You know the saying about switching churches but you still won’t be happy in your new church because the church isn’t the problem – you are?
Well, I have met the enemy and I am it.
Not at church. But in blogland.
Over the past few weeks I’ve come to realize a few things about myself. And I think one of the things I’ve learned is that my struggle with blogging has more to do with me than it has to do with blogging. The blogging struggles are just symptomatic of other things.
So, as you might have guessed by the blog redesign (still in progress with a few tweaks needed), I’m not going to stop blogging.
I have to say I feel mighty embarrassed admitting this. I’ve been pretty sure for a few days that I wasn’t going to stop. And I’ve kind of dreaded writing this post because it is kind of embarrassing to say, “I’m stopping!” and now coming back and saying, “I’m not!”
I know I’ve been my own worst enemy as it pertains to this blog. I’ve made my blogging more complicated than it has needed to be. Part of my personality is trying new things out and because of that I’ve made it harder than it needs to be. My dear friend and maid of honor, Katherine, once said she loves living vicariously through me because I’m such a risk taker. When she first said that I thought she was nuts. I’m not a risk taker. But that’s because I equated risk taking with bungee jumping and hand gliding and going on vacation without all your hotel/inn/bed and breakfast rooms booked in advance. But she was talking about a different kind of risk taking. Emotional, vocational, and/or interpersonal risk taking. Oh, yes, that is me. In that sense, I’m a big risk taker and some of it shows up on this blog. A healthy dose of my INFJ personality shines through as well. (I think David laughs every time he reads my profile because it is so freakily accurate!)
This blog has evolved quite a bit over the past two and a half years. It changes because I change. I’ve changed so much and my life has changed so much in that time period. Reality is that I’m going to write about things from my life. What I find interesting. Things I’m thinking about and reading about. Things I’m dealing with in my own life.
So I’m not going to allow myself to feel obligated to keep doing something just because I’ve done it in the past, including feel that I have to stick to certain topics or categories because that’s what I’ve written about in the past and so people expect it because my blog is “that kind” of a blog. I’m going to do what I enjoy here including writing when I want and what I want.
I’m going to keep selling sidebar BlogAds. Contrary to what some might think, I don’t take every ad offered to me. I’ve turned down a couple of hundred dollars in ads in recent weeks. One was a very lucrative one-week ad for a ministry I have already publicly said I no longer support. (I have no idea why they wanted to advertise here.) Another was multiple ads for a “Christian” organization. When I reviewed their website there was something that made me uncomfortable. I also didn’t like the fact that you had to register in order to see 99% of their content. So I rejected those ads. I pick and choose and go with my gut.
I’m also going to keep doing PayPerPost ads/entries. We’ve discussed that before here and I know I lost a number of readers over that decision. I’ve read some negative comments elsewhere in the blogosphere about this decision. I don’t have much to say beyond what I’ve already said. But I will say this. I read all kinds of blogs and I wouldn’t stop reading any of them because they did PPP. Maybe I’m just more of a capitalist than the average blogger or blog reader, but I think if a blogger can put out a quality blog and make some money at the same time… more power to them. I also know that there are almost no blogs that I read every word the blogger writes. I don’t have time or the interest to read everything they write. I’m not delusional enough to think that everyone who comes here reads everything I write. So if people see something here they don’t want to read, I’m not offended. Hey, it’s a free country! So if you don’t like the ads, just cruise on past them. But I’m not going to stop doing something I enjoy and can benefit my family financially because some people don’t like it. If someone chooses not to come here because of the PPP issue, then go in peace and find other blogs that meet your needs.
So I can imagine some of you will breathe a sigh of relief and joy that I’m not quitting. Some of you (including Karen) will say, “I KNEW she wouldn’t be able to quit!” Some of you will delete me from your Bloglines or feed. Some of you will roll your eyes and keep right on reading because I make excellent fodder for your tortured blogger discussions with your friends. Whatever your response, I’m going to keep blogging.
Have a lovely evening! 🙂
I am so glad to hear that you are going to keep on blogging! I’ve enjoyed so many of your posts and will definatly keep checking in here.
Well, good. May this blog be a blessing and outlet for you in many ways; spiritually, emotionally, and by golly, if it benefits you financially, all the more power to you!
Sallie, You just turned my not-so-great day into a brighter one. I’ll definitely be reading.
Anne
Oh, and I love the new blog design. Lovely.
jenny
Welcome back!
YAY!! I’m so glad that you aren’t going to stop! I love reading your posts and insight. You are always a breath of fresh air in the blogosphere.
The new design looks great!
I’m so glad that you are going to keep blogging. I was getting sad thinking that we where getting close to the end. I love that you make me think. We share very similiar opinions on spiritual matters and I would greatly miss reading your thoughts.
Sallie, Just keep blogging about what is on your mind and in your heart and thank you for keeping your “gracious home” open to those of us who just like to share their thoughts with a “friend” and advice when you ask for it.
Oh goody! I’d hoped that’s what the blog re-design meant! 🙂
Just keep on as you have been doing – I’ll appreciate your posts no matter when & how you choose to put them up. Thank you for your continued invitation to your “gracious home.”
What does Pay Per Post mean? I am new to this. Just found your blog a little while back and glad to hear you will be continuing. My husband and I just had our first child too after 10 years of trying and I like you am considering just having one. Looking forward to future stuff on your blog. Regards.
I’m so happy to hear that you are going to keep on blogging! Your blog is one of the few blogs that I truly, truly enjoy.
I wasn’t here for the flap about adding ads, but I can’t understand how that would cause a fuss. Why shouldn’t a blogger receive some payment for her work? That would be silly, wouldn’t it?
As long as the blogger remains true to herself and doesn’t let her own content get watered-down or tailored to advertisers, as long as she remains true to herself, then there is no conflict there.
Anyway, so glad to hear you are staying and I love the redesign!
I was quickly reading a few blogs before heading out the door. Emphasis on QUICKLY.
However, I had to stop and comment here. All I can say is…
YIPPEE!
Hooray! Hoorah! Yipeee! Woohoo! ok…..running out of words now. 🙂 Oh yes, Lovely Jubbly!
I just reread your post and wanted to add another comment, specifically about the part where you wrote that you are letting go of the obligations of writing about certain topics because that’s what this blog “is”.
How wonderful. As long as a writer writes about issues and ideas and happenings that they care about, as long as they love every word that they have written and are proud of what they wrote, nothing else mattters in terms of pleasing people. It is in true authenticity, which I believe you already possess, that a writer has something to offer her readers.
Best wishes for much happy blogging in the future!
I’m so glad – it is always good to read your posts (an don’t worry about being blog fodder – I promise only to use you for good blog fodder! 😉
I’m happy you aren’t going to quit. 🙂
Good for you doing what you want! It is after all your blog! I will look forward to the changes and continuing posts!
-Gretchen
Yeah! I was hoping that you wouldn’t quit! It seemed like you were putting a lot of pressure on yourself about the blog, and I hated that for you. Blogging should just be a fun outlet, though, I really believe, and you shouldn’t have to put pressure on yourself to do it just so. And if you can make some money for your family on the side, more power to ya! I won’t expect to see something new up every day, and everything you say doesn’t have to be scintillating. I know everything I say on my blog sure isn’t. =) Just be yourself. We all like you the way you are!
When you wrote about writing what you want when you want and not feeling you had to stick to certain topics — I totally agree. I think that’s all anyone can really do. Blogging is a form of self-expression and communication. I’ve struggled with whether I should have a consistent focus or tone to my blog, but it’s really just a smattering of different aspects. Maybe over time it will congeal into something else, but right now I’m just going with the flow. 🙂
I don’t know why people would leave a blog that has content they like just over ads and pay per posts, whether they agree with ads and such or not. That seems silly to me. The only time I would leave a blog just because of ads would be if they’re dominant or too blinking, flashing or obnoxious (visually or content-wise).
I’m glad you aren’t leaving! I’ve been reading your blog almost since day one (at TTL). I don’t comment often, but I always make sure I read what you write. I have learned so much and been encouraged (as I struggle with untreated infertility myself remembering your story definitely encourages me!).
You are a blessing to me, and until now, you didn’t even know it. 🙂
Twinkling for Jesus,
Michelle
Oh-ho-ho, I’m laughing at myself… this isn’t about the post itself, but about MichelleD’s sign-off in comment 20, and I just had to share my laugh with you.
I’ve been so potty-training focused at my home this summer, what with training my 4-year-old with autism (whoo-wee!) then moving on to my 2-year-old now… well, I thought MichelleD was “tinkling” for Jesus. 😉
Cheers!
I’m so glad you’re continuing blogging. I love your point of view, even when it’s different from mine, its so very gracious. Interesting that you’re an INFJ. I’m an INTJ. it explains why I have you and another blogger who’s an ENTJ on my daily reads list.While the two of you are very different in style,I’m enough like both that I can understand and appreciate the differences.
This is somewhat shocking to me. what kind of nosy-rosie would write about your personal decisions somewhere else?
If they don’t like it, tell you or move on. If they do like it tell you, and if they’re not sure, hold silence & wait until they are sure. but to go gossiping around telling others negative things is unkind. (and if they should change their mind, it could be personally embarrassing.)
Glad you’re here to stay. looking forward to whatever new interests you bring to the table.
Mrs Nehemiah
And I have to say it anyway….
I KNEW she just couldn’t do it!
Good choice!!!! {{{}}}
I am thrilled you are not going to stop blogging! And don’t ever be afraid to change your mind. Flexibility is a strength that you should cherish. I will continue to cherish your blog no matter what form it takes. In fact, I’ve excited to see where you will take me next!
I am glad that your are going to continue to blog. It is hard not to put pressure on yourself. Many times I find that I am stressed at my own doing. Please write about what in on your heart and going on in your home.