Blogging – Year One – Lesson Five

Posted by Barbara Swafford on Monday, April 21st 2008   
Filed in: Archives, Blogging Lessons, Lessons Learned    Tags: , ,

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Blogging can eat up a lot of time.

Today’s Lesson

When I first started blogging, most of my time was spent on researching, writing and publishing.

Being technologically challenged, the rest of my free time was spent learning “blogging language”, techniques, and behind the scenes maintenance (e.g. adding/removing plugins, html, ads, etc…).

When I added statistical programs, more time was spent watching my numbers (hopefully grow), and analyzing how the statistical data could help me get found.

I submitted several posts to blogging carnivals, and added my blogs to directories.

It didn’t help that I changes themes often, trying to find my “fit” in blogosphere.

I read that submitting articles to Digg would help my traffic counts, so I engaged in that option too.

Answering my comments, reading and then commenting on other’s blog posts soon became a favorite pastime.

Although I had joined StumbleUpon, I didn’t participate in social networking, but did use the SU toolbar to stumble through varies articles and photos. Later, I got caught up in the Stumble craze, but quickly found it to be addictive and extremely time consuming.

Although I’ve read articles how joining additional social media sites, can gain a blog popularity (and traffic), due to time restraints, I’ve chosen to refrain from signing up.

With a full-time job, family, friends and other activities I enjoy, blogging quickly began to eat into life’s activities which were important to me. What started out to be a part-time “hobby”, soon became a full-time activity that was competing for my attention.

I continually walk a fine line with regard to the time issue, constantly reminding myself to stay grounded and not get caught up in looking at blogging as a means to an end.

Lesson Five Blogging can easily become addictive. It can eat into time that could be better spent focusing attention on job, family, health, and “physical” social networking. Blogging can isolate you, and hinder your development as a person. Sitting at your computer blogging and/or social networking can make you lazy and unmotivated, resulting is weight gain and/or a lack of desire to interact with people.

Although blogging is a new found passion for me, I don’t make a living blogging and learned my blogs are not a replacement for living life.

Today’s Assignment

How do you balance blogging with life’s activities?

Do you find blogging becomes addictive?

Does blogging result in isolation for you?

Do you do less social networking (physical) since you started blogging?

Photo Credit: jonboy mitchell’s photostream

Comments

Ian DennyNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

I spend less time blogging now than I used to. There’s a finite amount of time you can spend on it.

I’ve found that work comes before blogging. And while blogging is now a part of my work, it comes second when things are busy.

I admit there was a time where it started to eat into other areas of my life time-wise. But I quickly drew back from that.

Ian Denny’s last blog post..New, Aspiring, Failed Or Successful Businesses – Share Your Business Story -

[Reply]

Barbara SwaffordNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Hi Ian,

I remember those days when you were extremely active in blogging. In fact, it was a time I was worried about you as it was at the same time you were building your new business.

It sounds like you have found balance, and now blog for the enjoyment of it.

[Reply]

Cath LawsonNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Hi Barbara – It is so true – it’s virtually impossible to participate in all those time consuming activities.

Whilst I was away on a writing course last week – I had no access to a phone, computer, or any other distraction. And I found I got so much written. And I didn’t prewrite a single blogpost.

Now that I’ve returned, I’m still going to continue blogging – but, because I plan to emigrate this year, I’ve wound down the business significantly and plan to concentrate on writing all the other things that are important to me first.

Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Beyond Criticism – When It’s Time To Pull The Plug

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Barbara SwaffordNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Hi Catherine,

I sure missed you while you were gone, but I know you were really looking forward to the writing course. I’m guessing the time away was a well deserved break, and enlightened you on what’s truly important in life.

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Ian DennyNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Balance is essential. I love visiting a select few blogs because I love the content and inspiration it gives.

I hope I occasionally add something too. But I must admit I class that time as fun.

Time I would have spent watching TV. I watch far less than ever before.

I am really enjoying work right now. And while a blog is part of what I do, it’s just one part.

The business blg will probably spring back to life with more meaty content. But despite it’s dullness, it’s generating business. We had 2 very solid enquiries on Friday just gone. And they cited the performance stats we are publishing daily. And when we don’t hit target they are published too.

So I am pleased people are choosing us because we’re telling it as it is.

The point? The content has to appeal to the audience. And the audience on the business blog is people who want their IT problems sorted fast.

They don’t always want to see a big article, or a salesy pitch – just a more human side of a business. divorced from the glossy brochure approach most businesses portray.

That’s why a blog is a great way to be yourself. In business, people still buy people. They are suspicious of claims of perfection. And arguably following my experiences, drawn to honesty.

Within the next few days, I am going to confess to a mistake we made on the blog. I’m just waiting to seehow big or small the mistake is before I publish!

Either way I’ll publish!

Sorry Barbara. I’ve gone off track again and not answered the questions. I was though trying to point out that you can justify the time you spend on blogging for a real-world business. And most of that doesn’t eat into personal time.

Hope that makes sense!

Ian Denny’s last blog post..New, Aspiring, Failed Or Successful Businesses – Share Your Business Story -

[Reply]

Lori | betweenusgirls.infoNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Barbara,

You really hit a nerve with this one. I’m not even working right now and I find that blogging is taking over my life.

I hoped to make money blogging but I fear it is much easier said than done. I love writing but, yes, it can be isolating not to mention poverty-inducing when you’re doing it for free! Between my house, my kids, my efforts to exercise and meditate (a little) to stay healthy and blogging, I seem to have no time left. There are too many other things I want to do (making some money not the least of them).

It’s becoming a problem to which I have yet to devise a solution. I’ll let you know when I come up with the magic answer. Right now I’m working on creating some “spells” to add several more hours to each day and the energy to use them! Don’t hold your breath.

[Reply]

Barbara SwaffordNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Hi Ian,

I do think business blogging falls into another category, and some businesses hire bloggers/webmasters to produce content. How fun would that be….blog for a business and get paid, especially if you were blogging on topics you loved.

I like how your business blog covers all sorts of material…information that’s helpful, videos of your forfeits, as well as your performance stats. With the transparency you’re showing, it’s no wonder your business is growing.

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Debbie YostNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Hi Barbara,

I have what I consider an addictive personality. When I find something new I can get a bit obsessive. I know before I read a book that I will spend every spare (and not so spare) minute doing it. The good things about books are they have an ending. Blogging has been the same for me and in the beginning it was bad. But now things have calmed down. I have been able to put it away easier and spend time with my family. I’ve been making more of an effort to speak to my family and friends and putting the blogging friends second. I find myself often talking about a blog I’ve read or something I was discussing on line with family and friends which I think is a little funny.

Debbie Yost’s last blog post..Happy Pills

[Reply]

Barbara SwaffordNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Hi Lori,

Maybe there should be a warning sign on blogging platform sites about how blogging can “take over your life”. It can, and does.

It’s tough finding a balance. Even though I work out of a home office, it’s not easy to NOT check my blog for comments, or stats. Or, in the middle of doing payroll or other reports, I get a bright idea for a post.

I find I need to set limits. I normally leave weekends for my other projects, hobbies, and family time. Mid evenings are sacred too (dinner time).

Please do keep me posted. I would love to know if there is a “magic answer” :)

[Reply]

Barbara SwaffordNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Hi Debbie,

Knowing your personality “type” is half the battle, and like you said blogging doesn’t have an “end”. It’s like a daily soap opera that constantly gets updated.

I laughed when you mentioned talking to family/friends about what your wrote/read on a blog. I do the same thing, and everyone will say, “Who’s that?”. I tell them it’s one of my blogging buddies.

[Reply]

Mark - Creative Journey CafeNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Barbara – an eye opening post, I relate!

Blogging has nearly been a fulltime job – learning the language, technology, writing posts.

I relate to Lori.

I post every other day. But I spend so much time writing and editing that a single post can take 4 hours.

Must find balance! A walk in the woods is wonderful…and scheduling the day firmly. Thank you!

Mark – Creative Journey Cafe’s last blog post..What Does a Cup of Tea have to do with Your Creativity?

[Reply]

Barbara SwaffordNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

Hi Mark,

I’ve read that it takes some bloggers 15 minutes to write posts. How they do it, I’d would like to know. That’s like speed blogging.

[Reply]

NezNo Gravatar said on April 21st, 2008     

I’ve found I’ve had to cut back on my blogging activities, as my own workload is currently packed, plus I have a family with whom I need to interact on a regular basis, PLUS I recently decided to read more, so now I’m basically reading when I have (or make) some free time, which means less blogging.

Still, I have a bunch of drafts that need fleshing out.

I do want to find that balance, though, that elusive balance.

Nez’s last blog post..Word Wonders

[Reply]

Barbara SwaffordNo Gravatar said on April 22nd, 2008     

Hi Nez,

Family is most important, isn’t it? And work pays the bills, so that must be tended to. Blogging, as fun as it is, often must take a back seat.

When free time finds you, and you’re publishing posts, I’ll be sure to stop by and read your writings.

[Reply]

Natural WomanNo Gravatar said on April 22nd, 2008     

well you’ve asked some questions to posts i have waiting to be published, particularly the first one.

How do you balance blogging with life’s activities? i don’t. haven’t found that balance. well actually i have, i just don’t practice that balance. i don’t apply it.

Do you find blogging becomes addictive? oh yeah

Does blogging result in isolation for you? no, i’m out the house several times a week, but sometimes, i feel i rather be with my blog

Do you do less social networking (physical) since you started blogging? oh yeah i’m do very little now. actually i joined a social network i didn’t know was a social network because of trying to do something else. i got sucked in and i do like the new place.

Natural Woman’s last blog post..Does Giving Make You Richer?

[Reply]

Barbara SwaffordNo Gravatar said on April 23rd, 2008     

Hi Natural,

It sounds like you are conscious of how blogging can distract you, but also enjoy it.

The “social network” you joined sounds fascinating.

You aced another one. :)

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Harsh AgrawalNo Gravatar said on April 7th, 2009     

Barbara you are right.. Social media websites are too addictive and nothing more then time consuming..
If you get success within first 2-3 shots with websites like Digg, SU or reddit then its well and good else the best way is to move on…

Commenting and backlinks will help any blog to promote more…

Harsh Agrawal´s last blog post..Yahoo messenger for iPhone is officially launched || Download yahoo messenger for iPhone

[Reply]



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