image via morguefile
After actively blogging for about half a year and having tankloads of fun, I suddenly got hit by blogger’s blues: I am not as enthusiastic about blogging as I was just a couple of weeks back; an occasional thought of throwing in the towel crosses my mind; I ask myself once in a while: what’s the point? And is it really worth my while? In other words – I FEEL TIRED.
I understand it’s just a phase, which shall pass, and all the colours of rainbow will return to my blogging puddle. Eventually. Meanwhile, I am trying to think of remedies for this condition.
- Time-machine: Going back in time to the blog’s humble beginnings and recalling the motivation and inspiration behind it. What was the blog’s initial focus? – To provide a creative outlet and find a spot under the blog-o-sun. I don’t think I lost my focus. What’s lacking then? Maybe because some days it feels more like a chore than fun?
- New direction: Writing a post on a different topic or posting a video or doing something totally different than usually. I could write about topics I haven’t touched yet like fashion/makeup/politics/dating/war criminals/cooking/celebrities/religion – but the problem is I don’t feel like it. A video might work, although that would take more time than any other type of post and I will end up even more tired.
- Fresh look: I have already made some changes to the right-hand side panel and poked around trying on new themes. I may try changing the header, although I really like the swans. Or is it too much water? According to some oriental views, excessive water can make you feel depressed.
- Editorial schedule: Writing NO MORE than two scheduled posts a week can provide some sense of control. And only after that writing more if time permits. But the very fact that I am writing this unscheduled post (while thinking of another two) demonstrates how hooked on blogging I am.
- STOP WATCHING THE BLOG STATS and FRETTING OVER THE BLOG TRAFFIC.
- Partner(s): I’ve been mulling over this concept for quite a while, but I am still not sure whether I like the idea of partners or multiple authors. It certainly works in business, but does it work for personal blogs? I’ve seen some examples, and I think where multiple-author blogs gain in numbers, they lose in individuality. I also noticed that blogs run by sisters, brothers, a married couple or two friends are doing better than blogs with three or more partners/contributors. If you’ve got any good examples of multiple-author blogs, please do share.
- Guest posts: That may work for blogs that already attract huge crowds. Mine is not there yet, and I doubt it will ever be. As a reader, I actually tend to skip guest posts (same as reblogged content), believe it or not.
- Reblogging: That’s like re-tweeting, although less conspicuous. It would surely look odd if two or three blogs that I follow reblogged the same post. Plus finding posts on other blogs worth reblogging may take some time. Yet there is no denying that reblogging can be useful.
- Awards: I have a very positive view on awards as they help build a sense of community and strengthen ties with other bloggers. On the flip side, the process itself may become quite onerous. I totally understand why some bloggers don’t do awards. And I totally understand why other bloggers enjoy them. There are a lot of creative ways to show your appreciation for the award, ranging from a simple thank you comment, to reblogging the award post, to including award badges with links on a separate page or side bar, to writing a full-fledged post that follows the rules to the letter. I also noticed that some bloggers ignore nominations entirely. That’s fine with me: bloggers are very busy people and I know it firsthand.
- Taking a break: As simple as that. You might lose some traffic and comments in the process, but when you are ready to return, you and your readers will really enjoy your fresh perspective.
- Things that make me tired: I’ve been reading a lot of blogs lately. And I have to admit I avoid really long posts like a plague. This post is about 800 words. And it already feels long to me. So, if you are still reading it, you are my hero! Thank you!!!
- Things that don’t make me tired: Punchy headlines; inverted pyramid format (used by journalist when the most important information comes first, less important second – it doesn’t always work though); intriguing opening with a hook; great photos or art; sound bites (a short quote and a photo to go with it); and simply awesome (not very long) posts.
Do you get bogged down in some aspects of blogging? How do you conquer blogger’s blues?
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Not there yet but I need to stop fretting on the stats
. I am such a stats whore right now! I truly enjoy blogging, one form of expressing my emotions. Because of blogging, I am thinking of going back to school to learn Digital Fine Arts so its a positive for me. 
I think my enjoyment is bordering on obsession, one of the reasons I feel so tired. I also think bloggers obsess about stats too much. But those numbers in orange at the top of the blog page are such a heartwarming sight!
Digital Fine Arts sounds like a great investment! Good luck!
I know I feel the same way..Thanks so much
i’m totally with you! i’ve got spring fever and have been planning parties and lots of family time so sitting indoors staring at a tiny computer screen is soooo not what i wanna do now! thanks for the post and alleviating my bloggy guilt!
Oh yes, especially when the weather gets nicer, who wants to be glued to a computer screen all day long!
I do! I want to be glued to the screen no matter the weather.
I like writing posts.
I have discovered that I am not all that motivated to write more when I don’t finish them promptly. I have 175 post drafts. It’s like I have said my piece and now I am done. Which usually causes me all kinds of guilt. Aren’t we supposed to finish what we start?
But in thinking over what I get from blogging, I realize it is the actual writing that energizes me. I get to “see” what I think and sort out my conflicting opinions. I see that I am not always writing for others. Otherwise I think I’d be more motivated to finish and hit publish.
So now I need to go through those drafts and see which ones to delete.
Being too conscious of stats depresses me. But then one day I realized I don’t want to be a BIG blog because I don’t want to (and can’t) put that kind of time and energy into maintaining one.(assuming I had the talent)
BUT I am certainly grateful for those folks who do as I and others benefit from what BIG blogs offer.
Thanks for this post, as I have learned a bit more about myself.
I see, you are also a blogging addict.
I agree with you that a BIG blog requires a proportionate investment of time and effort. I am not ready for that either. My work and family are far more important, But blogging keeps me motivated to write and publish. I also have some ufinished business in the form of drafts, but not too many (under 10). I saw a great post on WordPress about drafts, but I didn’t save the link to it. I think it’s wonderful that blogging helps you “organize” your thoughts and sort out opinions. It’s a great self-exploration tool, among other benefits. Thanks for your comment! It has already helped me in the struggle with my blogger’s blues. 
Consider me on of your hero’s, Natalie, because I did read your post … all of it. I am sure the content of your message, can be felt by us all. It is tough to keep up with blogging sometimes. I don’t think the fact that the days are ‘perfectly’ spring help much either. I have a tough time staying inside when the sunshine and breeze beacon me to start my garden, mow grass, and do the other numerous things that a new season demands. Then, there are the other aspects of our lives, be it work related, family related, or whatever, that call attention to our time. The days run out of hours before we are ready it seems. If you’ve noticed my blogging sliding a little, please forgive (any one that reads this) me. I will be gearing up on Book 3 of the orples series (The Orples Learn To Read) in another week or so. Once that process begins, there may be a lull in my blogging temporarily. However, work before pleasure … sad, but true.
You are always my hero, Marcy! Thanks for reading and commenting. I did notice that your posts have been less frequent (for a very short little while). I am starting my ficiton writing course next week, and we are also planning a trip to Vancouver over the Easter long weekend. So, my blogging will have to slow down for a short while too.
But I’ll BE BACK! And so will you. So, nothing to worry about 
Have a safe and pleasant vacation, Natalie. I hope you get the best of weather while you are there.
I hope so too. Thank you! Good luck with Book 3!!!
HI Natalie. I too am your Hero. I read it all!! ha ha I loved this post! I am new to blogging and am loving it and yes i must confess take peeks at my ‘stats’. At times I feel overwhelmed as I love to learn and change things around on my blog and I find if you ‘follow’ too many blogs then it seems all you do is read other blogs. There are quite a few I really enjoy, just the same I love the outdoors. We get so much rain here in the fall and winter and sometimes spring and summer. ha ha. When that sunshine comes out in the Vancouver, B.C. area I want to take in every ‘ray of sunshine’. For now I try really hard to post ‘something’ everyday and hopefully my passion will always remain as strong as it is now.
Hang in there. I know some people only blog once or twice a week.
Have a wonderful day and I hope the sun is shining in Calgary today. hugz, Renee.
Hi Renee, You ARE my HERO! I really appreciate when people read an entire post even it’s a bit longer. i don’t always skip longer posts, sometimes I read them all no matter how long. But given how many blogs I follow, I just don’t have the time for reading all long posts. And I agree, the more you follow, the more time you spend reading and commenting, and at some point it seems that all you do is reading and commenting
I am very selective now in what I read, although I try to read, comment and like on as many blogs as possible. But if I keep leaving regular comments on a blog and get regularly ignored, after a while I’ll just stop reading those posts, and maybe even unfollow the blog. I know, it’s very mean of me, but if I dont spend time on the blogs that don’t engage in a conversation, I will have more time to engage with bloggers who are more “social”. 
Thank you for reading and commenting!
Thanks for the nice reply Natalie. I so agree with you. It seems sometimes one can be sitting at the computer for too long. I suppose it is just finding that true balance hey!? You have a lovely blog and I know myself it is time consuming setting them up so with all that hard work keep on going. Maybe we need to just quit worrying about the ‘stats’ and just be ourselves and keep doing what we are doing. Speaking for myself I know there is still so much more I want to learn. I must get on with my day. Have a good afternoon. Take good care. hugz. Renee.
OH!! I meant to comment when you were talking about the ‘awards’. I have noticed some people I have nominated have ignored me. Oh well. I figure not everybody likes them. I think they are awesome, on the other hand in all honesty like my Hubby says they sure take time away from my own blog while I am in the learning stages. I don’t want to sound like I don’t appreciate them and then I am always a tad concerned about sharing too much about myself in the blog world. Just more thoughts that go on for me..
I expect I may ‘crash’ sometime – I’ve been too addicted lately not to end up in a puddle at some point, drained of all that seems post-worthy. But just writing for oneself is a valuable tool. I know it has helped me deal with some of the difficult times. It seems that once you pour it out on a page the pressure is off inside. Maybe it’s just a matter of renewing yourself with the season and comng back refreshed.
Hi Lynne, I agree, a lot of people find that writing helps to clear clutter in their heads and get through difficult times. But everyone uses a different approach. I thought I would enjoy writing memoirs, because I don’t mind reading memoirs of others. But I discovered that it’s not exactly what I’d like to write about. I’d rather make up stories.
but again, everyone is different. I read a post by some blogger that he ran out of ideas after a year or two. I don’t know, maybe it’s blogger’s block or something. Or maybe while blogging he neglected other aspects of his life, and lost his inspiration. So following this “logic” blogger’s fatigue may be a good thing – it reminds us to take a break, get a life and have some fun in the REAL world. 
And then come back to blogging refreshed and renewed. I appreciate your comment very much!!
Hi Natalie…
I read it all because I’m going through the same feelings you are. I really related to your post! Although I do love to post….it’s the time element that is making me very sluggish. (while I love Awards, and feel honored…I’m very sluggish about sending them out. They involve a lot of time.)
I started out blogging with too many categories and quickly decided that polishing my photography was the most important one.
Posting is still fun for me.
I love visiting other blogs, but I need more time in a day! I certainly don’t have as many followers as others, but I have trouble getting to many and then I get the guilts.
A month ago I found myself spending hours each day on the computer and not going to bed until very late. I had to do something. So I made a schedule.
I only post every other day now. Two days are taken up with Photo Challenges. That leaves me Tues., Thurs., and sometimes Saturday to post my regular stuff.
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday can be “off blog” days.
So here I am on a Wednesday right? At times I use my off days to try to get around to my followers. I found I needed to keep a ledger tablet next to me and I write down the blogs I visited. Sometimes bloggers will post 4-5 times a day. I don’t have the time to visit all those posts. I try to comment on as many as possible. But this part of blogging has me in a whirlwind! I don’t know how to handle the “visiting followers” part of blogging! Any ideas?
I skim long very long posts if it’s difficult, technical material, due to the time factor. But most of the writers write stories or poems, so that’s not difficult material.
You’ll find something that works for you. I like your ideas. Thanks for being honest about blogging. It really hit a chord with me and it looks like it did with others. Good luck! Let me know what you decide.
Hi Judy, thank you very much for your comment! It’s nice that you found your photography focus! I enjoy your photos very much. As to followers, I think it’s important to decide what really matters. I’ve seen a two-months old blog with over 800 followers, but not a lot of comments. As far as I am concerned, having a huge following is not that critical. but having meaningful conversations with the existing followers if far more important. I also noticed that some bloggers leave many comments at once, and then you never hear back from them, even on their own blog
As to those who post 4-5 times a day… I had a couple of those I followed. Not any more. I don’t like to be spammed. Even if it’s super-duper great content. I value my time and don’t want to get a heart attack just looking at my gmail account. It’s enough that I have to deal with my work email every morning
Visiting followers. I go through my emails on gmail account one by one, about twice a day, until I clear all emails. sometimes I delete without even opening an email, but this is very rear. And it takes time.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas. I really appreciate it!
Hello ! Blogging is not always easy, especially if we put pressure on ourselves to post more often. I only post twice a month (yes you have read me well, 2 post a month) and it’s fine with me. I would love to post more often but I don’t have enough time and, more importantly, I don’t want to spend too much time in front of my computer. I enjoy editing and playing with my photos and this passion takes a few hours almost every day, so blogging comes after.
I didn’t get the blogging blues yet, but if I did I won’t hesitate to take a break !
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on blogging, it was interesting !
The timing of your comment is perfect – I am just trying to figure out an optimal posting frequency for my blog. And I noticed that personal blogs have a wide range of posting frequency: some post every day or even more often (I can’t imagine how they do it), and some post twice a month. I would gladly post every day, but right now I am unable to maintain such a schedule. The biggest issue for me is finding time to visit other blogs and comment. I’ll have to figure out that one too. Thank you for your comment! I’ll be sure to stop by your blog and check it out.
Ohhhh…I understand you, finding time to visit and comment on other blogs can be time consuming. I decided to not put pressure on myself with that. I try to visit a few, but really just a few, 2 blogs a day or none if I don’t have time. I told myself “Do all the blogs that I follow or visit regularly and leave comments, visits me as regularly and leave comments as I do ? ” The answer is no. Of course I have a few blogger friends who visits regularly and we have great interactions and I do visit them and comment at each of their post, but the others ? Why should I pressure myself to visit them and comment if they don’t or if they visit only from time to time ? If I had many many blogger friends who would comment regularly, each 2 to 3 days I would pick one (but only ONE) and visit, I do this with my followers. Ahhhhh…We, women, are very good at guilt…!
I don’t think people expect us to visit and comment at each of their posts and, anyway, with lots of followers and blogger friends it becomes an impossible thing to do !
Having said all this, don’t respond to this comment if you don’t have time or if you don’t want to ! And don’t feel obligated and pressured to visit my blog either ! I won’t hold it against you ! Lol !
I think I’ll adopt the same approach
Thanks for stopping by! BTW, I like your blog, because 1) you like photography, so do I 2) you have a Sheltie doggy, and so do I 3) you post only twice a month, which means I won’t be bombarded by your daily posts if I follow your blog! 