Bloggers Who Quit
This post has been sitting around in a very raw draft form for a long time now. Every now and then I would come across yet another blogger announcing a blogging hiatus, and I would add them to the draft.
Going back and forth on how exactly to turn this list of goodbyes and explanations into a meaningful blog post, I decided I don’t necessarily have to.
I am going to allow this fascinating list of bloggers who stopped blogging, and their reasons for doing so, speak for itself. Let it be a reminder to everyone – readers and bloggers alike – that blogging, even blogging as a hobby and definitely blogging professionally, is insanely demanding. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because blogging is a very public platform that involves a lot of interaction with other people. Or maybe it’s the 24/7 Internet culture that demands a constant stream of articles, comments, and social media participation.
Whatever the reason, blogging involves a lot of work, and for many bloggers, especially those who write a personal blog, the moment comes when they realize they’re investing a lot but getting very little in return.
It’s also important to realize that quitting blogging, for most bloggers, isn’t such as earth-shattering decision. While the ones left behind are shocked, surprised and at times dismayed, I’m pretty sure most bloggers who quit actually feel great, simply because they have so much more time to devote to other pursuits.
Me? I love blogging. And after several months of struggle, I’m grateful to have finally found a happy medium. In recent months, I have become very focused on advancing my career as a blogger for hire. I love MomGrind and plan to keep blogging here for the long term, but I scaled back quite a bit by posting less, closing comments to some of the posts (which prompted many angry emails, because how DARE I not allow people to speak on MY blog), and commenting less on other blogs.
While this has slowed down traffic around here, I didn’t really have much choice. Slowing down and re prioritizing is one of the best things I have ever done career-wise, second only to my decision to quit working as an attorney and start blogging in the first place, a decision which opened up an amazing new world full of endless possibilities.
The List: Bloggers Who Quit And Their Reasons
Shut Up Sit Down
The writer explains that feminist blogging has been taking an emotional toll on her. “My real life, my mental health and my family have to come first. My partner said to me this evening “If it’s affecting you this badly, why are you doing it?” – and that kind of flicked a switch in my head. I used to do this because it was stimulating, it was thought-provoking, it was enjoyable and it felt like the right thing to be doing. These days it is none of these things, and I have to admit to myself that it is no longer good for me, and to stop doing it.”
Slacker Moms R Us
The short message on the home page says, “Good bye internets. It’s been fun. You can find me at slackermommy of 4 at gmail dot com.”
Space Age Sage
Lori gives several explanations. One of them: “Posting to SpaceAgeSage has not improved my writing. I’ve enjoyed writing more for self expression rather than for the art of writing. It’s time for me to delve more into the artistry of words.” But it looks like Lori is going to return to blogging soon, as she explains in a recent comment on this blog.
Nutrition Fitness Life
The author simply says, “I feel my blog has run its course. (That was difficult to type!) I’ve been feeling this way for the past couple of weeks now and have given serious thought to my next step. I think it’s time for me to hang up my blogging hat.”
Jason Calacanis
“I’m looking for something more acoustic, something more authentic and something more private. Blogging is simply too big, too impersonal, and lacks the intimacy that drew me to it. The “a-list” pressure, the TechMeme leaderboard debates, and constant accusations of link-baiting are now too much of a distraction… the blogosphere is so charged, so polarized, and so filled with haters that it’s simply not worth it. I’d rather watch from the sidelines and be involved in a smaller, more personal, conversation.”
Memarie Lane
The author simply states that “I gave it another shot, but this blog is just not working for me anymore.”
Psych Mamma
“Blogging leads to time taken away from where my priorities are: PsychDaddy and a cute little toddler who just wants me to play with her all the time.” She adds, “Time spent blogging is also time that I feel I should be spending working on something that will earn money” and “I’d love to have more time to work out, to work on my photography skills, to scrapbook, to journal, to read, to cook.”
Going Bananas
“I can’t keep up anymore! With frequent posting on this blog, that is. I have so many ideas and so much inspiration for posts, that for awhile there I just wanted to get them all out asap. The problem is, my life sneaked up and totally got in the way of blogging! My husband, my children, my friends, my house, my little quirky fitness habits, my gardening dream, my urgent need to be outside as much as possible, my piano gigs, my dogs, my LAUNDRY…can you believe the nerve of my life to intrude on my blogging like that!”
Although this was not a formal goodbye post, she stopped blogging shortly after posting it.
Success Soul
Shilpan Patel burst into the self-improvement blogging scene with a great writing style, plenty of ambition and several posts that landed digg’s front page. However, he soon realized he can’t monetize this blogging success and decided to go back to focusing on his business and on his family. The blog is now gone.
Pretty Little Girls
The author, a survivor of an eating disorder, started a blog about women, body image and the media in early 2008. I loved her blog, but one day she simply disappeared. The standard WordPress.com notice on the homepage says, “The authors have deleted this blog. The content is no longer available” and encourages the reader to “create your own free blog.”
Rockstar Mommy
Her home page explained for a while, “A once light-hearted hobby has turned into a chore that sucks up every last ounce of my free (and sometimes not-so-free) time, leaving my family competing with the internet for my attention and me not living REAL life and all the things I’ve always said I wanted to do with it. Some people are able to find the real life/internet balance. I’ve tried many times and have failed each and every one of them. My family is waiting for me and I’m not going to waste away our lives on this machine anymore.” The blog is now gone.
Bloggers Who Took A Short Break Or Slowed Down
SHE-POWER
Kelly, who writes about life and personal development, decided to slow down her posting schedule, explaining that she enjoyed simply being present. “Finally, I lay down on my bed and decided that for one day all I wanted to do was stay still with my life. Not write. Not blog. Not read self-help books. Not analyze. Not give myself pep talks… A week later I couldn’t believe how much better I felt. Content. At peace in my home. Sitting still with my life and liking what I saw.”
Noble Savage
The writer took a short blogging break, explaining “But you know what, Internet? As much as I love you, I love me and my family more. When you suck my energy, attention and time towards you, I (and they) lose. When I spend two hours every day just reading blogs, another hour a day blogging, and the equivalent of another couple hours browsing forums and news sites, it’s no wonder that things sit undone in my life — books unread on the shelves, the house in a thin layer of filth, my hobbies untouched, friends unvisited, exercise abandoned and, worst of all, my children and marriage unappreciated.”
Shades Of Crimson
Life coach Davina says, “After almost nine months of blogging pregnancy, hormone changes, late nights and early mornings, growing pains and stretch marks, I’m about to give birth. To what? To my senses. For me personally, I’ve allowed blogging to take over my life.”
Clark Kent’s Lunchbox
“I determined that my writing efforts needed a bit more focus while other areas, such as, say, daily blog postings and betting on dog races, would have to take a lower priority. Don’t get me wrong, I love this community and meeting great new people. However, there are just so many things you can do in a day, and aside from family, writing for publication has to come first.”
How Did I Get Here?
“I lost my inspiration to write. I wasn’t enthusiastic about penning much of anything, my mind’s eye was focused on the trials of daily life and focused on the mundane but important tasks that get us all through – pay bills, shop for groceries, plan for the next few months, check in with loved ones. I didn’t want to post just for the sake of it… I promised myself when I started writing on a regular basis that I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t enjoying it. Like I’ve said before, life’s too short to do anything that you don’t enjoy.”
Final Thoughts On Why Bloggers Quit
A Daring Adventure
Life coach Tim Brownson says, in a comment he left on Sean Platt’s Fatherhood blog, “The irony is, although it’s never been easier to set up a blog, offer great content and get readers to a site, it’s never been harder to make money by doing so. The blogging scene is so fragmented and there are so many calls for peoples attention. Lots set off thinking they can be the next Problogger or Zen Habits and 99.999% don’t make it.”
Valerie Morrison
Valerie didn’t quit. She is blogging regularly. But a few months ago she asked the question that many of us have asked ourselves many times: “Regarding your blog, do you have a gauge for calling it quits? Will you not be motivated or excited about blogging? Maybe there’s nothing left for you to blog about or you’re not getting the response you hoped. Maybe someone has trashed your efforts and you wake up one morning and wonder: Why am I doing this again?”
Blogging Without A Blog
Barbara, who blogs about blogging, believes it’s important to say a proper goodbye if and when you decide to quit blogging. I agree.
Exit78
Mike looks at the comment section of an old post from 2007 and finds out that around 50% of the original commenters have stopped blogging.
Green And Clean Mom
The author is urging mommy bloggers not to quit. She says, “Moms need to have a voice. We need each other. [Mommy blogs] inspire me and make me a better mom and person. They also are creating change, making a difference and advocating and this is POWERFUL. Moms, don’t quit, please. If you do one post a week and it is too much do one every two weeks. Find your groove and what will work for you but find that groove, take a break and figure out a new direction for your blog. If you’ve spent time creating a blog it is valuable online property. Would you leave an acre of land in the middle of development?”
Surrender, Dorothy
The writer has been blogging since 2004. She says, “Blogging gets me writing every day, and some days it’s good and some days it’s bad, but at least I’m writing at least five days a week these past four years, and it’s the first time in this writer’s life I’ve had the discipline to do that.” She adds, “The blog is the only part of my life that is all mine, and I can’t imagine giving it up for that reason. I don’t criticize Rockstar Mommy or any of the others for closing up shop, but I don’t understand. Perhaps they have other outlets. Perhaps they don’t itch to write… I’m thankful for the blog because it keeps me writing, and I know I’d have to keep doing it even if nobody dropped by ever. ”
Thomas Baekdal
The writer explains that blogs die because they are ineffective in a blog form and other platforms support their content better. For example, “Personal diaries have moved on to Facebook, which is a much better platform for sharing what your life is about.”
Any thoughts?
Photo credit: chaparral
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Lori Hoeck responds:
Posted: May 4th, 2009 at 9:34 pm →
Vered,
Awesome compilation! Thank you for putting this together. It’s helpful for bloggers, especially new ones, to understand the ups and downs of the process.
Yes, blogging is a process as varied as any relationship. My blog writing at SpaceAgeSage slowly took me to a place where my writing, my life, my creativity hit an impasse — a place where some final emotional issues (I turn 50 this year) had to be resolved. Since I quit blogging in February, I developed a deeper relationship with God and healed the two biggest things that held me back. My future blogs will now come from my more powerful self and my strengths, not simply for self expression. My blog on physical, mental, and emotional self defense is coming soon, and LoriHoeck.com has quietly begun already.
Lori Hoeck
“The Blogger Formerly Known as SpaceAgeSage” *smile*
Hayden Tompkins responds:
Posted: May 4th, 2009 at 10:28 pm →
My friend Cory of A Good Husband stopped blogging, saying “Circumstances have dictated that I focus my time and energy on other projects that have arisen. I’ve been an actor for years and things are picking up there.” You can really tell that while he liked blogging about marriage, acting has always been his passion.
I guess it comes down to the reason someone started the blog in the first place – money? significance? something they needed to say? – and whether that reason is still a consideration and whether that need is actually filled.
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: May 4th, 2009 at 10:47 pm →
Hi Vered,
First, thank you for the link love. As mentioned, I like when a blogger says “good bye” or “I’ll be on hiatus”.
Over the two years + I’ve been blogging, I’ve seen many bloggers come and go. I certainly can understand why that happens as blogging, done right, is a huge commitment – especially of our time.
Although blogging isn’t for everyone, I like that we all have a chance to give it a try. As with anything we pursue, we can then say, “been there, done that” – “liked it”, or “not”.
That said, it always saddens me when a blogger leaves. For a time they contributed their heartfelt thoughts to blogosphere, and with them gone, it won’t be quite the same.
Jelveh responds:
Posted: May 4th, 2009 at 10:48 pm →
For me I blog as a part of my connection to my clients, some friends & family…I don’t always blog about what I really want to blog about, in other words as you may have seen in the past my posts on your blog are always deeper & more political & social that they are on my blog…
The reason for this is, long before I had my current blog, for about 6 years I used to write up a newsletter on my site & email it to clients as well…in it I would say a lot about a lot of things…& I would get harassed about what I thought & what I believed & what I did not believe, my political views, my views about god & so on…it got really hard to deal with after a while, I did not like sharing my views anymore…so I stopped….
I think change is good & it should happen often until we find what feels good to us, often we forget that life is not meant to be a constant struggle…even though we are some how as a people addicted to this constant struggle in life, that we create for ourselves…for me it was the blogging about politics & such & getting harassed for it, I enjoyed it in some ways, the idea to complain about what so & so said emailed me about or what have you, just conflicts, it was fun, but like some of the folks above it took a tole on me & my work & I decided to let it go…
so now I blog for fun, I still have my views, I get that the world needs changing, I just don’t think its my job to do it anymore…i change me & hope the rest follows & it does…life is good…
When I come to your blog & see comments closed I so get it…I think its always a good thing to pull back & take a break…& I know it sounds cliche, but it is true when one closes one door another one does open…kudos to anyone who embraces change & moves with the flow of their own universe…
Jelveh…
Kelly@SHE-POWER responds:
Posted: May 4th, 2009 at 11:37 pm →
Vered, I’m glad your blogging for hire work is taking off and I think it’s a good idea to close comments for posts that don’t really NEED a conversational epilogue. I have kept to my once a week posting schedule for awhile now and it definitely works for me. Sometimes I think about quitting altogether, mainly because I tend to be quite obsessive and when I’m into my own creative writing, the only thing I want to stop for is family, friends or work that is going to pay. But I think that as long as I blog when I want and don’t put any pressure on the whole endeavor, then there’s nothing to lose by sticking with it.
Right now is a perfect example of what has changed for me since I dropped back on blogging. I haven’t posted in about 9 days because last week I was busy organizing my son’s 5th birthday party and now I am down with bronchitis. Between my hacking cough and blowing nose I have little desire to write, and when I do get that ability back it will have to be directed to my paying client who is currently on hold. Last year I would have felt stressed about this, thinking I must post, people will wonder where I’ve gone, I’ll lose readers. But now I just think, “Oh well, I’ll get back to it when I can”.
I enjoy writing my little essays about life, and I enjoy connecting with my online friends, even if I’m not around like I used to be. I still think about everyone and I strive to read most of my blogging mates’ posts, but commenting can just be so time consuming. These days I only speak up if I have something to say.
I agree with Barbara though that it is nice when people let us know if they’re quitting their blog or taking an extended vacation, and like Mike I have noticed that many bloggers I used to “hang out” with have moved on back to their offline worlds. It’s the way of the world, I guess. Life changes and people move on.
But I’m still here.
Your friend,
Kelly x
Davina responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 12:56 am →
Hi Vered. “…investing a lot but getting very little in return…” That tells my story, with the “very little in return” of course referring to $$$. I’m for sure enjoying the writing and the time spent blogging. However, one must pay the bills. As a result, I’ve been proofreading all day. This is the first time I’ve been able to stop and leave a comment in ages.
I am sorry to see favourite bloggers disappear and do appreciate it when they let their “fans” know they are moving on.
You are a smart blogger Vered. At first I was put off when you started closing comments, but now I’m used to it. It makes sense for some posts — it really does. Congrats on finding that happy medium, and for the success you’re finding as a blogger for hire. And, thanks for the link too.
Natural responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 2:40 am →
hey vered, this was a great post because you really get to know what the other people, those who want to quit, are going through. surprisingly, they do not feel bad about quitting. i didn’t when i was thinking about it…i was at peace – though i couldn’t believe i was thinking about it, but sometimes it is a relief. i flirted with the idea, but decided to give it one more go….not saying i won’t wake up a year from now and be like that’s it. i’m out. i totally love the interaction with bloggers, sharing a great story, posting something that makes people think different, or just being my silly self. blogging though requires a lot of maintenance, visiting, commenting, back end work – and this is in addition to family and other responsibilities. i have been thinking about doing what you do and that is closing comments once in a while – still undecided about that – but it’s an option. i got rid of entrecard – a lot of my traffic was coming from there, so i no longer have to answer 50-70 people each post..there’s less traffic over at my blog and i’m okay with that, it’s manageable. i would like to try to get back to posting once a week though…i do enjoy writing and i think my writing has improved over the last year and few months.
gee, i didn’t know shilpan was gone. wow
all the best to you and your blogging career.
Tara@Sticky fingers responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 3:46 am →
Wow, what a fabulous post. It’s no wonder you have to scale back operations when you put that much research into one post.
I read so many instances of this all over the internet. My good friend Dave Fowler pulled out because it was affecting his children and his marriage, but the lure of this online community has lured him back in – albeit it in a more scaled down version.
It’s all about finding a good balance for you personally, but it really can take over and you start ranting about subscriber numbers and comments and then it becomes a slippery slope.
Really thought-provking piece Vered. x
rowe responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 3:53 am →
Hi Vered, this made me feel a little sad for those who have had to let go and also glad they were able to do that, to get on with other life priorities. As a new blogger, I realise this too could be me at any time and I hope I can recognise when that may be the case. I am glad to know that you will continue to blog as I value your presence and what you are moved to share with your readers. Thanks also for taking the time to visit my blog, I really appreciate you leaving comments and letting me know you have visited.
Emily@remodelingthislife responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 4:43 am →
I think there are so many reasons – family issues, feeling like a lot of effort gets put forth only to get no comments or feedback, not making $$ on something that can take up a lot of time, etc…
For me, I was on a 5 or 6 day a week posting schedule when I started. I decided to ditch the schedule and post when I wanted about what inspired me. Sometimes I fill a post with words about moments in my life and other times it’s just a photo or two.
It was hard when I got into blogging and started hearing about all these rules and feeling like I must follow them, even if they weren’t “me”. I became a much happier blogger when I realized that I would only enjoy this journey, success or failure, if I was true to me.
I will be a blogger until I lose my passion for it.
Writer Dad responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 6:28 am →
Blogging is the relentless pursuit of keeping your head above water. It isn’t easy and the masses at the bottom of the pyramid are typing their fingers raw just to climb a step or two. I applaud anyone who knows what’s best for them and does it, and I applaud you for putting together this post – a particular portrait not like any I’ve yet seen in 8 months of blogging. Bravo Vered.
Memarie Lane responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 6:45 am →
Let me elaborate about why I quit, and why I have stayed quit.
I felt, and continue to feel, that blogging was leading to a bizarre level of self-interest and narcissism. Even now when I sometimes read other blogs I am amazed at the complete self involvement I see. It’s not healthy, not for the blogger and not for the reader.
I also found that bloggers tend to micro-analyze everything. As a result they can’t just appreciate the beauty of anything anymore, they have to dissect it and find fault. Also not healthy. That’s just no way to live.
When I quit I wondered what on earth I would do with all this extra time. It seemed like I’d have nothing to do if I stopped blogging. But suddenly it seems like there aren’t enough hours in my day for everything I want to do. I have a new zest for life that my computer had been leeching out of me for years without my knowledge.
I’ve also cut my reader down to less than ten blogs that I read regularly as the mentality of blogging has irritated me more and more.
Dominique responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 6:59 am →
Vered,
congrads on finding work as a blogger on hire. I too have been looking around for paid writing but haven’t found any as yet.
There are many reasons for blogging and equal number of reasons for stopping. I guess it has to do with where the blogger is at that moment in time in his/her life.
Tracy responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 7:11 am →
Hi Vered! I’m so happy to hear your blogging for hire work has taken off. That’s the route I’m eventually going to take, so it’s been a joy and help to watch you.
I can relate to fielding people’s disappointment in a way, because I had to scale back my forum posting activities to focus on my blog and many people seemed upset about that.
I agree with Emily@remodeling this life said about being overwhelmed with all of the rules and shoulds and this and that. I felt much happier and more confident when I realized, hey, I’m the captain of this ship!
Michelle @ Find Your Balance responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 7:24 am →
I am glad to hear you’ve found a balance between personal and professional blogging because I would be sad to see you join your own list! Blogging definitely is a lot of work. I see people scaling back or discontinuing their posts and it’s sad but understandable. Me…I’m trying to ramp up. Some bloggers I see post 2 or 3 times per day. That to me is unimaginable!
I think it’s great you are making a career blogging for others!
Raag responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 7:48 am →
Vered, As you know I am also a part of ‘Been there, Done That’. I wish I had a 48 hours day and then I would have continued the love, passion and gratification I got from blogging. It was good as long as it lasted. Ofcourse I was not earning from it, else I too would have continued. I miss it sooooo very much. I still have not deleted it. when I started reading your blog it had tempted me to restart but alas…It was not to be….life’s other priorities win the battle. But I love you for bringing back the memories. It was nostalgic reading you this morning.
Have a good day.
kesehatan responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 7:50 am →
i don’t know when i quit from the blogsphere, because it’s my life
Kristin T. (@kt_writes) responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 9:02 am →
What a great post! I have to admit, I was slightly hesitant to read it—what if seeing so many good reasons for hanging up the blogging hat pushed me over the edge?!?
I don’t think it did, but I can really empathize with these bloggers. I have been blogging seriously for almost a year, and I’ve seen how it has crowded out other things I love. I have less time to read, bake and knit. I’m worried about how my garden will fare this summer. I feel guilty when the day’s work is done and my husband is ready to spend time together…but first I have to respond to the comments on my blog.
Of course, having a blog has also improved the quality of my life, mostly in creative and intellectual ways, which is why I keep on blogging. For now.
Darla responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 9:04 am →
It’s difficult to know how many people actually appreciate your blogging until you quit. “don’t know what you got ‘tip it’s gone.” was that Guns & Roses?
Carla responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 9:15 am →
Great list and post! I think personal blogs are much more difficult to maintain than professional or business blogs. Though I’m shocked that Green and Chic is a year old, my personal Blogger and WordPress.com blogs have fell by the wayside. Even my newest self-hosted personal blog hasn’t been given a whole lot of attention.
Blogging is more than just writing. With Green and Chic, my average posting schedule was only about once a week. Working full-time and running the online store attached to it takes up a lot of my time. Now with me being on disability, I’m able to give it more time and attention, but it still feels like too much at times.
Don Mills Diva responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 9:39 am →
Great post Vered – and a timely one for me as I have had to scale back blogging and direct my energies to several urgent matters in my real life. I agree with many of the commenters here, especially Writer Dad. The pressure to keep up is pretty relentless and if you are at all competitive (as I can be) it can really get out of control. My traffic is way down these days but my life is more managable and that’s the main thing. It’s like anything else – slow and steady win eventually win the race.
A New Direction For Me And Building Camelot — Building Camelot responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 9:40 am →
[...] ironic because Vered from Mom Grind just posted an article about Bloggers Who Quit and after reading that, I feel less guilty about slowing down and working from another direction. [...]
Zandria responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 9:45 am →
I agree…excellent round-up! I’m always bummed when someone I really like decides to stop blogging. I’ve found the best course of action (for me, personally) is to simply slow down when I’m not feeling like writing. Usually the inspiration comes back after a while. And if one day it doesn’t? Well then, I’ll decide what to do from there.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 10:00 am →
@ Lori Hoeck: I am looking forward to your blog on physical, mental, and emotional self defense!
@ Hayden Tompkins: “I guess it comes down to the reason someone started the blog in the first place.” I agree. I think many people start a blog without giving much thought to why they’re doing it. After a while, when they find out there’s a lot of work involved, they need to figure out why they’re doing it and whether it’s worth it.
@ Barbara Swafford: “Although blogging isn’t for everyone, I like that we all have a chance to give it a try.” I agree! Unlike other forms of getting published, this platform really is open for everyone to at least give it a try and see if it works for them.
@ Jelveh: I can totally relate. I hold myself back as well. As much as I love expressing myself, I hold a lot back, especially my own private life and political thoughts.
“I think change is good & it should happen often until we find what feels good to us” – I completely agree.
Thank you for understanding when I close comments! Some people understand, others don’t care either way, while others get annoyed or even upset about it.
@ Kelly: “Last year I would have felt stressed about this, thinking I must post, people will wonder where I’ve gone, I’ll lose readers.” I used to feel the same. It’s good to get to a place where you don’t put so much pressure on yourself anymore.
Feel better soon!
@ Davina: Anyone who does any kind of paid work in addition to personal blogging will understand the need to pull back from commenting on other blogs.
Thank you for the encouraging words! That happy medium keeps shifting, but right now, I think I’m in a fairly good place.
@ Natural: Blogging regularly does improve your writing, doesn’t it? I feel the same. I think “relief” is a good word to describe what many people feel when they stop blogging!
@ Tara: I’ve read that the internet has addictive properties – something about the speed and the constant change causes our brains to want more. So yes, blogging has a ot o power and one can easily get pulled into it in a way that takes away time from other pursuits.
@ rowe: As a new blogger, it’s important to realize how much work is involved in blogging, especially if you want to grow your readership – and most of us do, otherwise we wouldn’t blog in the first place.
@ Emily: “I will be a blogger until I lose my passion for it.” I love this sentence. I feel the same. I agree about the “rules” – I used to read about them and try to follow them but it just never really worked for me.
@ Writer Dad: “Blogging is the relentless pursuit of keeping your head above water. It isn’t easy and the masses at the bottom of the pyramid are typing their fingers raw just to climb a step or two.” Wow, Sean. I have said it before, and I know I’ll say it many more times, but I LOVE your writing. Love it.
@ Memarie Lane: The “me me me” culture bothers me too. I tweeted about it a few days ago, and another blogger, who I respect a lot, responded by saying that in real life too, people tend to be self-centered. Perhaps it’s more obvious online, though.
“I have a new zest for life that my computer had been leeching out of me for years without my knowledge.” I know what you mean. While being online, blogging and participating in social media give me a lot of excitement and pleasure, when I go on vacation, and I’m away from my computer for a few days, life is very different – in a good way.
@ Dominique: Keep looking. It takes time and patience. I agree that deciding to blog – or to stop blogging – is a very personal decision.
@ Tracy: “I felt much happier and more confident when I realized, hey, I’m the captain of this ship!” EXACTLY. And while following “the rules” (such as posting every week day etc.) might have resulted in “more” – more page views, more subscribers etc., it’s just not worth it.
@ Michelle: “Some bloggers I see post 2 or 3 times per day. That to me is unimaginable!” I agree. It can be done, I’m sure, but then it’s a full time job. I simply don’t have the time!
@ Raag: I haven’t seen you here in a long time! It’s good to “see” you!
“I miss it sooooo very much. I still have not deleted it.” Maybe some day…
@ kesehatan: I would advise against allowing the blogosphere to become your life.
@ Kristin T.: I totally agree with these two statements:
“”I have been blogging seriously for almost a year, and I’ve seen how it has crowded out other things I love.”
But also: “”Of course, having a blog has also improved the quality of my life, mostly in creative and intellectual ways, which is why I keep on blogging.”
I couldn’t have said it better!
@ Darla: That’s an interesting thought! I guess it’s true – the amount of attention you get when you announce you’re quitting is a good indicator of how much people are going to miss you.
@ Carla: “Blogging is more than just writing.” Exactly. There’s a lot of maintenance involved, including technical maintenance and social interaction through social media and commenting on other blogs.
@ Don Mills Diva: “My traffic is way down these days but my life is more manageable and that’s the main thing.” I completely agree. I’m a competitive over achiever too
– people like us need to be vigilant about setting limits.
@ Zandria: “I’ve found the best course of action (for me, personally) is to simply slow down when I’m not feeling like writing.” – exactly. Which means you refuse to follow the “rules.” (“you must post every weekday or else!”)
J.D. Meier responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 10:07 am →
I think it’s another reminder that …
- blogging isn’t static
- everybody gets by with a little help from their friends
- leadership and mentoring really helps lift others up
- quit for the right reasons, just like sticking for the right reasons
I think blogging is a big dip in the beginning for most people, especially if you have false hopes or high expectations.
Ultimately, I think the keys in the beginning are:
- learning from friends
- setting boundaries and limits around how much time you’ll invest
- internalizing your success
I think internalizing success is the key. You have to follow your passion and impress yourself first.
You then build on that over time, get feedback and improve.
It really needs to be from the inside out though.
Bamboo Forest responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 10:10 am →
Very interesting post.
Is blogging really that time consuming? It depends. If you’re adamant about reading x amount of blogs and commenting on them… If you’re adamant about spending x amount of time in social media… If you’re adamant about, say, posting each and every day, then yes, blogging can be enormously time consuming.
But it doesn’t have to be.
I don’t comment that much. I really prioritize. I don’t read that many blogs… I read those I enjoy most and those that will help me most, such as copyblogger.
Beyond this, I co-author my blog so the burden of writing great content is shared.
Now, when my blog relaunches, I will be writing more. And I will strive to do everything smart. Sometimes it’s more important *what you do* than how much time you spend doing it.
I want to be an A-Lister like any other blogger. I also want to make copious amounts of money like any other blogger. I believe it’s potentially possible to do so without pouring your entire life into it. That said, in terms of actual odds… it’s extremely unlikely and Tim Brownson was exactly correct in his assessment.
So I take a serious approach to my blog, but do not feel overly pressured by it.
And in terms of writing, there is no doubt that blogging has helped me write better and that is very important to me. Getting better at the craft of writing is an invaluable skill that can be used in many many venues outside of blogging. That’s a fantastic benefit.
Jonathan responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 10:10 am →
Thanks for putting this together. It was very interesting. I wondered what happened to Success Soul. It was one of my favorites.
Kim Woodbridge responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 10:14 am →
I also wish that bloggers would leave a goodbye message – I worry about people who just disappear. I have managed to keep to my posting schedule and can reply to comments but am really behind on visiting other’s sites. I haven’t been inside my feed reader in weeks and tend to notice someone has a new post if they send a message through twitter. I do catch most of them that way. I’m hoping to get back on track in the next couple of weeks.
It’s interesting that people say blogging takes away from time with their family – I can totally see this. I didn’t start until I got divorced and I don’t blog when my kid is around. I might fix a broken site but I don’t blog
Cricket-Tammy responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 10:35 am →
Ah…this is so inspiring to read. I have been one of those on again off again bloggers. I am one that writes about my own self rather than self help so I can relate to so many of these writers above that just stopped. Blogging is a commitment that does take time. I do not fault those that hung their hat up and walked away. Many found their way outside of blogging due to the time they spent while blogging. Something about putting words on paper. Thoughts on paper that makes us each connect with our inner soul.
This is a fantastic post. I am glad to be back…again!
zoe responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 10:48 am →
Great post. I’ve really been struggling with blogging lately too. This may sound strange, but I think I’ve come to know my readers too well, or I should say they know me too well, and it’s made it very difficult for me to write anything too serious. It was so much easier when I had the feeling of “anonymity.” It allowed me to open up and talk about things, or work through things that I just couldn’t have otherwise. But now, I sensor myself and I don’t want to talk about stuff that I really need to let out through writing. But because I am no longer just some girl, who no one knows, writing some stuff, I just can’t post the stuff I need to write. Maybe that doesn’t make sense to most people, but, whatever. It is what it is.
RC - Rambling Along... responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 10:56 am →
Like others have said, I worry when blog friends just vanish. However, now that I have been blogging for a couple of years (not as many years as many others out there, but enough to know what I’m doing), I understand how it can suck the life and energy out of you. It still would be nice if those that vanish would leave a departing message, though.
I’ve frequently thought about canning the blog, now that so many of my family members have moved to Facebook (a lot of my day-to-day interactions/conversations take place there, and I’m able to share more pictures than I might via my blog), but at the same time, it is hard to give up a blog I’ve worked so hard to create, especially with the online friends that I’ve made.
So, like so many others, I’ve scaled back. Some weeks I share a lot. Other weeks I may be lucky to share one post. I take “blogcations,” which allows me the downtime I need. I comment less in other areas.
I refuse to let my blog become another demand on my time with my family, which means I may blog if we are watching a movie together (thank goodness for laptops!), or after everyone is in bed and I’m awake enjoying a bit of downtime.
Believe it or not, I actually appreciate my friends who have scaled back their blogging, too. I find we share more interesting messages when we blog less often, and are able to converse (through email or comments) more often. It is no longer a bunch of one-way messages.
Patricia responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 11:07 am →
Vered this is a very strong post – good research, forethought and putting the words out with gentle kindness-I am so glad that I paused in my efforts to come by and read.
The comments reflect the deep thinking that people are doing on the subject.
Liz Strauss put up a referral on twitter to a post about 8 things the church can teach social media and one of the things is that people rarely tell you why they leave something – it is truly most of the time something just too personal and private – so folks should not take it personally.
I love to write and so would still be writing about 2 hours everyday whether I had a blog or not, I wish I had had a blog when my children were younger. The isolation of my profession, parenting a special needs child, and just the physical demands on my time and mind left me often fully dried out and exhausted and even sick. I do see a lot of folks on facebook filling up and sharing there – litely being expressive.
I had moments when I thought the only possible role for me was to keep cleaning houses – it was the only way I could see to make money and assist folks in cleaning up their messes!
Instead I found this blogging soap box and have put my tin cup down beside my words and I believe I am doing what I was called to do at this very moment. I was making 0 a month and now make about $10 a month from Amazon.com….I am improving and moving forward, all be it slowly, I just am 99% positive this is where I am supposed to be right now.
I need to say too, I just gave a shout out to the folks who have been there for me, and have shown me how to get in touch with them in other ways…you are one….I am no longer isolated or comment less and those things all matter to knowing I am at the right place at the right time. Thank you.
Dr. J responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 11:22 am →
I guess it’s like Darwin’s Law of the blog world. So far, I’m staying the course as a blogger, but the future is always an optimistic void
I’ve know some great doctors who have stopped practicing, or passed on. We would all like to see them go on forever, but that is not to be. Death, taxes, and blogs that end, I suppose
I very much enjoy the writing here, and the diverse opinions that are presented by you, Vered, and the readers. The poem. “Splendor in the Grass,” comes to mind.
When Blogs End « Arms Wide Open responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 12:38 pm →
[...] hit on a subject that I have written and re-written and never posted several times. The author of this blog post makes a good argument for why many bloggers have decided to either take a break or quit altogether. [...]
MomGrind responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 1:41 pm →
@ J.D. Meier: I love they way you analyze things. I agree that many people start blogging with too many expectations, especially re monetization. Competition is fiercer than ever now. “Making money online” is not any easier than making money offline. It’s probably much harder, actually.
@ Bamboo Forest: I completely agree that blogging regularly makes you a better writer.
I think your approach is very reasonable: going for it but keeping your expectations in check and not allowing blogging to take over your life.
@ Jonathan: Success Soul was a good one. I was sad to see it go, but Shilpan did what was best for him.
@ Kim Woodbridge: If one is not careful, blogging definitely has the potential to interfere with family life, especially because it’s always there, accessible, right in your home.
@ Cricket-Tammy: Welcome back.
I agree that bogging is a big time commitment. It can be managed and limited, but it still takes time, unless you don’t care about growing your readership.
@ zoe: I completely understand. I made the choice, right at the beginning, to blog using my full name. As a result, blogging is fun and creative, but it is certainly not an emotional outlet. Maybe you should start another blog in addition to gaymo and keep it completely anonymous.
@ RC: “I refuse to let my blog become another demand on my time with my family” – I think this is very wise. It’s also a good way to make sure you will keep blogging. I think many moms stop blogging simply because of guilt.
@ Patricia: “people rarely tell you why they leave something – it is truly most of the time something just too personal and private – so folks should not take it personally.” Interesting observation. I’ll keep that in mind. I tend to feel bad when someone simply disappears.
“I was making 0 a month and now make about $10 a month from Amazon.com” – this is great, Patricia! You wrote a while ago about how important it is to you to make your own money. See? You’re on the right path!
Oh, and you’re welcome. I think you are incredibly smart and can teach me a lot. I enjoy reading your posts, even if sometimes I don’t comment.
@ Dr. J: “the future is always an optimistic void” – I love this sentence. Although in my case it sometimes feels like a pessimistic void.
“Splendor in the Grass” – I had to Google that.
“Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass,
of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;”
Sara at On Simplicity responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 1:52 pm →
I’ve definitely had to reign my blogging in. When I started, I enjoyed spending hours and hours writing, tweaking, visiting, and building. Then it came to be an expectation of myself, and I forgot to ask whether I was still enjoying all those aspects as much.
Now I’m doing better with fitting blogging into *my* schedule; if I’m in the mood, I’ll post comments and write up a storm. If not, I’ve got my posting scheduled hacked down a bit, so that it’s comfortable to keep up with. I’ve found that the actual act of blogging isn’t that much of a time suck for me; it’s the peripheral stuff that goes along (social networking, Stumbling, commenting, monetizing) that really steals my time when I let it.
Like a lot of other folks here, I’ve limited my commitment so that the rest of my life can flourish (or I can just be lazy). The blog isn’t growing as quickly as it has at other times, but it’s okay with me. It’s a sustainable pleasure.
Jannie responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 4:18 pm →
I think this is one my favorite of your posts yet, Vered.
Davina’s excerpt especially cracked me up!
Luckily I have but one child, no “real” job and time to do this, tho have cut back a lot lately because of the big music project I’ve been making happen.
I doubt I’ll ever quit blogging. And sure am glad you plan on keeping on too, even if more scaled-down.
Oh, a blogging bud of mine gave up blogging, with a formal good-bye and I’m soooooo pleased sse contacted me to let me know about her new blog. Writing can touch us so, so, so deeply that if someone stops blogging we may well remember them until our dying day.
Kelvin Kao responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 6:06 pm →
Though you didn’t draw a conclusion, this is a great documentary in the form of blog post. Well, I think bloggers can just go on a hiatus or outright quit without saying anything. They don’t really owe anyone an explanation. If you’ve already established some more personal relationships with the blogger, you can always shoot them an email or whatever to ask what’s up. But even that, as someone that has quitted blogging on some other blogs before, I recognize that sometimes blogging just doesn’t fit into the life of the blogger that well anymore, or it’s been kicked to the bottom of their priority list. That’s really not that uncommon. Sometimes I would ask, but it’s more of a “Hey! What’s going on in your life, pal?” than “Hey, where’s new contents? I demand something new to read! Now!”
I briefly dug into my 2007 archive myself. There weren’t that many. There were only like, two people that were regulars. One of them already sold her blog and moved on to another blog, which I continue to visit. And then other rarely blogs now but we were talking on Twitter all the time. So if some kind of friendship is already established, it doesn’t even always need the original blogs to continue.
Tess The Bold Life responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 6:08 pm →
Jannie better not ever quit cuz part of us would die with the blog. I like Jannie, have the time and am building my coaching. It is true if you don’t enjoy it then why do it.
I let it go when I have better things to do. I enjoyed reading this entire thing. I like Barbara like when bloggers say goodbye.
Writer dad is lucky. He had a guest post on Zen Habits. I asked Leo twice and he said no both times. I have followed him for a long time and will continue to do so. Then I realized I don’t think he has ever had a woman as a guest writer. Interesting eh? Maybe it’s a cultural thing, maybe he just needs those boundaries. Has anyone else ever seen a female guest blogger on Zen Habits?
Marelisa responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 6:18 pm →
Hi Vered: My life has been a bit hectic and I’ve cut down from the three-posts-a-week schedule I initially set for myself (I’m down to one or two a week, at least for now), but I’m enjoying blogging so much that I can’t see myself quitting. I have noticed that the blogging landscape has changed a lot since I started blogging a year ago. It’s sad when you get used to stopping by a blog regularly and all of a sudden the person stops blogging, but I understand that it doesn’t make sense for someone to keep on blogging if they no longer feel inspired or life begins to intrude. This was an interesting post
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 6:39 pm →
Hi Vered – I guess a lot of people who quit blogging, didn’t have a specific goal, or their goal changed. I had no idea that Shilpan had quit blogging but I can imagine that it took a lot of time away from his main business.
I haven’t been blogging much lately. I’ve had a lot of health struggles this year and I find it really difficult to blog when I feel ill. But I find it difficult to write on my blog about my reasons for blogging less, because I don’t want the whole world knowing everything about me.
Stacey / Create a Balance responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 7:55 pm →
I love my blog, love blogging, and love the blogging community. Like you, I decided to slow down and prioritize to fit blogging into my practice of life balance. I want blogging to provide me with authentic happy energy, so I need to be careful that it does not become a brain drain.
Daphne @ Joyful Days responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 8:18 pm →
Vered, very well-researched post, and the real life examples help give perspective. Wow, I would never have guessed that you get angry responses for closing comments. I’ve closed comments on a couple of posts with explanations why, and thought people would appreciate saving the time on commenting! I like the fact that you and a few other bloggers occasionally close comments, because not all posts really need commenting on, and I might do that more often.
Evelyn Lim responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 8:21 pm →
Your post certainly resonated well with so many people!! There are already so many comments before mine!!
Yes, blogging in the hope to monetize money is not as easy as it used to be. My Internet Marketing friends tell me that it is worse for those in the personal development sector for newbies. Hardly anyone is clicking on the ads, so it seems, or the amount earned clearly does not justify the time spent. I don’t know many of the bloggers that you have mentioned in your post, except for one or two. But I can perfectly understand why it may not make economic sense for someone to continue with blogging, if he or she is already in a lucrative career.
Congrats for making it as a blogger for hire!! I am already learning from you by closing off the comment function to some of my posts. I have found that it gives me time to pursue other activities, which are just as important.
I wish you continued success in your online journey!
Noble Savage responds:
Posted: May 5th, 2009 at 11:57 pm →
I think, for me anyway, that blogging breaks are a means of regrouping and recharging in my personal life so that I can clear some headspace and start thinking and writing about new things. It isn’t so much about getting sick of the blogosphere politics or succumbing to pressure to write *something* even if I don’t feel like it (though I do let that pressure get the better of me sometimes), but about being an observer, a reader and turning a critical eye to my style and content so that I can (hopefully) keep it fresh. I write mainly for myself with some small considerations of what others might find interesting or like to hear about. If my readers were to stop finding my work interesting, entertaining or identifiable, it would certainly make me stop and think but it isn’t the end-all-be-all. As long as I’m happy with what I am putting into my blog and what I get out of it, even if it’s just personal satisfaction or an archive of my thoughts, that’s enough for me. I’m not really that interested in trying to become an uber-blogger or increasing my traffic by writing what others want to read. If that’s narcissisim or navel-gazing, so be it. My navel, my blog.
Thanks for another thought-provoking post, Vered.
Maya responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 9:25 am →
Awesome post Vered.
I think money from a blog comes indirectly to most people – so putting too much into a blog just for the money sets very wrong expectations for the reader – I think that is what we all should be careful with.
I always maintain that a blog should live up to what we think it is in our lives, at every point in time. I am so glad you slowed this blog down since I always wondered how you do it.
I think we all have to accept that we blog as much for our own selves as for the readers. It is better to make changes to our blogs/schedules etc rather than try to live up to some expectations we set up months or years ago and then just burn out. We all put SO much work and energy into our blogs that we owe that to ourselves and our readers. Better to make changes than just disappear, right? I think so.
MommyNamedApril responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 9:37 am →
I’ve noticed so many bloggers quitting lately! Although,I don’t think it’s an epidemic by any means, I suspect this medium just wasn’t for them… or in some cases it seems they went too far with the blogging and found there are repercussions to airing all your dirty laundry on the not-so-private interwebs.
For now I really like blogging – I use it primarily to keep friends and family updated, but I’m thrilled others are interested in our adventures as well. It’s also nice to be making some (very little) money with a hobby – and I don’t feel like it’s taking up an inordinate amount of time. At some point, if it does begin to jeopardize my time, or my kids no longer want to be fodder, then maybe I’ll change, scale back or disappear into the night. But for now it’s working. And I love it.
The Lawyer Mom responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 10:21 am →
Fascinating glimpses into bloggers’ heads. I’m glad you dusted it off the draft shelf.
Your post and many of the comments underscore the importance of a blogger’s expectations (high traffic, monetizing, etc.). When I started my blog, I had none (and still don’t). I suppose if that were to change, and I didn’t meet my goals, I’d quit, too.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 10:37 am →
@ Sara: “It’s a sustainable pleasure.” EXACTLY. It’s a pleasure, as long as it’s not taking over my life. And since I want to sustain it, I needed to cut back.
@ Jannie: “Writing can touch us so, so, so deeply that if someone stops blogging we may well remember them until our dying day.” I agree. It’s easy to disconnect and disappear online, but it doesn’t mean people won’t remember you.
@ Kelvin Kao: “And then other rarely blogs now but we were talking on Twitter all the time.” I think this happens a lot, and it gores back to what Thomas Baekdal said – Facebook and Twitter are replacing blogging for many people.
@ Tess: “It is true if you don’t enjoy it then why do it.” Absolutely. I think many bloggers keep doing it out of obligation, until they realize it’s not fun anymore.
@ Marelisa: “I have noticed that the blogging landscape has changed a lot since I started blogging a year ago.” Same here. At least 50% of my initial blogging community is gone.
@ Cath Lawson: I totally respect that. I had a health scare a while ago and there was no way I was going to share it on my blog. I don’t share the really private stuff here.
@ Stacey: Blogging CAN drain your energy if you allow it to take over. It makes sense that you would slow down, since life balance is so important to you.
@ Daphne: “not all posts really need commenting on” – exactly.
@ Evelyn Lim: I think I have inspired several blogging friends to close comments once in a while. Good for us! I really believe that some posts are simply not meant for a discussion, and as you say, it enables us to update our blogs and keep them fresh while making time for other pursuits.
@ Noble Savage: “I’m not really that interested in trying to become an uber-blogger or increasing my traffic by writing what others want to read.” This takes a lot of the pressure off. I am often torn between “doing as I please, it’s MY blog after all” and posting social-media-friendly material to increase traffic.
@ Maya: “I always wondered how you do it.” I used to do it by staying up until midnight, working – and I’m a morning person, not a night owl. I was constantly tired!
@ MommyNamedApril: “or my kids no longer want to be fodder” – I think this is a real issue for many mommy bloggers when their kids grow up. One solution is to reinvent yourself as a “woman blogger” or a “personal blogger” or whatever.
@ The Lawyer Mom: I agree it’s about expectations. Also agree that many bloggers start with high expectations, only to find out after a few months that making money from a blog is nearly impossible.
Paisley responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 2:43 pm →
Once again, a really good read. I’m not selling anything or blogging for money. The last two weeks have been a real eye opener regarding blogging and bloggers. I’m looking at my blog as a creation in progress and it’s going to take time before I’m satisfied (I really don’t know anything). I’m learning a lot about myself thanks to the amazing blogs I visit. I’m finding it hard to get a little itty bitty personal blog going so I really feel for those who depend on a blog to put food on the table. They have loads of courage and my full admiration.
Lance responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 5:11 pm →
Hi Vered,
This is a great look at the reasons why blogs come and go. For me, I originally went into this thinking I would write some, and have a few ads, and make a little money in the process. What I’ve found, though, is that first off – ads weren’t working for me. So, I did a little soul searching, and realized that what meant the most to me was the community and connection with others. And I focused on that. This has led to some great friendships, and some possible things down the road that might turn into something more. Beyond blogging. And that’s exciting. Has it been worth it? Definitely! I get so much from writing and interacting with others, and in the process I’ve learned so much more about myself…
lizriz responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm →
What an interesting round-up. I took December off, but didn’t warn or ever write up an explanation. It was great. I’ll probably do it again next year.
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 7:53 pm →
I’ve seen so many bloggers come and go for many reasons. I’ve started 5 other blogs that never lasted until this last one. I found my niche. I also knew what goals I was striving for.
I think a lot of bloggers stop because they never had long term goals to begin with. Blogging is not an overnight success type of adventure, unless you are Leo of Zen Habits. For most of us it’s painstakingly slow process to get to where we want to be. It’s not easy to endure.
After over a year and a 1/4 of steady blogging I’m finally seeing a glimmer of hope that my goals are reachable. It’s really exciting, but I know I still have a long way to go.
I try to think of myself as the tortoise just chugging along consistently, until my goals are in reach. I know it will happen I just have to keep plugging.
I must admit The best part of my blogging journey has been the beautiful friendships that I’ve formed. I feel that I have found friends for life and that means so much to me.
Julie responds:
Posted: May 6th, 2009 at 8:07 pm →
Vered, this is a fascinating topic, probably because every one of us can relate so well to it and no one really speaks much about it. Thank you! I can’t say I had any reason for starting my blog; I just felt it and did it, and have been enjoying a subtle evolution ever since. BUT! It’s exhausting. Apparently, my natural rhythm is much more relaxed than I ever suspected, because I find myself drained with each post. Second “but”… I learned something amazingly incredible about myself, though, and that’s my desire (sprung from seemingly nowhere) to write a book. And so I shall. In fact, that’s had a great deal to do with my fluctuating posting schedule, all the mulling and pondering I’ve been doing. It’s very hard for me to make the mental switch from blog to book to work to family to me to blog… So I’m now happy with just going completely with the flow. I, too, have reduced the number of blogs I read and comment on, but that’s necessary if I’m to do what I truly love. Thank you, again, for this post. I feel validated, as if being a blogging rebel has been applauded.
~ Julie
Suzie responds:
Posted: May 7th, 2009 at 10:17 am →
Thats exactly what I was just writting about on my blog. I find I’m needing a break. Ive slowed down I post less and I comment less too. It sometimes feels like a job and it shouldn’t. Its my support and outlet. Its so hard to balance everything so blogging has to take a back seat. Its so funny to see its going around. Its god to know Im not alone. Chalk one up for the bloggy community again.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: May 7th, 2009 at 2:43 pm →
@ Paisley: Making money blogging does take a lot of hard work and a huge leap of faith. Even then, it usually doesn’t make enough money to pay the bills.
@ Lance: For many, blogging is not about making money directly, but about creating new opportunities for networking. So, it can still pay off in terms of career/ money even if not directly. Plus as you say, there’s the personal growth, meeting new friends and expressing yourself. While those can’t be measured in money, they are certainly valuable.
@ lizriz: I see more and more bloggers taking some time off when they need it, without apologizing or explaining. I think it’s great.
@ Karl Staib: It’s true that even when a blog succeeds in terms of making money, it’s usually a very long process.
@ Julie: Glad you feel validated.
I think it’s really important to talk about this. All bloggers struggle to some extent. There’s pressure in other areas too, of course, but blogging creates a unique kind of pressure.
@ Suzie: You’re definitely not alone, and you should do what works for you. If a personal blog that you write as a hobby feels like work, then it’s time to take a short break or maybe just post a little less.
Hunter Nuttall responds:
Posted: May 7th, 2009 at 8:53 pm →
There are plenty of valid reasons to quit blogging. Despite all the benefits, it also takes a lot out of us. I’ve decided to slow way down and just see what happens.
There are 56 comments above mine on this post. I could have spent an entire evening reading them all and thinking about 56 posts I was inspired to write in response. But instead, I decided not to read any. Do I feel like I’m missing out on some great discussion? Yup. But I also know that I can’t read every post I’d like to and read every comment I’d like to and write every post I’d like to and this and that and the other.
For a while I was working above my maximum sustainable rate. Now I’m seeing what it’s like to work below it. There must be a good balance in there somewhere.
Jennie@ModernMamaz responds:
Posted: May 8th, 2009 at 12:45 am →
Blogging is a very demanding hobby. I don’t think people that don’t do it quite understand the time it takes to run a successful blog. The actual posting is the easy part (if you’re a talker, and I am) it’s all of the promoting and interacting that comes with it. It can also be a very rewarding hobby, lots of new people enter your life as a result of being a blogger!
Robin responds:
Posted: May 8th, 2009 at 6:21 am →
Hi Vered – I often feel stressed at the time it takes to keep things going – last night I thought I’d do lots of commenting, and it took me 45 minutes to read and comment on one post! Leo from Zen Habits suggested on a post on ProBlogger that we could spend 10 minutes a day writing lots of quality comments on blogs – I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at this. I’ve taken quite a few breaks – but I never announce them. I think we can only follow our intuition about whether we want to do a blog – we don’t know where it will go – the benefit might be something totally unexpected and not require that there be 1000s of readers.
Dot responds:
Posted: May 8th, 2009 at 9:17 am →
I appreciate this collection. It’s so interesting to see the different reasons bloggers blog and stop blogging. The other thing that struck me was that different bloggers have such different takes on the blogosphere. I’ve found it to be, with rare exceptions, very supportive and friendly.
This post reminded me that when I started blogging seriously, I wanted to avoid any kind of journaling or diary-writing and concentrate on well-researched articles that would be enjoyable for a large audience. I didn’t know how much time that takes! And I agree with Robin, reading and participating in the commenting on other blogs takes a lot of time — more than blogging itself sometimes. Lately my posts have degenerated into journaling, while my journaling has suffered. The reason: time, and a community of users who know me well enough to be interested in my life, as well as running out of good ideas.
Also, it’s spring in the northern hemisphere, and while people may want to sit at their computer for hours in the winter, spring makes us want to get outdoors. I suspect when fall arrives and we start heading back indoors, blogging will pick up again.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: May 8th, 2009 at 10:06 am →
@ Hunter Nuttall: We are all doing our best, and only those who blog, comment and regularly participate in social media know how much work it involves. One has to set limits in order to keep ones’ sanity.
@ Jennie: “I don’t think people that don’t do it quite understand the time it takes to run a successful blog.” I agree. I certainly had no idea before I started.
@ Robin: “we could spend 10 minutes a day writing lots of quality comments on blogs – I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at this.” I think I will cry.
@ Dot: Well-researched articles do take a lot of time to put together. It’s an interesting thought – people blog more when it’s cold outside. Makes sense!
Mike Goad responds:
Posted: May 8th, 2009 at 8:03 pm →
Finally getting through my reading. It may be a week or so before I get another chance.
I didn’t read super close nor did I click on the links as I have limited time right now.
As always, though, this is a kind of interesting topic.
For those who persevere with blogging, I think that it comes down to reaching some sort of balance with blogging in their life with everything else in their life — and it’s going to be something different for each individual. Others become overwhelmed or just lose interest.
Thanks for the mention of my blog.
Robin responds:
Posted: May 9th, 2009 at 5:30 pm →
Hi Vered – me again. You know “slow food” – that way of cooking and eating where you do it really slowly? Well I am going to start “slow blogging” – I have decided this weekend (it’s Sunday here) to just do one post a month! For a few months, anyway. I don’t know how it will go – but I have to do it. I am feeling so excited at the prospect of all the things I can do now – offline things (we have a business idea I haven’t been doing) and even behind the scenes networking things to do with my blog. So thanks for this post! – it helped me clarify things. (BTW – re Tess – you had a guest post on ZH once, didn’t you?)
Blog Crime | elli (me) responds:
Posted: May 10th, 2009 at 12:56 am →
[...] of blogger etiquette? I’m not sure, may you be my judge. Insanely motivated by Vered’s last post I started to gather bits and pieces of my old soulkin blog that I loved and neglected so in his [...]
Elli responds:
Posted: May 10th, 2009 at 12:59 am →
Wow, thank you so much Vered! This post of yours has actually inspired me to take a whole lot of action on my blog and in turn has made me realize several things about my own blogging habits that will be very useful in the future.
Cheers,
Elli
MomGrind responds:
Posted: May 10th, 2009 at 7:26 pm →
@ Mike Goad: “For those who persevere with blogging, I think that it comes down to reaching some sort of balance” – I completely agree. I think every blogger struggles with achieving this balance.
@ Robin: Sounds like a great plan! And I’m glad I could help. Yes, I wrote 2 guest posts for Zen Habits.
@ Elli: You’re very welcome.
Glad I helped.
Nicole responds:
Posted: May 20th, 2009 at 12:33 pm →
Yea I was guilty of this a while back. (She says sheepishly.)
btw, thanks for the stumble + comment…:)
Jewel/Pink Ink responds:
Posted: May 21st, 2009 at 5:55 am →
Hi Vered,
I’m chiming in without reading other posts….
I have done this before, taken a blog break, and have come back with a healthier perspective on my life and how blogging fits into it. Your list is fascinating.
I would imagine successful blogging is like reality TV. How exciting to have people be interested in your life, but at a certain point, you have to ask yourself where you draw the line. And if the demands on your time and privacy are worth it.
Great post.
-Jewel