I have not yet come across any blogs that I frequent who have left the blogosphere! I can see how it could happen though, blogging can be very time consuming to be sure.

Bamboo Forests last blog post..Bloomin’ Onion and Mountain Dew: The Documentary

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So far all the blogs that I visit are going strong. What makes me sad though is seeing blogs that had excellent contents turn into post advertisement. I’m all for monetizing your blog but when you sacrifice your content for a quick buck, eventually the income source will die out.

chriss last blog post..Paalam Na, Hangang Sa Muli

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Hi Al,

Like you, I understand the skipped posts or lack of commenting. Life happens and blogs are generally a hobby, but I think because blogging doesn’t have formal “etiquette”, many authors don’t know how to end their blogging “experience”.

I’ve seen one that took his blog down, but many others just sit dormant.

BTW: I’m subscribed to your blog so you’ll be seeing more of me.

Hi Bamboo,

Oh yes, blogging can get to be VERY time consuming, and that’s something bloggers aren’t aware of when they start.

Hi Robin,

That does leave us in a peculiar position when we’ve become “friend” with the author. How far should we pursue the issue? If our emails aren’t being answered, does that mean they don’t want to be bothered, or is it something else? I hate to second guess, but can only hope all is well in their real world.

Hi Chris,

How cool. You’re commenting from Japan. I read your post earlier today and left a comment even though I knew you were gone.

Yes, often a blogger will sacrifice their content for money. It’s one thing to monetize, but another to “bury” the content.

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I am hardly 1 month old in blogsphere cant say much about it but i particularly miss one community board i use to spend hours of day interacting with members of that board but 15 months back it suddenly disappeared i still chat with my old mates from that board but i still miss the atmosphere and feelings of community

Sunil Pathaks last blog post..Practical Guide For Successful Blog

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Hi Kelly,

I read a post you did where you were sounded uncertain as to what to do (with your blog). What you’ve written in your comment is absolutely correct. So many people venture into blogging not knowing what it entails, not knowing they can’t make a million dollars in two months, and not knowing with blogging comes responsibility (especially to your loyal readers/commenters).

Knowing you, if you decided to leave blogging, you would do it the right way…by thanking all of your loyal fans, providing them with contact information, and maybe not closing the door (to blogging) completely.

Hi Sunil,

It is sad when we lose those who have become online friends, isn’t it?

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Hee, hee!

If I did have a blog, I’d be the worst blog promoter if I wanted to keep it secret

Seriously though, I don’t blog yet. I am on Stumbleupon and have come across countless general interest and “How to Blog” blogs.

I have become an avid blog reader since I first discovered the medium earlier this year. I’m not shy in commenting- but only when I feel I could possibly add any value to the conversation.

Apparently, this makes me a bit unusual and attracts interest. I don’t understand this at all.

I’m simply doing what every other blog reader is able to do- it’s just that I don’t have my own blog.

As a writer anyway, I am drawn to the power of blogs in allowing the blogger to express themselves and it is something I will likely do sometime in the future.

However, for just now I am happy reading blogs and learning about them.

So, to answer your original question, no I don’t have my own blog yet

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I would say goodbye, Barbara!

Whenever I think of stopping it’s because I feel stuck for ideas. But that never lasts for long - it takes a little work to come up with a good post idea.

The key for me is to relax about it - not feel like every post has to be mindblowingly original or brilliant. I can take a few posts and ‘relax’ - post something fun and easy to keep it going until my ‘big’ ideas return.

As long as I find it inspirational, I post it.

Mark - Creative Journey Cafes last blog post..Dance Lessons With James Brown

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Hi, newbie here

I don’t know but it could be that we take for granted that blogs are forever, when that is hardly the case. So we don’t plan for that end.

Personally, I run three blogs, all in Spanish. Two of them are blooks (Young Adult “novels”) and so they will have a clear ending. However my main blog, does not. Maybe I should plan in advance to it.

However, I understand why people do not announce the end of a blog. Most likely you just “forget” it under more pressing matters. Specially if it’s just a hobby.

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Hi Barbara,
Were you inspired by my email? LOL

I definitely wonder, and can’t help worrying, when someone goes missing, especially if their blog is on the rise. I’ve had the same experience with message boards; it’s unsettling there too.

I agree with fellow commenters that it’s easy to understand abandoning a blog; we all know how addictive it is and there’s a big world outside the blogosphere - isn’t there??

Your post and the comments are a good reminder that when I’m on vacation, I will say so!

That being said, I’d better go post!

Ann at One Bag Nations last blog post..Is Decluttering the Same as Simplifying?

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Hi Barbara,

I have developed a relationship with the blog authors that I visit daily. It seems like I have gotten to know them through their writing and comments they leave on my blog. So if one of those bloggers were to suddenly go silent I would wonder what happened to them.

This has happened in fact. It almost feels like you lose a friend when this happens. I know that might sound a bit corny but that’s how I feel.

So in order to make sure my blog will have closure, I have written a farewell post that will be posted if something were to happen to me. It might sound morbid but everyone likes a sense of closure. And it makes me feel good that my blog won’t suddenly and unexpectedly go “silent.”

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B,

I think one of the reasons would be that a lot of blogs were started to make money.
After a few months, they realize it’s not as simple and they just give up.

The blogs that remain are because:
- they were able to make $
- they were not meant to make $, but as a hobby (my case)

J2Rs last blog post..Is now a good time to buy a house?

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i don’t keep checking back for an update, i did that for one blog and i just concluded she was dead…six months later she was ressurrected and started blogging again.

i say write your last post and leave instructions for someone else to publish it.

no it doesn’t really make me “sad” i just wonder what happened to them. i just imagine them lying somewhere in a hospital or maybe dead, unfortunately.

Naturals last blog post..We Interrupt This Program….

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I would definitely say goodbye! Have to admit that I am floundering due to an ongoing personal crisis. Can’t tell if it’s a mid-life crisis, if I’m going through “the change”, or just loosing my mind. No, wait… losing the mind might actually save me!

Anyway, glad to be here for now, and hope I am here to stay. Love the sharing in this blogosphere.

Davinas last blog post..Magic Happens

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Hi Scott,

Even though you don’t have a blog yet, I’m happy to see you here participating in the BWAB community.

I think why a non blogger commenting on blogs seems so unusual is that most bloggers start using commenting as a way of self promotion, then community builds and commenting becomes “more”. When Hunter was commenting on my other blog (before he got a blog), I knew by his writing style he had the makings of a good blogger. You’re the same, and seeing that you’re a writer, a blog would be a great medium to share your work.

Just know, when you do start your blog, you’ll have a small following from the BWAB community.

Hi Wendi,

It’s sad, isn’t it? We feel a connection, and then they’re gone.

Like you, I would let my readers know if I’m not going to be around (barring any unforeseen circumstances).

That’s like for me next Friday & Saturday. I am coordinating our annual neighborhood garage sale event and I already know I won’t be real active with commenting on those days. I’ll post another reminder on my Thursday and Friday posts.

Hi Mark,

Knowing you, I do know you would say “Good Bye”, but I don’t see that happening any time soon as with you being an artist, blogging has become second nature to you.

Hi Hunter,

It is funny. I read your post when it went live early this morning (for me), and almost said something in my comment (on your post), but thought, “Oh Hunter will see the similarities when he comes and visits”.

Yes, some bloggers do take their site down, but others just leave the site as it was on the last post.

Hi Miguel,

Welcome to the BWAB community!

You do bring up a great point. Most blogs will not go on forever, and blog authors may forget to take them down. They may not think it matters, but many of their “friends” are left wondering if they are okay.

Hi Marelisa,

Maybe some bloggers don’t realize they’ve touched other people’s hearts.

The blogging community is actually filled with lots of caring people.

Hi Ann,

Haha. I thought “email?” Then I realized I didn’t have my email open. The blogger you emailed me about is one whom I’m concerned about, as I am with six or seven others. Ironically they are almost all NBOTWs.

Yes, even when you’re on vacation, it’s important to let your fellow bloggers know.

Hi Sara,

There is more to life than blogging, and hopefully those that leave have found something better to occupy their time.

With blogging being so therapeutic, they may have found their true self and decided to “live” their life. I hope that’s the case.

Hi Chase,

I totally agree with you. It is like losing a friend (for no reason).

Having a farewell post isn’t a bad idea. I could write one for my blog, but no one I know knows how to blog, so it would never get published.

Hmmmm. Now you got me thinking.

Hi Debbie,

I agree, during the summer months and holidays I often see bloggers posting less, and that’s totally understandable.

Hi J2R,

Ah yes, the money issue! Too many believe everything they read.

I remember when you took a sabbatical, you let your readers know, which was very kind of you. I just kept your blog in my reader and waited. It’s good to see you posting again.

Hi Lance,

Yes, blogging can give a person that sense of anonymity. If they don’t connect to others, no one knows that they left, but if they were a part of any communities, they are missed.

Hi Natural,

That sounds gruesome. I would hate to think someone might have died. I would rather think they won the lottery and are living all of their life dreams.

Hi Catherine,

It’s nice when bloggers notify their readers, like when you were “on the roof”.

Yes, Asako is gone and she had a fabulous blog. She never did respond to my email either. I miss her.

But you know what? It was because of Asako that you and I found each other. For that reason, I will forever be grateful to Asako.

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P.S. I’m absolutely delighted to see your blog get bigger and better. You’re getting so many great comments and regular visitors. You’re an absolute star!

I love your posts - they really engage me and both yours and Cath’s blogs are virtually the only two I have time for right now. And there are so many others I love but just can’t spread myself thinly enough to visit as often.

Ian Dennys last blog post..How To Make A Tidy Business Saving (For The Lazy)

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Hello Ian Denny,

How great to see you again. I knew you were still around, but also knew you were busy with work.

And speaking of work, your business is growing in leaps and bounds. I’m SO happy for you. Anyone who read your “recovery” blog (Phoenix From The Ashes), knows what a tough time you went through prior to starting your new business. You, my friend, deserve all the success in the world.

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the BWAB community is growing and flourishing and but it’s the loyal readers and commenters who deserve the “star”. They’re the ones who give me a reason to keep plugging along.

Enjoy your success, and when time permits, know you’re always welcome here at BWAB.

I totally understand why you can’t visit more often.

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Hi Ian,

Thank you again!

Yes, it does take up more of my time to answer comments, but I LOVE it.

Thanks for the idea for another post. I’ll add that to my “list”.

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Hi Dr. Cason,

Yes, it is inevitable many we follow will leave. With blogging being more of a commitment than most realize, I understand how that happens.

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I have been lucky so far to not to find such blogs. Or maybe it’s simply because I am still new with blogs and all.

Avani-Mehtas last blog post..The Art of NOT Making Decisions through Mental Chatter

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Hello again, Barbara,

It’s been very interesting to follow the comments.

I’d like to let you know that today I had my first ever attempt at blogging published:

http://www.successful-blog.com/1/connecting-with-the-offline-customer-a-non-bloggers-perspective/

I hope you find it of interest

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Barbara,

To be honest - unless they are IRL friends or people I’ve made a personal connection with through email, social media or lots of back and forth commenting, I probably wouldn’t notice - at least not for awhile. I keep up with so many blogs through my reader and I can be very ditzy about it.

I enjoy the time I spend keeping up with many blogs, but if I make myself feel like I have to do it, it becomes an unwelcome chore. I, think it’s really great how friendly you are and how you respond to our comments. I’m gonna echo Ian Deny and say I want to know how you find the time to do it! ‘Cos that’s really difficult for me sometimes. The desire is there but the time isn’t always.

Sara with an “h”s last blog post..Summer Time, and Time for an Update on No Poo!

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Barbara -

This is a sensitive yet a profound subject. Blogging is somewhat unique media. I’d say it has a sense of relationship that traditional media lacks. Once we start building this web of relations, it is hard to untangle and jump out like a spider. Unlike spider, we are feeding to the web - feeding a meaningful content for the future of our world. I can imagine that it gets harder and harder once you start building bigger follower group to quit without causing lots of grief and angst.

Shilpan

Shilpan | successsoul.coms last blog post..7 Habits to Master the Art of Winning against the Odds

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There’s nothing worse than finding a great blog DEAD! I googled “lifestyle experiments” the other day to see other blogs similar to mine and i was sad to see all the dead experimental blogs!

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In the year that I have been blogging, I have seen 2 of my favorite blogs shut down. One wrote a good bye post that basically said she needed to live her life rather than just writing about life. The second one is just there on-hold. I know why he has taken a break because of emails. It is sad when we lose those bloggers for whatever reason.

When I went on vacation to India for 3 weeks last Sept.-Oct., I posted an article that said I would be gone and without computer access for the entire time. When I got back home, I was pleased to see that my subscriber list had continued to grow as if I had been there writing posts every week. That was a nice surprise since I had only started blogging in June 2007. If I ever quit, I will definitely say so before hand.

I have only recently joined this community and am starting to reach out and search some of the site of the bloggers who leave comments here. I am a knowledge sponge, always absorbing more and more. I love a community that feeds me. It is a joy to find like-minded company.

Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..Independence, Not Just For A Day

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Hi Barbara.

I’m passing on a note on behalf of Harmony over at GoldenZen.wordpress.com. She hasn’t posted for a while and I mentioned your post to her. Here is her message…

“Sometimes, unless we blog for a living, we have to choose priorities. I am eager to get back at it, and really miss my friends there.”

Davinas last blog post..Magic Happens

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What a fascinating discussion!

“Knowing you, if you decided to leave blogging, you would do it the right way…by thanking all of your loyal fans, providing them with contact information, and maybe not closing the door (to blogging) completely.”

I think that would be a great way of going about it. But if someone like Kelly stopped blogging, I would still be sad.

vereds last blog post..Google Search Terms: The Funny, The Sad, And The CREEPY

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Yes, I have lost a blogger friend and he is doing just fine just had to take care of life and then maybe he will be back.. I hope so as he had a lot to contribute!

Lindas last blog post..The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

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Barbara,

Yes, I’ve been blogging since last fall, and an avid reader for quite a bit longer, and I’ve seen at least four well-trafficked blogs that I adored disappear in that time. They say about 40% don’t make it past 3 months—those we probably never hear of—and less than 30% are around after a year, but the four I was hooked on had all made it through those fires, so it was surprising. Several very strong blogs I read right now are hiccuping along erratically, and may be about to say goodbye (or not say goodbye).

I think goodbye is hard to say for folks, but I’m guessing that the blogger may not know, either, and that’s why they don’t do it. Sure, it becomes clear later, but then they may feel silly doing “one more post” just to say they’re not doing any more posts.

Wow, what a hot topic!

Regards,

Kelly

Kellys last blog post..Tip of the Week: “What Will You Do That’s Gonna Make Me Stay?”

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Hi Kelly,

Welcome to the BWAB community. I’ve seen “those feet” (your avatar) on Wendi’s site. I’m glad you “walked” over to say hello.

Your right, saying goodbye would be hard, and some don’t realize it will be their last post, and maybe (hopefully) for some, they’re only taking a hiatus. We can only hope.

Hi Leanne,

I don’t think you’re alone. Being a self taught blogger, I still struggle with a lot of the behind the scenes stuff.

I checked out your practice blog. You were on the right path. I now see you have your “Forever Change” blog, which looks like an interesting read. I’ll be over later to catch up on your writings.

You know what they say, “Practice makes perfect!”

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Hi Louise,

Welcome to the BWAB community.

Yes, some blogs may be taken down, but often a glitch or server problem will stop them from loading.

BTW: I checked out your latest recipe. It sounds yummy!

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Hi Jodith,

I’ve been worried about several of my NBOTW authors, and you are one of them.

Thank you for coming by and updating us on your progress. When real life happens, blogs often go by the wayside. I’m hoping to see more of your writings when life settles down.

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Hi Nards:

I agree. I wish bloggers would put up a post to let their readers know what’s going on. Like you, I have a list of bloggers I miss. I keep hoping they’ll return.

Thanks for stopping by.

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