...Or is it just mine?
The way we inter-react with the internet is fluid. At one time we found email thrilling and fresh (remember those funny monikers we gave ourselves?) but now it has become as ordinary as a phone call - and letters through the post (apart from bills and forms from the Inland Revenue) died a long time ago.
Then we all had blogs where we could vent our spleens, chart our daily lives and promote our books. After Myspace, Friends Reunited (anyone go there now?) and others fell by the wayside along came Facebook and Twitter and other such social networking sites we are told we can't do without if we call ourselves writers. Publishers demand it, apparently. I wonder what the next 'big thing' will be that we can't do without if we want to be taken seriously.
So why, these days, should I maintain a blog when everyone, his wife and dog has one or six (and given up on them all) and most of us are far too busy/bored/jaded to care one jot about what anyone else has to say on a regular basis. The novelty has worn off.
Then again, some blogs still manage to maintain their following. Some I read regularly attract comments in their hundreds week after week. This proves to me that cream will always rise to the top and attract loyal readers. Those that fail to cut the mustard (like this one) will fail in the same way that I predict the current rising demand for the self-produced e-book will eventually settle down and people will be more picky in their download choices.
So I'm asking you all - my dwindling loyal band of readers - should I quit now? If not, what would you like me to write about? And make it more of a must-read? I can tell that no-one comments now when I write about the books I have read. The biggest response I got was when I wrote about depression but since I am currently doing okay (fingers crossed) I guess I'm ordinary and boring. When I have a bit of a moan, I get a response but when I blog about positive progress in my writing (but haven't yet got anything concrete to show for it) again I draw a blank. I have written advice about writing and run mini 'tutorials' but I guess that because anyone can publish now, who wants to read advice on how to write better or more effectively?
You may not even bother to reply. So be it. C'est la vie and all that. I just like to know the way the wind is blowing and whether I'm wasting my time. But I would be grateful if someone could tell me what the next big thing is.
So I can avoid it...or buy shares in it.
Write about craft Sally, there are so few writing blogs that focus on craft, they all seem to be about publishing and promotion. The only one I can think of that does is Emma Darwin's.
ReplyDeleteI'm not tired of blogs - actually I always read your posts whenever they appear. It's just that I don't always have an intelligent comment to add to the discussion, so sometimes I just read and silently enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'd like to point out that even though the hand-written letter 'died' long ago, as you said, getting one in the mail these days is an enormous treat. People can almost use them as a kind of gift, they're so rare and delightful. I wonder if everything will develop in such a way. The novelty and/or necessity wears off, and then we find new ways to appreciate a particular form of writing. Who knows what blogs will become? Something interesting, I hope.
Anyway, there are my rambling thoughts on whether you should stop or not. As for what you should talk about...I can't advise very well there, but that's because I find what you do write about quite interesting already.
Sally - we're not tired of you. Like Solar, I read most of your posts (not all, for I skip blog-reading on very busy days) but rarely stop to comment.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about fads coming and going on the internet. Twitter feels over-full of self-promoters at the moment, drowning the chitter-chatter or useful links. Facebook - I can't get excited about Facebook. Personally, I love blogs - they are a way of knowing someone better, find links to something really useful or interesting or genuinely funny. So I'd be sad if you stopped.
But are you tired of blogging? It sounds as if you might be. Have you thought of taking a blog holiday - when you return your post will still come up on my list (I can't speak for others) so I'd still be around and reading when you come back.
I think these things evolve, as is normal. I have no idea how many people follow mine, as I deleted the followers widget - this isn't a race, I reckoned.
ReplyDeleteNow, I update when I have something to say - a book I want to talk about, a writer, or something I've done that is out of the ordinary and worth recording. Like the WW1 battlefield trip I just completed.
I rarely comment on blogs these days. How many times have I thought, IM only doing this to be seen, not to SAY something. The culture of 'how many mates have you got, I've got more' has permeated right through, and I have now tried to turn my back on it. ... if there's something to say, like this, then I will take the time to say it. Otherwise, I might read, and nod sagely, and go and make coffee.
I think the answer is do what YOU want to do. Don't feed the pigeons and the pigeons will go away - but do we really mind?
vx
I often read your blog through Google Reader, but I never comment. I know comments are a good way of knowing you're still interesting your readers - and I love having them myself - but unless I've built a relationship with a blogger I find it hard to make random comments - I imagine you, reading my comment, and wondering who the heck I am.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I blog because I love it. The readers are a bonus. Like Jo says, if you are tired of blogging, maybe take a break?
You might find people don't comment so much because of the CAPTCHA you've got switched on. They are getting more and more awkward and I sometimes have to refresh them several times before I can see one clearly enough to copy!
Thanks, everyone, for your helpful feedback and for reading me. That's all a writer can ask. I'm not tired of my blog at all but wondered, if no-one is reading it, why I should bother. But I now know people still do. So the motto is: keep calm and carry on.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa: I have altered my settings. I wasn't aware I had those silly word verification thingies in the first place - I hate them myself - so with any luck, they've now gone. For good.
Thank you, Neil. Craft is what I like to write about best but sometimes wonder if I might sound too high and mighty. Or, on the other hand, teaching grandmothers to suck eggs.
Writing effective and entertaining prose is something that must be learned. Learn the basics, not by reading books about writing, although they can be useful, but by reading, reading and reading the very best. I love Emma Darwin's blog and learn a great deal from it but I haven't her expertise so I can't emulate it. But I do my best.
I don't count followers or compare my popularity with others (I find it silly) but it would be even more silly if I was talking to myself, like those men in raincoats who shuffle up and down the street muttering and shaking their fists.
I'm late to leave a comment, Sally, but I simply want to add that I do read your blog posts and enjoy them. Like Annalisa I often read blogs using Google Reader, on my phone so don't comment. All I can say is that I hope you are happy to continue.
ReplyDeleteAs an amateur scribbler I love reading the observations of established writers, particularly on the craft of writing.
Hi Sally,
ReplyDeleteI don't have a blog myself so please excuse the 'anonymous' tag. All I can say is that I do keep an eye out for new posts from you and always enjoy reading them but I don't normally comment - sorry!
Sue
Sally, I love your blog, it's always been one of my favourites. I still blog too, though I feel rather removed from my blog's main focus these days.
ReplyDeleteI'd like you to keep going with a mix - occasional rants or discussion topics, news, book reviews, craft posts. I've bought several books on the back of recommendations from this blog.
Hi Sally - just to let you know that I do read your blog and enjoy it. Also thanks for the book recommendations. I read Nell Leyshon's 'The Colour of Milk' on your recommendation, and really enjoyed it. I've reviewed it on 'Goodreads'. I too am going to have to post this as 'anonymous' as I don't know how posting on here works! However - BTW this is Ginni.
ReplyDeleteYour blog has always interested me and proved helpful too. I may not always have time to think of a good comment, but I appreciate your wise words. As long as you enjoy writing your lovely posts, all of us who enjoy reading them would appreciate it if you could continue.
ReplyDeleteWhen I do critiques, or talks to writing groups, I always point them to your blog, with particular reference to your short story tutorials. I don't think I've found any other blogger whose advice is so valuable or so succinct. A lot of aspiring writers have no idea how to write - they need you, Sally!
ReplyDeleteI've been wrestling with this myself lately. It does seem sometimes that no one reads my blog, but then someone unexpected will pop up and mention it (though often not on the blog itself). So I think I agree with Vanessa G on this one. I''ve decided to keep it going for those few who like it, and for myself. I write when I have something I want to share in a more in-depth way than I can on fb or twitter. But I've stopped beating myself up over it when I go for a longer than usual time without posting. And anyway, we writers write -- in all forms. That's what we do, so why stop?
ReplyDeleteHello, Sally. I think it's always important every now and then to re-evaluate what we do and why. There is only one reason why you should carry on - because (if) you want to. I don't think you should measure the value or "success" of your blog by how many comments you get. Many people read but don't comment. Also, it's quite easy to increase comments (for example by asking a particular type of question or by being controversial) but those two things don't make a blog better or more valuable. Comments are affirming, but they are not the point.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I've recently wound up my writing/publishing advice blog, for various reasons but mainly because it had ceased to be a good or even feasible use of my time. However, as you also know, I started a new one, my Heartsong blog. But I set myself no rules there - I blog about what i want, when I want. And I don't court lots of comments; some posts will attract comments, others not, but I know the posts have been read because I see the stats. It's just a place where I can write something if and when i want or need to. By not setting myself rules or targets, I feel no pressure. So, it may never be as outwardly "successful" as my Help! blog was, but it's equally purposeful for me.
There is absolutely no reason why you can't carry on doing just what you're doing - blogging when you feel like it - but stop making yourself feel that you "should" be doing more. Your posts are lovely and true and intelligent. We like them. And if you like writing them you should continue. Another thing you might consider is taking a holiday from blogging, and see how you feel. But I think the best thing is to have the blog there as a place where you can talk if you want to, and stay silent when you don't.
Most of all: enjoy it. And don't let it stop you writing and living! xxx
Thank you, one and all. I'm now bathing in a warn glow. I shall continue with a spring in my step and a song in my heart. I'd better stop in case I turn into Doris Day.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that I don't visit Blogland that often due to lack of time. However, I do enjoy reading your blog and as for what you should write about I think that its your blog so write about what you want. I've always found it interesting in the past and I'm sure that will continue.
ReplyDeleteHi Sally,I have just found your blog through it being on Jo's blog page. I have been writing a blog for just over a year and sometimes I do get disheartened if I only have a few comments but I love writing so I just keep going. I am never going to write a book and as everyone who writes likes their writing to be read its the only way I have of getting it out there.
ReplyDeleteI also started a book review blog and that has less comments but I think reviews are maybe meant to be read and not commented on. If you enjoy blogging then carry on ,if you look at your stats you will see it is being read. I always think if you like having comments you have to be pro active and comment yourself on other blogs. I for one will be reading your blog again.
Oh don't give up please! I've only recently found you, but believe me blogs like yours, the voice and stories of someone who has been there and done that, are absolutely vital for newbies like me. It's so wonderful to read someone as well written as you! xxx Good luck with your editing and perhaps later on you might share with your readers how that went?
ReplyDeleteI read your blog regularly but don't often comment. Glad to hear you are not giving it up as I so enjoy your thoughts on writing and reading.
ReplyDeleteMighty Prose is Lawrence Ineno, and ghostwriting is his passion. As a Freelance Writer, Lawrence helps you meet your publication goals faster and more effectively than otherwise possible.
ReplyDelete