With blogging, if we stop updating, commenting, visiting and/or promoting other blogs, our readership may drop.*
When Chania Girl of Living Happiness went on vacation, she noticed a decrease in her readership. Davina of Shades Of Crimson noticed the same when her paying job used up all of her free time, as did Vered of MomGrind when she reduced her posting and commenting schedule.
Over the course of two years + of blogging, I have experienced it, too. Life and my job/our business can keep me away from blogosphere for a day or more and the lack of having my face “out there”, often results in a decrease in my statistics.
Today’s Lesson
Welcome to blogging.
Sad, but true, if we aren’t active in blogosphere, our numbers may suffer.
So, what can we do to alleviate this problem?
In some cases, no matter what we do, we’ll still see a decrease in our statistics, however, here’s a few tips we can use to deal with the situation, plus notify others we haven’t gone AWOL (absent without leave).
1) Prepare ourselves for it mentally. Know we will see a decrease in our statistics and then just let it go. We need to get on with our life and/or work projects and get back to blogosphere when time permits. Worrying about a decline in our numbers can hamper us from focusing on the task at hand and giving it our all.
2) If we’re on Twitter, we can send out a tweet once or twice a day, stating “we miss our blogging buddies, but life and/or work is keeping us out of the loop”.
3) If we only have time to post a comment or two, we can comment on the blogs our other blogging friends frequent. We can include a short sentence saying we don’t have much time due to “whatever”…. Those bloggers who read all of the comments on blog posts, will quickly realize why we haven’t been as active in blogosphere as we had been.
4) We can publish a short post on our blog letting others know we are taking a short sabbatical and/or are changing our posting schedule. This would be a great post on which to list “the best of” our blog, or “most commented posts” so our visitors will have easy access to our other articles.
5) The “What Would Seth Godin Do” plugin is a great way to add a custom message to the top of our blog posts. This also works good for when we take a long weekend and want to notify our readers when our next post will be.
Blogging is no different than life. Our focus lands on that which is brought to our attention; just like a squeaky wheel.
Today’s Assignment
When you’re not as active in blogosphere, do you see a decrease in your readership?
As discouraging as it can be, how do you handle it?
Can you think of other ways to let our blogging buddies know we haven’t forgotten about them?
Raise your hand and share your thoughts.
~Barbara.
*P.S. If a blog gets most of it’s traffic from search engines, this scenario may not apply.
Photo Credit:Around the World Journey | 2009-20xx – mhoey
Hi Barbara. I can appreciate this post (thanks for the link BTW). For the last 5 weeks or so I’ve had very limited time for blogging and it’s been frustrating because I enjoy it so much. Yes I have seen a substantial decrease in readership, but am thrilled to see regular commenters still supporting my blog. I’ve learned to not take stats and numbers personally and to trust that there will be cycles in blogging.
I’ve found that Sunday nights are the nights when I have more time and am able to read quite a few blogs. A couple of times I posted a note in my comment section to announce that I was “away” and although it seemed like a good idea at the time, as this has continued to be a pattern for the month of May, and now June too, it just feels more awkward… like I’m making excuses. I do mention it sometimes when I’m leaving a comment, but I’m learning to just let go of expectations. It ends up filtering the fun of blogging. Thanks for this post and the chance to share Barbara.
.-= Davina´s last blog ..Captivated By a Metaphor =-.
Hi Barbara,
Good questions. When I’m not as active, readership does go down. At first, I felt like I should take it personally. Over time, I’ve become much more accepting of it. It’s been a process to get here – but today, I’m okay with the ebb and flow of my site and it’s visitors. While on vacation a couple of months ago – I had guest writers lined up to post while I was gone. This was a great way to both share some great talent on my site, as well as keep it an active place. In fact, I’ve had a couple more guest writers since I’ve been back – allowing me time to get other things done too.
Great topic discussion today Barbara, thanks for the thoughts.
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Barbara.
A smile at “What Would Seth Godin Do” plug-in name.
I will be away on vacation wtih limited computer access in August and I intend to post a 428 x 100 px jpeg notice of my absence in the spot where I now have my “weekly tagline” winner’s link — a picture notice I think would be more interesting than a block of text. (Actually I just thought of that jpeg idea now, due to your questions here!) Thanks for the inspiration.
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..“Blame Tara Who?” Meme =-.
If blogging is your job then you must keep in touch regularly.
I often notice there is a core group of bloggers extremely loyal to one another because they share something of value.
I’ve only had a personal blog for a short while but I do post a notice if I’m going to be ‘away’. It’s what I would do offline – is it appropriate online – don’t know – guess I’m just polite (according to me). If I see a fellow blogger is away without reason for days I do notice and do feel concern.
As for mentioning other blogs and bloggers. Certain reasons are obvious and appropriate but can it also be seen as self-serving or just plain sucking up?
I still have a long way to go.
.-= Paisley (Paisley Thoughts)´s last blog ..Brave Iranian Woman =-.
love the new header 🙂
i think it’s much more inviting,
and yes as in life blogging ebbs and flows
best wishes
Ribbon
I like the Seth Godin plugin and the Twitter idea. I have to admit I’m terrible for commenting on other peoples blogs though. I hardly ever get round to it.
I’ve got 3 blogs in total. I’m just wondering if its worth retiring one of them? What do you think?
When we were traveling last month, there were periods when we were unable to post because we had no internet access and, yes, the number of visitors seemed to drop.
Another thing that seems to drop for me, when I get away from blogging, is my own inclination to do it, even though I really enjoy blogging.
In order to get past that, I am trying to post every day. On each post at the bottom right, I show how many days in a row I have posted something. There will be some days where all I post is a picture — and it may actually be days in a row where all that is posted are pictures –, but that is part of what my blog is about.
I am trying to establish a very strong posting habit.
When I know that I am going to be away from the internet, or even think that I am going to be away from the internet, my intention is to prepost material so that there is no break in the blogging.
All the blogs that I view on a regular basis are in my Google reader so, if someone has gone away for a while and returns to start posting again, I still see their posts. The only time I delete feeds is if a blog goes dead for a long period of time, I grow to really dislike what a person is blogging about, or I find that the blog wasn’t as interesting as I thought it would be,
.-= Mike Goad´s last blog ..Another new photo gallery – Mammoth Cave National Park =-.
Blog traffic has definitely reduced since I went on a break. But that’s all right. I now get a clear picture of how much traffic will be there on it’s own from search engine, stumble upon, comments and links without my input.
.-= Avani´s last blog ..Following My Heart =-.
Whenever I don’t post something, I definitely see a decrease in readership, but, to me, that makes sense because all of the people normally reading my blog have already read that post and aren’t going to keep coming back to read the same thing over and over again. That being said, I do find it a little disheartening when my numbers are down, but I try to remind myself of why I started blogging — for ME — and I feel a lot better about it!
.-= Positively Present´s last blog ..10 lessons from the classroom of life =-.
That’s one thing I’ve always liked more about Wikis. They’re timeless. Blogs are more about time.
That said, I like the idea of setting expectations or having somebody babysit (for example, I liked when Darren handed the keys over to Skellie while he was out.)
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Influencer Training Day 2 =-.
“Know we will see a decrease in our statistics and then just let it go.”
Exactly. I didn’t like to see it at first, but I have come to accept that as I channel more and more of my time and energy towards paid blogging assignments, and as I post just once a week on my own blog, stats will go down. It’s natural, and it’s fine. But it took me a while to accept that.
Thanks for the link. 🙂
.-= Vered – MomGrind´s last blog ..Frosted Cupcakes =-.
Hi Barbara – I have found a huge decrease in my readership. But I haven’t blogged at all much this year, so I guess it was to be expected.
I like your idea of the Seth Godin plugin and using it to put a message on your blog when you’re not going to be around much.
I don’t notice the decrease. I think a part of it is that I keep the blog going even when I’m away with scheduled posts.
Saying that however I do notice that if I’m not out there commenting, I get fewer comments on my blog which is funny because the people who comment on my blog aren’t the same as those whose blogs I comment on…
.-= Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog ..Make a Decision, Any Decision: Lea Woodward Interview =-.
Yes! Most recently my comments have dropped significantly and so has my traffic. I’ve been sporadic, in several ways. When I’m experiencing a drop, I first wallow in a little bit of self pity and then I just get back to blogging.
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..Beautiful Like Me…It’s all about the brain =-.
Can I just be Seth Godin-like and not have to worry about all this? 🙂
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Self defense and kids — how-to for parents =-.
Barbara,
I think you of all people do an excellent job welcoming guest authors to your site! That’s a great way to manage your time, post fresh new content, and keep from letting your readership dwindle.
Have I experienced a drop in readership due to lack of posting fresh new content? Sure I have. I think we all have to some extent. What did I do to cure the problem? Short, quick, engaging posts are key. And quite a bit of follow up email to let people know I was back and doing some things differently.
.-= Ricardo Bueno´s last blog ..Is Commenting On Blogs An Effective Traffic Strategy? =-.
As you are aware, I’m on a bit of a “blogcation” myself. I know my numbers are down, at the same time, I don’t rely on blog income, so I just needed to accept it mentally ahead of time. If you don’t post, people aren’t going to come and read – simple equation. (That being said, I am still getting quite a few hits, since I have some specific “hot” topics I’ve shared – mostly health-related ones regarding toddler illnesses and our big allergy issues.)
Life is in the way and I’m seeking some balance right now. I’ve let folks know they can track me via twitter and that I believe I will be back – just need to re-evaluate how I plan to blog in the future.
I’m doing my best to blog-hop to my buddies’ blogs about every other day or so, rather than every day (like I had been doing), so they know I haven’t forgotten them.
In the past, I’ve scheduled posts, but due to the nature of my blog, that doesn’t work as well for me. I know many other bloggers use that technique and it works well for them – depending on the subject matter.
.-= RC – Rambling Along´s last blog ..Celebrating today =-.
Hi Barbara,
You have a way of really finding issues that bloggers can relate to. I’ve reduced my posts from daily to twice weekly, and probably from now on to perhaps once a week. Since I did this quite early, I haven’t noticed an impact on readership, which thankfully has continued to grow slowly but steadily. Agree with some other comments that my commenting on other blogs tends to affect my readership more than the frequency of my posts.
By the way, I love your new header image – it says so clearly what your blog is about, and conveys the spirit of learning too!
I’ve been dealing with this lately myself. I’ve been learning an entire new ecommerce system and rebuilding my wife’s jewelry website all the while still marketing my business and working with customers.
I only go about 2 sometimes 3 weeks without posting. The interesting thing is, my readership usually goes up LOL.
I think it’s important though for those of us whose blogs have been the driving engine to not forget the thing which got us here. Even if it’s just once a week in this case would be good.
.-= John Hoff – WpBlogHost´s last blog ..Lateral SEO Thinking: 3 Things Most People Don’t Consider =-.
Barbara,
I have been thinking about this for awhile as I am going some place and talking my IT with me for 3 weeks. I will be writing and taking pictures but not posting while I am away. I think I am going to do a combo of auto posts,guest bloggers, and a paid sitter. Just like having a kid!
It is nice to read what others have tried and what they are thinking about since this is so relevant to my situation – Thank you
.-= Patricia´s last blog ..What is Marriage? =-.
I tend to look at things with an overall picture. If I spend less time on blogging, then I am probably spending more time on other aspects like 1:1 coaching, doing my akashic record readings for clients or meditating to improve overall well beingness (which then gets reflected in the quality of my work). So while I may be having fewer readers for my more recent posts, it is okay. It is not as if I am idling away. I am merely hoping to arrive at a combination of online/offline work balance in how I serve others.
.-= Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Holiday with Happiness =-.
Oh yes…I notice a drop when I don’t post…and that is fine. I agree with Positively Present’s comment…readers know when you have not posted and are not going to keep coming back to re-read posts. I also remind myself why I began blogging in the first place…for me…the comments are just the cherries on top.
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..Soulful Sunday – Love and Light =-.
I love Evelyn’s balanced view of the issue: when her blog readership is down it’s because she is thriving in other equally meaningful areas. 🙂
I’ve been wondering about comments lately because blogging is changing so quickly. A few years ago, commenting on other blogs was probably the best way (aside from guest posts) to get readers to visit your own. Now that we have social media networks like facebook and twitter… I’m not so sure that’s the case. In fact, twitter alone regularly accounts for about 30% of my traffic.
Granted, comments and guest posts certainly help, and provide the much sought after backlinks from bigger blogs… but I just wonder if the value of commenting is decreasing as the number of blogs and social media venues increases?
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Guilt, Regret, and Saving the Sea Turtles =-.
Thanks, Barbara. This is a really timely post as I’ve been ill this week and like many folk, will be going on holiday soon. I did manage to shoot off an email to a few bloggers who’ve become friends and whose blogs I usually visit, so I was able to rest in bed without worrying that they’d wonder why I’d dropped off the edge of the planet. I haven’t even checked my stats yet.
A curious thing I have noticed, though, through the comments I came back to when I did log on, is that people seem to have enjoyed the chance to catch up on reading several of my posts at once. It’s left me wondering if maybe people are just overstretched and tired and that regular but less frequent posting might be the way to go.
Thanks for the tips.
.-= janice´s last blog ..Birds, Bees and Blogging =-.
Some great advice you’re giving here, Barbara.
One of the things I hate is when I follow a blog, get to know the person and then suddenly, updates stop. The person won’t answer emails, there is no way to reach him or her.
And on this side, I’m DYING to know what happened! My mind keeps creating different scenarios as to what might have occurred, from simply getting bored to something completely idiotic 😉
I hope the creators of the blogs I frequently visit read this post.
Oh yes I’ve experienced the drop in comments and readership when I made the decision to cut back on commenting in order to serve my clients greater. I think it’s very much connected to what our blog’s purpose is. Mine has always been to inspire self-employment and to introduce my coaching to prospective clients. So if the blog fulfills it’s purpose then it’s all good. There is nothing really to be discouraged about if you don’t compare yourself to others.
.-= Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog ..Stop Playing Small =-.
The “squeaky wheel” indeed. Your AWOL tips are great, particularly #3.
I echo the sentiments of Davina, Vered and Evelyn… and feel just like Lori.
Tom Volkar summed things up superbly…
“There is nothing really to be discouraged about if you don’t compare yourself to others.”
Thanks, Barbara.
.-= Mary Anne Fisher´s last blog ..How Doing, Being and Having More Could Be Screwing Up Your Life =-.
Hi Barbara-
I think #4 is nice since I use email to let my clients know I will be out of the office when I go on holiday.So yeah- you should let people know what is going on with your blog.
Great post and useful ideas.
.-= Bunnygotblog´s last blog ..Monday’s Mood – Chill, Baby! =-.
Barbara – Like some others here, I see my readership dwindle a bit when I’m away from my blog for any amount of time. I like what Lance above said, in terms of lining up guest posts for when I’m away. It’s a nice way to add new flavor to the blog and keep things active at the same time!
.-= Petra Norris´s last blog ..Lakeland Florida – A Great Place to Live =-.
Hi, Barbara. Thanks so much for the link. :0)
Your tips were some of the ones I tried to employ when I knew I was going to be out of commission for a while (the note to readers, a few asides on twitter, a “Best of” area for new visitors [and old ones]) but readership still dropped off and there was nothing I could do about it.
Like a lot of the other commenters here, though, I’ve just rolled with it. The fact is, I know who my regular commenters/subscribers are, and they didn’t defect during that time. When I came back, they came right back with me, and that was very encouraging.
My blog is plateau-ing. I am not adding new readers in the way I was initially, but I am very appreciative of the community that I am building through my blog. As my priorities right now have lain primarily outside of blogging, I feel that when I can give it fuller attention again, the growth I may want will come.
.-= Chania Girl´s last blog ..The Next Steps in the Journey … =-.
Interesting that this post should come up now — I’ve been thinking about this issue, since sometimes I get concerned that not posting for more than a week will “kill the blog.” But I’ve found that, if I actually let a post “percolate” for a little while, it gets more comments and attention. This probably differs based on the blog — I don’t have one with 500,000 subscribers, after all, and maybe a blogger like that needs to post every day or you’ll lose 20,000 readers per hour.
.-= Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coaching´s last blog ..How To Escape The “Chicken Or Egg” Mentality =-.
I wouldn’t mind the drop in traffic as much as the drop in conversation on the blog.
We could also try guest posting. Guest posters tend to promote the blog they have their post on.
Joanna of Confident Writing did that recently and as far as I could see, her blog was thriving and conversations were happening because of the guest posts.
I do see a decrease when I don’t post as often, it’s a bit discouraging but I try to keep it in perspective. It’s encouraging to know that this happens to almost everyone.
One thing that has helped is having a couple of posts that get constant traffic, like my infamous Chicken in a Can. The bounce rate is pretty high, but it does seem like a decent amount (~10%) go on to read several other posts and/or share the link. So while page views on new posts go down when I’m in a blogging lull, the overall numbers remain decent enough and my blog’s name is still getting out there.
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Money Money Money, MONEY! =-.
This is definitely true. Over the years I’ve gone from posting every day to posting once or twice a week, and my readership has definitely declined because of it. At the same time, my life outside of blogging has gotten more full and fulfilling, so for me it’s a pretty good tradeoff!
Hi Davina – You’re welcome. That’s true what you said. There will be cycles in blogging. As we and our blogs ebb and flow, so will our numbers. Once we learn it’s not just all about the numbers, we can settle into a more balanced rhythm.
Hi Lance – Thank you. You’re right. Guest writers are a great way to give us a break, plus keep life in our blogs when we go on extended vacations. I think like me, you also find when the guest writers are members of our community, they take exceptional care of our blogs and its readers.
Hi Roof – Yes. The Seth Godin plugin is great, as is Twitter. As for you having three blogs, I don’t want to advise you to drop any, but if you find you’re no longer interested in the topic (of the blog), it may be time to reassess why you keep it active.
Hi Jannie – You’re welcome. Posting a jpeg is a great idea. Sometimes the text can be overlooked, but I’m guessing a photo will catch your readers attention.
Hi Paisley – What you do is very polite and proper blog etiquette. Like you, I also worry when a blogger stops updating and doesn’t notify their readers.
Yes. In some cases making mention of other bloggers could be seen as sucking up, however, I think it depends in what context the other bloggers name/link is used.
Hi Mike – With you traveling it must be difficult to stay focused on your blog. Just looking at your photos would make me want to go sight seeing instead writing. Having a “widget” telling others when you posted last is a great way to also keep you accountable to your readers.
Post dating articles is a superb way to keep out blogs “active”, even if we may not be available to answer comments.
Hi Avani – That’s a good way of looking at it. If our blog just sits, the traffic that trickles in is for real. If you’re not updating, it’s unlikely your regular readers are counted in your stats.
Hi Positively Present – I agree. It is disheartening to see our numbers fall. But like you said, once we stop and realize why, we feel better and return to the real reason we started blogging.
Hi J.D. – Yes. A blog sitter can work wonders for a blog. That was very smart of Darren to pick Skellie to mind the fort. She always does a great job.
Hi Vered – You’re welcome. You’re right. It does take awhile for us to adjust to the fact our numbers will drop if we decrease our posting schedule. I think it’s better to accept the facts and not become a slave to our statistics.
Hi Cath – That is a good plugin, isn’t it? I know you’ve used it in the past, as have I. Once we’re back on schedule, it’s as simple as deactivating it.
Hi Alex – Oh that is too funny. You would think the blog authors would be visiting you, but apparently it’s the other commenters who are finding your words engaging and want to know more about you.
Hi Tricia – We’re all entitled to that self pity, but like you said, getting back to blogging is often the best cure.
Hi Lori – Sure you can. 🙂
Hi Ricardo – Thank you for your kind words. I like your idea of posting short, quick posts. It keeps the blog active and by letting others know via email that you’re back those in your community don’t think you went AWOL.
Hi RC – You know, you raise a great issue. Life should always come first for us bloggers (unless it’s our income). Worrying about numbers and whether we still have any traffic coming is should be the least of our concerns. Life gives us enough stress. We need to remind ourselves blogging is a hobby and as much as we may love to share, our real life and loved ones should never be sacrificed.
Hi John – That’s a great reminder. We do have to remember what got us to where we are, find a good balance, and continue to serve our readers (if that’s what we choose).
Hi Daphne – Thank you. That’s a good point. When a blogger starts off and is posting 5 or more times a week, and then reduces their posting schedule, they’ll witness a drop in readers more than someone who started off with a smaller blogging schedule.
Thank you for the compliment on the header image. I’ve been playing around with different ideas, and that’s my latest creation. 🙂
Hi Patricia – You’re welcome. I agree, having a blog can be very much like having a child. It needs to be tended to.
The comments on this post have been most helpful. The suggestions are wonderful and gives all of us several to choose from. I know you’ll find the perfect combination for your blog when you’re away.
Hi Evelyn – What a wonderful way of looking at what a blog can do for us. You’re right. Although we may not always be noticeable in blogosphere, we may be building that perfect balance for our on/offline life.
Hi Caroline – Yes. We do need to remember why we blog. I’m guessing most won’t say they only blog for the numbers. It’s almost always something much more important than that.
Hi Janice – You’re welcome. Ah ha. Wonder no more. Many bloggers actually enjoy when they don’t have a lot of new posts to catch up on. It gives them more time to dig through our archives and to meet other new bloggers, as well.
Hi Hurtownia – Thank you. I hear you. Earlier I wrote a post about that and nearly begged bloggers to post “something” that states why they’re no longer active. Some will put up a post saying they’re on hiatus, some just leave their blogs as they ended, and some take them down. Like you, all I’m left with is my imagination.
Hi Lisis – Good question. I know what you mean about Twitter becoming a great source for traffic, but I’d hesitate to say commenting is becoming a thing of the past. Although we can communicate in short sentences on Twitter, it’s still not the same as being able to share our thoughts without be restricted by a specific number of characters.
That’s going to be an interesting scenario to watch.
Hi Tom – Isn’t that the truth? If we compare ourselves to others, we’re only setting ourselves up for disappointment.
With you not only having a blog, but an online client base, in order to succeed and give your clients your undivided attention, commenting will naturally fall further down the list. I’m always happy to have you here to share your thoughts as I know you’re busy with your coaching business.
Hi Mary Anne – Thank you. I agree. The comments have added tons of value to this post.
Hi Bunny – Thank you. Yes. It’s common courtesy to let our readers know “what’s up”.
Hi Petra – That’s true. A guest post (or two) often helps to add new flavor to our blogs. It also shows our subscribers we have an update. That’s a great way to keep the traffic steady.
Hi Chania Girl – You’re welcome. That’s a very realistic outlook. When our real life needs our attention, we know our numbers will drop. But like you said, when you can give your blog more attention, the reverse will most likely be the case.
Hi Chris – Many find the same thing that you have. Letting a post percolate for a few days, or even a week, gives it more exposure and often that translates into more comments, too.
I couldn’t begin to guess how a big name blogger feels when their subscribers drop by the hundreds or thousands. Yikes!!!
Hi Sumar – Definitely. Guest posts is a fabulous way to keep our blog active. And I think the guest poster has a great time playing host, as well.
Hi Tracy – That’s a great idea. If we have a post or two that brings in search engine traffic or traffic from links, even if we’re not updating, that traffic can keep our numbers consistent. It might even be a great way to gain more subscribers. Like you said, once they land on the post, they may read more of our work. Good tip!
Hi Tea House – That’s a wonderful trade off. It is all about what’s going on in our real life, isn’t it?
So far I’ve kept up with my posting schedule and to schedule posts in advance when I’m going to be busy or away. I was thinking the same thing as Tracy – once you have some popular posts that people find via search or stumble the traffic remains consistent – these people don’t usually comment but the number of visitors is the same.
I have spent less time commenting that I used to and have noticed a bit of a drop with comments but not too much. I seem to have some core readers who comment and then the people just passing by.
Great ideas! I too noticed a significant drop from February – April when I was too ill to keep up with blogging and working on Green and Chic (sales) in general. I really need to have something in place for next time when I need to be less active or take some time off.
.-= carla´s last blog ..Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash – product review =-.
I did notice a drop in traffic when I get caught up in work and can’t post that often. It also happens when I am not taking part in any interesting/happening blog competition or carnival that is happening. It used to bother me a lot but now I just let it go as I rather focus on my paid article writing and my full time job as they bring in the bacon as consider to just these stats.
Indeed.
I’m still pushing ME to get the google calendar active in my life. I am so not a by-the-calendar-page, by-the-hour person. I love living by inspiration. I guess that’s something I should give myself a day a week to do. Because I easily get overwhelmed when I live a whole week of it. (So many new friends to see and talk to — on the Internet, reading just isn’t enough.)
This is one of my favorite blogs, that I read in my emails, and flag to come back to, and often don’t get back to. Same with Vera’s blog. I read Patricia’s and Lance’s, J.D.’s and Davina’s blogs. (and others.) Love them. But don’t always set the commenting as priority of the moment. These so often send my thinking on new paths that I want to come back to. But don’t get back enough.
Going away isn’t really going away. It’s working on other stuff. I paint. Take classes. Write tutorials. Am involved in my kids’ kids’ lives. (Not a typo… 3 kids, 11 grandkids, all living within 15 miles of me. All active. 🙂 )
Now I think I need to write a post about this…
Meanwhile, I love and learn and enjoy every post and comment coming from here. You kick me in the pants, fellow Barbara! Thanks!
Time for a coffee refill…………………………..
.-= Barb Hartsook´s last blog ..Does Romance Outlast the Rose? =-.
I don’t have anything really to add but I agree with what you’ve said. I alway try to let people know if I’m taking a break for whatever reason. I’ve tried to stay active on Twitter and Facebook when I don’t have time to blog. That way I can at least say hi to my bloggy friends. And I’ve changed my blogging schedule a couple of times.
Bottom line, like you said, the numbers drop so you just have to prepare yourself for it mentally and keep reminding yourself why you started blogging. If the only reason you blog is for the numbers, then you better get busy, but I’m sure most of us would agree we also blog to share something of ourselves and whether that’s to 1 or 100, we are still accomplishing it.
.-= Debbie Yost´s last blog ..Writer’s Block =-.