I guess I still feel a pull to be part of this blogging community, I just haven't figured out how to compartmentalize it so that it doesn't take up so much of my time. A few months ago I was feeling guilty when I didn't respond to each comment in a timely manner, dreaming about outfits, planning my days off around shopping, and I was just becoming so freakily self-obsessed that it started not becoming fun. I didn't like myself and the time I was devoting to the computer.
So how do you do it? How do you stop your blogs from becoming a time suck? Set time limits? Respond to comments in the comments? Limit the number of posts?
thrifted necklace and skirt
Target tank
Michael Kors bag
Dr Scholls sandals
23 comments:
I love this look on you! Grey and White together are amazing...
I do all my blog posts on Sundays. Even though the content of what I have talk about may be hard sometimes its so easy! Then each day of the week I just have to worry about reading others/replying if I can. I am also okay I reply late.. it happens. :) Some people don't at all so whatever ha-ha. BUT yeah doing all your blog posts on sunday's and having them auto post is KEY.
Sara
http://seventwentysomethings.blogspot.com/
still trying to figure out the exact same thing.
I have found now that I am home with the kids more, and have less reasons to get dressed up. I also have less time to read blogs when I am at work since I have a ton to do since I am only there three days...
Sorry to ramble, but I think all us mothers and bloggers feel the same way!!
I think you are looking great!!
Hi, Jenn! So happy to see you!
I used to respond to comments but I found I couldn't keep up. Not because I get so many but because I don't check my blog constantly; I'm busy with other stuff.
I'm pretty consistent in my posting because I have a set schedule. Write it the night before (providing I know what I'm wearing), take and post pictures the next day. It works for me but I do know others do all the posts in a single day and schedule them. I don't do that because I have no idea on Sunday what I'm wearing Friday.
I totally hear what you are saying! I am not blogging often at all. Too many things to experience in real life! But I love keeping in touch with blogging friends, so it is a challenge to decide what to do. Ack!
Like Gracey and a lot of others I've realised that I can't respond to every comment like I originally wanted to, so I post one comment as a big thank you to all and reply directly only when I'm actually asked a question. I've also decided to take a blog sabbatical - like a school summer holiday - but I'm keeping up with posting during that time by pre-scheduling everything for the summer. I should then have a good backlog of outfits (that I've photographed during the break) for after that time!
I've realised that scheduling posts in advance is the way to go - I know I won't be posting outfits I wore that day but I'm hoping that won't really matter. I mean, I don't care if another blogger posts an outfit that wasn't worn THAT day at all...!!
And lastly I've realised you don't have to have a huge number of photos. Three or even just two really good quality photos are better than 9 or 10 similar ones - they all take so much time to edit, load etc. Just a few little time-saving tips I hope may help, Jenn...?
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com/
Sorry Jenn - my comment was sooo long I forgot to say what a totally chic but simple outfit, love the colours. And your hair looks lighter, it really suits you! C x
I felt the exact same way! I had resolved to stop blogging after I got pregnant because frankly blogging was taking up SO much time and I was spending so much money on clothes just to "fit in" w/ the rest of blogland and not really clothes that was practical for my lifestyle... Things were purchased with the thought of "I can't wait to show this off on my blog" rather than buying things because I loved them. When I got pregnant I was just so sick of everything blog-related and ended up focusing on my family and not clothes. After giving birth however, I started to miss this creative outlet so I'm just posting here and there and only when I want to or have something to say. :)
Firstly, welcome back, Jenn! You look great!! I think keeping your original intent with the blog by using it only as a creative outlet is what will keep it fulfilling for you. Maybe you won't post as often, but hopefully when you do, it's because you have something you really want to say. Maybe you could also show your home projects and artwork on the blog. I know I'd be interested in that! Hugs!!! ~Sarah
You look fantastic and it's nice to see a post from you.
I'm not a mommy, so I can't help you with that, but my blog doesn't take a lot of time...my pics also aren't as nice as yours because I do them inside. I leave my camera set up on a tripod and just take some snaps with my remote before going about the rest of my day. In the evening, if I have time and remember to and feel like it, I put the photos on my blog. Some nights I don't add any text, and other nights I ramble a bit...I just do whatever suits me at the moment and don't feel obligated to do anything else.
Re. replying to comments - I've no idea what you even mean. I don't have any expectation that bloggers respond to me personally when I comment, so I wouldn't worry about doing that unless you really feel like and have time.
Bahaha...I take self-timer photos on my way to the back door of my house, for one...and don't do any photo editing! That saves oodles of time, since I pretty much just upload photos and type in a quick bit of text.
But I totally relate...there have been points when blogging was huge pressure and I spent time trying to figure out how to do a better job...ended up wasting so much time on stupid myself :)
<3 Cambria
jupefashion.blogspot.com
When you figure it out, let me know. I've all but abandoned my blog as of late. It's funny though. I keep thinking, "Maybe I'll want to do this again when I get pregnant..." which is kind of the polar opposite of where you are coming from. Maybe I'll just get inspired by your fantastic shoes, like I always do. You look great and glad you are feeling better!
Came across your blog and I love it! This outfit is adorable! Would love to follow each other on here and on bloglovin!
sincerelysk.blogspot.com
SK
I'm soooo with you. I have totally abandoned my blogs, and I felt guilty at first, but now I go days without even thinking about it! I'm too busy doing other stuff - living life away from my laptop, enjoying my kids more, not worrying about what I'm wearing, home projects, etc.
My advice? If you're pulled to continue to blog, then do it. Otherwise, let it go. And don't feel guilty about it.
i've been posting less and less this summer. i also quite my main job, still freelancing but have more time and have less time all at the same freaking time. it doesn't make sense. But, i just blog when i have the blog in my head and have the photo(s) that i've already taken. if it's going to take longer than 20 minutes, i won't do it. and if i go an entire week without a post, no pressure, i don't really care. that's my two cents and has been my modo this summer. congrats on all your news!! very exciting!! xoxo
i am horrible about getting caught up in blogging!! but right now, i set myself a 1 hour time limit for blog commenting!! haha!
Jen, love your honesty as usual! Blogging is a total time suck, there is no way around it! (I am always always embarrassed to tell people how much time I spend doing it!) I love it and it's inspired me to return to journalism, but the fact is I have so little time left over to contact old newspaper and mags that I used to work for...Catch 22 and all those cliches. Not sure what the answer is...Also friends say I must do Instagram, Pinterest and tweet to get it all really going big. Phew! I'm not a tech-savvy person like you so it can be work for me...
Respond to comments within comments. Don't ever feel guilty about what you can or cannot do. Just do it to have fun, when you can. If it stops being fun, stop doing it. Think of it as a creative outlet, and "you" time, when the kiddos are napping or sleeping, or when you want to be inspired.
Good luck! And on that note, do you still want to be a part of the chain gang swap? So totally cool if you opt out. Just let us know. xoxo
i just started blogging recently so i guess i still have the super excited fresh take on it, but i think with anything if it isn't something you are enjoying anymore then you should cut back for sure. life is about doing what you love and enjoy and are passionate about! btw i found your blog through seattle blogger group and am following also :D
-Jessica
http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com/
You look simple, classy and elegent in that outfit. I LOVE your new bag! Its so pretty.
I totally get where you are coming from. We took quite a long break from blogging for most of the same reason you did. It was so nice not to be tied to a computer, having to think of creative things to write, and to get dressed without having to think about if it was "blog worthy." The much needed break was definitely worth it and our batteries are recharged. Good luck!
Heather
Feel free not to respond to this comment. Was that freeing? Do you feel ever so free? :)
101thingees.blogspot.com
Just blog when you want to, if you're not feeling it, then don't do it...we're all happy to wait :) once the pressure is lifted the creativity will follow x
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