Hey and howdy there nutty people!
This post won't have any big project reveals or tasty recipes. Won't even have any easy crafts. Actually, nothing creative at all in this post.
I guess this is my first 'rant' of sorts.
If you follow me on Facebook, you saw an update this morning about having to 'unlike' my very first Facebook page. It belongs to someone who is a pretty popular blogger. But, it seems like all I ever see from this person is awful, negative posts about blogging and bloggers and how annoying everything {and everyone} is all the time. I just couldn't take it anymore.
Then, I was having a quick email chat with my childhood friend April {April James Interiors/Read Between Designs} and we were talking about how overwhelming and stressful we can make blogging. I started thinking... and asking myself why I blog. Why am I stressing myself out so much over this little blog??
I will be the first to admit. I have blog envy. There, I said it. Let's just get it out in the open, shall we?
I don't have a patient bone in my body. I see these beautiful blogs that the blogger has been working on for years and years, they have tens of thousands of readers, can actually make a decent living from blogging {my husband and I both work full-time jobs}, they have sponsors that actually pay them to do a project and use their products... I know you are with me. It seems that is the goal in blogland. But, is that my goal for this little blog?
I still remember finding my very first DIY blog. I won't post any names, but I was smitten instantly. She has eleventy zillion readers/followers. She's kinda funny, her family is cute... but the more I read her blog I just can't for the life of me figure out why. I see far more creative and funnier people out there. The more I see of her recent posts I wonder what is going on. The whole idea of most of our blogs {since we aren't rich} is to make our homes comfortable and pretty on small budgets. Part of her blog name implies that she is thrifty. Lately, her posts have been about pretty big ticket projects that {most} of us only dream of being able to afford. If it were me, I'd be excited too... and blog all over blogland about how dreamy it is to do such drastic things. I can't relate to her anymore. Honestly, it gets me down and I don't want to read her anymore.
It brings me back to the real question... why did I start blogging in the first place??
For fun. Straight up. Because I enjoy it.
Somewhere along the line {for some of us, others can keep perspective on things} it gets out of control.
I'm trying to refocus.
Do I ever think my blog will have eleventy zillion readers? No. And on that subject... what in the heck does it matter how many followers a blog has anyway?? It seems to be a status to some bloggers. Seriously?!? I use it to follow my favorite blogs. If I follow you, I read your blog. I may not always comment, but I do try. If you follow my blog... I certainly hope you didn't do it to get me as a number for your blog. I hope you actually come and read {and hopefully enjoy} my blog.
Do I ever think I will make money off my blog? {can you hear me laughing} Hell no.
We do linky parties and stalk other linky parties in attempts to get readers. I'm guilty of it. I didn't know until recently that is considered rude behavior. Really? Wow. I'm quite honored when someone asks me to join their party... but I guess I get it now. Numbers.
So... what it comes down to is: I will blog because it makes me happy... not for the numbers or the pats on the back.
If you are here... I love you. You kick ass. You rock my world. Truly. Every comment makes my heart leap. I want you to know that.
My blog posts may not be as many. I'm not going to stress myself out over this. It's supposed to be fun. I will still have my linky party but I'm not going to stalk anyone. If you link up... you rock my world.
I consider you my friends... and I hope we are still friends.
XOXO
Join us in our journey to make our first house, a home. I hope you are inspired and and come back to visit often!
Clap clap...holla holla! Can I get a Hallelluiijjjaaahhh! You go girl...blogging isn't a money maker. It shouldn't be a status symbol. It's just for fun. And to share. Which you are doing quite well...thank you! And my bedroom thanks you too by the way :)
ReplyDeleteWe're not only still friends, we may actually be besties separated in kindergarden! This is exactly why I blog. To express what I do to someone who actually cares to read. The Ogre says "yes, Dear" in all the right places, but that's just 'cause he loves me. People read my blog because they WANT to. And that makes me a happy little girl.
ReplyDeleteI have less than 50 followers. I don't know if I'll ever have more. I link to parties to show the things I'm proud of, but don't have something every week.... and, like you, I work full time. I also teach dance two nights a week... I can't come up with something wonderful every week - not without killing the creativity that inspires me.
It would be wonderful to have the time and money to do all the things I want to do in my home, and the time and skill to show others. But that's not my world right now. And it may never be.
And I'm OK with that.
I followed you because you make me smile. Not to push you over some magic number of followers. (Although, I'd be thrilled if my following did that!)
Thank you for sharing this. And all of your wonderful ideas. But, most of all, thank you for simply sharing.
- Liz
OMG, I think you can read my mind. That's what I think exactly. I blog for me, not anyone else. I also blog so I can meet people that have the same interests as I do and to SHARE my thoughts and ideas with. I just made the decision to host my first linky party (different from the typical ones) and WILL NOT REQUIRE anyone to follow, like or comment in order to join. I just want everyone to have fun, share and meet each other (network).
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. I needed this today :)
Shasta
MEG !!!!!!! You wrote (very well may I say) the EXACT feelings I have had when I started my blog. I too came to the point where I blog for ME and if my readers don't like it, what I do or how I write they have the right to unfollow. Some have and that's ok. My lil piece of the world belongs to ME and I like it that way. Always know that I like you and your blog the way it is. We lil' folk can grow together then others starting will look at our blogs and say, "How do they do that? I want that too".
ReplyDeleteHUGS ~
Deanna
Right on, sista! It got to where I was making myself come up with a project to do every week... just to have a project for my blog. Not anymore. I really should have a project since I've been lacking in that area, but I've been posting what is going on lately in my little area of the world instead.
ReplyDeleteI've also joined a couple of link parties just to get followers. Once for Facebook and once for Linky Followers. That was just to get my blog/social media accounts noticed since it was kind of new. But, I won't be doing that again. :)
I host my link party on Fridays because I want a place for others to share their projects and help spread the word about their blogs. I have to admit it's tough to remember to do the party each and every week with so much going on and I have thought about closing it a few times.
I totally agree with where you are coming from on the parties. :)
I love your blog, love your humor and love your projects! I truly enjoy visiting your blog!
You rock my world, Meg!
A-men! I actually have been turned off by the big bloggers of late and find it so much more enjoyable to read smaller blogs where the bloggers actually care that you are there reading. Not that it should be all about me but I find that I am reading blogs more for the friendship/relationships than the numbers and projects. Writing what I want my blog to be when it grows up really helped me focus on why I blog. Thank you for this post and although I don't always comment on your posts, I do read them! :)
ReplyDeleteBlogging to me is a jounal of our life the things we want to share with others . I have never got to a point where I have to post something all the time all though I do lol I am retired so I have a lot of time on my hands ! I enjoy blogging and reading so many other wonderful blogs I can be nosey with out being nosey hehe ! I have made a lot of wonderful blogger friends and have seen so many awesome ideas, crafts, decore, photos its almost like seeing the world with out seeing the world ! Personally I dont like face book for soo many reasons one is that if the founder of face book can get his page hacked any body can ! I know blogger can also get hacked but its less likely cause the type of people who blog are mothers, wives and just good people ! Thats my view ! Have a great day !
ReplyDeleteThe horrible, nosy side of me wants to know what bloggers you're talking about. The not-so-nosy side of me wants to tell you: I FEEL YOUR PAIN. I actually stopped reading one blog that used to be my favorite because she's not relevant to me anymore... she's gotten too big and I don't feel good reading her posts anymore. Sad, but there are tons of blogs out there that I still relate to.
ReplyDeleteHang in there. Keep blogging. Keep being awesome.
You did the right thing.Blogging should be something you enjoy with people you enjoy blogging with .I started blogging because I love to decorate.It is a passion of mine.I may not decorate the way some people like and that is okay.They don't have to read my blog.I am also trying to start an online business for me my blog goes hand in hand with that.I read all of my posts and I appreciate every single one of my blog followers.I try to reply to all of them.I am a bit wrapped up in a project right now so I may get a little behind.
ReplyDeleteI am NOT a blogger, but I follow several (including yours now!). I have been following some "big" bloggers but have unfollowed a few simply because they are all about the product and have forgotten the reason why they began in the first place. I found you at Hating Martha and will check out the blogs of those who have responded above.
ReplyDeleteGet that heart leaping - here comes a comment!!! You're so funny. It's so true that "growing your blog" becomes a focus. Who doesn't want to have lots & lots of followers who think what you blog about is cool and/or amazing? I know I do, but when it becomes the main reason for blogging, well, that's when things start to go sideways.
ReplyDeleteI began blogging to share my ideas and then got blown away by how many, far more talented bloggers were out there. Those women (and men) inspired me to become more creative and more particular about the projects I take on. Several bloggers inspired me to use power tools and build structural things (!) Blogging also gives me that little extra push I sometimes need to finish what I've started. Other bloggers have helped me to redefine my style and now I truly know what I like best instead of waffling over choices.
I'm glad I started blogging. It's still fun for me and when it stops being fun or becomes more of a rat race, I'll stop.
Thanks for the pep talk, Meg! I love your blog.
xox
I am a blogger wannabe. I read many blogs almost daily just because I enjoy them. When I finally get enough courage to start my blog, I will post whenever I feel like it. I will talk about the things that I love - my family, genealogy, crafting, photography, my dogs, traveling and such. I will not care if I have a ton of followers but I will cherish every one I do have. I appreciate that you have similar convictions. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteI love you all. You are my sisters from another mother. You sparkle like glitter {I was going to say diamonds but glitter is more fitting}, never, ever change.
ReplyDeleteHear hear!!!!!!!!!!! Ditto! I'm with you all the way! I don't do it for the numbers, I do it to connect with people and make relationships. I do it because I like to share things. I do it to help motivate me and in hopes that it might inspire someone else. You are not alone and I commend you on this vulnerable post. Remember, some of the "bigger" bloggers have spent years to get where they are. "Never compare your beginning with someone else's middle." That was said by Jon Acuff at Blissdom...the quote is genius! Also, some of the bigger bloggers have hired people to help them as well. They don't do it alone. Keep these things in mind as well. ENJOY...as soon as you begin to put pressure on yourself or feel stress, it's not fun anymore. Happy to find you via my friend The Blooming Hydrangea.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated your honesty and blogging integrity! I also work full time but started blogging in January as a way to connect with other creative people and to share ideas. I have had blogger anxiety about followers and lack of comments but I found the challenge to learn new skills has been the real reward. I have really tracked my progress with my page views rather than the number of followers. I figure if you build it they will come- without gimmicks or give-a-ways. If I do engage in any of those tactics it needs to be functional and appropriate. If I am getting more page views then I will keep at it. If not, then I may hang up the keyboard!! Until then I will keep on bloggin!
ReplyDeleteThanks! cathywhatisoldisnew.blogspot.com
Great post!! And I completely agree. I had a similar internal conversation with myself and came to the same thoughts!! Thanks for sharing!!! And I can't wait to read what you love and want to post about :)
ReplyDeleteWowza Sistah! Guess when we chatted this morning you must've jumped through cyber space and crawled into my brain! A while ago I was stressing about not having many followers, and feeling bad that I didn't. I blogged about my feelings and my life, and you were one of the 3 or 4 people that even read those earlier posts. Now that I know I'm not just writing to myself I'm ok with my little bloggy friends eating on my table in this huge cafeteria. It may not be the popular table, but at least we are enjoying our "lunch" and not worrying about all the fads and who's who, and who's "not" who. Really doesn't it remind you of school lunch??
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I blog because I have been blessed to learn so much and want to share. I blog because I've had people suggest that I do and I have found that I really enjoy it! I love seeing all of the amazing and talented powerful and creative women out there! I am constantly inspired and motivated to create.
I love that! I'm happy that what we chatted about this morning struck a chord with you, and now has validated so many others that feel the same way we do! Way to go girlie!
Hi Meg - newest follower! Love your blog, xxx
ReplyDeleteSuzan
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ReplyDeleteAs I'm reading your post this morning, the first thing I'm thinking is ME TOO!! My second thought is Its like she's in my head. My third thought is to warn you - my head can be a dark and freaky place!
ReplyDeleteI'm more of a follow by email, so if I pull away from a blog, its not as noticeable - I think - but I too have recently become more selective of whom I follow. I have 3 blogs - one about living thirfty in my city - one about tutorials - and the third - pure dear diary stuff. When I decided to jump in and buy my domains, I became obsessed with stats! Just recently I've been letting it go - back to basics and doing what I'm doing - and as much as I'd love for everyone to join me, its not why I'm doing it.
So keep on doing what you're doing!! I'm a fairly new follower, and from my soap box - you're 100% right! Sometimes it time to let the pity-party train go! (I'm carefully climbing off my soap box now....)
Hi Meg,
ReplyDeleteYou must have been reading my mind...LOL
I feel the same way..I think many blogger's are out for the "followers". Some blogs get so many comments how can the blog owner get back to everyone..and then there are bloggers that never do reply to a comment. I can only post once a week since I also work and have a 5.5 hour commute a day to work..It does take a long time to prepare a post, at least for me it does. I stress about my photo's, since I'm not very good with the camera. I blog to share decorating idea's, quilting, knitting, crochet and sewing patterns even a few recipe's from time to time. I love to see how others live in different country's. There really are some wonderful and dear bloggers that have shared so many great idea's. I just love the sharing..
Have a sweet week full of sweet moments, Elizabeth
I just started following your blog and I am so glad that I did. You summed up my feelings about blogging perfectly. I have no desire to be the "it girl" of the blogging world but I do occationally feel like I am having a flash back to the 7th grade and I want to eat at the popular table. But that is not what I want from blogging. I started blogging after becoming disabled. I needed something productive to do, something to fill my days and give them a bit of structure and sometimes I have to remind myself of why I blog. And today you did that for me. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteTraci
First time over here, and girl you are not kidding...this post is a breath of fresh air for sure! I love my blog, I'm definitely not in it for the big bucks...wouldn't that be a let down! I have big blog envy too sometimes, but have recently decided that just like in life, you will never be happy trying to be someone else. Love yourself, work hard, and be proud! So glad I made my way over here!
ReplyDeleteJessica @ Mom 4 Real
rock on sister!
ReplyDeletei started my blog simply because i think my facebook friends were getting tired of seeing my projects and recipes. here in blogland i can show off to no one.
ps come visit my blog ;)
Amen sister :) It's sooo easy to get cought up in "numbers" and "features" etc. I'm over it too...I started my blog to share ideas and connect with people...but that's it...no more pressure for me. Just fun :) Thanks for the visit!! Laurel
ReplyDeleteyet another one here who has let go of the stats. i started my blog as a way to document the little moments in my kids' lives. someday they will read it and learn more about themselves, and about me and what i love. those two munckins are the most important followers.
ReplyDelete