For the last few nights I have been up with something I call bloginsomnia. Heard of it? I'll bet some of you know exactly what this is. You may have found yourself afflicted with it just as I have. I am thinking I, like many of you, am in need of some sort of blog break. Or at least a blog reality check.
I make promises to myself to be reasonable about posting and commenting on blogs. I tell myself to take it easy hop on the treadmill. Use my time wisely do the laundry. Don't overdo it clean the kitchen. Find balance and shave my legs. But, I get lost in the blogosphere and munch on junk while blog hopping and commenting. One hour turns into two. Two turns into three and so on. I look forward to visiting blogs. I get EXCITED about it. Every day I find someone I have something in common with. Or, I find blogs that are intellectually stimulating, that make me laugh, or that teach me something new. Too bad there isn't a blog to teach me how to get my laundry folded while doing the dishes and shaving my legs and changing J's diapers and vacuuming the living room and calling my mother and making dinner . . . all at the same time.
I have several blogs in my reader (my blog roll is in desperate need of an update). The list keeps growing. And growing. And my time to visit each and every one keeps shrinking and shrinking. I feel like a little girl with all her dolls lined up and I am being forced to choose my favorites. Well, how can I do that? This one has long pretty blond hair. This one has really cool outfits. This one has a dream house. This one drives a Corvette. This one is dating Ken. This one has a puppy . . .
Currently, I just comment whenever and wherever I want. Sometimes I am the first commenter. The last commenter. I comment on old posts and even super old posts. I just like commenting. I comment with NO expectations just that you hopefully read the comment. You don't have to reply. You don't have to comment on my blog unless you want to. I have a number of blogs I visit, but there are some that I make an extra effort to visit on a regular basis because I have come to know and love their blogs over time. My overall goal is to keep blogging a fun and stimulating outlet, NOT to make it a job.
I am going to reflect over the next couple of days about this little dilemma. How can I balance posting, commenting, and, well, life? I'm determined to figure it out.
Do you visit blogs every day? Do you have specific blogs you make sure to visit all the time? Do you use a reader? What is your commenting philosophy? Posting philosophy? How do you balance it all? Feel free to share what worked for you. I can only imagine I am not the only one who struggles with this.
So, give it to me. How do you do it?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Bloginsomnia
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Ok, I JUST got a blog reader . . . Google Reader. I'm already finding that some of the time-consuming scrolling through blogs to see if they've been updated is sufficiently diminished to enable me to visit more blogs! Yay Google Reader!
faced that dilemma a short time ago. I solvfed the problem a number of ways. I eliminated the blogroll from my actual page. This made me feel less guilty if I missed putting someone's blog on that I really liked, but forgot to add it. I put everyone I like into my reader so I don;t miss things but it saves me a lot more time. I have committed to no more than three times a day to look. Once in the morning before the boys are up and around, once while I am eating my lunch and then after the kids are in bed is when I do my posts for the next day.
I don't think I could drop people from my reader because I just really enjoy keeping up with the people I've gotten to know. But id did know I needed to control how often I was on when the kids came to me one day and said, "what's on your blog today, Mom?"
I don't know if this helps. I enjoy your blog so I hope I make any cut you might make.
I suffer from this SAME thing! I WANT people to feel like their blogs are being read and so I comment--but really, most of those people never comment on mine, and I feel like it is really one sided. It is not that I expect a comment on every post (that would be WAY too much to expect!) but once in a while is nice...just so you know someone is reading. But really, I have adopted a you comment, I comment kind of attitude. If I comment several times without a response, I really just stop commenting unless there is absolutely something I REALLY feel like I need to comment on. But then again there are people who comment on mine every few posts and I comment right back--on the posts of theirs that I really click with. I love to comment on yours--you are so entertaining and have so much to offer. It's like having something to say to the popular girl--and having her actually LISTEN! :)
Am anxious to see what others say on this topic--I know my blogging could use a tune-up. :)
I like your attitude, The Holloways. I've been struggling with this myself and with warm weather coming I'll have so much less time to blog. What to do? I've recently been scrutinizing the 1/2 of my blogroll that doesn't comment on my posts - or haven't in over a month. Those will be the first to go, or at least not get read when I'm cramped for time.
I do read your blog and have enjoyed the comments you've made on mine. I am one of those people who reads all the post on Google Reader and then picks and chooses which ones to reply to... actually which ones to read in entirety. I do block off a good 1 or so to doing my blog and reading/replying to others. But, I often find myself coming on other times to see who if anyone has replied to my post and what they had to say. I will honestly say that I find myself more likely to reply to the people who reply to my posts on a regular basis... sad I know!
I have google reader. I usually comment on all the new ones that come up. i really try hard to comment as much as I can because I know people get butt hurt if I don't. I do blog hop and I comment when something interests me. So many blog politics! I do enjoy your blog, though!!
I go through phases of this. I use Google Reader as well, and I will comment to a post if I feel I have something to say. I am most likely to comment to a blogger who comments on mine as well, and I also will pare down my Reader from time to time of blogs that I enjoy but where I never comment or blogs I comment on that rarely comment back.
For the first year or so of my blog, I had no blogroll, but I added it to support the bloggers with whom I have some kind of connection or special affinity, or whose blogs I think my readers would especially enjoy.
I don't know that this gives you any answers, but it is how I manage an unmanageable process.
I was actually typing this same post - in my head this morning! I feel like I am overwhelmed with blogging. I LOVE it, but it has really snowballed and growing into something that is controlling me instead of me controlling it. If you figure this out...let me know!
I'm not sure how much help I will be, but I use google reader. It helps me not have to go to every blog everyday. If someone has not updated, then I don't have to jump over there that day. It also helps me keep track of what I didn't read if I run out of time. I do try to comment on all the blogs I read. I actually try to comment on most of the posts. I want that person to know I am reading and I want them to know I enjoy visiting their blog. I don't know how much it means to others, but I love comments and it makes me feel good. So I want to do that for others. Also, if someone comments on my blog that isn't on my normal list....then I go to their blog and leave them a comment.
I'm just not sure how to balance it all....
I have bloglines. I read them, skim them, etc. I only comment on maybe 1/5 of those I read. (feel lucky today!!) so, if you haven't heard from me in a while, it doesn't mean I'm not reading!
I am so glad I am ot the only one. I use google reader and it is alwasy bursting full. I have found myself neglecting things to blog and that is not good. The other day I tried to visit every wordless wednesday link. Am I on drugs? I think I need to set a limit for myself. I admit I get a little upset if I comment a lot on a blog and get NOTHING back ever. I know it is silly but I feel snubbed. I do my best to try and comment on blogs I read. I know how happy I get when I get a comment. I am going to set a blog timer or something. I wish I had a better answer.
Actually, I do it pretty much just like you do. I do visit blogs every day, because I really enjoy it. I just have to put a limit on my time, or my family wouldn't see my very often!
I am feeling this too! I love each and every blog I read but it's becoming too much and I have trouble keeping up. I sometimes feel like I spend more time on here commenting than with my kids.
I haven't figured it out yet but I have tried to stop my inccessant need to comment on every single post I read (although I sure do appreciate the comments in return so it's really really hard).
Good luck and let me know your solution!
I felt the same way a few weeks ago, and then Boom!, it all went away. I got rid of one or two Pro blogs, and only skim two others. The rest of the blogs I read... I don't know.... maybe they've stopped posting as much? But suddenly, it takes half the time that it used to, even though I have more blogs on my list.
I usually pick two times per day to go through my blogline and see who has updated. I read once after school and once before bed. I try to leave comments after I read because I know I love and appreciate comments on mine. Now, when I get super busy, there are about 6 blogs that I visit daily regardless and the rest will wait until I am unbusy. Make sense? good luck - you just have to find what works for you so that it isn't a chore and is fun! :-)
I'm afraid I'm in the same boat as you which means I'm probably no help.
I have been wrestling with guilt over not responding to comments. At first I tried to respond to every comment I received. Sometimes I was at a loss for what to say other than "thank you" (sort of like sending a thank you note for a thank you note). Lately I've only been responding to comments when I genuinely have something to say in return. But I still feel bad for not acknowledging how much I appreciate all the comments I get. Because really they DO make my day.
I wonder how I'm going to keep up with my favorite blogs once this baby comes ...
I have Google reader and I look at it everyday. I have my blogs in 4 categories: Friends (real life), Stay at Home Mommies, Other, and ones that I'm testing out.
I try to read my friends' blog(s) daily. Wednesday is my official catch up on blogs day. I pick Wednesday because it is "Works for me Wednesday" over at http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/
I currently have 50 blogs in my reader. On Wednesday if I read a new blog I like from the "Works for me Wednesday" I add it to the test category and see if I like reading it on a regular basis.
I get lost sometimes too. The reader is a help and a horrible, horrible thing. I get freaked out by high numbers of unread items. Then take a deep breath and go to some of my favorites first. I post everyday, but hope no one feels obligated to stop by. Hopefully we all maintain lives outside of this world...
I feel like I have been in the same quandary lately. When I originally started blogging my husband was on the midnight shift for work, he slept for a few hours before he went to work. Therefore, blogging helped me pass the time in the evening. Now he is working days and I feel that my time is better spent with him (well sometimes =). Anyway, I just try to fit it in when I can, because it (blogging) is something which I have come to enjoy a lot!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Wow! It is so great to know I am not alone. I feel like so many of you . . . I WANT to comment because I want that person to KNOW that I enjoy his/her blog. Pam, you got it right: "I love comments and it makes me feel good. So I want to do that for others."
The only bad thing with my growing reader is that sometimes I miss commenting on a post from one of the blogs I regularly visit and I feel SOOOOO bad. I want them to know that I have NOT abandoned them! So, when I finally comment, I will go back and comment on some of the posts I've missed. That sucks up time, but I've satisfied the OCD freak in me.
Loving the ideas . . .
Yeah, I have blog-itis too. I even want a lap top so I can take my blogs on the go. How am I going to blog and go to the beach in the summer?
From reading your comments, I need to check out google reader, I guess. I go thru my bookmarked blogs at least once a day. I tried to blog every day in March, but blew that yesterday. I was close to the end of the month.
My problem is when I leave a comment on someone's blog, I tend to read all the comments (yes, like I just read 20 on yours!). That can be time consuming. Then if I like someone's answer, I go check out their blog and wind up reading a few posts because you can't judge someone on one post, and it goes on and on!
Maybe we have to go to bloggers-anonymous? "I am Sue and I have a blogging problem....."
Great Post!
I agree this can totally be a time consuming issue. Enjoyable and frustrating all at the same time.
I use Google reader, and thanks to your post today, I just paired it down. I was reading one, and then going to another from that one and it was beginning to be too much. I don't want blogging to take over my life.
I do my blog for our kids. I found a website that publishes my blog into a hard bound book, and so I blog to keep a record of our kid's lives. I love that people read mine and leave comments, but ultimately, I do this for my kiddos.
Let us know what you decide to do. And, ultimately, you should do what is easiest for you, and what makes you happy.
Hope you are having a great weekend. :-)
Well. It's bedtime and here I am. So I'm not sure how to answer this one! LOL!
As long as it's enjoyable then I don't think there is anything wrong. Once it gets to be a burden, then yes it's time to re-evaluate. It's great to hear from everyone and posting stuff for them. I don't think everyone expects 100% attendance that's unrealistic. But gawd it sure is fun isn't it!
Actually, I was going to let YOU figure it out and tell me...cause I'm still trying to sort that whole situation out, too.
:)
Heidi
I use a reader. I only blog when I have time. Frequently I read but don't post comments due to a lack of time. Unfortunately, my real life keeps me BUSY!
I too have gotten lost in bloggie world for hours... but try to not let that happen to me!
It is funny that the one person mentioned about not having a blog roll... I have also been thinking about eliminating mine and just using a reader. Mine is out-of-date too.
L--you have just pinpointed the reason why I DON'T blog. All I need is one more addiction.
I still really want to start one.
Funny I should read this post today. I *really* tried to take a break over the weekend and NOT post, and NOT read and comment. This morning, I woke up, and came straight to you.
It *is* hard. I *like* reading so many, but then I feel guilty if I haven't caught up on *each* and *every* post from each and every blog-friend.
When you figure out how to balance it, can you please share your secret with me? My kids sure would appreciate it. :)
I am in the same boat trying to find balance. I use Google Reader so I don't have to use my blog roll but keep the roll on my blog so other readers can learn about other great sites. I only read when the boys are sleeping; I am more productive that way.
Girl, I am on blogs almost every day! I love coming to ones I designed btw:) I did use Google Reader, but then they changed the format and I don't like it any more:( Yes, I blog to much...I have no plans to fix the problem!
I have been having trouble with it lately too. I have been taking weekends off for the past few weeks, and that has helped. I'm not sure what I will do when the weather is warmer because I know I will be outside with the boys all day long. It is a tough balancing act, and I still don't have the answer.
Hi..Great post..as a matter of fact I'm currently blog hopping :D I have a very small blog roll so I read them all comment and go looking for more :D
I totally understand about the time passing you by and I haven't done a single thing by the time hubby gets home. So I force myself to get everything done BEFORE I actually TURN ON the computer :D It's the only way I'll get things done.
And I agree with 'The Holloways' it's not really fair your always commenting one persons blog and never really get a response back. No fun :(
So where have I been? What's all this about Google Reader? I'm off to investigate this nifty tidbit!
Hope you had a fabulous weekend. I've had a lazy weekend. Oh and I think HJ is about to get her first tooth....we shall see.
Oh I share your pain my friend. The overwhelming obligation and guilt that goes along with blogging can become too much!
I, personally, post less and comment when I can. Less is more else you risk OVERLOAD and missing out on life. :)
I use Google Reader. I have a few that I visit pretty much every day. I don't have so many readers that I get too overwhelmed (except on Thur and Sat when I do a Thur 13 or a Photohunt).
I do try to visit each blogger that comments. I like comments, it just seems right,
I know there are times when it is not going to happen. I tend to read blogs after lunch when the kids are napping/doing quiet time or after 8ish when they go to bed.
I do have a "rule" that I can't blog in the AM, until I have done my morning routine (a flylady thing).
yes, i have a reader and it helps, but i find that it sucks my time as well, and am trying to figure out this balance, too. let me know if you have any revelations!
For me, blogging is a great outlet, but also have it's place on my priority list.
It's amazing to me when blogs receive 30, 40, 50 comments on each post, because I would imagine that the blog owner has also to be reading and commenting on that many blogs to reciprocate.
I read about 20 blogs a day. Not every one posts each day, but I have 2 sets of blogs under my favorites folders, and it pulls them all up when I am ready to read.
I want to read what is valid and important to me, and I probably have lost readership due to not being able to or willing to reciprocate my time.
I stick with my favorites and can't take on much more....
Love you AND your blog!
Do, do , doooooooooooo the Google reader. I saw the tip from Law Student Hot Mama, and I checked it out. This is a FANTASTIC way to save time.
And I also forgot to mention, I think most women feel they should evaluate their blogging status or position from time to time. I've done it before, and am doing it now. It's hard to figure out exactly what needs we want blogging to fulfill and how to go about that in the best possible way, while still accomplishing and prioritizing what other things that need to be done through out the day.
I am looking for meaningful friendships that can continue to grow.... you're one of those women to me.
I don't have near the friends as you and I get overwhelmed myself. After the kid is in bed and everyone is happy, I do my blogging. Unless I have the day off and no one is present, then I have a fantastic bloggind day. But I will use law student hot mama's advice and look into Google Reader.
No, you aren't alone. I haven't joined a reader and don't plan too. I try to visit everyone every day. I like to contribute to their stat counter and leave a comment. I've heard too many people say how their Google reader is so full, etc. I'm already doing pretty much all I can handle. LOL! I don't need the stress.
And obviously there are days when I just don't have time to visit everyone. Then I feel guilty. But I also figure people understand.
Look, there are 40 comments ahead of mine and you know people do read your blog.
Well, I'm facing this or should I say have faced this since 3.1.08 when my son first step into primary school. Time is so short but there are just too many blogs to visit.
There is one sad thing that I observe. If you do not comment on other people's blogs, they will not comment on yours. It's kind of funny, isn't it? Why must it be that way? Why must commenting be a "job" as you put it and why must blog hopping be stressful instead of fruitful? There is one blog which I read and comment frequently but that blogger seldom comments on my blog but it doesn't mean I should stop reading his blog.
I read blogs through google reader and I don't really comment on all the posts. We should not comment just for the sake of commenting, right? Your blog is in my google reader too and I know every update of yours.
For me, I have schedule: time for family, time for work, time for blogging. So, as long as I get 10 comments or so, I'm satisfied.
Blogging is my escape. I manage to find time every day to check my favs out. I SHOULD be doing things like working but oh well!
I completely understand your dilemma. I have come to the realization that I blog too much. I was just saying that if I spent as much time blogging as I did with my 4-year old, she'd be reading, writing, and doing algebra. I feel guilty and am going to be blogging less. I have certain blogs that I read almost every day, some that I read once in a while, and some that I have stopped reading because I didn't like what they were saying or they NEVER commented on my blog. Sorry this was so long:)
I use googler reader and I love it. I try not to blog on the weekends and usually I blog and comment at work first hting in the morning with my morning cup of Joe. Now if I could just figure out how to reach more people :)
I know exactly what you mean! I sometimes find myself spending hours reading and commenting (LOve it!!!) and then when it gets too much (ie, I can no longer see my kitchen floor and I forget what my kids look like!) I will take a day or two off and feel guilty, actually.
Important to keep it fun and do only what we want to. What we reasonably have time for.
Love ya!
Hey girl! It is a hard balance. I have yet to figure it out either. It is overwhelming and time consuming and very rewarding in so many ways. I think there are no rules - I think it should just be what works for you. I hope you find your balance - I hope I do too!
Thanks for coming by and leaving the kind well wishes - so nice to see you. I'll see you soon - take care - Kellan
I feel/felt the same way. I find myself constantly distracted by what I have read, what I am going to post next, how I can turn a situation into a post. I don't post on weekends anymore and only check my reader once a day 3 days a week. That helps A LOT! I still go comment, but I find it really cuts back on the time spent sitting here.
I am hoping with warmer weather coming, many of my favs will post less. I certainly don't want to miss out on life with my precious little boys so I can read what is going on with someone else's precious little boys. That just doesn't make any sense.
KEEP BELIEVING
I know ... it's so tricky. I haven't made the jump to a reader yet, but I probably should.
This is why I just keep a family blog. With just family and close friends as visitors I'm still overwhelmed. I've visited some of your blog friends and really want to comment, but am afraid of what I might start. Once I start, I might never stop!
I have the same attitude to blogging; because I like it and with no expectations.
It's an on-going challenge to keep it all in perspective and not blog too much.
I started a blog as a way to chronicle the lives of my boys and my family, since I don't like to scrapbook. I never imagined that it would turn into the living, growing being that you described! I haven't quite figured out the best way to control it yet. Once I start, it's hard to stop. If I know I have an extremely busy day, I don't even start.
I read all of my comments and try to visit each one... when the kids are away. I have only 6 blogs in my reader. I deleted so many about a month ago on my bloggy vacation. It is liberating. Feels great.
If my blog reader were shoes and I jumped into the ocean, I'd be a goner. I have literally hundreds weighing down my reader. You know when you're like 20 lbs overweight, you'll try to at least eat right, but once you break the 150 lbs overweight mark you just say F it and eat what you want? Yeah, that's my reader. Unread posts grow like weeds. I have resigned myself to randomly hopping via the buzz or off my blogroll.
I am so not alone in this, am I? So many great suggestions . . .
I do use Google reader and it is overflowing (Busy Dad is so right!). I did just break many of the blogs into folders. That may have helped.
OhMommy has an idea--trim down that reader. I guess once you get a decent following of regular commenters, the post/comment/post becomes natural.
I really do post without expectation and comment without expectation. I just enjoy it. I like my readers. I love their blogs.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking time out of your day to visit me and comment. It means a lot! You are ALL appreciated!!!!
Now, on to try to solve my dilemma!
usually my bloginsomnia is ideas for me to blog about, yet I get to the computer and blank out. LOL.
There are my friends IRL, that get visited daily, commented on daily and then the others are visited as I have time. Sure there are favorites as you said, but I try to get around to them all. Doesn't happen all the time...but I keep going.
It can be hard to keep up. LIke just this last friday and weekend I wasn't feeling good and didn't really do any blogging and didnt read or comment. But then i felt guilty cause I did really good and people still posted. SO here I am today and finally a little while ago I finished catching up on comments and my blogs that I love. It can be tough
Oh wow. I SO hear you on this one. I have been struggling with the same thing lately!
Just know you're not alone. I think sometimes we should all taking a step back and making sure our blog highlights what is important in our lives but doesn't take time away from those very things! :)
I'm OCD about both updating AND commenting. I just (like yesterday) got on board with Google reader and I think I'm more excited about it than when I got married.
(I'm adding you as a link. You're cracking my shit up).
Look at this ... obviously a hot topic, so you are very much not alone!
I've noticed your witty comments over at a lot of my favourite blogs so I popped over and now I'm putting you on MY reader LOL!
It's a sickness. No other words.
PS ... I do use the reader, but usually I visit those who comment on my posts first. I try to visit them all, I consider it a bit of netiquette. I don't have that many readers/commenters so it's not that difficult ... I don't know how the bloggers with 30/40/+ do it, without having it totally run their lives.
i don't do the reader thing yet...i think it might put me over the edge. i have to take things slow...just getting back into the groove now that mac is back!!
xoxo
Balance...it's really hard, isn't it? I feel like the number of blogs I read grows everyday. I love blogging. I read the blogs I like regardless of whether or not people respond to my comments. However, I must admit, I LOVE when people respond to my comments! Also, I read every person's blog, and try to comment whenever possible, that comments on mine. Balance is definitely something I'm working on in regards to the internet. It was great to see this post.
Hi, there!
This is exactly what I am having difficulty with, you hit the nail on the head, Laskigal! I really love the blogging community and feel as though I've met so many truly wonderful people like yourself, it's been a blessing in many ways. There are days, however, when I feel I am ignoring people, chores or what have you, and putting blogging in their place. I need to work more on balancing it all out. Your "real life", in my opinion, should always come first. I don't know if blogging is a hobby, an addiction? I just don't know, but I think it's an amazing phenomenon. What's so cool about it is the fact that there are so many really talented and smart women (and men) out there. It's so much better than watching soap operas, right? :o)
Lizzy
I totally understand where you are coming from. It is overwhelming sometimes to keep up with all these blogs and comment. I use Google Reader and it helps cut down on my surfing time for sure. But I do think that I am going to scale back a bit. It's getting too pretty outside and my laundry pile is just getting bigger. I think I'm actually going to start timing myself because it is so easy to loose time and get caught up. Good luck with this, to all of us!
Google Reader and less sleep. But really, 7 is almost as good as 8. Better for you, I've heard.
I've pretty much given up t.v. completely. I read and blog while my kids do homework or watch American Idol.
Frankly, I'm not exactly sure how I'm keeping up with it all.
I do always make it a point to comment on someone's blog at least once if they've commented on mine. It just seems like common courtesy to me.
Ah...I go through those times too. Here lately it's been so busy that I haven't had a chance to post, only read other people's blogs. (When we get home next week it'll be different I'm sure.)
I just have to step.away.from.the.laptop.
I will log on, meaning to only send out an email or check on something and end up reading blogs at midnight, wondering where my evening of laundry and cleaning went (again). It's a disease...
Oh hallelujah-- I hear you.
I can't keep up with updating my blogroll, but having a feed reader makes checking all those blogs so much easier. I almost wish my favorite blogs would all post only about once a week each, so I could have more time for other things, you know? How inconsiderate of them.
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