… and how did I get mixed up in this crazy, thrilling, depressing, oddly addictive mess?
This is the question I pose to myself more and more these days. Generally after spending more time than I care to admit on my blog, my posts, my Twitter, my Facebook, my analytics, my giveaway and review pursuits, and any other possible thing in the world I can connect to blogging and type on my little net book keyboard.
This is ridiculous. I have no clue what I am doing. I have no idea of how I have done it so far. And I do not know how to move to the next level.
So,why, pray tell, do I spend countless hours – usually late into the night and early morning {bedtime is now getting closer to 2am}, doing so much writing and editing, rewriting and rewording, rereading and rethinking, post after post after post? And why do I painstakingly work on a review and/ or giveaway for days on end? And how many articles can I read on how to do this, how to navigate, how to build readers, what stats are most important, what captures an audience, how to please a sponsor, how to get a sponsor, how to do anything in this world to promote and create my own niche? Arrogantly assuming I even have one!
Lately, I have soaked up many posts about blogs and how to do and what to do and who to contact, know, download, bookmark, friend in this blogosphere, plus some great posts about different bloggers perspectives in this world. I find that I am reading more about how to blog and less from the bloggers I love and want to keep up with. And that, honestly, makes me sad.
In fact, it is not lost on me that my blog is quickly becoming a lot like my life. A complete mess that I have no idea how to run that I scurry around all day and all night trying to keep control of. Some days, I do really well. Others… like today, I feel like I am drowning and that I have not one good thing to offer.
I know I am not the only one. I have seen recent posts from people, really good writers and content providers – much better than me, throwing in the towel and shutting down. Comment like, “Why am I working so hard for 40 people a day to read it?” float through my twitter screen and stand out among the spam tweets. I feel for these people because I know that they work just as hard as anyone and just get swallowed up in a world that is growing faster than most of us can keep up.
So, 9 months later, after never having read a blog in my lifetime before starting mine, I wonder still, “What the H*LL is a blogospere and how did I get mixed up in this crazy, thrilling, depressing, oddly addictive mess?”
Just like, as a parent, I ask myself, “What the H*LL is this parenting thing and how did I get mixed up in this crazy, thrilling, depressing, oddly addictive mess?
I love my blog. I do. I love my readers more than I could ever express on paper – or screen. And I appreciate every single click, read, page view, comment, like, tweet, opinion, and helpful tip that they provide.
And I know I am incredibly blessed.
But none of that stops me from the constant question of how I can do this better each day and the feelings of doubt that I can even do it well. And I am glad for that.
Because without my blog and this wonderful world of insanity, I would not feel complete!
Want more on this subject? Check out these great bloggers and their perspective! And then link up your post or another post you have read that resonates on blogging to you! Let’s support each other and help each other grow too!
Jill from Single Mom On A Budget wrote “10 Blogging ‘Hazards’ No One Told Me About” – a great post for Yahoo and their associated content!
Liz from a belle, a bean, & a chicago dog wrote “Why It Is OK To Be A ‘Bad’ Blogger” – a wonderful post about what she took away on the demands of blogging after attending Blissdom 2011.
Do you have a great post on this subject? Or know of one we would all like to read? Link it here!
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I think this is so great! We all really love it, but sometimes struggle with how to maintain a level with it that also maintains the love. Bloggy burnout is not good.
Thanks so much for linking to me!
I concur! It is like running a marathon over and over and over again with little fanfare sometimes! ;)
You are not alone, sister blogger, you are not alone. And the many “what the heck has this become” posts only confirm that.
I feel the same way sometimes. You MUST have a defined purpose, a defined reader in mind and go after that. None of the other stuff matters. If you have 10,000 visitors per day but what you offer only pertains to 10 of them, what good is 10,000 visitors? If you’re after numbers then you’ve got it. If you want to connect, you don’t.
No one, no one that you want to stick around anyway, is going anywhere if you walk away for a day, or go to be at 10pm. Trust me on that!
Oh yes, and thank you SO MUCH for linking to my post!
WHAT?!? I can go to bed at 10?!? LOL I agree, the numbers to me become less and less important as time moves on. But I do feel a pressure to offer great things to those who do read me and come by. But I suppose that is probably pressure I am putting on myself as well!
Thank you for coming by and commenting! ;)
Interesting. You must ask yourself some questions, not just with each individual post but also with the overall reasons for your blog. Ask yourself, what is the purpose? What do I expect to gain by doing this? What do I expect to offer to others? In my case, I try as best I can to be both educational and entertaining simultaneously, but maintaining such is a challenge. Ask yourself, too, if you weren’t spending that time and effort on your blog, what would you be doing with the time, what could you be doing with the time?
Of course, there is the oh-so-human need to connect with others, and that motivates my work too.
Best wishes,
Jimbaux
Jimbaux – Reflection is always fantastic and I think that this post was the door opening me up to it. I truly love blogging but have always been a “if I am going to do this I am going to do it right” kind of gal. So, I want the best! And the best takes time and honing. Let’s hope I come out of this reflection with a clearer head and manage to stay on the path I set out on… to talk to people about parenting and motherhood! Thank you for coming by and commenting – a great comment too! ;D
You’re quite welcome, Lori. I do share your sentiment of wanting to do things all-out or not at all, but, in reflecting on my life, I see a terrible pattern of allowing the perfect to be the enemy of the good. So, I really needed to get my directory site (my site that shows all of my other sites) launched, and it doesn’t look quite the way that I want it to look, but I’ve let go and allowed it to be there: http://jamesaberobichaux.com/
I’m working on my next post now, and it involves the themes of letting go.
Maybe one day I’ll need some advice on parenting! If that day ever comes, I hope to remember your site!
Jimbaux
Thank you Jimbaux! I’ll be here for you when you do just as you have been here for me! I am headed to check out your site! Thank you again for reading and commenting!
Sounds good. The very best way to be alerted to site updates on Jimbaux’s Journal is to join the Facebook fan page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimbauxs-Journal/145765538814006
I’m working on the next post now! Keep up the good work; I just saw your subsequent post.
Jimbaux
Wow, you’re so right! I’ve only been at this for a little over a month, and already I’m amazed at how ENORMOUS this blogosphere is and how much I have to learn! But I sure am having fun! I think finding balance will be the key – we’ll see how it goes……. Would love to have you follow me back. http://dailydoseofpositivepsychology.blogspot.com/
Lori Sometimes I feel the same way! I think we all do. What I have discovered is that I have to stick to the things I love. That means I share the deals, freebies, reviews, giveaways of things I LOVE. THat makes blogging so much easier. And every so ofter I get a comment that lifts my spirits and reminds me WHY I do this! Remember why wyou started blogging and all of the FUN things that have come from it live being a ChevyGirl! :) Keep up the great work!
LOL!! Thank you Heather! I do remember when I started and was like- maybe in 5 years, I will have 100 followers! It is funny how all of that goes froma great surprise to a self expectation! Thank you for bringing it back!
I heart Chevy Girls! By far, my favoritist campaign ever! ;)
I think it is just one of those times when discontent spreads… Let’s hope some great changes and refocused bloggers is the end result :)
I agree Branson. Since the new year, I have found it to be more of a struggle than it used to be. But then, so has my life – coming out of the holidays, etc. Maybe this is just the boost we need! Get it out of our system and MOVE ON!
hi newest follower from the hop, also linked to your facebook and twitter! Come see me! http://haydencouponmom.blogspot.com/
Hey! I’m out and about Blog Hopping and found your blog. I love it! Follow mine?
http://hollysanduskyy.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
I gotcha back!! Thank you and I appreciate the follow!
Wow I wish I could only focus on blogging at night after Sam goes to bed, but the pain prevents me from doing that and Sam + work + errands and chores during the day keep me pretty occupied. So when bedtime comes 11pm ish I can hardly keep my eyes open :P.
Girl – you have a valid excuse!! And most people are not insane like me and actually get sleep in their lives! LOL
Wow; blogging really is like a job! I am a writer so that is what I do on my blog but I am so impressed by what all of these young moms like yourself do just to make a little extra money. I think you all are awesome!
I am visiting and following from I love my online friends!
Thank you Doreen!! Especially for the comment about “young moms”! LOL I am pushing 40! I wish I could call myself a writer – maybe one day! I am coming to see you back! Thank you for stopping by and commenting! ;)