[Photo: kristenjoyhill]
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Pre-post comment:
Today, blogging is my allegory. While this post is centered around blogging, the advice I humbly proffer easily translates to everyday life. Also, I added a new page called JBN Favorites. Check it out if you’re new-ish to JBN or to read my guest posts at my respected blogger-colleague sites.
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I made it.
I survived my first ninety days of blogging (averaging 3.17 posts per week).
Problogger’s stats tell me, based on the site’s voting poll, I’ve gone from being in the 9.48% of bloggers who have been blogging three months or less, to the 5.78% of bloggers who have been blogging three to six months. I feel kilometers away from the time when I was among the 23.9% who have yet to start a blog.
Bla, bla, bla. Does all this really matter?
The first technique I used to avoid blowing up my blog: forget the numbers (or in life—lighten up)
My point for bringing out the stats book relates to my recommendation to anyone wanting to maintain his or her sanity upon blogging commencement, including the following early months. If you’re obsessed by numbers, either get over yourself or get out of the game or you may lose your mind.
As I was sifting through some blog facts in preparation to write this post, I attempted to search for the average time a blog is live thru abandonment. I had heard somewhere it was three months. So, I started typing “average time to blog abandonment” into my search engine, but after I typed, “average…” my search engine autofilled in, “…penile length.”
This was just another clue for me to keep it light and not to obsess over the numbers. Just focus on killer content, write for the people you’d like to bring to your blog and interact with, and chillax. This approach worked for my previous business forays, and it’s working for my blog too. (Thank you to my readers—you rock!)
The second technique I used to avoid blowing up my blog: know why you’re blogging (or in life—focus on what’s important)
Early on I got a little sidetracked. I took myself places I didn’t intend on going. For example, I created a Twitter profile to help me meet people and promote my blog and started following a gazillion random people (well, maybe not a gazillion). I recently dove back into my profile and started unfollowing Twit profiles who were obvious spammers, marketing thugs, or car dealerships. I’m still whittling down the crowd so I can make Twitter a more meaningful experience. My bad…
In the spirit of truth-in-self reporting, I put myself through a couple of the popular get-to-know-blogging courses, too. I picked up some interesting things, no doubt. But, my best advice to anyone is to know yourself and to know why you’re blogging. Some of the info in these courses simply didn’t jive with what is important to me so I filtered that info into my ‘maybe for later’ brain box.
If advice being proffered to you doesn’t sit well, don’t do it! I’m not saying that ignoring the wise sage’s advice is a good thing if your goal is to make a load of money or if you want to be the next, great 100,000-subscriber blogger. Because, these courses are quite good. Again, I’m just saying, know why you’re blogging.
The third technique I used to avoid blowing up my blog: confront burnout (or in life—confront burnout!)
When I was in the allied healthcare profession, I’d sometimes experience burnout. Who hasn’t? But, back then, I’m sure my clients could tell when I was feeling burnout.
I actually had a client ask me, out of nowhere, if I had lately been working a lot. I confirmed he was probably right (i.e., Yeah, too freaking much, dude! I’m burnt toast!) and he suggested I take time off to better equip myself to help others (i.e., Take some time off or I’m not coming back. Get some rest or you’re deleted from my contact list, chick!).
Deep down, I knew he was right.
If you’re feeling burnout from writing content or from optimizing the back end of your blog (etc.), take a break! Take a day or a week off! Your readers will not abandon you; I will not abandon you. If anything, we’ll enjoy riding through fresh content from your rejuvenated mind.
In summary: take a look from 10,000 feet. Why are you here? Who are you—really? Own your blog and deeply consider why you’re doing the things you’re doing. And, that goes for your life, too.
Finally, two blog posts I found helpful and intriguing of late:
Suzannah from Write It Sideways (on writing better blog posts)
Larry Brooks from StoryFix (on watching good writing)
Create Your Day!
P.S. T Minus 10 days to NaNoWriMo commencement!
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Excellent advice! However, you left out one crucial piece of advice: have a support system in place! Make friends with other bloggers who can help you when the going gets tough. You have to surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you. This is true in blogging, and in life.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Memories Best Left Forgotten
Mr. Schryer,
You are absolutely right!!
I feel I need to go back and edit my post now – I’ve forgotten probably the most important point, which you describe here.
I felt my blogging initiation was so much more gentle by getting to know you, Lisis, Nadia, Lance, and other supportive bloggers before I dove in.
Absolutely PERFECT and IMPERATIVE point, Jay.
Thanks for being one of those people, by the way. You rock!
~xo
Jay always does that… he’s a bride upstager. You’ll get used to it. If he wasn’t so darned smart!!!
Lisis´s last blog ..Music Therapy: Jack Johnson “Imagine”
Lisis & Jay,
Yeah, after reading your blogs (and others) for six months before I dove in, I just assumed that my posts would cover at least 75% of the material, and then Jay or Lisis would show up (or any of the other smart people here today) and fill the gaps in my thoughts for me.
It’s AWESOME to be surrounded by such smart people!
I just want to say that I love this post. I have read a lot of advice on “how to have an awesome blog” from the so-called experts. What you say here is so much more what I feel makes for happy blogging.
I had no idea that you have only had this blog for 3 months. It’s fabulous. When my blog grows up I want it to be like yours.
Jill´s last blog ..Is this craziness or freedom? Hmmm….
Jill, you just made my day!
Before I finished writing this post, I hemmed and hawed about not letting it see the light of day since there’s a gazillion instances of blog-help posts.
Then I decided my main mantra with this blogging thing is to go with my gut. This was a classic example of me dispensing with “what everyone says not to do” and just go with the flow. I’m certainly happier that way, too.
I’m glad I took the risk, because even if just one person got anything from it, I’m super happy for that.
Again, thanks for your gracious feedback. You rock! (And, I like your blog – you don’t think it’s grown up? Not true.)
It’s 3.30am* and I’m up checking my blog, checkign my reader … and basically this post is just perfect. If a little late as I passed my 12 months of bloggin back in August. I’ve still lots to learn!
*ok, before anyone thinks I’m a real freak – to cut a long story short I accidentally fell asleep at 8.30pm beside my 6 year old so I did get a full night sleep .. just not at my usual sleeping hours.
Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..A World Where Conflicts Are Solved Peacefully
Ian, I’ll never think you’re a freak, but I’m glad you clarified why you’re writing at 3:30AM! Yeesch!! That’s the best excuse I’ve ever heard to be up so early.
If I tried to pull those shenanigans, I’d be wrecked for the whole day – even if I’d have gone to bed early!
And, CONGRATS for making it a whole year! BTW: you’re in the 7.33% of bloggers in the poll I took for blogging 1 – 1.5 yrs. I’d love to hear more nuggets of info from your perspective.
Have a great day, Ian, as I prepare to watch my eyelids. (lol)
Hi Lori,
I am very glad you didn’t bury this post. I have read a “gazillion” articles on how to blog right and all that crap and I got as much or more from this article. You know why? You are real and realistic! You have targeted the real reason to blog, which is passion first, and worry about things like monetizing second.
Your writing style is human, genuine and not sterile like so many articles on this topic. You’re writing this from the perspective real experience as a blogger and not from your mountain top as a Blog Master! LOL
In short, this article rocked and you’ve done a much better job on it than I’ve seem from many so-called gurus.
I would have never guessed your blog was just three months old Lori! I’ve been at it for very close to a year and I’m still working to write as well as you!
Offering any classes???
Keith´s last blog ..Overload Your Life!
Hi Keith,
Well, aren’t you the sweetest person! Wow, from your one comment alone, I’m glad I decided to write this post.
I really, really appreciate your positive feedback, Keith. I might have to print this one out when I’m having one of those not-so-good days – wondering if I should continue my blog.
Comments like yours make it all worth while. And, classes? Me?? Hmmm…funny! I’ve always wanted to teach, actually, so maybe I’ve stumbled across something to finally fulfill one of my life-long desires. You’ll be the first to know!
I think the key is being passionate about what you write about. (Or do in life!) Even if you get a little burnt out, your passion will eventually call to you in the middle of the night demanding to be shared and expressed. You can’t NOT do it, if you do it right.
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..To Kill or Not To Kill
Hi Hayden,
You’re right on, sister! Passion is everything.
And, I love how you said that, “You can’t NOT do it, if you do it right.”
Yes, yes, and YES!
~xo
Hi Jill,
I’ve just past the 6 month mark and am looking forward to hitting the one year mark on April 1st nest year. My progress in terms of readership has been slower than expected. However, I’m encouraged by the number of meaningful comments by the regular readers. They help make it feel all worthwhile.
Gordie Rogers´s last blog ..Did You Know There Are So Many Online Tools For Lifestyle Designers?
Hi Gordie,
Congrats for passing the six-month mark! Whoop, whoop!!
You have a wonderful group of readers, Gordie, and that makes sense as they are a mirror of you! And, I agree. For me, it’s all about the interaction with others.
Thumbs up and here’s to another awesome six months!
~xo
Hey Lori,
Well…this is right on the money. For blogging and for life (maybe that could be a t-shirt: Blogging Is Life). Sometimes it can sure feel like it’s taking over my life. And that’s when it’s a good point to step away for a bit. For me, that usually means physically getting away from the computer – as in distance. Like a vacation – or some training I have coming up in November which will take me away for a week. That will be good for re-focus on what matters. It can be hard when we’re “in the thick of it” to see beyond where we’re at.
Lori, your site is doing wonderfully, and it’s really so good to be here and take in your words. Even more, though, is the friendship that’s developed…
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hey Lance,
Oh man, don’t scare me with that “Blogging is Life” thought, because, for me, it could totally become my life and I’m not sure I want that.
That’s good you’ll be stepping away from the screen for a week coming up (well, good for you, bad for me! lol).
I remember when I linked some folks for the first time and I didn’t realize or understand what a “pingback” was. Out of the blue I get this email from you saying hello and thanks for the link back. It took me by surprise – who was this cool dude and how did he know I linked him? After Lisis and you explained it to me, the rest is history! ha
Really, thanks for surrounding me with your support these first three months. They weren’t exactly easy ones, and your support made all the difference. It made this blogging thing much more fun!
Huge hugs to you for everything you do for me and all the people you positively affect, too!
~xo
Well, the good news is: you’ll be able to write this post again at 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. I think the sanity cycle for bloggers is about 3 months long. Maybe you can keep us from imploding all along the way (I know you’ve helped me keep on ticking much longer than I would’ve otherwise!).
Yet another fantastic post, Lori! But what kind of teaser was that? Average penile length… (no answer)! Now we’re gonna have to go google that!
Lisis´s last blog ..Music Therapy: Jack Johnson “Imagine”
Hi Lisis,
Well, missy, as I said before, if it wasn’t for you, there’s NO WAY I’d be blogging! I learned by watching you for six months before I started. (I learned from the best.) Thanks for talking me off the ledge more than a few times during my first three months.
I can see how these emotions and feelings could cycle every three months. I realize I do everything I can to support you to keep up your blog, I just love it! But, like life, seasons come, seasons go, and who knows how long I’ll do this. For now, it feels good. And I’m loving the moment(s)and all the friends I’ve met (like you)!
Oh, for that teaser, the answer is 4.12 . . .
. . .(average MONTHS to abandonment) – no that’s not a measurement in inches! (lol)
Hi Lori,
Congrats on the three months! Yay! I am sure there will be many more. I have no doubt!
And yay for not paying attention to stats. I have no clue what my stats are right now. I did install Google Analystics but took at one look at it and saw a nightmare waiting to happen. So I made my husband remove it. I did pay attention to Alexa and so on but that became stressful. I therefore decided to be blissfully ignorant and no regrets.
If someone reads my post and it makes them smile or learning something, then I am happy. And no number can replace that.
And as a few others mentioned, one of the many benefits of blogging are the friendships that are made.
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..Dependent Origination: Get Ready For Enlightenment, Baby
Hi Nadia (*one of my blogging gurus*),
Three months seem like years sometimes, but like you said, the friendships have been soooo worth it!!
That’s interesting about your stats and feelings about them! I love how you phrased that, “blissfully ignorant and no regrets.”
That’s right on and how I’ve managed to stay sane and reap maximum enjoyment of this process. I do peek at my stats and subscribers every now and then, but I do my best to not let it affect me one way or the other. And agreed about making someone smile or pick up something new! YES!
Nadia, sometimes I think we are twins. That you’re a version of me reflected on the opposite coast. I hope you’re not offended! ha
Thanks, too, for all your support helping me get my blog going, as well as other parts of my life. You are a beautiful being!
~xo
Lori:
Congrats on hitting the three month mark! I have really been enjoying the stuff you write and today’s post is no exception. Like many people getting started in blogging, I once thought that I could make money from my blog. I’m learning that this is much more difficult than we think…and I am not prepared to sell my soul in order to do this. I no longer try to make money.
Your advice on this post is rockin’. I would agree that we need to occasionally revisit why we blog and we need to disregard or de-emphasize the stats. But I especially like your suggestion to take time off. All of us lead full lives outside of blogging and we need to make sure we have fresh ideas and that we feel passionate about blogging (without the stress of our readers going away).
Thanks for being a great, encouraging friend!
Tim´s last blog ..The Magic of Making Mistakes: A Review of The Talent Code
Hi Tim,
Hey, thanks for the congrats and kind words. Three months seems to be so short to me, but as long as I keep my three goals/tips in mind, I should be OK moving forward.
I know what you mean about monetizing. I never really wanted to add that to the equation and had always envisioned blogging indirectly bringing “things” to me, whether that’s more friends (Shaka that!), happiness to others, collaborations with like-minded people (Lance’s ebook!) or an eventual alternative source of income (book deal? design work? writing contracts? – still figuring that out at the moment).
And, I really don’t have the energy to manage a blog with a gazillion subscribers with bells and whistles like newsletters and such. Which made me realize that I don’t need to burn myself out with my blog if the main goal is to bring fun and laughter into all of our lives. So, yeah, basically ditto what you said.
(BTW: I have no issue with people who DO monetize their blogs. I wanted to make that clear; it’s just not for me right now.)
Thanks for supporting my blog in general, my writing style, and being such a great friend as well. The world needs more people like you.
~xo
Congratulations Lori,
Three months is a huge milestone. I remember when I interviewed Lorelle (of Lorelle on WordPress), I mentioned three months being about the time bloggers give it us and she said she thought it was two weeks. lol.
From reading your post, it sounds like blogging will stay with you for a LONG time. I can sense your passion and joy in sharing.
My advice would be to enjoy the journey, have fun with it, forget about the stats (although we can learn from some aspects of them), and be true to yourself. Other blogs may grow faster, have more comments, get more subscribers, etc…., but if you can continue to just be “you”, success can be yours.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Words For Sale
Hi Barbara,
I love it when you come to my blog. (Just wanted to put that out there.) Thank you!
Funny about the two-week time frame. I can see why that was mentioned!
I really appreciate your advice, Barbara. It means a lot. In my life, it seems I have the most fun and enjoy the biggest rewards when I just be myself and stop trying to be something I’m not. So, yes, point taken.
Thanks again for your kind words and I’ll be seeing you around cyberspace!
Hi Lori!
I was attracted to your blog from seeing the title – cute! – and now reading it, I have signed up!
Your advice for not blowing up your blog – plus Jay’s suggestion included of course (Love you Jay!) is right on! I started blogging in January in TOTAL ignorance of the whole process – didn’t know squat about nuthin’ and while I have learned TONS along the way, I like keeping the beginner’s mind. I write from the heart or let monkey mind loose on some topic, I have fun, I absolutely love writing and while I’m now aware of stats, I’m not “into” them! I am enjoying this experience and nothing but death itself will stop me!
To my utter suprise and total delight, people are following and subscribing! I’ve met great loving and supportive friends in the blogosphere and it has helped me expand my horizons in many areas.
Long story short – I am SO GLAD we are BOTH here! Enjoy it!
Hugs,
suZen
Hi Suzen!
Congrats for making it nearly to a year thus far! That is super great. And, thanks for signing up – I’ll try my best to not disappoint you.
I know, don’t you just love Jay? How can we clone him? Wait, I actually know how, but I can’t guarantee the end results. (lol)
Hey, and that’s great that your blog is growing. I love to hear that and your passion for writing comes through in your comment, too. Now, I’m heading over to your blog to get some super-charged, awesome mind candy!
Enjoy your day!
Hi Lori — knowing why I’m blogging is important advice — just like connecting with the overall contribution I’m making in anything I do. Of course, for me, letting go of the mission aspect of my site and joking around once in a while is probably healthy too.
Hi Chris!
Hey, cool cat, you can come here to joke around any day! You can even be daring and use a FAKE NAME and FAKE email address just to let off some steam (just drop me an email so I know it’s you)!
It’s always a pleasure to see you here, Chris. I appreciate your visit and addition to the conversation.
Have a great week!
~xo
Congrats on the hitting the 3 month mark. This is a great post, with helpful insights. I just hit the one month and can already see how there is definitely a 3 month itch to fight off.
I am getting better about not watching traffic statistics, as well as further defining why it is I started a blog. Both exercises are proving helpful.
Chad´s last blog ..Be Prepared for Day Hikes
Hey, thanks Chad.
It’s great to see you blogging! I like how your site is coming together.
Feel free to email me anytime if you want to bounce off an idea or want to ask questions about Headway. I actually love blogging and tinkering with my site, so I’m more than happy to help. Well see how that changes over the next six months! (lol)
Great post Jane, and timely.
Just as I was wondering where my voice has gone on my blog. I will try to keep in mind the “why” of “why you’re writing a blog”
Alastair´s last blog ..Getting out of ruts
Hey, great to see you here!
Got get ‘em, Zack. Just be yourself and write about what you are passionate about. You will draw readers to you with whom you want to interact, I promise! Just be you, and the rest will follow.
I’ll be reading!
Thanks again for taking the time to stop by and leave me your comment. I appreciate you words and appreciate you, too!
Be Well…
~xo
Lori´s last blog ..Jane Makes Me Feel Warm and Loving
I loved this when I first read it, and I came back to read it again. Thanks for writing this! Tomorrow will officially be 2 months for me, and I almost did “blow up my blog” (laughing, I love that expression!) because I was unsure if I should publish my last post… for fear of being misunderstood, for fear that people would perceive it as too negative… I waited for about 2 weeks, unsure of what to do… but it came from my heart, so I published it last night anyway, and I’m glad I did. Thanks again Lori for sharing your experience and adventure, for keeping it real and making it fun, and for coming up with the best titles ever! You make me smile!!
Miche – Serenity Hacker´s last blog ..Accepting Suffering and A Call for Compassion
No way, Miche, you’ve ONLY been blogging for two months!! I’d have never guessed that! Congratulations either way! Whoo-hoo!!! And thank you for blogging!!!!!
Maybe you should be the one spouting blogging advice, not moi!
I love your blog, by the way, you’re such a great writer!!
You know, Miche, authenticity comes through when you write what is real to you and what has meaning to you, and it comes through in your blog. I know you know this. It can just seem weird to write this way in a public forum. Or, at least that’s what I’ve felt. Keep being your authentic self, Miche. You’re GREAT!
And, WOW, thanks for the sweet comments about my blog and especially about the titles. I realized over time that my more “popular” posts were the ones with the goofiest titles, and I actually quite enjoy (and spend a lot of time) trying to come up with cheeky/funny titles. I think it is one of the most FUN parts of blogging.
In fact, the more time that has gone by with my blog, the more I realize I love to make people laugh, so that’s usually my main goal these days.
Well, I think I just wrote another post in the comments here, so I’ll stop now.
Thanks for coming over, Miche, and for all your support. I love it!
~xo
I LOVE this post. It rings so true, both on the blogging level and the life level. This is something one must do for one’s self, and for others. Either alone makes for insanity or failure. Do it right and it can reinvigourate your life. Do it anything less than right and it can make you crazy.
The only reason to blow up a blog is because it’s making you crazy. And we have a choice about that.
As someone who watches the numbers too closely, I appreciate the advice. Even the best numbers suck after three months, because we’re constantly comparing ourselves to the established sites. A great definition of insanity if I’ve ever heard one (and I’ve heard many, lived many more)
So thanks for this, much appreciated. And now, I shall subscribe here. With gratitude.
Larry´s last blog ..“How to Write a Great Novel” – Why the Wall Street Journal Got it Wrong
Hi Larry,
I appreciate your insights here and also for your subscribe. I’ll do my best to not disappoint you.
Great, there’s no better way to make a writer nervous than to have one her most respected writers subscribe to her blog. [shiver]
You know, you said it best when you said we have a choice about allowing anything to make us crazy. And to compare ourselves to others, c’mon, that’s insanity. There’s always someone faster, smarter, more successful, more wealthy, more kind, more sympathetic, more widely published, younger, older,… – it just never ends.
You are a wise man and I thank you for taking time to contribute your thoughts.
Cheers!
So true. No one can be super productive all the time can they? Well I can’t! And what’s wrong with goofing off from time to time anyway. Isn’t that what life’s all about?!
And by the way, what is the average penile length? That sounds fascinating…