tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post3845958360204742775..comments2024-03-28T13:35:16.194-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Social Media: Giving Without Expecting Anything in ReturnJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-63204561826345990022010-05-22T14:49:16.067-04:002010-05-22T14:49:16.067-04:00I love to help others in any way I can. I sometime...I love to help others in any way I can. I sometimes feel guilty because it makes me feel so good in return. <br /><br />One lesson I had to learn was to be better about letting others do things for me. I would be really bad about jumping in to help, but never asking when I needed it in return. A close friend of mine explained to me how it made her feel to always be helped and never feel she could repay me because I would always turn down help, saying that 'I was fine and not to worry', etc. I'd never thought about this and I felt quite bad about it. It forced me to be better about asking for and accepting help if I need it, because others deserve to get that feeling of fufillment too. <br /><br />Great post!Angela Ackermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808259088625142389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-27233103873027957142010-05-22T14:39:02.888-04:002010-05-22T14:39:02.888-04:00What a beautiful post. You've probably given ...What a beautiful post. You've probably given unselfishly to your friend without even realizing it! That's what good friends do. <br /><br />I hope everyone is feeling better.Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4375605163441068402010-05-21T12:53:02.035-04:002010-05-21T12:53:02.035-04:00This post hit a chord with me. When I set my new y...This post hit a chord with me. When I set my new year's intentions in January, one was to inspire, move and connect with others through my writing. Time to reflect on how well I'm accomplishing this. Thanks for the reminder.Jeanne Ryan (Serenissima)https://www.blogger.com/profile/10482350542840188974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-80404290725116444522010-05-17T03:32:06.397-04:002010-05-17T03:32:06.397-04:00It's a reassuring reminder to hear that there ...It's a reassuring reminder to hear that there are people like your friend in the world.<br /><br />Giving selflessly as a writer? Hmm... <br />I find that to be a contradictory stance for a professional author to take, unless of course they've made it as a successful author. <br /><br />But then I'd differentiate the person as a professional author and the person as a person. <br /><br />Take a baker for instance, one that is struggling to pay rent, buy supplies, support her/his family... how much bread can he simply give away? Should he give away bread? Or should his charitable impulse be mostly channeled through his private life.<br /><br />An aspiring author is in a similar position... <br />I suppose, as in most things, the trick is to find the balance.Avohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15808959359850145003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-24131277457527769442010-05-16T17:09:03.622-04:002010-05-16T17:09:03.622-04:00What a beautiful friend & lesson for your kids...What a beautiful friend & lesson for your kids! :) <br /><br />I do give without expecting anything in return. It feels wonderful to give and see someone's face light up. It's also nice to give without that person (or others) being aware who the giver was. When it brings joy to the receiver, it brings joy the to giver.<br /><br />You give all the time via your blog. Sharing your knowledge from "the inside" as a soon-to-be-published author is insight most wouldn't come close to otherwise. Thanks for what you share! :)CMOM Productionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04595915747223847421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-12528339578744251552010-05-16T11:34:45.726-04:002010-05-16T11:34:45.726-04:00Oh, I LOVE this post! This is the point where the ...Oh, I LOVE this post! This is the point where the rubber hits the road and you have to ask yourself, why am I doing this? Writing is a business but it's also an expression of art that God gave us to be used for His glory. When all three of those elements combine, it's a magnificent thing, isn't it? I've not delved into the give-aways in my blog because I feel like I don't have anything to give. But you've given me a new perspective and one that I'll be chewing on for awhile. Thank you!Clementinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08745982305618408952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-85075310070262448392010-05-16T07:59:12.112-04:002010-05-16T07:59:12.112-04:00It's sorta funny that I read this right after ...It's sorta funny that I read this right after reading your post from 6 months ago about "why blog comments matter". ;)India Drummondhttp://www.indiadrummond.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72885282524323781552010-05-16T03:38:17.802-04:002010-05-16T03:38:17.802-04:00Great timing for your post. I've decided to go...Great timing for your post. I've decided to go ahead with starting up a 2nd blog. This one will be about writing etc. <br /><br />Both my devo blog and my writing blog are designed to help others. (Well, that's the aim anyways)Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-78749327115111204812010-05-15T22:24:22.718-04:002010-05-15T22:24:22.718-04:00Jody, this is a beautiful post, I felt nudged over...Jody, this is a beautiful post, I felt nudged over here for the golden nuggets ;) as usual I have much respect for you and your blog ;).. so thank you for that! <br />I do love to give, although I admit sometimes I have those moments of expecting maybe not from someone but from a lifestyle of always giving.. I think that comes from past over-nurturing roles. There is a happy balance that I am finding and it is so rewarding! To be replenished in one's own and to always have enough to overflow that is the beauty I am trying to find in God. Also learning so much of mercy lately and realizing how much God wants to pour out freely to us our deepest desires.. it just blows my mind.. so this post really applies to my journey lately. Thank you for sharing! I appreciate you! ~JennJenn @ CozyCompanionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15773786500454535729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15031615080418779022010-05-15T20:07:39.305-04:002010-05-15T20:07:39.305-04:00Hi Jody, I love reading your posts. I think the a...Hi Jody, I love reading your posts. I think the artists and writers putting their creative skills towards charity work (such as for Nashville, and Haiti recently) is a great example of how to give back to the wider community. I would like to think that if the giving is done with zero expectation on the return, then its even better, just my opinion. ;)Taleihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07317577935549931974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68743083372998581932010-05-15T09:57:01.842-04:002010-05-15T09:57:01.842-04:00Hi Jodi,
I just posted an award for you at my blog...Hi Jodi,<br />I just posted an award for you at my blog. Please feel free to stop by and pick it up. Hope you are having a great weekend.Tyrean Martinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15356604721537744361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16344284843947632792010-05-15T07:02:12.907-04:002010-05-15T07:02:12.907-04:00I think it is important to teach your children as ...I think it is important to teach your children as you do. They will become caring adults.<br />You chose a great way of explaining your friend's actions to them. <br />It was also a good way to compare how we share our words.<br />I would like a few nice words said about my finished work.I do not expect it though, I just think it would be a nice thing to happen. I am not greedy, it is not about the money. Just a 'well done you finished' will satisfy me.Glynis Peters https://www.blogger.com/profile/01175378917872403609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-74008988309390332422010-05-14T23:28:34.426-04:002010-05-14T23:28:34.426-04:00Jody, this post makes me yearn for something that ...Jody, this post makes me yearn for something that seems utopian in today's writing world. I would love to just write from the heart, and not feel an ounce of pressure to promote my work; to know that without any kind of marketing effort on my part, I could just give and not expect a return. But that pressure is there and I'm not sure how to make it disappear. There are many areas in which I give with little expectation of a return. My mothering is an example of that. Of course, I do hope my kids will turn out to be human beings who can contribute to society in healthy ways, but I don't have any specific thoughts as to how they need to carry that out at this point, anyway. And yet I pour so much of my life into them...unconditionally. In addition, my giving as a church cantor and radio host are both volunteer. I do them because I love inspiring others and promoting others who have a wonderful message to share. I love these activities because there are so few expectations on what I might receive, other than to bring more people to Christ. Even in that, my underlying desire is that they know the love of Christ more deeply, and that's it! :) (Look what you drew out of me -- whoah!)Roxane B. Salonenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01459456545891720716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82190804508706578632010-05-14T19:21:18.328-04:002010-05-14T19:21:18.328-04:00This is a great concept! I agree, and I find that ...This is a great concept! I agree, and I find that being generous on social media, in terms of promoting other people's blogs, tweets, and projects, usually ends up paying off in the long run (although I never expect it to).Sandyhttp://sandyraymond.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3247573768662814642010-05-14T19:18:10.875-04:002010-05-14T19:18:10.875-04:00This is one thing I've been trusting the Lord ...This is one thing I've been trusting the Lord for wisdom on, for opportunities such as these. There have been so many helpful people along my writing path and I desire to be a blessing to others.<br />Good post, and glad you are all finally feeling better:)<br />Blessings,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13968527442329052792010-05-14T18:53:15.588-04:002010-05-14T18:53:15.588-04:00Hmm, I don't think I've thought of it in r...Hmm, I don't think I've thought of it in regards to marketing. I guess because the goal of marketing is to get name recognition and to sell books, so even if it isn't a direct return on investment, that's still our goal. <br /><br />However, I DO think it is really important to "give without expecting something in return." What a wonderful thing to teach your kiddos! And I think as writers, we can totally do that. I've heard authors tell about doing things "probono" where they give out a book to someone who can't otherwise afford it, or offer a free critique to help a newbie writer.<br /><br />To whom much is given, much is expected:-)<br /><br />Oh, and that said (I say that a lot...) I think book giveaways on blogs are fun and a good marketing tool.Krista Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10772828583379163612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76291431165610095862010-05-14T18:00:53.487-04:002010-05-14T18:00:53.487-04:00What a wonderful story to start with!
It's r...What a wonderful story to start with! <br /><br />It's really about relationship, isn't it? I don't feel like I'm the one in charge of my writing career, so giving without expectation of return doesn't bother me. If I follow, I'll end up where I need to be.Deb Shuckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439395710731341021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60563132735565439752010-05-14T17:51:24.636-04:002010-05-14T17:51:24.636-04:00What inspiring post.
post free classifiedsWhat inspiring post.<br /><a href="http://www.adpress.in" rel="nofollow"> post free classifieds </a>kanishkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13651620533023202224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-59803588310864560712010-05-14T17:13:04.856-04:002010-05-14T17:13:04.856-04:00Such a great post, Jody.
You're absolutely ri...Such a great post, Jody.<br /><br />You're absolutely right. Giving is much more gratifying when done without expecting anything in return. On the internet or otherwise.Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-58459960613683199492010-05-14T13:31:54.972-04:002010-05-14T13:31:54.972-04:00This is how Christ always wants us to live in ever...This is how Christ always wants us to live in everything we do. If I haven't internalized it and applied it to everything, even my writing, I need to get to work -- on my own heart. <br /><br />Good post. Great illustration!Cassandra Frearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16564236561567663914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86804152249726508152010-05-14T13:13:37.208-04:002010-05-14T13:13:37.208-04:00The older I get the easier it becomes to give with...The older I get the easier it becomes to give without expectation. I have learned the hard way what expectations can do to you. I wrote a devotional booklet years ago and Im still giving them away to people. It feels great to help someone - I know my reward will come in another time or never. I dont mind.Jan Clinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16617976979678082323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18490556506299604562010-05-14T12:42:23.927-04:002010-05-14T12:42:23.927-04:00That's why God brought us all together to help...That's why God brought us all together to help one another. Great teachable moment with your girls. :O)Dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07604687906788800639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19047453682739643252010-05-14T12:31:25.716-04:002010-05-14T12:31:25.716-04:00I hope your family has finally reached the end of ...I hope your family has finally reached the end of the health issues cycle, Jody. I know it's hard to be a constant caregiver when you're not feeling well yourself. Your friend was very thoughtful and a real blessing to you and your family.<br /><br />Writing as a part time or full time career means we hope to be able to make some kind of living from it so I don't think we should feel guilty about our expectations of a return for our effort, especially if we're using a God-given talent. That's the business aspect of our lives. But there has to be separation between what we do for a living and who we are as individuals. There needs to be more to us than constant promotion of our work. Giving back in gratitude is one response; giving in compassion is another.<br /><br />I like your suggestion of looking for unique and practical ways to give. Writing devotionals without reimbursement, or offering how-to, inspirational and encouraging articles on our websites all seem like good ways to give back. We'd have to examine our own hearts about our expectations, mind you, especially if such things helped to increase traffic to our websites. <br /><br />The motivation for book giveaways doesn't strike me as selfless, because no matter how delighted I might be to receive a free book (and I always am!) I know that the author is hoping the gift will widen awareness of his/her name and titles. There's a place for that in marketing but it shouldn't be the only kind of 'giving' a writer does. <br /><br />So there -- that's my two cents worth! :)Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23160489929731835002010-05-14T12:26:21.301-04:002010-05-14T12:26:21.301-04:00Jody, you are an excellent example of an author wh...Jody, you are an excellent example of an author who gives of herself and her time. Your blog is a gift, one I anticipate three times a week. Thanks!Keli Gwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13236868298400593688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-35581826099536399852010-05-14T12:09:30.374-04:002010-05-14T12:09:30.374-04:00I was going to mention Rachelle, and all the other...I was going to mention Rachelle, and all the other people donating things for the Nashville flood victims...I think it is all just so amazing. It's really heartening to see the writing community take action.<br /><br />How blessed you are to have a friend who would do that for you :) Have a great weekend!Beth Mannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14279427592537427039noreply@blogger.com