So, here’s the thing.
I cannot always remember to read your blog posts just like you cannot always remember to read mine.
I’ve never used a reader. Back in the day my sidebar, where I listed all the blogs I read, used to be my reader. Now Facebook sort of serves as my “reader”, between groups that I am in, pages I follow and random posts I see.
Sometimes Twitter guides me in what to read. But that is sort of rare these days.
Honestly, it’s the luck of the draw if I read your blog post anymore.
And so I have to realize that it is probably that way for a lot most of us.
Plus now…
NOW!
Many of us have decided to branch out. We are submitting our work to other sites for exposure and even pay! (WHOOP!) and “penning” essays for anthologies or writing entire books! However, this means our time is directed elsewhere. Away from our personal spaces that still mean so much to many of us me.
So what do we do?
Some friends have decided to stop blogging. Many of the sites I read are no longer or are different than before.
But for those of us that do not want to quit…
I say we keep doing what we’re doing. Yes, blogging is evolving and changing but that doesn’t mean we have to stop. I don’t want to stop. This space is still my main creative spot, a place to document my life and our family of five. Just because I do not have as much time for it as I used to does not mean I do not still love it here.
And I AM out there reading other sites when I can. I still try to comment on 90% of the posts I read. But I know not everyone does that, partly because they may be reading on their phone or iDevice and it’s just not as convenient that way. I get it, I do. I’m happy to get 10 comments on a post here anymore.
Old School Blogging is alive and well, in this space. 🙂
However, I’m sad that FB seems to rule the world regarding who sees my stuff (or DOESN’T see it).
I’m happy that I can still come here and write whatever I want.
I’m sad that you may not have time to read it.
I’m happy that we bloggers are spreading our wings and finding what works for us as true writers.
I’m sad that I just do not have time to read EVERYTHING.
But, OMGosh, I have a family and a life outside of this screen and other goals.
And so do YOU.
Just come visit me every now and again and I will do the same for you.
So, ’til the next time we remember to visit each other…
Taken during our last visit to Austin, at Barton Springs. And no, my kids do not have bathing suits on and yes, K ended up with her tushy in the water after wrangling with a dog leash. LOL.
xo
Even though I’ve quit my space, I’m not quitting reading blogs entirely, and definitely not friends’ blogs, such as yours!
Alison recently posted…The Long Goodbye
I would really miss seeing your face around, my friend. Glad to know it! 🙂
It is hard for sure. I used to read hundreds of posts a week – now I’m working full time, still homeschooling, living life…..and that number has drastically lowered. But I’m still out there as much as possible, reading, and commenting when I’m reading from my computer.
Even though the amount of posts I publish each month has lessened, I’m not stopping either!
….now I’m off to do a little Old School Blogging! 🙂
Tracie recently posted…Louis C.K.’s SNL Monologue Compares Child Molestation To Eating Candy Bars
Glad to hear it, Tracie! We just don’t have the time to cram it all in anymore. Hence the apology. 😉
I have no idea why I don’t read blogs as much as I used to other than it feels like so many posts are trying so hard to go viral with their lists and tips. It’s exhausting.
Katie recently posted…Little Sister
I agree. But I’m also a tad bitter because I used to really enjoy a good list. I even had a list go crazy a couple of months ago (as you know). But yes, they are tainted now. So sad.
In the ebb and flow of blogging, I have definitely been in the ebb end for t he past several months – both in reading and posting. I know the flow will come back – it usually does. Life gets busy and other things demand more of my attention and I have to put reading and writing more to the side for a bit. It seems like a cycle for me lately. But I am not ready to stop.
Kim recently posted…Baby Feet
It is kind of cyclical at times, I know. But I think this is the biggest downturn I have ever seen, in general. I blame it on social mede. For real.
I can’t wait to do OSB tonight! So glad it’s still rocking.
I will keep blogging.
Remember when they called me the Queen of Blog Commenting, though? I’m really not anymore!! I wish I could still be, but life happens.
I’m still happy we’ll all still be here.
Tamara recently posted…Bloggers Blogging about Blogs.
Thank you for being a faithful OSB supporter, Tamara!
And you’re still a Queen in my book! 😀
That sounds like a perfect plan to me, dear friend!
Lady Jennie recently posted…The City of Reims
I am seriously so happy we belong to many of the same groups, as Facebook does play games with hiding what I want to read and not as good with my BlogLovin feed, as I used to be. So, at least the Facebook groups keeps me up to date and get to read your blog and a few others that way, too, because again I hate missing reading some of my favorites (you included).
Janine Huldie recently posted…Soon – When I Blink, Here I Am
I’m terrible with BlogLovin’. And yes, I have a love/hate relationship with FB b/c it seems the best way to get our stuff out there, yet not. LOL.
I love this! It is hard to have time to read and comment on everything and I do so miss the way blogging used to be.
Julia recently posted…Favorite Moments From Disney Social Media Moms Celebration
You are so right – it’s hard to stay on top of all the great blog posts that are out there. I do enjoy following people’s journeys though. I carve out a few 10 minute slots per day to catch up on bloggers and I try to find new ones to check on as well. But then I forget to comment! HA HA HA – it’s the thought that counts, right?!
Tove Maren recently posted…MUST SEE Pictures of the LEGOLAND Hotel
I love finding new ones I like but then… 😉
This, exactly. We’re all doing our best, I think? Maybe? 🙂
angela recently posted…I am… Old School Blogging
I’m so guilty of hitting that fb like button after reading instead of actually leaving a comment. Comments seem to be a dying art(unless it’s a really controversial post). But I’m not quitting either!
Shell recently posted…Our Experience on The Tower of Terror, Video
No quitting for you! 😉 Glad to hear it, Shell.
Comments are dying, I agree. *sad face*
I try to go read blogs from all the people who comment on mine, but sometimes I get so overwhelmed that I feel like giving up. I don’t keep track of who visits me though. That’s too much trouble and seems kind of petty!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Henry’s Second Communion
Rabia, I used to do that too and that got overwhelming. I just do the best as can. I as I guess I already stated. LOL.
🙂
I completely agree. I think blogging can be whatever you make of it. If you choose to continue, then great! If you don’t feel like getting sucked into the obligation of heavy social media promotion, awesome! If you DO, then go you! I refuse to let what everyone else is doing spoil something I love so much. That’s not why I started my blog.
Leigh Ann recently posted…adventures in Stitch Fix #1
That’s an excellent way to look at it, Leigh Ann. And not why I started either. This is still THE best spot for my words and photographs. 🙂
Just checking in with an old friend, Elaine. I miss the good old days of blogging, back when I had time to blog and read. So glad that we met there!
I’m so glad that you wrote this Elaine because I wasn’t sure if it was just me but glad (relieved?) to know that others feel the same way because you’re right – life is busy and we all are directing our energy to many different endeavors (which is really exciting to see). I feel guilty that I don’t read and comment as much anymore. And also guilty for not writing the way I used to either (and thank you for OSB for letting me do that from time to time). PS I did come to this post from FB!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…I am…
I just felt the need to put this out there b/c I cannot keep up. And I SO wish I could. I don’t want people to take it personally. Do I think they are sitting there thinking “Oh geez, Elaine never comments on my blog anymore, wonder what is up?!” No, because they do not have time to think about it either! LOL!
But yes, still feel guilty. 😉
This post really hit the spot for me. I wrestle often with how to balance writing, marketing my posts, connecting with others and working on other side projects. I’m sure we all feel this tight rope walk as your post points out. I’m glad to hear your passion and feel the same way, too.
Caryn recently posted…Non-Toxic Beauty: What’s in My Bag Now
Yes, Caryn I am constantly wrestling with all that too!
I think so many of us could have written the same post. I do think that Facebook has put a new spin on how we blog (or don’t blog). I miss blogging and truly love joining in OSB when you have it. Thank you for that.
Nancy Collins recently posted…Old School Blogging
Absolutely, Nancy! We all could!
SO glad you continue to join in on OSB! It makes me day! 😀
I love this so much! I still enjoy blogging and reading blogs, even if I don’t read or comment on as many as I used to. But it’s still fun! And I will always treasure the community.
Anne recently posted…The No More Excuses Diet
Anne, yes, the community is something I never expected or had any idea about at first, som any years ago. And today it is probably what I am most thankful for that has come out of this space! 😀
Well said, Elaine. Blogging has for sure morphed. And I think it had to. The pace of reading/commenting/writing, etc., was bound to cause burn out. And it’s just natural in ANY job/endeavor to want to change it up every five years or so. Or more often even! Since I started my blog almost 5 years ago, I kept up a once-a-week posting schedule from the get-go. And my reading schedule is pretty reasonable, I think, which has helped me delay any burnout. I check in with bloglovin (that’s how I saw THIS post) once a day and read what looks interesting. But because I only post my own stuff once a week, I do not feel “obligated” to read more than one post for any particular person more than once a week unless the topic really entices me. This means I don’t catch every post, but I probably get to everyone I want to visit at least a few times a month. Not sure any of that made sense, and it’s not a perfect system.
It’s also been nice to see a change in how sites treat writers. Great to see newer sites like The Mid pay and hopefully Scary Mommy paying will influence other sites, too. I long ago stopped writing for HuffPost because I’m pretty against the no-pay model. So that’s another change, too– making money from writing.
Okay, I’m going on too long. You brought up a great topic and I like your good attitude of acknowledging we are all doing our best and it does not have to be tit-for-tat in these spaces of ours.
xo Nina
Nina recently posted…People of The Book
Thanks for all of your insight and this great comment, Nina! You know, I used to post every week day! SO hard to believe now. That was before FB took over and when Wordless Wednesday was a thing… 😉
Love this, you. And you’re so right–blogging is changing, but so are we–and that’s A-OK, we can change together! xo
Galit Breen recently posted…This Is My Motherhood
Change is inevitable. I just wish some things could still be like they used to be… 🙂
I love reading your blog and have never commented before, but I’m happy that you’ve decided to continue writing!
As I read this, I felt a sense of sadness. I’ve definitely been in the group of moving into other things and have lost some of my inspiration for my own space. But, everytime I do blog, it feels good and sometimes cathartic. Yesterday I wrote a post about a friend who had inspired me and her response to the piece reminded me why sharing our thoughts, perspective and life experiences with each other is so important. And, for me, it’s a record of my life because I simply haven’t had anytime to document it otherwise.
But, I do miss how it used to be. My routine of reading blogs, commenting, interacting and supporting my friends. I really want to find my way back there. This post reminded me of that. A few minutes to comment, connect and keep this support system going. It’s been a saving grace for me, and made me feel less alone.
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted…How I Was Inspired by a Fellow Military Spouse
I love to hear that about your post, Nicole. And yes, the record of our lives – that part is very important to me too.
And the support system is nothing I knew would come out of this, but is amazing!! 😀
YES. I completely agree. I’ve been so consumed with growing my non-profit, that I haven’t had time to read and comment on all the blogs I used to read when I first started blogging, let alone time to write on my own blog regularly. But I don’t want to give it up. Sure, it’ll evolve and change, but I refuse to let go. At least not yet. xoxo
Yes, but Non-Profit – for a great cause – go you! And you probably would not have started it if it wasn’t for online connections, am I right? (I could be wrong…)
And yeah, let’s not let go!
It’s so hard to balance creating content, raising a family, having personal time, and keeping up with commenting on others’ posts. You saw my response on FB about using Bloglovin’ and I LOVE it for separating out the blogs that I want to prioritize. Even if I don’t get to the individual posts for several days (like this one). You do what you need to do, and most of us will still be there for you no matter what!
Leslie recently posted…I am…
I guess I should make myself use it for when I do have a spare few minutes to read. I know it’s a good tool, but still, I see it as a commitment that I cannot fulfill! 😉
I still read from time to time!!!! xoxo
Glad to know it. 🙂 XOXO
This makes me sad. The way blogging is going.
The reason why I got into blogging was for the heart of the writing, the social connections and it was a great therapy tool for myself. Blogging used to be about good content and it seems to be swaying into the direction of “Let’s see how many feather’s I can ruffle with this list and this point of view”…because I need to be as viral as whatever is lurking in between Paris Hilton’s legs.
It’s a shame.
I’m proud of my friends who have amazing endeavours with their writings on other platforms or other projects. It’s fabulous what blogging has opened up for them, but it’s blogging as a whole that has changed and it’s sad.
I used to get a lot of support on my blog and now I rarely get any. It’s like I’m talking to myself half of the time so I keep the intimate posts, the ones that I would normally post about depression, and I would get uplifted with encouragement — to myself. So I opened it to more sponsored posts because no one reads those anyways.
I’ve definitely lost that lovin feeling and wonder why I even bother anymore. Kind of mirrors my real life which makes that even doubly more sad. Too early for beer at 7 am? FML
Kimberly recently posted…Dear Stephanie, We’re Gonna Keep Writing
Yes! OMG – there is never enough time is there?? I use (or used to use Bloglovin). There was a time when, after I put my kids to bed, I would sit down on the couch, open it up, and read post after post for a couple of hours. Then it became more and more sporadic and, now, I don’t think I’ve even looked at it in about 3 months. I feel awful and I miss reading all the blogs that I love so much but there just isn’t enough time for all of it!! (BTW- I saw the link to this post on FB). Once in a while, I think, “Hey, I haven’t seen anything from such & such in a while” so I go to their bog, but mostly, it’s what I see on FB and/or the linkups I do. (Also hadn’t seen Alison’s post until I clicked on yowling above. )
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons recently posted…Counting Down the Days
Oh the PRESSURE!! Every single day I worry about getting to my friends’ blogs to read them! And of course when/if I do FB share threads… oh that, yes. It’s the most stressful- wait- The only real constant stress in blogging, now that I think about it! You nailed it here, Elaine. Seriously… We are all trying to write for other bigger platforms, which adds an entirely new dimension of time and space that replaces all the reading!
And then, well there’s this life to live…
I have completely lost track of almost every blogger I used to follow without missing a beat. I’m sad too. Because if I could, I would read them all… every last one of them…because they matter.
But balance and life are always and will always be splattered on the battlefield of time… (Wow- that sounded pretty deep)
Oh, and I’m also sad that people don’t come by my blog as much anymore too… 🙁
Chris Carter recently posted…Dear Graduate…
I feel like this is my head talking. I went back to work full time this winter and not I feel like a sucky blogger since I’m not reading and commenting all the time anymore. I miss the good ole days too. And that being said, yes my most recent post is a list post. Sometimes a working mama just needs to wrote a list post because they’re easy 🙂
Allison B recently posted…10 End of School Year Survival Tips
Oh, Elaine, I so feel the same. For me, blogging changed when I went back to work full-time almost 2 years ago. My life got much busier so blogging went by the way side but like you, I’m not ready to quit. I still like my blog and the people that come there. These days my blogging is primarily my project 365 and that’s okay. I don’t want to quit and I’m happy you don’t want to either. I’ll come visit as much as I can. 🙂
Susi recently posted…136/354 – 139/365 4 days