The thing about blogging, and then not blogging for a while is that, when you want to come back to the blog, you feel like you need to explain why you haven’t been updating.
You see the thing is, sometimes I think I know too much. Back when I started this blog… there weren’t really any rules for blogging. You just sort of started an online diary and chronicled your adventures however–and whenever you wanted.
But now, now it’s different. There are pages and pages of the internet all about how to construct the perfect blog post, build your readership, and even the best times to blog.
I mean seriously, there are certain TIMES you should post your blog.
You see what I mean about too much? That much pressure for something I started back in ’05 with little or no plans to make it into anything. I’m always reading that you should take time to make your blog about something– find a topic and write about that.
But I don’t have a topic… I mean… unless you count me.
Can I be a topic? That’s a little narcissistic, don’t you think?
So, I started thinking about it, and I realized something… I am thinking too much. I spent a lot of 2011 thinking too much. The only times 2011 rocked? When I actually didn’t think.
So, from now on– I’m going to update what I want, when I want. I’m throwing the rules out the window. If I want to write an 8,000 word essay on my new favorite color of nail polish (how freakin’ cute is that color, btw?) then guess what? I am going for it!
If this means I lose readers, I am okay with that. If this means I gain readers? Well, then maybe I will prove all those experts wrong, eh?
Either way… I started this blog because I wanted to have a little outlet for all things me. And in 2012, I am bringing it back to the roots*.
If you want to join me, I’d love to have you. But if you don’t… I understand. It’s hard to break the rules!
*Every time I say or think the word Roots, all I can think about is my Junior History teacher, and how instead of actually teaching us anything, we just watched it OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
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nicole
Thursday 5th of January 2012
Since I average about one post a week I think you know I'm on board with breaking the rules. I would like to write more, but I feel like I've already said it all. I am hopeful that going to Blissdom will give me a fresh approach. Of course, I still won't ever have a theme or topic and I will probably still not post regularly. It is a conference, not a brain replacement.
Jamie Harrington
Thursday 5th of January 2012
@nicole, oh are you going? I hear that is like the mostest funnest conference EVER! Jealous!
Andrea
Wednesday 4th of January 2012
It's refreshing to see a seasoned blogger shun the rules and go with her heart. I am a new blogger and am totally overwhelmed with the info on what's right and what's not. Where does one start? Information overload equals ignoring the rules for me.
Jamie Harrington
Thursday 5th of January 2012
@Andrea, I can't even imagine getting started now! I don't blame you for being overwhelmed! What I can say is... just write what you want. When I write what I WANT to, people comment... when I write because I feel like I have to, no one says a peep!
Aviran Cohen
Wednesday 4th of January 2012
I have seen many bloggers saying that they are sorry for not posting for a while. I say for that, if the readers of your blog care to follow even after 2 weeks, you dont need to say sorry, just keep posting as usual.
Jamie Harrington
Wednesday 4th of January 2012
@Aviran Cohen, hah exactly... I'd rather read a new interesting post than a post about not posting, right?
Rachel Bateman
Wednesday 4th of January 2012
Yes, please! I hate trying to follow all the blogging "rules". My blog is primarily for ME; if anyone else wants to read it and have fun with me, great!
Jamie Harrington
Wednesday 4th of January 2012
@Rachel Bateman, and see... you have a GREAT blog that I LOVE!