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.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
Discover more from Hugh's Views & News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hugh's Views & News 
I just discovered your blog and have really enjoyed the wisdom from your first 8 years. I’m a new blogger. My first post was in late December. I am enjoying it and look forward to longevity like you.
Thank you. I’m glad this post has helped.
Good luck on your blogging journey. Always remember why you came to blogging if it ever feels like it’s becoming a chore.
Thank you.
I am quite amazed of this post Hugh. It’s like you can read my mind, I too ask myself such a question. Is blogging all that I want to be?
Quite frankly, I do enjoy blogging and I have to say it is what I enjoy doing because I adore fashion hence I thought of a Mens fashion blog where I showcase my ideas , outfits and tips for looking dashing in that selected outfit.
I have to say for me blogging is my everything🙏
I’m glad that blogging is the fun and enjoyment it should be for you. When you have a passion for it, that is when it is at its best, although no one should ever allow it to rule their lives (unless they make a living from it).
Keep up the great work. And never allow blogging to become a chore.
Very good post, Hugh. I always appreciate your thoughts
Thank you, Josh.
Congratulations Hugh and you have enjoyed an amazing journey with your blog and wonderful that you are passing along the experience and knowledge from the last 8 years to others. You are right there is no right or wrong way to blog and it is not about the number of follows but the engagement of the ones who interact on a regular basis. We have lost far too many incredible writers whose blogs were must read in the last couple of years such as Sue Vincent and Mary Smith. They are missed as are all those who decide for one reason or another to cut their blogging out of their lives. This community is very important and has been there as a support, particularly during Covid… I cannot imagine not being part of it.. hugsxx
Thanks, Sally.
Losing bloggers is something we all fear. It’s such a shame that some stop blogging because it becomes overwhelming for them and causes stress or guilt. I’ve seen many feel obligated to follow blogs and leave comments on posts simply because the blogger follows their blog and does the same. This is despite them not being interested in the content. Likewise, those who feel they have to read and comment on every published post. My days of reading and commenting for up to 8 hours a day are well behind me. None of us expects or demands that all our followers read and comment on every post we publish, yet some bloggers still tell me that they feel guilty for not doing so. Unfortunately, this is one of the dark sides of blogging. But the blogging community, on the whole, is very supportive and helpful. At least that’s what I have encountered, apart from the odd troll who visits from time to time, but they’re best ignored.
HI Sally, it is interesting that I should read this comment of yours which mentions Sue and Mary today. I was looking at the books I have written by both of them just yesterday. Sue passed nearly a year ago and I still think of her often. I will probably write a tribute to her on 26 March.
I know Robbie.. I cannot believe it has been a year.. and Mary three months.. they still feel such a great part of our community…♥
I enjoy coming and hearing about your experiences and your stories. I think I was one of your first followers. Thanks for keeping me around. Someday I will get back to my blogging. Nursing school is almost done and getting life back together after my husband’s stroke and my own health issues. Take care and much success to you always.
Pavanne, it’s lovely to hear from you, especially because you were one of the bloggers on the online course with me that WordPress used to hold online. I think there is only one other blogger from that course who I still hear from.
I hope you get back to blogging soon. In the meantime, look after yourself and your family.
I enjoyed your post Hugh. Blogging means something different to everyone, but it is a delightful way to reach out to people in other places. I often think of it as the modern version of pen friends. On the subject of unfollowing, our interests change over time. There’s certainly quite a different flavour to the blogs I follow these days to those I initially followed 6 years ago. I’m eternally grateful for a quirky little blog that without that intention, taught me to draw. From the authoring perspective, it does help us to see the world differently, to look at something in more detail than we normally would and then describe it to others.
Thank you.
I remember those penpal days. But at least back then, all the information was for your eyes only and contained in a sealed envelope, unlike blogs which are open for just about everyone to read. Of course, you can password-protect your posts, but in the eight years I’ve been blogging, I’ve only ever come across a handful of blog posts that were password protected.
You’re correct in how our interests change. However, during those first years of blogging, many bloggers follow and read as many blogs as they can regardless of whether they’re interesting or not in the hope that those bloggers will follow them back. As the number of blogs followed grows, it can become overwhelming and get out of control. That’s when those feelings of guilt and stress tend to surface.
I love that you learned to draw by reading and following a blog that advised how to do it. There is certainly a lot of great information out there, so why do some bloggers feel obligated to follow and read blogs they’re not interested in reading? I guess that’s where the guilt comes back in?
Like you, Hugh, I don’t post too much about my personal life. Mostly because I can’t think of anything more boring :)
Thanks for sharing @craigfza’s tweet. Funny, because it’s true :)
Aimer, I think that’s what I was probably trying to say in this post about sharing the inside and outside of my life. Who’d want to read it? If I was writing nothing but posts about my life, I’d be sending most of my readers to sleep.
And yes, I’m amazed by how much people share on their blogs. We must remember that anyone can read our blogs, including total strangers.
This is great, I haven’t been blogging long and I while I very much enjoy it. At times it is demoralising. I’ll keep writing for as long as I enjoy it
Yes, that’s the correct way to blog. Only do it while you enjoy it. If it becomes a chore or starts to make you feel guilty or stressed, then it’s time to step back and look at how you’re blogging or stop doing it.
Hugh, congratulations on your 8 years of blogging!! I have only recently found your blog, probably seeing some of your posts on Twitter. I really enjoy your content, although I don’t always comment.
I have been writing a travel blog since 2013, but have never been a serious blogger, for me it is just a hobby, it is just for fun. I don’t have a schedule for blogging, often going for many weeks and even months without any posts. I don’t like to feel obliged to blog, but saying that I do enjoy the writing process, it feels like re-living my travels and I love reading old posts as a way of reminding me of places visited.
I have met a few fellow bloggers face-to-face and that has been great fun. The blogging community can be very supportive and I appreciate that.
Thank you, Gilda.
It’s good to hear you saw one of my posts on Twitter because I get a lot of traffic from it. It’s my most significant referral after the WordPress Reader and search engines.
And I never expect anyone to read and comment on all my posts. I certainly don’t comment on all the posts I read. I only leave a comment if I have something worthwhile to say.
Likewise, blogging is also a hobby for me. I don’t make any money from it, although I never intended to make money from it when I first started to blog.
No blogger should ever feel obliged to publish a post or read and comment on somebody else’s blog posts. Yet I know of many bloggers who feel obliged to publish and read and comment on posts they are not interested in reading. Such a waste of good time.
You sound like you’re having great fun with blogging. That’s exactly how it should be. When it becomes a chore, makes you feel stressed or guilty, it’s time to step back and take a hard look at how you’re blogging. It should never feel like hard work unless, of course, you’re a blogger who is making money out of it.
Hi Hugh, congratulations on 8 years of blogging.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this post.
Namaste 🙏🙂
Thank you. You’re welcome, Namaste.
Congratulations on eight years of blogging Hugh. I recently passed nine, but the first 4 1/2 years had only a handful of e-mail subscribers (friends and a neighbor). I too struggle with keeping up and finally resolved to just be at the pace I am able to do. Last week I did an extra post on Tuesday to follow-up on something mentioned in my Monday post, so, instead of my Monday long post and Wordless Wednesday post, that extra post bogged me down and I’m still a day behind as I write this. I write about walking and my blog is carried in a local newspaper, not the paper edition, just online. I am thinking of asking them not to carry it anymore – too much craziness and crime in my area these days. I cannot help but “share” where I go, my daily walks are before I begin work at 11:00 a.m. in a nearby park, so no one is at the house during that time and I live alone. On the other hand, I reason to myself that no one who is reading about me interacting with squirrels and birds is going to be breaking into my house or tracking my whereabouts (hopefully).
Thank you, Linda.
We have to be careful about the information we put on our blogs. I recall reading horror stories of people coming back from a vacation to discover their home had been broken into. It was a horrible situation, but given that the person who had been burgled had told the world via their Facebook account that they were away and then posting lots of updates and photos of their holiday on Facebook, it was like an open invitation to anyone looking for a vacant property to burgle.
I also see lots of information on blog posts that are an open invitation to steal the blogger’s identity who has published the post. The main one is when a blogger announces their birthday and gives out their age. They’ve given out their date of birth to complete strangers. There are other bits of information given out without any care about who will see it, but I often think that the person giving out the information hasn’t thought it through properly.
Blogging is a lovely pastime, and it brings a lot of enjoyment to millions of people, but we need to be careful what information about ourselves we share.
I agree with you Hugh. Over here we have a terrible scam by people who look at the obituary notices for information on specific times when people may pay their respects at the funeral home, as well as the funeral service. While the house is empty, the burglar has plenty of time to break in and get away. Often neighbors think it is an out-of-town person who is staying there during the days preceding the funeral.
That’s a terrible scam, Linda. These people must be the lowest of the low.
It’s one of the reasons why I never announce when I’m away from home.
You’re smart to do that Hugh. I am disgusted at what people will do these days and how they take advantage of others.
Congrats…
Thanks!
You are welcome sir…
Hugh, I especially like what you said about the blogger who has to be everywhere, all the time. I think that is a strategy some bloggers use to gain followers and then they get caught in the trap of feeling like they have to maintain that presence. It isn’t hard to spot the ‘gratuitous followers’ from the genuine ones. Personally, I’d rather they leave than pretend to be interested in what I have to say. The same goes for me on the other side. Have I continued to follow them because of their presence on my blog or am I genuinely interested in what they have to say?
In terms of sharing ‘personal information.’ There is personal and then there is very personal. I get not exposing yourself to identity thieves and scammers, but it’s also nice when bloggers weave a bit of real-life into their message. Making yourself just a wee-bit vulnerable is relatable and human. I won’t stay long at a blog that seems to have been written by a robot.
In terms of changing and updating, I try to stay true to my subject, “Retirement via Photography”, and I have changed my theme a couple of times to focus on simplicity. Overly ‘busy’ blogs are a turnoff for me. I like Block Editor, but still don’t like not having complete control over the size and placement of photographs. Speaking of changes, do you know anything about Full Site Editing? I am not sure if that is something to be concerned about, but it sounds interesting.
As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights. You have been around for a while and the engagement from your readers is enviable. Keep doing what you are doing.
Hi Suzanne. When I first started blogging, I thought I had to be online all the time. In fact, I remember another blogger telling me that to gain followers, I had to read blog posts and comment on them all day. Well, I did just that and spent up to 8 hours a day just reading and leaving comments, leaving me hardly any time to write. It was a piece of advice that I regretted taking. And over the years, I’ve seen many other bloggers doing the same thing; many of them end up abandoning their blogs.
I find it hard to understand why some bloggers feel obligated to read posts and leave comments on blogs they’re not interested in reading. They think they have to do it because that blogger reads their posts and leaves them comments. They end up wasting so much valuable time. And it can often lead to feeling guilty if they don’t do it. Such a shame it happens.
I have complete control over the size of images on my posts and where I place them. I can edit image sizes on WordPress, although I edit sizes before loading them into the media library. I have the business plan with WordPress, so maybe they are options only available with specific plans?
The ‘Full Site Editing’ feature won’t be for everybody. You don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. It’ll be like an optional extra, although I’m not sure those with a free account will have access. It should be rolled out soon.
I have some flexibility with photos, but I guess I’m expecting more than the service provides. Thanks for answering my questions. I’ll put Full Site Editing out of my mind now.
Congratulations and keep at it, Hugh! You’re doing a superlative job. I’ve been blogging since 2009 and I don’t regularly post, although I did the A-Z challenge for a few years. I have to be moved by something to post or have a book review to put up. I think your blog is great!
Thank you, Noelle.
I hadn’t realised you’d been blogging for such a long time. I think posting when you have something to say is far better than feeling pressurised to post something. It’s all about the fun and enjoyment.
I’ve only been blogging on WP a little under two years, but before that I was on TravellersPoint for a few years (and I continue to post there too) and was on Virtual Tourist from 2005 – 2017 when it closed. While that wasn’t a blogging site it got me into sharing travels and connecting with others online. What WP offers more than the other two is firstly a connection with a more diverse blogging community, not just travel bloggers, and I find that interesting. And secondly, it enables me to combine my travel writing which I did on those previous two platforms, with my photography which I used to share mainly on Flickr. And thirdly, I’ve discovered the world of blogging challenges, which give me the inspiration to create posts I might not otherwise have thought of AND help to build my audience. So at the moment I think I’m here for the long haul, which is not to say I won’t ever change my approach. It’s already evolving after all :)
I particularly appreciate your words about not apologising for absences and not fearing losing people if you do take a break. Apart from taking a few days off while travelling I haven’t done so yet, but it’s good to have that encouragement to go for it if I ever feel the need :)
Thanks for sharing your blogging history with me, Sarah. I’m glad that WordPress is working for you and that it helped you discover blogging challenges that you participate in.
Blogging breaks are good, but only take one if you feel you need to. I took mine before the publication of my two books, as it gave me time to do all the edits, etc. I’ve also had a few shorter breaks when I have had to deal with personal issues and also simply to take a break from the online world. I’ve never had a blogging break that didn’t work for me. And yes, people were still there when I returned.
Long may you continue
Thank you.
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
Congratulations on eight years, Hugh. I think it’s the same or a little more for me. I think I’ve known you most of that time – possibly met you through Geoff, if I remember correctly, though it’s possible I don’t. Here’s to the next eight – or however many you wish to continue for.
Thank you, Norah.
Yes, Geoff introduced me to many new bloggers and the 99-word flash fiction challenge at the Carrot Ranch. So I have him to thank for all of that.
Geoff is a good bloke. :)
It was that what’s on your Christmas tree post you did that drew me to your blog. Christmas 2014 I’d guess. Blimey we’ve passed a lot of water since then.
You are a more disciplined more analytical blogger than I, Hugh and I know I’ve benefited from your thoughtful guides to blogging. Keep going, dear chap!!
Yes, I think December 2014 was when I first did the Christmas tree topper charity appeal, Geoff. Seems like a long time ago, yet it only seems like a few years ago.
I’m glad the tips have helped, Geoff. Just remember not to feel obliged to read the blogs of those that read and comment on your blog. Anyone who feels obliged to read blogs they’re not interested in wastes so much time.
That is true. It’s a seductive idea that reading and commenting counts for something but where is the point if you aren’t really engaged!!
Exactly, Geoff. Don’t fall into the trap of reading and commenting on posts simply because they leave you comments. Only do so if you’re genuinely interested in the content of what is being published.
Hi Hugh congrats on 8 years, that is a milestone. Change is so essential for us bloggers.
I like the way you quietly slipped in the advice. How you quietly talked about the block editor. I think if wordpress didn’t go block editor route, it would have lost out to win, squarespace. Because I think that is what they all do. The amount of investment that wp are putting into block editor and other options is amazing. The interface keeps changing all the time. A few months back I went to update and customize my theme , to find out it has been retired. I changed my theme almost daily for a week trying to find one. I am not 100 % happy with what I have, but oh my I have learnt so much and it forced me to learn. Which I thing is what I love, to learn and grow, and try new things.
I guess I am one of those blogger who apologies too much, I won’t now.
Again congrats on eight years, wishing you many more
Thank you, Bella.
Yes, everything needs to change; otherwise, it’d be a very dull and stagnant world. I realise not everyone embraces change, but when the Block editor was introduced at the end of 2018, two years down the line, I still saw bloggers complaining about it and who refused to use the Classic editor via the Classic block. It has had its fair share of bugs, but I remember that of the Classic editor too. It’s such a shame when people refuse to adapt to change and even sadder when they give up something they enjoy doing because they won’t change how they do things.
The theme I was using was also retired, but I had fun choosing a new one. I think changing the blog’s theme helps freshen it up; otherwise, it can look stale and uninviting after a while. I believe WordPress retires themes to help us refresh our blogs and make them look modern and more inviting. However, I wouldn’t want to be changing my theme every month.
I also think many problems persist for certain bloggers because they refuse to change their blog’s theme when it has been retired. And they carry on complaining about it. Some simply don’t want to help themselves.
I am very glad I was forced to change my theme. Actually, I often change my themes and play around, and then change back if i am not happy. The new themes are incredibly minimal and slick. I like them.
And you are right – they force you to view the look and feel in a different way. it is fun and challenging