The Butcher, The Baker, The Blogger

Dating Thom was so much fun that our time together flew by. Suddenly, it had been one month since our first date and there he was, taking me out to dinner and saying, "happy one month-aversary, honey." For the first year we were together, on the fourth day of the month he would say, "happy 4 months, happy 7 months, happy 10 months..." until we hit our first year together. We love celebrating our anniversary so much that we celebrate two: the anniversary of our first date as well as our wedding anniversary. It hasn't always been smooth (oh the trials of young love!) but we're on a good path.

Today marks one month since the Food Bloggers Network was created. I am astounded by the success this group has had in our first month together. Our membership has grown in leaps and bounds and we have members across the US, in Canada, the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Spain and Israel. Our members come from a variety of careers and our blogs have all different foci: from vegan to gluten-free to baking to savory cooking to wild game and hunting! What we all have in common is the desire to improve ourselves professionally as bloggers and to help other bloggers reach their goals.

We discuss best practices (don't use a captcha; do respond to comments); we discuss social media and how to use it (twitter, tumblr, triberr... oh my!); we ask questions and we share experiences.

What we don't do is self-promote. You won't find a single link to member's blog or pinterest page. We don't ask each other to "please vote!" or announce "I'm having a giveaway!" The Food Bloggers Network isn't the place for those kind of links - we focus on professional development and networking.

I cannot begin to do justice to the incredible privilege it is for me to be able to talk to other bloggers; and not about muffins or marinades. Food is what gets me out of bed in the morning; this group nourishes my heart and mind. A month ago I wondered if there were bloggers out there going through the same struggles I was and striving for the same goals. Today I know those bloggers' names and am buoyed by their support.

My pageviews haven't increased and I don't have a book deal because of this group but I am a better blogger today than I was a month ago. I know there will be challenges ahead (oh the trials of a new venture!) but for today I am very, very pleased to say, "happy one month-aversary Food Bloggers Network!"

If you are a food blogger interested in finding out more information or joining the FBN please read the following before clicking through:

How to join? 
1. Request to join and the admin (currently me) will approve you. Once approved, read the FAQ. I highly recommend reading this document closely. It's not meant to "test" you but simply to ensure that we're all serious and on the same page.
2. Introduce yourself (more on this in the FAQ) and update the member directory document with your info.
3. Read through the current posts & the docs before posting - you may find what you're looking for!
4. Post, ask questions, answer questions. Be active, respectful, and sincere.

I'm sure there will be a huge learning curve for many of us as this progresses - especially for me. For now, I'm excited and look forward to meeting you on the Food Bloggers Network.  Join here.