Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Retrospective

I sat down almost a year ago and began blogging. A friend and I started around the same time; she to update friends on the happenings in her midst-of-divorce life, including the highlights and lowlights of dating. I thought I could entertain the masses and make a quick buck or several hundred.

Well, a year later, I have spent way more time and money (inadvertently) through blogging than I will probably ever recoup. I've learned some things along the way, though.

Blogging is not easy. It takes a lot of time and dedication to get a devoted audience of readers and, frankly, I don't have the time to dedicate to it. My son freaks completely out when I approach my PC or get the laptop out. And most of the time I have free must be devoted to my course work right now if I ever want to finish the friggin' degree.

It takes a lot of work. I like to write; I am a skilled technical writer. But your blogs? Wow, they knock my socks off! Some of you are just wicked funny. Others are incredibly talented photogs. There are a few of you who are both. Me? I am neither a particularly witty writer nor a photographer.

You have to have some technical know-how. And me? Not so much. It took me until 3 weeks ago to figure out how to post the haiku friday logo on my posts. Seriously. I can surf the internet and use Word but this blogging stuff? Most of it is way above my head.

And, I don't Twitter. I know, I know. AFF says I must in order to grow my readership. I have tried but do you really care that I just took a shower and am now watching the dust bunnies crawl under the stools at my breakfast bar? I do intend to make a concerted effort to learn this Twitter stuff over the summer when I am not in class (did you hear the hallelujahs surrounding that? No class for 3 months! Woot!) but I am doubtful.

Some days when I do sit down to blog it is sort of with a heavy heart. I want people to find my stuff funny or touching or worthwhile. I want the comments. You know what I mean. We all start for different reasons but the comments? They're a blogger's crack.

So, for now, I blog to stay in your lives. I love reading about your kids, in-laws, your trips. Truth be told, I know more about your lives than I do about many of the people whom I see on a regular basis. Blogging has become a community for me and that is the main reason I stick around. And this community that requires no zip code, no taxes, no real names? I am glad to consider myself a little part of it...

13 comments:

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

*think Barry White's voice*
RIGHT ON.
*end Barry White's voice*

Oh good God do I get this (minus the obvious link to me, moosh and HG rock, of course). And I like you that much more for it.

Uber-connectivity reaches ad nauseum QUICKLY.

You're right, it does take time and dedication IF you're into it like that. I personally don't give a rat's @ss how many readers I have (it reminds me of headgear in high school) so PLEASE only blog and write all things Toni, because that's what I and others like to read anyways - well that and anything robes.

I blog less each week (the whole family and friend thing in IRL consume time, as you know). If it weren't for you and a handful of others I'd be out as well.

Bravo my friend. See you at the playdate at drink-thirty.

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Holy schiltz, sorry for writing a book.

Life As I Know It said...

You are so right about the community. I never expected that when I started blogging.
I don't have time to devote to increasing readership or even blogging every day either, but I'm still hanging around. Reading when I can and writing when the spirit moves me.

Kellan said...

I'm glad you blog - I'm glad we are friends - I enjoy you VERY MUCH!! I don't Twitter yet either - I need to learn what that is all about.

Have a good evening, Toni - see you - Kellan

Anonymous said...

too true! i started blogging to keep friends and family updated on our move and everything that goes along with it. i had no idea i would get anything out of it. but i love the community that i've found while blogging. many, many wonderful people.

and i'm with you and the twitter. i just don't get it. i'm not sure, or rather i am fairly sure, that my every moment is all that interesting. i'm don't know how to filter what is twitterable. like now do i twitter that i left a comment on your blog??

Anonymous said...

I heart your blog. I'm glad you're plowing through, I know it can be hard sometimes.

Oh, and I totally don't get Twitter. When you figure it out, explain it to me. 'kay!?!?!

Anonymous said...

I'm with MamaGeek. I don't overly care about numbers. I enjoy getting comments, but I would much rather be close to the people I've met and feel I know so intimately. Every person on my blogroll is someone who matters to me. Only write yourself. And, I knew C would throw out the robes....

Twitter is the place you go when you want to say something quick and not a whole post.

moosh in indy. said...

Ooh, girl. I'll tell you what. It is exhausting. But so totally worth it. Even if just to feel that little sense of community in our own little corner of the internet.
Honesty is what reigns supreme. Honesty is what keeps people coming back.
That and a few stories about falling down the stairs, but whatever.

Cynthia said...

You know...I caught Dooce on the Today show (which was so lame since Kathy Lee interviewed her). She said "being a Mom is hard, and it's nice not to feel like you are doing it alone". That so sums up blogging to me. Don't be so hard on yourself. I don't think of myself as a writer, and I certainly can't take pics like Mama Geek, but I like having a place that's all mine where I can just let loose:) Your blog looks fab. btw!

DIXIECHICK said...

Hear...hear....I am so with you on this..and twitter...I signed up..but? Clueless....I too need to spend more time learning about it, and actually using it...you had me scared for a minute...when I first starting reading this post...I was afraid you were fixing to tell us you were quitting or something. Don't do that to me! I love reading you....don't be so hard on yourself...blogging is hard sometimes....lately, I have been having the same thoughts as you....but, as other readers as have told me...blog for yourself...if you don't have anything to say...then don't blog...it is you, not us, you should be blogging for...I still will come and visit you...every day...I am here, weather I comment or not....just know, Dixie loves ya!

Dana said...

I am a terrible writer. I don't even know why I started blogging but it is fun and I enjoy it. And I still have lots to learn. I didn't know about twitter until recently. Not another thing to get me started on. nope, no way.
Just keep doing what you're doing.

Melissa said...

I'm there with you, too. I just don't have the time to do what I would need to do to get more than about ten devoted readers. And that's fine. I like my little corner of the net. It has nice people like you in it. :)

Bradley's Mom said...

I enjoy your blog very much, whenever and whatever you say!

Here's to you!

xoxo
Linda