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Things you've been dying to know II (Being a blogger)
Due to the crazy response I had the previous time, on the things you guys have been dying to know about me, (click here if you've yet to read) I decided to come up with a second entry! This round, answering some of your questions on how it's like to be a part-time blogger.
1. Why did you take up blogging? What was the inspiration behind your blog?
I took up blogging around the age of 11. Back then, it was the period when everyone had a blog, and I just felt like it was "cool" to have one too; which I used to blog about my daily life. It was only until my first hit post, titled "Mothers," which was a post dedicated to my best friend back then who failed to cherish his mother, when I started to take things seriously. I saw how my small group of followers were inspired by that post, and that made me want to continue blogging. I love writing, and my dream has always been to share my views and thoughts with people, and hopefully they can be able to relate and learn from my experiences.
2. What do you think makes a good blog?
Interesting and good-quality photographs, content that covers things people want to read about, clear readability, consistency, a unique and organised blog layout.
3. What is the toughest and most enjoyable part of blogging?
Toughest - being flamed for being honest, and enduring hate comments. After all, we live in a democratic society which permits the freedom of speech, and the things we say online can easily get us into trouble.
Most enjoyable - To know that I have the ability to inspire others. And I like it when my readers come up to me in public and introduce themselves. It's great to make more friends!
4. How has your status as a well-known blogger influenced your daily life? How do you determine how much to reveal on your blog?
That's probably one thing I've to worry about most. I've to be at my best performance at all time, because I know people are watching, and I used to feel like I've to put up a front. However, throughout my entire journey in the blogsphere, I started to realise there are people around who appreciates my honesty, and truly love me for who I am. Besides, there will always be haters. I can't please everyone.
I'm actually pretty open about the things I say on my blog, I don't see why I've to hide. People will still talk about it, and instead of giving people the chance to fabricate a pack of untrue stories about myself, I think I should speak up for myself. If I don't, who else will?
5. How do you decide what topics to blog about and how do you keep yourself consistently creative?
I like covering things that teens like myself, can relate to. BGR, Friendship, Fashion or any "hot" topics." I seek for people's opinions, to know what they'd like to read about at times.
6. What are your thoughts on the recent surge of lifestyle blogs and what should emerging bloggers do to establish credibility?
I feel that everyone's dying to get popular these days. I've seen so many people who are around the age of 12-14, having their own blog and wanting to share their thoughts. It's not a bad thing, cos that's how I got here today. However, as simple as it sounds, to just have a blog and start writing... Developing a personal identity and being able to sustain in this circle, isn't just a piece of cake. Like how rome isn't a built in a day, success doesn't come overnight. Yes, considering how easily things can get viral today, it's not tough to get yourself known, but quality is what makes people stay. I won't guarantee I'll still be here, a few months from now, but if there's one piece of advice I could give, always stay true to yourself and be original.
You can do what everyone does, but there'll always be this constant pressure laid upon you whenever comparisons are made. So instead of being like everyone else, why not be the one that everyone wants to be?
7. With a constant stream of new bloggers, we imagine it would be extremely hard to stand out amongst the crowd. How long did it take for you to establish your popularity and what do you think sets you apart from the rest of the bloggers?
I used to question myself what makes me so special from the rest, I used to feel like I'm not good enough. However, someone once told me, "there will always be someone better than you, but not everyone has the ability to do what you do, and there will definitely not be a second you." I'm still not confident enough to say that I'm the cream of the crop, and even though I'm really competitive by nature, I just try to do the best I can and what others do don't really matter to me. It took me about 3 years to build everything I have now.
8. Many teenagers are insta-addicts. Do you have any photography tips to make your snaps more attractive?
Good lighting is the key. With the perfect lighting, every picture can work wonders. And never over-filter your pictures. That was what I used to do, but I realise it can make your pictures look bad sometimes. "VSCO's" my current fav app. I purchased all the extra filters.
9. How do you manage to cope with school, your love life and career?
Relationships have never really been my priority ever since I had to juggle both, my studies and work simultaneously. Whatever it is, work has to come first. I've been in and out of several relationships over the years, and it wasn't until my last relationship that I realise how many other things can bring me joy as well. Yes, I've always been the kind of girl who fantasises about meeting her prince charming, and I won't stop that from happening when it comes.
10. Would you quit studying to focus on blogging?
NO. DEFINITE NO. Blogging's just secondary to me. I'm aware that there are many routes to success these days, but education is extremely important to me. Surely, street-smart has its own perks over being book-smart, but I always believe that there isn't such a thing as "too much knowledge." Doing well is easy, but to succeed, you've to be the best and never settle for anything less. I'd certainly take a year or two off to focus on blogging in future, but getting a degree is necessary to me.
Alright, if you've more questions you can always tweet me or email me, and perhaps I'd answer them in my future post!
Things you've been dying to know II (Being a blogger)
Due to the crazy response I had the previous time, on the things you guys have been dying to know about me, (click here if you've yet to read) I decided to come up with a second entry! This round, answering some of your questions on how it's like to be a part-time blogger.
1. Why did you take up blogging? What was the inspiration behind your blog?
I took up blogging around the age of 11. Back then, it was the period when everyone had a blog, and I just felt like it was "cool" to have one too; which I used to blog about my daily life. It was only until my first hit post, titled "Mothers," which was a post dedicated to my best friend back then who failed to cherish his mother, when I started to take things seriously. I saw how my small group of followers were inspired by that post, and that made me want to continue blogging. I love writing, and my dream has always been to share my views and thoughts with people, and hopefully they can be able to relate and learn from my experiences.
2. What do you think makes a good blog?
Interesting and good-quality photographs, content that covers things people want to read about, clear readability, consistency, a unique and organised blog layout.
3. What is the toughest and most enjoyable part of blogging?
Toughest - being flamed for being honest, and enduring hate comments. After all, we live in a democratic society which permits the freedom of speech, and the things we say online can easily get us into trouble.
Most enjoyable - To know that I have the ability to inspire others. And I like it when my readers come up to me in public and introduce themselves. It's great to make more friends!
4. How has your status as a well-known blogger influenced your daily life? How do you determine how much to reveal on your blog?
That's probably one thing I've to worry about most. I've to be at my best performance at all time, because I know people are watching, and I used to feel like I've to put up a front. However, throughout my entire journey in the blogsphere, I started to realise there are people around who appreciates my honesty, and truly love me for who I am. Besides, there will always be haters. I can't please everyone.
I'm actually pretty open about the things I say on my blog, I don't see why I've to hide. People will still talk about it, and instead of giving people the chance to fabricate a pack of untrue stories about myself, I think I should speak up for myself. If I don't, who else will?
5. How do you decide what topics to blog about and how do you keep yourself consistently creative?
I like covering things that teens like myself, can relate to. BGR, Friendship, Fashion or any "hot" topics." I seek for people's opinions, to know what they'd like to read about at times.
6. What are your thoughts on the recent surge of lifestyle blogs and what should emerging bloggers do to establish credibility?
I feel that everyone's dying to get popular these days. I've seen so many people who are around the age of 12-14, having their own blog and wanting to share their thoughts. It's not a bad thing, cos that's how I got here today. However, as simple as it sounds, to just have a blog and start writing... Developing a personal identity and being able to sustain in this circle, isn't just a piece of cake. Like how rome isn't a built in a day, success doesn't come overnight. Yes, considering how easily things can get viral today, it's not tough to get yourself known, but quality is what makes people stay. I won't guarantee I'll still be here, a few months from now, but if there's one piece of advice I could give, always stay true to yourself and be original.
You can do what everyone does, but there'll always be this constant pressure laid upon you whenever comparisons are made. So instead of being like everyone else, why not be the one that everyone wants to be?
7. With a constant stream of new bloggers, we imagine it would be extremely hard to stand out amongst the crowd. How long did it take for you to establish your popularity and what do you think sets you apart from the rest of the bloggers?
I used to question myself what makes me so special from the rest, I used to feel like I'm not good enough. However, someone once told me, "there will always be someone better than you, but not everyone has the ability to do what you do, and there will definitely not be a second you." I'm still not confident enough to say that I'm the cream of the crop, and even though I'm really competitive by nature, I just try to do the best I can and what others do don't really matter to me. It took me about 3 years to build everything I have now.
8. Many teenagers are insta-addicts. Do you have any photography tips to make your snaps more attractive?
Good lighting is the key. With the perfect lighting, every picture can work wonders. And never over-filter your pictures. That was what I used to do, but I realise it can make your pictures look bad sometimes. "VSCO's" my current fav app. I purchased all the extra filters.
9. How do you manage to cope with school, your love life and career?
Relationships have never really been my priority ever since I had to juggle both, my studies and work simultaneously. Whatever it is, work has to come first. I've been in and out of several relationships over the years, and it wasn't until my last relationship that I realise how many other things can bring me joy as well. Yes, I've always been the kind of girl who fantasises about meeting her prince charming, and I won't stop that from happening when it comes.
10. Would you quit studying to focus on blogging?
NO. DEFINITE NO. Blogging's just secondary to me. I'm aware that there are many routes to success these days, but education is extremely important to me. Surely, street-smart has its own perks over being book-smart, but I always believe that there isn't such a thing as "too much knowledge." Doing well is easy, but to succeed, you've to be the best and never settle for anything less. I'd certainly take a year or two off to focus on blogging in future, but getting a degree is necessary to me.
Alright, if you've more questions you can always tweet me or email me, and perhaps I'd answer them in my future post!
ABOUT ME
Hey there! I share about anything and everything here. You can choose to leave, but I think you should get to know me a little more before you pass your judgement. Check out my FAQ section if it helps.
Who are you?
I'm Naomi, better known as Naomi Neo, and I'm born on the 25th of January 1996. I don't have any siblings, but I'm grateful to have the best parents in the world, who love me unconditionally, and a best friend Trixy who's been there for me for the past 5 years. Currently titled as the youngest "Celebrity Blogger" under my management, Gushcloud - With approximately 124k likes & followers on my Facebook profile and page, 80k followers on twitter and 116k on Instagram currently.
What are you known for?
Honestly, I've no idea what am I known for in majority's eyes, but here's what I presume and hope to be recognised for - I've been writing on all my social platforms since 2009, and got kind of known from writing my thoughts and views on Facebook. My first blog post that went viral was an entry dedicated to my good friend back then, titled "Mothers," in late 2010. Noticing the positive results, I decided to take blogging a little more seriously in 2011. Since then, I've been told that my posts were relatable and inspiring to many, which hence, got me to where I am today.
How well to do is your family? You seem rather spoilt.
I think I'm just average and if you think I'm wealthy rich and spoilt, you're so wrong. I mean yes, my parents do pamper me cos I'm the only child, but I've never taken their money since 2013. And I pay for all my clothes, accessories, make up and 90% of my daily necessities from the money I earn.
What are your stats?
I'm a UK 4 or 6, I've been stuck between 38kg - 40kg. Since I've never really talked about my height, you can deduce I'm exceptionally short and I'm not proud of it - So if you know it, good for you. If you don't, too bad I'm not revealing it. :p
Are you single?
Yes I am. My last relationship was in 2013, and I'm not seeing anyone at the moment.
Do you photoshop your pictures?
No, I don't. Cos I honestly have no idea how to use that crazily complexed software. Ok, it's not very complicated I suppose. I'm just god damn lazy. I only use it to design my texts etc. However, I've been using PicMonkey to edit my pictures. Yeah I know, the main question's still back to whether I "beautify" myself or not. Er, I've no idea what's up with people constantly harping on this issue. The last time I claimed that I don't, was probably in 2012 (which I really didn't back then) But along the way, I figured it was necessary to "upgrade" myself and learn how to. If I can't do plastic surgery, at least make my pictures look chio what. If you know how to, question is, WHY NOT? And, don't you guys wanna see nice pictures too?!?! However I'd like to emphasise that - I do not beautify myself in all my pictures. I only do so when I feel the need to. And 3/4 of the time, I only make adjustments to my gigantic, elephant legs WHICH I admit, I'm very insecure about. So don't tell me my legs are damn nice la, cos some pictures are deceiving. Anyway, I've tons of videos everywhere... Judge for yourself?
Did you have any plastic surgery done?
No I didn't. Firstly, I could not afford to. Secondly, even if I do have the money, my parents are definitely not open to the idea. Thirdly, if I have the money and my parents' consent... OH PLEASE, I would have made myself look a zillion times better than how I am now. So some of you may ask, why is it that I have parallel eyelids. I've mentioned this before, but since some of you are too lazy to find out the truth - Fyi, I am born with double eyelids to begin with, I just wanted to have parallel instead of tapered eyelids. And in case you're really sensitive about it, I'm not saying tapered's not nice... It's just personal preference. In case you don't know what I'm talking about...
So yeah, I tried using eyelid tapes for about 6 months in 2011, and miraculously, have permanent parallel lids since then. I think I'm really lucky. Why do I say so? Cos it doesn't work for everyone.
Don't you think it's better to be natural?
Unfortunately, not everyone's blessed with natural beauty. And even though I've never claimed to be ugly, I've never claimed to be pretty by nature either. I won't deny I've been rather extravagant when it comes to the amount of money I spend on things to beautify my physical appearance, cos sadly, it is important to look good in this society today. You can read more on my views about physical appearance (here). And I don't see anything wrong with wanting to look good or better. Everybody wants to. If you tell me you value natural beauty, I'm cool with it, but if you tell me about your self-righteous logic on how it's wrong to enhance your appearance... Fuck you, go marry a plant since you like it natural.
Don't you think it's better to be natural?
Unfortunately, not everyone's blessed with natural beauty. And even though I've never claimed to be ugly, I've never claimed to be pretty by nature either. I won't deny I've been rather extravagant when it comes to the amount of money I spend on things to beautify my physical appearance, cos sadly, it is important to look good in this society today. You can read more on my views about physical appearance (here). And I don't see anything wrong with wanting to look good or better. Everybody wants to. If you tell me you value natural beauty, I'm cool with it, but if you tell me about your self-righteous logic on how it's wrong to enhance your appearance... Fuck you, go marry a plant since you like it natural.
Are you insecure about your looks?
Yes I am, to a certain extent. I believe you would too, if you have a hundred people reminding you about your flaws every single day. But the thing is, I love myself. So I've accepted that's it's fine not to be perfect.
Do you think you're attention seeking?
Most ridiculous question ever. My question to you is, are you not? This is probably my millionth time saying this, but I think everyone seeks for attention. The only thing that differentiates each of us would be the miles we would travel for it. From a level of - I want attention to Kim Kardashian, it's just a matter of fact how much you want it. And I see absolutely nothing wrong with it unless you're doing something despicable, and harming someone to your own benefits. Besides, no matter how much I love it - It may sound ironic, but I hate unnecessary attention. I only like it when it's for something I worked hard to gain. If you know me well enough, I'm not the kind who would go nude just to get myself to where I want. (Just an example)
How do you deal with your haters?
I've been receiving nasty comments since the day I had a blog, in 2007. I've seen the worst, and it came to a point where it amuses me, because I actually get to find out things I didn't know about myself. I used to care so much, I would cry myself to bed on most nights and I even had issues stepping out of my house at a period of time. However, it took me years to realise how stupid it is to reciprocate to what people who don't me have to say, especially stories/rumours they fabricate. I'm fine with constructive criticisms because I've learnt to take it the positive way - Helping me to improve and get better. Of course it still pisses me off at times when I see untrue stuff about me circulated around by my haters, and I'd either ignore it (if it's nothing too serious) or address it, in other words, stand up for myself (if I find a need to.) And when I ignore it, I don't look at it in a way where I'm a coward or I admit to it - I just find it a waste of time to acknowledge the existence of these people, when most of them are just dying to get my response from their juvenile remarks. Yet when I retaliate, (which I rarely do these days) I only do so when something's getting out of hand. Like if it's tarnishing my reputation or sort. After all, I'm a girl. And I wouldn't "just ignore it" if it affects my name. If I don't stand up for myself, who would? Then again, I don't think that means I care about my haters - I just care about myself enough to want to shut your mouth. Besides, I can stop 1, 2 or 3 people from talking about me, but how many times can I do so? Fact is, you can't please everyone. So it's either you focus on what you have, or waste your life by dwelling on what you don't. And for those friends who decided to leave and hate me for what others have to say? Here's a big... THANK YOU. Haha, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have realised who my real friends were.
Do you think you deserve what you have now?
Honestly, I've always felt that I don't in a way, cos of how affected I used to be about what people have to say - "There are better looking people out there," "You are not good enough!" etc. However, I've came to a realisation that it's impossible to be the best. Cos there will always be someone better, no matter how good you think you are. And as long as I think I've done my best, I don't see why I don't deserve to be where I am today. I've worked so hard for the things I have, and it's not like everything I have is an overnight success. So too bad if you beg to differ and think that a) I'm only here due to my looks, which I think is completely senseless, cos if it was just about my looks, I wouldn't have been around after so long - Taking into consideration, the ever-rising number of good-looking people there are today. b) it's bcos of what I write, cos I definitely won't claim to be the best writer. Somehow it's still a mystery to me why people still read my blog until today. c) and it's probably cos you don't know me well enough. I definitely agree that someone out there deserves this so much more than I do, but I guess it's true that life's unfair, and I'm sorry I have no control over it.
Fan mails, personal questions, or need an advice?
Contact me at asknaomineo@gmail.com
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