Hey, guys. I feel like I’ve been gone forever. This is the first I’ve even turned on my computer since Friday. Honestly, I’ve been in a bit of a funk…a blog funk.
I was feeling like I was working my you-know-what off to get out a decent post four or five days a week, and discouraged that I was getting what felt like very little feedback. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve been too concerned about comments and followers and too worried about growing my blog. Don’t get me wrong, I love comments and appreciate all of my followers! But I think I was seeing it as a means to an end. “Growing my blog” meant getting advertisers and making a little money. There’s nothing wrong with that, but having advertisers also puts a little more pressure on me to have good posts, so it’s a bit of a vicious cycle.
In short, I wasn’t enjoying my blog like I used to.
The reality is, I’m never going to be a big-deal blogger, and I’m never going to be one that spits out three or four major projects a week. Instead of being discouraged about that, I want to be happy with what I am. I don’t want my blog to be a chore. If I only manage to post three times a week, I shouldn’t feel guilty about that. At this point I think that once my current sponsorships expire, I won’t be taking any more.
I’m not going anywhere, and my blog isn’t going to change fundamentally. Just my focus is. I hope you’ll stick around and enjoy it with me!
Thursday’s Knock-Off Party will take place as usual.
25 comments:
I think you are brilliant for 1. Reevaluating where you are, 2. Being willing to change, and 3. Blogging about it.
Soooo many new bloggers are popping up out there and I think a lot of them think they're going to be the next Kate or Sarah or Nester. It just doesn't happen for all of us...otherwise we'd all be superstars. Blogging is hard work. Growing a blog is hard work--look at you--you have over 1000 Followers! Adding sponsors and sponsored posts to the mix only makes it that much more difficult. It's good for new bloggers to see how much work goes into a blog like this.
I've learned to TRY to be content with where I am and what I am capable of doing. I'm not a crafter, I'm not a decorator, I'm not thrifty enough to be a frugal living blogger...so I'm just doing what I can do the best I know how.
I appreciate how real you are!!
Amen sister!! :) I have felt everything you are feeling right now. I just try to do project that I can use and enjoy. I post them. If I get zero comments...so be it...
Good for you Holly....
I can only imagine the amount of time that it takes to run a blog like yours. Mine is simple, yet I spend a lot of time on this computer. I started it for ME....as a way of journaling I suppose, but sometimes I get hung up on worrying about it ever being good enough...It's good enough for me, and that is what counts....
Have always enjoyed your post. I think you need to do what makes YOU feel good and happy.
Hugs,
shug
I think we all get in that cycle especially once we really start getting followers. I have been there two or three times and I have had to stop myself and remind myself to stay true to why I started my blog, not to make $$ but to record my families day-to-day life. If I do make a bit, great but that is NOT my focus.
Glad you made it through the storms. It was a scary, scary time!
I'm a relatively new blogger - there are less than 200 people following my blog. And I don't care. I love the fact that there are people out there who are interested in what I have to say.
Would I love it if there were another "0" after that. Sure. But, if that happened I'd have to deal with all of the outside pressure, and probably corporate suits pressuring me to use all of their "keywords" in my posts.
When I first started my blog, I had big dreams of earning tons of money and being interviewed by Brian Williams. But now I realize that I started my blog to share my story, not to make a money. I enjoy the swag I've received so far, and if it turns into cash so be it!
I really enjoy reading your blog, and I'm glad you're not throwing in the towel! I can only imagine the amount of hard work having a blog as beautiful and successful as yours must be. All the best to you as you continue to flourish in the blogging community.
Best,
Emily from Nap Time Is My Time
Holly, good for you! I don't have the followers you do, or the parties, or the ads...but I can appreciate that you want to re-eval and took a little breather. I think that is perfectly ok! (http://cannaryfamily.blogspot.com/2010/11/thats-why-i-dont-do-that.html) I read about that happening a lot! I am a stinker about not putting comments on all I read, but please know that I find your blog to be very interesting and I love all of your family, cooking, and decor posts! (:
I don't often comment on blogs, but I'm glad you've decided to continue. I've enjoyed reading your posts. I'm a single mom who works full time and I don't get a chance to do so many of the projects that I see on the web. But I sure do love living vicariously through those that do. Glad you're back!
Oh, I thought you were a big time blog :) I love your blog but know just what you mean about it seeming like a chore. I have a few more than 200 followers and have spent several years growing that following. I know when I strive to get thousands of followers and ad $$ I feel so stressed it's not fun. Take a break and know you're a big deal to me!!
xoxo
cm
Hey Holly! What a great post! It's so easy to get caught up in the idea of having a "big" blog--I'm sure that's especially true for you, since you DO have a big blog already. . . just a few more sponsors. . . just a couple of great projects. . . just the right party idea. . . It can be just a vortex that sucks you in, can't it?
I'm really glad that you're going to continue to blog, but that you're going to do it differently. I think you're setting a wonderful example. And for sure I'll be here enjoying the ride with you! :)
You go girl! I love your blog...period! If it's 1 post a week or 5 posts a week! Do what feels right to you! I blogged about that just today!
Honey, I feel your pain! I've been going through the same guilty feelings because I've been soooo busy that I haven't had much time to post lately and haven't had time to be crafty to post about either. Life has gotten in my way and I've been feeling bad about that. BUT, you're totally right. I'm trying to accept the fact that I'm not super-blogger woman. I'll never have the extra $$ to do huge awesome projects, etc. HOWEVER, I have met so many wonderful ladies that I consider friends (you included of course), and that's what I'm choosing to focus on. Maintaining relationships with my friends. GREAT post, Holly!
Your blog is beautiful, and you have tons of wonderful ideas. :) I'm always amazed at your creativity!
However, I've come to the same conclusions over the last year or two. I can't remember the last time I looked at the numbers, and I've been turning advertisers away for the most part.
Like you, I don't want to feel pressured when I hit those blogging fogs. I want to be able to walk away if I have to and take a break.
Also, I've found that it's incredibly freeing to pick and choose what reviews I'll tackle, and say "no" sometimes, too. It keeps things real. Blogging because you have to is no fun. Blogging because God has given you something to share is far better!
Keep up the wonderful work. When you feel like it, of course!
Hugs
I read pretty much every post and always have. I dont always comment on blogs even though I love them. Keep it up! Your blog is great and sometimes those big time bloggers do stuff just to blog about it I swear! Its nice to just see you au natural loving your home and projects
I've been following yours for awhile, (I think I might have 8 followers?) & I love reading your blog. Because it's you. It's not some commercial thing that's busy, busy. I like the stuff you feature, the little tips, and the redos. Keep up the good work! And don't feel pressured by some advertisers wanting more, more, more. That's not what it's all about!
And to the advertisers: More posts do not equal more quality! There is a balance, and this lady's got it!!
I so enjoy your blog and love your new posts, I look forward to them in the future too - sponsorships or not:)
Yes, I hear you!! I blog mostly to keep up with the friends I made blogging. I can't keep up, don't want the pressure to keep up. I just do what I can and enjoy it. Good for you for reevaluating and choosing to do what you can.
Suzanne
I enjoy your blog very much. Sadly,I don't always have time to comment. I'm sure there are many more like me that stop by from time to time but don't comment often. I did so enjoy the post on the egg basket you made.
Everything you wrote hit home with me. I want to be one of those bloggers who has a great post each day but I have to frequently tell myself that it's a hobby for me, work and real life has to come first.
I enjoy your blog and definitely hope you'll post as much as you.
Holly,
I've 'known' you now for nearly a year I think and in that time you've consistantly been open, friendly and LOVELY. I feel so glad to have met you....and I thoroughly enjoy your posts. Really!
I think we all need to re-evaluate what we're doing from time to time - I certainly do. I have to work at not letting myself be buffeted from all sides and try to stick with being me!
Sarahx
Holly, what a great post, its so easy to get caught up sometimes in readership & commenting once you see how big & bad the blog world is & you're trying hard to keep up. I'm overwhelmed at posting at least twice a week with only 11 followers bt I heed to the advise of fellow bloggers like you who say that it takes time to grow. Thanks for being so honest & all the best to you! :-)
There is so much more to blogging than most people realize. It's fun and exciting and a ton of work! You definitely need to re-evaluate from time-to-time be sure sure you are following your own true path. Sounds like that's exactly what you are doing right now. That's a good thing!
I totally understand. I have a personal/family blog, a recipe blog and a work blog....I am soooo overwhelmed. I really wanted my recipe blog to take off and be one of the popular ones that everyones follows but realized very quickly that I could not keep up with the super bloggers. So now,like you I will post when I can and try and make those post informative and interesting. I want it to be fun, not something I dread doing.
Hugs!!
I can see how it can become a chore with all the added pressure of keeping things up. I am glad you are continuing though. :) I missed the Tips and Tricks Tuesdays.
I don't normally comment on blogs, but wanted to let you know I've become an avid reader in the last few days since I discovered you. Please don't go anywhere! Even if we're not commenting, we are out here reading every day!
i just found your blog and started following it about 2 weeks ago! I've gotten so many ideas from you and found other peoples wonderful blogs. Glad to hear you will continue the good work!
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