Who was it that said "one of the rules in blogging is don't blog about blogging"? I honestly can't remember. But whoever it was I'm sure they don't read this blog. If I were a painter I'd blog about painting. If I were a gymnast I'd blog about gymnastics. Get my drift? Therefore, I will blog about blogging. Who was it that said "my blog, my rules"? Oh yes, that was me. And a million other bloggers, no doubt.
Blogging in the holidays is quite hard work, especially for parents. I used to hate taking blogging breaks and would find myself worried that I'd lose all my readers if I didn't publish a post every other day. Then I relaxed a little, realised I was being ridiculous. The loyal readers will always come back. The occasional ones will try to keep up. And the rare ones will pop in from time to time, making themselves known and acknowledging your post with interest. Blogging is an interactive activity, and one to enjoy, not worry over. I learnt my lesson a while back when I went through all that awful plagiarising shit - remember? I still read about people's hard work being copied and used elsewhere and it still infuriates me that this goes on.
I'm interested in knowing why you read the blogs you do; is it because you like the blogger, because you like the writing style, because you have always read that blog and couldn't imagine not ever reading it? I read many blogs throughout the week that I've been reading for several years, all because I enjoy them. What do you want from a blog? What do you expect to see when you click on a blog? Spontaneity, continuity, humour, poetry, pictures, well-written content? I see it all. And I love it all. I hope I am able to vary the style of my blog as I'm not just blogging to promote my writing anymore - that was my aim in the early days when I was researching and writing Discovery at Rosehill and I used to tell you about my paranormal experiences - now I aim to tell you about all sorts, a variety that I hope will tempt you back again. Love Life. Love Blogging.
I know what you mean, I've not been writing as much myself while OH has been overseas for the last month and it just is what it is. I blog for myself and if others like to read the drivel I write then I'm grateful and happy. But I WILL NOT get upset about it. And blogging about blogging rocks :D
ReplyDeleteI admit to getting upset about blogging once upon a time, but it's a hobby and at the end of day, hobbies come and go. Perhaps blogging will too.
DeleteFor me blogs have pretty much replaced magazines - being abroad English language magazines are expensive and a long drive away, so my internet time is divided between online newspapers and blogs.
ReplyDeleteI love the way that on a blog you can get a glimpse into someone else's life - like peeking through a curtain free window on a winter night - but the power remains in the blogger's hands to divulge as much or as little of what they are really experiencing.
Having zero talent with crafts, I like to look at what really talented craft bloggers display on their blogs, and admire. Recipe bloggers aren't generally sponsored to push certain ingredients, and I trust them much more than certain well known cookery writers, as providing recipes for real food that works.
And then there are the blogs like yours, which I like to read because you always have something interesting to say - there are some really talented writers who articulate their opinions and experiences in brilliant and original ways - very very different from newspaper articles.
Finally, the blogging community is made up, in the majority, of some very nice people. And those who aren't so nice? Well, no need to click on their blogs or follow their tweets. When I started out my blog it was as writing practice - I didn't imagine many people would ever read it. But I have been astounded again and again by the nice emails and comments I have received from complete strangers, some of whom I now consider to be almost friends - people I can email or tweet for advice about all kinds of things,and who I know will be around if I need support.
Agree, the ones we don't like there is no need to read. That's the beauty of blogging - you can click away and not feel as though you've been ripped off with a badly written article!
DeleteI read a variety of blogs for a variety of reasons. A couple of political ones, some funny ones, some feminist ones. Basically for me to read past the first couple of lines of a post it either has to humour me, educate me, infuriate me, make me smile or having me nodding in agreement.
ReplyDeleteI have a handful of blogs that I read religiously, but mostly I dip in and out of blogs - usually because I've seen a tweet or a facebook status and the subject matter seems interesting.
I think Twitter is good for promoting blogs and I've also found some really great ones through it.
DeleteI usually read a blog because the subject or the style of writing is one I like, or I feel an affinity with the person writing. I will add it to the list of blogs I like. If the writer doesn't post for weeks one end, I do worry if they are ill or have some kind of other problem, but am always reassured when their latest post pops up in my list of blogs to read.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog because I know the area well(Greg's family come from that way originally and some are still there), I like your style of writing and love to hear about the farm, the animals, Amy etc as well as to learn about autism. I feel I know you, altho we have never met, and could never stop reading your blog now!
That's so true. I've been following blogs since the early days and now feel I now the blogger. One of the niceties about Blogging.
Deletei read a pretty good variety of blogs....mostly because of the people behind them....some are for the writing...some for the art, but mostly because of the people...
ReplyDeleteThe people do matter to me too. I think we get to know a person through their writing or photographs and that's certainly happened to me over the years.
DeleteI have a few old favourites that I read through habit, a few stock favourites and click through lots of links from social media platforms. I'm terrible for remembering to keep up with blogs which is why I subscribe by email to a lot of them. What I want from a blog is something that I'll resonate with and that comes in many different formats.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to be able to relate to a post as it gives you more food for thought, and if you're leaving a comment it makes it more interesting.
DeleteMainly, I read the people I've been with for years...The one's that have stuck with me. I do sometimes click on new sites to investigate their blogs, when I have a chance...
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend friend!
hughugs
Same here, Donna. I often click on new blogs and some I like, some I don't. But that's always going to be the case. I have some old favourites of course - like yours!
DeleteWell, I've been popping in and out here for a long time, but it didn't take me long to learn you're a lovely lady - and for me to know I shall certainly be back for more! ♥
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely thing to say! And of course the feeling is mutual.
DeleteI think it's ultimately because we love writing isn't it?! that's at the heart of it! x
ReplyDeletePerhaps... Though some blogs I do read because I just find them interesting and they aren't particularly well-written, just well-documented.
DeleteI have only been following you for a short time. I may not always comment but I do read every post. I like your style of writing and the way you talk about a variety of subjects. Obviously the draw card was autism! :) I did buy your book on Kindle and I loved it. I tend to follow blogs written by parents of children with special needs. I am so boring... I only write about my life as a mum who has an autistic teenager.
ReplyDeleteThat's not boring at all, it's your niche and what you are comfortable with. I write about a variety of subjects because I feel comfortable alternating my posts.
DeleteExcellent question. Blogging is an extension of life and so I read blogs by people I like, who move, provoke or make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteA good reason to read blogs in my opinion. There are so many interesting people out there and it's easy to find who they are by reading their blog.
DeleteI read blogs because invariably they are fun, interesting, varied - a bit like a good magazine where you can dip in and out and keep up to date with people. So I suppose I read blogs because I like people. I don't always comment, I don't read every blog, even my favourite people's as there just isn't enough hours in the day. Keep on blogging, I say. Long live the blog.
ReplyDeleteThere certainly are not enough hours in the day to read all the posts I'd like to read. I think it there were, I'd do nothing else!
DeleteIt is a hard question to answer. I read different blogs for different reasons. Some are bloggers who live locally to me. Some are old friends and others are bloggers who have something in common with me.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to read blogs for different reasons, I think it gives us a better understanding of all the many topics of conversation we could be having in real life.
DeleteI read yours 'cos your fit.
ReplyDeleteYour comment made my day! Not been called fit for a very long time!!
DeleteI read blogs by craftspeople to be inspired, get a kickstart with a project, something I want to make but don't know how or even what sometimes!I read because I am a writer and people and their lives fascinate me, which is why I love people-watching. Yes I'm the nosey old bag who always seems to be looking out of her window! I read blogs that are well-written, interesting, not full of hippity hoppity over the top blandness. I read blogs by people I feel I have something in common with. I only have a handful that I follow religiously, get bored easily so how people manage to spend hours online every day, reading blogs, is beyond me.
ReplyDeleteAnother nosey old bag here but it gives life an edge and introduces us to a variety of topics we wouldn't perhaps have discovered otherwise.
DeleteI suppose I like all types of blogs, good stories, those that grip me, make me think, make me laugh, and also I enjoy looking at photo blogs as well. Reading about other peoples lives can often help you the reader to get a true perspective of your own.
ReplyDeleteI read all types of blogs to be honest, I'm easily pleased although I do like it to be well written. If I like the blogger I'll generally stop by their blog to check them out even if their content doesn't grab me but it probably wont be a regular thing.
ReplyDelete