I’m a sucker for happy endings.
It may be a girl thing, but I always liked children’s books that ended “and they lived happily ever after”, and movies where you could envision the same.
Today’s Lesson
Since I started blogging, I’ve visited more blogs than I can count (and many of those bloggers visit(ed) me, as well).
Many of the blogs I frequent(ed) are new to blogosphere.
As time passes, I’m seeing more blogs become dormant. Bloggers are checking out of blogosphere. Some, we may never see again.
To me, that’s sad.
These were blogs that had potential. Blogs that helped others. Bloggers who willingly shared value based posts.
I often wonder, where did they go? Why did they leave?
Oh, I know life happens and blogging is just a hobby, but it still makes me sad.
I didn’t have a chance to say “Good Bye”, or “See you later”.
So, for all those bloggers who left, if you’re reading this, I want to let you know, you are missed.
Blogosphere won’t be the same without you. 🙁
Today’s Assignment
With many new blogs coming online everyday, are you seeing old favorites leaving?
Do you still check those blogs, hoping for an update?
Does it make you sad too?
Photo Credit: Jimmy 74’s photostream
I know one blog that started this year and was doing really well – then the owner had to have a break for health reasons. We were emailing each other, but she hasn’t returned my last email or resumed her blog – I am quite worried about her.
Not sure where I’m going with this – just that it’s an issue, I guess.
Robins last blog post..Gratitude and Miracles
Hi Al,
Like you, I understand the skipped posts or lack of commenting. Life happens and blogs are generally a hobby, but I think because blogging doesn’t have formal “etiquette”, many authors don’t know how to end their blogging “experience”.
I’ve seen one that took his blog down, but many others just sit dormant.
BTW: I’m subscribed to your blog so you’ll be seeing more of me. 🙂
Hi Bamboo,
Oh yes, blogging can get to be VERY time consuming, and that’s something bloggers aren’t aware of when they start.
Hi Robin,
That does leave us in a peculiar position when we’ve become “friend” with the author. How far should we pursue the issue? If our emails aren’t being answered, does that mean they don’t want to be bothered, or is it something else? I hate to second guess, but can only hope all is well in their real world.
Hi Chris,
How cool. You’re commenting from Japan. I read your post earlier today and left a comment even though I knew you were gone.
Yes, often a blogger will sacrifice their content for money. It’s one thing to monetize, but another to “bury” the content.
Hi Barbara
As someone who has tossed the idea around lately whether to cancel my blog, this feels like a very opportune post. I have blogged with varying regularity for about a year now – actually, I should check and maybe do an anniversary post – and I’ve seen bloggers come and go. I read once on Caroline Middlebrook’s site that 6 months seemed a common length of time for new blogs and I’d probably agree with that.
Blogging can be such a time consuming activity, especially if you want to build a following and I think many people just find it too taxing and then fade out, not originally meaning to finish, but that’s what ends up happening with time.
I also think the addictive nature of blogging plays a part in how much it can take over our lives, then one day we kinda go, “Hey, this is no good” and this can lead to blogs fading away. So many people do this hoping to make some extra money and then become disillusioned with that as well.
But it is sad if you’re reading someone regularly and feel like you know them and then they just disappear. I’d never do that and I hope my favorite bloggers never do either.
Kelly
Kelly@SHE-POWERs last blog post..It’s official: Australians are Fat and Badly Dressed
Hi Barbara,
So far, I’ve not experienced the feeling of missing a familiar blog because it checked out of the blogosphere.
It’s mind blowing to comprehend the vast numbers of blogs out there and the incredible numbers being added to the collection every day.
I guess it’s a hard-nosed reality that some will just not survive.
I’d liken it to countless hard copy magazines being mass produced to an already saturated market.
Can you imagine even a small percentage of them surviving?
The marketplace for any type of media, whether online (blogs, websites etc) or traditional (newspapers, magazines) is, necessarily, finite.
There are only so many readers interested in the same pool of topics. It’s, quite literally, “blog eats blog”! 🙂
In the offline world, traditional media products launch and fold at alarming rates. I think the same factors can only apply to blogs.
In my opinion, and I think you might agree from what I’ve read in your own posts, that blogs can only survive and grow if they:
* target specific niches (differentiation is key- better to specialise to a small group of devoted readers than try to mass appeal to a larger group who already have too much choice)
* produce fresh, quality content (copy cat and dull material just doesn’t cut it in the blogosphere. Sure, some blogs will get short-term gain from pilfering content and offering sub-standard content, but they will disappear quicker than they appeared on the Adsense horizon)
* build a community of readers through the comment sections (as web pages click by at breakneck speed, there’s got to be a sense of belonging to keep the restless reader hanging around- better, even, to subscribe. Building blog loyalty is, I feel, a major factor in any blog’s enduring success)
No doubt, Barbara, during the time it’s taken me to type this comment, a few hundred blogs will have launched into the blogosphere! 🙂
Perhaps, one of them might survive…
Hi Kelly,
I read a post you did where you were sounded uncertain as to what to do (with your blog). What you’ve written in your comment is absolutely correct. So many people venture into blogging not knowing what it entails, not knowing they can’t make a million dollars in two months, and not knowing with blogging comes responsibility (especially to your loyal readers/commenters).
Knowing you, if you decided to leave blogging, you would do it the right way…by thanking all of your loyal fans, providing them with contact information, and maybe not closing the door (to blogging) completely.
Hi Sunil,
It is sad when we lose those who have become online friends, isn’t it?
Hi Barbara,
I wondered about this topic myself. I can understand when people skip a few blog posts due to life events, but when a blog is simply abandoned without closure, it just seems like a bad way to end things. Sometimes the warning signs happen when the blog posts get to be few and far between, with less enthusiasm in the posts.
Proper etiquette (or at least decency) is to announce a hiatus with an indeterminate return date. If people invested time in you, it seems like it’s only fair to give a heads up.
PS: Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying “Hi” 🙂 .
Al at 7Ps last blog post..If Life Was Predictable, It Would Be Boring
Hi Scott,
“Blog eats Blog”, I like that. 😆
Like you said, the amount of media that’s out there is alarming. There is no way it can all survive. Even now, typical newspapers are being replaced with online editions,
Your points on blog survival are right on. And yes, building blog loyalty is the most important. Unfortunately it doesn’t happen overnight, and a lot of bloggers don’t have the patience to wait.
You know Scott, you’re sounding more and more like a blogger. Are you sure you don’t have a blog you’re keeping from us? 🙂
I have not yet come across any blogs that I frequent who have left the blogosphere! I can see how it could happen though, blogging can be very time consuming to be sure.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Bloomin’ Onion and Mountain Dew: The Documentary
So far all the blogs that I visit are going strong. What makes me sad though is seeing blogs that had excellent contents turn into post advertisement. I’m all for monetizing your blog but when you sacrifice your content for a quick buck, eventually the income source will die out.
chriss last blog post..Paalam Na, Hangang Sa Muli
BTW, stop over in Japan so I figure I’d visit your blog…. 🙂
chriss last blog post..Paalam Na, Hangang Sa Muli
Hee, hee!
If I did have a blog, I’d be the worst blog promoter if I wanted to keep it secret 🙂
Seriously though, I don’t blog yet. I am on Stumbleupon and have come across countless general interest and “How to Blog” blogs.
I have become an avid blog reader since I first discovered the medium earlier this year. I’m not shy in commenting- but only when I feel I could possibly add any value to the conversation.
Apparently, this makes me a bit unusual and attracts interest. I don’t understand this at all.
I’m simply doing what every other blog reader is able to do- it’s just that I don’t have my own blog.
As a writer anyway, I am drawn to the power of blogs in allowing the blogger to express themselves and it is something I will likely do sometime in the future.
However, for just now I am happy reading blogs and learning about them.
So, to answer your original question, no I don’t have my own blog yet 🙂
I am hardly 1 month old in blogsphere cant say much about it but i particularly miss one community board i use to spend hours of day interacting with members of that board but 15 months back it suddenly disappeared i still chat with my old mates from that board but i still miss the atmosphere and feelings of community
Sunil Pathaks last blog post..Practical Guide For Successful Blog
Barbara, it’s funny that we keep writing related posts on the same day!
There’s one blog I really liked that hadn’t had a new post in a few months. I was hoping he’d come back at some point, and I’d see a new post in my reader. But when I read your post, I went to check his site, and it’s gone.
So yes, now I can say that I’ve seen old favorites leaving. It’s sad.
Hi, newbie here 🙂
I don’t know but it could be that we take for granted that blogs are forever, when that is hardly the case. So we don’t plan for that end.
Personally, I run three blogs, all in Spanish. Two of them are blooks (Young Adult “novels”) and so they will have a clear ending. However my main blog, does not. Maybe I should plan in advance to it.
However, I understand why people do not announce the end of a blog. Most likely you just “forget” it under more pressing matters. Specially if it’s just a hobby.
Scott,
I was a blog reader for months before one day I just went to free wordpress, signed up and boom! I was a blogger! You never know what day that may happen!
Barbara, I have had that experience. I worry about the bloggers. I keep checking in to my feed reader hoping for a sign of blog health. If LLI ever goes down or I go on vacation, I PROMISE I will give notice. So if I dissapear you will have every right to worry!
To me, we are all connected and I wouldn’t do that to my friends and community.
Wendi Kellys last blog post..Searching for the Stars
Hi Barbara,
I have developed a relationship with the blog authors that I visit daily. It seems like I have gotten to know them through their writing and comments they leave on my blog. So if one of those bloggers were to suddenly go silent I would wonder what happened to them.
This has happened in fact. It almost feels like you lose a friend when this happens. I know that might sound a bit corny but that’s how I feel.
So in order to make sure my blog will have closure, I have written a farewell post that will be posted if something were to happen to me. It might sound morbid but everyone likes a sense of closure. And it makes me feel good that my blog won’t suddenly and unexpectedly go “silent.”
I would say goodbye, Barbara!
Whenever I think of stopping it’s because I feel stuck for ideas. But that never lasts for long – it takes a little work to come up with a good post idea.
The key for me is to relax about it – not feel like every post has to be mindblowingly original or brilliant. I can take a few posts and ‘relax’ – post something fun and easy to keep it going until my ‘big’ ideas return.
As long as I find it inspirational, I post it.
Mark – Creative Journey Cafes last blog post..Dance Lessons With James Brown
I’ve seen a few get more sparadic. One hasn’t posted for months but I think it may be because of the summer. I often keep them in my reader. If they aren’t posting, it doesn’t hurt anything. I’d say goodbye if I ever decided to quit. It just isn’t in me go silent without warning.
Barbara. I guess it’s like when a TV show you love gets canceled, or when you come to the end of a really good book where you felt you almost knew the characters. All things must end. But I agree that bloggers that are going to stop blogging should at least say good bye.
Marelisas last blog post..Finding Balance through the Four Elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air
Hi Barbara,
Were you inspired by my email? LOL
I definitely wonder, and can’t help worrying, when someone goes missing, especially if their blog is on the rise. I’ve had the same experience with message boards; it’s unsettling there too.
I agree with fellow commenters that it’s easy to understand abandoning a blog; we all know how addictive it is and there’s a big world outside the blogosphere – isn’t there??
Your post and the comments are a good reminder that when I’m on vacation, I will say so!
That being said, I’d better go post!
Ann at One Bag Nations last blog post..Is Decluttering the Same as Simplifying?
All of my regular reads are still updating. I was definitely disappointed when I discovered a blog I loved, only to head to the front page and read a farewell message.
That message helped though, because even though we never interacted, I view that former blogger as a cool person who needed to move on, not as a flake or a blogging slacker.
I think Kelly made a great point in that blogging can become obsessive, so I see why some people just walk away. It’s like how parents tell children their old pets are off on a farm, I’d like to believe that former bloggers are out the whooping it up over some margaritas and having the time of their lives once they stepped away from the keyboard.
Sara at On Simplicitys last blog post..Quick and Dirty Pantry Clean-up
Hi Scott,
Even though you don’t have a blog yet, I’m happy to see you here participating in the BWAB community.
I think why a non blogger commenting on blogs seems so unusual is that most bloggers start using commenting as a way of self promotion, then community builds and commenting becomes “more”. When Hunter was commenting on my other blog (before he got a blog), I knew by his writing style he had the makings of a good blogger. You’re the same, and seeing that you’re a writer, a blog would be a great medium to share your work.
Just know, when you do start your blog, you’ll have a small following from the BWAB community. 🙂
Hi Wendi,
It’s sad, isn’t it? We feel a connection, and then they’re gone.
Like you, I would let my readers know if I’m not going to be around (barring any unforeseen circumstances).
That’s like for me next Friday & Saturday. I am coordinating our annual neighborhood garage sale event and I already know I won’t be real active with commenting on those days. I’ll post another reminder on my Thursday and Friday posts.
Hi Mark,
Knowing you, I do know you would say “Good Bye”, but I don’t see that happening any time soon as with you being an artist, blogging has become second nature to you.
Hi Hunter,
It is funny. I read your post when it went live early this morning (for me), and almost said something in my comment (on your post), but thought, “Oh Hunter will see the similarities when he comes and visits”. 🙂
Yes, some bloggers do take their site down, but others just leave the site as it was on the last post.
Hi Miguel,
Welcome to the BWAB community!
You do bring up a great point. Most blogs will not go on forever, and blog authors may forget to take them down. They may not think it matters, but many of their “friends” are left wondering if they are okay.
Hi Marelisa,
Maybe some bloggers don’t realize they’ve touched other people’s hearts.
The blogging community is actually filled with lots of caring people.
Hi Ann,
Haha. I thought “email?” Then I realized I didn’t have my email open. The blogger you emailed me about is one whom I’m concerned about, as I am with six or seven others. Ironically they are almost all NBOTWs. 🙁
Yes, even when you’re on vacation, it’s important to let your fellow bloggers know.
Hi Sara,
There is more to life than blogging, and hopefully those that leave have found something better to occupy their time.
With blogging being so therapeutic, they may have found their true self and decided to “live” their life. I hope that’s the case. 🙂
Hi Chase,
I totally agree with you. It is like losing a friend (for no reason).
Having a farewell post isn’t a bad idea. I could write one for my blog, but no one I know knows how to blog, so it would never get published.
Hmmmm. Now you got me thinking.
Hi Debbie,
I agree, during the summer months and holidays I often see bloggers posting less, and that’s totally understandable.
Hi J2R,
Ah yes, the money issue! Too many believe everything they read.
I remember when you took a sabbatical, you let your readers know, which was very kind of you. I just kept your blog in my reader and waited. It’s good to see you posting again. 🙂
Hi Lance,
Yes, blogging can give a person that sense of anonymity. If they don’t connect to others, no one knows that they left, but if they were a part of any communities, they are missed.
Hi Natural,
That sounds gruesome. I would hate to think someone might have died. I would rather think they won the lottery and are living all of their life dreams. 🙂
Hi Catherine,
It’s nice when bloggers notify their readers, like when you were “on the roof”.
Yes, Asako is gone and she had a fabulous blog. She never did respond to my email either. I miss her.
But you know what? It was because of Asako that you and I found each other. For that reason, I will forever be grateful to Asako. 🙂
B,
I think one of the reasons would be that a lot of blogs were started to make money.
After a few months, they realize it’s not as simple and they just give up.
The blogs that remain are because:
– they were able to make $
– they were not meant to make $, but as a hobby (my case)
J2Rs last blog post..Is now a good time to buy a house?
Hi Davina,
Floundering is easy for any of us to do. Blogging isn’t an easy “hobby” to stick with, and life must come first. The important thing is to take care of yourself and blog when you have time.
Don’t worry! Many of us have you in our readers so we’ll know when you are posting something new.
Hi Linda Abbit,
Good byes are hard for me too. If and when I ever wrote a good bye post, I would be writing with tear filled eyes.
It’s inevitable most blogs won’t go on forever, but at least (if they’re left up), blogosphere will be filled with tons of valuable information for future generations to read. Can you imagine?
Hello Ian Denny,
How great to see you again. I knew you were still around, but also knew you were busy with work.
And speaking of work, your business is growing in leaps and bounds. I’m SO happy for you. Anyone who read your “recovery” blog (Phoenix From The Ashes), knows what a tough time you went through prior to starting your new business. You, my friend, deserve all the success in the world.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the BWAB community is growing and flourishing and but it’s the loyal readers and commenters who deserve the “star”. They’re the ones who give me a reason to keep plugging along.
Enjoy your success, and when time permits, know you’re always welcome here at BWAB. 🙂
I totally understand why you can’t visit more often.
Barbara, I think a part of it has to do with the level of anonymity that you have using the internet as your medium. If you’re anonymous, I think you’re more likely to just disappear. I agree that it is sad, and I’ve seen it with a couple of blogs I used to visit. When you start to develop a community (like you have here), it doesn’t feel as anonymous anymore. And when you feel more connected, I think you’re more likely to let your community know of any changes.
Lances last blog post..Weeds…In Your Life
Hi Ian,
Thank you again!
Yes, it does take up more of my time to answer comments, but I LOVE it.
Thanks for the idea for another post. I’ll add that to my “list”.
i don’t keep checking back for an update, i did that for one blog and i just concluded she was dead…six months later she was ressurrected and started blogging again.
i say write your last post and leave instructions for someone else to publish it.
no it doesn’t really make me “sad” i just wonder what happened to them. i just imagine them lying somewhere in a hospital or maybe dead, unfortunately.
Naturals last blog post..We Interrupt This Program….
Hi Barbara – This happens quite a bit. I do sometimes check blogs to see if they’ve resumed. Men With Pens stopped blogging – but they did say they were doing so. And I did keep checking to see if they came back and they did – which was great.
Asako stopped blogging without warning. I know she was extremely busy. I’ve checked her blog a few times, but she didn’t come back. It was a shame as she had a great blog and shared some brilliant business ideas.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Immigrating to Canada or Australia – Pros and Cons
I would definitely say goodbye! Have to admit that I am floundering due to an ongoing personal crisis. Can’t tell if it’s a mid-life crisis, if I’m going through “the change”, or just loosing my mind. No, wait… losing the mind might actually save me! 🙂
Anyway, glad to be here for now, and hope I am here to stay. Love the sharing in this blogosphere.
Davinas last blog post..Magic Happens
Hi,
I am terrible at goodbye’s in real life — very teary, usually! So, if I create a goodbye post, it definitely won’t be video!
Marelisa’s comment gets seconded by me. While it hasn’t happened yet, if a favorite blog disappeared, I’d feel like I do when I finish a good book, movie or a TV series ends. You miss it for awhile, and then continue on.
I also never thought of having a “just in case something happens to me” farewell post ready. Great idea, Chase! Except I’ll have to teach someone in my family how to post it.
Interesting conversation all. Thanks! And I do promise I’ll say goodbye if & when . . . .
Hi Dr. Cason,
Yes, it is inevitable many we follow will leave. With blogging being more of a commitment than most realize, I understand how that happens.
Barbara,
I’m still here! Blogging has probably just changed for me rather than me having given it up.
I’m a very phasey sort of person. I do find it difficult to juggle too many balls (unlike Hunter!). Lately, I’ve:
– Taken an additional office
– Developed 2 more products for our clients
– Taken on another 3 staff (with 2 more needed)
– Spent more time on the company site and blog
So I’ve had to be disciplined and let things go on my personal “recovery” blog for the time-being.
And I’m really sorry that my commentary level has reduced. I hope you can spot me still visiting and reading (at least occasionally!).
Bit I aint going away. I’ll be back!
Ian Dennys last blog post..How To Make A Tidy Business Saving (For The Lazy)
P.S. I’m absolutely delighted to see your blog get bigger and better. You’re getting so many great comments and regular visitors. You’re an absolute star!
I love your posts – they really engage me and both yours and Cath’s blogs are virtually the only two I have time for right now. And there are so many others I love but just can’t spread myself thinly enough to visit as often.
Ian Dennys last blog post..How To Make A Tidy Business Saving (For The Lazy)
P.P.S. I really admire your prolific posting. How about an article on coping as your blog grows? It must takeup more of your time replying as you do to all the comments?
Ian Dennys last blog post..How To Make A Tidy Business Saving (For The Lazy)
It is amazing how many blogs come and go. Just part of nature I guess. It’s a huge commitment. From before (my other blog) I had a favorite that I keep visiting- nothing for a long time.
I wonder how many that I will see go this time.
Dr.Casons last blog post..Chop the Tension Away!
I have been lucky so far to not to find such blogs. Or maybe it’s simply because I am still new with blogs and all.
Avani-Mehtas last blog post..The Art of NOT Making Decisions through Mental Chatter
Hi Jennifer,
It’s hard to know when to stop checking on those dormant blogs. If we have them in our reader, if they’re updated, they will show up, but otherwise, we might be wasting our time.
Yes, with blogging we do make great friends.
Hi Avani,
Yes, you’re lucky. But, be prepared as blogs go dormant on a regular basis.
Hi Barbara. I’ve only seen a few that have went bye bye. One took a break for health reasons and came back. I was glad to see her back. She has good info to share.
I’ve seen a few more go. I checked back a few times, but then didn’t bother any more. I would say that either life happened or they gave up. Like someone else said it can be very time consuming. Maybe they weren’t ready for that.
I’ve made such great friends blogging. I hope all of them stay around. I know sometimes I get busy and I’m not around as much, but rest assured I’ll be back.
Jennifers last blog post..How to Stop Negative Thinking in its Tracks
Hello again, Barbara,
It’s been very interesting to follow the comments.
I’d like to let you know that today I had my first ever attempt at blogging published:
http://www.successful-blog.com/1/connecting-with-the-offline-customer-a-non-bloggers-perspective/
I hope you find it of interest 🙂
Hi Scott,
I just went over to Liz’s site and read your post. It is fabulous! I am now looking forward to the rest of the series.
Hey, what did you think of answering comments? Pretty cool hey?
Hi Dr. Nicole,
And I’m attached to you too! 🙂
Yes, I do think it would be the right thing to do. Create a post (if you’re going to leave your blog up), and let your loyal readers know you’re off to greener pastures.
Hi Sara with an “h”
Haha. I just saw how you changed your log in name. I love it. 🙂
The reason I started noticing this (bloggers leaving) is because a few of the ones who left are bloggers I chose for my “New Blog Of The Week” series. I truly miss them.
Oh, and you are so sweet. Needless to say, I truly enjoy answering the comments you all leave. It does take time away from other parts of blogging (like social media/networking), but my community is more important.
If you all take time to comment, I feel it’s only right that I make the time to respond.
Hi Shilpan,
Isn’t that the truth? We do weave a web (on the web), and it does get harder to leave the deeper we get into it.
Short of leaving, the only other thing a blogger could do is try and sell their blog, but often it’s the author that makes a blog what it is.
In the year that I have been blogging, I have seen 2 of my favorite blogs shut down. One wrote a good bye post that basically said she needed to live her life rather than just writing about life. The second one is just there on-hold. I know why he has taken a break because of emails. It is sad when we lose those bloggers for whatever reason.
When I went on vacation to India for 3 weeks last Sept.-Oct., I posted an article that said I would be gone and without computer access for the entire time. When I got back home, I was pleased to see that my subscriber list had continued to grow as if I had been there writing posts every week. That was a nice surprise since I had only started blogging in June 2007. If I ever quit, I will definitely say so before hand.
I have only recently joined this community and am starting to reach out and search some of the site of the bloggers who leave comments here. I am a knowledge sponge, always absorbing more and more. I love a community that feeds me. It is a joy to find like-minded company.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..Independence, Not Just For A Day
Hi Justin,
Welcome to the BWAB community!
Your comment was in moderation and I missed it. Oops!
That is a great idea. Who knows, blogs could be rescued and take on a new life. My problem is, I miss the author.
Hi Zagged Edge,
The BWAB community welcomes you too! 🙂
That is sad, isn’t it? Hopefully some new ones will come online.
Hi Patricia,
That was very courteous of you to write a post notifying your readers of your absence. I bet that was a pleasant surprise to see your readership had grown.
You know you’re always welcome here. You’ll find many great blogs written by talented people, on subjects that will fill that “sponge”. For me it’s always a joy to visit them and see what they are sharing. I love that “anticipation” of what they are posting next.
I have only been around the blogosphere for 3 months or so, but in that short period I have grown rather attached to a handful of blogging friends (you included of COURSE Barbara!) I can only imagine how sad it would be to see that a blog has “died”. I am glad you posted this as a reminder for people to at least say goodbye and stay in touch if they decide blogging is not longer the best choice for their lifestyle.
Barbara,
To be honest – unless they are IRL friends or people I’ve made a personal connection with through email, social media or lots of back and forth commenting, I probably wouldn’t notice – at least not for awhile. I keep up with so many blogs through my reader and I can be very ditzy about it. 🙂
I enjoy the time I spend keeping up with many blogs, but if I make myself feel like I have to do it, it becomes an unwelcome chore. I, think it’s really great how friendly you are and how you respond to our comments. I’m gonna echo Ian Deny and say I want to know how you find the time to do it! ‘Cos that’s really difficult for me sometimes. The desire is there but the time isn’t always.
Sara with an “h”s last blog post..Summer Time, and Time for an Update on No Poo!
Exactly my idea for a new blog: strayblog.com (soon to be developed). People can post a dead blog to del.icio.us tagged strayblog and when reviewed and verified a post will be added to the stray log. Maybe someone will adopt these strays?
Justins last blog post..osCommerce: Statics on Searches Performed on Site
Barbara –
This is a sensitive yet a profound subject. Blogging is somewhat unique media. I’d say it has a sense of relationship that traditional media lacks. Once we start building this web of relations, it is hard to untangle and jump out like a spider. Unlike spider, we are feeding to the web – feeding a meaningful content for the future of our world. I can imagine that it gets harder and harder once you start building bigger follower group to quit without causing lots of grief and angst.
Shilpan
Shilpan | successsoul.coms last blog post..7 Habits to Master the Art of Winning against the Odds
There’s nothing worse than finding a great blog DEAD! I googled “lifestyle experiments” the other day to see other blogs similar to mine and i was sad to see all the dead experimental blogs!
Hi Davina,
Thank you so much for passing on the message from Harmony. She was one of the bloggers I was worried about. It’s good to know all is well with her. Please tell her we all look forward to her future posts, and that we do understand about life being a priority.
Hi Barbara.
I’m passing on a note on behalf of Harmony over at GoldenZen.wordpress.com. She hasn’t posted for a while and I mentioned your post to her. Here is her message…
“Sometimes, unless we blog for a living, we have to choose priorities. I am eager to get back at it, and really miss my friends there.”
Davinas last blog post..Magic Happens
What a fascinating discussion!
“Knowing you, if you decided to leave blogging, you would do it the right way…by thanking all of your loyal fans, providing them with contact information, and maybe not closing the door (to blogging) completely.”
I think that would be a great way of going about it. But if someone like Kelly stopped blogging, I would still be sad.
vereds last blog post..Google Search Terms: The Funny, The Sad, And The CREEPY
Hi Vered,
I hear you! It would be sad not being able to read Kelly’s writing as well as many others.
Hi Linda,
Even though it’s sad for us to lose a blogger friend, it’s always nice to know they’re doing great in the real world, isn’t it?
Yes, I have lost a blogger friend and he is doing just fine just had to take care of life and then maybe he will be back.. I hope so as he had a lot to contribute!
Lindas last blog post..The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Barbara,
Yes, I’ve been blogging since last fall, and an avid reader for quite a bit longer, and I’ve seen at least four well-trafficked blogs that I adored disappear in that time. They say about 40% don’t make it past 3 months—those we probably never hear of—and less than 30% are around after a year, but the four I was hooked on had all made it through those fires, so it was surprising. Several very strong blogs I read right now are hiccuping along erratically, and may be about to say goodbye (or not say goodbye).
I think goodbye is hard to say for folks, but I’m guessing that the blogger may not know, either, and that’s why they don’t do it. Sure, it becomes clear later, but then they may feel silly doing “one more post” just to say they’re not doing any more posts.
Wow, what a hot topic!
Regards,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Tip of the Week: “What Will You Do That’s Gonna Make Me Stay?”
I have a lot of problems with anything IT related. I wanted to start a blog but needed a practice blog before I started my real blog. I used wordpress.com to do this. My practice blog was a testing ground to get an idea of how to use wordpress. The blog I created for this practice blog was made up on the spur of the moment with a pretty silly name. My “name” was useless blogger and the blog was called The Anti Geek of the Blogosphere.
I only did 3 posts and then abandoned it. So I guess that blog was one of the smallest ones around. The first post was pretty silly but the next 2 got semi serious. I used to be a bit embarrassed to admit to being the author but now don’t mind really so I decided to leave it hanging out there in cyberspace.
I wonder how many other “practice” blogs like mine are out there?
BTW I have linked to it when making this comment.
Leannes last blog post..Turning a Business Weakness into a Strength
Hi Kelly,
Welcome to the BWAB community. I’ve seen “those feet” (your avatar) on Wendi’s site. I’m glad you “walked” over to say hello. 🙂
Your right, saying goodbye would be hard, and some don’t realize it will be their last post, and maybe (hopefully) for some, they’re only taking a hiatus. We can only hope.
Hi Leanne,
I don’t think you’re alone. Being a self taught blogger, I still struggle with a lot of the behind the scenes stuff.
I checked out your practice blog. You were on the right path. I now see you have your “Forever Change” blog, which looks like an interesting read. I’ll be over later to catch up on your writings.
You know what they say, “Practice makes perfect!” 🙂
Hi Louise,
Welcome to the BWAB community.
Yes, some blogs may be taken down, but often a glitch or server problem will stop them from loading.
BTW: I checked out your latest recipe. It sounds yummy!
Funny to read this post now- I was just going through my RSS feeds and clicked on a post from another blog that was just a few days old. The whole site was missing. Don’t know whether to keep checking to see if it was a glitch or just move one. Probably will just move on, as the internet social work is ever-changing.
Louises last blog post..Cajun Recipe for Boudin Balls
*sighs* My poor blog has gone unupdated for a couple of months now. Just too, too much going on in real life. Every time I think I’m going to get back to it, something else comes up.
Think good thoughts that things calm down around here enough for me to pick it back up. I was really enjoying it, and I do miss it. I just need more time and a tad bit more energy.
Soon, I hope.
Hi Jodith,
I’ve been worried about several of my NBOTW authors, and you are one of them.
Thank you for coming by and updating us on your progress. When real life happens, blogs often go by the wayside. I’m hoping to see more of your writings when life settles down.
I truly understand why a person would want to discontinue a blog. However, there are some that I read as often as I do my morning newspaper and it really makes me sad when they are suddenly dropped. There is a new buzz word going around…Blogcation (combination of blog and vacation). It sure would be nice if bloggers would mention when they are about to cease “production”. Blogging can sometimes be a lonely world and a lot of bloggers do not realize just how much their works are read and missed when they leave . There are many that I miss 🙁 -Nards
Hi Nards:
I agree. I wish bloggers would put up a post to let their readers know what’s going on. Like you, I have a list of bloggers I miss. I keep hoping they’ll return.
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Barbara:
I tried to leave a comment but then when I hit the submit button, I was presented with a “Suspended” notice. I waited several minutes and then your blog was back up and running again. I wonder what happened?
Anyway, here goes another try – I was referred here Jennifer Abbott who is an active fan and subscriber over at my blog. She was recently interviewed there and told me about you.
The first thing I did was to read your “About” page, which drew me in immediately. Then I picked this article and found it very refreshing, authentic and truthful.
I look forward to reading other articles and getting in touch with you for a possible interview over at my site. Stay tuned!
Stephen Hopson´s last blog post..Stephen Hopson Interview with Jennifer Abbott of Principles of Peace, Part I of II