Hard to believe another summer is coming to a close. In fact, I’m a little stunned at the pace of 2012…it seems like I was listing resolutions yesterday, and now, bam…less than four months till the end of the year (and after spending the first year of this blog going on about turning 40, soon I’ll be hitting 41).
I think like a lot of bloggers (although I don’t think of myself as a “blogger” so much as a “person who has a blog”), my attitude has changed towards my blog as time has gone on. As I’ve said before, I enjoy the interactions, have fun with a lot of the posts, and am blown away by all the smart, fun writing I see out there.
When I ended 2011, I had managed to reach my goal of 5,000 views. Looking at 2012, I secretly hoped I’d get another 5,000+…and initially set a goal of 200 posts a year. I pretty quickly felt locked in at 4 posts a week and revised it to 175-200 in 2012. Over the last few weeks, I’ve hit my 10,000th view (w-hoo) and realized that to hit the 175-200 mark, I could now do three posts a week. Between this realization and, y’know, life, I’ve slowed down a little bit.
One thing I had thought in the past is that I *had* to stick to a schedule so that my audience would “know” when to expect a post from me. What I’ve realized is that most people either visit because that’s what they do, or they come after being notified by e-mail or the posts are in their reader. Another realization, disappearing for a few days or a week does not make everyone forget you…
These have all been good lessons for me. There have been days where I’ve done the “have to post!” dance when I had other things to do, because I *had* to stick to my schedule. I’ve realized now that this is silly; when blogging is a hobby/outlet it shouldn’t feel like an obligation or chore.
The other day, I got my first notice about renewing this blog and there’s no question in my mind that I want to continue (although I’m going to have to purchase more space soon for my photos!). But I know that as the end of another year (and another strivingcynic year) is in sight, that I might just lay off the blog resolutions in the future (or at least the scheduling ones).
I know I’ve written about these types of thoughts/realizations before, but I they’re worth revisiting as time has marched on!
How has your attitude towards blogging or blog scheduling changed? Do you consider yourself a blogger or a person who has a blog?
happy last day of the long weekend/summer, zo! hope you have an enjoyable day.
oh, i so identify with all of your points about blogging! this year has been all of the map for me in terms of when i blog – and as someone who loves routine that is hard, at times. at this moment, i am onto “blog when i have something to say, i want to write.” example: this will be the first year i have no labour day post, talking about happy new year’s day…and that’s ok!
congrats to you for being willing to be flexible with your blog, too. it IS helpful to remind ourselves that we blog as a hobby, our blends will always understand, the world will not end if we miss a post!!
thanks for sharing where you are with blogging, right now! oh – and yes, the year is speeding by!
Well, I’m being “rigid” about meeting my goal for 2012, but after that, I will probably try to “relax” a bit….I suspect I’ll end up with about 2-3 a week if I don’t “force” it anyway…and there are always challenges and memes to participate in.
It’s clear you’ve found your good place when it comes to posting…that’s about as good as it gets!
Hmmm…good question, Zo. Am I a blogger or someone who blogs? I’m not sure yet. I’m heading to 2 years in December and it has certainly become a part of my life. I’m even at the point where Ralph doesn’t think I’m nuts for spending time doing this,OR taking photos of my food, but also likes to hear who has commented and what they’re saying! I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I think that’s actually what I’m doing here. Is it great prose? Some days I think it’s pretty good. Some days I have no idea what I want to talk about and I think it sounds that way. But, I keep working at it. I know that because of this, I’ve done things I never would, NaNoWriMo for one thing and I’m crazy enough to be thinking about doing it again! I do worry if I don’t post will people come back. I wasn’t able to comment most of the time we were on vacation and I worry that those I usually comment on would drop me. Doesn’t seem to be that way. I think you’re doing a great job here and should keep it up!
I think the enjoyment you get out of it says it all…I have posted sometimes for the sake of posting rather than because I really wanted to say something…and sometimes with life’s other obligations and pleasures, there just isn’t always time.
I think with going away, once you turn up again, people come back to you…so I’m glad you’ve found that to be the case..and thanks for the compliment!
I think it’s a great idea not to be locked in. I think for me it’s more a hobby although I do fine myself sometimes caught up in the “I have to post” mentality. I’m not even a year in. I guess I’m not entirely sure what I want, ultimately! I really enjoyed this post!
Thanks. My attitude has changed as time has gone on..first there’s getting the hang of things, then deciding how much “keeping up” you want to do…when I find myself writing a post on a beautiful day where I’d rather do something else, I’m not so into keeping up…but at other times it’s exactly what I want to do.
I love bloggers who post when they have something to say, instead of just to fill space. That said, I’ve had to set a schedule for myself. After noticing that I’ve only posted 1-2 times per month for the past 4 months, I’ve realized that “posting when I feel like it” doesn’t really work for me. Congrats on meeting your pageview goals!
Thanks. I suspect I think what I have to say might not be post-worthy, so the schedule helps me over the “and why should anyone care?” hurdle. But, feeling locked in (by no one’s rules but my own) can be frustrating.