Blogging is fun, for most people, in the beginning. It's a way of sharing a sunny day with those who can't be there because they were busy doing something else when you all got together.
But, it's a job -- an unpaid job. Most bloggers will fall by the wayside after the first few months or by the end of a year because it is a job. Or, they've been sucked into the dark side... because, blogging is not journaling, not in the real sense. They've found that it's very difficult to keep their blog from unwanted visitors. Newbies, especially, don't have the skills to figure out ways of keeping everything private and, before you know it, they've shared more than other family members want known and, if too much, will find themselves in a hornet's nest of anger, jealousy, and, even, isolation. Family and friends become afraid of being the next topic.
Those bloggers make a public blog apology and then announce that they are closing down. They may or may not open a new one, but you can be rest assured that the new one is going to be less free with what they think and feel. Is this good? Is this bad?
For those of you who have just happened upon this page, I'm Entry #424 in a group of 1682 participants in this 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge! Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It coud even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!
Wow, sounds like I've been missing a bit of scandal in the blogosphere! I guess that's because I tend to follow blogs of writers, rather than following blogs that are more like online diaries. I don't really get the appeal of having a public tell-all. I don't even keep a private diary anymore! Pretty sure I finished my last one when I was 12.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interesting post, Sharlene!
You finished(?) a diary! Wow! I'm impressed. Never could actually finish one. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYes, I agree that some bloggers share too much information. or have definite agendas. But, you know, I guess I've been lucky. I've found a whole lot of folks who just want to write a bit and share some interesting stuff. No scandals - what did I miss?
ReplyDeleteI never thought of blogging as a job. Oh, dear. That could make it stressful if I thought that way. Then I'd have to show up every day. Nah! This is fun.
Actually, for people who have chosen to blog on a daily basis (where do they find the time?), have to treat it like a job. There's content, pictures, commenting on comments, visiting others... yeah, it's a job and some people make a living taking care of blogs for others. As for the 'scandals,' blogs that start out with, "I'm sorry but I'm going to have to close down. Just didn't realize how much trouble this would cause in the family..." While I haven't been embroiled in the blog, I've certainly seen the posts..
DeleteFunny - I steer far away from being too personal on my blog, that seems like way too much exposure for me!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. There's enough to talk about without giving away too much information. Anything personal, in my opinion, should go in a private offline journal... thanks for stopping by.
Deletehey we have the same topic!
ReplyDeleteGosh I have seen so many blogs disappear because the owners thought they would go rich from 'em!
Greetings from the A to Z trail,
Sylvia @ Playful Creative
Thank the Lord I never thought getting rich from blogging was a possibility! Greetings to you, Sylvia. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI think a blog should be an outward expression of your thoughts on whatever subject but NOT a personal diary. No one's life is that interesting, really.
ReplyDeletedreamweaver
That's how I feel, Dreamweaver. It's a hard lesson to learn for the let-it-all-hang-out generation. Some things need to remain private. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI agree completely with Debra (dreamweaver). In fact one of the reasons I have multiple blogs is to not bore people who are interested in one topic area and not another. But I always remember that everything is public...for anyone to see and read.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I broke up my blog, too. And, it seems to be working better for me, as well. It helps me focus more. Isn't this a fun Challenge!
DeleteHello, Sharlene! I think people reveal more on the internet because they're safe in their homes behind a computer screen...until they get in trouble, that is! They must forget that whatever they put out into the blogosphere is there for anyone and everyone to see.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog! Happy A to Z!!
Oh, I agree! And, it's an illusion. Happy A to Z-ing, yourself!
DeleteMy blog was never a problem before, but it bit me right in the butt last year when my boyfriend and I were still dealing w/ a long distance relationship. I wrote about how we got back in touch after 30+ years and that I was moving back to the east coast to be w/ him. His ex girlfriend who was desperately trying to get him back found my blog and she went after us both, and nearly broke us up. I had to go private till I got to the east coast. First time it ever happened. Hopefully the last.
ReplyDeleteYup. Just because someone hasn't signed up as a follower doesn't mean they're not reading your blog. I have read so many bloggers who too late discovered that a cousin/aunt/friend was reading their blog and got upset when they shared intimate details. Best to keep blogs light, unless the focus is on baring one's soul -- then, it's a free-for-all. Thanks for stopping by, JoJo
DeleteBlogging is challenging: say too little and it feels impersonal and rehearsed, say too much and you open yourself up to a big can of worms. It's a tough balancing act but I think it's great that you touched on this subject.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I got the idea from actuall seeing this problem come up, just a few days ago. The blogger has since totally closed down her blog and is taking a hiatus until things in the family get back to normal... Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the challenge!
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