I have asked myself this question for well over a year. And I am still asking that question.
Do I love blogging....? Yes
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But, see, I am an ole girl. When I started blogging in 2008 we were a small group. It wasn't a business. It was more like having a pen pal. I realize things change....life happens, nothing stays the same. And for you that are blessed to have made your blog a business, I applaud you. I love reading your blogs. You inspire me. But, in my life today, that just isn't a priority.
But then I ask myself, I post these things about my life that apparently most people are not interested in.. I live a simple life. I know I am not a super blogger, but my stats (which honestly until today I didn't check ) are really nothing. I know people are busy, but guess what? I get busy too!
I do not do twitter, my blog does go on my personal FB page. I no longer sign up on the Mega memes. I mean, let's be honest.....none of us are going to read over 200 posts each week.
So when does the preparing of a post, sharing parts of your life, become silly - time wise? When time is such a precious thing.
I am not saying I have made a decision, but I am wondering if any of you ole bloggers out there understand what I am saying.
I am not quitting right now. But the day is coming. If I am writing just for myself, then I might as well do it in the privacy of my life.
Don't get angry with me. This is not about numbers. I guess, for me it is knowing that someone is interested in what I am doing and saying. If my posts are no longer of interest, then maybe there is another way FOR ME to connect. I started blogging when I was diagnosed and could no longer work. It filled a definite need in my life at the time.
If you want to enlighten, please do......but if you want to rant.....do it somewhere else please. I have always tried to be open and frank and kind on my blog.....and so I shall continue until the day I choose to stop.
Joyfully,
Ceekay
47 comments:
I always try to visit when I see a post from you, Ceekay. You think you don't have an exciting life but what you DO have is a REAL life- one that is free of pretenses and puffed up ego.
I haven't been blogging as long as you have and I don't know how I would feel if I thought no one was reading my blog..that would be a hard call.
I hope you do it just because you love it and when you quit loving it-then you stop. Even if you are just blogging for YOU- that is okay.
Hugs to you- hang in there, my friend- xo Diana
Yup. I hear you. For me, I've just slowed way down and I don't look at those stats. There will always be blogging buddies who want to visit you no matter what you have to say or what pictures you show.
I know exactly what you are saying. I have thought these same things. But then I think about those 'old' bloggers I have met in person including you. And they are special friends. Just today, Mary Ellen commented on my blog, and it warmed my heart. So I'll keep at it for the time being. Hope you do, too. Sally
I totally getit! I, too, have a little blog. I love doing it and USED to feel pressure to "make it big" get sponsors, etc. Noy anymore. I am just doing it for the enjoyment it gives me. That's it. I thought about going to the Haven conference this year and now have ri=uled that out too. I am not going to make this a business, it is too late in my life for that. So, I will plug along and be VERY grateful for my followers. Do what is best for you, Ceekay. Follow your heart and your gut. XO, Pinky
I've been having the same thoughts for myself, Ceekay. But then I think about stopping and there's seems like a loss of something I've really enjoyed. Please know that I'm here reading your blog...I might not always comment because sometimes I'm reading on the Ipad and it's not so easy. Hang in there girl.
Ceekay..girl you know I no longer blog.. I still love to read blogs..But blogs are all about big business now and the number game..
I loved blogging when it was just a pen pal group of us..When if you had a give away it was something you took the time to go buy, make etc.. not something a big company was paying you for to give away for ad time..
I loved it when we put our hearts out there and people really cared..
Now all you need to leave a comment is a big rubber stamp that says " I love this" all the same comments on each post you read..
Whatever happen to Karen at "some days are diamonds" I loved her blog and her kindness..
Hang in there my dear friend..I still read you even tho I don't comment anymore..Many Blessings my dear friend..
Hugs and smiles Gloria
Dear friend...I'm the first to second you in that blogging has changed tremendously. I have never been one to watch stats...I'm not sure I even understand them! My blog is simply a place to keep track of the events in my life and my families. I think we all have personal reason to have a blog. If you have one...keep it up when you feel like doing it. If it's not what you initially thought it was to be...we will miss you.
I hope this helps. Love to you!
Jane xx
CK, I know exactly what you are saying. I feel the same way. I could have been the one who wrote all that you said! LOL!
I, personally, still enjoy the "little" blogs over the "big bloggers." It was so enjoyable when we were all friends and supporters to each other.
I have a tablescape coming up next week, for Kathleen's crawl, but other than that, I just don't have much I think anybody is interested in. I mostly do Facebook now, where I know I have family and friends who care!
Katherine
I am so thrilled to have met you through blogging and you have become such a treasured friend. I enjoy reading what is going on in your life. I I hope you continue.
I enjoy your posts and for me, if a certain number of people (perhaps five people, it doesn't have to be thousands) find my posts on my blog worth reading, I will continue to post. I hope you do the same dear friend. Also, you remind me that leaving comments is a way to show that I read and I care.
Ceekay, I totally understand you! Although I started blogging in 2009, I didn't visit other blogs until 20ll. Things really have changed a lot. Although I don't make money on my blog I have been fortunate to have been able to do a few sponsored posts. My blogging is all about the relationships I have made. They really do mean a lot to me. Although because I find it important to visit those who link to my party it doesn't leave me much visiting time. I have really enjoyed your friendship and love hopping over now and then. Hope you continue to blog my friend!
hugs,
Jann
I love reading your blog. It's like a little visit with a friend just to catch up. I would miss you if you stopped blogging.
I love reading your blog actually! I love seeing how you've decorated your home and cabin, and hear about how different the weather is there. I love seeing the pics from your trips to antique shops and all that. And I just like seeing that you're doing well and still blogging. My blog's been around several years too, and sometimes I take months off, and then come back full force. I actually just started making little you tube videos too, about things I like, planners and journaling and just stuff. While I'd love to make money at it, it's not why I do it either. I kind of like knowing the blog is always there to post on when I feel like it, whether anyone wants to read about what Io post that day or not. I do hope you keep blogging, but I understand how things have changed in the blogging world.
Ceekay, I feel the same way. To me it is beginning to feel like a waste of time to blog. If you are not a buisness no one seems to visit........I am beginning to feel like my time could be more useful doing something else........
I have always enjoyed your blog and try to visit every post.
Hi Lady! I too struggled with these same exact thoughts for few years until I realized even giving it the thoughts of why and how to blog were creating problems for me. LOL! Finally, I let it all go and now I blog when I feel like it, which is very seldom. Its a time thing for me and the fact that I also felt like I had to compete when I really don't care to do that as it's not my nature. Blogging is fun but also feels very cliquish at times too. It is because of this I rarely even comment on someones blog anymore because there is so much behind the scenes gossip between bloggers that I find absolutely ridiculous. I just do not have time for commenting on everyone's blog at a Meme and I certainly don't have time to comment back and forth in private emails after I have left a comment on someones else blog who is replying back to thank me for a comment. It's all very nice until someone misinterprets you when you are just trying to save time on replying, then suddenly you are on the out list. Been there too! Crazy how bent out of shape and judgy we women can get without even really knowing someone else's personality. The computer never really can fully express that! I even tried to go private and just blog for those who were interested but for some reason even after adjusting my settings and adding the contacts names of those who wanted to see I could not get blogger to show those posts to them but only to me. It just did not work. It was too complicated to spend the time trying to figure it all out so I just went back public again and decided to stop worrying who looks and comments but just to share as I want too. I still enjoy looking at other blogs and getting some great ideas. As I said commenting is just not my thing or a priority anymore, but I felt it was important to comment to you today to let you know I totally get where you are coming from. I am sure there are probably many others out there who also enjoy peeking without commenting to get the inspiration that we all are craving as home decor bloggers. I hope you continue to blog as I have popped by your blog a few times when seeing something I wanted to check out or may have wanted to read. I started blogging when I wasn't working for awhile and it gave me so much joy and I still look back and enjoy those posts. I do hope you will continue to enjoy that as well. Hang in there! ....que in the theme from Frozen...Let it go!, Let it go!!! Hugs to you, hope you have a great day!
I LOVE your blog and would miss it terribly if you stopped. It is an inspiration to read of your courage regarding your health issues. And I love to read about all of your shopping and traveling adventures and about all of your decorating ideas. Don't stop!!!
I LOVE reading your blog!!! It is an inspiration to read of how you meet your health challenges. And I love to read about your shopping and traveling adventures. I also love to read about your decorating. Don't stop!!!
I have been following your blog less than a year. I must say, I really like your blog. I wish I would have found it earlier. I follow about 40 blogs, some big and some small (whatever that means) I rank your blog among some of my favorites. I know this is cliche, but some times bigger aka busier is not better. So for what it is worth....you never know when your writings will find a new follower, just like I was not so loinbg ago :-)
Blessings...
Sherri
I can see why you have questions about continuing to blog, but I believe that if you still enjoy it and have made some good relationships from it, then you should continue to do it. The pressure is off if you don't have to worry about "stats" etc. You can blog about anything you like since its YOUR blog! I enjoy reading what you're up to as well.
I can relate to so much of what you said. I'm not a super blogger either.. and honestly, I took a lot of blogs off of my reading list because they became to commercial. I like visiting people who are like me. Normal people who love life, make mistakes and struggle sometimes. I started blogging to document my life ... not the deep stuff.. but the fun things that my kids can look back on. I have my blog printed every year.. it's fun to see the changes we've made, recipes, photos, stories.. they're all there.
I have met so many wonderful people through the blogs.. and I am so thankful for that. When I noticed the blog platform changing, I started worrying about my blog. Heck, my blog is stupid compared to these mega mama's out there.. but then again, it's mine. my life.. and I blog when I want to and blog about what I want. This time of year it's not always easy to find a subject.. it's so yucky out.
I say, if blogging makes you happy.. then you keep doing it. Blog about whatever you want!!!
I'll be here reading.
Have a great day
I also think about stopping my blog...but I blog for me. I'm just a regular gal :)
I enjoy your blog!
warmly,
deb
I totally get what you are sayin' ~~ I also began blogging in 2008. A regular type blog, then added a poetry blog a bit later. It was really difficult maintaining two blogs, so I let go of "Living Boldly" ~ today I find myself in a bit of a wind-down. Too many other things taking my time, new interests, a bit of travel. I find so many bloggers who turn their sites into businesses are not worth the hassle of the seemingly forever amount of time it takes to download their posts. I do enjoy you, the down home vibe of the things you share with us. Have a lovely day!
Things have changed big time out here Ceekay. I started in 2009 and boy what a community we had. Comments were standard practice and we genuinely loved to see what each other was up to.It took me a while to decide if I wanted to strictly do this for a hobby or make it as you say a business. In fact, I had many nights of anxiety over it because for one, I didn't want to flop at a business and for two I knew it would put more stress on me as a blogger to share ideas and such. I have come to terms with it all now because I have been able to help my family with extra little expenses come up. I feel that my boys are older now, it was either leave the house and get a job or make this my job and do what I love. Sorry to ramble, but I do totally understand your sentiments to this post. xo I hope you write and share because it's simply what you like to do for yourself, nothing more.
I'm sad to think you might be leaving your blog. I read almost every time you post but I am guilty of not always commenting.
I blogged for a few years, then my son passed away and I lost my focus for a while and tried again but the desire just seemed to have disappeared. I had very few visitors over that whole period of time which was kind of discouraging but I felt it was an outlet for me. Now I guess after what I have been through that is no longer a necessity in my life.
But I still read and sometimes comment on a number of blogs that I enjoy -- including yours.
Ceekay, Two years ago this month, I decided that I was just tired of playing the blogging game. It was SO different when I began blogging in 2009.I kept seeing such attention being given to the stats, the advertising, and the entire junior high attitude towards popularity- I just wanted to write and show some pics. Sadly, I kinda got caught up in the whole "let's hang with the cool kids" thing for a short time, but soon realized I didn't really enjoy competitive blogging and participating in parties just to try and generate readers/followers. So I just stopped. I didn't owe anyone an explanation- it was just MY decision. Life is too short to attempt to bask in the limelight of popularity blogging. No jealousy there- it's just that I have more of a life to enjoy without having to worry about which room to redesign and which piece of furniture to paint just to put it up as a post on the blog! Good luck with your decision. ~Sue
Hello Ceekay, I have been praying for you to not stop blogging. I also just have a simple life and not a big blog. If I didn't start blogging I would never have met you and you are now a dear friend. I know, that seems strange, seems even stranger to say. But, I look forward to your decorating, you are so talented. I know I do not comment as often as I should but I read and care and pray for you. What seems strange is I also have been thinking of stopping but then I would miss it. So you have encouraged me to stick with it. Are we big bloggers? No, we are life bloggers, we are cyber friends. A very special type of blogger. When I think the big bloggers do not even write their own blogs.
Sorry, didn't mean to write a book, just trying to hang on to you.
Nonie
I would miss it if you stopped! How else am I going to keep up with what you do? Although, I must admit, I'll probably stop after we're through with traveling. But, then again, maybe not. It's an excellent way of journaling for my own benefit even if nobody else reads it.
Candy
I really enjoy reading your posts. You are an inspiration with your faith and positive attitude displayed during your illness. I love seeing your decorating ideas. You are a terrific blogger!
Hi Ceekay,
I guess I am in the Old Blogger category. I think we started our blogs around the same time. And yes I agree, it was much more personal then and we were like a family. Remember when we all used to do giveaways because it was fun. We did it because we wanted to give back to our loyal blog supporters. Most blogs were not overrun with ads and we didn't have all of the irritating peeves that Nana Diana blogged about. We were just sharing our ideas and part of a close circle.
I often contemplate on leaving blogging behind but I still love it. I just don't blog as often and I've noticed my comments have dropped off. I suppose it's because many prefer the big time bloggers and all the glam.
So for now I'm just going to sit back and see where it all goes.
Thanks for hanging in there Ceekay.
hugs
Sissie
Hi Ceekay, I too am an Arizona girl, who started a blog, even went to the trouble and expense to have someone set it up for me, but then I started to realize that it was too big a commitment for me and I didn't like being obligated, so I quit blogging. From day one, when I found you, I got really interested in your blog because you lived her locally, and liked the same things that I did. I have always enjoyed both of your blogs and I would miss you terribly if we could not "talk". I'm so sorry I have not commented more, to encourage you and to let you know I was out here. I think we even talked one time about getting together for lunch. But I totally get your thoughts and questions in your mind because I was there too. I am purchasing a manufactured home this year somewhere out in Gilbert/Mesa area and would still like to talk with you about living in one and making it home. Yes, I would miss you if you were not here and we could not talk. Judy
I am one of those that began blogging when you did. I don't get a lot of traffic either. I tried all sorts of things..but my home is small and simple..my life was full of children. I don't know...but I do know how you feel. I knew I was not ever going to be one of the mega bloggers. I even tried doing those "meme" things but didn't feel I had that much offer. Not a great cook, not a great decorator and who wants to hear Grandma stories all the time and besides, I'm past that now as they are all grown.
Ceekay, I'm sorry I didn't get to know you. I did visit you. I saw that you even traveled and visited other bloggers and to be honest here..I really did feel you were out of my league. I was very self concious and had NO idea how long anyone had been blogging or even how to find out. I was overwhelmed. Many of the blogs I visited in the beginning..I never heard from. I didn't blame them..when you have 50, 60 and sometimes more comments a day..how do you do it? I even asked other bloggers..but no one answered. I thought there was a secret.
I'm sorry I didn't get to know you. Good old insecure me just gave up on most blogs. I sat in this chair for way too many hours in the day so I know exactly what you mean on that count.
Anyway. I am looking forward to getting to know you if you stay around. :) I know you have had a lot on your plate. Many of us do but few know of it.
Hang in there..you are a fine person.
Mona
Wow, did this post generate some comments or what? Just like old time. I agree, I began my blog in 2008 and there was a lot more folks that just wanted to be friends. I have dropped several that became full blown commercialized blogs. (heaven forbid I am considering dropping S Savvy Style, sorry Kim) She has the most horrid of adds that roll across the page and block the post. But, I still love my small blog roll and will keep up the my blog just for a journal of my little life.
Hi there. I am in Australia and whenever I sit down at the computer I check in to your blog. I dont comment but always check and enjoy your courage and enjoyment of life. Yours is an ordinary life and thats what i like to read about. Most of us have ordinary lives and cherish them too. Well done Ceekay and while ever you're blogging I will look in and see how you're doing. You are an inspiration too with your illness, ups and downs yes but strong also.
Very well said, Ceekay and I can completely relate to what you are saying. Blogging is a lot different from when we began. I often feel like I'm talking to myself and wonder if that's a sign that it's time to call it quits. Personally I have no interest in the blogs that seem to bend over backwards to outdo one another. I find it exhausting. I have always preferred reading the everyday happenings of one another's lives.
I'm secretly hoping that you decide to continue on with your blog. I still remember when I was a new blogger and did a post on a set of NOEL angels I had bought with the letter N missing. In no time flat you sent me a link to an Ebay auction featuring the missing "N". I think of you every Christmas when I look at my little angels. Now that's a good example of the good old days of blogging :).
I started blogging to give my mother updates without having to talk on the phone daily. I'm not a phone person. I used to blog everyday but now only do it twice a week. I love visiting your blog. I am a fellow Arizonan and I love your sense of thriftiness and enthusiasm for manufactured homes and your cabin. I hope to update my little mobile home using some of your ideas. I hope you keep blogging but don't do it if it becomes a chore. I will understand.
I love your blog and would miss you terribly if you were to stop posting. Yours is one of the few I visit regularly. I know I don't comment much, but I wanted you to know.
I have enjoyed visiting your blog Ceekay! You inspire me by your strength and positive attitude! Blogging is definitely different since I starting in 2008 as well. But I keep remembering that I blog for the love of writing and keeping track of things in my life. If folks want to read and comment, well, that blesses my heart, if not, oh well!! Since we do live in the same area, we really should try to get together sometime, before it gets TOO HOT!! Stay well! Blessings for a super weekend! Cindy
I hope you continue blogging as I just found you and I would like to continue on with your blog. I too was thinking about my blog and I have been at it since 2010. Sometimes I blog often and other times I have been a terrible blogger but I keep at it. I love sharing my crafts and my miniatures on my mini site. I don't care much about #'s I enjoy making new friends and learning lots of things I didn't know before. Hugs, LJ
I am late to the party! I only blog for ME!!! And I started my blog as a way to keep my family and friends up to date with all that was going on in my life. Now my life may not be interesting to OTHERS but it is to my friends and family! However, I found that OTHER people actually found and read my blog. Not mega numbers - but that was never my goal. This was just EXTRA!!! AND I actually grew to love and pray for these new friends - like YOU!!! I never do linky parties or try to increase readers. I actually do NOT want lots of readers. The ones I have are now friends and I love to hear what's going on in their lives - like yours!
IF you blog - you must do it for YOU!!! No one else. If I had NO readers and NO comments - I would still blog. It's MY way of documenting my days. Someday my children and grandchildren will be glad I was faithful in keeping a journal of my life. If not - at least I have enjoyed it! And in blogging - it's all about ME!!!
I'm a little late (what's new?) to chime in on the topic of to blog or not to blog...and when do you stop?
Sometimes I go at it strong...and then like you, I wonder if there is a better use of time...but something pops up I really want to share.
I try to keep it light on the blog all the time. I try to stay pretty regular. But I decided a long time ago-- I mainly blog without obligation.
I hardly ever make apologies for NOT blogging. I do make excuses though. ;P
If you see me make an apology for not blogging-- just send me a cyber slap! (whatever that is...just made it up)
I have been around about as long as you-- though we didn't meet until much time had passed. Like most of the women here-- I've loved meeting new friends in the blog-hood, I always find inspiration, light and friendly conversation here with you Cee-Kay.
So regardless what you do-- I'll pop in when I see a post. I might be late, but I'll be here!
Cee-Kay
I hope that you do not stop blogging, I always enjoy your posts because they are special and from the heart. I do not blog but have followed yours for a while and enjoy reading what is going on in your world. You are a very special lady.
Thanks for being real and I hope that you continue. I have not ever commented on anyone's blog before but felt the need to let you know that you do have followers
When I started blogging in 2007, I thought, ok, I'll give it a try and, boy, I've never looked back. I love it. I do...and it's wonderful to keep this olden lady's mind a little sharper...I love taking photos, I love blogging about my kids and grandkids...and I love blogging about FOOD...lol....but, here's the thing...when it is no longer fun for me...when I start worrying about this and that on blogging, I will quit. Really, I don't mind bloggers having ads..as long as they are blogging about something I am interested in, I'll be there to comment. Google + has killed a lot of blogs..and I thate that.
You have always had a sweet blog and I've enjoyed seeing you thru your double wide and your cabin...it's fun when you are excited about your thrift finds...
I feel the same about the really large link parties. I don't do the ones anymore that are so huge there's 3 pages of links. I think if they would break the catagories up, it would be better but then, that's just me.
I hope you will keep blogging..it's such a great past time and we all need that, I think.
Love to you in whatever you decide, dear C.
I totally understand what you are saying, CeeKay. I am a "little" blogger, too. That's fine with me. I don't have the desire or need to make money off my blog. I just like sharing with like-minded people when I find something at a good price, or I redo something to use in my home. Blogging fills my need for creativity, and I enjoy your blog so much. I like visiting the blogs that don't brag about what they make on ads, what some company gives them, or WHAT THEY ARE WEARING!! I don't care!! The simple, real blogs are the ones I love, and that is all mine will ever be. Hope you continue to share your blog with us.
Hi CeeKay,
I think you know how I feel on this subject. I post less and less all the time. I still love it though. I have to say that when you have a parent in the hospital and another in hospice, focusing on the next post seems so low on the priority list. And of course you can't go into all that on the blog. So people just stop coming by.
Ha! My stats are so low now.... :)
But who's counting :)
~Liz
I SO identify with everything you said! I have thought about the same thing. I miss the 'good ol' days' when blogging was a fun way to connect with gals who would actually 'talk' back to me. So many of those blogs have gone commercial and they never reply to a word I say in their comments. But, on the other side of the picture, I have made some wonderful new friends through blogging - friends I would never have met if I hadn't ventured into this world of blog! I've met several in person and have wonderful friendships with them and some I hope to meet someday. If not here - in Heaven where we can sit and chat all day long! And I would LOVE to catch up with you down here, my friend. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to get down your way. If I do, you'll know I'm headed your direction, for sure!
~Adrienne~
Hi Ceekay, I am new to your blog - having found you because you left a comment on my blog! I am also a blogger that doesn't make money from my blog and started blogging when my Mom died. She lived down the street from me for 30 years - my best friend and boy, was I missing her and so lonely. At first I had only 2 or 3 comments for so very long, but gradually people found me, one by one. I hope you don't stop blogging because I just found you. Sending you encouragement and hugs xo Karen xo
I just realized that I haven't been here to your blog in awhile, and I apologize; but, actually I have been spending more time doing stuff than reading stuff. I have had some of the same feelings as you, Ceekay. I started blogging in 2010, having just retired and going through a devastating family crisis. I had no idea what I was doing, but The Pioneer Woman talked about blogging and what a great outlet it was. I fumbled my way through setting up my blog and was so shocked when a couple of people started following and commenting. I think you were one of my earliest followers, Ceekay. There were several others who were such welcoming balm for my injured soul, but most of those early blog friends have turned to the business side of blogging and almost never connect anymore. It kind of makes me sad, and it forced me to look at blogging as more of a journal. So I guess what I'm saying is that I blog more for myself than anyone else. Yes, I still feel connected on a more personal level with a handful of bloggers (like you), but most of the other bloggers have become "eye candy" and useful as reference and pinning. I've only had a few negative commenters, but I weld the power of the "delete" button! Life is too short to deal with any of that. I hope you continue to blog, but when it isn't fun anymore, then you have every right to stop.
Well, apparently I write comments as long as my blog posts, so please forgive my long-windiness and have a great rest of your week!
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