In February 2022, I passed a blogging milestone. WordPress informed me that I’d been blogging for eight years! But that notification asked me questions while I looked back at those eight years.
Eight years? It doesn’t seem that long ago that I started to blog. I know of bloggers who have been blogging for much longer than me and who continue to write and publish posts full of interesting content that are always of the highest quality. Not only do they care deeply about what they write, but what they publish. That makes all the difference – knowing what to publish and what not to publish.
I’ve seen thousands of bloggers come and go in those eight years. Some disappeared without a trace, while others hung up their blogging gloves and announced their departure. The ones I felt the sorriest for were the ones who stopped blogging because they couldn’t get the engagement or the number of hits and followers they craved.
Some came here solely for making money, while others came here more for collecting numbers rather than engaging outside their blog. They don’t last long and end up cluttering the world wide web with abandoned blogs in the blog graveyard. It’s a sad sight.
From the beginning
I can count the number of bloggers on one hand who have been with me since that first year. I often ask myself why they’re still reading my posts and leaving comments, but that lack of confidence in myself isn’t something I will dwell on here. All I will say is that I must be doing something right.
Unfollowing blogs
I’ll be honest: I have unfollowed many blogs over the years. Why do some bloggers not like talking about unfollowing blogs? It’s as if it’s a taboo subject.
Unfollowing blogs is something I witness many shy away from speaking or writing about. It’s as if it’s a ‘hush-hush’ subject. Something that gets swept under the carpet. But not me, no. I’ve written about it and had great discussions about it in the comments section of those posts, but never on other blogs. Perhaps I’m looking in the wrong places?
Why do I unfollow blogs?
For many reasons, but mainly when I lose interest in the content.
One of the biggest mysteries is the bloggers I stop hearing from because I unfollowed them. I probably stopped following them because I was no longer interested in their publishing content. That’s a simple enough reason. But why then go silent? Surely not for the same reason? Or was it a coincidence that we simultaneously lost interest in each other’s content?
The different faces of bloggers
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some bloggers face to face. For me, that’s been one of the highs of blogging. However, I know that some bloggers like to remain anonymous. And they’ve every right to remain anonymous. Being behind a screen can feel like a safe place, but it isn’t always that way. I won’t talk about the trolls here because trolls like being discussed.
Ups and downs
I’ve had my ups and I had my downs with blogging. It’s like being on a rollercoaster that some bloggers can’t get off. I’ve alighted the blogging rollercoaster a few times when taking blogging breaks.
Some of those breaks lasted months, while others lasted a few weeks. But they all had something in common. They helped me step back, take a look at what I was doing, how I was doing it, and most importantly, helped me change the way I blogged. I always came back refreshed and, despite what some say, readers do not stop following you because you’ve taken a break.
Barbara, who blogs at Book Club Mom, has evidence of blogging breaks. She recently wrote a terrific post about taking a blogging break. Read it here.
Like everything else in life, blogging changes. It would be a very dull place if it didn’t change. Can you imagine what life would be like if it never changed?
Changes
Since I first started blogging, things have changed massively. I’m talking here about the WordPress platform. I was never a fan of change, but I’m confident that the changes I’ve witnessed here on WordPress have made blogging much more fun and enjoyable. Blogging has finally moved into the 21st century.
Those changes helped propel my blog to an even wider audience. Unfortunately, some bloggers got left behind, but I didn’t want to be one of them. There’s too much at stake when remaining stagnant.
At first, the changes looked like they were going to cause problems, but rather than complain about what I believed were problems, I adjusted to the changes and saw vast improvements for me, other bloggers and readers. It’s like climbing a ladder. The higher you get, the more you see and learn, and the more you can make a difference.
When I look at some of the blogs I’ve been following for years, I’m amazed by the changes that have taken place. That shows me how far they have all come on their blogging journey. They’ve adapted, welcomed change, and become better writers and bloggers. But they have also updated and improved their blogs. It’s made them blogging figureheads with their readers and in the blogging world. They have my utmost respect.
They continue to adapt to changes and continue to roar on their journey. That roar is one of achievement rather than the cry of complaint while refusing to adapt to change.
Change can make some problems frustrating, but you become stale by taking no action or hoping others will tackle your issues. Don’t allow your sparkle to dim by not adapting to change.
The biggest blogging trap to look out for
Most of the people I have encountered in the blogging world are friendly. However, some don’t help themselves. By this, I mean that some bloggers seem to believe they have to be everywhere all the time to not upset anyone. It’s one of the biggest blogging traps bloggers fall into that can turn blogging upside down, inside-out, and become something that causes stress or a feeling of guilt. It’s a horrible place, yet it is easy to escape – if you allow it.
Many bloggers fall into the guilt and stress trap during their first few years of blogging. I was one of them, yet some don’t seem to learn the lessons of falling into that trap and continue slipping through the net, making blogging a not-so-lovely experience.
Some bloggers apologise for dealing with life outside of the blogging world. I don’t know why they believe they need to apologise, but it’s sad to see. Some apologise if they publish a post a few minutes late. It’s as if their readers’ lives depend on those posts going out on time; otherwise, something awful will happen.
Of course, the truth is that nobody cares if a post is published a few minutes late. Nobody cares if a post is a day late. But if it goes over a week late or your absence is out of character, care becomes a concern. Another lovely element of the blogging community is looking out for each other.
It’s my life
Something I’ve never been comfortable with on my blog is revealing everything in my life. Why? Because there are so many scammers out there looking for information they can use when they steal your identity. Plus, do people really want to know every detail of my life? Would I give that information out to total strangers?
Those are tough questions, but I decided to only give out a limited amount of information, most of which can be found on my ‘Meet Hugh‘ page.
Some bloggers pour their hearts out on their blogs, telling readers every bit of detail of their lives. Years ago, life was different, and many of us wanted to keep our lives private, but now it seems to have been turned on its head, and people complain if nobody reads their blog. I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw this tweet.
Be careful when giving information out about yourself. You don’t know everyone who reads your blog and the information you are giving out on it.
That’s my quick look at the last eight years. There will be more posts like this because I’ve lots more to share.
How long have you been blogging? Is blogging all that you want it to be? Let me know in the comment section.
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Congratulations on eight years, Hugh. My blog will be three-year-old on Wednesday. Should I pass out cigars to random strangers on the street?🤣 I am left wondering when people suddenly disappear and quit blogging without a word. I agree 100% with your feeling guilty comment. It’s simply impossible to follow all those who follow us, so we have to be selective. I’ve deleted a few blogs over my time because their content is nothing but promote, promote, promote, or some have so many posts a day that it gets to be a bit too much.
Thanks, Pete. And congratulations on 3 years of blogging tomorrow.
I don’t know why some bloggers feel obliged to follow, read and comment on other blogs because they follow, read and leave comments on their blog. I’d much rather readers unfollow me if they don’t enjoy what I publish, rather than feel they have to read and comment because I do the same on their blog. It’s one of those blogging traps that can cause significant problems in spoiling the whole blogging experience. Such a shame it happens, especially given that it’s so easy to fix.
The same goes for unfollowing blogs we no longer enjoy. Some people feel guilty when unfollowing them. I wonder if they’d feel the same in turning off a movie or TV show because they didn’t enjoy it anymore?
I have nothing against bloggers who publish quality posts more than once a day, but it’s not likely to be a blog I’ll visit often. Overwhelming readers isn’t something I would wish on any readers.
I think I’ve been following you for most of those seven years. I don’t always comment but I do always find something interesting in what you post. I have unfollowed a few blogs recently because I was following too many and my email inbox was overflowing. There just doesn’t seem to be any good reason to follow someone who we don’t connect with. Yes, I feel a twinge of guilt but I only have so many hours in the day.
Thank you, Janis.
Unfollowing is the thing to do when it becomes overwhelming. Sadly, some bloggers don’t see it that way and crash because they can’t cope. I guarantee that we all have some blogs we could unfollow. It’s just a case of never feeling guilty for unfollowing them.
Me, me, me! I’ve been a followe since the first year! In April, I hit my 8 years blogging too. So glad to have met you, Hugh. ❤️
Congratulations on your upcoming 8th year of blogging, Colleen. You’re defiantly one of my earliest followers.
And I still stop in! There’s a lot to be said for kindness and good conversation. <3
Congrats on 8 years, Hugh! What a milestone! I have a few more years in (Official WordPress start date is 10/31/2011) but didn’t get “serious” until Fall 2014 as I approached retirement and I believe I met you back then. You really bring the nitty-gritty to this post and it is so important you do so. I got caught up in wanting to monetize (a little) or at least use my blog as a front door into a consulting business at the very beginning. Then photography reared its wonderful head and soon IRL meet-ups began after attending a few blog conferences.
I also got competitive and participated in many link-ups to get my blog out there. I was successful often but to what end? I feel sorry for bloggers who stress over their blog posts for months then drop away. Like you, I have taken a few breaks and thought I was done back in spring 2018 until I got the idea to revive Sunday Stills. I haven’t looked back. Like you, I also got the idea to self-publish and expand my writing which has been an interesting journey. I appreciate that while you engage in your flash fiction and photo challenges, you also write excellent how-to blog posts with information we can all use. Keep up the good work and remember this: when hobbies (or leisure) stop being fun and become work, we will lose our love for them. And I believe that is what happens to bloggers who abruptly quit. They simply lost their love for it. Have a great week and toss back a green beer or margarita for St Patty’s Day!
Thanks, Terri. And congratulations on your 10 years of blogging later this year.
As a reader of many of my posts, you’ll know just how much I like delving into the nitty-gritty parts of blogging. I never like sweeping them under the carpet and have always found that some bloggers enjoy discussing them when they get the chance.
I agree with you entirely about bloggers who allow their love of blogging to become a chore or be seen as work (unless they’re making a living from it). But people also allow blogging to become a stressful experience and make them feel guilty when they can’t catch up on reading posts. It’s as if they feel they have an obligation to read and comment on everything. It should never be like that.
Thank you for all your support, and thank you for the lovely feedback about the contents of my blog.
I love to come over and visit you, Hugh. Not sure how many years I have been following you, but at least a handful I would say. Even in my small corner I have seen so much change and try to stay on top of it and to learn day by day, and here in your corner, I ALWAYS find something new or a reminder of something that fell by the wayside on my end. Keep up the good work Hugh. I will always root for you.
Thanks, Esmé. You do a fantastic job helping bloggers with your linkup every Monday. I know how much hard work is involved in running it, so thank you for all the time you put in.
And I’m always delighted when I hear how much help my blogging tips and advice posts are. I always enjoy sharing my blogging knowledge.
Thanks for your kind words Hugh, you make my week.
I just realized that in 6 weeks I am blogging for 8 years too. I can relate to a lot that you mentioned here. It is amazing to see other people’s blogs change and also my own blog. So much inspiration and constant learning. I am glad we are connected since I learned a lot from you too, Hugh!
2014 must have been quite the year for starting a blog, Erika.
Yes, it’s encouraging to see most bloggers change and accept the changes that blogging brings. I feel sad for those who refuse to adapt to changes and who end up giving up without trying.
And it was great to meet you at the Bloggers Bash event you attended, Erika. Those events were blogging highlights for me.
Oh, yes, it is so different to talk to you now after we met in person. Is there any bash planned in the future?
Not that I have heard of, Erika. If one does happen, I’m sure news will spread quickly.
I have no doubt and hope for it. Even more I would love to see you all again after theses years.
Thanks Hugh. That was a really enjoyable read to wake up to. Eight years is quite the achievement. I love the idea of meeting fellow bloggers in person. I guess it’s hard at times as we are all over the world. Some great points there so thank you for sharing ☺️
Glad you enjoyed reading it, Wayne. I felt the need to write this post and be honest about the last 8 years of blogging.
I hope you get the chance to meet other bloggers once current situations allow. I’ve always enjoyed meeting other bloggers face to face. There have never been any dull moments because we all have so much to talk about.
I can well imagine! ☺️
Congratulations on 8 years of blogging xx..for me its coming up 6 years this August. Due to lockdowns etc my blog has changed a bit. No longer is it 3 sisters traveling the world together. Its now me doing day trips and soon weekend trips in our new/secondhand caravan. I have met face to face one blogger a couple of years ago. Many have come and gone disappeard into the nether side of where bloggers go. Some go away for a time and then come back with gusto. Enjoy reading your blog Hugh xx
Thank you.
Yes, the pandemic certainly changed blogging, but I think it has also become a life-saver for many, especially those living alone during lockdowns. I’m glad you continue to enjoy blogging even though it’s now only you.
Congratulations on your upcoming six years of blogging.
Hi Hugh, I don’t remember when I first started following your blog, but I’ve always liked your posts and have appreciated your blogging tips. As you say, there are many ups and downs in the blogging world. Your recent comments on my blog make me feel better about taking breaks. You are right, though, that a longer absence can cause concern among good blogging friends. As for changes on WordPress, I think they’ve all been good. I like the new editor better and realize now that it has many major improvements. Happy blogging and thank you for linking me in to your post!
Hi Barbara,
Never feel bad about taking a blogging break. I think all bloggers should take them, especially when life outside of the blogging world is stressful or full-on. I’ve certainly always benefited from all the blogging breaks I have taken. Before taking a blogging break, the only thing I recommend is to inform your readers that you are taking one. That way, they won’t get concerned that you’ve suddenly gone missing. And anybody who missed the announcement will see the post when they visit your blog.
At first, I disliked the Block editor but realised I wasn’t giving it a chance because I had not read or watched the tutorials on how it worked. Practising using it also made it much easier to use. When I see blogs still using the old Classic editor, they now look very stale and uninviting. But that’s my personal opinion.
You’re welcome about the link. Your post was excellent and certainly worth a share.
Hi Hugh – you’re right to recommend announcing a break – during the ones I’ve taken without doing that, some of my blogging friends have emailed me to check in. What a nice blogging world we are in! But I felt bad about just going silent. And yes, the new editor makes our posts look much more professional. Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful comment!
I have to laugh because I just apologized today for skipping a weekend’s worth of posts due to a power failure.
I don’t know how long I’ve been following you, but I still enjoy it.
Something that wasn’t your fault, Dan. I’m not sure why people need to apologise when they can not publish posts or read other blogs because of events out of their control. It’s a little like somebody I saw apologising on their blog recently for going on a blogging break. I don’t think most readers expect apologies, but more an explanation as to why somebody can not or did not publish posts or read blogs. For me, it feels much more genuine than an apology does.
Thanks so much for continuing to follow my blog. I’m glad you enjoy it.
Hi Hugh, congrats. I am glad you are 8 years in and going strong. Keep up the good work and to the next 8!
Thank you, Danny.
Congratulations on eight years of blogging here, Hugh! That is mighty impressive, especially since you have kept it up and kept changing along the way, still providing interesting and engaging content. It seems like you learned a lot – about this hobby and about yourself. I truly appreciate your honesty and the fact that you don’t share the nitty gritty details of your personal life…
I have been blogging since 2007: eight years on a different website (through Blogger), where I shared my sailing adventures and photos, and seven years on Roaming About (WordPress, a platform I like much better), where I document our current alternative lifestyle experiences.
I think the blogs we follow are like anything in our life that can be cluttering. We need a clean-up once in a life. When it comes to blogging ourselves, it’s all about balance – what to write, what to include and leave out, who to follow, when to commit time… Yet, finding that balance is easier said than done. :-)
Thanks, Liesbet.
Yes, I’ve learned a lot in those 8 years, but I am very interested in how other people blog. I can’t help but question certain practices, but we’re all different, so I guess going with what feels best is the best. Can’t help but wonder why some bloggers feel the need to apologise for not blogging, taking breaks, or not reading posts, though. The same goes for those bloggers who feel obliged to read posts they have no interest in because the bloggers who publish them leave comments on their posts.
I enjoy catching up on your journies, Liesbet. Being a travel blogger is a whole lot different, so I understand entirely why you share so much of your life while you travel. It’s always good to read what Mark, Maya and you have been doing and where you’ve been. You write your posts in such a way that it feels like I’m there with you.
14 years of blogging is impressive. I’d forgotten that you had blogged on another website before launching Roaming About. To have blogged for 14 years must mean you enjoy it.
I’ve tried a lot of different ways of blogging. Publishing no more than 3 posts a week is perfect for me. And I only read what I know will interest me; otherwise, I’d only be leaving comments that add no value. And I stopped reading blogs that I felt obliged to read years ago. It was one of the best things I did.
I love the quote…it’s very true. I enjoyed reading this, Hugh. I fell into the blogging trap initially but now I just do what I can. It’s no fun if stress is involved. I think it’s around my 8th year too!
Thank you, Cathy. I’m glad I wrote and published this post. It’s all about being honest rather than thinking about the people who may disagree.
And congratulations on your 8 years of blogging.
Thanks, Hugh :)
This is amazing post and very realistic. I also think we shouldn’t feel guilty for not posting on time or missing some posts. Life happens and not everyone is interested in all details of our life.
I’ve been blogging nearly 5 yrs.
Thank you. I’m glad you think so. I felt I had to be honest, and I’m certainly glad I wrote and published this post.
Congratulations on your five years of blogging.
I really hope that people aren’t reading my posts based on obligation though I imagine some are! I can tell by looking at my earlier posts that my writing has improved so in that sense, it’s definitely been worth it. I think that a lot of bloggers here in the US gave up because of the political environment. I certainly was tempted. Great post Hugh – enjoyed every minute! I love your honesty!
I get it about the political environment. It’s one of the subjects (along with religion) I never get involved in.
It’s sad, but I know of bloggers who feel it is an obligation to read and comment on other blogs because those bloggers comment on their posts. Even if the content isn’t interesting, they still feel obliged. I left that ‘camp’ many years ago, which helped bring back the fun and enjoyment.
Thanks, Jan. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. I had to say it all.
Ha ha. I smiled when I read about the blog graveyard. I am picturing little gravestones with web addresses on them.
I’m coming up on three years this summer. What started on a whim has turned into a passion project and a great learning experience for me. I didn’t really have any expectations going in so that helped keep me grounded. I have to say I love the community. There are about a dozen bloggers who regularly engage and leave thoughtful comments on my posts. I would rather have a dozen of them than 200 followers who don’t engage.
Keep doing what you’re doing Hugh. I have learned a lot from your posts.
Well said about those commentators against the people who follow and never come back, Michelle. Engagement is something many new to the blogging world don’t take seriously. They crave engagement on their own blogs but won’t engage with other bloggers outside of their own blogs. However, they are not as bad as the bloggers who do not respond to any comments.
I’m delighted my blogging advice, and tips posts have helped you, Michelle. That’s always great to know.
I have been blogging for over ten years now Hugh and I think I have followed you since you arrived or not long after and you the are among the most kind and open bloggers I know, always will to support and help. I can honestly say I feel like you are a friend. Having met you at all bar one Bloggers Bash you are a great person and excellent hugger!!
Blogging has been a life saver for me in more ways than one.
💜💜💜
Yes, you are one of those bloggers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting face to face, Willow. The Bloggers’ Bash events were definitely a blogging highlight for me, even with all the hard work involved in organising them. But the hard work always paid off.
I don’t think I know of another blogger who has said that blogging has been a life-saver for them. Knowing that makes it even more special, Willow. Knowing that something many of us enjoy doing is helping people’s lives can only go on to ensure that it is something that will be around for a very long time. It’s certainly helped me with my reading and writing and has taught me a lot about life outside the world of blogging.
Long may it continue.
Yes indeed Hugh long may it continue and may stay friends and maybe one day we will have another bash and all meet up again. I really do mean it when I say blogging has save my life, so many wonderful and supportive people out there and they have helped me and I pray I have helped them too, I have tried. Big hugs 💜💜
I’m sure we have all helped each other, Willow. Especially so during the recent lockdowns. Blogging was even more of a ‘special’ place then.
Yes indeed it was Hugh 💜💜
A blogger bash sounds delightful.
I was a committee member that helped arrange 5 blogging events in London, Wayne. We even had one blogger who travelled from Australia to attend. Sadly, the pandemic ended these events, but they may spring up again; who knows?
Oh wow that’s amazing!
Wow Willow 10 years. Congrats
Thank you it will be 11this year 💜💜💜
omg – congrats Willow. Hope you and hubbie are all well
Thank you, thank you we are fine thank you 💜
I love blogging and have been doing it for almost 12 years. I have learned a lot since I started and have made some amazing friends. I like your advice and don´t let blogging run my life. I have never had a schedule and only blog when I feel like it. Over the years you have provided some great advice which has come in handy. Thanks!
I’m glad my blogging advice and tips help you and others, Darlene. Nobody should have to pay for blogging advice, so it’ll always be free on my blog.
12 years! Wow! I only know of one other blogger who has blogged for more than 12 years. You sound as if you have the right attitude towards blogging. You must have, given that you’ve been blogging for 12 years. That’s an outstanding achievement. Congratulations.
Wow 12 years , congrats
Hi Hugh. I’ve been blogging for 3 and a half year now. Blogging has given me a creative outlet and it’s become my hobby/ passion.
Just make sure that the passion never becomes stress or feeling guilty, Sadje. I’ve witnessed many good bloggers become stressed by blogging because they took the wrong attitude towards it.
I’ll blog till I enjoy it. Thanks a lot for your advice
Well, I know I Iove all your post, Hugh. Been following you most of the 7 years I’ve been blogging, abd I’ve seen your blog evolve so.mych.
I know mine has changed a lot too, over the years.
Blogging now has a different space in my life. Still just as special, but different!
That’s all great to hear, Ritu. It tells me that your blog has changed while adapting to the changes none of us has any control over because we choose to blog with WordPress. Keep on adapting, changing and doing what you’re doing.
And thank you for the 7 years of following.
It’s the only way, if you want to keep going, Hugh!
And you’re welcome 💜
Wow 7 years – congrats
Thanks!