Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Writer Wednesday: Is Blogging Worth It?


Over the past year, I've seen quite a few people say goodbye to blogging. Why? Well, it seems that the amount of people reading blogs these days has diminished. I can say I've definitely seen evidence of it. I don't get as many comments or views as I used to.

Blogging takes time, and we're all busy people. So if very few people are stopping by to interact on blogs, are they still worth it? Don't freak out on me, but I'm not sure anymore. I'll admit I've been toying with the idea of giving up my blog. I do still love Monday Mishmash and catching up on what everyone is doing, but I find that lately, I'm struggling to come up with blog topics for Wednesdays and even books to spotlight on Fridays because blog tours are fading away quickly, too.

So help me decide, please. Should I keep blogging? Should I cut back to Monday Mishmash posts? What are your thoughts on blogging?

30 comments:

  1. Absolutely! It builds an internet presence and content. Also, some people have turned blogging as an income by sharing popular content and doing ads or other marketing. It never goes away, bumps you up on the google analytic, its viable but if it's no longer fun, you can use time doing something else then take a break.

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    1. Those are good points. I may cut back but not stop blogging completely.

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  2. Monday Mishmash could go in your newsletter. Before you quit blogging do a post on how to make a newsletter and get subscribers:-p

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  3. Don't stop! You can think about if there's something you could or should do differently, but don't give up! We need blogging authors, because there are not too many people talking about author's career and bringing the writing process into the light. Or that's the way it is in Finland. I know many people are really interested in writer's world, but just never ask author's to answer their questions. I understand your feelings, though.

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    1. So maybe I'll cut back to two days a week so I can blog about writing and my Monday Mishmash.

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  4. I did give it up last year for a good long time, but then I got the bug again. I can tell you it is good to have a blog for an active online presence. Maybe cut down to one or two a week?

    I also enjoy keeping up with all of the blog friends. Makes me feel not so alone.

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  5. It's different with photoblogging, I find. I get plenty of comments there, but those are photographers. With the writing blog, the comments have lessened. I wonder if, in part, some of that has to do with photo captchas, which were pretty much imposed by Blogger without so much as a "do you want this", and which are frustrating to deal with.

    You can ease off to two posts a week for awhile and see how that goes.

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  6. Please keep up the Mondays yours is one of the ones I still read! Thanks- Fancy

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    1. Aw, thank you! I definitely will. I enjoy my Monday check-ins with everyone.

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  7. I agree with those urging you not to stop. Don't give up :)

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  8. Hey, don't stop! I know, I know, I disappear for months (both from your blog and my own), but I do enjoy your posts, and I'd be sorry to see you go. Also, as Karen says, blogging is good for an active online presence, especially if you're consistent with it (err, unlike me). Don't go!

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    1. I didn't realize so many people would be upset by the idea. I'll stick around.

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  9. You and I are in the same boat. Right now, I'm only interacting with people like you who are part of my "network." People who supported my last blog tour. I usually go out and try to find new people, but I don't have a book coming out past November, so I'm in a mode now where I'm trying to concentrate on writing and getting more contracts in the pipeline...so it's just not a priority. I think maybe that would be my advice. Keep the people who support you, but get rid of those who just want you to support them and never return the favor. And then in the months leading up to your next book release, work hard to add to that group? My publisher feels blog tours are important and the ones hosted by organizers usually get fewer results than you'd get from your own network of people who are cheering for you.

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    1. Yes, that's exactly it. I think I'll just cut back but not go away.

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  10. I'm one of the ones who dropped blogging. I simply felt like I had no more to say. Since I quit blogging, I completed a manuscript in 12 weeks, which is really fast for me. And after finishing that one, revising it and sending it off to my agent, I started a new one. So far, I've written 10k in 10 days, which is probably a record for me.

    Right now, for me, blogging is off the table. I loved it ... until it became a chore. At present, I have to chase the creativity while it's burning.

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    1. I've been short on time between editing and writing, do something has to give.

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  11. Hi Kelly - as I'm only a blogger, but see a few friends here, it's mix and match isn't it ... it does provide a regular contact for you and through those friends you could well reach out to new and interesting bloggers-authors ... good luck with the decision.

    I've known a few people who've quit blogging - but their books have taken off ... such as Dianne above ... but it sounds like you'll still be around - just cutting back .. cheers Hilary

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    1. I definitely need to cut back and see how it goes. I just don't have the time I used to.

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  12. I know the feeling, Kelly. I love your blog, though. I may not comment, but the information and encouragement you share has been invaluable to me. Your words have kept me moving when my mind told me to stop. I can understand cutting down on the number of posts. I've done the same thing. I now do my kids blog every 2 weeks, and my writing blog at least once a month. Some days it's even a struggle just to write. My granddaughters take an enormous amount of time. But, I know that when I need a "push" your blog is here to do the pushing. I am always a fan, so no matter if you give it up or not, you are stuck with this fan!

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  13. I think you should do whatever feels right to you. I always enjoy visiting blogs and putting up posts because it is a fun way to connect with readers, writers, and other bloggers. Over the past couple of years only a few of the blogs I visit have stopped or slowed to a crawl, so things have stayed pretty consistent.

    Monday Mismatch is a great way to keep up with what is going on with you. I always enjoy your Wednesday posts because I learn something new and Fridays are fun too. But, only you know what is right for you and your schedule. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. I enjoy interacting with everyone each week. I just feel guilty when I'm busy and take days to respond.

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  14. I actually think that blog tours contributed to the decreasing popularity of blogs. Just blog about interesting things in your life. If your life is not interesting, that gives you an incentive to have new experiences.

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  15. Blogging is how I found YOU, so yes, it's worth it!

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