Sunday, August 26, 2012

BLOGGING - WHY?


BLOGGING as in why do we do it, what purpose does it serve and is there a point.

Don’t grab your pitchforks yet, but hear me out. I’ve been having a hard time with my blog space these past few months. I can’t seem to focus. I have started to questions myself. Things like; Hey FAE, why do you blog anyway. I’m not looking for my fifteen minutes of fame, not really trying to impress anybody or look cool, Ha, ha, ha. I don’t really have helpful tips to offer, unless maybe I’m setting an example of how NOT to do some things.

AND, what purpose does it serve. Well, I’m not sure. I have met some really nice people. When they comment on my space, I’m reminded to go to theirs and generally I learn something new, or I’m uplifted, or I just escape into their funny stories, lives, or whatever for a few minutes. Some of you have become closer than others and helped me to learn lessons that I needed. But, often it seems so one sided. I really don’t feel as though I’m giving much back.

THEN, what is the point. Often I feel that the time I spend blogging and reading and commenting on the blogs of others, could be better spent writing, editing and in general trying to get something published. The truth of the matter is, that I probably would not spend the time that way, but would be ‘goofing off’ somewhere else, and I wouldn’t be learning the things you guys are teaching or be entertained near as well.

I started blogging because I thought I needed to build a platform (although I’m not exactly sure what that means) for my writing. Everyone says that in a Query Letter you should send prospective agents and editors to your blog. It’s helpful for them to get to know you and see some of your ‘other’ writing. In actuality, I think my blog might send prospective agents and editors screaming into the night, as opposed to encourage them to request my manuscripts. My blog feels more like therapy most of the time. I really don’t want to give it up; I’m just not sure exactly how to continue.

I have noticed during the months of July and August, (August in particular) several other bloggers, seeming to have some of the same questions and difficulty that I’m expressing here. So, who has the answer? To blog or not to blog? What is the question? Are you able to find the balance between working on your ‘creative - as in hoping to have published – writing’ and blogging? How do you all stay interesting and creative in this format? Any and all answers (even and especially the humorous) are appreciated.

28 comments:

  1. So snark is welcome?
    A lot of people have pulled back this summer. Some due to vacations and some to burnout.
    I started blogging to build a platform, which I continue because I do have two books out with a third in the works.
    But the real reason I blog is to connect with others and support my fellow bloggers. I'm blessed to be in the position I'm in with so many followers and friends and I enjoy helping others spread the word about their accomplishments, no matter what they may be.
    And I enjoy coming to your blog because you always offer something new and refreshing. And because you are a special person.

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  2. I'm in exactly the same boat as you (don't drop me overboard!). I too started because of the famous "platform". I don't like Facebook and Twitter (shhhhh) but I do them because I feel I should. But I do like my blog. It's a little part of me and I can make it my own. I don't write anything jaw-dropping or even particularly informative, but I do like the interaction with others. I honestly don't know if I've sold any books because of my blog, but I'll keep on doing it, simply because it's a great way to keep writing and I love the people I meet on blogs.

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  3. >> . . . I really don’t want to give it up; I’m just not sure exactly how to continue.

    Not sure I believe that. I'm thinking that deep down you really do want to give it up.

    I'm with you though. I've been burned out on blogging for a long time now. It all seems pretty pointless to me, and I'm just hoping I can finish up the last couple ideas I have so I can put 'F-FFF' to bed.

    But if a person actually enjoys blogging, then more power to 'em. At least it keeps 'em off the streets and outta jail.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  4. Why not just reduce your frequency of blogging? Then carve that time for writing, reduce other commitments.

    Good luck. Think on it for a few days.

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  5. I started blogging in the hopes of making connections with other writers. It worked and thanks to those connections I now have a few wonderful crit partners as well as another blog I share with some other writers. I enjoy blogging because it gives me the opportunity to write something different. And while I will admit it does take time away from writing I've also been a lot more productive since I started blogging thanks in no small part to everything I've learned from other bloggers. It works for me but it isn't for everyone.

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  6. I know how you feel. I started to blog to build a platform and connect with other writers. I have, and I really like it, but it takes so much of my time. I know I spend a lot more time blogging than I should. The balance is very difficult to find.

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  7. I took a long break this summer from the blog, in part because of burnout, and also because I felt I wasn't spending enough time writing my novel. I ended up missing everyone though. Once I got caught up on the novel I decided to jump back in and keep blogging. I think in part I need to feel as though I've got a "water cooler" where I can hang out with other writers and just talk.

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  8. I've been having a lot of the same issues over the last couple of months. Though my blog is a book review blog most of the time. I've been thinking that the time I use to blog is a waste as I could be utilizing it to write or research but in reality I would be wasting that time doing something else. Like watching TV.

    I've thought about getting rid of my blog but then I remember all the wonderful people I've met and the good times I've had. Now I've just cut back on blogging to a manageable timetable and it's helped me to find a bit of balance.

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  9. I'm of two minds with blogging. I like writing short little posts but I don't have time to dedicate to really build relationships with other bloggers. When I have more free time, I do go to other blogs but it's rare these days to visit many. Also, blogging is so saturated that I'm not sure how much of a platform anyone is building. I don't see many readers as followers or commenters, mostly other writers. I have no answer is what I just figured out.

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  10. I think if you wanted to quit, you would just flip the switch and wouldn't look back.

    I agree with the comment about the water cooler. Maybe that's enough.

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  11. Hi! Jane mostly uses her blog to keep our far-flung family current on what's happening and what we're thinking about. Also it has been a good "log" for our missions. (Chile in Oct!)

    It's been great to read your blog for updates on what you guys are up to and to help us remember the great people and places on your island in the sun.

    KB

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  12. Bloggers comes in a time where they question why they do blog. That's just normal. Even in life with do question our actions and the likes.
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  13. Bloggers comes in a time where they question why they do blog. That's just normal. Even in life with do question our actions and the likes.
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  14. I blog to get the silly thoughts out of my head. I'm thrilled when anyone reads and comments on my posts. Blogging has also honed my writer 'voice.' So far, I've not done anything else with it. I don't do contests or plug other writers, at least yet. Maybe I just enjoy reading other writer's angst. I then don't feel so insecure.

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  15. I started blogging for no reason at all. It has evolved in ways I had no idea it would and I've had the great pleasure of *meeting* people who have helped me learn and grow.

    I used to blog every day, but now two is all I can handle. Who knows, at some point I may reduce it to once a day.

    The point it is have fun. If you aren't having fun then I say, take a break.

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  16. Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way. I, too, have been contemplating giving up on my blog to actually invest some time into my other writing, but for some reason, I feel super bad about quitting. I really do think it's just the summer that's got me feeling this way. I've never had a blog through the summer, so maybe my desire to do other things like go to the beach are getting in my way. Let's see how I feel come fall/winter.

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  17. I also started blogging to build platform, but this year I've started working, so it's become harder to maintain my blog the way I had been before.

    But the point is that while it's valuable, blogging can never come in the way of my life and my writing. So now I take short breaks every now and then. I'd rather skip a few posts than burn out. :-)

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  18. I love to blog, because I feel connected to the writing world, if met some amazing new friends, enjoy sharing fellow blogger journeys. However, I did cut back to 3 days a week of blogging this year. I was blogging seven, and it was too much. Now, I'll visit other people, but I won't have a post on my own blog. Balance I think is key.

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  19. I go back and forth. Mostly I pare back in the summer so I can focus on my kids while they are at home. But once they go back to school I get lonely.

    I love the social aspect of blogging, that's why I always come back. However that has it's downside too. If I'm being too social, I'm usually not writing. My real question isn't whether to blog or not, but how to find the balance. I'll keep trying until I get it right.

    good luck!

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  20. For me, there are two sides to blogging: the selfish motive where I have my own space to experiment in and gain feedback, and the side where I get to learn so much from others.

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  21. to be honest as they say--when i started blogging a few years ago, i thought people would love to read my blog- boy was i wrong--not until my "dil" adie told me about the az challenge did i feel connected to other writers and maybe a little read--and then i got kinda tired of blogging and thought hmmm maybe i can make some money through the "google ads"--which motivated me to keep writing--but that has been a bust--so now i just write when i feel like it --very interesting post :)

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  22. "I BLOG, THEREFORE I AM."

    Hokey-Smoke! 22 comments! (23 now.) Well, "writing about writing", or "blogging about blogging", these are always hot topics that brings 'em out.

    Maybe you should just remodel FarAwaySeries. Give it a perpetual theme: 'A Blog About Blogging'. That would surely turn this into one of the most popular blogs in the Blogosphere!

    Of course if "popularity" isn't necessarily the thing yer after, you could always just follow my blogging example -that's sure to drive the readers away... FAR AWAY. SERIES-LY!

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  23. I blog BECAUSE I want to become (and remain) published. Every writer needs a platform, and having a solid blog is a great way to market yourself. As for creativity, we just try to keep it simple and force ourselves to post on certain days. Oh, and alcohol helps. A lot. No, really.

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  24. I blog basically because it gives me an outlet to converse with other people. I don't have the most vibrant real life social thing goin' on. I guess this question, to blog or not to blog, can only be answered by the person doing it.

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  25. I started blogging to build a platform, too. Over time, I've learned so much and connected with so many writers at all levels. That we cheer each other on is valuable. And I would not have gotten my toehold in publishing without the support of the blogging network.

    Blog about what matters to you and what excites you, and it's not so hard. I have a set time M-F that I visit other blogs. I try to load up my posts on the weekends. I take weekends off from commenting.

    It's an individual thing, but I think the network built is extremely valuable ... especially once you start publishing.

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  26. I guess it's time I come back and say WOW! I had no idea a blog post about blogging would get so much attention.

    Thanks you all for your comments and advice. It is interesting to see the different personalities expressed. I DO appreciate the support each that every one of you has offered.

    For me the jury is still out. I think I need some time to see exactly where I stand and what I want/need to do. Although every one of you have broadly different styles, I enjoy reading your posts. I do wish each and every one of you success in the path you choose.

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  27. If you don't like to blog, I wouldn't do it. There are other ways to create an online presence. I've always kind of thought of my blog as an online diary of my journey to learn how to write. I've met a lot of fun people--like you. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

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  28. If it is no fun anymore it is time to take a break or stop. I only do it for fun and to interact with the people I meet along the way, poking fun at them and myself. It helps that I can just rant about any type of nonsense I want too haha

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