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So a few months ago I decided to join in on this blogging thing. At the time, I thought it would be a way for friends and family to check up and check in. I figured it would also give me a way to blog for some of those great giveaways around the blogosphere. I also love to write. The thing is, I'm not finding it worth my time. I rarely get a response on anything, and sometimes I can spend a decent amount of time posting something, especially if it has a bunch a pictures. So I don't even know if anyone is reading any of it. Why bother? Now, I'm sure I don't know all the ins and outs of attracting readers, but really, if they don't know me, why would they care? And then that's even MORE time I have to spend online trying to get people here. It's all beginning to seem quite silly to me.
So perhaps I need to re-evaluate my internet usage (which I already know is too much) and start focusing on the important things and the people in my
real life who actually pay attention to what I have to say. I'm sure to get more valuable things done with that time, too. Things I end up feeling guilty about when I spend time posting something on my blog that probably no one will read. Posts like this one.
February 13, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Oh, Nat. I'm so sorry I'm reading this! :( It takes time to build a readership, increase your stats, etc. - if that's even what you want to do. Some blog just to keep friends and family updated, and they don't care who reads and who doesn't. When I first started my blog, that's all it was. I just wanted to keep family and friends updated about the pregnancy. I didn't even care if anyone read it or not. It was just my way of documenting my last pregnancy, and that was all that mattered. Now, it's been almost a year since I started, and I finally have some readers. I'll never be on Oprah or be one of "the" bloggers, but that's ok with me. I like what I get to do, and I'm proud of my little monkey blog.
I really think you should stick with it. Don't worry about who's reading and who's not. Just write like no one's reading. You may start to enjoy it.
And, the offer still stands for Buy By Mom. I could definitely use a partner over there! :)
February 13, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Thanks, Angie. What it really boils down to for me is whether something is worth it or not. At this point, it's really not. I'm spending too much time online trying to do things that don't seem to be paying off. I've got 4 kids and a household, and this is providing no benefit to them. Maybe some day more people will read it, maybe they won't. In the grand scheme of things, does it matter?
You've done a great job with your blogs. But, it's also a niche you've carved out for yourself and it works for you. I'm so happy about that! You should enjoy it. I just don't know if I care to take the time or do the work to try to get to the same place. I just don't think it should be that important to me. Heck, I can't even access my stupid blog half the time!
I do enjoy writing and sharing things with others. But maybe I can find another way to do that that seems more worth the time, ya know?
February 13, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Oh, and I just want to make sure it's known that I'm not trying to throw a pity party here. That would be silly. I'm just trying to be honest with myself about how I'm spending my time and whether it's a benefit to me or my family. Dropping cards, blogging about giveaways, posting links, it all takes time. I should be getting my laundry put away, getting this place more organized, or playing with my kids, or shoot, just making sure they don't get into trouble! ;) It's more of an evaluation of practicality, really.
February 13, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Hi Natalie,
I totally hear what you are saying. In fact, my mind was in the same place as yours was today. I see so many bloggers posting things like "not me monday" and "thankful thursday" and well I think they have something for everyday of the week. And they get a lot of followers that way by joining in others posts. I just don't have the time for that stuff. I have a new baby girl at home and my attention needs to be on her. I don't even want to give up a second to be on this computer that seems to just rob me of my time. I still post, I do it mostly for my brother's sake. He's in Colorado, I'm in NJ. He has a special bond with Lainey since China. If it weren't for him, I'd probably give up. If it means anything, I always stop by to read your blog. And I thank you for all of your beautiful comments that you leave me. Sorry for being so negative about blogging, just wanted to let you know I'm in the same boat.
Blessings,
Deanna
February 14, 2009 at 2:21 AM
Nat,
I may not post to your blog, but I read it. Not so much lately, but that's been due to internet issues, nothing more. Do what you have to do. I blog if only to use it as a diary/sounding board for myself. I know no one reads mine unless I've approved them to. My privacy settings are set that way on purpose. It's like my diary. I don't expect comments, though every once in a while it'd be nice. Still, not expected. Don't fret too much. If the time isn't right, then it isn't and that's that.