When Friar, aka artist, cartoonist and blogger commented on the “No One Put A Gun To My Head” post, he said, in part,
If you’re not blogging for a living, and it’s too demanding, for God’s sake, STOP. Or just blog LESS.
That’s true.
If blogging has become a burden, then we should think of quitting.
However, some will continue to blog out of what they feel is an obligation.
Today’s Lesson
As we all know, bloggers start blogs for different reasons, and once comments start coming in, blogging becomes more fun.
We make new friends, read each others blogs, have more people to Tweet or Facebook with and in the process develop real connections.
Multiply that times ten, twenty, thirty or more (depending on how large your community is), add to that your RSS feed readers, and you may find yourself in a position where you feel,
I want to quit blogging, but I have readers who are depending on me. Or___(fill in the blank)___.
Yes. That’s true.
When we blog, those who come by to read do develop expectations.
However, I don’t think we should ever feel obligated to blog (unless it’s our paid job), nor should we feel we’re a quitter if we stop.
As much as what we share CAN and DOES help others, and the connections we make online are real, if our heart’s not in it, and the joy of blogging is gone, then it may be time to reevaluate our position as a blogger.
Just like anything else, blogging/blogs also have a life span, and for some it may be short.
Today’s Assignment
Have you ever thought of quitting blogging?
What changed your mind?
Or, have you quit?
Care to share?
.
P.S. On March 30th, 2010, I celebrated the completion of three years of blogging. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued support and kind words. As I enter into year four, I look forward to creating more memories and milestones, plus meeting other bloggers as they share their thoughts online.
I fear I’m very radical about this topic.
I am thrilled to blog/write/etc. so long as my readers reciprocate (comment, buy my products, etc.etc.etc.).
If all I get are lurkers, then hey….I feel zero (as in zero) obligation to keep giving everything away for free.
There was a time in which I would do just that and let my “I done good” feelings be the only reward. However, that doesn’t put coffee in the coffeecup.
So…I now (for my own particular niche) feel that it goes both ways. I put my effort into what supports my family the most…and when people show appreciation, I go the extra mile. When they don’t, I package everything up and sell it instead.
So far, it’s been working quite well indeed.
.-= Check out Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s awesome post: 1 Astonishingly Easy Way To Appear Smarter Than Your Network =-.
Hi Barbara,
That’s a good point. When we have a blog which offers products or services, we do want to see appreciation shown. It sounds like for your niche, what you’re doing is working well.
Gotta keep that coffee cup filled. 🙂
This topic is near and dear to me because I’m on an unplanned hiatus for an indefinite amount of time. I’m writing more for work-related activities and find myself drained when it comes to the family blog.
Also, I hate to say it, but Facebook is now the better fit for me to share pictures and such, since most of my family and friends have finally joined.
I will keep my blog active for now, but I’ve decided to let go of the guilt or that feeling of obligation. It is my blog to use when I’m ready to share. I hope others in similar circumstances can make the same (healthy) choice.
Congrats on three years!
.-= Check out RC´s awesome post: Fifteen years =-.
Thank you RC,
You’ve raise a good point. What some bloggers share on their blogs could easily be shared on Facebook. Although it may take awhile to get family members to join, once they do, Facebook could become the perfect place to go to catch up on all family members and not just one.
Letting go of guilt and that feeling of obligation is a healthy choice for all bloggers. As selfish as it might sound, we do need to think of ourselves (and our lives) first. Then when we have find balance, we’re more apt to find joy in blogging instead of feeling it’s a dreaded chore.
I think if your heart isn’t in it, then it will just stop naturally. Sure you can keep it going if you feel obligated, but that’s not going to last you for a long time. Eventually you will stop.
People like Friar are obligated to blog though. Without him, who is going to speak for the Vikings?
.-= Check out Kelvin Kao´s awesome post: Puppetry Workshop with Allan Trautman =-.
@Kelvin
Oh, the Vikings speak loudly enough, for themselves.
I just help a bit, with the translation.
.-= Check out Friar´s awesome post: Lighthouse from Hell =-.
Hi Kelvin,
I have to agree. When our heart isn’t into blogging we would probably start posting a lot less and eventually, not at all.
Yes. We do need Friar to speak for the Vikings. 🙂
Barbara, congratulations on three years of blogging! You must feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment! I hope Blogging Without a Blog is around for many more years to come. 🙂
Now, as for your questions, I will try to answer them as best I can…
Have you ever thought of quitting blogging?
Many times. I get so discouraged whenever I don’t get as many comments on any of my posts as I’d like. However, it is then I must remind myself that the readers I do have keep coming back again and again… so I must be doing something right! And unless I’m willing to risk being bitter and twisted doing the whole social networking thing again (like happened last time)… well, then I’d better darn well be grateful for those who do pop by. 🙂
What changed your mind?
There’s no outlet for what I’m writing and drawing if I don’t blog. I don’t pretend to be doing this purely for my own amusement. I like having people see what I do, and the thought that they might derive enjoyment and/or insight from it. That’s what keeps me going.
Or, have you quit?
Not yet! Ask me in another 12 months! 😛
.-= Check out Tony Single´s awesome post: Walking Through a Field of Thoughts =-.
Thank you Tony,
Yes. I do feel a sense of accomplishment. In fact, I can still remember those beginning days when one, let alone three years seemed an awfully long way off.
Re: comments. That’s a tough one when our comment counts drop. It’s so easy to self analyze and think our post isn’t good enough, or …, when in truth, it usually has nothing to do with what we shared, but instead, external issues we have not control over. As long as you love what you’re doing, I say “just keep on keeping on”. Time will reward you.
I have quit blogging … for a while. In October of last year, I took an unplanned five-month hiatus away from my baby blogling.
At the time, my intention was not to “leave” blogging. My intentions were simply consumed by the business of living and soaking up and engaging in so many new things happening around me. A lot was going on! 🙂
Periodically I would think, “I really need to get back to my blog. What about my readers? What about all that work I did?” But I also realized my going back would have been more out of duty and obligation rather than a natural fit. And, well, that’s not a good enough reason.
A few weeks ago, I did indeed return to my blogling and found that the well of inspiration had not run dry … and the words have been flowing again, and I have been reconnecting with my old readers … and finding new ones.
I come back to my blog, though, knowing what I can do and what I can’t do. I don’t socially network as much as I used to because I don’t have the time. But I still nourish the friendships I do have and, in small ways each day, try to reach out differently (and in ways that suit my current lifestyle) to NEW readers. Most importantly, I BLOG FOR FUN! If I don’t have a post in me that day or feel like sitting down and reading (or writing), I don’t. So far, this is keeping me (and everybody else) happy. It’s a matter of perspective.
.-= Check out Chania Girl´s awesome post: Happy Birthday =-.
Hi Chania Girl,
I remember when you went on hiatus. When life calls, we soon find out, the blog WILL wait. As will some of the readers we’ve had.
What you said is so true. If we don’t have a post in us, than we shouldn’t feel an obligation to write one. When the muse shows up, we’ll know it, and the words will flow.
Hi Barbara – I have quit a secondary blog Pete and I started. I needed the energy I was using there in other places. I may go back to posting there. Or not.
I think everyone is coming to realize that the “shoulds” and the “musts” aren’t one size fits all. I’m delighted when those I follow have something new to post, but I wouldn’t dream of expecting they do it out of obligation, so why should any of us feel we have to? Thanks.
.-= Check out Betsy Wuebker´s awesome post: Victory in the Scabbard =-.
You’re welcome Betsy,
Oh, that’s so true. We don’t expect other bloggers to post out of obligation, so why should be put that pressure on ourselves.
I know what you’re saying about needing the energy in other areas of our lives, too. It really does come down to priorities, doesn’t it?
I have thought about quitting before, a few times. There are a few reasons why I haven’t though.
1) I had some readers and fellow bloggers encourage me to keep it up.
2) I enjoy writing and sharing what I write.
3) I want to build an author platform.
4) I figured out that blogging doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. It’s like everything else in life, if you value it, you can figure out how to fit it in.
Hi Chase,
I remember that and am happy you didn’t quit. Look at you now. You’ve expanded your blog to include your love of hiphop, plus you’re sharing your podcasts. When I visit your site, I can tell you’re really enjoying what you’re doing.
And like you said, we do figure out how to fit blogging into our schedule, if that’s what we want.
I thought I have quitted blogging a month ago, when I put my main blog — which is a Spanish language one, not the one I’m sharing here — on a hiatus. I was overwhelmed with work, life and my role-playing game. Yet, as March came to its end, I finished my role-playing game (which is in beta and available for anybody who wants to try it out) the whole thing came back naturally.
The lovely thing is that after a month or so, I have not lost traffic. Indeed the “old friends” are still there.
That said, I feel that blogs are projects, and as every project they must have some end-date, even if it’s the time we pass away 🙂
.-= Check out Miguel de Luis´s awesome post: Thinking, after Newsies and Pickpockets =-.
Hi Miguel,
Don’t you just love when things work out that way – naturally. It’s like it was meant to be.
Yes. Blogs are like projects. All with an end. It’s not to say we can’t blog for the rest of our lives, but it’s also nice to know if we lose interest, we can just “close shop”.
I wrote a blog post about a similar topic not to long ago. It’s called How To Remove The “Can’t Be Bothered Blogging” Syndrome from Bloggers? So if you find yourself not wanting to blog any more, check out that article for some tips to help you get through it.
You can find the link at http://www.createasuccessfulblog.com/topics/hints-and-tips/how-to-remove-the-cant-be-bothered-blogging-syndrome-from-bloggers
That being said, blogging doesn’t have to be just written text. You can microblog, blog video’s, pictures or audio for example.
.-= Check out Jack Cola´s awesome post: Set Your Blog A Goal – Day 1 of 7 Day Challenge =-.
Hi Jack,
Good points! If we don’t want to write, we can always micro blog or share photos, audio or video. That would be a great way to mix it up.
Thank you also for sharing the link to your article. I’ll be by soon to check it out.
I’ve not been updating my blog lately. Felt I had nothing significant to say so I stay away. But I keep reading my friends’ blogs and those I deeply admire and I still leave comments. Perhaps the time I don’t enjoy keeping in touch with other blogs and taking part in the conversation is the time I’d quit blogging. I hope it’s just burn-out though.
Hi Jan,
Your comment reminds me of “once a blogger, always a blogger”. Even though you’re not updating your blog, it’s nice to see you here commenting, and on Twitter, as well. I don’t think the connections we make online ever have to end.
P.S. I’m betting it’s just burn-out, too. Please do let me know when you’re publishing again. 🙂
I have not thought about quitting. I think I would quit when it became a burden or an obligation.
Thanks for the excellent blog topic!
You’re welcome Silly Girl,
I hear you. If blogging felt like an obligation, that would be a sign we need to think of quitting, or take an extended break.
Hi Barbara,
Congrats on the hitting the 3 year mark!!!! WOO HOO!!! 🙂
I have never really thought about quitting. But I have thought of changing directions or rather having my blog reflect what is happening in my life.
To me, life is constantly in motion as are we. So I think it is important to share how we evolve because it is not only honest but I think real.
.-= Check out Nadia – Happy Lotus´s awesome post: Don’t Ever Apologize For Who You Are =-.
Thank you Nadia,
How true. Since life is never stagnant, that’s often reflected in our blogs. I’m with you. I think our readers enjoy going on those journeys with us even though they may take us away from the original “niche” of our blog.
Hi Barbara.
I took a short break last year and it made a huge difference. Since then there have been times when I have thought about stopping, but it’s because I run out of ideas, not because of blogging itself.
There are so many personal development bloggers and life coaches who blog, it’s a challenge to be unique. I’ve noticed that most of my recent posts are creative writing, storytelling, and showing by example rather than instructional. I don’t like writing marketing posts.
I think I make it harder on myself because I’m so picky about what I post. Maybe I should experiment and post something totally out of character and un-finessed, and see what happens. It might be my best post 😀
Congrats on 3 years!
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: In Appreciation of Good Health =-.
Thank you Davina,
You’ve brought up a good point. For bloggers who blog in particular niches, or blog to promote their expertise, it’s essential we’re unique otherwise we end up sounding like all the others.
I like your idea of experimenting with something totally out of the ordinary. It would probably be fun for you, plus would show potential clients you’re unique since you’re not echoing what all of the other life coaches are posting.
I never did think of actually quitting to blog, but I did refrain an awful lot in the beginning of this year. Had to attend to my offline world (you know, family, business and non-virtual friends). Felt like I was neglecting all that surrounded me offline. I will never do that again. I have learned that the right balance is required, unless of course, like you said, that I’m blogging for a living. Then again, there should be a time for everything.
.-= Check out DiTesco´s awesome post: Blog Better, Blog Faster: How to Increase Your Blogging Productivity =-.
Hi DiTesco,
It sounds like you had a wake up call. And you know, I think we all need to stop and access how much time we’re spending in the off-line world. It’s so easy to get wrapped up with blogging, we slowly begin to neglect that which is truly important.
Balance is definitely key, but it is also something that can be hard to attain AND maintain.
Oh Barbara, what a question for Monday morning!
I have a love/hate affair with blogging. I’ve quit it many times, usually when I get to the point where I’ve got nothing else to say. What was most difficult was blogging for someone else and they expected posts when I had nothing to write about.
Some people have a talent for coming up with something on a daily basis and that’s cool. I have phases where I can do that, and then it runs dry and there’s really nothing. And I’m not about to write filler info just for the sake of getting a post up.
.-= Check out Deb Dorchak´s awesome post: give a man a fish =-.
Hi Deb,
I never thought of that, but you’re right. If we were to write for someone else and they expected a post when we weren’t feeling creative, that would be very difficult. Or if we had to write a post on a topic we had no interest in. That would be hard to do, too.
Hi Barbara: Three years of blogging, that’s awesome! The thought of quitting has not even entered my mind, and my blog is going to be two years old in May. I guess I just really enjoy it. I posted a massive list of blogging ideas (over 60) about two or three weeks ago, in case anyone needs some inspiration to get their creative juices flowing. 🙂
.-= Check out Marelisa´s awesome post: 72 of the Best Success Quotes =-.
Thank you Marelisa,
Two years in May? WooHoo! Can you believe?
I’ll be by to check out your massive list of blogging ideas. One thing I know about you is when you publish something, you leave nothing out so I know it will undoubtedly be well worth bookmarking.
Happy 3 years! Wow I am impressed.
I think about quitting every once and awhile, particularly when I am not feeling well, but as soon as I start my fingers on the keyboard I get hooked right away.
Getting no comments on bikingarchitect is always hard for me,but then the readership on the stats says it is growing and that keeps me going.
One of my book reviews was referenced in the Sunday Boston Globe newspaper – now that stuff really revs up my engines.
Another good idea to explore.
.-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: Not Wanting to Appear Foolish =-.
Thank you Patricia,
Look at you. Getting referenced in the Sunday Boston Globe? That’s awesome, Patricia.
One thing we have to remember about comments is they are not the best way to measure a blogs success. As you noted, your stats show the blog is growing, therefore, whatever you’re doing continues to attract more readers.
I know many people who have stopped blogging. I 100% agree with Friar. If you don’t do it for a living and it stops being fun, why continue?
.-= Check out vered | professional blogger´s awesome post: Keeping My Daughters Healthy While Keeping Their Body Image Positive =-.
Hi Vered,
Like you, I know quite a few who have stopped, too. How sad it would be if someone continued to blog and they hated it. I’ll bet it would show in their posts, as well.
Hi Barbara .. I haven’t felt like quitting .. and when I was unable to post as often as I’d liked .. I’d settled into an erratic posting schedule – just simply due to illness en famille.
This schedule of 2 posts a week or so .. is probably enough – as my readership (small) is growing and I highly respect my readers .. which means the posts/stories are of a reasonable calibre to keep people interested – also there’s no niche & I cannot I don’t think be put in a box with anyone else .. near, but not quite?!
This does mean the asset base is there for me to extrapolate and utilise when I get the time to do more ..
I’d hate to stop .. I love being around everyone ..
Congratulations on 3 years – yea what a milestone .. well done – brilliant – & the blog is so good, lovely to read and be a part of .. glad I’m here – Hilary
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Who would have thought Barbary Apes would be eating our greens? =-.
Thank you Hilary,
I know you want to expand on your blogging, so keeping your posting schedule at two posts a week is wise. That way when you start adding more to your plate, you’re not going to be overwhelmed with it all.
That’s also very considerate of you to consider your readers and their schedules. Too often we forget our readers have other obligations and may not be able to read everything we publish.
Happy 3rd birthday! That is an amazing achievement!!! Yours is officially 2 years and a day older than mine and I know how many challenges I went through in my first year!
I’ve often had blogging breaks, and during those breaks, I always evaluate whether I want to give up blogging or not. It’s good to question why we do what we do, whether money’s involved or not. Up till now, I’ve never wanted to give up blogging completely, but there are aspects of it I fall in and out of love with, usually when I’m tired. I gave myself the perfect blog-break licence with the name of my blog; having breaks and rests is perfectly OK on journeys!
PS Thank you so much for my beautiful wee advatar – I wish I could post it here so folk could see what an amazing job you’ve done!
.-= Check out janice | Sharing the Journey´s awesome post: Easter Flowers, Greek Feasts, Seaside Candles and Poetry… =-.
Thank you Janice,
I was on your blog and saw you were also celebrating. Isn’t it fun?
Taking blogging breaks is brilliant; whether it’s because of a vacation in real life, or just to get away from the blog. Like you said, it gives us time to ask ourselves why we come to our keyboards and if the rewards still outweigh the effort.
You’re welcome for the ADvatar. For those who aren’t aware what we’re talking about, just check out The Blog Boutique 🙂
Hi Barbara. Have I thought of quitting? No, not yet. I love to write, and even though I’m not consistent with post-publishing, I want to create a base for my writing.
What about you? You have other blogs to consider as well as this one. Do they all excite you now as when you began?
Congrats on the three years. I’ll bet it’s been a fast three for you.
.-= Check out Barb Hartsook´s awesome post: Spring Cleaning and New Beginnings =-.
Thank you Barb,
Blogging is great for that, isn’t it? Creating a place to write as well as to showcase our creations, like you do your art.
As for me. This blog brings me tons of joy. My newest project (The Blog Boutique) is one I also love working on, but decided not to put undue pressure on myself and didn’t even commit to a publishing schedule. My other two blogs are babies of mine, as well, however, I won’t post to them unless I have something of value to add.
Congratulations of making it to the three-year mark! It is no mean feat! Bet you must have learn a lot about yourself and more during your blogging journey, as I have.
Oh yes, the thought of quitting blogging has entered my mind. I never run out of ideas to say but it just takes a lot of time and energy. However, I know that deep down inside, I love what I am doing. So I cut down on the number of postings in order to give myself time to pursue other stuff. I am actually on a small break right now.
.-= Check out Evelyn Lim´s awesome post: 5 Lessons From How To Train Your Dragon =-.
Thank you Evelyn,
Yes. I have learned A LOT.
I know what you’re saying. Sometimes it’s best to cut down on our publishing schedule to give us more time for other endeavors, plus to enjoy life.
I hope you’re enjoying your mini break. Thank you for taking time to comment here today.
Barbara,
First of all, your headline scared me! I was afraid you were leaving us.
Yes, I’ve considered it. My main blog is political, and that subject can lead to burnout. I try to take a few weeks off every year by putting a guest blogger in place. Last year though I nearly scrapped the whole thing. My life was in shambles, and the blog was doing more harm than good. But I held off the decision till I was on stronger footing, popped in a guest blogger for the duration, and after four months returned to my blog with renewed enthusiasm. I’m glad I didn’t give it up altogether.
Wendy
.-= Check out Wendy Sullivan´s awesome post: Back to Basics =-.
Hi Wendy,
You know what “they” say about titles. 🙂
I like your idea of having another blogger step in for us when we need a break. Not only would that give us time to access where we’re headed with our blog, but would also give us a sense of how life would be if we didn’t blog at all.
How smart of you to hold off making a decision. It sounds like it worked out perfectly.
I think we place way too much importance on ourselves if we say “I have readers who are depending on me”.
Not that I’m not very grateful for my own readers. (All 5-6 of them, if you dont’ include my Mom). 😉
But if I ever decided to quit…I think somehow, the world would somehow survive without me.
Hi Friar,
That sounds like good fodder for another post. 🙂
I know what you’re saying. Any one of us could quit and life would go on for our readers. Although they may miss “the community”, that’s something that could easily be moved to Twitter, Facebook or email if so desired.
@Barb
Or….people could always get involved in a “real life” community.
At the youth centre, at church, or volunteering… etc. 🙂
.-= Check out Friar´s awesome post: Lighthouse from Hell =-.
Happy 3rd birthday. You started blogging just two months before I did. My blog will be 3 years old on June 1.
.-= Check out Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s awesome post: What Am I Responsible For? =-.
Thank you Patricia,
How exciting. In the near future you will also be celebrating your third birthday. Time flies when we’re having fun, doesn’t it?
I’ve never really thought of quitting, but I have put blogging on hold. For me, blogging is part of business. While it may not be at the very top of the priority list, I do consider it a very important aspect, however there are times when other things come first and there just isn’t time for blogging. I do try to have some blog post in the can for just such occasions though.
.-= Check out Heather Villa´s awesome post: Weekend Reading: My fav’s from this week: 4/2/10 =-.
Hi Heather,
I know what you’re saying. Business does come first since that’s what pays the bills.
I like your idea of having posts “in the can” for those dry spells when we’re not in the blogging mood.
Barbara,
Oh, you got me on the title with this one.
I thought, “Oh, she wouldn’t DARE!”
Yeah, sometimes I think, “What’s the point” , but then I really do enjoy it, especially interacting with my community.
Good one, Barbara.
George
.-= Check out George Angus´s awesome post: What’s Your Writing Background? =-.
Hi George,
No, I won’t be quitting any time soon. 🙂
That’s true about blogging. When we are feeling that, “what’s the point?”, it’s often our community that reminds us otherwise.
I never think about quitting. I began to blog for me and me only. All the goodies that have come my way because of blogging are just icing on a cake I was already hungry for. That said, I sometimes feel overwhelmed after I have an article published or my blog is mentioned somewhere that brings in a lot of viewers, I feel awkward knowing more people than usual are reading. I’m at that spot now, but I’ve learned to just keep writing, to work through that, shorter posts maybe, permission to not get all deep & poetic. I can’t imagine leaving it behind. (I do notice that the more viewers I have, the less comments, and for some reason, that bothers me; I wonder if I’m a bad writer, do they not like me, but, as I said, it’s really for me, so I keep going.) Love this post. I’ll go back & read more. 🙂
.-= Check out Debi´s awesome post: A Weekend of Trees =-.
Hi Debi,
Well put. The goodies that come our way when we start blogging are like the icing on the cake. Who knew?
I don’t think it’s uncommon for bloggers to feel awkward knowing more people are reading our stuff. In some ways it can be intimidating, but on the other hand, if we hope to become successful (whatever that means), we need to prepare for that larger readership..
It’s nice to see you here. Glad you like this post.
I would never stop blogging for my business. It’s such a great way to get good content out there and drive traffic to our site.
I do find, however, that the more I’m blogging for business, the less I blog for personal. I think it’s been a month since I touched my personal blog, but I post almost daily for business.
.-= Check out Alphabetix´s awesome post: Get Twitterpated – Feedback Tweets =-.
Hi Alphabetix,
You’re right. A blog can be a huge benefit for a business. It adds a more personal touch and shows customers you care.
I think anytime we have more than one blog, it’s hard to stay current on all of them. Like you, I also have that problem – updating the other blogs I have.
Barbara,
I never wanted to quit but as you know I slowed down quite a bit when there was a death in the family and then a best friend last year. What I found is that the loyal readers were still there when I came back, which was so sweet to learn.
I found out I didn’t just have readers, I had friends. LLI isn’t work to me. I write when I want, and especially now that it is part of the Blue Sun network and I have partners that also write there, the pressure is off. It’s a lot more fun.
.-= Check out Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations´s awesome post: Opening the Door to Creativity =-.
Hi Wendi,
Yes. I do remember when you slowed down on your blogging, and rightly so. Whenever we have a lot going on in our personal lives, it’s difficult to blog, too.
I know what you mean about readers being friends. And they stick with us through thick and thin. 🙂
I’ve found that many of the blogs I follow where the owner decides to quit blogging, the author is often back within a year, blogging again with renewed energy.
I think that often, it isn’t that they really want to quit blogging, it’s just that they need a break away. So my advice is, if you decide to quit, don’t dump the blog. Keep it up with a front page post saying you’re on hiatus. Then, if you feel the yen to write again after a while, it’s still waiting there for you and you don’t have to start over from scratch. I seldom unsubscribe from a blog that is inactive, just because I want to know if the author starts up again.
Hi Jodith,
That’s fabulous advice – keep those blogs online.
Even if we think we want to quit, we never know what may happen in the future. And it seems like even when bloggers do stop blogging for awhile, after a break they find they’ve missed it. Like you, I also enjoy seeing them come back.
A three-year blogger! Congrats!
As you know, I did quit blogging on my first blog — a kinda, sorta personal development blog. After a few months off, I started another blog, but all the wiser for having blogged so much before. In that time, I learned something from Dr. Wayne Dyer: “Detach from outcome.” I don’t want to work a blog anymore. I want it to flow out naturally. The emotional cycles surrounding comments/no comments; good stats/low stats; writing surge/writing slow down have mostly passed for me. I give what I can, when I can. Sometimes it’s fun as can be, sometimes it has a bit more drudgery to it. Teaching karate in a classroom can be the same way.
Passion carries you far, but when it wanes a bit, you have to decide if it’s simply a lull or a brick wall.
.-= Check out Lori Hoeck´s awesome post: Visit my guest post on life as a black belt =-.
Hi Lori,
Yes. And I’m so happy you decided to blog again.
Ooooooh. I like that quote, “Detach from the outcome”. With blogging, that’s perfect. Like you said it keeps us focused on that’s which is most important to us and we’re not being stifled by stats/numbers/etc.
I also like your last sentence. Your quotes are brilliant.
Thinking about it logically – if your main concern is the readers, and if your heart really isn’t into it, then you absolutely should quit.
Continue blogging half-heartedly and your readers WILL feel it, and may very well resent you more then if you simply said, Love you all, I’m done.
Or whatever. 🙂
.-= Check out Dennis Edell´s awesome post: Will DEDC Comments Remain Do-Follow? It’s Up To YOU! =-.
Hi Dennis,
That’s very true. Our readers would know if we’re just blogging to blog, or if the passion is still there. Like you said, we’re not doing them any favors if we just publish to publish.
Congrats Barbara! Three years is a wonderful achievement!
I have had a micro-second thought about quitting. It was simply too much pressure on myself. My choice. I chose to cut back here or there. Shorter posts or what not and then everything was fine. I see a LOT of people disappear though and I always wonder what happened. In life, there is a season and a reason for everything. I guess blogging is no different.
🙂
.-= Check out Angelia Sims´s awesome post: I quit =-.
Thank you Angelia,
How smart of you to realize it was your choices which was putting undue pressure on yourself. Cutting back on publishing as well as writing shorter posts are both great ways to keep our blogs updated but yet give us more time for life.
I see that too – bloggers leaving for reasons unknown. With blogging not being for everyone, I feel it’s better for a blogger to call it quits as soon as they know that instead of trying to force it.
While I haven’t quit, I’ve cut way back. This is for a corporate blog. Wwe went from a pretty rigorous six day a week schedule to about two days a week… sometimes just one. Why? Because of ROI concerns. How much time are we spending on blogging? How much value is it adding?
I think, in the end, the blog will end up better. We’ll get on a two or three times a week schedule, but for now, we’re almost quitters. 🙂
.-= Check out Gomez´s awesome post: Saturday Silliness: The Sun! =-.
Hi Gomez,
That’s a good way to look at it; asking yourself what the return on investment of time is. (especially with a corporate blog)
One good thing about blogging is once it’s set up, it makes it easy to add new information as we see fit and as our readership increases.
No way Barbara
I’m only just getting into this Blogging business.
I don’t put any pressure on myself to get posts out – although your output does make me feel a little bit guilty.
Truth to tell, I love putting a good post together. I draft it out, edit it, get my wife to check the spelling and then…. hit that big publish button.
All you have to do then is sit back and wait for all those comments… I wish!
.-= Check out Keith Davis´s awesome post: A helping hand… =-.
Hi Keith,
It’s hard to imagine quitting blogging, isn’t it? It’s definitely a fabulous “hobby” with tons of possibilities.
Please don’t let what I do make you feel guilty. Each of us blogs differently and does what works for them. And the comments; they too, will come in time. (That said, you do quite well in the comment department). 🙂
I enjoy my blogging and don’t do it for money. I do it for the fun! Maybe my blog isn’t all that enlightening….but I enjoy it and do it as a hobby. Checking in on my blog buddies has just become a daily thing for me and I would miss it! Great topic Barbara! Thank you!
.-= Check out bermudabluez´s awesome post: Her Dogs ARE Her Life! =-.
You’re welcome Jeanne,
Blogging is fun, isn’t it? Even if we don’t do it for money, I think it’s a great medium for sharing whatever moves us.
I’m with you on the visiting our blogging buddies part. Once we start blogging and meet others, it would be hard to give that part up.
I’ve been thinking about this recently because I haven’t been as active on my own blog or on reading other people’s blogs for the past month as I’ve been relocating to a new home. Blogging was often on my mind and I chose not to do it, not to read other blogs, not to participate in this habit of mine. I think that even though I feel horribly behind and wonder whether the time away has “hurt” my blog, I know that I did the right thing in focusing on the present and in doing what was needed to help my husband and me start our lives again.
Thank you for this discussion, Barbara. I have missed your blog and I am very excited to be back.
.-= Check out Daphne´s awesome post: Housewifery =-.
You’re welcome Daphne,
I know what you’re saying. Once we get into blogging, it’s hard not to think about it when we’re away from the blog. However, I also feel we need to concentrate on our real life first.
And…even if we do take a break and our blog sits dormant for awhile, all it takes is a few trips around blogosphere to let others know we’re back – just like you just did.
Welcome back, Daphne!
I did quit to focus on my fiction and couldn’t be happier. No guilt at all over the decision to abandon my readers because it was right for me.
.-= Check out Alex Fayle ¡ Someday Syndrome´s awesome post: Resolving to Be Happier: The Happiness Project =-.
Hi Alex,
I know you were talking about cutting way back on posting, but I didn’t realize you quit completely. It sounds like it was the perfect decision for you.
Please let me know when your a published author. I’d love to read more of your work.
I wish you the very best in all you do. 🙂
Hello Barbara,
I don’t blog yet, but planned to blog in a near future. I want to read some blogs first to feel the experience.
Today, I read your blog and I realize that it can become overwhelming to blog and have people who “depend” on you. How do you find the time to answer all the questions that are asked in your blog? I only look at this page and see that you wrote a lot! Is this part of your work or it’s only on your spare time that you do it?
I would like to start blogging, but wouldn’t like to quit blogging, what could you suggest me?
Thanks!
Hi Nicolas,
I do hope you start a blog. It’s truly an awesome experience.
You’re right. It can be overwhelming when we start a blog and then as it grows we feel people are depending on us to consistently produce good content and to respond to their questions or comments. Keep in mind, I’ve been blogging for three years so of course, I didn’t always have so many questions and/or comments. Although I don’t blog full time, I’ve found by adjusting my blogging schedule I have time to address all of the comments. In the event it becomes too much for me to handle twice a week (my current blogging schedule), I would drop down to weekly posts. From there, well, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Also, as you travel around blogosphere, you’ll notice some blog authors don’t get involved in their comment sections, but instead just let the comments “ride”. Although that works well for some, I prefer the interactions and the sense of community a blog provides. It really comes down to what works for you and how involved you want to become with your readers.
My advice to you or anyone who is considering to blog is to just try it. Maybe use a free platform like WordPress or Blogger to get your feet wet and see if it’s all you thought it would be.
By the way, if you do start blogging. please let me know and I’ll come by and check it out. 🙂
Many years ago I thought about giving it up because I wasn’t dedicating enough time to it, but I kept going. A couple of months ago, while going through some tough times mentally, I thought about it again, yet kept going. I actually do love blogging and love the interaction, but when I can’t blog the way I like to I’m sometimes frustrated.
But I’ll probably be blogging until I can’t think of anything more to say, and on that day, I probably won’t physically exist anymore. I hope someone misses me on that day. 🙂
.-= Check out Mitch´s awesome post: Sometimes You Should Read The Terms Of Use =-.