Grammology.com » Blog Archive » Blogging the double edged sword

Blogging the double edged sword

25 April 2010 39 Comments

12_13_55_thumb now I was pondering how many bloggers ever thought about shutting down their blogs and if so, what was the major reason to stop blogging, as it’s always gave me so much satisfaction and yet sometimes, I’m overwhelmed by the obligations it creates. So I ask am I the only blogger who feels this way or do you find yourself thinking there’s not enough time for me and maybe blogging is the thing I have to give up therefore, please share your thoughts tell me what you’ve done and how you feel about making the commitment to blogging or have you considered quitting because life’s become so intense you had to give up something and blogging might be they only thing you can choose.

A while ago I wrote a few posts about blogging for grammology sharing how it had been one of the best experiences of my life, it’s done more then just allow me to write, it’s given me discipline, I’ve learned more about expressing myself, better skills at telling my story by sharing my deepest thoughts, asking you to give your reactions which gave me support for my happiest and sometimes darkest times thus, if this question is confusing it’s the same for me and I’m hoping you’ll shed some light on my dilemma and tell me if this is normal or am I alone in this quest to determine just how important blogging is in our lives. Please take some time to consider the question and explain what blogging has been in your live and if the obligation ever made you consider giving up your blog and if it has did you.

39 Comments »

Talon said:

Hi, Dorothy. I think most bloggers have, at one time or another, thought of closing down their blogs. Recently, four blogs that I really enjoyed closed down. Two for health-related reasons, one because the blogger wasn’t getting what they expected out of blogging, and another because they just felt they’d had enough. And it was sad to see familiar sites disappear.

I guess it depends a lot on the reasons you start blogging. Have I ever considered closing down my blog? Yes, I definitely have. I started mine on a whim and initially I posted nearly every day and then life interrupted and I realized I wasn’t under any obligation to post. I had started blogging as something fun and creative to do and once it started feeling like an obligation, the fun part quickly wore out. So I post when I want to and not because I have to. I do enjoy reading the blogs I follow every day and commenting on them, but I no longer feel pressured (totally self-induced pressure I might add) to post on any regular schedule. There are weeks when I’ll have several posts and a week where I’ll have only one or two. It remains fun and I’ve made some remarkable friends and I’ve been doing it over 2 years now so I think I’ve found the right blogging balance for me.

# 25 April 2010 at 9:38 pm

Tabor said:

I agree with Talon…maybe because our names are similar I post because I have to. It is like photography or painting or writing poetry. I do not do it out of obligation. I have enough obligations I am avoiding already in retirement. I may quite someday, but no feeling for that now.

# 26 April 2010 at 3:47 am

Tabor said:

My biggest problem is spelling and typing as you can see from above!!!

# 26 April 2010 at 3:47 am

FishHawk said:

The reason why I started blogging was because of being called by our Heavenly Father to do so. For He has given me much to say, and having a blog serves as a good means of communicating it worldwide. It has grown to be more than just that, however. For I have made several fairly close friends since joining the blogosphere, and I would greatly miss interacting with them, if they would stop blogging. Yes, I suppose the hole could be filled through emails, but that is just not the same.

# 26 April 2010 at 4:28 am

Catherine said:

I do feel an obligation to blog because my extended family keep up with what’s going on with out family this way. Sometimes I wish they would phone – we never heard from them much before, and now we never do. (They don’t leave comments.)

But after a while I realised how much my older children enjoyed reading about our family happenings – holidays, funny times, everyday things – and I have decided to keep up the blog as a way of recording our family life. The fact that grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins can see what we’re doing it secondary now.

I also love the feeling of community blogging gives me. For a few years I felt trapped at home with the little girls. Reading other blogs and ‘meeting’ other SAHMs has helped keep me sane, and I wouldn’t give that up.

# 26 April 2010 at 5:22 am

Susan Leigh said:

Hello Dorothy,
Thank you for your comments on my article on appreciation. It’s a fact that we don’t always thank people for the simple daily things that they do. And it can make a huge difference when we do.
Love your writing. I think that it’s good to share our thoughts, even our doubts about writing things in a blog. It’s amazing how many people echo those same doubts – and that’s an interesting discovery in itself. That’s one way support each other, isn’t it.
Susan xx

# 26 April 2010 at 6:25 am

Lyn said:

I began my blog as a journal. For a year or more before that, I had been writing long emails to a group of family and friends to keep them informed about the declining health of my husband and what else was going on in our lives. That was easier than trying to keep everyone informed individually. After he died, I was still writing, albeit less frequently, about my own changing life when a friend suggested starting a blog.

Interestingly, I found that my siblings (I’m the youngest) wouldn’t/couldn’t take time to follow me to the blog! They wanted my news to come directly to their email boxes. Over time I found than many younger relatives (my kids, nieces and nephews) were reading it as well as many friends, and I was making new friends right and left. I’ve since met a number of these cyber-friends folks when I travel, making my circle of friends bigger and better.

I have thought about quitting from time to time. However, every time I have had those thoughts, I’ve realized I was seeing it as an obligation, not for the enjoyment. I have to adjust my thinking when that happens and let myself off the hook for feeling that I “have” to write daily. The “Catch 22″ of it is that I find it is actually easier to write when I do so every day. It seems that when I’m on a roll, there is a momentum that is invigorating. However, I don’t force myself to write when I don’t feel like it. Period.

I miss some blogs that have closed down. Many of them have gone to
Facebook. I have Facebook, too, but I like the longer, thoughtful posts of a blog. That is how I’ve come to know more deeply about friends, old and new, whereas, FB just gives glimpses. I’m afraid so many things in our fast-paced world are becoming glimpses. So I’m hanging onto the slower, more informational, and IMO friendlier Blog.

# 26 April 2010 at 9:14 am

Charles Ravndal said:

I can relate with the feeling. There are times that I wanted to stop blogging altogether because it felt it was a chore. Then again blogging connected me to people who became my friends despite the distance and that’s is my primary reason now to stay and continue blogging.

# 26 April 2010 at 10:01 am

kenju said:

I started a post last week with these words:
“I don’t have time to blog – but that never stopped me.”

Blogging gives me such pleasure, laughter and satisfaction that if I were truly too busy to do it, I’d find something else to give up (like housecleaning)……LOLvict

# 26 April 2010 at 11:33 am

kenju said:

The letters “vict” after the LOL up there were part of the word verification. I’m not sure how they got up there!!

# 26 April 2010 at 11:36 am

Dorothy Stahlnecker said:

Thank you for all the kind words, as you have already given me great things to consider. It’s often tough keeping up with posting, and yet as many of you agree, there is something special between us.. I’ve searched for explanations and to date haven’t come up with the right words, although I know this already, when we communicate it’s special because we are the real people, with normal lives, fears, and hopes, and maybe that’s the difference. As we share thoughts and ideas I’ll comment more..

My very best to all of you for giving me so much already.

Dorothy from grammology…

# 26 April 2010 at 12:48 pm

63mago said:

Interesting question. I have started blogging because I read some people’s blogs and was commenting and it was only fair to join and have a blog of my own.
For some people whose blogs I have been reading and who stopped to write the blog was a means, maybe to focus, to get things out and stright. It was a tool. And for some it worked. Others had to stop because the real life, kids, family, job, or illness, took over. With some people a \real\ contact develops, with others the communication stays more \separated\, distant? I do not know how that works, what causes this. Surely a lot depends on the behaviour. I am blogging now in the fourth year and I once sent one away and told him to not come back, what the person did. Another was a plain payne in the ass and I went private to shut the idiot out. Other bloggers had terrible troll infestations, especially people who held a personal conversation, delt with personal issues. Sometimes only the shut down helped.
Interestingly most blogs are by women, the web is female
Looking at \the round\ I do I start in the UK, move to the US, Canada, Malaysia, India and different parts of Europe – no Africa, no Latin America, no Arabia. Strangely enough.

# 26 April 2010 at 2:13 pm

Chris said:

I have blogged for a long time now, and am coming into a period where I’m questioning whether I should close my blogs down. I’ve had fun with them, but my purpose for my blogs was never achieved. It’s been fun getting to know so many other bloggers, I’m not sure that’s what I wanted. I am already backing out of other places online (social networking) and spending more time other places offline.

I think for many a blog is a place to connect or share their passions, but for those of us who write because we’re journalists, authors, or simply writers(freelance or otherwise)it can mean a totally different thing!

# 26 April 2010 at 3:31 pm

meleah rebeccah said:

Yes – I have thought about shutting down my blog a few times, because like you mentioned, I’m overwhelmed by the obligations it creates. I can’t possibly visit everyone’s blog every day. And then I feel guilty. Especially when my blog friends always manage to leave me comments.

But, I have also learned that my ‘real’ blog friends, do NOT expect me to comment every single day. And they FULLY understand that I will get to their blogs WHEN I do have the time.

That has taken a lot of pressure off of me.

Its also hard to come up with MATERIAL all the time! That’s why I only post twice a week now,[on a good week!] instead of five times a week like I used to. That helped free my time up as well.

I do take a Blog Vacation once a year where I close for one month, and by the end of that month Ive missed everyone so much, I am THRILLED to be back, and reminded that I could never walk away from blogging forever!

# 26 April 2010 at 10:33 pm

Granny Annie said:

I started blogging in 2003. My first blog was for my family and they all stopped reading it because of their “busy” lives. I deleted that blog and immediately started another one for me. Fools Rush In has become a rolling stone of conversations with myself that get shared with people who have an opinion on the same subject. I recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of this blog and I don’t think wild horses could drag me away from the blog nor from the friends I have gathered.

# 27 April 2010 at 10:58 am

Faye said:

Well, you are right….sometimes life gets in the way of time to Blog, but I am always drawn back to it. I’ve decided to Blog for ME!! That way I avoid disappointment of those reading it not leaving comments, whether they be family, friends of fellow Bloggers. Following Blogs has opened my world and given me so much I’d never have found otherwise.
Dorothy, thanks for putting your question out there..thought provoking.

# 27 April 2010 at 5:05 pm

Cascia @ Healthy Moms said:

I have thought about giving up because I know it takes me away from my family. But at the same time my blog is meant to spread awareness to moms so I have a message I feel like I should get out to as many moms as I can. After nearly three years of blogging I finally have a large loyal following so quitting right now would be a bad idea.

# 27 April 2010 at 7:05 pm

Heather said:

Dang my comment just got lost in internet space. I guess my computer is having issues with all the things in your sidebar. (gotta love that dial-up)

As I was saying…I didn’t feel the pressure of blogging until I added people for outside my family. Having folks following my blog and leaving comments was what I was after, but the responsablity to keep up with their posts has really become a full time job. So much so that I have slowed down on writing my own posts.

Quitting, no way! I love writing my posts, even if I don’t always have super interesting ones. I would never give that up.

# 27 April 2010 at 9:22 pm

askcherlock said:

I think there have been days when I felt a bit overwhelmed with life and how to wrap it around my bogging. In the end, the answer for me has been the importance of connection. I love reading what others have to say on any given issue. It has also been a catharsis and allowed me to write out thoughts that sometimes disturbed me about issues. My wise husband has often said that when it becomes “work” that’s the time to quit. As long as it is fun, he had said, keep doing it.

You have offered your readers so very much insight. Sometimes it is better to cut back on posting rather than quit, until you know which direction you want to take. I do know this: If you were to quite you would be deeply missed.

# 28 April 2010 at 10:26 am

Rosebelle said:

Hi Dorothy. I think for some people, if the effort and time they put into their blogs do not pay off monetarily, then they feel it’s really time wasted. Some people I know blog for money and that’s their main goal and motivation. Without the reward of making money, they’d rather move on and do some other things.

I started blogging after I lost my job and my blog was my way to stay connected with my dozens of peers. I used to talk to them, made them laugh about what my kids do (pregnant with all three kids at the same company) so my coworkers have basically been a part of my kids’ lives. Blogging is tiresome and sometimes I neglect posting when I’m busy but I don’t put the pressure on myself to post all the time. The only thing I’m guilty about is when I have people leaving comments on my blog, I want to return that favor and visit their blogs and leave a comment too just so they know I care and I will visit them back too.

# 28 April 2010 at 12:09 pm

Karen said:

Hi Dorothy,
Thanks so much for stopping to comment at my blog. I’m so glad that in return, I found yours! What a great place you have over here. I put you on my bloglines, so we can keep in touch.

Funny you should ask the question about blogging. I’ve been going back and forth this week about whether or not to take a break. I love doing my blog and I don’t pressure myself to post a certain number of times a week or anything like that, but when I don’t have the time or if my life is going through a period of craziness, then I feel bad about neglecting it. I guess the thing to do is to keep in mind that ‘real life’ comes first, and the blog is something that will always be there for me.

Have a great day!

# 28 April 2010 at 1:38 pm

Dorothy Sander said:

I love your blog! You have such a wonderful following it would be a shame to abandon it. What others have said about abandoning the sense of “blogging obligation” makes the most sense to me. A blog is for you to express yourself and for followers to enjoy. The creative spirit does not always work on a smooth and even time table. We have times when we feel good and very creative and times when we don’t. It’s important to respect our ebbs and flows and not allow the outside world to pressure us. I have no doubt your followers will hang in there during your down times and be there to greet you in your up times! You are the quintessential grammology! A wonderful wise woman indeed!

# 28 April 2010 at 2:50 pm

One of The Guys said:

My blog has turned into a place where I can practice writing. It forces me to work, even if the deadline is self-imposed. I like that. But I have cut it down to three posts a week, and I also have some other GUYS writing too, which helps.

Also my blog is part of a bigger business, which makes it kind of fun and gives it some variety.

I love your blog! Just post less when it gets overwhelming. And comment when you can.

# 28 April 2010 at 7:04 pm

Nippercat said:

Hi Dorothy, I started blogging to help me with my pain of abuse. It does help me to write about it, it releases some of the anger I have inside of me. Plus, if it helps just one person, then I have done my job right. I haven’t blogged for quite a while, because I have had surgery on my shoulder, then a car accident that put a partial tear in my shoulder (same shoulder), now having surgery again, plus other reasons. But yesterday I sat down finished one of my poems and posted it on my blog, it felt so good to be back to blogging. Hope you have a great day and week, it’s pretty cool here in Ontario too, weather is crazy. take care….Mary

# 29 April 2010 at 8:47 am

Man Over Board said:

Funny how our blogs become such a part of our lives, some more then others. I had no idea when I first started about 6 months ago that I would have devoted so much time and effort into blogging. But now I couldn’t see myself not doing it. It is definitely a love/hate relationship. But all in all I don’t see myself giving it up anytime in the near future, God willing. I do enjoy it and sometimes feel obligated by it. But I have found so many new friends and I also look forward to the comments each and every day.

Interesting post and as always it’s always nice to stop over at grannies to see what’s cooking. Wishing you a splendid weekend D

# 29 April 2010 at 7:26 pm

Annie =) said:

i have been blogging for several years now and many times i felt like giving up. but always find myself being drawn back to it. now with the help of my lovely friends, i get to host my own site. and that gives me discipline!

# 30 April 2010 at 3:21 am

trinket gold said:

trinket gold…

Really sweet post, thanks…

# 30 April 2010 at 5:55 am

workinghard said:

Hi Dorothy I am new to blogging about 4 months. I am enjoying the process of writing and clarifying my thoughts. I don’t think that this is something that I will be doing for years and years but it is filling a void in my life for right now.

I think blogging is like many things is life. Blogging is about expectations (oh is there a post there?) If blogging is about becoming rich and famous my blog has been a failure. If blogging is about the enjoyment of writing,creating and the interaction with those that have left comments on my blog. Then my blog has been successful. So I will keep my rose colored glasses on and continue to enjoy the blog world while the real world waits.

# 30 April 2010 at 10:00 am

OldOldLady Of The Hills said:

This is a very interesting question Dorothy and one I think many many bloggers have struggled with–including me. Though I cannot actually say I have considered shutting down my blog, but often I feel torn about the amount of time I spend and because of the complexities of what I like to share, with pictures, etc…the “time” it takes to do all this the way I want….And sometimes I feel like it’s a “job”…you know? Also, trying to get around to visit everyone, etc…it is difficult, time-wise.
BUT….then, I think of all the many plusses of Blogging–the wonderful people I have met and keep meeting…..And, in many ways, blogging has saved my life. Being confined to my home as I am and unable to participate out in the world in ALL the many things I use to be involved with…well, blogging has filled a need for my writing and my photographs, etc., etc…..So, though I am conflicted by the time it takes I cannot see stopping blogging.
I am not on Facebook or Twitter and don’t intend to be…I have noticed that many bloggers have moved over to Facebook and do not post as often–if at all….That saddens me, but, that is life.
Anyway…these are my thoughts on the subject. No answers really, just stating what I go through, too.

# 30 April 2010 at 2:08 pm

Grannymar said:

Hi Dorothy,it was good to have you visit my blog today.

In answer to your question above, I have indeed thought several times about pulling the plug on my blog. Each time I slept on the idea, and the next day realised how foolish the idea was. I would lose touch with the friends that I have made. There are now cross conversations between those who comment as well as with me and I know a few of them are now emailing each other in the background. If someone disappears for more than a week I am asked if I know how they are!

Take a break if you must, but announce it to your regulars or they will worry that something dreadful has happened.

Take care,

# 1 May 2010 at 2:11 pm

Misguided Mommy said:

Hi right back. You know the only time I’ve thought about shutting down was when I wanted to write about family things. I had so much more fun blogging when no one I knew read. But now I feel so censored and I have so much good stuff to talk about. SO MUCH. I have thought about opening a new blog but I would lose my fan base. I have so much to say, about fights with my mom, fights with my husband, my drug use, sex life everything. For now it shall remain in my head though.

# 2 May 2010 at 1:51 pm

Connie said:

Dorothy,
I have often thought about this. I wonder if anyone reads my blog, I don’t have much time to blog, not only is it time consuming coming up with a post, but then I like to go to other blogs and read and sometimes leave a comment…it could be very consuming.

I guess I must enjoy it a bit or I wouldn’t still be going with it.

Have a lovely day I know that I enjoy your blog!

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# 9 May 2010 at 2:23 am

Tina T said:

I never really planned to be a blogger when I started my blog. Originally my blog was just going to be an additional feature for my site, since the bulk of my site contains user created content. I’ve found that blogging has become so much more than just an extra feature, and I love the chance to express my personality and connect with users on my site as well as connecting with other bloggers. Since my blog is connected to my site, I do need to stick to relationship topics rather than blogging about all the many things that interest me, so that is the only down side for me.

# 10 May 2010 at 2:49 pm

Peter McCartney said:

Hi! Finally got through using Firefox. IE8 has recently not been showing the CAPTCHA for some strange reason. Anyway, I too have thought of giving up blogging but have failed to do so. Why? Well, why give up something that gives me pleasure. I did start off tunnel visioned but after trying to get blood out of a rock with my posts, I branched out into other areas of interest for my readers, and me as well. Well, I hope they’re interesting. Now, we’re not paid writers with deadlines to meet, so we should be able to blog when ever we want to, or not! Take Care, Peter

# 10 May 2010 at 7:55 pm