Some years ago now, I came across a post entitled Blogging without Obligation. At the time, I'd been blogging a couple of years already and was starting to lag and feel pressure as I tried to post something every day. It was exactly what I needed to read because I was beginning to also feel a wee bit guilty that I wasn't able to post every day.
The author, upon seeing apologies in so many posts, wrote a post to address this creeping sense of obligation for what was supposed to be an enjoyable and creative outlet. The author gave permission to share the post, and so here it is in full... I hope you will find it as freeing as I did that first time I read it.
AFTER COMING ACROSS what seemed to be the 4000th or so post on someone’s blog starting with “I’m sorry I haven’t posted in awhile,” I decided it is time to rethink what makes a good blog and the expectations that have come to be part of it. I am thinking that no one should utter those words again . . .and with that thought I give you Blogging Without Obligation.
If you feel the same way feel free to grab the logo, make a logo or whatever you would like to do!
I release all the logos, thoughts and words mentioned here about this concept into the public domain. Take the idea and run with it. . .or walk away. It is all good.
- Because you shouldn’t have to look at your blog like it is a treadmill.
- Because it's okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine.
- Because it's okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing.
- Because sometimes less is more.
- Because only blogging when you feel truly inspired keeps up the integrity of your blog.
- Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone.
- Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be “bloggable”.
- Because if you blog without obligation you will naturally keep your blog around longer, because it won’t be a chore. Plus, just think you will be doing your part to eradicate post pollution. One post at a time. . .
Here's to restoring our joy in blogging!
Hugs,
Brenda
xox
Post updated January 2015