Blogging
When I started blogging, I had many intentions and many goals with my blog—some selfish and others selfless. I honestly believe I have an interesting story to tell and that story has the ability to inspire and help others. Because writing is such a passion, I want to become better—the best I can possibly be—and I know the only way to become better is to actually do it. Above all else, however, was that I wanted my blog to be cathartic: I wanted to reap the benefits of writing your thoughts, feelings, and ideas down.
In some ways, I believe that blogging has, in fact, been cathartic. In other ways, however, I believe it may have backfired.
I have spent much of my first several weeks of blogging “setting the foundation” of my life. Doing so has required that I remember details and situations from the past. As you may know, my “past” wasn’t great. By writing those posts, I remembered many details I never would have “remembered” otherwise. And many of those memories are depressing. I suppose, though, that the memories still existed and I will never be able to “get over it” unless I finally deal with it. Perhaps it is time.
Being that I am a business student, I have learned an interesting philosophy: “What you measure will almost always improve.” I want people to read my blog. I want to know that I have the opportunity to help others—to give hope. Because of that aforementioned “philosophy,” I will check many times each day to see how many people have viewed my blog. When I’ve had very few visitors, I become somewhat “upset.” In reality, I realize that this is rather silly. I realize there are millions upon millions of other blogs. I realize my blog is new. Finally, I realize the odds are seriously against me in terms of becoming a successful blogger.
I never, ever want blogging to feel like a job. I really enjoy writing for my blog. I love knowing that others are reading what I write. I love having this outlet to vent my frustrations and to tell my story. However, in a way, I already feel pressure to post, as I know that is the best way to gain new readers and retain the old ones.
None of this to say that I will not continue blogging; I am just in a bit of a “rut” right now—not only in blogging, but in life. In terms of blogging, however, I’m not sure what to write about next. I can tell you about my first job that lead to my current position, but I fear it is not interesting. I feel I need to tell that story before I can begin to write about college, though.
Expect another post soon! I know this one is simply grasping at straws…
In other news, I have started a “new” blog on Blogger: http://idroppedout.blogger.com. It’s actually the exact same as this blog. On one hand, I really like the simplicity of WordPress.com. On the other hand, however, I dislike the limitations. Don’t fret, though, because I will continue writing for this one and cross post to that one!
I’m just experimenting.
Filed under: Personal | 5 Comments
Tags: blogger, blogging, past, readers, the past, wordpress
Measurement
I have done this too. Every morning the first thing I do is check my blog’s stats. And it is very wierd which posts get the most views too. Don’t worry if you’re not getting traffic. Writing this all out will possibly make you feel bad sometimes but as a female who has had children I know that talking about traumatic experiences (like giving birth) helps to process the experience and to figure out what we can learn from it to move on without dragging our past with us all the time.
Best wishes,
CV
(still reading)
You’re exactly right. It is really a great way to overcome and learn from what has occurred. It’s just rather hard at times, especially when you finally rehash what exactly happened and then try to put it into words.
In the end, though, I feel that it will be beneficial. I really enjoy writing for my blog and I hope that more people will come along and read it.
I hope you’re enjoying it! I welcome your feedback and appreciate the comments you’ve already left.
I had/have a blogspot blog.
I used to get 40-50 comments a day.
It became a habit. An addiction. I was checking my site meter constantly.
I had email folders labeled “Blog” and kept emails from “blog friends” there.
I met a few of them. Had dinner. Spent weekends away.
I even began ignoring my “real” friends to go out with or chat with blog friends.
Then things changed. The “blogosphere” is much like the real world. People you think are your friends can form emotions like jealousy and anger over perceived slights. The next thing you know, your blog is getting 500 hits a day and a handful of people are leaving nasty comments while people you never even knew read your blog are “taking your side” and “defending” you.
Be careful. It took me a while to realize I wanted to start blogging again. Just more carefully. Cautious. Smarter, if you will.
I’ve reinvented myself here. New name. New email address. New blog. All still me. All still true (unless designated fiction). Just a little more anonymous.
Keep your anonymity if you can. It’s precious.
Thanks for your sharing your story with me. It is disheartening that you have become jaded with your success, as I believe blogging has the potential to be very fulfilling. At the same time, however, I can understand how you have become jaded, too.
Admittedly, I expected my blog to become more popular than it has. As I said, I believe I have an interesting story to tell and that story has the potential to inspire others. It hasn’t worked out that way, as most people who come to my blog are more interested in learning how to pass the maneuverability section of the driver’s exam than how a sixth grade dropout became successful at the collegiate level.
I understand it takes time and effort. Lately, I have not been updating my blog as often, due in part because of laziness and busy-ness—and perhaps due to “jadedness.” True, I have not done anything in terms of marketing for my blog. It is rather foolish for me to expect people to just “find” me with no effort, besides the actual writing, on my part. I long for the success, but I don’t know what I’d do with it. As much as I’d like to monetize my story, I fear I’d quickly become burned out.
I hope your new blog becomes successful, too, but turns out differently (better) than your last. You definitely have the skills, the perspectives, and the potential! I don’t think you should allow your previous experiences to discourage you, but, rather, you should consider it a learning opportunity.
Thanks again!
Few words of advice? (don’t you hate that? I do.)
If you want more readers/commenters . . . read and comment on more blogs. Blogging is a selfish world – it’s just the nature of the beast. If someone feels like you read them and appreciate them, they’ll typically try and return the favor.
Occassionally you find a lurker or a blogger who just reads and comments because they love what you write (like the commenters you already have), but for the most part – blogging is give and take. They expect you to read and comment on them and then they’ll return the favor. From there, you’ll gain more readers. People will see your comments on other blogs and think “That was witty and interesting, I wonder what his blog is like” and the next thing you know, you’ve got daily readers.