Are you a thinker? I've always been a thinker. I even start loads of sentences off with 'I think' and it must bore folk to the brink. I think everywhere; in bed, stood at the kitchen sink, on the loo, in the shower, at my desk, yet I so often wish I had the audacity to think out load. There's such a lot we could say to each other if we allowed ourselves to speak more, instead of just staring into space and clogging up our thoughts. These days, I spend a relatively large amount of time thinking up a blog post, and I find myself scrapping ideas quicker than I can say "that's shit". I really envy those who can just write an article or blog post about what's truly on their minds, even if it means a few cringes along the way. So instead, I'm going to list some points below with some of my (less ranty) thoughts, and if I ever find a back bone, I'll treat you to a post with some really ranty thoughts.
Family Issues:-
1. Why do men never put dirty washing in the linen basket? Does the Farmer really think I want to handle his skids?
2. I so wish Amy wouldn't shout at her Nintendo 3DS. Can't help feeling sorry for the virtual pets she has.
3. I love my mum more than life itself, but when she knows I work from home, she still insists on ringing me during the day and says, "I don't have anything to tell you." *goes cross-eyed*
Social Media Issues (I'll restrict this to just a few as I could go on for quite some time)
1. I can't help 'thinking' that Twitter, Facebook, Google plus and many other platforms are killing off blog comments. Would love your views on this...
2. Blogging is not a competition, it is (supposed to be) a pleasure.
3. I'm thrilled to be on various blogging lists and am actually chuffed that my little corner of the Universe is acknowledged for all the hard work I do; ranks and Top 10's are just awesome. Especially if I'm on them. *smiles wickedly*
4. Have never been able to work out why people on Twitter RT (retweet) their #FF mentions. I mean, it's nice to be mentioned but really, doooo stop.
5. Some people are so me, me, me. #justsaying
6. PR emails should be professionally worded and shouldn't start with silly bollocks such as "Hey, Crystal, how are you today?" Makes my finger hit the delete button. Pronto.
7. Bitchy blogging, bitchy tweeting and bitchiness in general needs to stop. Period.
8. And just getting back to that PR thought; no, I won't advertise your company on my blog for nothing. Go and pay someone like everyone else has to.
Parenting Issues
1. One day I will look back on my life and realise I made a difference. For now, I'll just roll my eyes and let my pre-teen daughter get the frustration of puberty out of her system. (Another how many years of this...?)
2. I so wish people would check their kids hair for nits, just every so often.
3. If folk think it's okay to stare at me and my daughter in a condescending fashion, they should find themselves a mirror and realise how ignorant they look. Not to mention ugly.
If you have any gripes you want to get off your chest, please feel free to leave them in the comments section. Interaction is what blogging is all about; let's try and bring back the spark that used to light up this wonderful world of the Blog.
Well, I, a male, always put my underwear in the laundry basket. Of course, I’ve lived alone (except for the cats) most of the past 15 years. (If I don’t do it, I know that the cats won't)
ReplyDeleteI know that Twitter & Facebook have drastically cut down on my blog posts! Until the past few weeks, that is. I really can’t get blogging out of my blood!
I wouldn't want to stop blogging either, Nick. I'd even sacrifice Twitter and FB for the blog if I had to. After all, I was blogging before I joined either of the other networks, and I'm still going (strong).
DeleteI left you my comment on twitter.
ReplyDeleteYou're just toooo funny!!
DeleteSigh...!
Ps before you go hunting, that was a joke!
ReplyDeleteOh I loved this post! So many things on your list that are on my list too! In terms of social media, I have actually just posted regarding how I am banning myself from looking at Facebook during the day, too much of a time waster! Stops me from doing things that I should be doing or things that I really actually enjoy doing (blogging, reading etc). Thanks for a great blog!
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy FB but I have limited my page to only people I interact with online or personal friends. I used to have over 2,000 friends on there but the majority of them I didn't know!!
Deletelol...blogging is not a competition yet you love the top 10 list...lol...i hear you though...i think social media fits for some because it is quick fixes...and men just have a hard time, we like to save up and then take them to the dirt clothes, its an efficiency thing...ok, i guess you probably did not buy that...smiles.
ReplyDeleteHaha, you picked up on that one, Brian!
DeleteBut seriously, everyone likes a bit of competition from time to time, but taking it too seriously doesn't do help us when it comes to social media and interacting.
Hahaha, oh my husband does so many things that just boggle my mind. I actually think it's something genetically engineered in males that makes them do the things they do (sorry guys)
ReplyDelete:-)
I started a March photo a day challenge and that has helped to cut the Facebook time, and I just check on family and close friends now.
I thought ages 13 - 17 were the worst, hope that won't be true for you.
I reckon you're right about the male thing, lol. I'm sure they have plenty about us women that they could moan about!!
DeleteP.S. I love the differences in our language...
ReplyDeleterealize - realise
bathroom - loo
color - colour
I know there are lots more, but I can't think of any now.
It's fun :-)
You're right, even though we follow the English language, it's amazing how many different spellings there are. Thanks for pointing that out :)
DeleteI think alot, but the thoughts are too big and long to write down. If I wrote my every thought...
ReplyDeletePuberty you say? Another four to six years, depending on the child.
I do have a gripe I'd like to get of my chest. Why do some people that already have boyfriends have another hot guy crushing over them-scratch that, two hot guys. No, scratch that, guys asking for their numbers any time they go out for coffee- whereas others get nothing? I can't say nothing though. I was invited by this guy to join him and his group of friends out sometime. Oh yeah, totally mate, I'd love that. I like it when guys use me to show off to their friends. He wasn't even hot.
Another 4-6 years? Hmmm, thanks for that!!
DeleteI don't know the answer to your question, hunny. I've never had the gushing guys problem. But I reckon some people are just lucky and perhaps a little over confident.
I do most of my thinking in the shower i realised recently! Glad i'm not alone there but it seems there must be very few places you don't think!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you on number 6 by the way
*scrolls back to number 6 to remind oneself*
DeleteOh yes, I had a full post about PR's but I deleted it. I think I'll be publishing another at some stage though because the emails bloggers are receiving these days are getting somewhat out of hand.
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ReplyDeleteHoney this post was awesome! You definitely had me smiling, if not giggling, at a few of your points. I also think WAY too much, often in many of the same places you do! Weirdly enough, I actually asked a guy friend of mine once about why I think so much in the bathroom (most often the shower) and he said it's because that's the one place our bodies relax, so our minds go into overdrive. Personally, I wish there were waterproof notebooks and pens or at least waterproof voice recorders so I could corral all those thoughts and ideas properly...In short, I believe all of this thinking is simply due to our creative natures. Sucks, yes, but hey, apparently God has a twisted sense of humor, right? :P
ReplyDeleteTo sum up, though, your blog post was refreshing, and I will definitely work on putting together my own little rant for MY blog! Thanks for sharing!
That makes perfect sense, Sabrina. I think it's probably the only place my body relaxes because I sure as hell don't relax otherwise! Let me know when you've done your rant because I'd love to read it and link it on my blog.
DeleteWell said... Blogging is a community that should share and not hold ranks with each other. We all have our place, We should not let the cliques ruin things !
ReplyDeleteAnd as for comments on blogs don't get me started... I reckon some >> cough<< popular bloggers could blog about a lollipop or waiting for a bus and they would get oddles of comments. I blog to make a differance and yes , yes I do like comments...
And if I make a mistake on twitter please blogger or anyone else remember I am human .. and o not need to be pulled up on every little mistake.. if you wish to do so at least make it look like a joke and don't make me feel like a stupid school girl.
And yes I have made spelling mistakes on this comment and my grammar is all over the place..!
Unfortunately, Claire, blogging is nowhere near as good as it used to be when I first started. There have been a lot of changes over the years, some for the better but many for the worse. Pulling you up on mistakes is ridiculous - just shows how petty some people are.
DeleteSee what I mean i made mistakes in the above !
ReplyDeleteJust about everything I think about goes on the blog, unless it's about my ex-husband as that wouldn't be fair on the kids *sigh* ... though I have considered Blogynonymous
ReplyDeleteYes, Blognonymous is a great invention - a huge credit to the ladies who set it up - I think Nickie O'Hara and Jay Mountford are 2 but I can't remember the others (sorry guys).
DeleteI think and I drive myself nuts at times when I can't shut it off. I have noticed myself that blog comments are becoming less and Twitter is 'the place' for conversation but I do answer any comments left on my blog posts as I like to hear other peoples opinions as I know my thoughts are not everyone's but that's what my blog is for..
ReplyDeleteI'm nuts all the time, flower, so I wouldn't worry, lol.
DeleteI've started replying to blog comments individually like on this post because I really want to encourage interaction on my blog more, rather than it being on Twitter. I love Twitter, don't get me wrong, but when a post has been read I'd much rather they share their thoughts in the comments. That's just me though, I know many people don't agree.
Hi CJ, yes I've noticed a lot more conversation on twitter. I must admit to doing this myself but am trying to make time to comment on blogs. As for blogging generally, I am not keen on those lists that rank bloggers. I think they do encourage competition which may not be a bad thing for some people but its not for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, I'm really trying to comment on more blogs because I prefer people to comment on mine, rather than leave comments on my Twitter timeline - which just get lost eventually. As I have all my blog comments emailed to me, I save them all and am able to look at them from time to time.
DeleteRe blogging and social media, I just got a FB fan page for my blog. People "like" it, but I don't even know what that means! I "like" them back, but then what?? And I have share buttons, but what do people share and where?? Oh, and I can't even talk about Twitter yet. It all just makes my head spin.
ReplyDeleteGreat observations. And yes, those preteens do get through that stage and the teen stage after that. And then you can like them again!
I'm nodding my head here, I know exactly what you mean. I don't know what it means either. I'm very grateful for the "like" of course, but I don't think it really means anything.
DeleteI agree that other social media cut into blogging. But life at 140 characters seems so empty (which is why I don't tweet). I've noticed about the cut back in blogging when people get busy on Facebook. I feel that blogging is somehow more intentional
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm with you on that one, Rob. 140 chars is too little to say what you want to say and that's why I prefer comments on my blog where people can really open up and write an essay if they wish!
DeleteYes..... I'm a thinker too and sometimes this turns against me ...... as it turns to worry!
ReplyDeleteI think all this tweeting nonsense is having a detrimental effect on blogging and that it should be left to the birds because they do it naturally.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
I know what you mean, Maggie. Too much thinking does turn into worry for me, too. I lie awake sometimes worrying and can't stop thinking - it's a vicious circle.
DeleteTweeting nonsense? How could you!!
Great post! I am a bit of a thinker to and way too critical on my ideas for posts and my writing. I dont know why I'm getting all antsy about my writing anyway - I'm not a professional writer or anything! Thoroughly ia agreement with you on all comments regarding social media!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting the impression I'm not alone in my thoughts about social media such as FB and Twitter killing off blog comments - this makes me happy!! Well, of a fashion. I'd much rather have the blog comments back.
DeleteI agree with you on SO many points, especially the bit about nits, I'm dreading sending Sausage to big school amongst the head lice and chicken pox!
ReplyDeleteAs for blogging not being a competition, I'm currently in the process of taking some of your very own advice in improving my blog, but mostly taking notice of the 'hard work' part. Duly noted :-)
Yes, nits. A damn nuisance. Parents seems to think they're kids are immune, then we get the dreaded letter from school and realise someone, somewhere is ignoring this and it's very irritating.
DeleteI popped by your blog and it's a great blog, though I had a lot of difficulty trying to post a comment. I'm going to revisit shortly and see if it's there, and if not, I'll repost the comment.
Re your comment about Facebook etc killing off blogs - so true! My 'web guru' said this very thing to me several months ago - that Facebook and Twitter were stealing some of the conversational focus away from blogs and that due to their ephemeral nature were making it harder to get a meaningful conversation going. Such a shame. However, your blog still seems to be hugely successful! (As you know, I have finally succumbed to Facebook myself!)
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely happening, Barbara. I find it a crying shame to be honest because blogging could be such a fabulous interactive place where discussions could be made. I love a good discussion and I'm glad one has been generated here, but it's a shame that hardly anyone comes back to read replies because that's when the "real" discussion starts.
DeleteI agree about comments on blogs, they are almost non existent now, but the daft thing is, so many send me e-mails to say what they'd like to rather than putting it on the blog. Either that, or they read the post then comment on Facebook instead.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you receive the emails, Lorraine. I don't tend to get emails from blog readers, but I'm on Twitter and FB a lot and do have conversations on there. But like I've said above several times, I much prefer to see the interaction on my blog, it makes it so much more worthwhile to publish a blog post.
DeleteYou speak a lot of sense there! I am also a thinker and it gets me into lots of bother inside my head sometimes!!
ReplyDeleteI do indeed find I get replies about posts on twitter and facebook instead of on my actual blog post. Sometimes I find this disappointing because I'd love to get more comments on my actual blog, but when I think about it it doesn't really matter. I mean, comments on twitter and facebook, although not recorded, are still comments in response to something I wrote about and it means they've read it and want to engage with me about it. Which is fabulous! So I have to remind myself it's fine. Blogging is a hobby, I do it for the love of it, it's not about the numbers.
You're right, they are still comments and very welcome ones too. But for me personally, I'd rather have those comments on here because I spend more time on my blog than I do on FB or even Twitter - and yes, that's saying something, lol.
DeleteI've always treated blogging as a hobby and always will because I don't want to earn money from it. Not about the numbers I agree, though being recognised is a nice achievement!
The one that struck me is, Yes...other social media has certainly put a crimp in blogging! Every once in a while I'll post on FB for all my Blogger Buddies to get their butts Back to Blogger and POST!Hahaa
ReplyDeletehughugs
I think I follow you more on the blog, Donna. We've been blogging buddies for years now and your blog is one I'll always stay loyal to x
DeleteAll of this rings true. x
ReplyDeleteI too am a thinker. I am training my boys to use the laundry basket, I am determined that any partners they have will not have to handle their "skids"
ReplyDeleteLol, I do hope not, Jen
DeleteOh heck! I'm so with you on the skiddies issue!!! Whats that all about eh? Men!!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I know, bloody filthy beggars aren't they?!!!!
DeleteWe love em really though x
I've noticed my comments dwindling. I used to get many more and have been attributing it to the fact that maybe people are just tired of me.
ReplyDeleteOne gripe that I have currently is plagiarism. I found it on a blog last week and wrote her in private. I had been reading her for years and she's been visiting mine. She had lifted an ENTIRE article from a newspaper and posted it as her own. When she didn't remove it, I suggested contacting the author. It was only then that she half-heartedly rewrote it. I was shocked that someone of her caliber had stolen someone else's words and wondered how long she's been doing that. Look at me. It's still bugging me.
You know my thoughts on plagiarism, Kate, it disgusts me. I've emailed you. I can see how much this has annoyed you and I'm with you 100%
DeleteI agree with all you say Crystal.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank God you haven't got the word verification thingy which seems to be taking over.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Cate. That word verification is ruining blogs in my opinion. It's very easy to switch it off and the majority of spam comments on blogger go into their new spam folder. As an old skool blogger, I'd say one of the reasons comments are dwindling is because people are finding it so difficult to comment whilst it's easier to just respond on twitter/FB.
Deletenice posting.. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete