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How do you know when your blog has "run its course?"
I read an article recently, called "It's Time to Shoot Your Blog." I was interested in the section called, "How to Know When It's Time to Quit" The very first item on this list:
"You Don’t Get Any Comments, Tweets, or Emails from the People That Stop By."
Now, this isn't entirely true for me. I do get comments, but not very many, and certainly not as many as I used to. As I said to my husband, when you write for an audience, you expect that people will respond. When they don't, you start to think that perhaps people have lost interest in what you have to say. Perhaps what you're writing about simply doesn't resonate anymore. I don't want to constantly recycle material, and I've written about nearly every frugal/organizational topic I can think of. I've also written at length about our IVF experience. I don't know that I have anything really useful left to say, and a blog expert at ProBlogger once said that when your blog stops solving problems for people, you might as well quit.
That might be a bit extreme, but I know that it frustrates me when I visit a blog, and find that the current post is just a recycled version of a previous post. I think that when you run out of fresh content, you have to ask yourself how relevant you are in the blogosphere. Among the millions of blogs out there, it's easy to feel like yours is the proverbial needle in the haystack.
I also read an article that concluded "blogging is dead." With all of the other forms of social networking, it's supposedly outdated and boring now. For someone with absolutely zero interest in Twitter or Facebook, this kind of depresses me. I love writing, but...I don't know. Maybe I'm just tired and hormonal. Maybe I read too much, or maybe it all comes down to the fact that I just don't feel that great about myself lately (wiping snot off a preschooler's face all day doesn't make you feel all that fabulous or special, if you know what I mean :)
For those of you who blog, do you ever think about quitting? What keeps you motivated to keep writing? Do you think blogging is "dead?"
Posts
72 comments:
No! Don't quit! I check every day but don't always comment just because I'm in a hurry. It doesn't mean I don't appreciate it :). I mean, if you don't enjoy it anymore, then that's one thing, but if you're going to quit b/c you don't think it helps, don't!
Oh please don't quit! I just found you! And you (and several others) have inspired me to start a blog of my own. You have also inspired me in other ways as well. I am more organized (and I love my HMG!) and I just enjoy reading your posts. I have never commented on any blogs that I read because I wasn't sure if it would really matter or if the authors actually read the comments!
I am a facebook junkie, but after starting my blog and getting all wrapped up in other people's blogs, I am hooked. I started my blog mainly for myself as a journal, but I hope that others will read it and find it interesting as I have found yours!!
Please don't stop...I love reading about you and your wonderful family!
www.rachaelonamission.blogspot.com
I think that it is very hard to guage the extent of the help your blog is bringing people. I, for example, will stop by when I need to have a good read or want a link to another wholesome blog. Sometimes I peruse your older posts. No matter what I read, I always go away more encouraged. Your blog has so much helpful information that I believe it remains useful even if you don't update it regularly.
I think it's a universal truth that women want to know they are not alone in their struggles. Your blog provides that reassurance for your readers. It is a 'safe place', per se. for moms to be validated. (Even if they never have the courage to vocalize these thoughts).
I strongly feel that your blog has not run its course. Even if you don't want to do daily or weekly posts, the body of this blog is a beautiful resource for many women.
Some of my favorite 'me' time is the hour when I have my coffee and blog-reading. It's *almost* as good as visiting with a real friend!
Please don't bury the blog! It(and your sweet presence) would surely be missed!
Hi Heather - I'm sorry, I read your blog almost daily, and don't usually comment. Please don't stop - I love reading!
I blog mostly for myself and for the kids when they get old enough. I like having a record of their childhood, and also of what it was like for me as a mom of these particular children. The fact that others read the blog surprises me and pleases me, but my main purpose has always been a selfish one, to preserve a record of this time in my life. So I don't see myself stopping my blog anytime soon. I, like you, LOVE comments (you'd think I'd make them more often, again, I'm sorry, there's no reason not to) but I blog much more for myself than for any outside influence.
I have your blog in my google reader. Your blog is one of my favorites to read and I look forward to your new posts! I love your blog. Please dont stop writing!!! I have learned so many new recipes from you and even made the homemade baby wipes!!
I started my blog as a journel for my kids. I love being able to look back thru the years to see how they have grown and what we have done!!
Like Melissa, I blog because I like keeping a record of my daughter's childhood. For me, it's almost like an online baby book. My blog doesn't get a lot of traffic or comments, but that's okay - it's really for me, for our out-of-town family to keep up with what's going on, and for my daughter to look back on when she gets older.
I love your blog and visit it several times a day when I click through my blog bookmarks, but I don't comment on every entry. Part of that is because I often don't have anything relevant to say, even if I've enjoyed your post; part of it is a flat-out lack of time (I often check blogs while my daughter is playing independently and she generally wants me to engage with her again before I get to comment on all of them). But I'd be sad if you shut down and would definitely miss hearing about your life and your ideas.
Hi, Heather!
I am retyping this comment, so I hope it doesn't post twice :)
I came across your blog last Fri. and immediately added it to my Favorites. I have a 10 month old baby boy, and I recently switced from a full time job to a 2 day/week position so that I could spend more time @ home. Your blog is helping me to add structure/routine to my days off, and you have also reminded me the importance of adding in a daily Bible devotion.
Also, my b-day is on New Year's Eve as well, and I plan on spending this birthday @ home in my pj's with my son & hubby. We don't get out too much on the biggest party night of the year, do we? :)
I love reading about what is going on with you, even though you don't know me, I feel like you are one of my friends! I don't always leave comments but mostly because you are in my Google reader and I have to click on the tittle to leave comments and sometimes I am too lazy or in a hurry and don't leave a comment. But I enjoy reading all of your posts, they have been a tremendous inspiration to me. Sometimes it is just nice to hear that someone else out there is just having a normal day too. I hope the girls feel better soon!
I love reading your blog, and I would be sad to see you go, but you have a new baby on the way, so I would understand if you did stop blogging.
I personally only blog when I feel like writing. I don't really write mine for anyone else, but if they read it that's fantastic. Mine has never really been "alive". People comment on occasion, but not too often. I figure I'll just stop when I get bored with it.
Your blog has helped me with numerous things in my everyday life. I should've commented on those so that I was doing my part, but I will tell you now since I was slacking before:
25 Little Things We Do To Save Money: By reading that, I started making my own wipes, and cutting my dryer sheets in half. (They really do work just as well.)
How to Keep a Price Book: I made my own, it isn't quite as detailed as yours and as I would like to be, but I do have a basic guide for the things I buy most often. It's very helpful to me, thanks to you.
A Daily Schedule for Stay-at-Home Moms: I am a stay at home mom, and I googled "daily schedule stay at home moms" and that's how I came across your page. :)
I'll stop there, because this is getting long. :)
I'm also subscribed to your Recipe Blog and visit it quite often.
I love reading your blog and it's helped me a lot, and I'm really sorry I hadn't let you know that before. Whatever your decision is, we stand behind you. :)
Hi Heather! I have had you on my sidebar for quite a while now, but not sure if I have ever commented. Tho I am much older than you, and for the most part my children are all grown up, I love to read blogs that glorify Jesus Christ, and that is reason enough for me to stop by yours! I have taken a season off from blogging over a year ago, and it was a much needed break. There was a huge amount of stress here with my husband and I having custody of our then 7 yo grandson. As the pressure came down, I was ready to take on blogging again. Maybe you just need a bit of a break?
Blessings in whatever you decide,
Cindy
I also check almost every day. I think I have read all of your posts! Yours is the first blog I ever got into... certainly opened a new door to resources for me! When I pull up your blog and see the familiar design and layout I get a comforting feeling b/c I happened to find your blog at a time when I felt my home was just chaos. God used your insight (and other great God-ordained stuff) to help me.
Whatever you decide- I hope you know it has been a blessing.
Your blog is the first blog I found that I connected with. Your blog is what got me hooked. I am guilty of not commenting often. I read you on my reader so to comment I have to open up the blog site and wait for it to load so I have to really have something to say to post but I read you everyday. I have a long list of blogs I follow but there are 2 that I check first to see if there is a new post that is yours and lettered cottage.
reading blogs is MY time, MY thing. I don't watch tv anymore
and it is due to the fact that reading blogs is my entertainment when I want to have some entertainment, or down time. I read blogs. And with blogs I get to pick what content I let into my mind. I only read positive blogs, christian, stay at home moms, frugal living, creating a home. The subjects that mean something to me. Even if these days you are not feeling inspired by new big subjects to write on. You are like a friend. I know your kids they are the same age as my daughters so I can relate to them and you.
We have so much in common that it is like visiting a friend when I read your blog.
So lately you may not be educating as much as a great comforting place to go.
Soon you will have all new organizing subjects how to be organized with a new baby :)
I would love to here from you how you prepare for Christmas how to keep organized through it all and to get it done and still enjoy the season. Don't give it up I love this blog and your family.
I enjoy reading your blog and will miss it if you decide to call it quits. As for comments, I think it's important to respond to new commentors. I rarely comment on any blogs, but when I do it's nice for that person to maybe check out my blog and comment to me as well. When someone comments back I usually continue, and so on. I know that I have commented maybe twice on your blog and have wondered, hmm, did you even read it?
I blog, twitter, facebook, etc...and I use each one for a different reason and can't see any of them as being "dead".
I don't get many comments on my blog - but I'm okay with that. My blog has been a place for me to work through issues, document what's going on in my life and my kids' lives, and a wonderful place where I met so many lovely bloggers! (You're included there, Heather :) )
Facebook is generally used to get back in touch with friends and just generally keep up with what's going on.
Twitter can be used the same way as facebook, but it's also used for announcement type things (like "hey! I have a new blog post up if you're interested" or "check out this new Fishful Thinking idea" Stuff like that.)
Blogs aren't dying - and yours shouldn't either! Even if you're feeling like you aren't helping someone right now, that's okay - we all love reading about YOU ... and we all know that some brilliant nugget of something will show up when we least expect it - it always does :)
Blog for YOU, Heather...think of us secondary and you'll be all set.
DON'T QUIT! Even though I am only able to get to your blog a couple of times a week at best I ALWAYS look forward to your posts. My husband even knows about you. :) You inspire, educate and encourage...you have been a "friend" I think that Lord has blessed me with on ways to tackle some of my issues with your tried and true solutions. Take a break with the baby if you need to, but I really enjoy using your blog as a reference and as a place to remind myself that I am not alone and other moms/women deal with a lot of the same stuff. :)
I'm not a blogger but I do read a lot of blogs and your blog is one of my favorites. I still refer to it when mixing my cleaners (yesterday, for my bathroom) and check in every day. I think your new baby will give you a lot of new material! Keep going! I love your menu mondays too even though I can't use them (I don't eat white flour, corn and lots of other stuff). The recipes are still good for a starting base for ideas. I prefer when you blog about your family and every day life than your organizing tips, though. I'm a "throw it away" type so I don't have much to organize.
Maybe the comment statistics aren't the most accurate way to tell the popularity of a blog. I read numerous blogs each day and rarely leave comments. I have commented on yours perhaps 3 times but I have enjoyed all your posts!! Like New Mommy, I get your blog in google reader and I do have to take the extra step click on the title, wait for your blog to load, scroll down through all comments, click on post a comment, then type. Several steps involved and if I were to do this for every blog that I read every day I would never be able to leave my chair!! Despite how little time I may have on a given day I always scroll down through my subscription list to see if you have anything new. You always make me smile, or cause me to offer up a prayer, educate me, or give me something to ponder.
I love your blog. I would really miss you, but having 3 kids of my own (my eldest now a Freshman at KU--Rock Chalk!! and my youngest in 4th grade) I understand how life becomes increasingly busy with the addition of each new child. If you have lost your desire to blog, I would be sad but would understand. Maybe your husband could keep us posted?! I loved reading his account of how you all met and married, too. I need to visit your recipe blog...
Here's hoping the girls get healthy quickly. It is now going on 4 weeks since I had the flu and I still have daily coughing episodes!!! Blessins from Kansas.
Same as everyone else! Thank you so much for sharing all you have.
I do feel a little weird commenting because I feel like a stacker since we don't know each other personally. :)
If you choose not to update your blog as frequently anymore, please, please, please don't delete it. There are so many great posts here that I hope to use with the family we are hoping to start very soon.
Don't stop! I read your blog every day and its in my favorites. I just don't usually comment, cuz I think people will be weirded out that I comment and don't know them personally!
No, no, NO! PLEASE don't quit!!:) I'm sure you're a little tired and feel like you write the same thing over and over but I certainly don't feel that way! The information you put about flu the other day was VERY informative and while I hope I don't need to look back on it someday I know I will!:( Your blog has made my grocery shopping better and my life at home a lot more organized (still have a LONG way to go but...)! Your blog has definitely been a lifesaver for me and I'm so glad God brought you along my path! SO...PLEASE don't quit!!:)
GIRL! What are you thinking?????? If you stop blogging what will I read????? All kidding aside, I think you have a great gift for writing and I see that it seems to be a creative outlet for you. I also blog and get very, very few comments. Somedays I think of quitting too, but I think back about posts that people have responded to when I talk about God's love and how He is such a part of my life, and I wonder if maybe I am meant to blog more about stuff that matters like that and if I just touch one heart, one life for Christ then it is all worth it. I encourage you to keep blogging, because you are good at it, and I would miss you if you were gone. I wish I had more readers and that I knew better how to track who comes and reads, but I am happy with blogging in general. It keeps my sister abreast of the events in my life if nothing else. :)
Heather - Please don't go. I just commented yesterday on how much I wished you were around when my babies were little. It would have really helped me through the days. Although I understand we might be hearing less of you anyway when Daniel is born.
For me, what I find unique about your blog is your honesty about your Christianity. You have commented that many of the blogs by other Christian women make everything appear "perfect" and you cannot read them. My own religious beliefs are close to your own and I cannot read those other blogs for the very same reason. They make me feel less than adequate.
There are only 24 hours in the day and we all do our best with them. Simply because it currently looks like a bomb went off in my boys' bedroom doesn't mean that I'm not a good person or a good mom. It simply means that I've been busy doing lots of other mom/family/household things. (It also means my boys need to help clean their bedroom.)
It renews me every day to read about another mom who is a good Christian and does her best and had her living room explode when she turned her back for 10 minutes. :-)
If you do decide to quit, I will miss your blog very much. You must promise to keep going until Daniel is born so we can all cyber-celebrate his safe arrival.
So I will be praying for you not to quit and for DH's ultrasound/scan to go well today.
Love, Kim
I do apoligize for not commenting often. I have enjoyed your blog. I have felt the same with mine, but I created it to send pictures back to my parents.
I don't thnk blogging is dead, but I do not post but once a week.
And if the spelling is off I'm sorry
Ezzy
I love your blog, and look at all of your followers!! DANG I am jealous!!
I love your blog and though I have never commented I feel that there is so much that you offer people. Besides your frugal insights and organization skills you offer a glimps into daily life with your beautiful family. I have a 2 year old and it is very helpful to see how you handled situations that we are currently going through.
I am greatful to you for your blog but I understand that every activity needs a break. Please don't do away with it completely!
Don't leave! I have never posted a comment or anything, but I HAVE TO TELL YOU that I am a sahm, 27, two kids, and I follow what you say to a tee! without this blog, I would be frustrated and clueless, and beating myself up about it. Really, you could write about how your paint dries, and I would find it riveting and compelling.
Maybe I will request some topics.
-Chelse
Oh Heather--Don't quit---I read every time there is a new one up on here. I don't always comment, but still love reading and seeing pictures of the girls.
I understand your feelings and think that after DJ is bornn you may feel different.
Just take your time--we will all be here, checking for the newest info.
Take care and decide what is best for you--not us.
Well I very seldom comment on any blog posts I read. I use google reader so if I really like a post I "star" it. As my interests change I will unsubscribe to blogs that I am really not interested in anymore. I wanted to let you know that your blog has always stayed in my subscriptions. I love the name of your blog and I enjoy most of what you write about. I can relate. I don't know if you'll "hang up your hat" or not but I would just like to thank you for all of your helpful posts and for sharing your experience, strength and hope. I really appreciate it!
PS: I always buy popsicles when my kids are sick, especially for sore throats and fevers!
I too have wondered if it was time to pull the plug on my little blog. Especially since I haven't posted much lately. But I started my blog to be a journal of sorts of BB's early years, while you started your blog for a different reason. Lack of continually new material is probably why so many blogs turn into mommy blogs - at least that way there's always new material. I hope you keep blogging, even if it does become sporadic. I know you're a big help to a lot of people out there.
Geez, this one sure seems to have gotten some comments! I would certainly encourage you to keep on going, but I suppose that's selfish. I've learned a lot about making my own cleaners, spices, price list and schedule from your blog. I wasn't raised with someone who was domestic in this sense, and I feel like you've been a mentor to me as I've learned how to do this job. And because we're in the same area I get the benefit of some of your local finds. :)
However, I have a blog myself and understand needing the motivation to continue. For us, we decided that even if no one else is reading we would continue because ours is based around what's happening in our family so it's a sort of scrapbook for us. It also serves as a journal for me. I can look back 3 years ago and see how far we've come and be encouraged.
If you decided to stop writing here there are other outlets on line. My husband writes articles for a site (can't remember the name at the moment) and gets paid, albeit a very small amount, when people read it. It's been a great creative outlet for him. If you're interested I could ask him for the address.
I dont think blogging is deaed amongst SAHM's:) why not just write about your daily life if you don't have anymore frugal things to share? I'd enjoy that!
I too just recently found your blog and read it everyday. I love your frugal living tips and the glimpses into your life as a stay at home mom - I stay home with my 2year old son and have another baby on the way and I really appreciate reading other mom's ideas and posts about what it is really like being a mom today. I really appreciate your blog and would definately be sad to see you end it.
I don't blog (well, I had one a few years ago but it was weird when people I knew read it), but I have a journal on a forum I'm active on. I definitely check your blog daily and look forward to hearing what you have to say. I think it's obvious from the comments you've gotten here that you have lots of readers who love you!!! :)
Hi Heather, I'm sorry you're feeling discouraged about your blog. I have read every post that you post up since I found your blog early this year. It is fun to read about your family. And I have learned and changed many things that I've been doing, through reading your posts. I usually don't comment though, for a number of reasons. 1. I need to to process what you wrote, and so I think about it, sometimes for several weeks, always thinking that I should/will make a comment, but then I think that maybe it is too late so I don't. 2. I feel like what I have to say would not be relevant or important. 3. Someone else has said what I thought, so why should I write something.
I don't think that blogging is dead. I've been really having a lot of fun searching out new blogs and reading things. I am learning so much about how to be better organized and frugal, how to implement structure. I have been challenged and encouraged to be a better mom, homemaker, wife, daughter of God, etc. I have found many different blogs, but I keep coming back to yours. Yours is more real, in some ways. What I've seen of you values line up with what mine are. I feel encouraged that there are up days and down days for more people than me, and that other people seem to be able to pick up and keep on moving.
Right now, I blog mostly for me...I record things that are happening in my son's life for our family in far away places. But, I'm starting to get the courage to be more vulnerable. I want my blog to grow and expand, not to get more readers and comments (though that might be fun), but so that I keep growing. I write to be able to process the thoughts and ideas that have been placed on my heart. I guess I can't not write. I hope that you keep blogging. I want you to know that even though I don't comment much, I pray about the situations that you write about, or spend a lot of time thinking about the challenges that you post. I can always stand to learn more and know that sometimes I need to have things repeated, because I don't quite get it the first time around.
Please, Please!!!Don't quit. I don't always leave a comment but I do always read and enjoy your posts. You continue to inspire me as a Christian, a mom and, budding pioneer in frugal living. FYI: Things I have done since I stumbled on your blog....I have started my own compost bin for my garden, re-instituted my price book for shopping,and started my own version of the home management guide....which is might handy I must say. Most of all Heather....you must know how much you make me smile. With that said.....you must know that your blog is still fresh, interesting and extremely helpful. I am so glad I stumbled on it (more than a year ago) and I read it every day.
I think I read that article too! Maybe the initial hype that followed when blogging was a new phenomenon has slowed, but I myself and I'm sure lots of others still enjoy writing and reading blogs. I never plan to quit.... because I blog primarily for myself. It is therapy!! And as it says at the top in my header it's "A record of our family's little life". Comments are a bonus for me - I love them, but I don't blog for them.
I have loved getting to know you and your family Heather, and would truly miss you if you stopped blogging!! :) xo
I enjoy your blog because I like your perspective on things...not to mention your family dynamics.
I blog as a way to remember; it's more of a journal to me. It's also a great way for extended family to keep up with us if they choose. I do link to the occasional carnival and enjoy the several comments I get from those posts, but in the main, I don't get comments.
As long as you blog, I'll read. :)
Hi, Heather--I hope you don't stop your blog because you are a very talented and funny writer. I've laughed out loud at some of your posts. You're at the top of my iGoogle page--even if I don't have time to read (and less time to comment), just the name of your blog reminds this part-time children's librarian, full-time mother of three how to be a little more at peace and enjoy my family more. Best of luck to you and your family, whatever you decide. Thanks.
Please don't quit - I would miss you way too much!
I love blogging & like you don't have any interest in the other forms of social networking - in fact I don't even understand them. Yes I have thought about quitting my blog especially when you have a run of very few people commenting - but then I remember why I do it - to keep our family & friends in Qld updated about our family's going ons. It was wonderful when I was up there that every person who I visited said they read my blog - even though none of them (well except my sister & mum) comment. I do think that if your blog is feeling like another job then that's when you should consider taking a break - I know I have & come back refreshed & full of new ideas (OK really just new pictures)!!
Please don't quit! If you do quit, just don't cancel the blog. I just found your site, and I am so inspired by your organizational tips. I haven't had time to go through and read everything yet, but I love your style of running your household and want to start doing some of your ideas in my own home. Thanks for being such a wonderful, Godly inspiration!
I, like everyone else here, love your blog, and not just for your "how to" posts--I have loved getting to know your little family, watching them grow, and learning from you how I'd like to raise my own family. I've also instated several of your suggestions around my own home, and they have made a big difference for me, as well. While I completely understand the tired thing (I'm pregnant with baby #3 also, due in Feb., so just a couple weeks behind you), and my blog has waned because of it (I'm posting just every couple weeks now, usually), I hope you'll find it in you to update at least every now and then, so we can celebrate the birth of your baby with you, and watch your family continue to grow. I'm certain you'll have valuable advice for all of us as you go through the baby stage again, as well. I hope to continue to see you on here, I would definitely miss you if you chose to leave.
Oh..please don't quit! I just recently stumbled upon your blog. I am a new mom and was looking for a scheduler of some sort. I have used so many of your ideas. I have even started clipping coupons! I said I never would..I always thought it was an old lady thing..but I have saved so much money. Although I don't know you I have learned so much from you. Like many others said maybe you just need a break. I am always excited to see your new posts. Hopefully this is encouraging to you and you can continue to find "new material" to share with us. You may feel like you have nothing to share but it is all new to me. I still have a lot more to read and hopefully can become more frugal and organized.Thanks for sharing!
Oh yeah, and I don't think blogging is dead. I have 7 blogs I read on a daily basis (okay, so 2 of them are for pure entertainment value - I think you know who I mean!) but I'm not even into blogging and I check 7 of them, then you know it's not dead. Lol! And even if nobody reads it, you will have a great record of your kids' lives.
Please dont quit! Id be lost without you, lol. I havent been reading for very long and ive only commented a few times but this is by far my favorite blog! I have slowly been making my own HMG and it has really made an improvement in my home and just my daily life in general. I love reading about your everyday life and tips too, i look forward to your posts (i check everyday, lol) and for some reason no matter what the topic is about it always leaves me feeling so good about life. You are truly an ispiration to me and judging by the other comments, so many others as well.
I hope you dont quit!! I havent been reading for all that long but your blog is definitely my favorite!
As for my blog, its died before it barely started. i have no readers but i keep going because i know in the future its something i will want to look back on.
I don't think I have anything new to add to the general refrain of "Please don't quit blogging!" I seldom comment, but I look forward to your posts and often go back through your older posts to pick up some additional frugal tips. We now make your shower cleaner, taco seasoning and I am working on a price book and HMG. I really hope you decide to keep with it becaue I look forward to reading your posts each day. I almost went into withdrawls a week or so ago when you had computer problems. I can't imagine how bad it would be if you stopped posting all together.
I don't think people comment as much as they used to. I think a lot of people read blogs in a reader and don't take the time to actually visit the blog itself...so they don't comment...it's just more efficient that way. Of course, I noticed that you have gotten about 40+ comments on this post so looks like you've still got an audience :)
Your blog is fabulous and I always look forward to reading your posts. I can always relate in some way and it helps others to not feel alone too. Keep on going!
I read you daily - so of course I would miss you.
That said - blogging should be something you do for yourself. Its a great way to be creative with your writing or whatever else you want it to be. If its all about the reader and "helping" them you are setting yourself up to judge yourself a failure at some point.
And God doesn't lay things on our hearts to share or help every day..or even every other day...he uses his own timetable and ways. Its all about seasons. And right now you should very much be in a season of being taken care of and loving each day and being peaceful for baby. If it stresses you to blog..dont do it. We are all still here waiting for your next writing season.
And blogging is so NOT dead.
The faith and Christian mindset from which you write will always be useful to people. This message has been current for 2000 years. Please keep your blog going. You don't have to post every day, but your Christian example is so important to today's society.
Now, I am not sure if I should add anything to the previous 47 COMMENTS or not, as it is my first time here.
I for one love the people and relationships that have occured since I began blogging 2 years ago.
Sometimes I feel dry, I am sure I must say the same things over and over at times. I certainly am passionate about several things that play key in my blog.
I really enjoy many aspects of it, one of course is comments. It is easy to fall into doubt and want to quit, thinking you may perhaps be talking to yourself (which I hear is healthy ;-)
Hope you change your mind...as I would never chose to do something based on the fact that *they* (whoever *they* are) said there was no future to it...*they* have been wrong tons of times before btw.
Hope you can find joy in it for yourself.
Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted
I so love your blog!!! I read it almost daily, but don't take the time to comment as often as I should - probably because I am raising an almost 3 year old and barely have any time to spare! You have inspired me, guided me, provided great tips and ideas, and generally brighten my day. While I don't want you to go, it sounds like maybe an extended break is in order - pregnancy and new motherhood is a handful in and of itself. Don't go, though. Trust me, you'll have PLENTY new material when you start raising a little boy!
God bless and I will be praying for you!
Please don't stop I love reading here. I just don't know what to say so I don't comment much. I love hearing or reading about your family and the wonderful adventures of Cakes. You are also so real that I can feel normal when I come and read here instead of just like wow I could never be like that so why bother. This is a great uplifting blog. Please keep it up. I want to find out how this new little on fits in and to see your reactions to having a boy. That is what I have and I love it!
Please keep it up!!
Heather,
I found your post in September of 2008. I don't comment much because I feel someone has pretty much said what I wanted to say or I'm in a rush. I sit during my down time and go through your old posts (I made a HMG, I've made a few of your recipes, and plan to experiment with homemade cleaners). I too am a Jane Austen fan, a Matchbox 20 fan and a stay at home mother of three (well you will be soon). I picked up copies of three of the books you have listed as favorites and am enjoying them and learning a lot(yes, I used the library!). I guess I'm trying to say that this blog makes a difference, and judging by the volume of comments-not just to me. You live life the way God intended and have this beautiful family, amazing writing gift, yet present it in such a way-that instead of being envious or feeling inferior I root for you...and feel you root for me! Your honesty, humor and vulnerability are disarming. I'd hate to see you go but should you decide to, thank you for sharing.
Oh yeah, for the last two weeks I have been thinking about quitting. It's nothing personal. I just feel guilty because I can't visit blogs and comment like I feel I should or like I want.
The other reason is, of course, the time factor. I can't blog every day and sometimes I think if I quit blogging I could use that time for other things, of course (like reading and commenting, lol!).
I think some blogs get more comments because they visit people's blogs alot and the people reciprocate, you know.
On the other hand, I have seen some bigger blogs with tons of comments, and I doubt they have much time for commenting though.
But, interestingly enough, I will see some blogs with tons and tons of subscribers who will get only 5 or 6 comments at a time. They seem like popular blogs!
I won't tell you not to quit, because I wouldn't want to put pressure on you. However, please don't quit (did I just say that outloud?).
If you do quit, you have to go on facebook so I can friend you there and at least read what you're up to on there, lol!
BTW, I usually only post one status a day on fb, and sometimes not even that often, so I don't think blogging is dying!
I heard the other day that only 10% of readers actually comment at blogs they read.
I have very few followers, I have very few subscribers and low traffic and I'm ok with that. It's not about popularity for me. If I got depressed about the number of comments I'd never write!
I know why I blog, I've stayed true to that despite feeling many times that if I blogged about the topics most other bloggers do I'd have more readers......but I aim to serve a purpose - even if just a few readers stop by. My content is very specific and certainly not a crowd winner, but that's ok!
You seem to have served a great purpose judging from all the comments above! Maybe now your blog is becoming more of a 'family' blog now that you've exhausted frugal living etc. That shift might not suit everyone but that's ok too.
I love your blog!! I found it a few months ago and have you on my Google Reader list. I hope you wont stop as I have found your posts to be extremely helpful and inspiring. :)
If blogging is dead...someone should tell that to the readers of The Pioneer Woman or Bakerella or MckMama or any of the other popular blogs out there. I, personally, LOVE blogs. I use FB but have no idea how that could possibly be better than a blog. It just isn't in my book.
Our blog is a private one for our family to keep up with our day-to-day. It's more like a journal, really. If I was to have a public blog, I'd love to have one like yours. Optimistic. Hopeful. Helpful. and, best of all, where the Spirit of our Father can be felt.
I love you blog. I read it on a daily basis but have never commented. What you have to say definitely makes a difference in my life in so many ways. I don't think there is a post that I haven't enjoyed. So, please don't quit because you think you are not blogging about anything interesting but only if it's something that you do not feel like doing any more. You inspire me to be a better person all around!
I get those feelings all the time; it's just a funk. Take a break for a few days and then brainstorm some article ideas--I've found that helpful.
Also, people go through busy stages where they may have time to read but not time to comment, or at least that's my excuse lately! :D
Sometimes I do find that I just don't have anything to say, so I just won't post. I love reading your blog, but sometimes I get so busy, I don't always click over from my reader to leave a comment. I hope you don't stop blogging anytime soon!
I have really enjoyed reading your blog, and I would hate to see you shoot it. Then again, ultimately it's about what you want to do - so if it's time to take a break, it's understandable. Facebook has killed blogging and personal e-mails for me, which were both, I feel, a much better level of interaction. As much as I enjoy your tips, I just like reading about what's going on in your life, how you are doing day-to-day, and how you keep your life in balance. I've never been a big commenter. You may not think that dealing with snot all day is interesting, but to some of us, it's kind of heroic. You are influencing a lot of people in subtle ways, including me.
Heather don't quit blogging. If you truly do love to write then continue to write. As you can see by the amount of comments today we are out here reading. I am a reader to who stumbled across your site maybe a year ago and I do check and read it daily and am guilty of not commenting all the time. Please keep blogging as it is very enjoyable and you say it how it is which I believe appeals to people.
Hi Heather,
I read your blog everyday. It has inspired me to start my own. I have clicked on almost every link you have, reading about organization and frugal living. I've also recommended your blog to others.
Please keep doing what your doing. I'm sure it's just the hormones :-)
Hi Heather, this post actually induced me to log on to write a comment which is something I keep to a minumum due to the security issues of using public computers. I know I haven't commented so much as I used to on your blog so I thought it might be helpful to tell you why. One is simply that I have been busy through moving house (and currently have a broken computer) and the other is that you always seem to have so many comments that mine seems insignificant or seems unecessary because loads of other people have already said what I would have said. I do still think your blog is very good and I find your posts useful and enjoyable. It is also one of the blogs which I check when I don't have time to read them all and am just checking a handful. If you do decide to stop blogging, I do hope that you will either leave your blog up or at
least give notice before deleting it as there are a lot of useful posts I would want to print out and I am sure other people would too. Sorry for the lack of paragraphs, I hope it all makes sense but I am writing in a rush due to the limited computer time at the library.
Oh, I just remembered - I sometimes think of stopping blogging but one of the reasons I continue is because of the friendships I have made with people through blogging.
Heather I love you so don't stop writing. I often come looking for advice and tips. I don't always comment but I check a few times each day for new posts. Hope the girls feel better soon. Soon you will have a new baby to write about!
I just stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago. The day that I found it, I spent nearly 1/2 the day going through and reading all your old posts. Ok, maybe not all, but a ton of them. I love your family's philosophy on living frugally and felt an instant connection. I pray that you will stick with your blog (although I understand if you decide not to!). I look forward to all the ideas I can learn from you.
I think this may be a season for you, Heather. Lately, I haven't had much to say. When I do, it feels like I've said it before. So I haven't been posting as much. Hardly at all, in the last few months.
You have a lot on your plate right now. I don't know that I would pull the plug, but it is okay to post less frequently. I don't think blogging is dead, but I do think social networking sites have changed the audience a bit.
Ultimately, this is an outlet for you. It remains an outlet, whether or not people are responding. I find you very inspiring on a regular basis and when I don't comment, it's usually because I'm feeling like what I would say, has been said, more eloquently than I could manage.
With all that said, trust your gut. Pray, think on it and if it is time to pull the plug, then stay in touch. You've been a blessing to me. Party on, Garth.
I have been reading your blog for a couple of months now. You have inspired me more than you know. I bought a study bible and have been reading and growing as a christian. My marriage has changed for the better. I'm happier because I want what I have. I check your blog more than once a day. I pray for you and your family. I feel like I know you. I have never commented on anything before, but I want you to know that even everyday stories about your family are enjoyed by many. I hope you don't give up the blog. God Bless you and your family.
Hey there Heather,
I've checked your blog regularly since I discovered it in July. I love your posts, and have made my own HMG to help with organizing. I was actually visiting a lady last week, and had brought it over with me to get some ideas about decorating. My HMG contained paint swatches and pics from magazines with design ideas... Anyway, she saw what it was and shared that she had once used a similar guide, but had "fallen off the wagon" with actually using it... anyway, a few days later, she called to tell me she had begun deep cleaning long neglected areas b/c she had discovered the motivation to do it again.
So, yes, your blog has made quite an impact on more than the people who read it, even.
I have not personally blogged for several months, because I have been dealing with depression, pregnancy hormones (our third girl due this month), a move from Oregon to Alaska, and the uncertainty of my husband's job situation. I opted to keep my musings limited to a personal journal to keep from tainting others with my pessimism. lol
Although you feel you may have diverged from your original purpose, your daily musings provide a sense of camaraderie for us moms who don't mind being honest about our real lives. If I lived near you, I'd love to visit with you...
Another thought... maybe you should consider writing a column for your local paper. You have a lot to pull from with your blog. Just an idea...
Be encouraged!
Mekeisha
I love your blog and read everyday. I don't think I have ever commented but love it. As for blogging it really does not matter to me if people come or not. Don't get me wrong I like people to visit my blog but for me it is kinda like a family diary. I can go back and look at what has gone on for the month. So what if you write about something twice. It might have been so long ago people forgot. Have a great Sunday Rebekah.
I've wondered the same about my blog, even though I started for different reasons and don't have a fraction of the followers you do.
I was reminded that as a follower of Christ, everything I do should reflect Him and bring Him glory, blogging included. That means sometimes He asks me to leave blogging and focus on other areas in my life. When it's time to come back, there may be less readers, but He's got that part under control. If my blogging is submitted Him, He works out the rest.
Just what I'm going through right now; I haven't blogged in a month, my longest break. I've been mulling it over a bit, what I want to write and why, but it's not quite time.
Heather,
I know how you feel because I've been blogging since July, but I have no comments. It makes me feel like no one is listening or even cares, but at least I'm getting my feelings out there and perhaps someone who is cluttered and unorganized will find it and not feel totally lost like they might if they found the blog of an extremely organized person.
I came upon your blog many, many months ago and it has been wonderful. I appreciate all the information that you give and really enjoy the home life posts because it helps me see that, even though you are way more organized than me and way neater, you still have the same issues. It's nice to know that, ya know?
Thank you for your blog because it's been a real help. I also want to thank you for always replying to me when I write an email. You've been kind and gracious in each one and I really appreciate it!
Tara
Thanks to an increase in technology, comments are fewer and far between. It's not easy to click through on Reader to leave a comment. Is there an addin you could include in your post for readers who use Reader?
Also, I find myself interested in "clicking through" from Reader if an author has ended with a question.
For example, Bee's Painted Turkey Pumpkin, you ended your post "It will be a cat like no one has ever seen before". Ok cool. I'll check back in a few days to see the Pumpkin the pumpkin :) I didn't feel like there was a reason to leave that as a comment though. Four letter word- lame. Who wants to see a comment like that?
Had you closed with something like the following, I would have definately clicked through to leave a comment- "What do you do with your pumpkins? What are your Thanksgiving centerpiece plans? I can't wait to hear about them!"
I would have shared that we steamed up our Halloween pumpkins (we bought sugar pumpkins) to make seasonal treats (pumpkin whoopie cookies and pumpkin bread). And I probably would have asked your opinion on cooking up the seeds- dry them first or just cover in EVOO and season salt and roast? :)
A great way to invoke comments and feedback is to encourage the reader. It seems as though the posts that you leave with such a closing "So what do you think...?" or "Tell me about a time..." or "Let's help this reader out. I've shared how I make my baby wipes. What do YOU do?" well it seems that you end up with 50+ comments of great ideas and a regular dialogue...
Thoughts? What do think about the feedback Heather? :)
Keep up the great work! It's so fun to hear from you here.
Allie
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