Saturday, March 25, 2006

Is blogging worth it?

I'm going for my record in shortest time between posts. Woo-hoo!

So, I haven't been posting lately because I'm having all kinds of blogging conflict. There's the "what's my focus" conflict, the "I can't come up with anything to say that several others haven't already said" conflict, the "I hate writing" conflict", the "is blogging all about popularity" conflict", the "how in hell will I blog when I'm employed" conflict, and the "what do I believe about the conflicts I've been reading about on other blogs" conflict. There are even more conflicts, but I'm tired.

I've learned that other bloggers go through at least some of these issues too. In a way that makes me feel better-we're all trying to sort things out. But it also makes me feel worse. Why are we putting ourselves through this! Why don't we all set up a weekly lunch or dinner time, get together, talk and relax. Leave the blogging behind. If only we didn't live so damn far apart. Well, have a refreshing beverage and take a break for me. Put your feet up. I'm off to pet the rabbit.

7 comments:

Kim said...

A break from blogging is good sometimes, SE--but don't you be cheating me out of my beloved Monday Bunny Blogging Day tomorrow :):):) (Oh ok, if you MUST. But bring him back NEXT monday, please!)

manxome said...

"I've learned that other bloggers go through at least some of these issues too."

So, I'll share my own answers to the conflicts you bring up. :)

"There's the "what's my focus" conflict"

My focus is that it's my reaction to whatever I'm having a reaction to. No real theme or focus. Just "I need to express this, ooh, I'll get a blog."

"the "I can't come up with anything to say that several others haven't already said" conflict"

In that case I'd usually just take part in a good thread on it. If it really blows me away, it ends up being a real simple "go lookie" type link.

"the "I hate writing" conflict"

Yeah, me too.

"the "is blogging all about popularity" conflict"

Pooh. Popularity is so high school. I do it to express, and get better at it since I hate writing, but need to get better at finding words.

"the "how in hell will I blog when I'm employed" conflict"

I don't owe anyone anything with my blogging. I define it. If I start working again it will adjust as it needs to for my own needs.

"and the "what do I believe about the conflicts I've been reading about on other blogs" conflict."

I don't have to believe anything or take any sides. I read and respond to what interests me. Conflicts only make my eyes roll.

Hope this helps. :)

spotted elephant said...

For you, Kaka, I will. But Bumble says you owe him lots of carrots.

Manxome-thank you for the encouraging words!

I'm surprised to hear you hate writing-I'd have guessed you liked/loved it and it came naturally to you. The conflict that bothered me the most was the "I can't come up with anything to say that several others haven't already said" problem. But you're right-this is about reacting to things, expressing what we think and not worrying about anything else. I'm just reading so many blogs right now, and the quality of the writing is excellent. Instead of just enjoying the other blogs, I end up getting intimidated when I sit down to write. Sheesh. Thanks again-I needed to hear that.

manxome said...

"Manxome-thank you for the encouraging words!"

You're welcome, SE. :)

"I'm surprised to hear you hate writing-I'd have guessed you liked/loved it and it came naturally to you."

Ha, there's a lot I don't write!

Writing and verbally expressing are a frustrating thing for me. I'm more a visual person. The way I write, I guess, is more a reaction. It's what can focus me and get me started. Then I often get snarky or pissy, instead of being the type who writes to inform or convert.

That said, if for some reason I got big exposure, the pressure to live up to some standard would send me running. Not only am I more visual, I'm more behind-the-scenes and small-group. I swear, every time I get a link I think "please don't let this ruin my cozy little spot backstage and thrust me center stage."

"But you're right-this is about reacting to things, expressing what we think and not worrying about anything else."

It certainly is about me, and I only suspected it might be about you. People do it for different reasons. I don't think there has to be an expectation that if you blog, you need to be journalistic or fair or anything else. There's room for all of it. Do what you will with the slice of it you claim.

"I'm just reading so many blogs right now, and the quality of the writing is excellent."

Yeah, I have to occasionally edit down my list or else I get nothing done! I like blogs for the interaction, and I interact better on smaller ones where I can just be my imperfect self and still take part in a dialogue. The good writing out there on all-sizes inspires me.

"Instead of just enjoying the other blogs, I end up getting intimidated when I sit down to write."

I look at it as my little spot is for the leftovers that I can't get into elsewhere because 1. the thread is too big and that is what feels intimidating to me, or 2. I start replying and it gets long and I figure hey, this is where "get your own blog" comes in, or, 3. I actually saw something no one else wrote on yet and I have an urge to gripe.

So selfish! ;)

Me said...

I know what you mean SE. Many of these issues cropped up for me, the one about "I can't come up with anything to say that several others haven't already said" is easy.

Say it anyway!

The more the merrier I always say and it really does a hell of alot of good when there's a sort of 'topic' out there. It's a wonderful way to raise awareness.

In any case, you can't stop blogging, I just added you to the blogroll!

On a more serious note. I know what you mean. It's tough putting yourself out there.

Maxome has said it far better than I could have. But your voice is valuable and plus, I love the bunny blogging! There's tons of cat blogging out there, but I want to know where all the bunnies are? *biggrin*

spotted elephant said...

Manxome-I don't even think about asking someone before I link them. I just find a blog I really like and intend to read regularly, and link it. If you'd rather I not link to your blog, please let me know-I don't want to have you linked if you don't want me to.

I have a well of snark in me that I didn't know about until I started blogging. :) or :( ?

Once again, thanks for the supportive words-I really appreciate them.

spotted elephant said...

bb-If *you* think you don't have anything original to say, then I'm truly blown away. I think you're right-there are so many voices out there and it's a positive thing rather than a negative.

I'm honored you added me to your blogroll! Thank you! :)

I can't say how pleased I am that people enjoy the bunny blogging. *blushes*

Thanks for being so supportive. You've reminded me of the most important reason to blog-community.