So I have been thinking a lot about blogging. Why I do it, why others do and such. I started this blog as a way to keep our families in touch with what we are up to and even today I think my mother is my only faithful commenter (thanks Mom!). But I also have found that I am excited to share artwork ideas for kids, sewing projects and other "do it yourself" projects that we are completing. I haven't really figured out why yet, I know friends with kids read my blog and I guess I am hoping to give them fun inspiration because they are all such an amazing inspiration to me. I also read about 10 blogs a week and have a "reading list" on blogger of about 35 blogs that I can scroll through and check out. I realized recently that most of the blogs I like are inspirational diy blogs, but many also have a "buy it here" "look what is NEW right now" component that really drains me. It bothers me that I love the consumer side of it without realizing it. I am dream shopping online without buying, I get excited about what is out there, what I could have etc even though I rarely purchased anything (except books, I am a sucker for books). So I have been trying to step away from it, not get sucked into what is new and available for purchase and be more authentic in my daily life and what I want from my computer (to spend much less time on it really!). I stumbled on this really snarky post and all the comments that made me step back even more. Whoa! Strong feelings. I love the network of bloggers, many are introverted people who feel more comfortable sharing their artistic side in a quieter way - right on, that is me! But I am also a bit tired of the "pushing consumer goods" aspect of it and that ideas are being shared/copied by others so quickly that it is hard to feel like an original artist. So, hmmmm... Just some thoughts on a quiet evening. What are your thoughts?
8 comments:
Ugh, I just checked out that site. It's sad, isn't it? It makes me feel like these people must not have much in their life to "center" them, to keep them happy and content. People blog for SO many reasons, and I know that a huge reason I blog is to post about my love for my little one, and all the new, exciting adventures we have. Every day is a new adventure for us, so I'm always anxious to blog about it. I just don't get it. We're all entitled to having our own opinions, but I think this was just a bit much. Having an entire blog just to make fun of "moms that blog"? It's a bit overkill. We get the point, and we're not out there blogging about how you must not have much happiness in your life, just to bring others down like this. Sorry for the rant, but I just find it heartbreaking!
Hey Jen,
Very thought provoking blogpost.
Why do I blog, origionally it was something my family and friends from home requested so that they could keep up with my life here. I am not sure how many still read it besides my mom, but I just love thinking about how lucky I am and how amazing my experience is here every time I make a post. It may be that personal reflection which keeps me going back.
I too have a bunch of blogs I follow but most of them are people who just post artistic images or artsy projects, I just love the inspiration and creativity out there. Plus the food blogs are great too, I love new recipes.
Jen!
We love your blog- it's our way of keeping up on your beautiful life while getting inspired to start a family of our own. (I dream about the projects I would do with "little ones" ) We hope you continue- your stance is a breath of fresh air in a commercialized world- the content on your blog makes such a strong statement- simplify and enjoy what's around you! Katie and Artie
I blog to let our family know what is going on with the kids basically. And I do hear from the grandparents and parents that they love reading it-even if they don't comment very often. I also have a little section about children's book reviews that I haven't updated in a long time I guess.....Anyway, I kind of got sucked into reading all kinds of blogs and it started stressing me out and finally I realized it was kind of like what you were saying--many were very commercial and about things etc etc I was constantly feeling lame for not cranking out project after project....and most things I didn't even like. So all that to say I have stopped reading almost all blogs except for yours and the free range parent one because I need some sanity checks about being a parent sometimes. Also, when I started the book review thing I purposefully did NOT include links to the books on amazon or anything like that, as I want people to be able to read the blog without being bombarded with stuff to buy, ads etc. Don't really know if that makes sense, but I feel you. We miss you! And we love seeing how the kids are doing and what you are up to.
Inspiring thought, I am trying to do the same thing for the holidays this year. I can't completely not get sucked in and pick up some stuff, but I think its a goal worth having, trying to make as much as I can for those I love. Wish me luck! (PS-I will be looking on here for thoughts and ideas!)
Jen- I'm a bit late on this, but I just got caught up on your blog today!:) I just wanted to say that I love your blog- both it and (even more so) being around you in person has been fun and inspirational for me! I love reading about all of your crafty ideas with kids- and it has inspired me to be more creative with my own little ones! Ironically I just did a blog post a few days ago about why I blog!:)
I read your blog! I love it. Makes me feel like I know AnaSofia and Kasper. You are very inspiring to me! I love you and miss you....
Hi Jenn - I've thought about this quite a lot. I am with Nicole. I blog because I feel lucky to be doing all the things I am doing, and I want to share some of my excitement with my family and friends. It is a funny thing, though.... Sometimes I find myself talking to a bigger audience (that isn't really there) than just family and close friends, and then I step back and wonder why. I love your blog, and it is really inspiring to read. I love seeing your kids growing up, and feel connected with you again, because I miss you (and I strangely feel like we are connected again, online - am I crazy?).
I also get really bothered by all the commercialism. So many of the blogs out there are geared towards selling stuff, and I try to be very deliberate about purchases (I think to the point of extreme frugality). Ugh. This blog you connected to is such an energy suck.
I will keep asking myself this very question (Why do I blog?), I am sure.
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