Have you had a chance to read Darren Rowse’s (Problogger) recent post? It’s titled: What Thomas Edison Can Teach You About Blogging. In it, he writes,
Most blogs are abandoned after a month or two…. the average time that it takes a blog to rise to the top of the pile is around 3 years (it’s now longer).
Today’s Lesson
When I started blogging, I didn’t know where it would take me. I didn’t even know if I would like blogging.
But I do, and I continue to post on a regular basis.
Have I ever thought of quitting? No. I enjoy it too much.
Call me naive, but I haven’t really thought about where my blogs will be another year from now, or where I’ll be when I celebrate three years of blogging.
Some say we should have a plan, a goal.
But, blogging is considered a hobby. I don’t set goals for my other hobbies.
For once in my life, I have found a hobby I truly enjoy; a hobby I haven’t become bored with.
Unless I face unforeseen circumstances, I’m not quitting.
What about you?
Today’s Assignment
Do you see a future for yourself in blogging?
Have you thought where you might be when you celebrate year three?
Have you ever thought of quitting?
Photo Credit: fuzzcat’s photostream
You know what Barb? I’ve thought about my future plenty of times and even with the major commitments that I plan to take in the future, I can’t imagine letting my blog go. If anything, I feel like it synchronizes perfectly with what I want to do with my life. And besides. I make such wonderful new friends because of it.. it opens the doors to opportunities.. I would feel like I’m missing out.
I love to write!
I didn’t read that post yet – headed over there.
And glad you aren’t going to stop your blog bc I love it ’round these parts lol
JEMi | Tips for Life, Love, Yous last blog post..Big Dreams: 10 Critical Keys to Your Success – Part 1
I certainly don’t have a plan when it comes to blogging. The best I can do is plan to post 3 times a week and sometimes I don’t do that. I’m assuming that these people who say you should have a plan are talking about people who want to live off the fat (money) of their blog.
I do see a future in blogging for myself, as long as I’m able to blog, I will, but it’s not a long term goal for me. It’s more of a let’s see what happens.
Have I thought of quitting? Sure I’ve thought about it, just not sure what would make me quit right now. I totally enjoy it and always have something to say. When I stop blogging, it will be on purpose.
Naturals last blog post..Do You Suffer From Affluenza?
I blog because I enjoy it. I like having the deadline and schedule to post entries up at. It forces me to be creative. I have some loyal readers. Not much, but I’m glad they are there. I may never have a hugely popular blog but that’s not what’s important to me right now.
I am currently in year two and I plan to keep writing and posting. I’ll still be doing it in three years and maybe then I’ll have a more popular blog. Who knows? I just know that I’m enjoying the ride so far. And I have never thought about quitting.
Chase Marchs last blog post..Daddy’s Home
I have not thought about quiting and I have passed 4 years earlier this year. One key, I think, is to pick something you want to write about (which seems pretty obvious but I am not sure how many bloggers that immediately quit, did that). It makes perfect sense for some percentage to quit. Some people will try it and figure out they don’t like it. Then it makes sense to quit.
Curious Cat Investing and Economics Blogs last blog post..Save Money on Food
My plan for 3 years is to see where I AM in 3 years and then make a decision. I have considered quitting, not too seriously, though. I consider how much time this takes. The blog itself doesn’t take much of my time, it’s all the extra’s that drive me crazy. I enjoy reading other’s blogs, but right now it takes a lot of my time. I’m sure when the weather gets nasty again I’ll have more time for it. My personality is such that I feel obligated to read EVERY post others write and comment. I’m happy to say my readership has grown to a point where this just isn’t possible, so I wrestle with my loyalty to my readers vs. loyalty to my family. Family must win everytime. This is part of the reason I stopped blogging on the weekends. I need time for family. I try to keep up on my reader, but this morning I cleaned about half of it out without even skimming the post. I just didn’t have the time to mess with it. I’ll catch up later and I kept only the posts I really want to read when I have time.
Did I get off track here? Quitting. Sometimes I think I am a quitter. I get the ideas of grandeur but then don’t follow through. I want to follow through on this one, so I’m not giving in to the desire to just quit. Three years seems like a long time. Is it worth it? I’m determined to see it through. Wish me luck!
Gotta go take Peanut to school. Have a great day!
Debbie Yosts last blog post..Don’t Drive into a Lake
I’ve quit other blogs – Mind Body Blog, Get Happy Now, Post Card Advice and The Stress corner. I couldn’t connect with them. I kept searching and I found my blogging calling with my Work Happy Now blog. I’ve been blogging on work happiness for over 4 months and I’m more passionate now then I was in the first month.
I think that as long as I am passionate about the topic there is no reason to quit because even when I don’t get any comments it only makes me want to dig deeper and write something more compelling.
Karl Staib – Your Work Happiness Matterss last blog post..Video on Work Happy Now
Hi Barbara,
Oh yeah, I feel like quitting quite a bit. Sometimes I feel like blogging will devour me – have to feed blog twice weekly.
But I won’t quit. I’m proud of what I’ve done with my blog. I built it from the ground up by myself and I write some pretty good stuff.
And I like the blogging community; the friends you meet.
I think the people who quit thought they could make a lot of money quickly or get famous or something. They don’t know how hard it is. And if you don’t like writing you won’t like blogging! You’ll have to hire someone to do it for you.
Incidentally, I started writing what I thought was a better response and then my computer decided to restart itself.
Another thing you have to cope with!
Ellen
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Great Photo Tips From E
Oh, and the other questions! The have started to think about the future of my blog the longer I blog. I don’t know what it will evolve into though. Three years is to far into the future for me to think about. Right now all I can think about is getting through the summer!
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Great Photo Tips From E
I’m not quitting! I have every intention to stick around. Besides this is one of the only thing that I do that its success is solely based on my efforts and not anybody elses.
In three years, I really hope I can be one of the top bloggers. Not just a niche parenting blog, but an A-list blogger that a lot of people read. This is why I sepnd so much time trying to come up with quality content.
BTW, how do I get my mug next to my comments?
Chriss last blog post..Difference Between School and Work
@Barbara: I was up really late last night finishing my last post because I left it for the last minute. However, I just got started with my blog and I love blogging, so I’m not planning on giving it up anytime soon.
@Ellen Wilson: I know what you mean about having to deal with your computer, my computer decides to restart all the time. It also decides to freeze, takes breaks once in a while (where it refuses to turn on for a couple of hours), and so on. 🙂
Hi JEMi,
With your age, your goals in life and your writing abilities, I can see your blog growing as you transcend into the future. With the name of your blog, “In My Heels”, you will be able to encompass all of your lessons in life and continue to provide your loyal readers with great stories for many years to come.
Keep smiling. The best is yet to come. 🙂
Hi Natural,
I agree, those who have “a plan” are in it for the money. Whereas making a few coins on a blog is great, when we add making money to the equation, the joy of writing is often diminished.
It’s good to know you’re not thinking of quitting, as I always look forward to my dose of you “Thinking Out Loud”.
Hi Curious Cat,
Congratulations on four years of blogging. That’s a great feat.
With your topics being about investing and economics, and your love of sharing, the ever changing economy will undoubtedly continue to “feed you” for many years to come.
Hi Debbie,
I can’t see you quitting “Three Weddings”. Those beautiful daughters of yours are ever inspiring, and your desire to help others with special needs children is obviously a driving force.
Although blogging can be extremely time consuming, finding the balance between family and blogging seems to be a never ending struggle for many.
Hi Chase,
When I read your “Silent Cacophony” writings, your love of writing shines through. Although it’s tough to keep going when our readership is low (or none existent), our passion for the written word will often be the only thing that keeps us focused, and continues to drive us to post.
Like you, I like how blogging keeps me “on track”.
Hi Karl,
Your passion for work does show on your “Work Happy Now” blog. Yours is the only blog I’ve seen on taking steps to educate readers on how to enjoy our working environment. It’s a nice change after reading how so many people hate their jobs.
Hi Ellen,
No, blogging is not easy. It’s can consume us, but most times the benefits outweigh the struggles we face.
What would we be without “Wilson’s Words and Pictures”? We would feel lost if you stopped sharing your creativity and beautiful photographs. Your “people” are behind you and are enjoying your love of sharing.
Hi Chris,
With your determination, you can make “Wat da Wat” an “A List” blog. Although you are wanting to make it more than a parenting blog, whose to say, a parenting blog can’t be a top blog? Dream big.
Re: a mug shot – check out my post titled ” How To Get and/or Add A Gravatar to Your Post Comments
Hi Marelisa,
For new bloggers, it’s drive, determination and patience that keeps us going. When I read your “Abundance Blog”, and the helpful hints you share on such things as breaking old habits, I know you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Your love of blogging will keep you going.
Hi Vered,
You say, “so far, so good”, when in actuality, with your “Mom Grind” blog, I say, so far, it’s fantastic. You know how to keep us thinking, you make us laugh, and your love of writing shines through.
Isn’t blogging a great hobby? 🙂
Just like you, I consider blogging a hobby. It’s a hobby that I take very seriously, but it’s a hobby nonetheless. So, just like any other hobby, I don’t set goals. Basically I plan to write as long as I have something to say, and as long as I enjoy writing, interacting with other bloggers and watching my blog grow. So far, so good. 🙂
Vereds last blog post..Best Shot Monday: Would You Put THIS In Your Front Yard?
Hi Friar,
Welcome to the BWAB community.
I just clicked over to your blog. I love the name, “The Deep Friar”. The name, in itself, will allow you to blog about a range of topics since life sometimes feels like a deep fryer.
With hobbies, we can lose interest, and like you said, if blogging begins to feel like “work”, it may signal us that it’s time to quit.
Hi John,
With your “eVentureBiz” website and web hosting service, your blog is a great addition. As your readership and subscribers increase, I’m guessing your comments will too.
Your blog is a great teaching mechanism. Learning about real estate and business is something that will never go out of style. I know I’ve learned a lot from you, and always look forward to your next post.
I’ve been at it for about four months, and I’m slowly getting more traffic. I dare say I’ve even gotten a small following.
It works for me because I write about anything I feel like. Sometimes I have no idea what my next post might be, or when it will come out. I refuse to give myself a fixed schedule or deadlines.
I find when I do this, it takes the pressure off, and I actually write even more.
As far as I’m concerned, this is a hobby. It’s fun.
It’s not something I feel I “have to do”. As soon as it starts to feel like work, that’s when I’ll quit.
Friars last blog post..Make them Stop.
Seeing as how I only have a few regular readers / commentators (I have a lot signed up on RSS that don’t participate), I’d like to think my blog will grow more.
It’s not really a hobby for me – it’s more of a part of my company, though I do enjoy teaching people things I know about business and the Web.
In 3 years I see my blog basically doing what it’s doing whether I have more subscribers or not.
John Hoff – eVentureBizs last blog post..Reading Between The Lines
Hi Ann,
Many people learn by example, and with the great tips you’re sharing on “One Bag Nation”, it’s inevitable you will be helping some of your readers, and from viewing your comments, your helpfulness is appreciated.
Re: monetization. Almost any blog can eventually benefit (monetarily) from ads. It’s just a matter of how you choose to display them (without taking away from the content).
I started my blog as a way to stay accountable as I worked on my decluttering and anti-procrastination goals. I thought (still do) that if I could help anyone else along the way, it would be wonderful, and that maybe I’d find some inspiration too.
It would be nice to think I could make a bit of money along the way, but from what I’ve seen so far, my blog doesn’t really fit the mold of those that earn money.
So for now, my goals are to actually write all the posts I have ideas for, and get my basement (and my act) cleaned up, once and for all!
Ann at One Bag Nations last blog post..In the Organized Kitchen: Five Tips for Efficient Meals
Hi AxeCity,
Your blog, “Design Interval” reflects your passion for writing and helping others. By providing value based posts, it will undoubtedly succeed to become a great resource for many. Loving what you’re doing will ease any roadblocks you may encounter.
I don’t think I can quit something I really like and find a pleasure in doing it. I like writing, learning and sharing my knowledge with others, blogging to me is just a name being used by people these days, but, the real thing in it is my passion and my interest to learn and create something of real value.
I think bloggers who quit for unspecific reason didn’t know from the very beginning why they are blogging and whether they really like it or they are just doing it like the others.
The passion and knowing the aim from doing anything are the main points that keep people go on with many things in their life.
AxeCitys last blog post..Blog Carnivals generate targeted traffic
Hi Sara,
How can you not enjoy blogging “On Simplicity”. After all, I think it’s everyones goal to live a simpler, clutter free life, and your helpful hints and tips are timeless.
You do know I follow all of my NBOTWs in my reader, and a year from now plan to do a “where are they now” post. Like many of the others, I’m guessing you’ll be a “shining star”. 🙂
Re: Monetization. I believe what the previous commenters are eluding to are the new bloggers who come on board, expecting to make a kazillion dollars in a month or two, and not do the work the dedicated bloggers did to get where they are.
I’d love to be a problogger myself, however, I’m realistic in knowing that won’t happen without putting in my time.
Thanks, Barbara. That’s good to hear. It’s great how you learn even more about things you know when you write and discuss them.
John Hoff – eVentureBizs last blog post..Reading Between The Lines
So not quitting. I understand why lots of folks quit after a few months, but I feel the opposite. How can I quit when I’ve just gotten started? I hope to be enjoying my niche in three years, and living a happier, simpler life because of it.
But I do have to disagree on monetization. There are lots of awesome bloggers who seem to thrive when they’re rewarded financially for their hard work. What could be more fulfilling and inspiring than getting paid for your passion?
Saras last blog post..The Lost Art of Doing Nothing
The stats from Problogger sure look interesting. I have abandoned several blogs n sites before. Yes…I was interested in those topics but I had no passion in them. I believe many of us fell into the same trap, of thinking that just having an interest is enough. Or if the topic has a high paying keyword and that will be enough to sustain our interest.
Now that I know better, I don’t intend to quit on any of my remaining sites.
Evelyn
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Maps last blog post..My Happiness Retreat In Khao Lak
Hi Evelyn,
Thank you for sharing your past experience with blogs that didn’t make it. Your passion shows in “Attraction Mind Map”, and from what you’re saying, you’ll be blessing us with more of your writings for many years to come.
I, like you, look at it as a hobby. I think such an attitude will actually contribute to the best material possible. Love what you do, and do what you love…
One of the greatest benefits I find from blogging, is that it helps me write better! Blogging stretches your mind every which direction — a very welcomed challenge.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Top 7 Things I’ve Learned about Blogging
I quit blogs over and over until I stop caring about “rising to the top of the pile”, the pile suggests there are blogs the same as yours.
I have a tiny specialized blog and it’s something I’m proud of, rising to the top of the pile is not possible as there is no pile…
Darren Daz Coxs last blog post..what are the trees looking at?
What’s funny is that I got started by reading one or two blogs and thought, how fun, I would like to do this. I stumbled on to the free wordpress site by accident one day, signed up and then…..just wrote the first thing that popped into my head! Boom…a few mintues later there was Brett Legree with a comment. I never had any idea it would become the wonderful community and group of friends that it is today. I have no plans of quitting. It is helping me a great deal with the discipline of daily writing and of being focused on the mental mindest of -yes- I am a writer. The creativity has woken up and brought that part of me back to life. I see the blog growing into a more well rounded site as time goes by and have no intention of abandaning it. I am grateful for it and will in return, nourish it.
Wendi Kellys last blog post..In the Dirt
Hi Bamboo Forest,
Welcome to the BWAB community.
Blogging does that, doesn’t it? Stretches our mind in every direction. I just clicked over to “Bamboo Forest” and like the post on what you’ve learned about blogging. I’ll be coming over to leave you a comment.
Hi Darren,
You do bring up a good point. There are many different “piles” of blogs – each with a different niche.
Your “Fine Art Blog” is definitely a specialized blog which highlights your beautiful art. I’d say you are already on the top of “that” pile. 🙂
Hi Wendi,
I never knew how “Life’s Little Inspirations” got started. What a neat story.
Reading any of your posts is evidence of your writing abilities and passion for the craft.
BTW: I love your “In The Dirt” post. 🙂
Hi Lori,
Oh yes, those expectations. They’ll get us every time.
Like you, when I started blogging, money was part of the equation. After wasting many hours of my precious time placing ads, checking stats to see how much money I didn’t make, and getting frustrated with the whole (make money) process, I looked back on why I really set up a blog. My main goal was to help others. When I went back to that, my attitude changed, and…the rest is history.
What you’re writing/sharing in “Between Us Girls”, is so valuable, it would be a shame if you gave it up. Remember to follow your heart, write from your soul, make time for family (and friends), and do what you love. In the end, money will find you.
Barbara,
Oh yeah…I think about quitting regularly. Why? Because I put too much pressure on myself and have too many lofty expectations. Blogging sometimes becomes a burden…so time-consuming and unprofitable. I find that expecting it to be a money machine makes it a very frustrating endeavor, but when I am able to look at it as a hobby, an outlet for my creativity and a way for me to help others by sharing valuable information with them…I no longer want to quit.
Eventually I hope to strike a balance – to find a way to make blogging less time-consuming so that I can keep doing it while also spending time with my family, exploring my many other interests and doing something to earn money as well.
Lori | betweenusgirls.infos last blog post..The Scourge of Materialism
Blogging is a hobby for all bloggers. Yeah, I know how this sounds. I have to say that if you can make money out of your hobby, then why wouldn’t you? Then appeared another problem as many people heard that they can make money online by blogging and this can only happen in at least 6 months therefore the people who started blogging only for money, quit after a few months because they didn’t get anything.
Hopefully, in 3 years I will live in Ibiza and relax by blogging.
Tech Reviewss last blog post..Nokia N95 8GB Review
Hi Tech Reviews,
You’ll have to keep me posted. I’d love to know I’m getting a comment from you as you relax in Ibiza. 🙂 (I don’t know where that is at)
Hi TOPolk,
SEVEN YEARS? That’s fantastic! I can’t say I know of too many bloggers who have been at it that long. I wish you tons of success for the next seven years. 🙂
Quitting? Nope. My blog has become a part of me. Its been seven years since I first started and over that time my blog has changed just as I have. I don’t do it for fame and while I have earned a little bit of fortune from it, that’s not the reason either. It’s fun. I have no rules that I’m bound by and I can pretty much do/say whatever I want. Who knows how long I’ll keep doing this, but I’m hoping to see another seven years.
TOPolks last blog post..UPSTATERS – CALLING ALL T-SHIRTS!!!
Definitely not a quitter here! Actually my strongest point is that I am optimistic and I hardly quit. Most of the times is a good thing, but sometimes is bad. There are times, when you are better off quitting and to start fresh, somewhere else, some other time!