Do It For The Fun Of It

 118 Comments on Do It For The Fun Of It 3 5704

Blogging can drive us crazy if we let it.

We get one visitor, then we want two.

One comment, sale or ad click leads to wanting more.

Soon, more is never enough.

Today’s Lesson

There’s a lot of talk in the blogosphere about visitor counts, page rank, subscriber counts, followers, blog revenues, SERPS (search engine result pages) and much more.

For some bloggers, these numbers matter.

However, if we get caught up in the numbers, blogging can begin to feel like a race; a competition.

Sometimes we’re competing with other bloggers, but oftentimes it’s an imaginary competition where we think if we don’t have big numbers, we’ve failed.

But what about the blogger who doesn’t want to be a star in the blogging world? Who doesn’t care about “the numbers” or making a name for themselves?

What about the blogger who just likes to write? To share? To publish their work online?

In some circles they might be labeled as a failure.

But, who cares?

If a blogger enjoys the process of blogging and isn’t interested in making money or gaining notoriety, that’s okay, too.

In the blogosphere, there’s room for everyone.

Today’s Assignment

Are you concerned with getting more traffic? More subscribers? Making money?

Or, are you blogging for the pleasure of it?

Care to share?

~Barbara

118 thoughts on “Do It For The Fun Of It”

  1. I don’t mind admitting that I’m a total stat-whore. I have good reason though. Part of the reason I started my blog was to help land a new online marketing job. All those numbers were acting as proof that I knew what I was doing. Plus, I’m a naturally competitive person. So all those stats are good motivation to keep working hard. I don’t want to spend my time writing to just a few people. No I want to make some money online and rediscover my passion for writing along the way.

    1. Hi Jeremy,

      I like your honesty. And you’re right. A blog can be a stepping stone to bigger and better things. What a great addition to a resume – a successful, highly visited blog. 🙂

  2. I use my blog as part of my business, so it is vital to me to measure the statistics and the hits that I’m getting from each post. Each time I post a new blog article, I also submit it to stumbleupon and digg so that I can try and get more traffic from those websites. I look at each site so that I know which sites generate more hits for my blog and my website.

    1. Hi Robert,

      Business blogs can either make or break a company. Like you said, your goal is to get as many eyeballs on your blog as possible – all the more reason to market it widely.

  3. It depends on the blog! I have two blogs. I use the professional one on my company’s website to promote my business, so I meticulously track every hit that shows up on that blog. I also have a personal blog as well. On my personal blog, I couldn’t care less if I get hits or not, because I write for myself and not for anyone else.

    1. I also do blogging for my self and have a big reason is money also, i do blogging and share what i feel good, people likes it sometime they comment sometime they don’t but i always stay happy.

    2. Hi Paul,

      That’s true. It does matter whether we’re blogging for business or pleasure. As you mentioned, hits on a business blog are important, whereas on a personal blog, stats may not matter as much.

  4. I do it it just for the fun of it, so the stats are just an occasional fancy, just to take a look.

  5. I blog for the pleasure. It has always given me an outlet. I am not going to lie and say I don’t like comments. But overall, I am writing for me.

  6. Hi Barb,
    Well you know me, I blog to share information which is all going into a book about healthy lifestyles and nutrition. Sure I’d love to have more traffic and comments but I don’t worry over any of it. Just tryin’ to be Zen about it, like whoever comes to my blog is meant to.
    Hugs
    SuZen

    1. Hugs to you Suzen,

      I think that’s great – that you will eventually use your blog as the basis for a book. I can hardly wait to see what you do.

      P.S. I want an autographed copy. 🙂

  7. I enjoy the points you made here. It reminded me of something I like to say (and may this go viral): “If a blog falls onto the web and nobody reads it, did it make a point?”

    Thanks for your work.

    1. You’re welcome Bess,

      As for your quote, I think a blog can make a point even if no one reads it – it’s like a footprint we leave on the internet which I believe will be found one day.

  8. It’s been a long time ~~ wanting to catch up and get back into the blogging and writing again.

    With reference to your post, I guess I enjoyed both. When I was writing my posts, I would get caught up in that (they would take on a life of their own) — especially enjoyed the comments.

    I remember there was a time when I just got caught up in the stats and it drove me crazy. But when I started writing the life of it would bring me up again. I want to feel that again.

    Thanks Barb for always being there — can always count on you to have good topics for posts.

    1. Welcome back Pat.

      I’ve missed you. 🙂

      I agree. When we write, especially if we’re in “the zone”, a post can take on a life of it’s own and our love of writing surfaces. The comments are great, too.

      I look forward to reading your posts again. Keep me posted on your progress. xo

      1. Great to hear back from you – I’ve missed you too and have kept up receiving and reading your posts throughout the years. You contribute so much to the blogging community and I appreciate your work.

        Guess what – something new. I’ve taken the plunge and updated my blogger site to a new WordPress site trying to get with it with the new technology out there. Hope you check out my new post (“New Beginnings – Changes ~~ to live or die”) and let me know what you think. Nothing like diving right in there huh?

  10. I originally started my blog to earn money, what a joke. I then continued and still tried making money (I carry ads even today but it doesn’t pay me anything) and finally discovered how much I enjoyed doing a blog. So, I basically write for my own enjoyment but at the same time I do like it when my readership increases, I like to think someone out there is reading what I blether about.

    1. Hi Jo,

      I hear you. A lot of us enter blogging with hopes of making money, but like you said, the enjoyment of blogging surfaces and making money becomes secondary.

  11. It wasn’t like this in the past, but I can now say that I finally blog for the pleasure of it. On my own blogs, that is. Blogging for clients is work, as it should be.

    1. I loved Vered’s post on her Grandma. Reminded me of my own grandmom and how much I loved her. Her influence on my life makes up much of who i am today.

      A post I wrote awhile back on those earlier days at my grandparent’s called “Family and Going Home” (http://plain-talk-ordinary-wisdom.blogspot.com/2007/12/family-and-going-home.html) only tells a little of what it was like growing up spending every summer with them and cousins in a little beach town in Cape Charles, VA.

      Memories are fresh even today after so many years and still miss her very much.

  12. I started a blog because:
    1. I love writing.
    2. My Guides directed me to write.
    3. Other peoples’ Guides said I was to write.
    4. A blogger who I respect a great deal, Naomi at Naomi’s Notes, gave me the push that sent me to set-up.

    Once Soul Dipper was underway, I only had one gauge that told me how I was doing – statistics. Then I began “assessing” others. I felt competitive with a couple of bloggers who wrote daily about subjects very unlike mine. I didn’t like that sense of competition – it was churning up negative attitudes about myself as well as others.

    In a meditation, I asked for help. I was lovingly reminded that my blog’s mission statement still held true and it was mine – not one to be paralleled or measured against other blogs.

    As I wrote in a comment here many posts ago, when I feel myself getting off track, my mission statement keeps me true.

    I am proud of Soul Dipper, who it has attracted and to whom I’ve been led. For example, to you, Barb. You model the kind of dignity that I want in my posts.

    1. Thank you for your kind words, Amy,

      You’re right. Statistics, even though important, can ignite negative emotions in us, especially when we start comparing ourselves to others.

      I like how you remind yourself to go back to your original mission statement to keep yourself on track. Smart!

  13. I would like to gain subscribers, but when I started blogging my primary goal was to resume a consistent writing routine. Thankfully, each month since I began I’ve gained visitors and subscribers, but more importantly I’ve been committed to my writing schedule!

    1. Hi Tracy,

      It sounds like you’ve found a blogging rhythm which not only keeps you on track to write, and you’re also blessed with gaining more readers in the process.

  14. Very good points, Barbara. Lots of people get caught up in the numbers when they really should be blogging for the fun and love of it. In the long run, those who are blogging because they enjoy it will turn out lots of quality content. 🙂

    1. Thank you Rob,

      You’re right. If we stop worrying about the stats and concentrate having fun and providing value, the rest usually just falls into place.

  15. I think it will be more fun if more people are interacting and commenting on your blog, so to measure that stats are required.

  16. Hi Barbara .. to me having my blog posts appreciated is all I ask – I’m blogging for me and ‘you’ – if people keep commenting, I’ll keep writing … I like the slow approach …

    Cheers Hilary

    1. Hi Hilary,

      Like you, I also like the “slow approach”. If we don’t rush our growth, it’s easier to adjust to the increases in traffic and comments.

  17. thanks for this, i´m new to blogging and feel i have learnt a lot from reading this,have made a mental note not to get caught up in the numbers,i dont want blogging to feel like a competition, i had enough of that in my last job in the office

    1. You’re welcome Cris,

      Welcome to the blogosphere.

      That’s true. When we get caught up in the numbers, blogging can begin to feel like a competition and not the the joyful hobby it can be.

  18. I love my work. I don’t work for any reason other then that I love to write. Sure I earn money in that process. But I don’t think I would give up writing even if I wasn’t getting paid for it. I just love writing and sharing my thoughts. I really think to be good and successful at what you do, one must really love what they do and be passionate about it.

  19. These days blogging is turned into a business where every blogger wants to see his blog post in the Top 1-2-3 (SERPs). The charm of blogging casually to share genuine knowledge or to help peers and acquaintances has lost in the way.

    Revenue is a big part of any blog and it rightly should be. Servers, a bloggers effort need to be repayed. But the ultimate satisfaction is when I publish a post and a new comment shows up immediately. A day later the number of comments increases.

  20. It’s really difficult if you blog for money.
    You’re mad to count your traffic with a new blog.
    Firstly, we should blog as our interest.
    In case the blog is improving, you can think about money later.

  21. Most certainly traffic would be a beneficial thing but with added traffic comes the potential for more money through ads. Although the feeling of repeat readers seems like such an exciting idea as well. I’ve never had followers in my life haha.

  22. Well I originally started blogging to save myself some time on the phone (As a computer repair tech I get a lot of calls from people wanting advice for free which sometimes I am happy to give but not when it takes 3 hours of my day on the phone)

    Once I started I realised I could make a bit of money from it and now I do it for a mix of. Making my life easier by directing people somewhere, Making a little bit of extra cash and because I have actually come to enjoy it 😉

    1. Hi Craig,

      That was a smart move – to start a blog where you can direct clients to. Like you mentioned, not only does it save time, but also allows you to make a few coins, too. 🙂

  23. When one is just starting out blogging (like me), they say it important not to focus on making money at first. Rather, focus on creating valuable and quality content so you can build that traffic.
    Personally, I love writing and blogging allows me to express myself and enjoy my passion..:)

    1. Hi Glori,

      Welcome to the blogosphere.

      You’re in the right spot (hobby wise) is you enjoy writing. Blogging is perfect for that, and as you’ve learned, making money from your craft can come later.

      Happy blogging!

  24. Numberes don’t mean anything.

    I’ve totally neglected my blog this past month. Just two short posts. I can’t remember writing so little.

    Yet I’ve had the highest traffic in 18 months.

    Go figure.

    1. Hi Friar,

      You’re right. When we least expect it, the numbers “happen”. That said, it probably helps that you’ve been blogging for over four years now, too.

  25. Great read. When writing or any sort of work is not fun it is draining and creates a lot of stress. I wonder how healthy it is emotionally because you are always trying to barrel through a resistance.

  26. I do it for hobby, but must admit, that stats make me curious and Im always glad to see how many visitors are interested in my stuff.

  27. I agree with you. There are times that the numbers will just impose a lot of pressure on you; letting go of those numbers will make blogging a lot of fun.

    1. Hi Leigh,

      That’s true. The numbers can affect our love of writing if we let them. But as you said, if we can let them go, the fun of blogging returns.

  28. When you engage yourself in writing blogs, you should always consider that your just having fun and not for money. Having an income in this field is just a bonus!

  29. I am not a huge writer… But since starting my blog I have been forced to write… But sometimes it does feel good to just sit down and be able to convey your feelings to the world!

    1. Hi Chris,

      You’ve raised a good point. Some people don’t necessarily like writing, but do what to have a blog. Not only does blogging help us write better, but as you said, gives us a chance to share, too.

  30. I started blogging as a way to pass my time. I really got addicted to it. I found it to be a place I could be myself and shared my experiences with others. I used to write on different topics that were close to my heart. Then I got really good at it and started earning by blogging. It was crazy, to earn money doing something I loved. Now I have the best job in the world.

  31. Blogging has become a crucial part of a business strategy if online marketing is a goal. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t using my web presence to drum up business, but I’d also be selling myself short if I didn’t say that I’m also fighting to get the best content and a large readership. I’m a writer at heart, and I love spending quality time with words. It’s a win win situation for me, and that’s always a good thing.

    1. Hi Scott,

      Blogging offers so much, doesn’t it? Thank you for bringing up how we can not only build a presence on the web, but how that can also help to increase our business opportunities, as well.

  32. Thanks, I hear a lot about just focussing on good quality content, and that is what I have tried to do but I just don’t seem to get regular readers. My blog does direct traffic to my shop though which is the main idea of it.

    1. You’re welcome Ace,

      Good quality content is important, however we also have to market ourselves. I don’t know what all you’re doing, but building a larger presence on social networking sites might help to bring traffic to your blog and store.

  33. Yes – When having a passion and drive for blogging will make it come a lot easier and naturally to you as a blogger. And usually no one likes doing what they are forced to do – so try convincing yourself that it’s not a must have but a want have. If you are motivated enough and work hard you’ll be sure to make a successful blog. The other part that you need to realize is that you are gaining a lot of experience and exposure for you and or your business while blogging and that can be a big motivation to make blogging a fun part of your daily/weekly activities.

    1. Hi Anton,

      Great tips. Thank you!

      I like your idea of framing our thoughts to think about our blogs as more than just a platform to share our writings. When we look at the bigger picture, we begin to realize that which we share on our blogs can become extremely powerful either for an existing business or for one we want to build.

  34. I have a lot to say. I am delighted when someone reads and comments. I will keep on no matter the numbers, but this summer I may take a few breaks.

    I have to find income
    I don’t think I will do it right now on the blogs, but I still get lots of good books to read and review.

    I love how blogging keeps me current and learning new things – agile

    I am so intense I am not sure I would call it fun 🙂

    1. Hi Patricia,

      You’re right. We do need to take breaks from blogging, too.

      Blogs aren’t necessarily income producers for everyone, but we can use our blogs to not only show potential employers who we are, but how knowledgeable we are, too.

  35. If only it were so simple. Do it because you enjoy it is the only way to guarantee satisfaction, but to continue with the satisfaction there has to be a gain.

    I get few comments on my site but the one’s I do receive are a pleasant bonus.

    1. Hi GHemmings,

      True. It’s a fine line we walk – especially if we hope to eventually make an income from either our blog or from a product or service.

  36. Yes my first priority is getting more traffic and earn money. But on the other hand I enjoy blogging too. I think we should be able to manage those two in order to be successful.

    1. Hi Aravinda,

      That is one good thing about blogging. It gives us a chance to do what we love – writing, and in the process we get to explore avenues for income, as well.

  37. It’s important to balance fun with a the blog’s long-term objectives. The rule is to start a blog that deals with topics that genuinely interest you so that writing posts doesn’t turn into a job.

    1. Hi Microsourcing,

      Good point! If we intend on blogging for any length of time. we need to pick a subject matter which we not only enjoy writing about but one which we can expand on, as well.

  38. I love blogging. It is a very important part of my life. I get to share my views and thoughts with my readers. I have met so many interesting people and have learnt so much from them. It has seriously been a humbling experience for me. Of course I make a lot of money but that is secondary for me. I would keep writing even if I don’t get anything in return.

  39. I started blogging because I want to express my feeling and show to the world who I am. Eventually, I learned some things how to earn from it. But I still stay on my interest. It’s a win-win situation in my case.

  40. Hi Barbara I tried to contact you through your contact form but it seems to be broken, the spam question is not displaying any question, just a field and it did not send my message.

  41. I confess that I’ve been worrying myself with PR and stat values. But you’re right. Blogging should be fun and if it is my readers will see that. Thanks for the reminder.

    1. You’re welcome Heather,

      It’s easy to get caught up with the numbers. I’m happy to hear this post helped to get you back on track.

      Happy blogging!

  42. I agree I work on blogs so that I can earn money. It is a very good way to earn money. But this doesn’t mean that I don’t like what I do. Money thing is just a part of the bigger picture. There is no shame in earning some money from your hobby. But if you do blogging just for the money there is a chance that it will be boring and bland.

  43. When you do something that you love it shows in your work. The passion you have for a particular thing is visible and what you do from you heart is always beautiful. When you write a blog from your heart it connects with the readers. It is something which is not possible if you had done it for the love of money.

    1. Hi Paul,

      That’s very true. Our readers can tell if we’ve enjoying the blogging process, or not. That said, if they “see” we’re being authentic, I think we’re more apt to see more comments, too.

  44. It needn’t to be separated, I think. I mean, you can blog for money and traffic while you do it for pleasure as well. The most important thing is to get passionate about the topic you write about. The ‘content-is-king’ theory is still the most significant and dominating for me.

  45. I think blogging should be a marriage of business and pleasure. Make money, be famous and have fun at the same time. After all we work to live and not the other way around plus if we enjoy our work no time is wasted.

  46. I love blogging i have 6 blog i can full time spend in blogs i get many visitors and i make good money but this is not easy ..

  47. I am a very practical person. I write blogs to make money. I want to be the best in what I do. I think that more than writing with your heart it is important you right with your brains. You need to have proper facts about a thing to be able to write about it. You don’t want to pass false information to your readers.

  48. You know I love your blogs and that you take effort to know your readers and appreciate what they think. Kudos for that. Now that said and done, I feel blogging should be done by people who are really interested in it and not just for the money. When you do a thing with only money on your mind it turns into something without a heart.

  49. I think I can do blogging for both money as well as the pleasure of writing. I love writing but that alone will not help me earn money. I wanted to do something which I like and earn money in that process. I love everything that is there in writing and maintaining a blog. I love writing but I also like other things like getting to meet new people or by learning about new features that are available.

  50. When I first started my blog numbers were everything to me and I used to check them several times a day. It started driving me insane watching small increases and forced myself to stop and just enjoy writing articles. I find im now more productive and spend my time writing quality content rather than trying to increase this and that

  51. Hello Barbara,
    It’s great to be back on your site.
    I have been blogging for 9 years and I started journalling online when I was 15 so technically I have been blogging a lot longer than 9 years. Always having a different site each time, my experience has varied.
    I started out journalling my personal experiences online, like a diary and that was for me. I made this private, so that people didn’t visit.
    During the 9 years later in blogging I had a site where I shared writing/poetry/photographs/creativity and that was open to the public and people could leave comments which I found really encouraging.
    I never did pay too much to the stats, not as I often do now. I did realize that over time the blog that I shared the most, and less payed attention to the stats, was where it grew the most and where I had the most audience. I feel these experiences are part of our lives and how we feel in the moment to do what we desire.
    I feel as long as you enjoy sharing, than nothing else matters as what counts is you expressing whatever it is that you feel to in the moment.
    I do notice the pressure in regards to statistics more these days, and sometimes one does not know how to keep up with it, because although it sounds interesting to know, it really isn’t essential. It’s almost like a diversion, and a restriction and sometimes can stop you from doing what you really feel.
    Key is to be yourself and do what you feel regardless of what anyone else thinks. 🙂 As long as you are okay with it, that’s all that counts.
    Thanks for the great post.
    Best
    Ana

  52. I have to admit the first thing I check each morning is my Alexa ranking, uniques, and spam. Honestly it never fluctuates that much and I mainly write for an audience that’s not present. It’s a really fun hobby, though, and I hope it will one day generate something of an income.

    For now I’m content to post what I like and at least I have freedom in that.

  53. I guess everybody wants to be heard, and when you start to get an audience, replys, comments, links, it like getting a baby, it is your product on the world, being consumed, hated or loved.

    I agree, we should do it for the fun, but it could also be a business and a relaxing time.

  54. its said you should always do something that you like an you are interested in. in the same manner I love blogging, writing posts and sharing my experiences. I write blogs for the sake of my personal hobby and not for making money ot attracting maximum traffic. earning ferom writing is a blog is always complementary in my case.

  55. I guess if your blogging about personal issues or something you have a strong feeling for, it all stands for some kind of recognition. If its your job then it stands for work well done.

    If it doesnt matter to you, then your kind of hitting the target with a blindfold on!

  56. I guess it’s going to depend entirely on the person but I think it’s a mixture of everything-pleasure, income, traffic…because all of these are interconnected. If a blogger doesn’t have passion or pleasure on what he’s writing, I doubt if anyone will ever want to read whatever he’s published. If someone does, it increases traffic and when traffic is increased, it’s going to bring about income.

  58. Well said, Barbara! Blogging should never feel like it’s a chore. The moment that it starts feeling like it is, take a step back and ask yourself why did you start blogging in the first place.

  59. I personally like your posts very much and sincierly blogging for fun or just for the sake of your love for writing makes a lot of sense. Making money lies secondry and not a priority. Writing good posts would on its own get lot of attraction and get you money.

  60. I just try to don’t look to much at my trafficratings. I just want to blog because I love blogging. I think that’s the key to be a succesfull blogger.

  61. If people started working for passion and love for free, then how are they supposed to earn a living. Blogging is a talent and one needs really great writing skills to do so. If I get paid for such brainstorming, it will infact be my priority.

  62. I have a fairly unsuccessful blog, looking at blogs like this helps me to determine a potentially better route to be taking with mine. One of my issues is when I have something to say and sit down to blog about it the words don’t flow and about halfway through I loose confidence and say to myself “who cares”. Ill keep working at it I guess.

  63. Blogging for the pleasure of it. Because if you do take pleasure of whatever you do, eventually you’ll be able to make money out of it. When you blog and you force yourself to write about something that you know too little or nothing about, your writings will only be misinforming the public in the long run and won’t contribute to the wellness of everyone–and then people will define your integrity.
    No matter how simple your ideas are, be honest with it and you’re going to go a long way.

  64. Wow, I am totally guilty of this. I’ve been fixating on ranking and site optimization and all those mind-frying stats that I’ve somehow lost site of why I created my site in the first place.

    I should not forget that I started my site to help my father deal with his ailment. Whether or not I rank high, as long as I’ve helped him, then my site is a success.

    I sincerely thank you for reminding me this.

  65. I am not sure if I am up to the task of writing a blog but I would like to try. I wonder if my laid back writing could hurt my business and maybe I should hire the job out.

  66. Hi

    I blog to share my expertise in what my main site is selling, the blog shows any potential customers i know what i’m talking about. Plus I enjoy writing about what I do and giving useful information to others

  67. I run a blog for my business, and since the goal was to drive more traffic at first, it took me ages to write an article because I had to do keyword research first, pay attention to alt tags, links, etc. It was not fun at all. But if you try to mix it up a little bit, like writing about interesting things that happen in your life and are somehow related to the subject of your website, it’ll be easier and you’ll see the words flowing. It’s all about trying to find a balance between work and pleasure.

  68. Hi Barbara,
    Thank you before for your post, I’m a blogging like that, but I do not really think to get more visitors or making money to my blog, because blogging just my pleasure to give my personal experience to many people.

  69. I must admit that I do watch on the numbers but they aren´t to important for me. The thing is that I dont want to earn money with my blog. I just want to share some knowhow or photos and it is good to know that people loaded up my blog. But it is not a real sience for me. I watch my stats one time a week or so to find out which blogposts were visited most.

  70. That’s true. It does matter whether we’re blogging for business or pleasure. As you mentioned, hits on a business blog are important, whereas on a personal blog, stats may not matter as much.

  71. Besides sharing the joy blogging, tips, and can make money from it, I also want the same. However, not everyone is successful blogging.

  72. I’m doing this because I can’t find a reason NOT to. I will give it my 100% all the time. Whatever happens from that is not up to me. But yes I want to become famous too.

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