The other day I was trying to catch up on my blog reading, and went to Rockstarmommy, she had a note that said she was closing her site so that she could spend more time with her family and live in the real world. I understand why this happens, but part of me thought, "shouldn't there be a going away party or something?" Blogging is a strange thing to do; we write at times very personal parts of our lives, but we also keep many things private. I feel instant connections with many of you, but I really don't know you. Sometimes I worry that doing this is narcissistic, or that I portray a fake version of my life-one that is full of cute fabric and well behaved children. I feel that I share too much, but also hold back. But even with these conflicts, for some reason I like doing it. As a mom, I feel less isolated, and I enjoy laughing with you when your kids write on the wall, or say something funny. We don't have to reveal everything or be BFFs, well maybe BIFF. So I came up with this meme (not sure if this is the correct word), not so you have to reveal your deep secrets, but as a way to learn about your blog. (I know some of you do not like the term blog, but for this purpose I used it rather than type: blog/personal website/on-line diary/Internet embarrassment tool).
1. Why did you start your blog?
2. How did you come up with your blog name?
3. Do your friends and family know about your blog? What do they think of it?
4. How to you write posts?
5. Have you ever had a troll or had to delete unkind comments?
6. Do you check your stats? Do you care how many people read your blog? If you do care, how to you increase traffic?
7. What kind of blogs/posts interest you?
8. What do you like and dislike about blogging?
My answers:
1. I started this blog to exercise my mind, and as a mini diary for my children. I like to write, but I don't kid myself with the belief that I am good at it. I butcher the English language with fragmented or run-on sentences; too many commas or not enough, and overuse of the word that. But that said, the only way to improve is by practice; this is my practice. I also tend to be rather negative, and I thought this would be a good way to practice being positive. (I don't think I've hid this well)
2. Blog name; when we were taking care of my mom with cancer, all that tasted good to her was green jello. Also, when my sister became a mom, she told me that suddenly all she wanted to do was stay home, take care of her child, and make Jello. So, it's a tribute to both of them.
3. A few of my trusted friends and family members know about this blog. None of them read it.
4. Sometimes I write my posts in a notebook, but end up typing something completely different. Some weeks I can think of something to say, while others I struggle. I usually cringe after reading my posts, so I try not to.
5. I hope that raising this question does not make it happen, but no, all of my comments have been encouraging and kind.
6. When I started this blog, I did not care if anyone read it, but then I found myself compulsively checking the stats, only to be discouraged when 2 people visited. Worse, those two people never came back. My first comment was spam, but I was so happy that I didn't delete it. I check my stats occasionally now, but I don't care about traffic. Would I like 1,000 visits a day? Sure, but this isn't that entertaining. I have no idea how you increase traffic; use dirty key words? (Not that you would want those type of visitors).
7. I like many kinds of blogs, but my favorite are parenting/craft/photography blogs. Some of the blogs I read are so well written and funny, they should be published. A couple that I read are sad; they are going through personal tragedies, but I care about what happens to them, and I find that people are their true selves when all the other stuff is stripped away, and I find their words insightful and inspiring.
8. What I like most about blogging is what I mentioned above; feeling less isolated. I enjoy reading other blogs and especially love your photos; so many of you are quite talented. What I dislike about blogging is the time it takes. Time I don't have really, and our house suffers because of it. I try to balance as much as I can, but there are weeks when it is difficult to justify being on the computer. It's good to have a break and we can't wash dishes 18 hours a day, so as long as I enjoy it, I will keep doing it.
I would like everyone to participate, but I am supposed to pick people per the law of the Internet. So, I am tagging 10, because 8 would make more sense:
(collective sigh) Gravity Failed
Beebee Mod
Chik Austin
Else Where Living
Auburn Doll House
Ram in the Thicket
Still Life in Yarn
Near by the Sea
Linaloo
The Rinrins
