121 responses to “Is Blogging Causing You Stress Or Making You Feel Guilty? How To Fix It”

1. 

   kentuckyangel24

   Apr 14, 2023

   With tongue in cheek I have to say it. Great post! I was one of the sprinters when I began blogging so many years ago that I can’t remember. Then the day came when I realized I had been online for ten hours, mostly on WP reading and making comments, but on Facebook as well, reading a lot of gossip by “friends” I didn’t even know. My head was aching, my arms were tired and I was ready to shut the computer down and hope it would go away during the night. Fortunately I became wise at that point, or maybe I should say wiser, shut the computer off for the day and when I returned to it the next day limited myself to reading the posts by people I would like to know in person. No more following the crowd, just dropping in once in a while now and enjoying it more. Also trying to get back to my roots — posting the funny and strange things that happen around me. And not even checking it out every day now. Who has the time anyway?

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Apr 14, 2023

      Thank you for sharing your story about blogging stress. Many bloggers go through the same experience. I remember spending all day online reading and commenting on posts. I didn’t want to offend anyone by not reading and leaving a comment on everything they published.

      I’m delighted that you stepped back and took a good hard look at how you were blogging and changed what you were doing.

      I still come across bloggers who say they don’t have time to leave meaningful comments. Probably because they are trying to read and leave pointless comments on so many blogs in the time they have available. Given that the majority go on to abandon their blogs, it’s such a waste of time. But experiences like yours will help.

      Reply
2. 

   James L

   Apr 13, 2023

   Great post Harold, though might I direct you and your readers to this life changing post I wrote…

   Of course I’m joking with you there Hugh –

   I found getting this throwback quite timely as I’m taking a blogging break that wasn’t planned, but the pressures of life got in the way so decided not to put the pressure on myself to write, comment or read.

   One of the biggest stresses I’ve experienced from blogging is feeling I need to have it figured out – a clear vision and purpose of what I should be writing about, rather than what I really do which is write about whatever takes my interest that week.

   With that in mind I do find advice like ‘know your niche’ is a big stresser that has caused so many bloggers to procrastinate and not post anything.

   Thank you for sharing my Twitter quote, I feel ‘slow it down’ is my favourite advice I’d give for any blogger whether they’ve been going for years or are still new to the game.

   Excellent post Hugh, such an enjoyable read!

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Apr 14, 2023

      It’s good to hear from you, James. I hope you’re enjoying your blogging break.

      I don’t know why other bloggers don’t take blogging breaks. I’ve always found them beneficial. They can definitely help with any blogging stress or guilt.

      I’ve been told many times that all bloggers should have a niche to write about, but as you’ll know from my blog, I don’t believe that to be true. I write about whatever I feel like writing about, although I seem to have settled into writing about various subjects over the years. If you feel like writing about something, I say go ahead and write it.

      Your quote is one of the best pieces of blogging advice I’ve seen. Too many bloggers rush around reading and leaving short, pointless comments on as many blogs as they can because they fear they’ll lose followers if they don’t. Many say they don’t have the time to leave meaningful comments. I wonder why? It’s a sure way of getting stressed out with blogging.

      Reply
      1. 

         James L

         Apr 25, 2023

         Thanks Hugh, it’s been good to take time off (even if longer than intended!) I’m looking to come back refreshed sharing my perspective as ever!

         Thank you Hugh, for continuing to provide great blog content and advice :)

         Reply
         1. 

            Hugh W. Roberts

            Apr 26, 2023

            You’re welcome, James.

            Reply
3. 

   davydwriter

   Apr 13, 2023

   Some good points here, Hugh, and I think blogging requires a different mindset to other social media platforms, which seem to thrive on likes and emoji style comments. I enjoy blogging due to the difference in pace, compared to platforms like Instagram of Twitter. Since I decided to put more energy into my blog I have come away from Twitter and Instagram, the style and interaction is more suited to my character. There are still days when I feel guilty pangs by not leaving comments on people’s blogs, but as my nan used to comment, ‘if you don’t know what to say, say nowt.’

   The points you make here, Hugh, are a good reminder as to how blogging should be; a pleasure, not a chore.

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   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Apr 13, 2023

      I used to try and be on all the social media platforms, Davy. It was my biggest mistake, as I was spreading myself too thinly. The same applies to trying to read and comment on too many blog posts.

      And your nan’s comment is excellent and so accurate. I hope those that are always leaving pointless short comments take note.

      And yes, blogging should always be about enjoyment and fun. Not a chore.

      Reply
4. 

   Ryan Biddulph

   Apr 13, 2023

   Super points here Hugh. Blogging genuinely is an inward journey. I believe it is all between the ears because how you choose to think and feel dictates your blogging actions, or lack thereof.

   Going within to root out each fear feels unpleasant. During my panicked blogging days, feeling, expressing and forgiving deep fears related to poverty, being rejected and wasting time felt brutal. But letting go each fear was the only way that I gradually blogged from a calm, trusting, peaceful intent.

   Rocking blog post.

   Ryan

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Apr 13, 2023

      I’m delighted to hear you have overcome your blogging fears, Ryan. Stepping back and looking at how we blog when guilt and stress are present is the only way to overcome this massive hurdle. Sadly, I’ve witnessed many great bloggers abandon their blogs because they felt they were letting people down by not reading and commenting on all their posts.

      Reply
5. 

   Joey J 📸

   Apr 13, 2023

   Came from your latest post. A lot of good points! “Blogging is a marathon…” quote is famous, but quite discouraging if not moving much after 10 years (unless one is doing purely for self-satisfaction). 😅

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Apr 13, 2023

      I think it’s meant more for those who try and read and leave short meaningless comments on as many posts as possible within a short space of time. They usually leave comments like ‘great post’ or ‘This was interesting’ but never expand on what was good or why it was interesting.

      Reply
      1. 

         Joey J 📸

         Apr 14, 2023

         I see. I thought “Blogging is a marathon…” quote means that it takes time to grow a blog. One thing different from a real marathon is that blogging has no goal. Need to keep running. 😅

         Reply
         1. 

            Hugh W. Roberts

            Apr 14, 2023

            It takes time to grow a blog, so that quote is also perfect. But the main message is to tell bloggers to slow down instead of trying to read and leave pointless comments on so many blogs in the available time.

            Reply
6. 

   Is Blogging Causing You Stress Or Making You Feel Guilty? How To Fix it

   Apr 13, 2023

   […] Is Blogging Causing You Stress Or Making You Feel Guilty? How To Fix it […]

   Reply
7. 

   majamarinic01

   Jan 22, 2023

   Thank God I’ve never been one of them

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Jan 23, 2023

      Good to hear.

      Reply
8. 

   Lesley

   Dec 30, 2022

   Hi Hugh,
   This is an enormously helpful post to me as I have often been guilty of rushing around trying to visit and comment on as many blogs as I can. So, thank you for your advice.
   I’d also like to know what you think about someone who clicks ‘like’ from the reader when stats show that it’s obvious that the person hasn’t even opened the post. It gives me the impression that they are trying to appease me with a ‘like’ whilst not being interested in what I have to say. I’m finding it a bit hurtful.

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   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Dec 30, 2022

      Hi Lesley,

      I’m so pleased the post has been of some help. So many bloggers get stressed out by believing they have to read and comment on every single blog post of the blogs they follow when it’s simply not the case. And if anyone you follow gets upset because you haven’t read and commented on all their blog posts, I’d seriously consider why you’re following them.

      As for the ‘like’ button, unfortunately, it’s often not used for the purpose it was created for. Many bloggers and readers click it without reading the post; some see it as a way of getting some free promotion. Several bloggers click the like button on all of my posts within seconds of being published, yet they’ve never left me a comment. Most of my posts are well over 100 words, so I fail to see how they can like what I have published without reading it. I’d remove the like button from WordPress if it were down to me.

      Reply
      1. 

         Lesley

         Dec 30, 2022

         Yes, I know what you mean about getting a ‘like’ within seconds of publication. I’ve had that happen too.

         I agree with you about removing the ‘like’ button. I’d rather have a meaningful exchange than count the number of likes I may get.

         Thank you for your opinion, Hugh. :0

         Reply
         1. 

            Hugh W. Roberts

            Dec 30, 2022

            I know some bloggers who measure the success of posts by the number of likes posts get. I always shake my head when I see that because I know that some of those likes did not generate any reading of the post. I think a far better way to measure the success of a post is by how many people engage in the comments section and what those comments are. I wouldn’t include dead-end comments like ‘great post’ because comments like that don’t prove the post has been read.

            You’re welcome, Lesley. Thank you for joining the discussion.

            Reply
            1. 

               Lesley

               Dec 30, 2022

               It’s a pleasure, Hugh. I’m looking forward to reading many more of your posts.

               Reply
9. 

   Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – November 2022 – Hugh's Views & News  

   Dec 1, 2022

   […] Is Blogging Causing You Stress Or Making You Feel Guilty? How To Fix It […]

   Reply
10. 

    Debbie

    Nov 21, 2022

    I love how you tell it like it is Hugh! You always have something worth saying and I enjoy reading your thoughts especially on posts like this one. The way I see it, blogging is meant to be a fun pastime and shouldn’t become a chore for anyone, writer or reader. I post when I feel like it, about whatever takes my fancy and respond to comments when I have time. I used to feel guilty about things you’ve mentioned in your post but after so many years of blogging I no longer let the guilt get to me. It can be hard when starting out learning the ins and outs of it all and trying to make friends but it shouldn’t take over your life or add stress to your day. Thanks again for your interesting and helpful posts as they show what can be done with blogging and what not to do at times.

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Nov 21, 2022

       Thank you for adding your input, Debbie. Your advice is excellent for any blogger.

       When writing this post, I had a few bloggers in mind who I know rush around the blogging world, leaving short valueless comments everywhere. And then I see tweets from them apologising for not visiting and leaving comments or for being late in publishing a post. Or they start a post with the words, ‘Sorry this is late, but…blah, blah, blah…’ None of those bloggers has left comments here; although some may have read the post, I still see them making the mistakes I’ve outlined in this post. I guess there is only so much we can do.

       Thanks again for your comments and advice.

       Reply
11. 

    PSYCHOLOGY parallax

    Nov 19, 2022

    Huge Thanks for this post.😇

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Nov 19, 2022

       You’re welcome.

       Reply
12. 

    cav12

    Nov 19, 2022

    Good tips, Hugh. I’ve a schedule of fortnightly posts, and try to read blogs I follow. Sometimes it hit and miss, depending on time.

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Nov 19, 2022

       And I hope it does not bother you that it’s hit-and-miss? Go with your own flow.

       Reply
       1. 

          cav12

          Nov 20, 2022

          At first it did, now not so much.

          Reply
          1. 

             Hugh W. Roberts

             Nov 20, 2022

             I’d recommend getting rid of that stress/guilty feeling altogether. Keep blogging fun.

             Reply
             1. 

                cav12

                Nov 22, 2022

                I aim to! Thanks, Hugh.

                Reply
13. 

    Sarah Blain

    Nov 18, 2022

    Thank you so much for this post, I just started a new blog as I really limited what I wrote on my other one as I didn’t want to be judged or have someone think less etc.

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Nov 18, 2022

       You’re welcome. I’m glad what was said in this post has helped you.

       Happy Blogging, Sarah.

       Reply
14. 

    Alan Baker

    Nov 17, 2022

    Exhibited guilt can be like manipulation of the audience or, conversely, a demonstration of the closeness of the blogger to his fan base.

    However, there is one thing that has been bothering me a lot lately.
    This is what a group of people on the Internet can really bully a person. And this can lead to serious consequences for the psyche. Especially for teenagers who give themselves to the Internet space much more than adults, and for them such a blow is felt much stronger than for an adult.

    Virtual anonymity breeds a sense of impunity. And if the antics also cause the desired reaction, then a feeling of strength is added to everything.

    Thanks for your article.
    I am very interested in reading!

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Nov 17, 2022

       Trolls are certainly something to be aware of on the internet. My advice is to ignore them and not engage with them because they crave attention. Likewise, bullying on the web is a big problem, and I would encourage any teenager to report it to a parent, teacher or guardian.

       Thank you for joining the discussion, Alan.

       Reply
15. 

    Linda Schaub

    Nov 14, 2022

    Wow, wow, wow. Hugh – you told me this post was coming and I wanted to have time to read this post and digest it, as well as read some of the comments of bloggers that had the same mindset as me … and this is because of our recent comments which helped lend themselves to this very post.

    I am posting on your blog site, so there will be paragraphs – otherwise your eyes will run together.

    I have read your posts in the past where you have said “obligation takes the fun out of blogging” but yet I struggled, thinking there was something wrong with me – yes, I’m too chatty, I get that. But sometimes a post has a lot that resonates with me and I interact, not once, not twice and maybe even a third time. BUT … that said, I find sometimes that the back-and-forth on one post with certain fellow bloggers, although fun, still takes away from reading other posts. It spins catching up on Reader out of control. A post by me, comments that linger on and on and an evening passes without even getting to Reader.

    Yes, I feel extremely guilty when I am behind like now – but here’s what I did last Friday night at a whopping 11 or 12 days behind. I took each blogger that I interact with a lot and read all their recent content … that had to do. I skipped the people I recently followed, concentrating on those I’ve interacted with the longest. The philosophical blogger had to wait. The person with a dozen posts, some containing videos, had to wait as well. I had to cherry pick a bit.

    I knew this post awaited me and I know I am guilty as charged. Now, I only post twice a week and I started that regimen when I began Wordless Wednesday in March 2020. I’ve not missed one Wordless Wednesday and it gives me a chance to use some pics that might be on an already lengthy and picture-laden post and put them onto WW. I have fun with WW. I only post one long post a week, every Monday. I make an exception for Thanksgiving and Christmas, otherwise special holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, I don’t post on the Monday since I posted Sunday. My feeling has been “my posts are long and if you’re going to read through and comment, I must reciprocate or be deemed rude.” I thought people must read my long posts and think “well, no wonder you can’t keep up.” That’s silly – I admit that after reading your post and others’ comments. Truly you have spelled out here how wrong that is.

    My blog’s landing page may say I have 1,044 followers – that is far from the truth. I rarely follow back, if at all now. In the beginning, I was gracious, thanked them, immediately went to their blog, read and commented, then “signed on” to their blog, whether the content interested me or not. I also follow a few blogs where the bloggers don’t follow back – mostly due to their serious health issues. That’s okay … I give them an Atta girl or Atta boy for each effort.

    I was so excited to have my first follower in the blogosphere that was not a neighbor or friend that I was happy to reciprocate. I can no longer do that and I’m happy to see I am not the only one who is guilty of doing this. Whew! I’ve unfollowed sarcastic people and people who interject politics into their posts … if I want that, I’ll get it from the news/social media. I saw you and others remarked like I did about people who post daily – I have one posting daily, sometimes a couple of times daily. Pictures of flowers and kids taken with her phone and published. Perhaps it’s rude of me for saying this, but that is not really using a lot of effort and not really creating creative content or does that matter – it will take me more effort to look/comment etc. Perhaps I am weary of all that. My first follower has suspended his blog. On that day in November 2017 I said to him “how did you find me?” Then “how exciting – my first follower here.” He said “be careful what you wish for – I get up early to address comments before I leave for work and after dinner, I’m back addressing more comments and reading blog posts.” He had a few deaths in the family – wrote me on my blog and said “your first follower is taking a long pause” and it’s been about three years now.

    For me, blogging is special … I put a lot of thought into how/when I’ll publish some posts … perhaps too much thought over blogging and photos, but for me, in a job that bores me to tears and being sorry I told my boss I’d stay ’til HE retires, I feel “trapped” for lack of a better word. Blogging is writing, something I went to college for, graduated and never found a job in the field. Blogging is my escape from that boring job and also, for me, a person with zero family members, the blogging community and following bloggers’ everyday trials and tribulations whether in posts, or in sidebar comments, has been a Godsend to me, living here all alone.

    Lastly, I have taken to heart all that you have said in this post, especially “if you don’t have the time to read and leave comments, make time by reading less blogs. -Hugh W. Roberts

    This is lengthy and I apologize, but I wanted to include everything since we discussed everything in this post.

    P.S. – I am guilty of sending past links, but usually in conjunction with a comment reference and usually with bloggers, like you, where we’ve exchanged links or news stories before.

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Nov 14, 2022

       Hi Linda,

       First of all, congratulations on publishing a Wordless Wednesday post every week since March 2020. I can’t claim fame with that because I take blogging breaks, especially in December, when I find the blogging world much quieter. There are other times of the year too, but they vary and have a lot to do with what else may be going on in my life.

       So many bloggers believe it’s rude not to reciprocate by leaving comments simply because that person has read their post and left them a comment. Some call it networking, although some bloggers believe that merely saying ‘Good morning, hope you’re well?’ on every single post without mentioning anything about the content of those posts is networking. Nobody is under any obligation to do anything. While it may be nice to go back and leave a comment (even if you do not find the content interesting), it can lead to blogger burnout, something I don’t wish any blogger to encounter.

       Unfortunately, only around 20% of followers will interact with the blogger they are following. Some may read and never comment (for various reasons), but by far, most followers are readers who will visit that blog a few more times (if at all) before stopping. The ‘follow for a follow’ is one of the biggest pitfalls in the blogging world.

       The longer one stays away from blogging, the harder it is to return. Unfortunately, some bloggers get into the habit of making blogging a chore when they become overwhelmed with comments or feel they have to reciprocate. For some, blogging becomes something they were not expecting, where the fun and enjoyment get overshadowed by stress and guilt. There are millions of abandoned blogs out there, some of which were popular in their days. It is a shame that many owners of these blogs took the wrong perspective towards blogging.

       I don’t find blog posts about people’s everyday life interesting. I can get that kind of information on Facebook or other social media platforms if I want, so I always skip those posts. But I still find it good that people publish those types of posts for the readers that enjoy them. It’s not being rude not reading them, just something that is not for me.

       I’m so pleased to hear how the world of blogging has helped you. I heard it said blogging has saved people’s lives, which makes me happy because they must be blogging for enjoyment.

       Never apologise for leaving any comment, Linda. Comments can be the heart and soul of blogging, and I know they are important to many bloggers.

       Reply
       1. 

          Linda Schaub

          Nov 15, 2022

          Thank you – I am exited to be nearing year three of Wordless Wednesday posts without missing one.

          I have taken everything you said to heart Hugh. I have made some wonderful friendships here in my blog in the last five years since interacting with other bloggers and I feel I feel closer to some of these people than friends I’ve known for years, perhaps because we no longer have anything in common. But bloggers … we all share this hobby, this little creative outlet and that is wonderful, but yes it has become a strain as I seek to keep afloat. I know that most of the bloggers I interact with are retired, so that gives them an edge in keeping up.

          I do regret doing the “follow for follow” and won’t do that again … blogging must remain a joy, never a burden.

          Thank you for delving into this topic Hugh, in part from our comments on a recent post.

          Reply