Droppin’ Like Flies
Today officially marks the midway point for Blog365 (event members post daily for an entire year). Day 182 in this blogging marathon. In the past 6 months, the thought of quitting has crossed my mind more than just a few times. Particularly on Monday mornings, when I barely have the energy or will to peel myself out of bed. By 9am, it never fails that my mind starts dancing around the question, “what the heck am I going to blog about today?” Regardless of my mental struggles, I’ve known all along that this was going to be pretty damn tough. Tough enough, that most of my blogger friends have slowly trickled off this crazy train. And more recently, it’s become incredibly quiet in the padded room convention.
Particularly yesterday.
Reba pointed out to me on Plurk yesterday that Kamen Lee, founder of Blog365, has dropped out. DROPPED OUT!
Both Reba and Kamen wrote eloquently on their reasons for leaving the event. Both mention a sense of “pressure” for posting daily. What would have come naturally, wanting to post daily or when the urge to strikes, is now trumped by the need to post. And in turn, sometimes quantity defeats quality.
So where do I stand on Blog365? I am still on the fence. Blogging daily has challenged me to overcome some writing inhibitions. It has offered me a goal and sense of achievement. However, like many others, it has on many occasions overwhelmed my thoughts, and clouded my rationale for posting at times.
Kamen throwing in the towel has been a bit of a wake up call. A reminder to step back, refocus, and re-evaluate.
What do you do when a leader walks away and takes his own course? Should I carry on and trudge forward? Or shall I take my own course as well?
Either way, a padded room isn’t much fun when you are all alone anyway.
(Feel free to take any Blog365 badges)
OMG I’m first. Like never. I’m going to post this and come back in a minute.
Lou Lohman’s last blog post..half a lap
June 30th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I just posted on this same subject. Half way done. Many of us who are in blog365 came to it from NaBloPoMo. So we came into this with eyes open. It was never going to be easy. It isn’t easy. But a long life of easy things and hard things has taught me that the hard things are usually the things that prove to be the most worthwhile in the long run.
Give me the hard stuff anytime. Make it worth my while.
Lou Lohman’s last blog post..half a lap
June 30th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
You know I read you every day!! I still post every day, but I have my hard times doing it (like last week). I’m not ready to drop out just yet. Especially now that I’ve learned I’ve made it halfway!! I mean, really…is it logical to quit now that I’m nearing the end? *G*
BUT, like you, it’s challenged me. Pushed me to write even on days that I haven’t wanted to. Does that mean that ALL of my posts have been quality? No. They never are. But I still WANT to post daily just as much as I NEED to
Sarah’s last blog post..The Best Friend I’ve Never Met
June 30th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Dont worry Momisodes fans, even if this blog becomes an unbearable chore, quitting doesn’t come naturally to her!
June 30th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
But I wanted to drop by quickly and thank you for the linky love. But, mainly, I want to thank you for being a good bloggy friend. As I said at Lou’s, you’re one of the first bloggy friends I had. I am almost certain you friended me over at the Ning page. And, if not, I friended you. And I didn’t friend many people. (I’m not much of a joiner, believe it or not.)
Rebecca’s last blog post..Quirks — I have a few…
June 30th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I say keep going. I actually forgot that you signed up for the 365. Your posts are always fresh and fun to read. It doesn’t feel like you are writing because you “have to”. You are a doing a great job!
Kathryn’s last blog post..It’s Hard To Be The Heavy
June 30th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I voted that I like to read your blog everyday (thus the Addictive Blog Award, LOL). But really, I personally blog everyday and it’s usually not a chore. I do it at the end of the day and schedule it for 12:01am for the next day. That’s my post for the next day. I don’t have to go through the day worrying about it because my post was already done the night before. Plus post-bedtime is the only quiet time during the day for me.
Karen of Sillymonkeez’s last blog post..A Glimpse Into My Reality
June 30th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Girl! I try and read you everyday and the times I don’t I definately catch up to what you’ve been up to! Like today!! LOL!!
June 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
gogogogogogogogogo.
that’s me,.
cheering you on.
Miz.
MizFit’s last blog post..Monday (sort of blurry) Facetime
June 30th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
that’s kinda wack that the creator dropped out!! come on! like we don’t KNOW it’s gonna be tough. i still post near daily but it’s true that it can consume your whole life. i’ve still only missed about 7 posts since oct 31st. that’s crazy to me. i’ve slackened my commit to blog365 b/c yes, like everyone says, i kinda want to live life sometimes, too! lol. but you know i’ll read you daily still!
jameil’s last blog post..HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
June 30th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I was the only one that voted 4-5 days..but it’s the truth, I normally don’t read blogs on the weekend…M-F..today I’m not going to get through all of my blogs…
mp’s last blog post..Weekend Update and Movie Reviews
June 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Keep going if you can. It’s good to be stronger than your leader
June 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
aw, i voted for every day. i miss my faves when they don’t post — and that includes you.
as for me? i am an unofficial blog365′er. i actually have posted every single freakin’ day since jan 2 (i missed jan 1 for some weird reason or another) … including the leap-year day, which was supposed to be a day off.
whatever. i enjoy it. if i didn’t, i wouldn’t bother.
and that would be my advice to you as well. if you don’t like it, don’t do it. but those of us who hang around in your neighborhood do it for a reason
the planet of janet’s last blog post..Fun Monday: Quirk me no questions edition
June 30th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
“Or shall I take my own course as well?” YES. Take your own course. Do what is best for you. Do you enjoy it? Do you feel challenged, at the very least? Does it take AWAY from things you would rather be doing that you might enjoy more?
If you answer YES to the first two, more often than not, and NO to the last one, then you’re OK. If your answers are reversed, then time to reevaluate.
Regardless, I’m hear nearly every day. So, if you post, we will come
LaskiGal’s last blog post..One of THOSE days
June 30th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I love to read you every day! You were one of my first friends on Nablopomo, and you’re the reason I’m in this 365 madness!
But I have my ways of coping with it, and I don’t think I’d want to miss it, I’ve met too many new friends around the globe, and I could not imagine having to miss any of you. But I don’t think it’s an obligation, and if one day, through circomstances of life itself, I feel like I just can’t do it any more, or that it stresses me out too much, I will feel a lot less guilty if I can’t put up a new post every day now that “the leader of the pack” has thrown the towel in the ring. I think the ( true) friends remain anyway …
Thanks for being my friend all of this time, I so love your comments!
Big, big hug to you Sandy xxx
Jientje’s last blog post..Quirky Fun Monday …
June 30th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I think blogging should be fun. If it begins feeling like a chore then you should really give yourself a much needed break. I felt really burnt out after a month of nonstop blogging. It’s very impressive that you can keep putting out good material everyday. If you continue just make sure you get the occasional massage or pedicure inbetween posts.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Wow, halfway through? Already? Jeez! I’m doing better than I thought!
Part of me would love to *not* be doing the blog365, but on the other hand it’s probably because of it that I haven’t given up on the blogging all together yet – I’m awful for letting ‘hobbies’ fall to the wayside when I get bored of them.
So although sometimes the pressure to post trumps the quality, I’d rather that sometimes than me to stop blogging altogether!
Plus, I figure I’m halfway there, it’s not been *too* difficult, so I might as well keep going!
Marylin’s last blog post..Comments…
June 30th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Totally up to you of course. Except we’d miss our daily dose.
Menchie’s last blog post..Heard in the car today
June 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I’ve loved reading your posts daily, but I am all about blogging without obligation. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to force a post every day!
Do what works for YOU.
dysfunctional mom’s last blog post..Monday Memes
June 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
wow, well 365 posts is quite a commitment, and i agree, some days I just sit there thinking…do I have anything to blog about today. I would say to go until you can’t.
brittany’s last blog post..Random midday thoughts…
June 30th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
You just inspired me to post – I didn’t even realize that this was the halfway point!
I think you should keep going – you can do it!!!
Annie’s last blog post..One more thing…
June 30th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Posting every day would be difficult for me. Hats off to you for your perseverence!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Loving on your blog – and will do so whatever you decide! Ball is in your court, you shouldn’t feel pressure to do something that is supposed to be fun!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I am really ashamed of myself being one of the first ones who quit. I am not going to rationale for it. Now I am posting everyday alternately on two blogs, I love every second of it.
I love your articles and so proud of you for making it till now.
You do what you think is best for you. To post or not to post. Blogging should not be a burden, it should be fun. Squeezing something out of nothing everyday can be tiresome.
Andie Summerkiss’s last blog post..Brastagi – Karo Highlands
June 30th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
You know, I have been trying so hard to keep up with blogging! I used to read every. single. day., and have yet to have even a free minute in the past week [with obviously tonight being the exception] to look at anyone’s blogs!!! But I do love your blog!
Meagan’s last blog post..Got maggots? WARNING: not for the weak stomach!
June 30th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Sandy, I love reading your posts. I’m also happy to let you have a life, though. Isn’t that nice of me?
Jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..Music Monday: Music in my Life
June 30th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
It’s a tough decision, but I’d say if it’s not taking too much away from real life and is still somewhat enjoyable even though challenging, then go for it! If it’s become nothing more than a chore, life is way too short.
I tend to post almost every day except Saturdays, and after well over a year of doing so, I do think about taking a little break sometimes, but just when I decide I might, something springs to mind that compels me to write. Still, it might happen, though. It’s a balance, and I hope you find the one that works for you.
Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..As Far Away as Possible
June 30th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Good for you. I did it last November and really didn’t like it. It turned a hobby into an obligation and took all my enjoyment out of it.
Nola’s last blog post..A Cool Saturday Morning
June 30th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Yay! I actually found you through Blog365 (and glad I did – I’m a loyal reader, not a loyal commenter) – I’m still going strong. It’s funny though – I was just thinking about it today. Why exactly am I doing this?
I’m more concerned with the continued blogging while I’m on vacation in a few weeks. We’ll see how that goes!
Hecticmom Undone’s last blog post..Sundays
July 1st, 2008 at 12:28 am
I “dropped out” quite awhile ago because I missed a day or two. I was told that I had double-posted enough that it didn’t really count. But after Ed died I missed quite a few days, and I miss a day every now and again, still. Normally it’s not hard for me to blog every day. I’ve never worried a whole lot if my blogs were in some way ‘worthy.’ I just love rambling on and will likely continue to do so.
I do love reading your blog and it’s one of the first I turn to every day. I have sometimes missed leaving a comment, but I’m generally here even when I’m quiet about it.
Eve’s last blog post..Fun Monday – Personal Quirks
July 1st, 2008 at 12:46 am
Are we half-way through the year already? OMG.
I voted 4-5 times a week, NOT because I don’t love coming to see you every day. I just struggle to get online every day. I know you get that, but hope you’re still feeling my love.
Grandy’s last blog post..I’m back…but barely
July 1st, 2008 at 2:35 am
we’re lucky if we can make it to 5 postings a week. good luck…and i’m here almost every day, at random times….like today, since my little one woke up an HOUR earlier than normal. grrr.
My Asian Heritage’s last blog post..Super Tuesday – Sushi Pack!
July 1st, 2008 at 7:01 am
Well, you know I support you either way…but I say keep going. I just want to attend the “I did it!” party:)
Nap Warden’s last blog post..A Couple Things…
July 1st, 2008 at 9:17 am
One day at a time….one day at a time. Keep it up, I read you everyday. And OMG, another Plurk subcscriber! I cannot get away from this technology and I am feeling the pressure….must hold bakc from Twitter and Plurk…too much for me!
happyathome’s last blog post..Vintage Apron Giveaway
July 1st, 2008 at 9:31 am
I dropped out ages ago due to a fortnight with absolutely no internet. I have never felt so free as the days when I didn’t *have* to post anymore.
Veronica’s last blog post..A Mismatched Post and a Confession
July 1st, 2008 at 9:35 am
I’m a faithful reader but not a faithful commenter though. Keep your posts daily if you can, just love dropping over to read them.
dawn’s last blog post..The culprit
July 1st, 2008 at 9:49 am
I don’t do well with people telling me what I HAVE to do. I blog daily, but knowing that I had to do it would take the fun away. I also love to read you daily, but often times I just don’t get around to it. That doesn’t mean you should post less!
Karen’s last blog post..Name That Bump
July 1st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Anyone who can blog every day is amazing. I know like anything else, it can become a habit, but still.
Holly’s last blog post..Fear of unleashed dogs?
July 1st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I’ve tried to post on both blogs everyday, but I’ve stopped that now… it became too insane. I suppose I’m sticking to it because I post once a day, on at least one of my blogs.
But it’s very tough at times! I do admit not being so gung-ho about making it anymore.
Jenty’s last blog post..Inside a Pink Lily
July 1st, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I did a post yesterday about being close to halfway through Blog365. I probably miscounted the day of the year tho b’cuz mine was different from yours. I missed about 20 days of blogging, but did managed 201 posts so far this year. I can’t count myself as a success, but I won’t throw in the towel just yet.
This is I first heard of Kamen dropping out. Sad, but funny, and a touching post all rolled up into one.
Ever since I started the craziness of blogging, I always said that I’m doing it for myself. That will never change. If I gain new friends along the way, that’s a bonus. If my headshrink ever finds it, then I’ll have no secrets anymore.
I remember the early days of my blogging (5+ years ago) that I proudly wore a t-shirt that said “I’m blogging this” and did that. It wasn’t every day, but often.
IMHO … of the many Blog365 dropouts I’ve seen that most try to write a book of their life every day. A blog paragraph or two is sufficient … otherwise, go write a book & maybe I’ll buy it.
Bonnie’s last blog post..Tuesday morning picture share
July 1st, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I’ve been tempted to drop out since I’ve been taking my PSE6 class, but I’m afraid if I do … I’ll wind up stopping altogether … in fact I’m doing my best to post more than once or twice a week at my 2nd blog to ‘revive’ my writing. That said, I do ‘relate’ … and I suppose when or if it becomes overwhelming, I might consider dropping out … but not right now because everything’s easier (not to mention more fun) with my new laptop ;–)
Hugs and blessings,
storyteller’s last blog post..It’s HERE and I’m DELIGHTED!!!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:22 pm
[...] saw Sandy’s badges and decided I HAD to have [...]
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
okay… don’t get scared… seriously there is no real way for me to know where you live and I’m not talented enough to figure it out. lol but I stalk you. I don’t come here daily… I come her MULTI-daily!! i love reading your blog… and I love reading older posts… I found you from NaPoBloMo… or whatever it was… and the first post I read about you turning, um, er 3 oh! had me hooked. bait, line and sinker! I have LUBBED you ever since. I feel like you and your family… Babisodes, Dadisodes and Budisodes are part of my life… when your parents were coming to visit I too, made sure my toilets and bathroom were spic n span sparklin’ clean… and while you were gettin’ crumy gifts I was too, and when were were having a hard time feelin’ like you were missing part of Babisodes life… I was right there will you questioning all my lifes decissions and what role I play in my childrens lives. While you and Babisodes are doing the potty trainin’ thing… so are we! I feel ya on so many levels and topics and conversations. I love you and your family and I love reading about it all. There, honestly, has not been one, not one single day, that i have left here and thought…. what was that crap?? seriously… I’m always entertained, amused, and enlightened and touched when I come here. Your pictures are amazing, and your writing is genius!!
BUT, if you have to give up blogging every. single. crazy. day then I will understand. My goal this year is just to post 365 times, b/c I knew in the beginning that I would never be able to post every. single. flea bitten day!! no way.
i’m already burnt out and crazy… imagine what bloggin’ every day would do to me then???
xoxoxoxo
Jennifer’s last blog post..I remember
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I am still there, even though through hopping countries I “missed” a bit.
That’s why you get on some days plenty posts, I’m adding the pictures I took instead of posting to the blog. Now I add the blog posts and date them back. I wasn’t there physically, but it happened in my mind and on my camera
And yes, I will be back reading and commenting (guess I am back…) and yes, I will still want to read your blog daily.
But hey, it’s all up to you. If it’s too much stress, step back for a bit and start breathing. It should be a fun thing, you know?!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:16 am
I used to read daily. And then summer hit. But I always go back to the last post I read. I love your blog THAT much.
I quit 365 a while ago. I think I made it a month. I have great self discipline.
Kim’s last blog post..Fart Rating System
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm