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Seems like lately I have read where more bloggers are thinking about giving up blogging. Some have said they don't have the time to put into one anymore, others say they don't create, decorate, etc. enough to post on a regular basis, and a couple have said because can't and/or don't want to compete with the "big blogs". Some have just stopped with no explanation. Some I have thought about occasionally, and hope they are doing well and enjoying life. But when you think about it - they did not owe any of us an explanation.I have thought about giving up my blog a couple of times, but then I realized how much of a diversion it has been for me from "life's issues". You know - Real life issues such as things going on with family, daily "whatever", etc.. Stuff we all need a break from on occasion. OH!!! Did I mention plumbing falling apart.
Then my daughter chimed in and said she needed me to keep blogging to share her projects. She has a "big, really big one" she is working on right now. Why does she not blog about it herself? She does not have time with very active children (including the precocious little "redheaded cupid") with school, appointments, outside activities such as scouts, etc., a hard working hubby, a "new to them" home with lots of projects in the future.
What I am attempting to say is - don't feel you have to compete with the "big" blogs. Share your creativity, whether it be in repurposing an item, making jewelry, sewing, quilting, cooking, gardening, decorating your home, artist skills, photographing nature, love to read about y'all's "junkin" adventures (I am past due for a good junkin trip), etc., etc.. I for one really enjoy seeing what others have to share (many more out there do also), and yes - including the beautiful snow pictures - even tho I don't want to experience any of it around here, so don't send it my way. :-D Unfortunately there is some of that white stuff in the very near future . Boooo!!!
Blogging has really changed over the last few years. I posted the first time in Nov. 2008, but did not really get into it until 2009. I have seen a dramatic change in the way people blog, and more are advertising for income purposes - can't blame anyone for that. Thought about doing some of it myself a while back. Does it bother me to visit a blog and see the ads on the sidebar? Absolutely NOT ! Don't want to read the ad? Simple - Don't click on the ad!
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OH! If you have "word verification" checked for comments - PLEASE Change that option!! If you have problems with spammers leaving comments, etc., go to comment settings, then click on "comment moderation" , and uncheck word verification.How do you know if you have comments to be moderated? Go to your dashboard, and you will see (stated in red) the number waiting to be moderated. Click on that statement and it will display those comments, under the comment you will see 3 options, so click on publish, or if not something you want published - simply click delete or report as spam.
That way you can control what comments are published - the spam/advertisers/ ugly stuff you can delete or click on spam, and they won't show up under your comments on your post.
Many times visitors won't leave a message/comment on a very nice/informative post if "word verification" is activated for comments. Some of the words/letter combinations are almost impossible to decipher, and many do not want to take their time to "jump thru hoops" to leave a comment on a post.
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So.... If you are one that is thinking about giving up blogging - May I suggest "put the thought on the back burner" for a while and let it simmer. Post a one liner saying "Taking a Break". You may change your mind later.
Would like to hear your thoughts on this also!!!!
Just my 2cts. worth !!!
So.... If you are one that is thinking about giving up blogging - May I suggest "put the thought on the back burner" for a while and let it simmer. Post a one liner saying "Taking a Break". You may change your mind later.
Would like to hear your thoughts on this also!!!!
Just my 2cts. worth !!!
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Have a great week and stay warm - looks like Winter is hanging around for a while!!
Dab of This and That
Glenda
Dab of This and That
Glenda
12 comments:
Glenda - I agree with you. We need to be doing the blogging for our own satisfaction. And if money is an issue, then do the ads. I don't have a problem with that at all either.
We are really cold and expecting more snow on Sunday. I am dreaming of Spring!
Judy
I used to read all the big blogs, but even before I had my own blog, I noticed that I never got a response to a comment. I understand when they get tons of comments that it is difficult. But, I enjoy all the "little people" who comment on my blog and I comment on theirs and we share the experience.
I laughed at your daughter wanting you to continue so you can post about her projects. I blog to keep me being productive. If I don't have projects, then I have nothing to write about.
Thanks for the tips.
Wise words, Glenda. I, too, have thought of throwing in the towel when I've seen so many of the little blogs that started around the same time as me really take off and become "big blogs." It can make you feel a bit discouraged about what you're doing. But I think you're right, it's so nice to read about what others are doing and to have nice conversations with our readers about this and that. It's good for the soul:) Glad you're still blogging!
Hi Glenda
What a great post!
I've had periods with big gaps in my posts because I've been too busy with other parts of my life... I think most of us are the same.
I've occasionally posted on a 'big blog' party and as Carol said the hostess very rarely visits me with a comment.
I know if I hosted a party I would want to visit and comment on each person who took part - that's only good manners surely.
To do this maybe they should cut off entries at a manageable number.
I for one high tail it if I see more than 50 entries - I've seen some parties with over a hundred participants!!!
Funnily enough I started blogging so my daughter could see what we were up to - she lives in France and we're in New Zealand.
But, like your daughter she doesn't have time to look at my blog.
She has three young children and spends hours running them around to after school activities plus she helps out in the family business -
what was I thinking!!!
Sorry I've been far too long winded - but you did ask!!!
Shane
I agree, blogging is very time consuming...but very rewarding, too, when you form relationships with wonderful fellow bloggers! I've gotten stressed from time to time about posting, but have to remind myself to lighten up and have fun! Otherwise, it's not worth it!
Susan
I feel like you and the others it's good at times and I get on a roll, then at other times there's nothing to talk about.
But I do cherish the friendships made.
You included my friend!
Leann
I'm new to your blog but do like this post. I think there are many ups and downs in blogging and you've got to do what works for you. I can't imagine that there is a blogger out there there who hasn't at least once thought of throwing in the towel. Blogs are different things to different people. Some are for communication, some are for sharing, some are making money and some are a combination. That's OK. Do what works for you!
- Alma, The Tablescaper
PS She is cupid!
Wonderful post, Glenda! I, too, have thought about giving up blogging recently after my sister passed away. And now that my blog has been hacked by some sad person out there trying to insert a malicious code into dozens of blogs recently, I am forced into not blogging.
I also HATE that Verification Code and have been tempted to tell bloggers who use it that I am sorry but I can't visit their blogs any longer. If my eyesight gets worse I may be forced not to anyway :) It's even worse if you visit on a tablet! People just have no idea.
Anyway, enjoyed your ramble and have to agree with everything you said.
Great post Glenda and so true! We all have to do what works for us. I haven't been posting as often because I've been too busy with projects, but I love visiting with all my blogging friends to see what they've been up to. The redheaded cupid gets cuter by the day:-)
Oh yes, hate word verification but so many people have it.
Well I guess you have to know why you're blogging because it is very time consuming. To photograph, edit photos and write a post takes hours and that if it's not a tutorial. So you need to either really just like doing it or be compensated for doing so.
Ack! We're supposed to have more snow overnight. You know everything shuts down here when there's a threat of snow and people are even more on edge because of the last snow storm fiasco.
Well said Glenda. I have a lot of the same feelings... but, I don't like the look of some of the old blogs that I used to go to a lot. They got "big" and lost the charm that kept me coming back. Sometimes bigger isn't always better lol Of course I say this and they have a bazillion followers-- so I guess its just a personal choice LOL
big hugs~
Cheryl
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