There's been a lot of talk among bloggers lately about gaining perspective on blogging...how much we read, write, comment, check our site meter, etc. I admit, it's overwhelming. At least it has been to me. I've really let this get out of hand in my life. I've stumbled upon more bloggers than I can remember, tried to add the "hip/happenin' " ones to my bloglines, left comments in hopes that they would in turn visit my blog and I'd be popular. Oh, my goodness, it's high school all over again! I really, really didn't like high school the first time. Why would I want to put myself through it again? Yet I was doing just that! The final blow (which brought me to my senses) was when I was reading another blog this morning, and noticed I'm not on her blogroll anymore. I was there a couple of days ago...but now I'm gone. It hurt. Too much.
I didn't start blogging to make friends. I already have a group of amazing friends. "Meeting" some of you has been an added treat...like putting Cool Whip on a slice of chocolate chess pie. I've read powerfully moving stories, laughed, and empathized. I've been encouraged by you & learned from you.
A few years ago, R & I went to Paris to visit a friend. We went out to dinner one night, and I remember being astounded that this small-town country girl was sitting at a table with people from Brussels, Germany, Italy, Brazil, and Singapore (I don't remember the exact countries, but you get the point). Blogging has been like that. How else would I have connected with ladies from Connecticut, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Texas, and other points south of the Mason-Dixon? It's been eye-opening and fun. I'm looking forward to meeting you all in Heaven, because the chances of meeting you here on earth are pretty slim. I had forgotten that.
That's why some self-imposed blogging rules are in order:
~ Good-bye site meter. I don't need that pressure of wondering who reads and likes my blog. It was never supposed to be about pleasing (wo)man anyway.
~ Writing will be limited to weekends. I may post them throughout the week, but they will be composed on the weekends.
~ No more worrying about whether I'm on someone's blogroll. God will bring the people He chooses to my blog, for His purposes.
~ I must remember God's purpose for this blog, and stick with it.
~ Blogging will NOT take priority over my family, friends, home or job anymore.
~ I will comment only when I genuinely have something to add.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the bloggers I read. I'm looking forward to meeting them all in heaven for a cup of Starbucks and a slab of chocolate cheesecake (someone tell me there will be coffee & cheesecake in Heaven!). In the meantime, I'm not leaving the blogosphere. I'm just putting it back in its rightful place.
6 comments:
Blogger is eating comments, I'll try again. Can you see me on the sidelines, cheering for you? You getting your feelings hurt is exactly why I completely got rid of my blogroll on my sidebar. I hate hurting anyone. Even those people who dont read me, dont comment. Easier to not have it at all, and same with sitemeter. Too confusing anyway. Getting out from under comment obligation was maybe the best. I'm here because I wanted to tell you this. You may not hear from me for awhile, but I'll be out there enjoying when you do post, esp knowing youre having more fun doing it. Good, good for you!
And I second what my sister said. Wholeheartedly.
I did figure out a while ago that doing posts on the weekend and having them ready to publish during the next week is a good idea.
I still don't have all the kinks worked out but I'm well on the way. It's ridiculous that bloggers can hurt each other OR make each feel good simply by what's in their sidebars.
Well said. I used to get upset if I didn't blog daily. If I miss a day or two so what. I also don't visit blogs as often. It's fun to visit during my downtime during sa slow phone shift. That's when I do my visiting.
I enjoyed my visit. Take care.
I have actually decided just this week to not even GO online at all except ONE day a week. I have canceled my Internet and will write and make art without worrying what others are doing. I will visit a friend every week (or so) and bring my notebook use thier wireless internet and update what I need to. (I never had a statcounter on my blog I do on my shop but that is business and so a different story) You are the second person I have read today that Affirmed this decision of mine (that I just made yesterday) So Now I am even MORE sure. I hope this "internet fast" will result in God and I becoming "Friends Again"
Blogging will NOT take priority over my family, friends, home or job anymore.
AMEN!
It's always good to get a fresh perspective on things. I admire your new direction and goals. :)
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