Back in 2005, I started blogging after a few of my friends started blogs. Through their clever writing, my friends shared amusing anecdotes and observations that delighted me to no end. I wanted to join in the fun as well. It started out as an experiment in creative writing for me, and then became much more therapeutic, as I was able to vent about my every day experiences in a safe place. Soon, many of my family members created blogs and it became a way to keep tabs on their lives. Then, all of a sudden, blogging boomed into a business and got kind of crazy. Much of it felt weird and forced and too much. I couldn't keep up with all the reading and commenting and I got overwhelmed. I backed way off.
Today, I still get stressed out by the blogging world and how in your face it is, and many days I want to take a permanent break. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that my friends are carving out their niche in the mainstream blogdom, and I think it's fabulous that people have enough time on their hands to make blogging a full time gig. For me personally, though, that would be an option with way too much pressure. As I'm writing this one post, I'm thinking of six different things I should be doing. Oh, and the public criticism. Have I mentioned that I prefer it when I think people like me?
I just have to remember who I'm mainly writing for. Not so much the public (although it does feel nice to get a little validation here and there, otherwise why would I leave my comments on?!) I mainly want to have a record for my own little family that may some day be my own big family. Both of my sets of grandparents got married once upon a time and now I can't even count how many people came from those two marriages. Pretty amazing. One of the first things I did when I found out I was moving to New York was take out my grandma's life history and pore over the chapters about their time living on Long Island. I love that I have that connection with her, fifty-something years later. Sounds kind of tangential, but those are the things that give me perspective when I get frustrated with my life.
In honor of my blogiversary, here are some of my favorite posts from those golden days of 2005:
My Little Molly
The Scary Carrot Jungle
Also, here is a link to my most favorite blog, because it is the funniest. Since I don't have much time to read blog posts these days, I gravitate toward the ones that leave me in awe of their sheer wit. I have tried to no avail to find one out there that makes me smile more than this one:
every day I write the book
And if there is someone still out there reading, why do you blog? Do you ever regret it, or am I the only crazy person? Why do you read blogs, if you do?
9 comments:
I totally agree. I started blogging when we moved to CA so I could keep our families updated on what we were doing. I've always tried to blog for journaling purposes and therapy but there was a point where I lost focus for awhile. It seems like so many people are trying to become famous in the blogosphere. I hate that.
First of all, thank you! This is a huge compliment. Second of all, my feelings about blogging are complicated and ambivalent. But I still like doing it and I hope you keep it up too.
happy blogiversary. i feel pretty similarly about blogging. it was super positive for me at first, and then it got way too intense for me and i pulled back a bit, and now i mostly just do it for documentation and to keep in touch with friends. love your blog though, and i just clicked over to the one you recommended and it was awesome... love her humor and writing style.
When I get annoyed with the world I just have to remember why I started this in the first place: I like to write on whatever I want, tell a good story, work on voices, and have a conversation with people. If I'm frustrated I just go back to the basics: write something entertaining.
I read blogs because it's like going to Relief Society Quilt/Recipe/Craft night and catching up with everyone I like. I am inspired by people and their children. I like to know what's happening so I can say an extra prayer or remember a happy thing.
I blog to keep track of my own life. I blog to get things out of my system. I blog for sympathy sometimes. I blog because I like knowing that maybe someone reads things I write. I'm not in it to be famous or anything--I just like to type stuff.
Plz, don't stop. This is how I keep up w/family. Plz send my email to everyone else ie, brothers and sisters who have made theirs' private. I need an invitation to read so I know what is happening w/them.
By the way, what happened w/downstairs neighbor?
Beth
I hear you completely. I keep wanting to quit, but I keep going because it seems to be the only kind of record I can keep up with (I don't scrapbook)...and its the best way for my family across the country to keep up with us. I hate it and I love it.
And please don't stop because we love your blog! I always get excited when there's a new post on Being Awesome. :)
I hope you keep blogging, even if it's just for me ;0). Selfish? Absolutely. I feel the same way you do (obviously) about blogging and I haven't posted unless it's about cleaning (boring) because it's a neutral subject, or SO I THOUGHT. I blog now, but I don't post my blogs. I'm just keeping a record for me. And I check every day I write the book everyday hoping for a new post.
Thanks, guys! I know it's silly that I get frustrated about blogging, but when you have to micro-manage your time, sometimes it's hard to prioritize! I do know that my family and friends are a huge priority and so I'm grateful as always for your support and insight! I truly admire all of you!
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