Do you think people are burning out on reading blogs?
I ask this question because one of my loops is having a discussion about this very thing. I’ve seen and heard about a lot of blogs closing up shop in the last few months and I’ve thought about quitting myself. For one, it takes creative energy and I’d rather be focusing that on my books, and for another, after three years, I feel as if I’ve run out of things to say. I’ve postponed making a decision because I’m waiting to see if it’s the winter blahs that make me feel talked out or if I really have said everything I want to say.
I’ve tried to answer the question at the top of this blog by thinking about my own habits, but I don’t think I’m typical. I’ve never followed very many writer blogs because whenever I read about someone else’s process, I freak out. I never seem to do things the same way as anyone else and I’m always worried that I’m doing something wrong. It’s easier to just steer clear. There are also other things that writers post that I don’t want to read, so I just fly past those as well.
The types of blogs I do follow are ones like “Overheard in the Office” or “Giveaway of the Day” or my baseball news feeds. What do they have in common? They’re short. While the baseball news might point to a full article, the feed has a recap of what it’s about and that tends to be all I look at. “Overheard in the Office” sometimes amuses me and “Giveaway of the Day” is not only short, but it offers me the chance to download some kind of computer program for free.
But the biggest thing they all have in common is that none of these blogs require a reply/comment from me. 
That’s a biggie. I might be able to read a blog in a matter of minutes, but even a short comment takes time and thought, so I mostly don’t bother.
The other problem I have with commenting is that I’m usually sneaking on to Bloglines at the Evil Day Job (EDJ) and if I see something I want to comment on, I’ll think, “I’ll have to pop over there when I get home.” Of course, by then I don’t remember to post or I don’t remember what I wanted to say or I lose the interest in posting.
So after all that, let’s return to the opening question: Are you getting burned out on all the writer blogs out there? If you are, what would it take to reignite your interest? What kind of topics are you interested in reading about?
And if you knew of a group blog with a diverse and large number of authors, what would you be looking for there? What would keep you visiting and returning?
Tags: blogging
I go through phases, both as a blog reader and writer. As a reader, I’ve definitely cut back on my blog reading, even the industry ones. After awhile, it’s truly like the well is dry, everything’s been said, there’s nothing new.
But I enjoy keeping “in touch” with people. I don’t e-mail friends as much if I can touch base on their blogs.
I’ve thought about giving up my own blog too on more than one occasion. I don’t have anything new to say either. I haven’t seen any movies that haven’t already been talked about years ago. I haven’t been reading as much because I just don’t have the time. Writing process–I used to talk more about, but I feel like I’m in a transition phase and I don’t know what I’m doing. I certainly don’t want to mess other people up.
Either way, I’ve never been a fan of group blogs. I just never felt that connection. I do read a couple, but it’s the more intimate-feeling, personal blogs I check daily.
I figure this too shall pass and I’ll be in the mood to blog more. The kids will do something hilarious again instead of just drive me insane. If all else fails, I’ll write some odes to coffee.
Joely,
Thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment.
I use blogs the same way you do–to keep in touch with friends/acquaintances and find out what’s going on with them. It definitely saves email.
Interesting that you’ve felt the same way about blogging right now. In a way, I’m glad I’m not alone, but on the other hand, I’m sorry you’re feeling the same way.
On the one group blog I check regularly, I basically only read one poster. The rest I skip entirely or just skim briefly. The others’ styles just don’t engage me or their topics don’t work for me or something and I think that might be part of the problem that group blogs run into. It’s impossible to connect with everyone and that sacrifices the intimacy.
LOL! I was desperate yesterday. I didn’t even have ode to coffee until I had a cup at work and perked up.
Thanks again,
Patti
I usually read blogs everyday. It is a way for me to catch up on what is going on with people.
As for me blogging, I tend to not have anything really interesting to write about, and tend to go a long time before posting again. I also find that this time of the year is the hardest for me to post. Between the winter doldrums and lack of interesting things to talk about, my posting gets few and far between.
I have to agree about group blogs. I tend to only read one, maybe two of posters entries. There are a couple that I visit on a regular basis, but I tend to only stay there long enough to read it if there is one written by someone I like to read.
I didn’t even go on the computer yesterday so I am replying today. I come home from work, eat and maybe have 2 hours or so to use the computer. I enjoy reading and watching TV from 8 to 11. It’s nice to read your blog. It is a way of keeping in touch, even though we could pass on the street and not know each other.
Hi Marie,
It sounds as if using email to keep in touch with people is popular.
Yeah, it’s really hard this time of year to come up with things to talk about. I’m to the point where I could complain about the weather every day–that’s how sick of winter I am–but no one wants to read that.
Thanks for your comment!
Patti
Thanks, Joyce! I’m glad you find my blog worth checking out during your time on the computer.
Patti
I keep up with blogs through Bloglines, so I don’t have to check each blog I read, every day (and thank god because my blogroll is insanely huge – some trimming required, I think!)
What I read them for – it varies. It’s nice to read how people are doing, and to give encouragement or congratulations if needed. Some of the posts you’ve made on writing I’ve kept to re-read; others I read but don’t hang on to.
What this rather long-winded post is essentially saying (I *do* have a point :smiles:) is that I like your blog the way it is and you don’t have to post every day. My reader will tell me when you do post, so that’s ok. I think when people try to post every single day whether they have something specfic to say or not; that’s when they can lose momentum and enthusiasm and it becomes a bit of a chore.
I’d rather you posted once a week and enjoyed it, than tried to post every day and then decided to ditch the blog altogether because it was a pain in the rear!
Hi Merry,
Thanks for taking the time to come by and post! I’m glad you’ve found something here that can help you. I’m not much into studying process when it comes to writing.
I’ve kind of come to the same conclusion you suggested–posting fewer times a week. I’m thinking two or three depending on how much (or little) I have to say.
Patti