My first week of summer has already gone by and I realized that I spent it lost in my own little world - writing a poem for my son's wedding, cleaning projects around the house, catching up on "General Hospital", taking walks, doing yardwork - in short, heavenly, peaceful, quiet, and stress-free. I thank God for every day. The one thing I did not pay any attention to is this BLOG!
This is my 584th post. I've tried to make each post meaningful and not a waste of time for my readers. There have been 116 posts of my own original poems and 31 COEXIST essays, among many other topics. But I'm wondering whether to go on. Is anyone still out there?
A couple months ago I noticed a huge jump in the number of hits on my blog on the stat-counter. I checked out where they were coming from and the vast majority were searching for Johnny Depp! I had one post about him being the sexiest man alive (duh) and apparently when people from all over the world Googled Johnny they ended up on my little blog post. I deleted that post because I want real readers, not celebrity seekers. Now the hits are greatly reduced, but that's OK as long as those of you out there are checking in. On the other hand, I have not given you much to check in on, now have I?
I have also been a bad blog reader. It became an overwhelming job to read everyone else's blogs every day or so, and maybe that's what has happened to all of you! And I don't blame you! What is the point of reading someone's blog just so they will read yours?
I guess I'm asking if this blog is truly worthwhile to any of you. It has been fun and challenging for me and also a great outlet for my self-expression needs. It has often kept me writing and thinking and keeping the old brain alive in the evenings. I want to continue to have a place to occasionally share a viable thought or a meaningful poem, I really do! Maybe just not quite as often. What do you think? (If anyone's still out there.)
COEXIST: Poetry, Books, and Essays by Diane Vogel Ferri
14 comments:
I am out here and I check in often. I think many bloggers are slowing down or just ending it. I find that sad.
I have enjoyed your blog and would miss it if you shut it down. But you have to do what is right for you.
Sounds like your first week off was just great!
I have the same questions about blogging. I'm not sure what to do with mine either. Lately, it's turned into just an art blog. That's not a bad thing, but it's not why I started it.
Blogging itself seems to be changing.
I don't know. I doubt if this comment is that helpful.
i check/read your blog quite often. i am not really sure why but i do enjoy it. I have shared stories and poems from your blog with other teachers like the story about "what do You make" and they have passed them on as well.
i do not recomend reading my blog as it is just ramblings of a moraly corupt person but i do enjoy yours. It's kind of like a ray of sunshine reaching a pit of despare.
jim
Just when I've decided I want to visit more often, you're thinking of quitting.
What's a Bear to do?
I'm asking the same questions you are asking. I don't have any answers. But I like what you say and the way you say it. My thinking keeps evolving, as I try to keep my mind active by blogging. I read lots of other people's work; I blog when I feel I have something to say. Perhaps less often than I have something to say.
I love your blog and try to check in at least every couple of days...and not because you are my sister. It's because I find what you write to be beautiful, uplifting, funny, touching, challenging to my intellect, entertaining, enlightening about your life in a way that I might not get in a conversation, and revealing. I hope you continue, as I know how expressing yourself is important to you, but will understand if you quit or cut back. I would never want this outlet to be an obligation for you just for the sake of our collective entertainment. Why not cut back for just the summer and see how it goes? You might miss it more than you thought. I know I will, but understand how you need to concentrate on more important things during your vacation. Mostly, I hope you do what you feel is right in your heart. I love you!
I understand the dilhema. It is one I face also, but I have been trying to cut myself a break and just go at my own pace. I try to publish what I want to write and not worry about what others think or try to get more readers. I know I have friends and family out there who look forward to my posts and every now and then someone new stumbles along and tells me that my words have really touched them. That is enough of a reward for me. I do not come here all the time, but when I do I usuallly find something worth reading and sometimes what you have written touches me or make sme think about a topic in a new way. Only you can decide what is right for you but I agree with your sister, take a break for the summer and then come back to it if you want to.
Don't stop! I check in at least once a week! -Chrissy :-)
Please keep blogging. I read around once a week and your poems and stories are lovely and often thought provoking. You mentioned ages back the book Olive Kitteridge which I read and liked. I have yet to read the other one you mentioned.
Ms Soup
Summer slowdown is pretty common for me, I tend to do a lot more reading blogs in the winter. Maybe one of these days I'll get a wireless device to stay on top of my reading when I'm out and about. But you've poured too much of your soul into this blog to walk away... keep at it as you are able and don't give up on us! We love your words and gentle wisdom. :)
Belatedly, I will add that I hope you will continue to post. Like Kim, I am not looking at blogs as regularly as before (as illustrated by this comment on June 27), but when I have time to visit, I always look at yours.
Now as far as the celebrity seekers are concerned, I think you write a good enough product to maybe get some coming back.
As far as being a bad blogger and a bad blog reader, I represent that statement. Funny, I've been unemployed since New Years Eve and instead of spending more time blogging, which is a passion for me, I have done less. And I still enjoy my all too infrequent trips to this blog.
I'm here at times. :) ..
I do blog and read other blogs more in the late autumn and the winter months when i work less.. and hibernate more.. !!
I love your blog... and it better be here with you still blogging in the winter.. !!!
BettyAnn
I have not read your blog for a long time and when I got your response to my blog, I realized what an ill-mannered blogger I have been by not reading yours--or anyone's. I feel overwhelmed by all the communication possibilities out there. Am I the last person not on Facebook, for example. In the past I so enjoyed your blog and once again, I feel the pleasure of your words and pictures. Nancy
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