I started this blog in October 2006. Yes, four whole years ago.
I was full of enthusiasm. I'd just finished an Open University course and was about to take my writing more seriously. Life had just thrown us a huge curveball, but it meant that I would be at home much more, that I had time to write.
I couldn't have imagined then that I was already into the most challenging years of my life. Years which have been documented, in a censored fashion, on this blog.
This blog is both a record and a painful reminder and I'm no longer sure whether I want it all to be so public. The internet world seems to be changing. We appear to be losing enthusiasm for blogging. Communities built up over a number of years seem to be dying, or pulling apart in a destructive manner. Perhaps it's something to do with the recession or maybe, with the explosion of social networking, we are all just realising that we have been too open in the past.
What I'm trying to say is that I'm no longer sure where this blog is going. I think at some point soon I shall be separating my writing posts from the more personal stuff. I've already started to create a new writing blog which will become the one linked to my website and will be solely about books and writing. I may eventually mothball these ramblings.
Whatever I decide to do I'll be sure to keep you all posted, if you'll forgive the pun.
7 comments:
Funny that we're at the same blogging point, having started at the same time and in similar OU/writing places...
You know, of course, that I'm nodding here too as I read this post. Blogging has definitely changed but I can't seem to work out in which direction. I think there's still a place for it, though, and glad you're not giving it up.
I'm not giving up, but I feel I need a change of direction (or a kick up the backside?). I'm much more cautious about posting personal stuff...when I started this blog I was semi-anonymous. Now I have a manuscript to sell I need to be more open, but I don't feel entirely comfortable.
Also, I'm finding that I repeat myself on here as I am currently so bereft of ideas. Even the change of scenery didn't work.
But yes, I know you and others are feeling the same. It seems to be a general malaise. I don't know if it is due to the length of time we've been blogging or the world in general...
It's strange that you say this, Cathy, I've been thinking similar things recently. I fear that because of the increase in blogs and the incredible competition that seems to be rife these days, so many well written blogs simply aren't being looked at. I have a lot of blog friends who are very talented people and they don't seem to get the blog recognition they deserve. Then I go to a blog which is full of utter rubbish, talks about one subject only, has advertisements flashing up everywhere and is obviously just a competing blog for the ranks and Top 10 lists, and of course, is inundated with comments which, to be honest, really annoys me. I find that if I spend little time on a blog post I get more response - for example, the one I wrote about competitive blogging the other day generated 54 comments whereas others I have taken a long time over generate far less. I don't know what's happening to the blogging communities either and I'm worried that it could be Twitter and Facebook taking over. That is something I find extremely sad; it isn't progress in my eyes, it's laziness.
Sorry for going on!
CJ xx
CJ, I know exactly what you mean about the commercialism and competetiveness in certain parts of the blogosphere. I've never really got involved there, though I have a little awareness of it all as there are a few well interesting and written Mummy blogs I do love to read, yours being one.
I think it is partly to do with Twitter and Facebook being more spontaneous. Maybe we have got too used to throwaway comments and no longer want to plan posts. Maybe my life has just got so boring that I no longer have anything new to write about. :)
I hope you'll keep blogging about your writing - I understand it's hard to be public sometimes with more personal aspects of your life.
Aw, thanks Talli. I'll certainly keep blogging about the writing somewhere, but there's not much to report at the moment!
Sometimes we just need a change. Maybe a blog focusing on your writing and books will work better for you for now because you won't be having to share personal stuff.
Take each day and see how you feel. As long as there's a way of keeping in contact with you, I'm happy :-)
Kat X
Post a Comment