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
AUTHORPowerpoe1-thank you for your words...I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and comment on my work... I love Hub Pages, and writing here... it has helped me develop my skill so much...
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!
- AUTHOR
Theo Burggraaff
i do agree..and it is something that one can only understand the power if they experience it. Thanks for the feedback and for reading my work
Very nice hub you wrote here. It goes to show what 'the written' word can do for someone, internally.
Theo
- AUTHOR
cagsil- lol...perhaps I shoulda told you about including you in the hub references :) Glad you enjoyed the writing :)
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
- AUTHOR
michael ely
thanks for the comment, I am glad that you found some uplifting content here. Less negative and more positive is a good thing, right? :)
Hi H.C Porter, I really enjoyed reading that. Very uplifting and a truly positive outlook. Michael.
- AUTHOR
fi fi- Thanks for leaving your feedback. I am glad you agree with some of my views---Thanks for reading
Great message :)
- AUTHOR
lilypjmom2122,
thanks so much ma'am. your compliment means a lot, thanks for leaving it here :)
I think your writing is very heartfelt and beautiful. Congrats on where it has taken you :)
- AUTHOR
randslam,
lol...success? well it has been more self improvement success than anything :) I do my best, to always be my best and to learn new things in order to continue to grow, besides that-I never want to say no, when I know I am capable of accomplishing things-so I tend to push myself to be better. Thanks for taking the time to read and to leave your comment. Some of my favorite people in the world are teachers, I have had quite a few that truly extended their hands/hearts and time to me. Major Props for what you have done.
Again thanks so much for the comment :)
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.
- AUTHOR
dwayne- WELCOME TO HUB PAGES, I look forward to seeing what you write. I am interested in all the subjects that you are interested in writing on :)
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my hub :)
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.
- AUTHOR
Broken Girl,
Thanks for the comment. I would like to write more than I already do, being that it is the only way I have found to regain focus-but that is not always possible. I tend to always feel like I must justify why I need to write-and the answer, "Because it makes me happy, or because it makes me feel better is never a good enough answer" Oh well...I write when I can, and as much as possible. Thanks for stopping by and reading, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment :)
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*
- AUTHOR
My Webs,
I am glad that you found your way here as well. You are a great writer! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment, it's wonderful to be able to share some thoughts and feelings with others who can relate
- AUTHOR
shazwellyn,
Thank you my friend for being here on Hub Pages to share your knowledge and experiences with everyone here as well. I feel uplifted when I read all the comments on this hub-so many people writing and loving it here, the same way I do :) It is a great place to express yourself and grow as a person. Thanks for reading and for deciding to comment :)
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 :)
- AUTHOR
emievil,
Thanks for your comment. As much as I have changed in the past 6 months- I am looking forward to writing about further change when I hit my one year as part of this community. What being able to express myself and get constructive feedback has brought me, is so much more than I can find the proper words to truly express the importance. It is like letting light into a dark room and seeing things that you have forgotten even existed. When I have a hard time organizing my thoughts and/or have had a bad day, for no reason at all-this is the place I come to to get out what makes no sense to the rest of my world (but some how makes sense to others here)
- AUTHOR
Don,
First off, hi-nice to meet you, I don't believe I have seen you around the community until now-2nd, to answer your question- In an indirect way :)
I began writing on Hub Pages after I left a job at a car dealership that I wrote ads for. I began writing for the Examiner, and used Hub Pages as a reference of my writing ability. The fact that I write for the Examiner and on Hub Pages- as well as have past employment writing content (car ads- contracts- reviews) all added to me being able to prove that I am qualified for the position with the internet development company. I also have design , photography and marketing in my background-which I am sure helped :)
Hopefully that answered your question? Thanks again for stopping by and commenting :)
- AUTHOR
Vincent Orion,
I am glad that you found that this hub was easy to relate to. I think having reasons to write here (other than financial) takes a bit of pressure off of the content that we decide to write and publish-which can in return-mean more to us and to our readers than a money making hub :) Thanks for leaving a comment, it is very much appreciated
- AUTHOR
Silvergenes,
I am glad that you decided to give Hub Pages a chance and have found that this community is very different from any other I have been associated with. It is the best place to see that in life, we are not alone in what we feel or think or have experienced and that even if you never meet someone face to face, you can certainly find some very special friends to pull strength from on a bad day. Thanks for coming by and reading as well as commenting on this hub :) Welcome to Hub Pages!
- AUTHOR
Cari Jean
Thanks for coming by and taking a moment to leave a comment on this hub. I am honored that so many of the great writers here took time to read my writing... I am happy that you enjoyed what I wrote and were able to relate to this piece- everyone's comment's have been great and it is nice to know that so many people use writing and Hub Pages in the same way that I have :)
- AUTHOR
Boomer60,
Thanks for the compliment. I think I may be blushing a little bit, that was a very nice thing for you to say. I am glad that you enjoyed this hub :)
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!
- AUTHOR
TheVoice- Thank you for coming by and reading this hub- I appreciate you taking the time to leave a positive comment
- AUTHOR
Paradise 7,
I am so glad you liked this article and share similar views. Thanks for reading and for commenting
terrific first class hub write read keep hubing thanks much I enjoyed reading is very giving article thanks much
- AUTHOR
aquasilver,
Thanks for coming by and commenting. lol, I guess that is true, never thought of it in that way- We get along, even when we dont... Most of the time we are all somewhat civil to one another :)
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
- AUTHOR
gramarye
Thank you for reading and commenting, I am so happy that you have enjoyed this hub and found my thoughts to be related to yours. I am so happy that so many wonderful writers have been here to encourage me through this journey. I am sure many don't know what they accomplish by simply motivating with kind suggestions and encouragement- but in my case, it has changed my world and views of myself.
- AUTHOR
A Evans,
awww, thanks so much for that-it was a fantastic thing to read :) I am glad that you too have found your way through the support here on Hub Pages. I guess we all have our doubts and when we begin to believe in who we are is when we truly become better writers. Thanks for your comment and your support
- AUTHOR
Hi Mike, I am glad that you were able to read this- and I speak the truth, I appreciate each one of the comments that you leave on my hubs, they are always so motivational, encouraging and uplifting, so thank you for being a wonderful follower of my writing. :)
- AUTHOR
Rebecca E,
Thanks for the compliment, it means a lot :) I am glad that you were able to come across this hub-no matter how you arrived here :) Also thankful that you appreciated the hub and left a comment... Thank you!
- AUTHOR
De Greek, Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on this hub- and I will...
- AUTHOR
TonyMac04,
That was a great compliment to hear. Thank you, and I am glad that you enjoyed the selection of pictures. I am so thrilled that so many people enjoyed what they read in this hub... Provides more proof that this is a great community to be apart of
- AUTHOR
saddlerider1,
It is so great to know that there are people that use writing writing as I do- I need it for my sanity. Making money with it is great, by not even close to being the most important thing to me. Thanks for reading and commenting-I appreciate your words :)
- AUTHOR
Rafini, I am sorry dear, for not mentioning you- You are a great follower (and I have many great followers)-I just wanted to pay special tribute to the few that have continuously been commenting from my start :) But I do appreciate all of my followers who take the time to read and leave comments- no matter if they have been here for a week-a month of six months :)
I am thrilled that you enjoyed this hub, thanks for being so great as to leave a comment :)
- AUTHOR
Entertainmentplus-Thanks for stopping by and reading- I am glad that you agree :) Thanks for commenting
- AUTHOR
Nadia,
No thanks needed, you have been a great follower and I always look forward to your feedback- Thanks for following me, I am glad that you liked this hub and feel the same as I when it comes to writing :) Thanks for commenting :)
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! :)
- AUTHOR
Stevennix,
Thanks for the comment, I am glad that you stopped by and read this hub. I am glad that what you have received here has been worth the time here.
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
- AUTHOR
Hypnodude, Thank you so much for linking to my hub and for Rating so many of my articles Up! I should go back and edit this hub, and link to the work of the Huber's I mentioned. I think I will do that once I have more than two moments to myself :)
- AUTHOR
Katiem2,
LOL, I suppose I am a busy girl... I seem to function pretty well when under a lot of pressure and don't have the time to think about all that is on my plate-if I have the time to sit and think about all that I have to do, I get overwhelmed and frustrated, and I hate giving up on things that I know I can do. :) When I write, it is a release, a time to empty some of the day onto paper-whether it is about the past, present, future, work, random thoughts...it is my time alone with my thoughts (even when the kids and husband are screaming in the background), I am glad for a place such as Hub Pages, which gives those thoughts a suitable home :)
- AUTHOR
Veronica, I am so glad you read this one and got the little bit of Hub Love from me :) I always look forward to your feedback and your kindness and care for others is also very apparent within your writing as well as all your uplifting comments-just in case you didn't already know...I appreciate you and the time you spend reading and commenting on my hubs :)
- AUTHOR
Internetwriter,
Thanks so much for you comment- I am so glad that there are others out in Hubville that view there time here much like I view mine (not about money-about so much more than money can ever buy) I too wish you all the success here and in all of your writing
- AUTHOR
Will-
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on this hub- I am glad you enjoyed the read
- AUTHOR
Fetty, Thanks for the comment-and for the early Happy Mother's Day :)
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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