorial Blogroll
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