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Expectations-What I expected when I started on HubPages vs What I found when I got here
Change that I needed to make to be more like me








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What was expected vs What was gained
I have read some great hubs written by some great writers that explain why they love Hub Pages and/or why they write here. When I started writing here, I had hopes to what I would accomplish, just as many of the Huber’s have when they begin, unsure if any one else is going to care about what they have to write. Some here are here as a hobby and have no intention of becoming a professional writer, others are here for friendships and chat well into the evening hours after they lay their children down to sleep. I came here to collect who I was and who I am, after long ago I lost myself.
In the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was a good writer and not sure if anyone would want to read what I had to write. But I started here as a way to figure out who I am without feeling ashamed or judged for thinking, feeling and saying the wrong things. I figured if I was horrible and wrote hubs that no one liked, I could bow out and with no harm done-opposed to life, where I felt like I wasn't doing a single thing right and felt as if I was lost and my thoughts and feelings were unique to me and no one really knew or wanted to know to understand me.
After awhile, I had a few followers that left positive, encouraging comments on my hubs (Mike Lickteig, Ben Zoltak, Samboiam, Veronica Allen, Ann Nonymous, Sage Williams, Nadiaazhar, Hypnodude, Nan Mynatt) and was welcomed into the forums and motivated by a few uplifting guides (crazdwriter, Cagsil, Ken Abell, Richieb799, Misha, Justine76 and Lyrics)-which helped me stay positive and continue to write and publish more hubs. I never intended to make money here, so I wasn’t affected when I didn’t make any the first few months. I more so wanted to see an increase in views which for the longest time was less than 100 views per day (at times, less than 50), and I hoped that I could get back into the habit of writing again after I had laid my pen and paper down many years ago and lost myself in life and self torment.
As time goes by- I am still here.
So it has been six months and I am still here on Hub Pages. Other than Hub Pages I now write 3 columns for the Examiner, as well as create content for one of the largest Website Design and Development Companies in San Antonio. I manage the online influence of that company as well as many of their customers by leading the Online Marketing Strategy and Search Engine Optimization sectors of the company.
I am working on illustrations for a poem which I originally posted here on Hub Pages, which once illustrations are complete, the poem and drawings will be transformed into a Children's book and published. Finally I am also honored to be making slide shows/ videos to go along with music written by Huber, Mr. Daniel Carter. What I expected when I signed onto Hub Pages is nothing compared to what I have gained from the experience, whether directly or indirectly.
I see myself with more clarity today than I did 6 months ago, and for a girl who has been lost for a very long time, it feels good to be able to not only breathe, but believe in myself, for perhaps the first time in my life. I am able to organize my thoughts into hubs and even ramble on about nonsense, I am a better, less stressed mother for my children and person for my husband because I began to write on Hub Pages and stopped holding in everything that I felt and was scared to be judged by.
So when someone asks me, what is so important about Hub Pages, if you don’t make money off of it? I just smile and shake my head as I respond politely,
“You say, it is a silly writer’s community, or a place to gossip and chat just like Face book or My space. What that tells me is; you don’t understand the power of the written word and what it means to the many people that coexist side by side in this world. What it tells me is that you don’t know what it is to feel alone even when you are surrounded by people. To feel as if no one knows you, understands you or believes in the same things that you believe in- because you are not even sure that you know yourself anymore. It tells me that you have never written something that you wanted to share with others just so you know what they think about words that mean the world to you.
Although most writers on Hub Pages will never meet one another face to face-I am sure that most have made some friends that believe in them, and are shown support from these friends when having a trying day. I am sure that many have met a few that have experienced the same pain and have been through similar life experiences, and they feel as if they can truthfully share who they are without shame. Many of us here on Hub Pages have read and followed another Huber because we are inspired by who they are and are motivated by what they say. Even though many will never profit from their writing in a way that will support their families and bring riches to their lives, they undeniably do profit from this writers community in other ways. I write here on Hub Pages, because what I have earned here is so much more than what a million dollars is worth to me”.
I do not live in with the disillusioned fantasy that I am the best writers here, nor do I believe that I will be a millionaire soon because of my writing abilities. I hope that I am of some support to a few Huber’s that don’t see how beautiful and talented they truly are, I hope that some of what I write is relatable to people and what they are feeling in their life. I hope that some of what I have decided to share here is motivation for at least one person to remember to breathe today. I hope I can give someone a light at the end of a tunnel that reassures them that things can and will get better. I hope that just one person that reads something that I write, thinks about it once or twice after they have clicked of the hub and my words make them want to see the world in a different light for just a day. I hope that I write something that makes someone want to be kinder than they were yesterday, and makes them want to lift up someone who has fallen rather than step on or over them.
I don’t write here to make a million dollars or to have a million readers- I am just writing here because when I started to write again, I became a better person for the two people that matter the most to me in this world, and they are worth far more than a million to me. .
Comments
Congratulaions! For being a consistent hubber on Hubpages. You have made the investment of time and energy to this site. You will continuely be blessed with opportunities along your journey. Happy Hubbing & Best Wishes!
Very nice hub you wrote here. It goes to show what 'the written' word can do for someone, internally.
Theo
Hey Holly, I didn't even know you wrote this hub. How surprised was I to find this hub and to see that I was mentioned in it also. WOW! I whole-heartedly apologize, for not having been here sooner. So much for me paying closer attention to your work. :( However, I'm honored to be mentioned and glad I have had the opportunity to see it. Thank you so much for your kindness and beautiful spirit. :) :D
Hi H.C Porter, I really enjoyed reading that. Very uplifting and a truly positive outlook. Michael.
Great message :)
I think your writing is very heartfelt and beautiful. Congrats on where it has taken you :)
Wow, HC, you made a grown man tear up. I've only started hubbing for real in the last two weeks but wrote an article a year ago. I've learned a great deal more about a healthy writing community, even tho' I've taught and written for some time, here at HubPages. I'm very impressed by your success in such a short span of six months...keep on writing...and who cares if we never get rich. As long as we improved our lots in life and helped even just one along the way...that's enough.
I am new to hub pages. Congratulations on getting back into writing. I am looking into writing artcles as well about web design, art, illustration. This is one of several resources of this type.
Awesome words. Writing is such a constant in my life as well. So glad you were able to come back to it and find pieces of yourself through the written word. Best of luck on continued clarity through writing. *Peace*
I can relate very well to how you felt when you first joined HubPages. I too have made some great friends here and am very glad to have found this place. I love this hub. Thumbs up.
Hubpages is such a wonderful place where people do grow. This, I can see, has had the same impact on you as it has done me. Thank you for sharing - share the looooove my friend, keep sharing the loooove :)
Beautiful hub, especially the last part. When I first signed up in HP, I didn't know about the earnings, I just want to write on my own. I write for academic sites and although the pay is good (for a part-time job), those articles are not my own and will never be mine. Here in HP, whatever we write, we own 100%. And I agree with the friendship here. More than anything else, we are a community of writers who have become friends. Congrats on your 6th month Holly and I hope to read your hub on your 1st year anniversary.
Nice perspective expressed. Sounds like you've really done well with Hubpages. Question - did Hub pages lead to the assignment with the web development company? If so, great.
Thanks H.C. I can totally identify with this hub. Some of my reasons for writing here are the same as yours.
I am very new to Hubpages and it was a friend who directed me here. At first, I thought it was going to be just another place for people to connect like Twitter -well, you know - so I wasn't in a rush to check it out. But boy, was I wrong! I feel like I have found the motherlode of libraries here with some of the most talented writers I've read in a long time. This entire site is inspirational and it's writers like you who share so much who make it that way. Thank you!
What a wonderful hub! One of the reasons I joined HP is because I had all of this stuff in my head that I knew I had to write down and I'm so thankful I found HP to be able to do that! I too have gotten more than I expected - as far as I'm concerned this is the best online community out there!
H.C Porter, thanks for writing such an inspirational hub! This is really worth everyone who doesn't understand what the power of writing can do for you. You are an inspiration!
terrific first class hub write read keep hubing thanks much I enjoyed reading is very giving article thanks much
So right, the power of the written word...and it has more lasting power than you might think.
Good hub, and yes writing here has changed my perspectives also, as well as encouraging me to write more.
It is a community, and generally, we all seem to get along, even when we don't!
Thanks,
John
I love this hub, and your self-reflection. I love your writing style, and so glad you have found yourself through writing.
When writing I writer whatever comes to mind and enjoy making people smile. I have a total of 3 books underway that are being published that is what I wished for more then anything. I to found myself on HP ove 2 1/2 years ago and finally realized all along that I was supposed to write, just like you I was fearful but as the months came and gone I owe who I am and which direction I am going to HP.
H.C., you are an amazing writer and a blessing to those who have the opprtunity to see you comment, laugh or read your work. I wish you all of the best and may you continue to shine! :)
HC, what a joy it was to read these words. It was clear from the very beginning that you have many wonderful thoughts and ideas to share, and you express yourself with such grace and eloquence. I am so happy that you have benefitted from your experience here--you are very deserving. I also want to thank you sincerely for your kindness in mentioning me as an early supporter--I am appreciative and humbled. I hope you will continue to grow and flourish from your experiences here, and that it always remains a place of inspiration and sanctuary for you.
Mike
you know you are a very powerful writer, I wish I found your writing sooner, but you can thank hypnodude for this. I am glad you have found joy and hubpages, and I wish you all the more succcess.
Enjoy the experience for as long it is enjoyable :-)
"I hope that I write something that makes someone want to be kinder than they were yesterday, and makes them want to lift up someone who has fallen rather than step on or over them." I think that is one of the best motives for writing that I have come across in a very long time! I can only wish you well and hope that you achieve this. I can attest that I indeed feel better for having read your lovely Hub. The pix are delightful!
Love and peace
Tony
HC what a very inspirational Hub. Like nadiaazhar I am here for my own personal growth, to share my life past, present and future with those who might be going through similar times in their own lives. I feel so refreshed like I have never felt before, this is not about money, god forbid we can all use some more, but it's about letting go of the mounds of thoughts going on in my brain, some of which is baggage I've carried around for years and need to release. Hubpages allows us this unloading capability.So thank you very much for sharing your thoughts of the reasons you are here. I look forward to reading more of your shares.
Wow, HC. I feel like you could have written that with me in mind lol. An absolutely beautiful portrait of why you write and who you are. Thanks for sharing. :D
2 thumbs up well done its says it all-Thanks
awwwwwwww H.C you have mentioned my name:)thats so sweet of you and i'm feeling so good.Somehow i could relate to each and every word of your writing.I'm a different person,i guess a better person since i've started writing on hubpages,it's not for money,infact i feel as if i'm re-discovering my ownself.And here i've found people who belong to same school of thoughts as i do.And this piece of writing is a reflection of my views and i enjoyed reading it.Keep writing!take care
love,Nadia
p.s...i've rated it up!!
wow, from reading your hub, I kind of feel bad now as my initial motive when coming to hubpages was to get PAID for writing, as I was and still am desperate for funds at the moment. Plus, I've been writing film reviews since I was 13 yrs old on yahoo and myspace for kicks. Therefore, it seemed fairly logical to me. lol
However, in real life sadly like you just described earlier, nobody really tends to listen to any and all my opinions on anything. Therefore, what I gained from hubpages is far greater than any amount of money I could've earned. As it helped me realize that I'm not a complete imbecile when it came to things I was passionate about, and I gained a lot of unlikely friends in the process. Hell, before I came onto hubpages, I didn't know if people were going to like my reviews or not, but I'm glad they did. Which I can't really put a price on that. Sure, I'll admit that what i earned wasn't what i was initially after, but it seems like I might've gained something even more. Plus, I have a deeper understanding of who I am now because of it.
Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say before I went off rambling is that I think everything you just said perfectly describes what the true hubpages experience is about. Something I can't imagine anyone else putting better than you just did.
"We write to know that we are not alone." And we read for the same reason.
Very beautiful article, and you know I like your writings. Rated, stumbled and linked from mine. Great job H.C. :)
H.C.Porter, Very nice, I hung on every word, good grief girl you are busy busy busy. Congrats you can and should feel good and I for one agree with you. If I'm breathing I'm writing and those of the unwritten world understands nothing of this. To be in here and be able to express yourself and sleep better for having let some of the stacks of material out of your head is good. Other wise where would we pile it all up and to be validated by other like minded writers, PRICELESS, this is a great piece I LOVE IT and Rate it Up and Call it a Must Read! Thanks and Peace :)
Ditto H.C. Porter! I feel the exact same way. I think that whatever we do in life, if we grow from it and find even the smallest of success, then that is all that matters.
I wish you more and more success with Hubpages and your other projects as well. Believe it or not, you inspire so many - myself included.
I enjoyed reading this one very much. Thank you for sharing your journey with Hub pages. I agree with you on so many levels. Even though, I haven't really made very much in terms of financial rewards, like you, the personal satisfaction I get from writing is priceless. I am so glad that writing has helped you grow in so many ways. Being able to express one's thoughts is a great gift. You have beautiful children, thank you for sharing photos of them with the rest of. Excellent hub, I rated it up.
Nice, Red, real nice. I like it. You KNOW anyone who comes here for reasons other than monetary ones always gets a "thumbs up" from me.
Really wonderful, and meaningful discussion on why you write. I am so happy for your success and wish you so much more. Happy Mother's Day, early! Yes, your writing is inspirational!
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