Birthing My Blog

I'm starting to think that my decision to start a blog was a bit like deciding to have a baby. Do you know what I mean?

I was so excited to have a baby. I prepared for it. I thought I was ready. Really ready.

Then I had the baby. And he was there. All the time. Whether I felt like being a mommy or not. All the time.

Don't get me wrong. I loved my baby. And  I would make that same decision every time. But you know, some days, you just don't feel like being a mother. You're all mothered out. Yet you have to mother anyway.

I'm really enjoying my blog. A lot. It's keeping me writing every day, which was a major purpose in starting it. I've met some lovely people and I'm reading a lot of excellent writing.

And I think this whole overwhelmed, "What have I done," feeling is no doubt typical for being three months into this adventure. At any rate, it's helping me prioritize. Because I'd rather feel as though having a blog was more like getting a puppy rather than having a baby.

After all, a puppy is a big commitment. It requires lots of care and attention. But it doesn't take over your life the way a baby does. And it grows up much more quickly. Some days you can practically ignore it, so long as it's fed.

And, most importantly, you can put it in it's lovely little crate or yard when you leave, and go on about your life without feeling guilty. Try doing that with a kid (seriously, try it. It doesn't work. I know this for a fact).

Have any of you ever felt like this about your blogs, maybe back in the day when you were first starting out? Or am I the only one? Go on, tell me. I can take it. Just be gentle. Remember, I'm a new mom.

Comments

[Uppity]

When I first started my blog, I felt guilty if I didn't post every day. Then I would feel ridiculous because I had all of 3 readers (one of whom was me). I still feel guilty/ridiculous, just a little less every year.

[Brenda]

Hmmm...maybe that's exactly why some young couples shy away from parenthood. And I from blogging. A perfect analogy you've come up with!

[Nancy McDonnell]

Ah...good question!
Although as a new mom to your blog, this really IS a puppy, not a baby. You aren't 'required' to post everyday but only when you want to! WE (your minions) will wait for our food for thought. We know as a good mom you'll show up periodically to check on us.

But if is becoming stressful, the baby, then by all means turn it into the puppy you can crate while away. It's supposed to be fun and an outlet, not a 'OMG, what have I done'.

I love reading your posts. It's thoughtful, intelligent and good...

I've seen many people recently posting that they are taking a break. It's alright to do so! Just warn us first so we know and don't get worried.
:-)

[LPC]

Lots of people feel this way. I think it helps to remember that sometimes taking a day off helps everyone absorb what you have said so far. In fact, I'm taking a day off today:). My problem is the opposite. I have to remind myself not to post too much...

[Jan]

I only get that "OMGwhathaveIgottenmyselfinto" feeling when I get too caught up in how many readers I have and how many comments I get and oh, jeez - did I offend someone? They haven't commented in FOREVER.

Then I remember - hey, it's just a blog. The world - MY world - won't end if I get less than 10 comments or my readership doesn't grow exponentially every month. Dooce I ain't. Ain't nobody Dooce but Dooce.

[Nina]

I started in November 2007 and immediately committed to daily posting via NaBloPoMo. It was a really good discipline to get in the groove. Easier than a puppy or a baby, actually. :-) Love what you're doing.

[Mama Badger]

You'll get to the puppy point. Keep in mind that a blog is just a public diary. So, if you don't feel like writing, don't. We'll all still be here tomorrow. We'll still visit.

When I started my blog I promised myself (and PB) that I wouldn't let it make me crazy. No guilt if I didn't post. No guilt if I posted more than once a day. Just let it take its course, like good art will.

I think you're doing a great job. Now stop worrying.

[Erin]

It took me a while to give myself permission to not post for days, or to (shudder) not read every single new post/comment stuck in my google reader.

You seem to be doing fine!! :-)

[GiGi @ Incrementum]

You put your baby in a crate??? Do those come adult sized? I'd love to put my boyfriend in one of those for a day or two... I'll leave water and come wafers.

Your blog is great and you're a great blog friend, which in my opinion is just as important as being a good blogger. Don't worry so much. I love your blog, long posts, short posts, sappy or yappy, they're all good. Obviously, I'm not the only one. =0)

Keep up the great work.

[Jason]

I don't feel guilty if I don't post as regularly as I would like...I just miss it. So in that way my blog is like a baby or a puppy, too.

I started my blog as a creative outlet and that is just what it has been for me...but I hate it when I feel those creative juices start running dry! I have promised myself that I won't blog about not blogging though!

[Tricia]

I feel like this about my blog every day. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I'm all blogged out. I seem be more of the later quite a bit lately.

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

You've used a really good analogy.

It definitely depends on what you want to do with your blog. If you want to build readership it's not only the writing, but the commenting that is key. It can be a bit stressful. I posted every day for my first year (my self-imposed goal). It's nice to be a bit more relaxed these days.

I've found that some weeks I would rather do a "writing day" where I write a bunch of posts rather than writing daily.

[Sprite's Keeper]

I know exactly what you mean. I posted every day my first year of blogging. There's a lot of crap in my archives. :-)
Just do what you love to do. Your writing is wonderful and that brings me back every time. If you skip a few days or even a week, no biggie. Now, if your blog starts peeing on the floor, you may need to give some attention. ALl blogs need to be walked once in a while.

[class factotum]

I agree with Sprite. I used to post every day -- I did that for years -- and as I re-post my archives, I realize that I wrote a lot of crap. I wrote a lot, period, which was fun for me but I also wanted to be entertaining and build readership. I'm not sure that those two goals work together! It's quality, not quantity, that brings readers.

Now that I have lost my original site and most of my readers, I am more relaxed. I used to have a lot of readers and it still didn't get me $$ for writing, so I am back to doing it just for fun. About my only readers now are my mother and some of her friends.

[Audrey at Barking Mad!]

Oh my goodness. Have I ever felt like this? Almost every day recently. There's been so much going on in the blogosphere lately that's really made me question a lot of what I share, or don't share or should or should not share. It's a lot that weighs on me heavily.

I'll post about it tomorrow.

[Kate]

Yes, I have definitely felt this way (as a mother, it's good to know that I'm not the only one) and with my blog. I've been writing for a little over a year, but it was only 8 months ago that I made the commitment to write each day.

It's tough when I'm having hard times, great times, and lazy times that I don't feel like writing. I am only going to continue as long as it gives me enjoyment. As soon as it becomes a job, I will have to change something.

Also, in my life I go through cycles. Sometimes I'm so passionate about writing and know exactly what I want to say and sometimes I don't feel like writing at all. I think it's so important to give yourself permission to take a break. I have come to realize the internet won't explode if I miss a day or two of posting!

[lisleman]

I enjoyed reading your view on starting the blog. I had a different situation (closing of our office) that got me started and so I had this group of co-workers to share with and planning get-togethers.

After a few months and a drop in readership I became very disappointed. But much later, I found the blog catalog community and other bloggers who would visit.

Getting the comment feedback is what keeps me going because it's fun to share.

I don't write everyday. If I don't have a good idea or I am too busy - so what just check back later.

One surprising thing I noticed was people I know read the blog but would not leave a comment. Some who know me would rather send an email.

[Jersey Girl]

I SO can relate to this. I haven't been blogging as much lately for various reasons- too busy, too tired, too lazy. I was going to announce I was taking an hiatus, but I've decided not to, at least for now. Starting a blog is a type of commitment; I just don't want it to start to feel like a job.