Blogging, ah wish ah could quit yew.
I've been thinking a lot lately about why I do this blog thing. Maybe I'm having a bit of an identity crisis; I'm not sure. The few blogs I read regularly seemed to be divided into two types (with a fair amount of overlap): the Chroniclers and the Thinkers.
The Chroniclers I enjoy are knitters, writers, or foodies (or all three); their progress on their respective projects reinvigorates my attitude towards my own creative efforts.
I can divide the Thinkers into two subcategories: the Funny Gals and the Brainiacs--and then there's one who has her own subcategory, since she is a Funny Brainiac.
As I look over my posts, it appears that I am a Chronicler. I wish I were a Brainiac, and maybe I would try to be one if I didn't have these other writing thingies I'm trying to do. But I just don't have enough Writing Energy Units (WEUs) to go around.
The posts of my own that I like best are those which consume the most WEUs. As a mother of five with too many obsessions and a distractingly handsome husband, I have to have a little self-discipline and conserve my precious few WEUs for use on my novels--both of which I had hoped to have finished several months ago.
I put in my $0.02 on a poll another blogger was taking recently on why bloggers blog. I answered that I blog a) to warm up for other writing; b) to keep a sort of a journal; and c) to keep friends and relatives up to date on life at the Perkins Corral. I think a fourth reason is emerging: d) to connect with a few other people whom I know solely through their own blogs. I know that purposes a) and b) are being fulfilled reasonably well for me; I'm not so sure about c) and d). (Hint: if you all would leave a comment once in a while, I'd have a better sense on this last point. It's really not hard to do, and I'd appreciate it.)
But I wonder: is this blog the best use of my time? I know it is not coming close to hitting any of the lofty aims I put forth in my very first post, but is it adding any joy or light to the world? I'm not sure; I guess I'll have to go do some more pondering.
Amendment posted 3/29/2007:
1) RJLight is not just 'another blogger.' She is another funny blogger. Hence the title of her blog. And why I go back for more nearly every day.
2) Many of the Chroniclers do Think, and vicey versey. Same goes for the Brainiacs and the Funny Gals. Good grief; I can't include you all in every category! That would defeat the purpose of the categories!
3) Everyone feeling better now?
8 comments:
Awwww, shucks.
I'd say something intelligent, but I sent it all to you via e-mail.
Thanks for the linkage!
I can relate to this post on so many levels. I spend too many WEUs on my blog writing too. I even spend too many WEUs on thinking up comments for other people's blogs which is why I'm somewhat stingy in that department. Sorry.
I liked your list of reasons why you blog. I can agree with each of them and I'd probably put them in exactly the same order.
Yes, you're flooding the world with light! Don't you dare go anywhere! Stop pondering and keep writing!
Jennamygirl, I'll pay ya later.
I know for me that I blog for all the reasons listed. I recently put a hit counter on my blog (about a week ago) and have 500 or so hits. Some people just lurk/read, and don't necessarily comment. I am a comment-er. I want the blog author to know that I enjoy the post, so to me it is a courtesy. Plus, I have made many new friends in the last few months!
Keep at it. I now it is discouraging to not get comments, but it is enjoyable to more people than you think! :-)
Well, I left a comment earlier, but it must have been lost in the mail or in translation. I am impressed that you are writing novels! wow! You inspire me to keep at it and maybe I will have a clip or two! But a book--no! I know blogging is very time consuming, but it does keep me writing even when the rejections come...and I appreciate your blogging--you encourage me!
thanks for the amendment--the "other blogger" sounded so mysterious though...
No, no! Please don't go! Stay out and play with us...kindred sort of spirits are too valuable to lose. A smile-per-blog-post is also too valuable to lose...and that's something I can count on when I come here.