I’m not writing this to gain pats on the back. I just know that this is often a struggle that bloggers of all experience levels feel, and I wanted to encourage those who may be struggling with it right now.
Though I’ve been at it for a while, it’s sometime hard to be a blogger. Of course there’s the struggles with writer’s block and the search for the just-right word that any writer would face, but there’s more.
Since blogging is done publicly, there’s the added pressure of “performing.” At various times in my blogging career, I’ve felt this pressure. I LOVE comments: the proof that someone read what I wrote and has something to say.
But I have to remind myself that I don’t blog FOR the comments…I blog because I want to, most of the time I feel like I have something to say, and it’s a way that I can bring glory to God (though, like anything else, I can also use it to bring glory to ME).
Though I’m torn by the many desires that my readers have (or I think they have) for my blog, I can’t cater to them.
And since this blog reflects the various sides of me, it’s not just one thing. Sometimes I think this drives people away.
Readers who enjoy book blogs might get turned off that I only write a book review once every week or two.
People who enjoy humorous blogs may like a post or two here, but be disappointed that I often take a serious tone.
Some read my blog because they share my faith or are curious about it, but could leave disappointed that I don’t write about it more.
Fellow personal bloggers may walk away wishing I had spent more time writing about my life.
But I’m okay with that. I am who I am, and I’ll blog what I desire or feel lead to blog.
Thank you for reading, no matter what you enjoy or dislike about this blog.
Photo by orangeacid
I feel it’s the eclectic nature of my own blogging that ensures I’ll never be able to make a living out of blogging. :)
.-= Rodney Olsen´s last blog ..Ding Dong =-.
I like the mixture of posts. I mean of course I’d love to see more controversial ones and ones with more pictures, but I think that you appeal to the masses because you do write about lots of different things. Some readers will read one post and not the other. They will read what appeals to them most.
.-= Liz´s last blog ..A House Burning =-.
I love your blog for its variety! And I think your post is a great encouragement and reminder for other bloggers that your blog is YOUR BLOG and should reflect YOU. Like it or lump it. :)
.-= Cheryl´s last blog ..Bothered, Part 2 =-.
Rodney: Oh, me too. Oh well!
Liz: Controversial posts take SO much energy. I have at least one up my sleeve, but it requires some research that I haven’t completed.
Cheryl: Thanks!
I’ve struggled with the same issues. My first blog that I’ve started was going really well until I basically lost track of its original purpose because I started trying to please my commenters and trying to “fit-in” the blogging community (through awards, etc). I felt the quality really suffered as a result. It felt fake, pointless. So in the end I abandoned it and started a new one. For me. I find I also have to remind myself I don’t blog for comments or to please anyone. But as a result I feel more liberated, more in control of my writing.
.-= Elle´s last blog ..Eurovision 2010 =-.
I like that you blog about you. Always diverse just like we all are. I appreciate a more genuine blog than one dedicated to a certain area of interest or life.
.-= Janet´s last blog ..Fun Monday: FOOD =-.
You hit the nail on the head. When life gets busy I freak out because I didn’t have time to write a post and then try to throw something together so “you” (the audience) will have something to read. And this was a great reminder that I blog for me, for me to be real and honest with myself, and “you” are just a lucky bystander :)
And I do really like your blog!
.-= D´s last blog ..I’m Freaking Out Man =-.
Stick to writing a blog that is “you”. I struggle with a lot of the same things – thinking I having to post something every day – but then the quality of content goes down. I enjoy the variety of what you write.
.-= Tami and Dave´s last blog ..Intentionally Illiterate =-.
It’s always better to write for you, for sure. If all of us bloggers jumped into this hoping for a bunch of comments and potential success, then we’d all be left rather empty handed, I’d say. There are times when catering to the audience is ideal, but blogging isn’t one of those.
.-= MinD´s last blog ..Doing it, and doing it, and doing it well. =-.
Hello,
I found my way here via Rodney Olsen and have been enjpying your blog :)
I can totally relate to your post. Just over a year ago, I seriously considered closing my blog down because of the reasons you mentioned. One really helpful comment I received was to see comments as a bonus. That’s what I keep telling myself now when thoughts of giving up resurface. Write what you feel you want to write, and if people contribute, then that’s great. If they don’t, well you don’t know who’s lurking out there and what they’re getting out of your posts.
Also, some bloggers automatically have large readerships because the blogger is well-known in the ‘real world’ (although they may also be great writers as well). After nearly four years of blogging, I still have a small readership, but I’m starting to see that a lack of comments does not mean you’re a bad writer.
Personally I like variety when I choose blogs to read. I like variety in my own. I find blogs that are just for mums, or just for pastors, for example, quite boring, because I’m just not in that situation so I can’t relate. Sure, not every post will appeal to everyone, but your readers will stick around because they know there’s a great post coming their way that they’ll really be able to relate to.
.-= sarah´s last blog ..From Head to Hand: The End! =-.
It’s always nice to know that the bloggers we follow and look up to have the same issues as we do. You certainly can’t blog for everyone, but you can blog for yourself :)
.-= Veronica´s last blog ..Like A Phoenix =-.
I have to agree with all your other commenters. I tend to enjoy blogs that blog about a variety of topics. I may not be equally interested in all of them, but if I enjoy the blogger’s “voice” I will usually find something of interest.
.-= Pam´s last blog ..Musing Mondays =-.
I blog what I want. I try not to think about anything but me saying something in my genuine voice. Some will like, some won’t. I learned that after 25 years of writing.
Mary
.-= Mary ´s last blog ..Even Chickens Get Confused =-.
Elle: Exactly. When I start to blog for the comments or to what i *think* others will like, it IS fake, cuz it’s not me.
Janet, D, and Tami: Thanks!
MinD: Very true.
Sarah: Welcome!
Veronica: Ha! I’m not sure I’m a blogger to look up to, but I enjoy being called that!
Having and wanting an audience sure make things difficult sometimes! I sometimes live for comments too and wonder what I did wrong if I don’t get very many. It’s a troubling world. =)
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Visit Salt Lake- Living Traditions Celebration =-.
But see, that’s what I LIKE about reading your blog. I like the fact that we get a ‘mixed-bag’… so to speak, anyway.
When you read blogs that focus on recipes or gardens, it can be interesting for while, but then it starts to pale. I just figure that blogging should be like friendships or fabrics. A little of evrything shared willingly, but the common thread of the writer that keeps it all stitched into place.
.-= Kate´s last blog ..There’s an upside / or Am I just nuts? =-.
Rebecca: I’ve learned that I can exactly figure out what will and won’t get comments, so even trying to blog for the comments, I’d come up dry.
KatE: Thanks!
Good for you! It’s hard to get past the “how many people are looking at my blog” and “what can I write to get more comments” feelings.
And, personally, I love the variety of your blog :)
.-= Heather´s last blog ..June Resolutions =-.