Remember when you first started blogging? Of course you do. It was when you were a wide-eyed newbie and wondered how difficult this craft would be and if you had what it required to find success.
You knew no one and maybe even felt a little shy about stepping into the blogophere, after all, this is a global stage. What will people think of me, no doubt you asked.
That very first post was your introduction to the party and it had to be perfect (you know what they say about first impressions). I recall my first post and how it took me about 7 or 8 hours to write what I can write today in 1 hour or less. You remember those days, breaking one of the first rules of blogging (over-thinking).
For the new blogger it can be a time of great uncertainty and during those times they may feel isolated, perhaps even looking around in hopes that someone will extend a helping hand or words of encouragement.
Experienced and successful bloggers who have advanced far beyond that stage speak a different language, using acronyms and buzz words that are completely foreign to the new blogger. It is the fish out of water syndrome for them.
My years of operating websites somewhat bridged that gap for me, but I have always been aware of how the new blogger feels, so I think it is something that we should keep in mind.
Like the offline life, you never forget where you came from, so reach back and lend a helping hand to those who are seeking to leave the old neighborhood and broaden their horizons.
I issue a challenge here today to the advanced bloggers.
Locate one new blogger each week and reach back, make a friend and offer some words of encouragement or even some advice. Yes, we are all busy and time is of the essence, but this may take an entire five minutes. 
Show a little love to those who may be sitting at their keyboards with their heads in their hands wondering how, what, when and why.
We all started with one post and one reader, before bugging our family and friends to read our offerings. People need to connect and have a sense of purpose.
There are many who do this regularly and without any expectation of anything in return and for them we are all grateful.
For others, join the effort and smooth the transition for someone you encounter.
As we advance in that steady march toward success and the ultimate goal, pause a step, turn around for just a moment and reach back for those behind you.
Keep Blogging!
