It is Friday.
I am here.
But I feel as tho’ I could write this post all over again…mostly all over, substituting the worry for…uncertainty, I suppose. Definitely still beside the “little,wild pool, on the moss-soft bank, making circles on the water’s surface and trying to see into its depths.”
I’d love to talk about blogging, specifically this time, if you are interested?
You see, next Friday will be my tenth blogging anniversary. That feels good and important. Yet…I continue to struggle with what to share here…and the blogs I read have lately gone the way of my unopened magazines…and the sifting of all one can do and be online goes on…
In recent months here, the spam comments I receive far outweigh the welcome and true ones…but it isn’t all about comments, is it? I understand all of the reasons for not commenting, as I don’t do very much of it myself. Yet the lack of them does start the pondering again. Everyone has their reasons for blogging, and I have an inkling that if you are sure of your reasons and they are being satisfied…the world’s response is not so weighty and spam and technical tangles not so bothersome.
But it is all wondering to me at the moment, as the swirl of blogging, numbers, hashtags and the like are tossed up in my basket and I carry on with my winnowing.
There is one spare Moon Collage Kit left in my studio, and a last package of Gratitude Notes (sorting and sifting in my studio, as well) that I would love to send to one of you in honor of my blogging anniversary next week…picked from amongst the replies to these questions. Do generalize and expand upon them, for they are meant only as a beginning for our conversation…
-Do you visit blogs as often as you used to and does it feel mostly the same or different?
-Has your commenting changed over the years if you do comment?
-Are there other ways your blog-visiting has changed over the years?
-If you have your own blog, how has it changed for you and how do you feel about it?
-Do you feel hopeful about the future of blogging?
mel April 22, 2016 at 3:40 pm
-Do you visit blogs as often as you used to and does it feel mostly the same or different? I have to confess to “no” on that one….I used to visit many, many blogs and derived great joy from doing so. But, over time, my favourites seemed to disappear – or at least move to places like Facebook (*shudder*) or Instagram (*wince*) – and even though I try very hard to enjoy Instagram, the whole notion of ‘micro-blogging’ makes me a bit sad. Mostly though, the experience changed for me because blogs became less personal and more polished. The handful I still visit have all hung onto that sort of ‘homey’ feeling that I remember from Ye Goode Olde Days of blogging. I started blogging about 8 years ago..so that gives you a sense of my own timeline.
Has your commenting changed over the years if you do comment? My commenting has definitely changed. I think it is partly due to technical difficulties {Blogger can be a real pain sometimes} and sometimes due to what particular blog I’m reading — because I’m shy and feel weird popping up out of nowhere. Of course, once I feel comfortable….;)
Are there other ways your blog-visiting has changed over the years? My bullsh*t sensors are set to a hair-trigger — I’m deeply suspicious of blogs-that-pretend-to-be-personal but are really just a vehicle for product sponsorship or to sell me something. I had the great good fortune to take a very well-known online business course a couple of years ago and so now I know all the secrets.:) I can spot shameless commerce a mile off. Which is terribly cynical of me, I know. So now I seek out the genuine places – and they are still out there – but due to my decision to be online less, I don’t visit as much as I used to.
-If you have your own blog, how has it changed for you and how do you feel about it? Oh dear! This one could spark a conversation requiring several large pots of tea! I’m currently wrangling with this one — feeling as if I’d like to resurrect my blog with regular posting, but at the same time, warring with myself over privacy, sharing, flooding the digital realms with dross etc. etc.
Do you feel hopeful about the future of blogging? I’d like to see a renaissance of Old Style blogging. I really believed that it was possible for a while there — but then got caught up in my own doubts and insecurities. I have these recurring existential crises, partnered with mild panic over Who’s Reading My Stuff. Silly, really. It’s a tug-of-war — how much time do I wish to spend online? Can I find a happy balance?
I’ve loved answering these questions — they’re very timely as I feel as if I’m on the cusp of a return to regular blogging…it helps to get myself clear on some things…and to read of other people’s feelings/experiences. At this point, I think I’m just out of the habit…
xo
Marisa April 22, 2016 at 4:56 pm
I closed my blog last year, after keeping one since 2005. I know as well that it isn’t about comments, but when you feel like no one is connecting with your heart and the effort, it’s hard to continue. I decided to put my efforts into my instagram account, because photography is my main expression. And I also write a paper zine when all those stored up thoughts need to spill out. I would love to see a resurgence of the printed word. Ultimately, my online life is a creative release and hopefully I meet kindred spirits along the way. I can’t keep up with everyone’s blogs anymore because most of the time, I’m using the web from my phone and there’s no easy way to read it. I tend to watch more videos and view photos than visit blogs now.
Kortney Garrison April 22, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Just popped over to your place at IG. Lovely, lovely!
Marisa April 27, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Thanks so much! I am following you and can’t wait to delve into your homeschooling and working at home series!
Sharon April 22, 2016 at 5:24 pm
Since first discovering blogs, and spending afternoon hours perusing (gobbling them down), my viewing has changed. Now, I usually look at a few favorites a couple times a week. Yours is one of two that I have coming to my e-mail box, and that is handy. Because I teach and mentor women, I am always on the lookout for ideas and helps to share. My one-on-one contacts have increased in number, so I give less time to online viewing, needing to discipline myself for studies and the time needed for others.. Your site is gentle, restful, and refreshing to the spirit, as well as the eyes, and your creations for sale are lovely. I always look in, after your e-mail arrives.
Lesley April 22, 2016 at 10:15 pm
Thank you, Sharon, for the lovely support.
sarah April 22, 2016 at 5:53 pm
I am thinking seriously of closing my weblog. I’ve been writing for ten years and have watched blogging slip from its heyday as the mega-blogs turned into slick businesses and the smaller voices just drifted away. I have held on to my tiny little space because I love the chance to write, but its becoming increasingly obvious that I’m fighting a losing battle. Either people simply don’t value what I have to offer, or they’re not reading smaller, arty kinds of blogs any more. The most successful blogs seem to be those which focus on things which help people in practical ways (renovating, cooking) or inspire them in a certain lifestyle (soule mama, posie gets cozy, fashion blogs for younger women). Ultimately I believe Marisa has it right, most people are reading the internet on their phones now, and blogging doesn’t suit that format. I have been thinking of what I might do instead. I am looking at the photo sharing sites and seeing how they might work better for me.
As for blog-reading, I find bloglovin difficult and temperamental, and feedly is worse, so that doesn’t help with my reading. I try to leave comments as often as possible, but am reluctant to leave them for people who never return the favour. I do see a day when personal blogs have mostly gone and all that remains are the big magazine types, the monetised blogs, and I think we will have lost something very special indeed.
Kortney Garrison April 22, 2016 at 6:16 pm
I agree that feed readers that make it easy to see updates of many, many blog make it more difficult to actually comment. For what it’s worth, Sarah, I think your “nodding quietly” style would fit nicely over at Instagram.
Lesley April 22, 2016 at 10:20 pm
Sarah, you know I agree with so much that you’ve written….have given up a blog reader, am thinking of other options. One shift that would help, to my mind, is posting less often (not for me, but for the blogs I read). Have you considered that? Another blog I like so much, in addition to yours (which I would be sad to see go, but it may be right for you) is Terri Windling’s…but daily posts are just too much for me to keep up with…then I feel “behind” and feel the need to skim. I didn’t like either of those responses, so I stopped following. But I think writers like you and Terri may use blogging as a part of your writing practice…is that right?
sarah April 23, 2016 at 2:12 am
I see what you’re saying. I used to post every day because when I don’t my stats go down – and while I’m not obsessed with stats, I do try to look at what works for my audience. Also yes, daily writing kept my practice vibrant. But I no longer have enough to say for daily posting. I love Terri’s blog, and appreciate so much how there is always something wonderful from her for me to read each morning. She is in my “always read” file. But I certainly couldn’t read daily posts from all the blogs I enjoy 🙂
jenni April 22, 2016 at 6:18 pm
wow everyone has written so much and has a lot to say. i miss blogs there are some of my favorites that just don’t post very much anymore, but i know i also have a hard time keeping up with my own blog and don’t always have a lot to say.
so its hard to know what the future of blogs will be, but i do hope you continue to post, it’s such a welcome sense of peace, but i also know it can be difficult to keep up with and you can only do what feels right to you.
Kortney Garrison April 22, 2016 at 6:27 pm
I think my blog reading has changed, has slowed down. And I read mostly from feedly which is ugly and hard to comment from. I have really enjoyed getting a phone with a camera and playing over at Instagram. The people there are much more engaged than at my blog. And really my blog posts were never very long, so “microblogging” fits me 😉
Thanks for asking this question, Lesley. I’ve liked popping in to other people’s places. Had a very back in the day blog hop feel to it!
Gwyn April 22, 2016 at 7:33 pm
I don’t read blogs as much as I used to. I use a blog reader and I skim over subjects, tending to avoid those subjects that are to commercial. Many that I used to enjoy have ‘monetized’ their blogs, and while I understand that it is good to make a living, but does every post have to involve selling something? i have several knitting and sewing blogs that I love, that come from businesses that sell supplies, but they usually have ‘value added’ posts.
Jane Valencia April 22, 2016 at 10:38 pm
Wow, I too used to blog a lot and read many blogs. I still blog, but feel that no one really reads my blog unless I post them in my ezine or mention the articles in Facebook posts. I miss the blogging realm too, but don’t have a lot of time to devote to lots of blog reading anymore. I don’t do much FB or other social media, but I when I started up with FB about 2 years ago, I was astounded to discover that social media really is where folks are engaging. I’ll keep blogging, because (1) I love the medium and (2) I distrust FB and other social media, and would much rather keep ownership of my material (if what I say makes sense). I
It would be awesome if there was a renaissance/renewal of Old Style blogging (as was commented above). Will it happen? I don’t know — unless we decided to just start that renaissance, those of us discussing this on your blog, Lesley!
Thanks for asking your questions, Lesley! I’m inspired to keep on blogging :).
Carol M. April 23, 2016 at 11:31 am
Hi, All! I don’t blog, but do read a few, they all seem to be on Word Press. The notification comes in my e-mail and it is easy to go read the latest.
The speed of life has caught so many by surprise. You look up and realize it is the week-end again and here we go it is Monday. -sigh-
I love the gentle style you have, Lesley. Sorry for not commenting more! At times, my days seem filled with minutia and I have realized I must make time for That Which Needs to be Finished. Those days, my reading is restricted because I tend to get lost in reading. 🙂
Soldier on, Girls, we are doing better than we realize!
xo
Dori April 23, 2016 at 6:33 pm
In the early days of blogging there were so many blogs I enjoyed visiting. There were a few favorites, written by women I had friendships with, which I’d read throughout the week, but Sunday mornings were my time to catch up with the doings of others. My favorite blogs were, and will always be, those that are written from the heart and show glimpses into women’s lives and souls. Over the years many have abandoned their blogs and/or moved to other social media, which I’m guilty of doing, as well. The appearance of blogs changed, too, with so many monetizing their blogs or using them to primarily advertise their own goods and services.
Where commenting is concerned, I must confess, I read much and comment little; in part, because posts I adore are those promoting thought. So, I tend to frequently step away into my day and return later to post a comment…or that is my intention. : ) This makes me feel badly, because I know very well how wonderful it is to receive comments.
Over the last year or so, I’ve become quite disenchanted with Facebook and all its ads and tracking, the changing algorithms, and the politics and news and the shallowness of it all. Really, how can one be “friends” with hundreds or thousands, and how can a sentence or two really show the deepness or richness of one’s character and personality. I yearn for the old blogging days. I do like Instagram though. People put thought into their photos and the sentences or paragraphs that accompany them are often just as lovely. I think of Instagram as visual poetry.
Last month, I decided to wean myself away from Facebook, and to recommit to my own blog. My life has been tumultuous for a few years, and during that time I lost my voice. I would sit to write and no words would come, not a one. Life is now calmer, and I am following my heart and adventuring into new interests and back to old ones. My voice is returning. I have thoughts and concerns I want to share….thoughts which may resonate with others, particularly with women at or near my own age and stage of life. But, I have decided to simply write my life and my truth, from my heart. I will write as if I am writing a letter to a dear friend. If what I have to share finds an audience, I’ll be honored, but I will try to write with no expectations. I don’t know if that can truly be done, but I’m going to try.
I am somewhat hopeful that other women, no longer enchanted with the brevity and lack of depth in social media, will return to blogging. If there are enough of us who return or recommit, maybe, just maybe, we can have that renaissance or revival. I’d like to think so.
Laurie Abela April 24, 2016 at 8:24 am
I do continue to keep up with my list of blogs, and don’t see a lot of difference in the ones I read. Some favorites have gone away, or slowed way down. When viewing a new blog, if it has pop ups & such to convince me to sign up, boxes that move along with me as I scroll, etc., I generally do not go back. For the most part, I look for simple, peaceful blogs. If they have lovely photos, all the better. I often catch up on reading them at the end of the day. At best, I feel my words are less than eloquent. Near bedtime, even less so, which means I often do not comment.
My own blog gets few comments. I agree that it’s not what it’s all about, but it’s nice to know there is a kindred soul who is reading. As far as spam comments, ugh… My blogging style changed in 2014, when I lost both parents within a short time of each other. I had begun joining in with a weekly Frugal Accomplishments post, and this felt like something I could continue to do, giving me a focus and a time frame I could deal with when I felt quite empty. It has pretty much continued to revolve around that, with an occasional additional post. I’ve been pondering what mine is about lately as well. It seems my simple, homestead life ties in very well with the theme of frugality, so I don’t know if it will change.
I find it much more satisfying to read favorite blogs than to spend time on fb, which I also do. I don’t engage in any other social media. Blogs are like a peaceful place I visit, and sometimes use as a reward when I’ve completed some chore, etc., a bright spot in all the drama and craziness on the rest of the web. It’s always a pleasure visiting yours.
deb April 26, 2016 at 10:53 am
Good Morning Lesley
I’ve just finished reading your post (and then the comments … finding myself nodding “Yes” ) finishing a cup of tea. Your words and images and blog space have always been such a lovely, soothing and gentle spot to spend time with.
We started blogging around the same time and I am grateful for the circle of friends created through our blogs. I love that the same kindred spirits that stopped by to visit and leave a comment on my blog in 2006 still visit and drop me a line.
Thank you for 10 years of lovely~ness.
Anonymous! April 26, 2016 at 5:56 pm
I’m tending to read fewer blogs, and less often than I used to. Partly because I’ve ended up flicking through Pinterest or Instagram instead, but also because I’m getting tired of people constantly selling to me, whether in the guise of sponsored posts, their own products, or the ever-present exhortation to attend this or that free webinar by a great friend of theirs (in order to be sold something else.) At the moment life is stressful and I’m feeling a lot of anxiety. I’m in search of beauty, gentleness, quiet inspiration and encouragement, as well as authenticity – more and more online space is being taken up with crassness, shallowness and fakery. Your site (and Wisteria & Sunshine) has these qualities (um… the good ones, not the crassness!) – please don’t be discouraged by a lack of comments as you never know the impact that your posts can have on the quiet souls lurking in the background. I seldom comment on blogs as I’m usually tired, or because I don’t have anything all that worthwhile to add to what’s already been said – or quite frankly I’m sick of the technical issues and comments disappearing into the ether on some sites after I’ve wasted time writing them! Your site (and W&S) have been a welcome respite during a very difficult time of my life.
My own blog is in the middle of being abandoned; I’ve lost the heart for it after my ex started taking things out of context from it, twisting my words to use as weapons against me. Plus my life is inevitably taking a different direction from the themes of that original blog, which was partly about having a professional platform as a writer. I hope one day to return to blogging, but in a more personal context – however I’m also going through that crisis of wondering whether my voice is needed in the ocean of voices already out there, whether I’m just adding to the noise. And I’m no longer sure of my safety online, thanks to my ex, whether I can write freely without worrying about it being used against me at some point. I don’t even know whether I should be writing this comment! But all in all I think the internet needs more quiet, authentic, safe little corners such as this, places devoted to the humble grace of ordinary days rendered magical by thoughtfulness and a dedication to the wild and beautiful. Thank you, Lesley.
Peggy April 27, 2016 at 12:13 am
-Do you visit blogs as often as you used to and does it feel mostly the same or different?
Not as much, but I still do and they are mostly the same long-term ones I started out visiting.
-Has your commenting changed over the years if you do comment?
I am not very good at leaving comments. This is no doubt because my skipping around and having too many leaves me with less time. I should remove a few and then really zone in on the most favorite ones that are left and leave comments on a more regular basis. This would cultivate relationship and support the author.
-Are there other ways your blog-visiting has changed over the years?
Not really. After I began blogging, I created a private blog that I have just for following blogs. It streams them and updates accordingly…this has made it SO easy to check them when I have time.
-If you have your own blog, how has it changed for you and how do you feel about it?
Oh dear…this would be a long story. I am nearing that 14 year mark of being online and things have really evolved and continues as my life has changed. Perhaps as does seem the case with some things, we will go just far enough to find out we left something precious behind.
-Do you feel hopeful about the future of blogging?
I am not sure…people in general seem to always move towards the next best or newest thing. It may just depend on your personality because the blogs I keep going back to are women who seem to be content in themselves and are happy right where they are, even if the world keeps moving. I am like this and am drawn to others of the same nature.
P.S. I have really enjoyed reading the comments of others. They have given me inspiration to continue the work on my own blog. Thank you especially to Dori!
Dori April 27, 2016 at 5:15 pm
Peggy, you are so welcome. I am so glad your voice will continue to be heard. I really should join in The Simple Woman’s Daybook journaling. I suspect it will help me. xo
Peggy April 28, 2016 at 8:51 am
Dori! Oh, please do. There will be a brand new link-up posted on Monday, May 2nd if you do. xo
Jillayne April 27, 2016 at 6:47 pm
These are all questions I’ve been pondering for a long time… When I first discovered blogs it was exciting – so many women out there doing what I did, writing beautiful posts that wove around inspiring images. In that excitement, I started my own blog and loved the sharing and inspiration I found and, hopefully, returned. Connecting with people online has it’s own unique challenges though, both for the author and the reader.
Comments are a love-hate thing for me. I love getting and responding to them, when there’s thought that has gone in to them. In the beginning I responded to each and every comment, referencing things contained in the comment and often elaborating on or expanding the essence of the post I’d written. Those responses often garnered a reply and in many cases, a friendship was born. That kind of meaningful interaction is so important to me, and if a comment can’t be heartfelt and more than three words put together, I wonder why people bother… oddly enough, I have rarely ever had spam comments – perhaps four or five in total.
I read less blogs than I used to – the decorating ones went by the wayside pretty quickly, as did the food ones. I love to cook, but time is precious and I had to choose. Early on I realized blog feeds were nasty so I created a favourites file I called “#5 Blogs”. I read this hint (on a blog!) that if you bookmark the blogs you would read daily, it would make reading much easier. I also created a separate bookmark file titled “Blogs” and that’s where I saved the links to ones I enjoy but don’t read daily. I’ve done it that way since – every so often I edit, deleting ones that no longer are of interest, or that have closed down, adding new ones, and placing them in my preferred reading order so that if time is really limited I get to my favourites first. Blogs where I left comments, but never, over many months, ever got a response or acknowledgment usually were eventually deleted – if there’s no personal connection I just can’t sustain interest.
I’ve never had advertising on my blog, and for a brief few weeks had an Etsy shop but I realized I didn’t want to blog to sell, I wanted to blog in order to write and to share the things I was doing creatively. I rarely blog about personal things – not from a lack of desire, rather, my blog is just more about what I like to make. If I have nothing that’s really filling my mind, that I think might be of interest, I don’t post. I think another reason why I write fewer posts and read fewer blogs is that I’d rather be “doing” than reading or writing – time seems to become more precious each day… and go by faster! I’ve mulled over not blogging anymore, especially as I post less and less, but then I come back to the real reason why I have a blog – selfishly, it’s really for me; there’s nothing that says I have to post often, nor regularly, and if how I blog now suits me, that’s just fine. People are free to drop in as they wish, leave a comment if something strikes them – I enjoy it, but I really do blog for me.
I’m not sure if I’ve said anything here that helps you Lesley, but I do truly love to read your writing, and your thoughts are always wise ones…
Kim April 28, 2016 at 8:54 pm
Hello Leslie. I find that most of my online time is spent listening to Podcasts at this point. I also listen to a lot of books on Audible. But I really love the inspiration of your lifestyle images on your site. Your book recommendations and documenting of your health/simplicity pathway is also very uplifting to me. You’re been most instrumental in taking me down paths that affect real change. I can almost say that mostly the Podcasts are entertainment. You are more a example of a lifestyle coach. The internet and technology is so loud with flashy content right now. We could spend hours watching the various videos of self-promotion, promising to make your life easier, build wealth, make you healthier. And they are so easily accessible through subscriptions on iTunes or when browsing Facebook. Stopping at particular sites requires more intentionality on my part. So leaving comments is limited because I’ve been sucked into the swirling vortex of online marketing and wasted so much time.
I need to put on blinders when engaged with my iPad and PC and phone. Needless to say, self-discipline and focus is harder for me with all the bells and whistles being dangled in front of me. I don’t know HOW my children will deal with it all in their lifetime. Maybe it will be like the passage of cigarettes – totally hip and wonderful during one generation and then deemed completely unhealthy by the next.