A contemplative post today on the changes I have noticed this year in blogging. There have been gradual changes over the years but this year I have found more and more people giving up their blogs. Some because they no long make cards but others seem to be turning more to social media especially Facebook and Instagram.
Everything has its place and I use Facebook every day. In fact my blog is networked to it so my posts appear on there each morning. I looked at Instagram but didn't really understand it and the thought of starting to follow people and getting them to follow me just doesn't interest me. I do like Pinterest and pin all my makes on there.
One of my blogging friends recently posted on Facebook about whether she should give up her blog as she no longer has as much time for crafting as she used to. The overwhelming response was don't give it up, you will regret it. I am pleased to say she is keeping it.
Over the years the number of people commenting has declined too. I appreciate the time it takes to read and comment on posts and I am always grateful for everyone who does that and amazed that some people comment on every post. I am truly grateful for your support. Some people who used to comment seldom do nowadays. I know how much quicker it is to simply like a post on Facebook.
The number of visitors far exceeds the number of comments. Indeed my post on 12th December about my updated craft room was viewed by 354 people yet I only had 25 comments. I know that some people like my Mum look at my blog every day but as she doesn't have a Google account she doesn't comment.
The number of challenges has declined too and nowadays I am very selective about which challenges I enter, entering far less than I used to. I figure if I don't enter any and others do the same then they will all stop and that would be a shame.
So will I continue blogging? Yes I will as I enjoy it and I hope that those who read it enjoy it too. I love being part of the blogging community and have met some of my blogging friends at shows. It is always a pleasure to meet somebody I only know online. It is also a record for me of how far I have come since I started cardmaking 11 years ago. I would also miss visiting and commenting on your blogs which I do as much as I can.
Will I continue to post daily? Maybe not but then again I may. I don't want to feel under pressure to post every day but if I have something to share then I will post. I always schedule my posts so they are not as chatty as some people's blogs, which I love to read, but I do include a few personal snippets.
If you have read through to the end, thank you, and if you would like to leave me a comment with your thoughts I would really appreciate it.
51 comments:
I am one of the people who had a blog but haven't done anything with it for over a year...just don't seem to have the time. I love your blog and pop by when I can but I must admit I tend to comment more in Facebook. Keep up the great work and I hope that I can find the time and motivation to start mine again xxxx
I haven't time to read all, because my English is bad, so reading takes me a lot of time, but I understand that the number of your visitors this month is very big while only a few comment. I think that in december all are so busy, and leaving comments is time consuming... :)
Your works are always so beautiful, you are very talented!
I agree with all that you have said. I must admit that at times I do not leave comments, as I am in a hurry, but I still like to check out the daily posts.
Thank you for your comments
Interesting read Marianne, I sometimes struggle with time and sometimes writing blog post feels like a chore but I love sharing my work and hope it gets seen. I also share a bit on Facebook, Instagram, pintrest and Twitter. I have met some lovely crafters through Facebook but have stopped entering blog challenges. Wish I had more time I guess! I love stopping by to see your blog when I can. Hugs, Sarah x
I too have noticed that many bloggers don't post as regularly and that many challenges have closed their doors recently. I hope that others do continue to support the blogs they follow, like you I enjoy the comments and friendships built up over time. Meg xx
Mm, I struggle to blog, Marianne, but I persist because it’s stimulatiing and rewarding, I comment less than I’d like but still probably view as much as ever if not more. Blogging is rewarding and challenging, I could however never post every day. Once or twice a week usually. No set timetable.
Hugs Shaz in Oz.x
Ps don’t use Instagram, use FB only for personal reasons.
Enjoyed reading your blog today, enjoy your blog every day though I sometimes forget to comment. I have a blog mainly for the DT teams I’m on so don’t really use it as often as perhaps I could. I’m a bit lazy that way.... I’m not making so many cards these days as enthusiasm seems to have left me but ll get back into it eventually. Wishing you both a very merry Xmas and all good wishes for the new year x
A lot of truth there Marianne. I'm guilty of visiting but not commenting - a bad habit I know - there seems to be so little time at the moment to squash everything in! Hope your bruises are getting better. Xx
Hello Marianne,
I'm sorry but I'm one of the 300 or so who visit but don't comment !
I don't have a blog of my own but I do love to visit yours and others everyday, and often read the comments too. If I have anything to say that hasn't been written by others I would certainly make a comment, but it would take up your valuable time reading the same thing over and over again
I do love all your creations, please continue to blog them so we can all share in your talent.
Christine x
In total agreeance with all you said Marianne. Blogger has changed over the years and more so last 12mths. I will continue to blog but must admit I have 'resigned' from many design teams as I now find I want to do and make whatever when I feel like it.
I am not guilty of not leaving comments, some days excluding design team commitments I have received and returned up to 40+ comments a day. I always believe in leaving a comment on followers blogs, they too in return leave me one. Which is lovely and appreciated
Entering challenges? I have lost a bit of interest but it depends on what challenge I take a fancy to. I am still willing to enter some challenges as I don't want them to close.
[aNNie]🎄⛄
Your saying what so many are thinking, I am guilty of popping in and not commenting, but I shouldn't, if we want to keep blog land going, we really need to support each other....I am forever saying I am going to give it up, thankfully I have one friend in particular who stops me jumping off that cliff, I would be lost without it and I hardly ever post to Facebook, the answer lies in all of us, even on my hardest of days I try and get to comment, but I need to make more effort.
Marianne I am glad you brought this up, let's hope it helps....xx
I totally agree with you Marianne, there has been such a lot of people who have stopped blogging. I personally love to see what everyone is making. I love making cards, I have started Christmas Challenge blog, as I found a few closing there doors. I also do a lot of commenting, some do not return comments for what ever reason. I love reading them. Marlene
I agree with your thoughts Marianne and as most people I visit blogs but usually don't comment. I love seeing people's blogs though and would miss them if they weren't there. I still have my blog and hope to start crafting properly again in 2018 now my craft room has been re-done. Keep sharing your lovely makes Marianne x x
Yes, yes, and yes. I haven't blogged since last March. I've had some health problems and it became harder and harder to blog/visit. I've been focusing on healthy lifestyle changes instead and that's where my time, and what little energy I have, have been going. I gave up looking at the blog list until just recently when I started entering challenges again. I'm using Flickr or Splitcoast Stampers now to join challenges - it's quick and easy. I'm not into Instagram or Facebook - I'm old school - no smartphone. Since I started on Splitcoast, way before I had a blog, that's what I went back to. When I do have some energy, I want to spend it making cards. The challenges inspire me so I started entering them again. I have thought about reviving my blog but my heart isn't in it (yet). I'm hoping to revive it at some point, when I'm up to it. In the meantime, this is working for me and it's better than a few months ago, when I wasn't crafting at all. I did look at your craftroom and it is beautiful! Thanks for the post today - I couldn't agree with you more. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Hi Marriane what a well written post it says it all about the current state of blogging and bloggers it's such a shame as its my favourite I find other social media very impersonal it's so easy to like and not take any interest in what you are liking. I. Never had as many comments as you but even my small number have dwindled even though I try to keep up with most of my followers when I can but sadly this year hasn't been a good year for hubby so lots of distractions II'll certainly be continuing with my blog and I'd love to see this year be 2018 Lets Get Craft Blogging Again I am also sad a lot of challenges are closing but must admit I'm very selective what I join in Love and hugs Carole x
An interesting post Marianne. I have my cardmaking blog as I love making cards and entering challenges, as well as being on a DT for two challenges. I think we all go through times where life takes over and blogging has to take a back seat for a while. Like you I have many more people viewing posts than comment, but I know of several people who like to see what I'm making but aren't cardmakers and don't have blogs. I also have a blog for our campervan adventures. This is mainly for me to record where we've been but also for family and friends to see where we have visited.
Kath x
Hi Marianne and Happy Holidays! I TOTALLY agree with you on all points! And, if you don't mind, might copy/paste a few of your comments on my blog as well. It would be a real shame if blogging became extinct and we only had social media to communicate. I too use FB and share my creations there linking back to my blog but not sure how many actually take the time to pop over for more details. Either way, I am SO THRILLED you will remain blogging as I will be also. As far as challenges, I'm sad to see so many going to Anything Goes ... not much of a 'challenge' but I guess it's better than them closing down completely. I too go through times that I post daily and then other times that I don't (like now at holiday time ... just not enough hours in a day it seems) and the comments are not as they once were but it is what it is and I still enjoy sharing my cards/project for those who have to time to look and hopefully be inspired! Wishing you & yours a Merry Christmas and look forward to more of your fabulous makes in 2018.
I agree with you Marianne and I'd much rather have a comment than a like on Facebook. I've only been blogging for about 18 months and I do enjoy sharing my cards and entering challenges and it's a lot more personal than Facebook etc. I am a bit guilty of visiting and not leaving a comment and I know how I love to read comments left for me so I will try and be better at that. It is also a shame about challenges ending. There have been 3 of my favourites finish just lately and it is very sad. Thank you for this post, it has been very interesting reading other people's views x
Hi Marianne, what you have written are my thoughts exactly. This past 12 months has seen a considerable change in blogging. Friends who used to comment don't anymore and some don't blog either. It is all so sad, as you know I blog everyday and schedule a lot of my posts. I have like yourself met some lovely crafty people through my blog and as December is such a busy month decided not to blog at the weekends for this month and will see how I feel in the New Year. It is so sad to see challenge blogs close and I try and support them as much as I can by entering. Thank you for writing what I have been feeling a lot this year. I too have lots of views but not many comments either. I will be keeping my blog too!
Wishing you and hubby a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2018.
Hugs
Linda xxx
Yep, I agree with your sentiments entirely. I don't blog and leave comments nearly as much these days. However I love my little blog too much to stop and I do comment as much as I can. Other platforms are certainly much more popular at the mo' it seems. But for now.....keep on blogging!
Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2018, Liz x
What a great post Marianne. I, for one, will continue to blog my creations both for fun and to support the design teams that I am on. I too have met many likeminded people from near and far and would miss my daily visit to blogland!! I remember the thrill of getting my first ever comment when I started blogging so, whenever time allows, I will always leave a comment, it is so much nicer than a "like", I think, and I can also keep my craft life and horsey life separate. From experience I know that sponsors are often difficult to contact where prizes are concerned and some bloggers just don't like to participate just for fun which has meant the closure of lots of challenges. I like to support as many as I can regardless of prizes. Pleased to hear that you are staying here and thank you xx
Know exactly where you are coming from Marianne and I think it's up to us bloggers to keep things going and hopefully it will boom again. It saddens me when a challenge blog closes and unless we support them why should they bother. So thumbs up for blogging as much as we can possibly manage. I am on Instagram but, like you, not sure of the point of it other than it being quick to pop a card up there.
I totally agree with your writings, Marianne.
At the moment I love blogging more than Facebook and as you said: it is great to be part of the blogging family.
I always try to comment on the blogs of persons who comment regularly at my posts. I know it costs a lot of time, as I'm on various challenge teams too. And I feel obliged to comment then for sure!
Entering challenges? I love it, but not more then 10 per post.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
xxx Margreet
I agree...blogging is my outlet though...my diary of sorts. Facebook is so much more public as is instagram. My blog is really just for my crafty friends-and me! Because life gets hectic, I do tend to visit and not leave comments...I would not have time if I left a comment on all the blogs I love to visit! I know I have people visit all the time though so that works for me! Good to hear from you and keep on blogging!
Hi Marianne agree with what you have written I am ashamed to say I don't very often hop around to leave comms, I don't want to give my blog up as you know I only have 2 DT challs but still enjoy card making not for profit I give them to the charity my daughter supports Williams Syndrome. As you say lots of challs are sadly disappearing which saddens me & some move to FB not everyone has FB so miss out..Am happy your to carry on blogging long may they rein xx
Smiles Christine xx
Sat here nodding my head at most of the comments above. If I look at a blog I always leave a message and try to blog at least 2/3 times each week I also have a challenge blog which over the months has a dwindling number of entrants. As I put up the prizes myself it is becoming quite costly and to send them out as well so I'm struggling as to whether I should just call it a day or not. I have a FB account but only be cause it was a requirement for a challenge I was a Desinger on (which closed yrs ago now) but very rarely post on it. I belong to several groups on Facebook which I have comments and post box ticked but for some reason Facebook has stopped notifying me about them. I mentioned that to my daughter who is a regular face Booker and she had the same problem and when she asked FB to fix it they said they couldn't as they didn't know why it wasn't working!! I don't bother logging onto Facebook any more . I don't do Instagram or Pinterest so my blog is my life line. Hugs Mrs A.
Hello Marianne, a thought provoking post today. I do wonder where some Followers have gone, but as you said people fade away for all sorts of reasons,that's life. However, I love being on blogger and visiting others, even although it's time consuming. My blog is also about what goes on in my life and as you know I tell some stories, especially about the escapades my hubby gets up to. I won't be giving up my blog and I hope to be visiting yours for a long time yet, I love what you makes and find it inspirational.
As for FB, I find it too impersonal and I don't like some of what is on there which leaves vurnable people open to all sorts of abuse. You know the type of thing...I'm going to post this and see how many of my friends answer me,.....It's emotional blackmail in my opinion. However, I'm very uninterested into politics and find I can get valuable information that's not reported on M&S don't know anything about Instagram.
It looks like form the comments above that, blogging is the favoued media. Thanks Marianne, Kate x
I agree with you Marianne. I always try to visit and comment as much as I can and will continue to do so. I love to visit everyone's blogs and see what they've been up to and like you I have made a few friends through blogging, some I have met up with and some I haven't...yet!
Keep up the blogging.
Lorraine x
It's so hard to keep up with everything in this age of social media. I don't have time to comment on blogs, Facebook and Instagram, so I just do blogs, even though I post to the other two. I'll continue to blog as long as I have design team commitments. As far as posting, I only post for DT commitments, so it's like once, maybe twice a week. I need more hours in the day!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)
Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
You have certainly hit on a hot topic here Marianne! I have been giving this quite a lot of thought recently as well and have been thinking long and hard about the amount of time I spend blogging and commenting. As you know I have had a few health issues lately and hubby has taken the decision to take early retirement in April next year so my I will not be spending as much time crafting. I craft purely for enjoyment now and I like to share my makes and see what everyone else is creating but fear that I will probably not be posting every day in the new year. I don't like Facebook, I find it much less personal than blogging and find it quite overwhelming at times - I tend to go online in the evenings and I think I miss lots of posts as there are so many and they disappear quite quickly. I'm glad that you are going to continue blogging in the new year and will definitely pop in to see what you have been up to.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x
So agree with you Marianne, have been thinking the same things for while now and feeling sad the way it seems to be going. I left a few of my DT’s and have been making so fewer cards over the past two & half years since the lost of my Dad, really struggling to like anything I make and often not in the mood anymore to create but do keep up with my DT cards as I don’t like to let anyone down. I still love to visit & leave comments on other people’s blogs, but sadly I don’t everyday as I used you, hoping in 2018 I will find my mojo again. As you know I do FB too now but never once have I thought of giving up blogging, have made so many friends and it’s there lovely comments they leave me that has made me carry on crafting while feeling so low.
Hugs
Wendy xx
100% agree with all you have said Marianne. I made a decision this year, that if I have left messages every day on a persons blog, in some cases for years and they didn't leave one on mine, then I will drop them from my list. After all, I only post every few weeks not daily, so I don't think I was asking too much really. It still takes quite a lot of my time to do so, but I sit every evening, watching TV for a couple of hours, with my Lap Top and do it then. I am at the moment watching the finals of Strictly and commenting too!! I have some amazing and very kind people following my blog and who leave me messages every post. I have recently received an amazing gift from a lovely lady in Florida. I was totally blown away with her kindness. Like you Marianne, I have also met people from my blog, including you Marianne, at Craft Shows. I love being on a DT and feel honoured to have been asked to join. So yes I will continue with my blog and I might even try to post more often. As for FB, I have only joined it a few months ago, as the DT I am on now operates from it. I am so lucky to have some lovely, very talented crafters who are following my blog and I so enjoy and admire their blogs too. So I will continue with my blog whilst I am on a DT. Hugs, Carol S.xx
I'm glad you are staying Marianne..I'm staying too..comments are lovely and like you I noticed they are few and far between..I only do Facebook because my design teams wanted it that way, and will continue to do so..
Luv CHRISSYxx
Due to preparations to going away for a couple of weeks I will not be able to comment on your posts until after January 10th. I will have a few scheduled posts but please do not be worried to comment as it's a busy time and family is more important. Have a wonderful and safe Christmas.xxx[aNNie]🎄⛄
I agree too. I don't post every day as I dont want to be tied into that. I enjoy it, like I do enjoy naking my cards and other things. Like my OH says, we are not doing any harm, keeps our minds busy and having fun.
Xxxx
Sorry I've not been commenting but I've been pretty bad with the MS so that why I've not been blogging either. Hope to be back next year fingers crossed. I have been looking in on you occasionally when up to it and would definitely miss you not blogging. Debra x
Its what so many of us think Marianne, I for one gave up posting on my blog due to time! Mainly writing the posts up was a major effort to me. I am sooo slow at typing and doing anything that it was an hour or more before I got anything posted. Then quite often it needed amending I had let it stand for 2yrs and eventually decided I would get back to it this year! Only It was not to be as Den has had a dreadful year with health issues. Skin cancer, diagnosed with industrial lung disease, and finally heart attack in Oct, this was all apart from my health scares! So I fully understand how people fall away from blogging. I intend to try yet again in the new year and we will see if time allows this time. I had noticed many bloggers had vanished in my absence. I am writing this from my bed as I have caught the dreaded Flu bug...first time in 20yrs! But neglected taking our preventative care through caring for Den after his heart attack. Hope to see you in the new year xx
Reading through thecomments it would seem a lot of us only joined Facebook because we were requested to by Design Teams,,,the only reason I did! I think thats when I found it impossible time wise to do both, I wonder if this was why other people had to choose between them! I feel trapped into fb now as have family and new friends on it! But it certainly wasn't my choice to be there. X
I have read, absorbed and so agree with all you say Marianne, we have seen so many changes in craft and blogland and I am sure there will be me more. I don't do Facebook or other social media so appreciate blogland for friendsip and inspiration. I'm at oneof our son's so on tablet which I struggle with small keyboard otherwise would say far more. B x
Hiya,m
I totally agree with you on all of what you have said. The face of blogging has changed so much in the last 3-4 years with other social media taking over a bit.
I dont seem to have as much time to blog as I used to but I still love to when time permits. I also love visiting other blogs too when I can.
I have made some amazing friends through blogging. I keep mine going as I love to look back and see how far I have come over the years of doing it!!!
Love H xx
I totally agree Marianne, blogging this year has changed a lot, I do have to admit that I do not visit blogs as much as I used to but do try and post as often as possible on mine. I really do enjoy visiting other peoples blogs when I get time.. I do have Instagram and Facebook but do like to stay faithful to blogging lol., I will continue to post on mine and enter challenges.. xx
It's a very interesting post Marianne and although I've only been blogging for a couple of years I have to agree with you. I was one who commented on every post on my reading list every day but have found recently that when life got busy and I got behind with comments. I felt guilty posting if I'd not commented so regularly myself.
I don't go on FB often as I find it confusing to follow but I do have a scout round the blogs of those I follow pretty regularly although I don't always comment. The trouble is I found myself spending so much time on my laptop and less and less time for crafting. Like you I really appreciate the comments that people leave and I've also been very excited to meet blog buddies face to face out and about. Probably the truth is we all put ourselves under too much pressure these days.
It's a very interesting post Marianne and although I've only been blogging for a couple of years I have to agree with you. I was one who commented on every post on my reading list every day but have found recently that when life got busy and I got behind with comments. I felt guilty posting if I'd not commented so regularly myself.
I don't go on FB often as I find it confusing to follow but I do have a scout round the blogs of those I follow pretty regularly although I don't always comment. The trouble is I found myself spending so much time on my laptop and less and less time for crafting. Like you I really appreciate the comments that people leave and I've also been very excited to meet blog buddies face to face out and about. Probably the truth is we all put ourselves under too much pressure these days. Hugs, Barbxx
Oh dear, I stopped in yesterday, wrote half a comment to this and got distracted by the kids and then lost the comment! LOL. This is my life, full of good intentions and no follow through!! LOL. I do often come and read posts, I love to read your posts and see all your gorgeous stash and the different ways you use them. I would be so sad if you ever stopped blogging! There have been a great number of my favourite bloggers who've stopped for health reasons and otherwise over the past couple of years. It's always a joy when they come back again and reopen their blogs. I totally understand life takes over at times, but I LOVE having me lil' blog, like you as a record of my progress and as a tool for sharing my story and my DT journey. I am sporadic with my posting as life a mama to young kids doesn't allow for daily posts. But I LOVE the 'me time' of crafting and the freedom of expression I get from it. I hope there won't be a further decline in blogging this year. I would miss it so much and it makes me sad that there have been so many of my favourite stores and challenge blogs close. The only way we can keep this wonderful community is to support each other and our favourite blogs and businesses. I'd be so sad to see this wonderful community fade away. It's amazing to have 'friends' all over the world through this wonderful hobby! Hugs to you my lovely friend for raising this topic. It's good to talk about it. Hugs, Wends xoxo
An interesting read, Marianne, certainly made me think about how blogging has changed recently. I try and comment on blogs I follow as often as I can, especially if a comment has been left on my blog, although sometimes there is only time to make a quick visit. Although I am on Facebook, I rarely post my cards on there as I much prefer to blog. Most of my Facebook friends don't doing any crafting, so there doesn't seem a lot of point putting my creations on there, unless it's to enter a challenge. Although I've only met a few of other bloggers IRL, I love the blogging community and feel I know many bloggers, even though we've never met. When I started my blog, it was mainly to keep a record of things I'd made - I had no idea that there was a wonderful blogging community out there, challenges to enter and so much inspiration on other blogs. xx
I love my blog and blog from all my blog friends.
I try to comment on each post that you made.
I like come to see what you made and to comment.
I do have IG and FB but bllog is somthing difrent for me.
I only hate taht prove you are not robot thing!
Im happy you will contnue bloging!
Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅⛄
hugs
I find that I am visiting just a couple of times a week as I really find it difficult to make the time. Even my own blog is a bit neglected at the moment but I am determined not to give up.
Toni xx
I love to see your creations Hun. I really enjoyed reading this post as it all rings true to me. I've lost my way with blogging since I got the all clear. As we all know priorities change. I'm so glad you'll still blog. I consider you a special blogging friend and think your creations are wonderful and inspiring. What I have learnt is blog when you can and if you are able too. Big cuddles dear friend. Xxx
Hello, Kitty sent me this post after I'd said to her in an email, that sometimes I think of not blogging. I read what you have said here, with great interest. It's so true, as making blog friends is the best part of this effort. I've visited here before (I think), but didn't leave a comment. So today, I became your newest follower, and decided to let you know this post was spot on. Sometimes I just can't keep up with making cards - that are needed for occasions - making cards for a challenge, then following up with all the visiting and commenting. But then other times, I'm so grateful for the folks who visit regularly, email back n forth at times when we really need support, so as long as anyone visits my blog - even occasionally - I'll try to maintain it. Hope you keep on with yours too! TFS
PS..I've never been on Instagram, and while I do Facebook, I prefer the environment of Blogland to posting on Facebook. Too many trolls on Facebook, and with a blog and comment moderation, that can be controlled better.
Popping in to read what MaryH wrote (she told me she came over and joined as a follower), and also to say thank you. I never told you, but this blog post was one of the reasons I revived my blog. It really made me think, so THANK YOU! I'm glad I'm back in blogland and although my health is not the greatest, I still have good days. Happy blogging!
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