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Why I’m Tossing Blog Etiquette Out the Window

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In April I announced a blogging break. It was more like a 40 day fast from blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest……any kind of social media that would distract me from my family and my priorities at home. If you missed that post you can find it HERE.

During that time I found myself faced with a whole range of feelings and emotions. It went anywhere from never wanting to blog again to wanting to blog but feeling like God wanted me to surrender it completely; to starting a whole new blog with a completely different direction to wanting to continue this blog but the way I wanted to. Not the way I thought I “should” but the way that I (me) wanted to. And while I’m still not sure what I’m going to do or what direction I will officially take, I do know this: I’m blogging the way that I want. And that statement doesn’t mean that I’m not going *try* to let God lead me and give me direction but just that I’m not going to succumb to the pressure of blog etiquette and the do’s and don’ts of blogging. Let me explain why.

A few weeks before I took my break I had read a series on blogging etiquette, etc. (I’m purposely not providing a link to the series I’m referring to just because I don’t want any negative thoughts going towards that particular blogger). While the posts were great and had so many valid points I found myself unsettled with the whole idea of blog etiquette. Now, in the past I have written a post or 2 on this very topic. Since then, my focus and my thoughts on the matter have changed. I was starting to take issue within myself about the blogger I had become. While I would NEVER call any of the bloggers I have come to know or admire snooty (because they are not – they are so sweet!) I found the whole idea of blog etiquette, well, kind of snooty. And I found myself feeling a bit snooty too! Does that make sense? I don’t want to tell someone how they should run their blog, what they should blog about, what they should or shouldn’t say in a comment, how they should host a party, what kind of emails they should or shouldn’t send another blogger, know what I mean? It’s not my job. The blogging world is HUGE. And everyone has an opinion. And there is plenty of room in it for all sorts of bloggers. Be the blogger that you want to be!

So, with that said, here’s how I plan on being the blogger that I want to be:
  • I’m going to blog about whatever I want. If I feel like blogging about my family, I will. If I feel like sharing a project, I will. If I feel like talking about my faith in Jesus, I will.
  • I’m going to blog whenever I want. If I want to blog everyday, I will. If a week or 2 goes by without a blog post or a party, then so be it. I’m not going to get wrapped up in a schedule or put undue pressure on myself and family for the sake of this blog.
  • I’m taking this blog back. From now on, all blog posts will be from me. I will no longer be having contributors or guest posts. And until further notice, I will not be adding any new sponsors. I will continue my affiliate relationships though so there will still be ads here.
  • I’m not going to not share something I’ve worked on just because I’ve seen it a hundred times somewhere else. If I create something that I’m really proud of and want to share it, I will.
  • I may or may not share tutorials of my projects. Sometimes the whole idea of that is tedious and daunting so I may just show you the end result. 🙂
  • I removed my followers gadget. I don’t want to get hung up on numbers. You can still subscribe via email and follow me on Facebook and Twitter using the links in the sidebar.

That’s basically it. I just really want to enjoy blogging again and I think these are the steps to getting me there.

I should probably add a little disclaimer: This post is definitely NOT about growing your blog. If you want to grow your blog or turn it into a business then by all means follow all of the rules of blogging and blog etiquette that you have found online. And I’m definitely NOT discouraging anyone from wanting those things. I just know from my own personal experience that I just don’t want to go in that direction anymore. And I’m not saying that I will never want those things again but for now, my family needs me and “blogging for me” is the approach I’m taking. 🙂

Due to the amount of content that is used without permission and proper credit, I am no longer allowing a full RSS feed. I value each and every reader so I hope you will click through and come visit!

XOXO
Diana
www.thegirlcreative.com

Comments

  2. Gail @ Sophisticated Steps says

    You are incredibly awesome because of this post. :) What a great example to so many out there that probably need a reality check (and I say that without being condescending. It's just so easy to get caught up in the hype of blogging rather that the joy of it.)

    I've never had an over-the-top blog because I've done exactly what you're starting right now. I'm a wife, mom of 3 and running two businesses from home. I LOVE my blog, but blog what I want, when I want and am completely "Faceless" and "Twitterless". Not the recipe for a huge following, right? Lol. And I'm okay with that. (Besides, it's slightly creepy that I keep getting visitors from a giant European country which I won't even name. Lots of hits after I posted something about wisdom tooth surgery and taking Vicodin. ??? Seriously weird.)

    Thanks for being real. Transparent. A good example. Here's to a little more peace and joy for your sake (no one else's...except your family.) ;)
    Reply

  4. [email protected] By Sessa says

    I am SO thankful that God worked this out in your heart. I found your blog because of me sew crazy right when you went on your break from blogging, and I added you to my reader, because I wanted to see what God did in you during that time, and then when your first post back was about some random jewelry I kind of got sad. I hope that's not bad to say! I thought maybe nothing major came out of it, but this has me completely excited for you, because this is exactly what I want with my blog and ultimately to be blogging for Jesus. I think it is like everything else in this world, Satan can take what is good and pleasurable and make it into what the world says it should be NOT what it should be from the Lord for us to enjoy. I feel like I have really been struggling against that and finally realized that it.is.a.B-L-O-G! Sometimes I find myself thinking how nice it would be to just not even be aware of the blogging world like so many others, but then again, God has called me to this in a specific way and I think that as Christians, we do have to listen to His calling in it and not let our family suffer, because we are on the computer constantly or obsessed with things that really don't even matter in the end of time anyways! I hope that this is encouraging to you and I just am so thrilled about how God is working in you and how it is plainly seen to all! Love and prayers to you, Vanessa
    Reply

  5. Katie @ the terpblog says

    I love this! I have been debating the issue of whether or not to try to "grow" my blog, and while it can be tempting, mostly I think I resonate with what you are saying. I blog because I enjoy it and I like capturing our family's life...not because I need the validation of followers or to gain fame. Gotta stay focused...and while I love to blog there are a lot more important things in my life to focus my energies on!
    Reply

  6. Tesiah says

    I just decided the same thing for myself. I found myself writing for viewers and not for myself. I wrote this post on it: http://www.theframedlady.com/2012/06/new-direction-back-to-basics.html.
    I'm glad you've decided you want to be more true to yourself.

    Tess at The Framed Lady
    www.theframedlady.com
    Reply

  7. Victoria says

    My tiny little blog doesn't get a lot of hits so I've always blogged whenever I feel like it about whatever I feel like:) I think, for some of the bigger bloggers like yourself, it probably starts to feel like an obligation...which I can imagine becomes stressful!!!

    I don't Tweet but I opened a Twitter acct. so I could join Pinterest, I grew incredibly bored of Pinterest within about 2 months and never go on there anymore. I joined Facebook a month ago and don't really care for it that much. My heart is with my modest little blog, all the blogs I enjoy and my ENORMOUS Etsy addiction:)
    Reply

  8. Kei says

    Good for you! :) Blogging for yourself is totally the way to go, I think! Hope doing things this way helps you to enjoy blogging once again :)
    Reply

  9. Evie says

    Totally, totally, TOTALLY agree with you! I have also read the blogging etiquette posts out there and have felt enormous pressure if I wasn't doing everything "right". I kind of burned out after Christmas just trying to keep up with the way I thought my blog "should" be run. Now I sometimes only manage to get one post out a month, and I struggle a bit with guilt over it of all crazy things. But in the end, it's just not that important. I'm not going to change the world with my blogging and I'm totally okay with that. So glad to read what you had to say today! :)

    Evie
    Reply

  11. Janny says

    Diana- I have to thank you- when you took a break, so did I. I had also been feeling that my blog was taking over my life and my blog doesn't even have that big of a following. I have since decided to blog when I want and how I want. I hardly ever link to link parties. The numbers don't bother me anymore. And I'm happier for it. Thanks for your example! And thanks for letting me be a contributor here for those few months. I've learned to find happiness in the personal growth that I've achieved at my blog.
    Reply

  12. Moe says

    I really dislike all those 'blog etiquette' posts because for the most part they are disguising their negativity with a seemingly positive post. While some are good & are giving tips, they are (after all) based on what THAT blogger has experienced & goes with THEIR own personal blogging guidelines.

    I think you should post whenever you want, about whatever you want, however you want. The only blog rule I follow is to set out for yourself your own "blogging rules", if you will. Decide when YOU will post, what YOU will post about, how often YOU will post..& don't worry about what others are doing. If you decide you want a really big blog with loads of followers then set out guidelines for yourself to reach that. If you just want a place to be you, then set out guidelines for yourself to do that! That's why it's called a 'personal blog' lol. Too many people get caught up in the 'fame game' and don't remember that blogging is about yourself & developing & documenting.

    We all start blogs for different reasons & we all have different guidelines for ourselves. You're right about snooty-ness...and any time I try to give blog tips & try to come from the heart & just share what I've done, whats worked for me, etc. I believe in encouragement & not comparisson.

    Anyway, I love that you've decided to find YOUR blogging voice. I wish you all the best!
    Reply

  13. Angela says

    I love this post so much! It's like you've totally been reading my mind. Like you, I want to write about whatever I feel like writing about. I'm going to focus on less tutorials and projects and focus more on documenting my life and writing posts that I will be happy to look back on and read later.
    To be honest, my favorite blogs are NOT the ones that share their craft projects but, instead write openly about their life.
    There are 1000+ blogs out there that are all doing the same projects, recipes and tutorials but, there is only one YOU. Share YOUR heart and your find success and peace in that!
    Reply

  14. [email protected] says

    Woo hoo!! What a great decision! and....it will help so many other bloggers that might be feeling similar. Blogging is a personal thing, it should be okay for everyone to need to do it in their own way. Cheers to you!
    Reply

  15. Kathryn says

    Thank you so much for being real! Too many bloggers out there are trying to replicate someone else's ideas/projects/style/theme to get a piece of their success and it's getting old. If you are real then at least you be happy that any success (and I mean comments/love as well as financial success) you get is truly deserved! I have always tried to follow a similar set of rules and have no regrets! I know you got rid of the follower link, but you just gained an even more loyal 'follower'!
    Reply

  16. Jacki O. says

    Thank you for this! I've only had my blog up for a few months and I've been so unsure as to what I want it to be now that I've seen what's out there. The fact that you are being real about the blog world is honorable an appreciated. Keep up the great work you have on here because I love your blog and your ideas (whether I've seen them or not ;)
    Reply

  17. Jennifer says

    ....and that is what blogging is all about! if you focus too much on numbers, and superficial aspects of blogging, it will take the fun out of it. life is too short to get caught up in all that hype. people turn to the blogs to see REAL people (that they can relate to) having fun and getting creative. they don't visit a blog to see corporate attitutdes about numbers, competition, and insults, they come to see your creativity and relate to you as a normal person. i'm glad you took a stand and grabbed the bull by he horns, afterall, this IS YOUR BLOG and you should get enjoyment out of it.

    kudos to you!

    Jennifer
    Reply

  18. Katherine says

    Good for you! You have to do what is best for you. People who care about other stuff just won't follow you and that's okay!
    Reply

  19. Lisa @ Flour Me With Love says

    I feel the same way! I am grateful to anyone who reads my blog. I don't want to pressure them into following me, linking up my party link on their posts, etc. I want my readers to feel welcome and enjoy what I have to share. That's what I worry about, not numbers, followers, money, or even popularity. Thankfully, by the grace of God, it has allowed me to have a blog that I am proud of and apparently others feel the same because I have faithful readers! A blog should show your passion, not deter it!
    Reply

  20. Sherry says

    Diana,
    You may be one of the best blog role models I have experienced lately. I don't have a large blog, but I started it to satisfy my creative needs and it really did that. As I started to grow it was so easy to get caught up in the numbers and all the attention.

    Then I started reading all of the "Growing Your Blog", "Do's and Don'ts of Blogging", and "Blog Etiquette" articles that are out there and it was overwhelming. So much pressure to do certain things...
    So I also took a break. I needed time to step back and figure out what I was looking for in blogging. Of course I want people to be interested in what I'm posting or I wouldn't blog. But I agree that we should be blogging about what interests us and not trying to blog solely to satisfy or grow our audience. I want my readers to be following because they are interested in similar things as me. You go girl! I'm right there with you ~ in my own way! Lol.
    Reply

  21. [email protected] says

    I have been blogging for a number of years, but when I started my most recent blog, this was exactly the approach that I took. And guess what? I finally ENJOY blogging rather than feeling bound by it! I think you'll enjoy blogging on your own terms too!
    Reply

  22. Elizabeth says

    Welcome back Diana - while your post made me nod my head and shed a tear or two it was the last disclaimer made me laugh out loud! You go girl - I'm proud to call you friend.
    Reply

  23. Abbey D. says

    I'm so glad you said this. As a smaller blogger, sometimes I feel a little irritated by the whole "blog etiquette" posts. While some of may be true, who's to say everyone has to follow those rules to be successful? I've never commented on other blogs about it though because I didn't want people to tell me I was being "negative". So AMEN sister!
    Reply

  24. Toni @ SugarTart_Crafts says

    Thank you! I really needed to read this today! Lately I've been doing plenty of projects, and just not wanting to write posts about them because it seems like there is too much pressure to do it "right". Taking and editing a billion pictures, writing up tutorials, making everything look "perfect", I don't have time for that. I have a 2 month old & a 2 yr old for goodness sakes! Plus I bet those 200 people who follow me aren't going to be heartbroken if I disappear for a month or more. The internet will still be here once my kids go off to school, but they'll be gone before I know it. Thank you so much for sharing, and Good Luck!
    Reply

  25. Kali at The Vintage Milk House says

    OMG this is Wonderful! Because of the awesome summer weather I've found myself at the computer less and less and I feel guilty! This Mommy has enough Momma Guilt, I don't need Blogger's guilt too! Thanks so much for writing this! Couldn't have said it better myself! Lots of Love, Kali!!!!
    Reply

  26. Smallgood says

    Wonderful advice. It's very refreshing to hear that someone is comfortable enough with themselves to really just blog whatever is on their mind without worrying about growing blog stats.
    Reply

  27. Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says

    I think it is great that you are changing direction in order to enjoy blogging again. You should put yourself & your family first. I was a bit relieved after reading your post. I am new to blogging and have been feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the etiquette and unwritten rules. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it.
    Reply

  29. Mary Ellen says

    Good for you. I have been praying about my blogging also wanting to really know what God wants with it. It is fun but I gotta confess I can spend hours on this thing and that isn't good I don't think.
    I think many of us like the affirmation we receive from our blogs which isn't bad in itself but am I going here for something that really only Jesus gives me?

    bee blessed
    mary
    Reply

  30. Allyson Butler says

    You are so right! There is no reason for us to all follow some mythical blog rules...this is what we do for ourselves, and I for one really appreciate your honesty!
    Reply

  32. Kari at A Grace Full Life says

    When I read about your self imposed blog timeout, I was so inspired that I did the exact same thing. Blogged by my terms and I have been doing it for a month and a half now and it is so freeing......thank you. Thank you for the inspiration, thank you for reminding me why I started blogging in the first place and thank you for being real. I love your blog and am glad to see you back. I can't wait to see what you write about even if it is about the spider crawling up your wall. :)
    Good luck and God Bless YOU!
    Reply

  33. lizy b says

    Thanks for writing exactly what I needed to read, right when I needed to hear it. I've been beating myself up over not posting often enough and not doing enough tutorials. Especially now that it's summer. This was such a great reminder that I started blogging for enjoyment and the sense of community.
    Reply

  35. Sonya says

    Congratulations on making the decision that is best for you & those you love! I've read so many blogs lately where it began to turn into a duty, more than the enjoyment & passion. Without those, any job becomes difficult and not as productive. I wish you the best & know that your readers will be there to enjoy your life & crafty journeys!
    Reply

  36. Nicole says

    I love this! I do love your projects, but what I really love about blogs is the personal side. That's what I relate to and I think doing what you enjoy does grow a blog. Maybe not as fast, but it's true and you'l have fun so YEA!
    Reply

  37. Danielle Hudson says

    Great post.I'm fairly new to blogging(less than a year). I have been meaning to clean up my blog page and make it more attractive, and be an all around better blogger, but I work a full time job, have 3 kids, yadda yadda.I only have so much time. I think I will just take it slow and go at my own pace. I follow mostly quilt blogs and I see people cranking out quilts and other projects like a 40 hr work week.Not to mention post after post after post. I can't possibly keep up with that.
    Reply

  41. Deidre says

    thank you!I too read a post on the dos and donts and how to say the right things in a comment and blah blah blah and it has made me so sad.I was told you shouldnt blog about your personal thoughts and feelings and you should only blog about projects and just keep pumping them out at the rate of speed for if you dont people will lose interest in your blog.I must say the person who wrote that post left me feeling like I never want to blog again.Im So happy you wrote this because it speaks truth to me!
    Reply

  42. Amy K says

    Yay for you! You should be doing whatever you want, whenever you want with YOUR blog! I'll be right here ready to read whenever you've got something to share.
    Reply

  44. Maury Kilgo says

    This is so refreshing. I just got back from Haven (which was great and I'm not saying anything bad about it) but I swear i almost quit when i got back. It was so full of advertising, SEO, followers, hits, etc that I felt like I had to make my blog into something that I haven't decided that i want it to be. It takes all the fun out of it.

    As far as blogging etiquette, why is there a separate list of rules for blogging. Treat people as you want to be treated and it becomes a non-issue.

    Good for you!
    Reply

  45. Suzi says

    Love this post!!! I use to enjoy reading blogs, I would sit down in the morning with a cup of coffee and be inspired. However, most blogs now seem to be only about making money. I love the sponsors on the side and have discovered other amazing blogs but the flashing ads and little boxes that pop up drive me crazy. I have started to just delete the blogs that have them off my reading list and I have gone back to reading magazines from Stampington & Co. (more expensive but more enjoyable) to be inspired. thanks again for an awesome blog post.
    Reply

  46. Cait Geddes says

    You go girl! When I first started blogging, I was obsessed with numbers, blogging everday and gaining traffic. I asked my husband (who is a pro at affiliate marketing) how I could gain traffic. he started telling me about 'key words' and changing this to be more 'user friendly' and blah blah blah. It made my blog unauthentic. I wasn't about to loose track of why I was blogging in the first place - it's a creative expression. So now, I blog when I feel like it, and I blog what I want when I want. If you want to read it, good. If not, :P .
    I am totally intrigued by your blog now. I love 'getting to know' new people. Can't wait to see what you post next.
    Reply

  49. Lee Ann L. says

    Oh, I'm loving you even more because what you listed is exactly how I feel. I hate feeling like I have to blog in a certain manner. I want to be real. I want to be me. And yet, sometimes, I feel like the blogger's etiquette and/or what others may feel stifles me. I want to be free -- free to be me -- and I'm so glad to see another give voice to this as it makes me feel not so alone. :-)
    Reply

  50. Susannah says

    I am really happy for you that you have made this decision that works for you and your family. We all love your blog and look forward to reading it but not at the expense of your family, your health (mental or physical) or your joy. I look forward to hearing your new voice whenever you have time.
    Reply

  51. Bianca says

    For a couple of months I am thinking about the same stuff... I am sick of people telling me what to write, what to show etc... So I took a good "time out" for myself... I still haven´t found out what to do now... I only know one thing - until i haven´t made up my mind I will stay out of blogging (but I can´t resist every so often to look at my friends blogs though :o) )...

    You do what´s the best for you... But I will still come and read your blog...

    Take care
    Bianca
    Reply

  52. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    Bravo to you!! What a fabulous post, and I know you didn't do it for the kudos you've been receiving, but you deserve them. This is the way I feel about blogging as well, and the way I felt about the mega bloggers "blogging etiquette" posts. I kind of feel like, who are they to tell us how to blog? I agree that they are very sweet and I know I have become friends with some of them, but still, I had some new bloggers apologizing, and they shouldn't be made to feel bad for something they did inadvertently in blog land. I believe blogging should be tailored to you and how you want to blog. Even though you're sharing it with the world, it's still very personal!

    Anyway, thanks for this post!!! :)
    Reply

  53. Bullfrogs and Bullfrogs says

    Oh my gosh I wish I could give you a big hug! You said it so beautifully and I really admire everything you said. I originally began my blog for fun and now I am starting to feel the pressure and want to get back to just having fun.

    Thank you SO SO SO much for sharing this!

    Best,

    Amanda
    Reply

  54. beth says

    Dear Diana, well, that greeting was probably not a proper blog address but I am writing to tell you that I am so proud of you!!! As an empty nester that was a SAHM mom for 20 years you will NEVER regret focusing on your family. Back in the day, it was all about volunteer work in the schools,I was president of parent organizations, on several boards, and a million committees as well as all the church positions.Although I made no money, it was a full time job, because as I am sure you know SAHM's don't DO anything. One day , God showed me that I was TOO busy for my family. What a revelation! I continued to do ONLY what the Lord showed me to do, and I was a much better wife,Mom and friend. I have been a blog reader for a couple of years now and I too don't get the rules. It was my understanding that blogland was supposed to be a place to share and have fun,but so many of my original bloggers have changed so much that I quit reading. Don't get me wrong if you are making money for your family , go for it, but it seems so commercial now that I have lost interest. I am one of those that loves the personal. I love to hear about your husbands, your kids, new babies,and your relationship with our Jesus ,as much as you want to share,so I guess I am just not with the program. Anyway just wanted to let you know how I felt and to say I will be praying for YOU and your family.
    Reply

  55. Michelle says

    Very happy to read this! :) Proud of you and have to tell you.... You've inspired me to write again ! Yeah you!!! so that's what I'm going to plan on... soon. maybe. probably after the move. when the kids are back in school.... i think. !! {indecisive as ever!}

    Love you for being YOU!
    xo, Mich
    Reply

  56. Ayanna Castro says

    I wish I could come to where you are and give you a big ole high 5 for this post! A good friend told me, "Sweetie, run your own race." It takes a tremendous amount of courage and resolve to tell people what you will and will not do. I applaud you!!!
    Reply

  57. Shoestring Elegance says

    Diana, how refreshing to read my thoughts out loud!! In other words, I couldn't agree with you more!! Much Love and Many Blessing to you and your family.
    Your Sister in Christ,
    ~Theresa.
    Reply

  58. Traci says

    This was a great post. Congrats to you for changing things that are not working for you. I wanted to share an something I read years ago. "Etiquette is a way to make people at ease with situations, it was never intended to belittle or embarass people but to help them feel comfortable." Somewhere along the way people started using it to excluded others. So while it helps new bloggers know what to expect, blogs belong to their writers and therefore you can do anything you are comfortable with as long as it isn't hurting anyone.
    I am looking forward to reading more of what you want to write about and I am thinking of following your lead.
    Traci
    Reply

  59. Kelly Rowe says

    Girl! This made me smile :) I agree on the whole blog etiquette thing. There is not handbook or rule book -- do what you love, love what you do and don't let anyone else dictate what you can or cannot do! As a fellow believer, I am desperately trying to keep things in perspective in blogging world too. So, THANK YOU and blog on!! Hugs. xo, Kelly
    Reply

  60. JOY 2 JOURNEY says

    I applaud you and what you need to do for your family. We are all individuals and need to approach blogging in the way that it fits in with God's will for us and our family! I am so glad that you decided to keep sharing and I will still be following!
    Hugs,
    Bj
    Reply

  61. The Crafted Sparrow says

    Nicely said! I completely agree with your choice. I recently have become very down on myself...I started my blog almost a year ago with the intentions I would share my talents and gifts that God gave me with others hopefully inspiring them to be creative as well. I had intended that this blog would hopefully develop and turn into a career of sorts for me, so that when both my boys are in school I would only have to work for myself and no one else doing what I adore. But recently I've been obsessed with my numbers, why it's not growing like I want it too. Don't get me wrong I'm totally blessed that 436 GFC followers like me enough to say so, and that some of my projects have been big hits. That makes me feel so incredibly special. But I've been observing another blog that started after mine and is taking off faster than mine, granted this blogger has already started with sponsors and paid ads and I haven't...so maybe that is part of the growth. I promised myself I wouldn't take on sponsors unless I felt my blog was in excellent form and would give those sponsors a beautiful place to advertise if they wanted. I just haven't felt that I'm there yet, and to be truthful I'm nervous about adding sponsors. I don't know if I want to deal with all of that yet. I find it hard to believe that if you have a quality blog with great content that your blog can't grow just based on that. I am trusting that God knows what direction he wants to lead me and that if this is what my career shall be then he will get me there. I'm learning to not stress about it and I strongly believe what you said...it's MY blog and should only be about the things I'm passionate about and what I would love to read and write about. :) Thanks for sharing this!
    Reply

  62. Sundi says

    Oh. My. Goodness. This is sooo what I decided to do a couple months ago! I'm not a big time famous blogger like yourself ;) but I was trying to be, and I didn't like who that person was becoming and frankly neither did my family. My kids would say something like "hey mom, why don't you blog about this, what we are doing right now?" and I would think to myself 'because it won't get me more readers'. How lame is that?! I became ashamed of the way blogging was even taking over my thoughts. Since I've started doing whatever the heck I feel like, I'm a lot happier. I also am not a fan of the whole blog swap contributor thing! If you don't have enough content or time to blog everyday then just don't blog that day. NO biggy. I realize people are trying to make money but it kinda becomes no fun (and no fun to read other peoples blogs) when money making becomes the main focus. All right, even if you didn't have time to read my big long comment I feel better having read your post and knowing I'm not the only one doing this. Would you mind if I quoted some of this in the future? Or just linked this post on my blog? You're awesome!! Keep doing what YOU want to do!
    Reply

  63. [email protected] Made Me says

    I am so glad I came across your blog and this post!! I've only been blogging for... well, 2 months today! And I've been feeling completely overwhelmed and pressured. I feel so much better after reading your post. Thank you for reminding me that my blog... is my blog! :)
    Reply

  64. Tara says

    Love this post!!! I have been changing too. Cutting back to just whenever. The only thing I really post is my party. But like you said, I want to post when I want and what I want. I am not pushing ads anymore and don't even worry about the follower numbers either. I haven't deleted it, but haven't tried in a long while to invite anyone. You inspired me to change some more things of which I will do today. I started this blog of mine to enjoy it and not stress about a schedule. I have cut way back in the past few months and it is so refreshing to just post when I feel like it. ;) And I find that my readers are totally fine with it which makes me feel good. I am glad I read your post today. Thank you! Also, thank you for including me in the past with the link parties. ;D Hope you had a fantastic 4th of July with your family. Tara @Trendy Treehouse
    Reply

  65. Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust says

    Hi Diana, Thank you for your honesty in this post. As a fan of yours, I wanted to say that I totally support you in these goals/plans. It is so difficult not to fall into the trap of someone else's definition of blogging success. I am also trying to just be me, to blog about WHATEVER & to resist feeling like I have to please prospective followers. Thanks for being an inspiration!

    Warmly, Michelle
    Reply

  66. Angell @ Passionate and Creative Homemaking says

    I TOTALLY understand. I noticed I started to hate blogging because I was trying to follow certain rules that don't really exist.

    I decided to make my blog be more about me and things that really interest me. For example, I'm a Christmas nut and have Christmas stuff all month (this month). I love the funny pictures on facebook, so I post my favorites every Saturday. I love to look around blogland at crafts and recipes, so I share those on Fridays. I love the Psalms so I'm starting a praying psalms Sunday thing. With a linky party on Thursday, that just leaves me Mon-Wed to have "meat" on my blog. I have taken full advantage of the scheduling blog posts thing. I have about a month ahead of time and I plan on working on more so I don't put the computer ahead of everyone else.

    I am so guilty of that and it's hard to break!

    You definitely inspired me
    Reply

  67. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    I'm in your camp and have been blogging about similar issues (though no comparison because I'm still new and you are established) ...

    ... but have come to the conclusion that I need to make blogging a reward system. For me, it's a drug. And sometimes I have a bad trip (like when I compare myself to other bloggers). The choice is rehab or moderation. I'm gonna try moderation first (yea, yea, words uttered from an addicts mouth) ...

    Thanks for sharing and being so honest and raw. Scary, right? Inspiring? Absolutely ...

    :)

    Linda
    Reply

  70. Kelly says

    This post is a breath of fresh air! I felt so free just reading it. I have all the same worries about my blog - trying to keep up with a post schedule, worrying about my posts being relevant to my niche and not too much about my family or not too much Jesus stuff, but I love love LOOOOVE this post so much. Because it is okay to take back your own blog. Thank you!!

    Kelly at View ALong the Way
    www.viewalongtheway.com
    Reply

  71. Brooke Gomhp says

    This post is perfect! I have had a very bad run with the "blog" rules that really effected me and made me almost quit blogging all together!

    But then I thought wait why am I following anyone's RULES for blogging?? its crazy since Blogging is your own voice its your view on the world and your everyday life so it should be about My RULES whats right for me and my blog ....

    And since I got over that Bad moment in my blog history I have been really loving blogging again .

    So proud of you for writing this post ..

    Hugs
    Brooke
    Reply

  72. Sconess says

    What a wonderful and refreshing blog/attitude! God will surely bless you for a wise decision. And from the rest of the comments, I'd say that not only are you on the right track, you're also an inspiration for many bloggers (and followers) out there.

    I've been thinking about doing a food blog for over a year. I've been told I "really should" do this from many well meaning friends - some who have successful blogs of their own. I've even started taking pictures of the step-by-step process in making my own home meals and desserts. (OMG, what a lot of work! Stop everything and take a picture... wait, it's blurry... wait, the camera steamed up... etc.) I know God has spoken to me about the best use of my time and making sure HE doesn't get left out in my every day life. This is what's held me back from entering the wonderful world of blogging.

    Thanks to you I feel like all of the time constraints and extra effort might not have to take over my entire life and every extra second that isn't taken by my job, family, gym (ZUMBA!), home and cat. Since God gets every second, regardless of what I'm doing, I figure He's not first on the list, but takes the whole thing. Thank you so much! I wish you much success and would like to be added to your followers list.
    Reply

  73. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    I am with you. When I moved to WordPress, I already lost my GFC. So, when I moved, I didn't put the Linky thing on b/c I just didn't want to see those numbers on my blog. I put too much pressure on myself to keep up and then I burn out.

    I wasn't meaning to take any sort of break this summer, in fact, quite the opposite. I wanted to ramp it up, since the boys are on summer break (we home-school), but I'm tired. I haven't posted in two weeks, and I was getting ancy that I needed to post SOMETHING. And now, I just figure, I'll post again when I feel inspired.
    Reply

  74. Serendipity Refined says

    CONGRATULATIONS to you and Thank you! Apparently, I've been blissfully unaware of the "rules". I write about whatever strikes me whenever I have the time or the inclination. I have a family and a full time job that come first. Luckily for me, the people who follow me don't seem to mind! I'm your newest follower and I look forward to whatever you share, whenever you do it! xo, Kimberly
    Reply

  77. Leslie Bielas says

    Thank you for sharing this. I started blogging in 2010 as a personal blog for me to share my story and vent.
    http://obsessedanalyst.blogspot.com/2011/11/gods-amazing-healing-power-really.html
    It was for me, I didn't really care what others thought. Recently I have a new blog for my crafts. As I was learning to create my new blog and making it better, I found myself reading about blog etiquette. I read all the things to do to create a better blog. I kept editing. I was falling into the trap of making it appealing to others. Now reading your post, I feel convicted to stick to doing it for fun and myself. Thank you!
    Reply

  79. Serena says

    Funny that I should see this post from some link on Facebook, because this is how I have been feeling a bit, too. I started Thrift Diving as a spin off to my "house blog" that was about me documenting all the crazy wallpaper removals....painting....repairs...etc....And decided that I wanted it to be more focused on decorating (mostly) through thrift stores. I have put myself under SO much pressure because I am trying to turn things out and grow my blog, but I have also sacraficed my family/marriage/time to do other things for the sake of the blog. And I think I have lost my way a little, in the quest for having a successful blog that with tons of traffic (which hasn't happened YET). But your post just liberated me to being/doing what I want, and if people don't like it, they can @*$) it! :)

    Thanks for putting words to what I have been feeling lately!

    Serena
    Thrift Diving
    Reply

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