Let's face it: for many of us, our Blogs are like our babies.
Think about it.
We "create" them. Nurture them. Ooh and Ahh over them. Delight in their growth.
And many times like proud parents, we even dote over them; sharing images of celebrations and milestones with our families, co-workers and friends.
...And, if we're lucky, we watch them mature and reach their full potential.
But, If we're not careful, rather than becoming a proud "addition" to our family of creative projects, they become all consuming and confining--leaving us irritable, sleep deprived, and stressed.
Are you guilty?
Take this quick quiz to find out.
- Do you plan your vacations so that you're not gone away from posting too long, or without adequate coverage?
- When you're on vacation, do you find that you can't fully disengage? In other words, you miss it, and it's constantly on your brain.
- Do you "monitor" your stats and comments several times a day?
- Do you sacrifice time and money to make sure that it is well provided for?
Here are a few things to keep in mind...
- You both need to have your own life with boundaries and limits.
- The fuller and more balanced your life is, the more you'll have to write about.
- Periodic breaks will allow you to regroup and refuel. Increasing the likelihood that you'll go the distance.
They say that confession is good for the soul.
So how about you...are you babysitting your Blog?
I could be 'guilty'of it. When I check my email, I look for any notifications. When I come here to read, I get curious when I see "You have a comment for publication." I an learning to find time for other things in my life.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Thanks so much for stopping by and starting us off. :-)
DeleteBlogging can be very addictive. I have been known to type a blog post on my tiny cellphone keyboard while in transit, but once I arrive at my destination, I am able to hang it up for a week.
ReplyDeleteYes it can be. I appreciate the feedback, Lin. :-)
DeleteYes, I agree. I've long thought of my blog as a baby. It can be very high maintenance. I like your boundary suggestions. Am planning on taking a break soon, actually. :) Thanks for the tips and insight.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a peaceful and progressive break, Karen. Thanks for adding to the mix here!
DeleteI am all for (frequent) periodic breaks,
ReplyDeleteThat's why I actually (pre) sell things like (hilariously funny) coffee mugs, coffee makers, espresso machines, and (also thanks to you) water cookers for tea :)
Great to learn! Thanks, H.P.
DeleteHi Jennifer! Very timely blog post for me. I used to LOVE blogging (this is my 6th year) and I kept up with it pretty well: posting, commenting on others' blogs, taking part in various memes, etc. But...I published my first book, a memoir, last November and have been very busy marketing it, plus trying to work on the sequel. Something had to give, as the saying goes...and I took a blog break the entire month of September. I've only posted five times this month and although I WANT to get back into blogging often, I just can't get myself to dive in. Do you have any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteHi Becky,
DeleteHow wonderful to hear from you here. Congrats on your memoir! I think that perhaps there are two things that need to be addressed in order to break through your blog fog: the why and how.
In other words, is it difficult to maintain momentum because of a lack of feedback in the way of comments from readers? Are you running out of ideas, or running out of steam? :-) Assess then address. Sometimes a blog break is indeed what we need to refuel and refocus. I would also suggest that you don't feel "obligated" to post, if you don't have something that's "post worthy." :-)
You might also try different "types" of posts--- videos, photos, quotes, interviews, etc.
Still...quality trumps quantity every time! I hope this helps. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your problem.
Jennifer, thank you SO much for taking the time to give me some advice and suggestions. I truly appreciate it! I think you hit the nail on the head, as the old saying goes. I have a little bit of all those things going on. I know I HAVE been trying to force myself to post "something," in hopes it would get me going again. But I also know I definitely want quality posts! You've made me think about this a lot and I'm getting ready to write one of what used to be a regular Sunday post, "Nostalgic Sunday." And it's because I WANT to! :)
DeleteBecky,
DeleteThanks SO VERY MUCH for letting me know that my advice helped; I don't get "feedback" on my "feedback" as often as I'd like. :-) Please keep us posted on your progress!
Becky,
DeleteP.S. Thanks for the "mention" in Sunday's blog post.
My blog gets this Mama's time three days a week. I only blog break if my schedule is on steroids. Thanks for another timely post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. Would you say that 3X is a charm? :-)
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