I'm joining Carole for Three on Thursday this week, with three questions each for two three distinct groups of people that I've wondered about this week.
For those that don't blog: Have you ever thought about blogging? Do you have reasons for not blogging? What has kept you from trying it?
Edited to add because Valerie helpfully pointed this out: For those that used to blog but gave it up: Why did you quit? Do you ever regret it? Have you ever considered starting your blog again?
It seems only fair that if I'm going to ask questions that I should also answer them.
I started blogging back in 2013 when Ryan moved to Colorado. It felt like something was missing (really it was someone). I needed some sort of outlet, so on a whim, I started to write. I have looked back at some of my first entries and cringed. The photos and content were crap, but they were mine.
I have contemplated quitting, mainly because I run out of ideas to write about. My grandmother always said "There's no point in talking if you don't have something to say", and I think about that often.
I think that several things keep me going. The first is that I write mainly for myself. It helps me to get things out of my mind, write them down, and it just happens to be in a public sort of format. I can refer back to my blog to remind myself about when things happened (as several of you have written about recently)! The other main reason that I am still blogging is that I enjoy the personal contact. I've only met two bloggers in person (Dee and Vera at NJ Sheep & Wool), but I feel like many bloggers and commenters are friends (even if some people think they are "imaginary friends"). I'm grateful that you have chosen to read what I've written; I take joy in reading the comments, and often look forward to responding and continuing the conversation by email. I appreciate the personal interactions (be they words of encouragement, book recommendations, recipes, differing opinions, and possibly some help with a sweater in the future), and they have all added something valuable to my life.
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| This was back in 2018, the good old days pre-covid. We all look much better than this now! |
What pertinent questions! Hoo boy. Well, I am a blogger... I started 15 years ago when my kids were angst-y teenagers and I had just been downsized and lost my job. I also cringe looking back on those first posts.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I have been thinking lots about the future of my blog... I am with you. The idea well is running very low and the thought that "it's Monday and I need to write a post" is not the most inspiring way to write (and I am sure that those posts are not the most inspiring to read either!) I like using my blog as a keeper of things... my making, my reading, and my thoughts. It is certainly eye-opening to go back and read old posts... in a good way, I can see growth, change, and much better photos! :)
But I continue because quitting does not feel right... or at least not yet. I am with you about "getting things out of my mind" by writing them down. And it is nice to have the input and "conversations" with blog friends.
I started blogging in 2005 -- I'm actually coming up on my 16th blogiversary on Halloween! At the time, knitting blogs were the It Thing, and I was between jobs and getting a little depressed about it, so I figured I'd give it a try. At first it was primarily for me, like you said -- a way to keep track of projects and books I'd read and generally what is going on. I have contemplated hanging it up, and I even posted about that a few years ago, but I was encouraged to keep it going, and I'm so glad I did. It has taken on new life and meaning in the past couple of years, and it's a big reason why I have such good "Internet friends" like you. I also credit it for helping to connect me with such a dynamic group of women from across the country and around the world who have been such an amazing support system during the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteI can't promise that I'll keep my blog going long term, but I'm committed to it for as long as it continues to be enjoyable, especially if it's a way to connect with friends. I hope that once this pandemic is well and truly over, some of us who have gotten close during it can physically meet in person (I feel like we can consider talking over Zoom to count as meeting!).
I'm in a category you didn't mention, I used to blog but gave it up. From ~2003 to 2013 I kept a blog. I posted about once a week and I did it to share projects that I was working on and information about weaving, spinning, & knitting that I thought others might find useful. There were never a lot of readers or followers and a few commenters.
ReplyDeleteThen started the spam comments and the underhanded attempts to hijack the blog. And blogger would change their software. Finally I was putting more effort in posting than I was getting out of the experience.
I do still read the blogs of others (obviously) and I especially enjoy yours for the book recommendations and your thoughtfulness. Because of you, I discovered blood orange olive oil (be still my heart!) And I miss those funny letters on Friday that you used to do....but I understand that your Fridays are taken up with other things these days.
So that's my story. And thank you so much for bringing me along on yours!
Thank you, Valerie! You are in a rich category that I should have considered. I had no idea that you used to blog, and I wish I had had the opportunity to read it. I value your comments as they are always so thoughtful and considered that I'm sure your blog posts were much the same. There are at least two other blogs that I used to read, but they have sadly quit. I count yours in that category. But I completely understand. There are days I fight with blogger and just want to delete the whole mess and other days I vow to change platforms but I fear the learning curve may be too steep.
DeleteBut I do have a blood orange olive oil story to share with you in the future, and I've been thinking about a way to do those letters again, so thank you for the ideas. Now I just need something funny to happen so I can write a letter. Thank you for reading my story!
Long time blogger here, as you well know. The thing that keeps me publishing is that I am, at heart, a writer. Writing is how I process my feelings and it's how I connect with others. I have made incredible friends through blogging, some I've met in real life and I've traveled new places because of them, and some I haven't met in person yet - like you. I say we make a plan to fix that once you're settled permanently in NJ again!
ReplyDeleteI think about blogging and why I keep doing it ALL the time. Because I just . . . can't imagine that what I have to say is interesting to anyone else . . . and it does take a lot of time to do . . . and a lot of the time the "well" just runs dry. But here I am. Still yammering away.
ReplyDeleteI actually started my blog in 2009 - just as most blogs were fading out - as a way to use my new-found voice after finishing chemo. It was part of my "coming back to life" strategy at the time. (And, like you, I cringe when I go back and read my early entries.) What surprised me most of all about blogging . . . is the connection I've made with other people -- bloggers and commenters, both. I feel so lucky . . . to have made friends with so many people I'd NEVER have met "in real life." It's been a blessing to me to find this community, and it's what keeps me coming back!
Never blogger here. I have never really considered writing a blog. I have a very busy and somewhat unpredictable life due to my caretaking duties, and I felt I never had the time to devote to a blog. And I am not sure I have anything to say that others would find valuable. I follow very few blogs, and I curate them carefully. I appreciate the people who do blog and share their experiences with me quite a lot. It gives me an opportunity to connect to others in spite of the fact that I am pretty socially isolated. So, thanks, Bonny!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I left the festival that year about an hour before Vera and Dee ran into you ... so close!
ReplyDeleteI blog for many of the same reasons that you do. I've never really considered quitting, because I enjoy writing for myself so much. But there are times when I don't write for a while, either because I'm too busy or too exhausted to make myself do it, or because I can't think of anything I really want to "write down."
I am always amazed - and extremely grateful - that people not only read my blog, but comment, and become friends, even if not in person. I feel closer to most of my blog friends than anyone I actually see on a regular basis!
Well, I am a relatively new blogger compared to everyone here who has commented. For the longest time I read blogs (almost exclusively cross stitch blogs) and met several bloggers in NC. Then I got interested in knitting (again) and started that. I enjoyed commenting on others' blogs and getting ideas for recipes, books, patterns, etc. and just thought, maybe I should share some of my stuff. Unlike most of you (I think), I do not write by posts ahead of time...as I wrote to Kat the other day, I kind of fly by the seat of my pants and just write when I'm first having coffee in the morning. I use pretty much the same themes each week (Monday is Weekending, Tuesday is TNT, Wednesday is Unraveled and Thursday is Food...Friday is for anything). Sometimes I get crazy with work and don't have time to post, other times I don't have a lot to say, but honestly I don't think about that. I just wing it! I do love the connections I've made with people though and hope that more of us can meet in person before too long!
ReplyDeleteI've never blogged and I guess the main reason is that when I was working I didn't have time to devote to it. I do enjoy reading a small number of blogs and appreciate being part of the community through the comments. Reading blogs and taking part in discussions through the comments and things like "Read With Us" has enriched my life in many ways, so I send you and others who blog a big thank-you!
ReplyDeleteAnd I send you a big thank you for reading, commenting, offering wonderful book suggestions, and taking part in Read With Us. I was especially gratified to see that you've finished Matrix and are looking forward to the discussion. Me, too!
DeleteThe reason I started blogging in 2004 was to be part of the community of growing knit blogs. There were appx. 200 or so knitting blogs then. It was fun to be part of that growing arena of knitters talking about knitting, life and anything else that came to mind. My job as easy and I had time during the day to work on my blog. I bought a new digital camera and took pictures of the mountains. It was fun, easy to do, and my friendships grew. The fun thing was meeting local knitters, inspiring friends to start their own blogs and meeting far away friend when they traveled to see my mountains up close. Or, I traveled to meet them. It was so much fun. As social media came along, Ravelry bulletin boards come into being, and my job/life changed blogging became more of a headache than a fun part of my day. Retiring put it to bed permanently as the last thing I wanted to do was be at a computer all day (I hated my job). I enjoy reading words of friends, but I often just read and run. No commenting. Somedays I don't even read because I have a real distaste for this computer. I'd rather be out walking, or reading, or hanging with Smith, etc. I'm becoming old and analog again. :) BUT, I enjoy your blog so much Bonny. My day/life would be diminished without your words. I need my blog friends in my life. I miss talking to you all daily or regularly. I am trying to get myself to be more constant and efficient about my on-line time. I wouldn't want to lose you, Bonny.
ReplyDeleteoh I'm glad to meet you! I came in from three on thursday... trying to make my post fit but I do a list of likes on Thursdays and there are more than three... I like blogging to connect with others, for giving me a reason to write, for making me think and the creativity of combining photos with words. I also have to showcase creative works and my standard poodle makes an appearance now and then. I have sometimes considered stopping but come to my senses and realize I have made great friends in the blogging world. Keep writing, we'll keep reading, and sharing life. LeeAnna at not afraid of color blog
ReplyDeleteIt does all come down to the important connections we've made! I'm not sure I could have made it through the worst of the pandemic without blog friends and they've always been quick to offer words of support, friendship, wisdom, and honesty when I need to hear it. Those are truly valuable things!
DeleteWeeelllll, I started blogging in 2004, about a week after Margene did! I was beside myself with excitement when I first discovered knit blogs -- the information & sharing & comradery -- and quickly dove in myself. It was inspiring and I wanted a part in all that! It was weeks before I had any inkling that anyone was reading -- Kathleen & Ann (both former bloggers who also lived in proximity to each other and, years later, bought a yarn shop together!) were my first sporadic commenters, and the only ones for over a month when I then had the pleasure of replying to Margene.
ReplyDeleteThings have changed SO MUCH in blogland over 17+ years, but I honestly cannot imagine what my life would be like without the inspiration and friendship I have found because of blogging. I am fortunate in having met many bloggers -- past & present -- IRL and count many of them among my most treasured friends, and I'm delighted to have so many "virtual" friends (that someday I would love to meet face-to-face)! Ravelry, Facebook, Instagram have all changed the way "we" (the "knitters") communicate and share, so there are still ways to keep in touch with most of my friends/former bloggers.
To be honest, I never really "think" about blogging -- or not blogging -- and I never have. I used to be a bit more regular, posting almost everyday (it was a sanity thing for a while). It's more sporadic these days. I do it or I don't. Sometimes days or even a week (!) will go by without a post. I feel zero pressure to do it on any given day and have never followed a schedule (except maybe for NaBloPoMo), though I don't mind participating in Unraveled Wednesday or Three on Thursday or Five on Friday or whatever the case may be. I used to actually "write" more and be a bit more thoughtful, but it was & is almost ALWAYS on the fly.
I have never blogged but read them every day. I don't make friends easily so enjoy the obligation free banter. I sometimes comment and bloggers politely acknowledge but are very wary. What really disappoints me is when bloggers just stop posting. Why don't they tell their followers that they have had enough and are retiring so to speak.
ReplyDeleteHi Bonny :-) I started in 2005 pretty much when I started knitting I guess. It was so exciting to find all of these knitters out there. I still remember Bonne Marie Burns Chic Knits blog was the first I found. I pretty much slowed down and then stopped mostly because of the time it took to blog. But…look at the friendships that have come from this world! I feel so lucky to be a part of this community still and to have made some wonderful friends along the way. I love hearing about your world. Xo
ReplyDeleteI have never blogged, but blogs are a big part of my life. I used to be in a very stressful job (fortunately current job is MUCH less so) and I would sit down when i got home with a glass of wine and read blogs of people who had similar interests to me - primarily knitting. I have followed many for years and while i am a true lurker on most days, i do consider all you bloggers as my “virtual friends” - people who i would miss if you were to decide to blog no longer…thank you for keeping with it!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great way to de-stress, but I am glad that your job is currently less stressful. I think of blog friends, readers, and commenters as virtual friends, and it's gratifying to hear that you do also. They have provided a lot of support, wisdom, and honesty for me, and that has been valuable indeed!
DeleteWhat a great topic! I started my blog in 2007 as a way to connect with Katie (she was a junior at Georgia Tech that spring) and a way to update my folks (they lived in Florida and my dad was undergoing the first of so many cancer treatments). The blog has seen a lot and changed a lot over the years. I've certainly thought about quitting (more than?!) a few times, but ultimately come back to 1) I like being a person who has a blog; 2) I LOVE the community who reads my blog; and 3) I love this format for telling stories. Whenever I want to know when something happened, or look up a cocktail recipe, my blog is the first place I go.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you continue to blog, I've been reading you since you started (I think!). I blog because I talk a lot. I considered scaling back or quitting several times but I enjoy the contact with my blog friends and so I show up!! Also blogging is the easiest way to talk about whatever I want.
ReplyDeleteI am also glad you continue to blog. I enjoy reading your posts and I love that photo of you, Dee, and Vera. I began blogging because I like to write. My sister and I share our knitting and I have one other friend who knits. I have never found a local knitting group and honestly as an introvert I haven't tried to hard to find one. The blog community is my knitting group and I do love the way friendships develop over time.
ReplyDeleteI started blogging in 2008, mostly because of knitting and others I new were blogging. My blogging as been up and down, name changes along the way and when I changed platforms, well I lost all those prior years of posts. For me blogging is sharing and I love to write, a win win for me.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is a great way of sharing and developing personal contacts. Writing seems to help many of us, with lots of benefits for bot the reader and the writer.
DeleteI started blogging in 2004 and like you over the last 5 years I have questioned why I keep it going. Then I remember that some of my closest friends are the ones I have made through blogging for 17 years, a true community that I know I can count on when I need some support.
ReplyDeleteIt's also in a way, the story of my family's history. Pictures of my children growing up, graduating, getting married, having children. Pictures of my dog showing and breeding years and my yarn business.
However, like you said....sometimes I just run out of words for long periods of time. Your grandmother sounds like she was a wise woman. ;-)