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:
Thanks for posting all of that! I love hearing more about the person behind the voice. I'll participate later this week once I'm back on the swing of things.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | March 12, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Thanks for tagging me. I actually completed my questions.
Posted by: Jen | March 12, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Great post Anne - I always like to find out more about the "behind the scenes" stuff also. I'll do this for my next post!
Posted by: lina | March 12, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I agree with so much that you said... can I just copy and paste your answers? kidding. I will play along. thanks!!
Posted by: Marjorie | March 12, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Anne - you and I could definitely be BIFF - I have been thinking about the why of blog a lot lately. Love to hear more about your whys and looking forward to reading the whys of those tagged. Good idea!
Posted by: molly | March 12, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Oooh, I'll do mine today!
Posted by: Visty | March 12, 2008 at 03:15 PM
i love this entry. i love your answers. i love that i have a topic to type up. i love that it'll probably push me editing down that review even more (sorry.) i love that we're friends.
Posted by: sarah | March 12, 2008 at 11:32 PM
I enjoy your writing. it's very Anne. :) I think if we met, we could just pick up the conversation because your writing is honest and I'd feel like we'd been talking all this time when I was reading your words.
I'll post my answers in a couple of days. we must follow the rules of the internet. ;) I'm looking forward to seeing everybody's answers.
Posted by: j | March 13, 2008 at 07:23 AM
I'm looking forward to peeking around at other people's answers, too, especially since I'm rather new to blogland.
Posted by: Paige | March 13, 2008 at 09:55 PM
I did your meme after seeing it pop up elsewhere!
Posted by: alice | March 14, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Hi Anne: tried to reply to e-mail, but it was sent back, twice. Just wanted to let you know that something is up with your e-mail.
Followed your meme...all the way to England and to Japan.:)
Posted by: j | March 15, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I'm just catching up on blogs too--still in that cocoon stage of life with a newborn...but at least I can breastfeed and read blogs at the same time:-)
I debate these very questions at least once a month, decide at least once a month to shut the blog down, and then decide, I like it and it serves me right now. I'm going to try to answer your questions this week (if I figure out how to type with one hand...this comment took forever!).
Posted by: Deirdre | March 24, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Crazy, but I'm compelled to make one more comment...
I really enjoy your blog, but admit the name of it is the one thing that turned me off...on my google reader list I'd sometimes forget who it linked to because I have such strong connotations connected to green jello (something we see A LOT of in Utah)...
So I loved hearing the two connections behind your blog title, and love that I'll think of mothers and sisters now every time I see green jello at another Utah gathering:-)
Posted by: Deirdre | March 24, 2008 at 01:11 PM