I realized that the month is almost over and I haven’t posted anything new here on the blog. A part of me has felt a bit guilty about the lack of updates, but another part of me was completely unbothered. Lately, I’ve been struggling with the thought of continuing to blog here or not. I rant and rave about how blogging used to be, wishing that there were more true bloggers still blogging, and here I am ready to throw in the towel.
After attending BlogHer last year, the way I managed my blog changed. While BlogHer allowed me to meet a ton of bloggers that I’ve followed over the years and I learned a ton about new-age blogging, it sort of gave me a different perspective. It shed light on what blogging is now and truthfully, I didn’t want to be a part of it. I’m not really an individual that is resistant to change, so I adjusted a few things here and there. While I saw positive changes in regards to the blog, I didn’t feel as if it was a good thing for me. I gave entirely too much attention to page views and visitors and numbers that all these “How to Make Your Blog Successful” blogging gurus say to pay attention to. I didn’t feel like this was a space that truly enveloped who I was as an individual.
I reached a point where I heavily contemplated giving up on this space completely. A good but of my favorite bloggers had done it and I finally understood what may have driven them to that decision. But then I read this post, and I was reminded why I do this. Why almost 20 years in, I still blog. Because it’s not about the numbers. It’s not about the page views. It’s not about the freebies and comped shit that new age bloggers rave about. The posting schedules. Beating social media algorithms. It’s about being true to self and remembering why you started.
And while I don’t know how many more years I have here in this space, for right now, I’ll be here. Right where it all started.
Terin
March 18, 2018 at 6:03 pmThis post sums up everything I’ve been feeling. I don’t care about monetization and SEO. I just like to write.
I remember what caused me to start my first blog. It was 2004. The community was nothing like it is now. I miss the genuine comradery that we had back then. It wasn’t about page clicks or filler posts that appeal to corporations. This new age blogging isn’t for me. I’ve accepted that, but part of me isn’t ready to give up my space.
Rae
March 21, 2018 at 9:46 pmI miss the comradery as well! A lot of us joined genuine connections — you and I included — and it didn’t involve a giveaway. Not saying that’s a bad thing because I’ve discovered pretty interesting people from linkups. But it the purpose of blogging years ago has completely changed. And while I don’t see it reverting back, I’ll just hold on to the little part of me that believes true blogging will return. And if it never does, I’ll just hold on to the people that do until they’re all extinct or throw in the towel I guess. Whichever comes first.
Faith
March 19, 2018 at 11:08 amI’m glad that you’re not throwing in the towel. I’m with you, I miss the old way of blogging and a little disappointed with how blogging has changed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that people have been able to make their blogs their full time work but I just wish there was some balance. I often wonder why I even continue blogging. Most of my blog friends have stopped blogging and I’m not willing to blog the new way. I don’t know. I’m using my blog as an online journal for now but I have a feeling that I’ll probably throw in the towel one day, which to be honest makes me sad to say.
Rae
March 25, 2018 at 8:52 pmYou can NEVER quit. EVER in life. You don’t have that option boo! I love your pictures and your updates waaaayyy too much. LOL!
Sylvia
March 19, 2018 at 2:07 pmA lot of blogs that I follow, now utilize Instagram as a way to blog. I’m not an avid blogger. I blog when the mood suits me. I read your blogs often but Im also bad at not leaving a reply when Im reading blogs. Im working on that. Some blogs I had to stop reading because they were heavy with ads/sponsored posts etc. and would slow my computer down as their page was trying to load. I love knowing about new products and such but blogging definitely has changed over time; especially with so many utilizing blogging as a full time job.
Rae
March 25, 2018 at 8:54 pmI was baffled when I first heard of someone actually blogging on Instagram, but I see it much more often now. And I agree with you, I can handle a few ads and sponsored posts here and there, but if that’s ALL you’re posting, are you really a blogger or 5 minutes worth of commercials?
Yetti
March 20, 2018 at 9:16 amWe’re no longer the same community we used to rush home to in our teenhood, but seeing as I still have you and a few others, it honestly keeps me going. My homework assignment from my therapist on day one was to blog. And to blog how I saw fit. To quiet the noise of “new age” bloggers, and to do it how I like to. What I am used to. And though I know I could’ve done this all along, having her give me permission to do so released a weight from my shoulders. I do think real blogging will come back, because we didn’t know it back then, but we were story-tellers, and the world needs more of those (us). So do exactly what you said, return to why you started, and write and create from that sacred space. <3
Rae
March 25, 2018 at 5:54 pmI think that’s what has also allowed me to keep up with this for this long — the fact that I know that there are still a few bloggers thriving and hanging on as well. I’m hoping true blogging returns soon. I hope to be around when and if it does.
Daenel T.
March 21, 2018 at 8:25 amI so agree with you on this. I’ve thought about hanging up the “Closed” sign as well, but then I remember why I started doing this — not for the freebies and such, but for the community. I enjoy interacting with you all and I’m living my travel life through you and your kids. So don’t worry about the numbers, keep talking to me. I’ll be right here with you. xoxo
Rae
March 25, 2018 at 5:56 pmThanks for sticking around with me, Daenel! I truly appreciate you!
Disa Chantel
March 21, 2018 at 2:54 pmWELL, WELL, WELL, look who’s back… finally! I’m curious what about BlogHer made you feel a certain way? I feel like maybe we need our own conference for us personal bloggers (not to be confused with lifestyle bloggers) where we can exchange ideas, lift each other up and find new ways to refresh our own content. Looking forward to your next post already Xx
Rae
March 25, 2018 at 5:55 pm*covers face*
Yep Disa, I’m still here, for now. ( :
Raven
March 25, 2018 at 8:34 pmI’ve been contemplating this too, and I’ll admit for a moment I thought I had to keep up with the other bloggers in products and numbers, but honestly it’s EXHAUSTING. So instead I’ve been working to write like I used too – of course there are occasional honest reviews, but this time more engaging content on my life again. You were one of my first readers I connected with and I’m so glad you’re sticking it out – at least for now (but I hope you’ll stay). Thank you for sharing!
Rae
March 25, 2018 at 8:50 pmIt can definitely be exhausting , especially when you aren’t as passionate about it anymore. I’ve been battling with that and realized that trying to keep up with the numbers was the contributing factor to my lack of passion. Blogging no longer seemed like a relief to me and I had to do something about it.
I’m glad you’re sticking with the style of blogging that works for you! ( :
Lecie
March 26, 2018 at 9:41 pmLongtime lurker here…I have a personal blog of my own and I totally agree with you. I got into blogging because I love to write, and enjoyed swapping stories with other people. Sometimes it’s easier to be honest with people who don’t know your entire life. Blogs were honest in a way that other internet spaces like Facebook was not. I don’t know if it was the rise of social media or whatever, but something has been lost…and I really appreciate blogs like yours that are just raw and honest. You may not have the SEO or engagement numbers but you love this space, and it comes through in your writing! So as long as it brings you joy, keep it up 🙂
Amanda Nicole
March 30, 2018 at 9:13 amI still wonder how I found your page but I am glad that I did. Please continue to be you. This space is yours for when you’re ready for it.
Thank you for sharing.
xoxo,