Some blogs have specific goals or themes. Some are simply an outlet for writers, an opportunity to practice writing with the added bonus of connecting with others. Some seem to be ramblings about day to day life, and again a connection to others through comments and reading other's blogs. Some blogs are devoted to hobbies such as photography or computer jargon.
When I first began blogging I never chose a theme. I simply decided that it would be enjoyable to have a writing outlet that wasn't graded or evaluated. A location where I was the one in control and could write about everything from the mundane and trivial to the deep and meaningful. In turn, I enjoy a variety of blogs. I enjoy those devoted to humor and those devoted to introspection. I enjoy the ones that are simply online journals, providing a connection to others that I would otherwise never have met. I've connected with other people from across this country and beyond and look forward to reading about the daily lives of people that I consider friends, friends that I have never met in person but who know more about me than many people I have met in person. I believe that I also know a great deal about these people, perhaps more than many that they have met in person. All of these new connections, and not once did I have to sign up for an online dating service!
Lately I have been somewhat self conscious about the quality of my writing. My blog has slipped into the land of the mundane much too frequently. I feel as though my muse has left the building and left the 'time expected to return' portion of the community bulletin board blank. I have spent a great deal of the last several months seeking out inspiration wherever I may find it and I routinely become frustrated with my inability to translate whatever inspiration I eke out into art. I have always used art in one form or another to keep the depression grip at bay. I have used writing, painting, drawing, pottery, scrapbooking, stamping, watercolor and assorted craft making to keep myself busy, occupied, and content. But, quality has always been important to me as well. A concept that my mother beat into me (figuratively of course) was, "If you're going to do something, do it right." This applied to everything from dusting the living room to the biggest tasks that one decided to take on, and I take this idea very seriously. Otherwise, what's the point of committing yourself to something?
With my blog, I simultaneously feel the desire to hold my writing up to a quality that I am proud to call my own, and to post simply to stay connected to my (for lack of a better term) cyber friends. I have felt as though my posting keeps them coming back, and if I go too long without posting, they'll forget about me and move on to the more entertaining and predictable blogger.
Mel, one of my favorite bloggers ever, has decided to take a break from the world of blogging. She says she's not feeling it anymore. And while I stand behind her need to take a break, I'm saddened that I will no longer be able to take a peak into her entertaining and touching personal world. At the same time, I have zero intention of taking her off my blogroll and will probably stop by her site daily as a matter of habit. So, when she decides she's up for writing again I'll be one of the first to comment and welcome her back on board with cyber hugs and kisses. In the mean time I'll probably drop her an email and ask that she keep in touch.
I guess this made me realize that I don't need to fill my blog with fluff to keep people coming. The people that matter (like 2x4, Mel, Shoparound, Amy, Cyberoutlaw, and Steph, for instance) will stop by periodically regardless of the frequency of posts. For that reason I've decided to focus on quality and not quantity. I will post when inspired to do so and not stress out about how long it's been since my last post. Those of you who are interested, by all means keep coming back as the frequency of my posts is bound to vary. I have no doubt that some weeks I'll post like my muse came back from her hiatus and is full with renewed energy from her invigorating vacation. And some weeks, my unpredictable muse will leave, feeling the unforeseen urge to recharge her battery. Either way, I've decided that I want to be proud of what I put forth in this format, and I can't predict how frequently my mind will offer forth worthy material.
9 comments:
What you say is so true. There are a handful of blogs on my blogroll that I will stop by no matter what, you being one of those few. Seems as though you and I have been along the same lines lately. My blog started to feel like a ball and chain b/c I was afraid that if I didn't post something people would be bored with me and stop reading. I had also become a little self-conscious about all those who read my blog that I know personally. I kept writing posts and then refusing to post them b/c I didn't want people to see or hear anything that was going on with me- feeling private and wanting to guard myself for the first time in my life even though nothing's changed from before.
I'll be back. I am already feeling the tingling of a lost limb. Something funny happened when we took the kids tobogganing yesterday and my sister said "blog!" and then we both remembered that I'm on a break and frowned...
I'll watch for your email : )
I think your blog should be whatever you want it to be. You're right, it's hard to have a theme and stay with it, in addition to living a real-time human life. As far as the frequency of posts is concerned, I'll be the last to comment on that one, LOL! I'm probably the biggest offender on the entire net! When I first started out over at JournalSpace, I'd do at least one a day, but I quickly discovered that it's not possible (for me, at least) to keep that up. I don't have enough material, and my life just isn't that interesting. Keep doing what you do and people will keep reading it.
Mel-Thank you. It's nice to know that you understand where I'm coming from. I'm dying to hear the tobogganing story! I luckily have kept my blog mostly annonymous so I don't have that dilema. You could always start another blog and email the address to the select few whom you'd like to know it's you. Just a suggestion.
I will absolutely be in touch. After all, you're coming to the wedding, right?
Cyber-I agree. I intend to continue writing what I enjoy writing. My blog is not easily pigeon-holed. I like it that way.
I applaud your decision to keep writing, even if it's intermittent. I agree that it's difficult to write frequently and maintain a level of quality, unless you're some kind of freak. A few bloggers out there seem to be able to do it. I am not one of them. I figure they must have very exciting lives, and lots of downtime in which to write.
I also agree that you need to make your blog what you want it to be. Nothing's sadder than a good, introspective writer who gets bored and posts shopping lists, memes, and My Favorite 10 Whatever every time they turn around. Those things are all fine in their place, but I (personally) have no desire to spend much time in such a generic site.
Take your time. Keep a eye open for your muse. We'll be here when you're ready.
The words will be there when you are ready...until then, be well.
=-)
(Just keep a pen, or your computer close by...muses are fickel and you never know when they will pop up!)
I agree that it should be what you want it to be too. When it starts being a burden to people, it stops being fun. I don't think I have a goal or theme either. It just happens. I'll always stop by, even if you quit. Then I'd be hoping you would start up again. ;)
I think so many of us struggle with blog up keep (is that a weird way to put it?) Mine seems to morph all on its own, and I'm simply grateful for the tolerance of those who visit to read...
We'll keep checking on you........
You took the words right out of my mouth. I've so been there, and still find myself there often.
I'm proud to be in the inner circle. ;)
Don't feel pressured to be profound every time you write. Sometimes what coming out of your heart is boring everyday stuff. That's okay - that's why you're the one with the password to this site - it's yours.
As for me, I will continue checking in to see what you're up to, rocket science or finger painting, I don't care what.
And you know you can e-mail me any time you're bored! :)
"I simply decided that it would be enjoyable to have a writing outlet that wasn't graded or evaluated."
That was the exact same reason that I started.
And, it's a good idea not to force writing when it won't come. When it starts feeling less enjoyable and more like a chore, you know it's time to step back and evaluate.
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