100 responses to “Stressed Or Feeling Guilty About Blogging? Please Read This Post. Let’s Keep Blogging Fun”

1. 

   Terri Webster Schrandt

   Oct 16, 2023

   As usual, Hugh, you cut right to the heart of the matter of blogging. Marsha defined her blog as a hobby blog. Some bloggers took offense to this notion. But guess what? Most of us who blog are doing it for personal reasons, not for work or any other obligation, but by choice. This is a critical definition of leisure (a subject I lived and taught at the university level).

   Most of us are hobby bloggers. Here are some hobbies: art, writing, photography, reading, social networking, etc….insert yours here. 😁 Blogging is a wholesome way to explore those hobbies. And hobbies are meant to be fun.

   I too felt obligated to read and follow others early on. And it became a chore. The fun began to disappear and in early 2018 I wrote a farewell post. Some folks were worried about me which was amazing and I came back after a brainstorm of inspiration to resurrect the Sunday Stills challenge originated by another blogger who retired his blog. This challenge came back just in time the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge ended.

   Since that time, not only have I enjoyed blogging and have learned so much more about photography, and having fun while doing so, I’ve managed to meet almost 50 bloggers in person. What a joy that’s been. Making friends with folks who enjoy the same things? Priceless!

   As you say, blogging is a marathon. Sure there are days when I wake up and know I have to read posts for the challenge…but I chose this and I would miss the engagement, the friendships, the lifelong learning, that blogging provides. Now if only WordPress would get its glitches fixed then we might all be ecstatic!

   Thank you for letting me blab on and adding my 50 cents worth, Hugh! I’ll come back and read more of the comments that will continue to pour in. Hugs!

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Oct 17, 2023

      How strange that some bloggers took offensive at Marsha defining her blog as a hobby, Terri. I looked up the word ‘Hobby’ and part of the description of what a hobby is – ‘engaging in creative and artistic pursuits’. I’d put blogging in that category, unless your blog is a business blog that sells stuff or offers services or where a blogger makes a living from their blog.

      As soon as blogging becomes a chore, that’s the time to stop and think about what you really want to get out of blogging. Feeling obliged to read the posts and leave comments because those bloggers do so on our blogs is one of the blogging traps many bloggers fall into. The hard part is getting out of the trap and blogging differently. I’m glad you did just that and found the vacant ‘Sunday Stills’ to host. What a turn around that has been for you.

      I have also met other bloggers, although haven’t met any in a longtime, mainly because I’ve never seen any blogging events being held near me. There have been plenty of book fairs and such, but they no longer interest me. It’s blogging that I like to get my teeth into, although I still enjoy penning the occasional short story or piece of flash fiction.

      Your 50 cents worth of discussion is like gold, Terri. These are the kind of comments I crave the most. The kind that open up discussion and give me something more to say that just a ‘thank you’ or a click of the ‘like’ button.

      Thanks again for all your engaging comments.

      Reply
      1. 

         Terri Webster Schrandt

         Oct 17, 2023

         I’m still scratching my head as to why a handful of bloggers who link to Sunday Stills merely link and run, never stop to leave a comment. Obviously they opened my post to see the examples for the challenge. Just crickets 🙄 no engagement. Sadly that behavior or challenge fauxpas shows on their posts with little engagement on their posts. Why post if no one reads? Always a pleasure to read your posts, Hugh.

         Reply
         1. 

            Hugh W. Roberts

            Oct 17, 2023

            I get the same with my Wordless Wednesday posts, Terri. Links, but no comment about the photo I’m sharing for Wordless Wednesday.

            Then there are the bloggers who leave these kinds of comments on my posts –

            ‘Nice post please like my post freinds’.

            And they leave those types of comments on other blogs. That’s not engagement. It’s just a way of trying to get some free publicity without reading other bloggers’ posts, leaving valuable comments and engaging with other bloggers.

            Reply
            1. 

               Terri Webster Schrandt

               Oct 17, 2023

               Sad but true 👍

               Reply
2. 

   Liesbet @ Roaming About

   Oct 16, 2023

   A lot of wisdom in this post, Hugh, and all elements you’ve been sharing for a while. Yet, I’m sure every blogger can recognize the feeling of guilt or stress when they’ve blogged for a while. It seems to be a part of the process, when we set goals – or ideals – and we can’t stick to them. Writers and authors put the same pressure on themselves.

   This past year, I’ve done a good job swiping posts away from my inbox when they didn’t interest me, when I knew they would be too heavy for my then weak internet connection, or when I realized that I didn’t have time to read them soon. Other posts, I leave in my inbox to read later, on a duller evening. I also unsubscribed from about half of the bloggers I used to follow for several reasons.

   Here is where my problem still lies: writing on my own blog. It’s something I really want to do. I enjoy sharing our adventures and communicating with followers. But, often, especially here in Peru, I lack the time and energy to keep the posting and sharing going, because we have such a busy schedule.

   Peru is a huge country and we only received three months to drive across it and explore. Plus, when we don’t like a spot (which has happened a lot here), we pack up and move. This creates the business of always driving, running errands, taking care of the dog, fixing issues, sightseeing, working, researching, dealing with unexpected circumstances, and focusing on life on the road.

   Plus, I am adamant about posting photos on Facebook every day about our recent experiences, staying in touch with friends, writing my (long) diary entries every day, and practicing Spanish every evening for at least 15 minutes. That leaves no time for writing my blog, an event that takes at least one full day split over two days, ideally once a week.

   It’s easy to say “Write later, when you have time,” but that’s not a solution, as I keep gathering more experiences and stories I’d like to share, so I’m always running behind…

   The only solution I see to this problem is to only write one blog post a month (in addition to my monthly expense reports), but then the issue is that these posts would be way too long and even more photo heavy.

   The best solution is to slow down the traveling and plan for at least one day a week to write blogs (and ideally other pieces)… Maybe in the next country. :)

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Oct 16, 2023

      Don’t feel guilty for not posting as much as you want too, Liesbet. We all have lives outside of the blogging world, and while some of us would like to share more of what we’re doing, life doesn’t always give us the time to do so.

      Sticking to a blogging schedule is good, but I see too many bloggers getting stressed out when they do not stick to it. Blog when you have the time to do so. Even if it’s once a month, it’s better than not at all. And those who are truly interested in your travels will still read those long blog posts. I certainly would.

      But I am pleased with what you shared about cutting down on the number of blogs you follow and no longer reading posts that do not interest you. I really don’t know why people read (or pretend to read) content they’re not interested in. They fear that somebody will get upset with them for not doing so. In the 10 years I’ve blogged, only one blogger got upset with me for not reading and commenting on all her posts. I made the wise decision to unfollow her blog.

      It can sometimes take me weeks to get around to reading a post. What bugs me is that some bloggers close comments off so early on posts. Now that the dire spam problem has been fixed, that should no longer be the case.

      Keep on blogging, and keep on having fun with it.

      Reply
3. 

   willowdot21

   Oct 16, 2023

   You are so right Hugh 💜💜

   Reply
4. 

   Colleen M. Chesebro

   Oct 16, 2023

   Well said Hugh. Many “bloggers” read and comment because they think this will help them sell books. They share everyone’s posts on social media because they think this will cause folks to buy their books. I stopped being part of this belief system almost a year ago. I feel human again. I read and comment on the posts that I choose. Like your’s. I’ve known you since 2014. What you write about interests me. Thanks for talking about the importantance of taking care of ourselves.

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Oct 16, 2023

      I’m so pleased I’m out of that blogging circle where everyone had to read each others posts, comment and then share on social media, Colleen. I wasted so much time reading stuff I had no interest in. Thank goodness I saw the light, walked out the door and never turned back. Blogging was then fun again.

      I can’t believe it’s almost 10 years.

      Reply
      1. 

         Colleen M. Chesebro

         Oct 16, 2023

         Same here, Hugh. I agree with everything you said. Next April for me, is 10 years. Wow!

         Reply
         1. 

            Hugh W. Roberts

            Oct 17, 2023

            My 10 year blogging anniversary is on February 12th, Colleen. Time sure goes quick when you’re enjoying yourself.

            Reply
5. 

   Mr. Ohh’s Sideways View

   Oct 16, 2023

   I totally agree. When I see bloggers I suggest they try to tell stories or anecdotes, rather than just talking about their lives. Not that that isn’t good but if you don’t mix it up you get bored. Also never appoligize. We all do what we have time for. 🤣😎🙃

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Oct 16, 2023

      Mixing it up a bit is a great idea. After all, variety is the spice of life!

      Reply
6. 

   Phil Strawn

   Oct 16, 2023

   Good advice. I blog when I can, and answer the same. I don’t feel obligated to post blah..blah..and only post when I have a good story or something of interest. I notice many of the blogs I follow post just for the sake of posting.

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Oct 16, 2023

      I think that when bloggers post just for the sake of blogging the quality of posts start to decline. I see evidence of it too, especially when it comes to publishing more than once daily. People don’t take a step back. They publish first drafts and you can instantly tell it could have been so much better. That’s another reason for me unfollowing or not following a blog.

      Reply
7. 

   philosophermouseofthehedge

   Oct 16, 2023

   Yes! Well said

   Reply
8. 

   mcpersonalspace54

   Oct 16, 2023

   This was a great post as I sometimes fall into feeling badly for not posting or commenting as often as I’d like. You are correct, blogging shouldn’t be viewed as a chore!

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Oct 16, 2023

      Here, here. Please, never feel guilty or stressed for not reading or commenting or for not publishing a post. Publish when you have something interesting to say. Likewise, comment on posts that interest you and inspire you to add something of value.

      Let’s keep blogging fun.

      Reply
9. 

   Betty

   Oct 16, 2023

   I’ve had bloggers apologize for a late comment or being late in reading my post, and honestly, I hadn’t even noticed. It is like you said – I don’t expect people to read everything I write. They may be busy or just not interested in that particular topic. Life goes on! And I am judicious about who I follow as well. This post is good advice. Thanks for your post!

   Reply
   1. 

      Hugh W. Roberts

      Oct 16, 2023

      Yes, I’ve had those same apology comments, Betty. I also see bloggers apologising for being late in posting a response to a blog challenge even though the challenge is still live and open. It’s as if if they feel they should have published their post within an hour of the challenge going live. Nobody notices or even cares when they’re publishing their response.

      I’m delighted the advice in this post is helpful. Thank you for joining the discussion.

      Reply
10. 

    Dan Antion

    Oct 16, 2023

    This is very good advice, Hugh. I have been there, and this time of year, when we’re getting ready for winter, is the hardest. There just isn’t enough time, and I’m not going to worry about it (I’ve read your earlier posts ;-) I just reminded the people who participate in Thursday Doors, that blogging should be fun, and they shouldn’t stress over the “rules” for the challenge.

    I hope you have a great week.

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Oct 16, 2023

       Thanks, Dan. I wish I did not have not issue these reminders, but the amount of comments I’ve seen lately from bloggers who say they’re so far behind with reading posts and go on to apologies for it. Some because they’ve had to deal with something outside of the blogging world.

       It should always be about enjoyment and wanting to do it rather than stressing ourselves that we may be upsetting somebody because we didn’t read and comment on their last post.

       You too, have a great week.

       Reply
11. 

    Alison

    Oct 16, 2023

    I’m very much like this and good job I read your post! I sit at the computer to start a post and then start reading instead. Will absolutely relax now 😊

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Oct 16, 2023

       Lol, oh, how I remember those days of reading first before writing and then never getting any writing done, Alison.

       Reply
12. 

    Brenda

    Oct 16, 2023

    Great Post and reminder Hugh. I wonder how much we apologise out of habit/we British apologise too much and this could be a symptom of that too. I’m trying to break the cycle but it’s hard and I sometimes forget. I agree wholeheartedly though and despite not posting nor reading and commenting as much as I’d like recently, I’ve not felt guilty. It really does make a difference to how you feel. I’d also say pressuring yourself to write/post because you feel obligated might also be detrimental, affecting the quality of what you write and how you feel about writing. I liked your analogy of not wanting to go to work/school – although I don’t think I ever felt like that about school – I loved school.

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Oct 16, 2023

       So pleased you said those words ‘I’ve not felt guilty for not posting or reading and commenting on blogs recently,’ Brenda.

       I agree that like queueing, we Brits do apologise a lot, but we should not be apologising for not blogging because we’ve had to deal with a family emergency (one I saw recently). There’s life outside of blogging, even if some bloggers claim to do nothing but blog.

       I agree no-one should write and publish a post because they feel obliged to do so. It’s a little like those bloggers who publish a post within minutes of a ‘challenge’ post being posted. They feel they need to do it straight away, otherwise the host of the challenge won’t be happy with them.

       I have my reasons for not liking school, but I won’t go into them here. Let’s just say I saw school more as a chore than a place to learn.

       Thanks for joining the discussion. It’s always good to hear from you.

       Reply
13. 

    Joan Hall

    Oct 16, 2023

    Excellent advice, Hugh. I’ve been on a semi-blogging break since May. During that time, I was busy with edits for both a novel and a novella. Even though I’m retired now, I don’t have time to spend all day on WordPress.

    I’m at the point where I’m ready to get back to blogging on a more regular basis, but I’ll also be culling out some blogs that don’t really interest me and will leave behind the guilt of not visiting every thing every day! This post was timely for me.

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Oct 16, 2023

       Welcome back, Joan. I hope the blogging break was good and that you got everything done that you wanted to do.

       And I’m delighted to hear that you’ll be culling some of the blogs that no longer interest you and not feeling guilty about it. Time is precious. We shouldn’t waste any of it.

       Reply
14. 

    Darlene

    Oct 16, 2023

    I agree, blogging should be a fun pastime, not a job. I never understand people who actually post that they won’t be posting for a week because of…. or apologizing for nor posting. I post when I have something to say not because I feel obligated to. I also comment, only when I have something to say. I read all of your posts as they are interesting, but I don’t always comment. A great post.

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Oct 16, 2023

       I have no problem with bloggers announcing they’re taking a blogging break, especially if they have a schedule of when they publish posts. I think that’s a nice way of not making anybody worry by the sudden absence. But when it comes to going offline for just a day or two, then I see no reason why they should announce it. I’ve taken quite a few blogging breaks (mainly at Christmas and New Year) and always inform my readers that I’m going to be away during that time.

       Good to hear you don’t feel obliged to comment, Darlene. Some bloggers feel they must at any cost leave a comment simply because that blogger does the same on their blog.

       Thank you for reading my posts and for not always commenting when you don’t have anything of value to add. That’s how it should be.

       Reply
       1. 

          Darlene

          Oct 16, 2023

          I agree. If I don’t see a post from a regular blogger for some time, I do worry something has happened to them. This happened to me just recently and I sought her out via other social media. In this case, her husband had taken ill. We are a close community and do worry about each other. So letting readers know you are taking a blogging break is being considerate.

          Reply
          1. 

             Hugh W. Roberts

             Oct 16, 2023

             It’s horrible when bloggers disappear without a trace. I recall it happening to a blogger I first met when I started to blog. Unfortunately, all her social media accounts also disappeared, so I feared the worse.

             Reply
             1. 

                Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)

                Oct 17, 2023

                Isn’t it interesting how we develop relationships and really care about other bloggers? A couple of times, I have reached out to people on social media when I hadn’t seen a post from them in a while. They were both okay, but it made me realize that the connections we build here are real!

                Reply
                1. 

                   Hugh W. Roberts

                   Oct 17, 2023

                   Blogging friendships are great. They can make all the difference to many bloggers, especially those who may live an isolated life. They really came into play at the time of the pandemic. Although we may never meet people, we can still built up an online friendship and care about them.

15. 

    WritingfromtheheartwithBrian

    Oct 16, 2023

    You mean to tell me that folks don’t read every one of my blogs with bated breath? C’mon Hugh, I never knew this. I’m crushed. Ha, ha, no, no, I can definitely relate to this post. I’ve felt guilty in the past for not keeping up with other’s blogs as much as I’d like. I had to come to the same conclusion as you. I can’t keep up with everyone. I try to read what interests me, comment where it makes sense, but not feel guilty. It’s just like a friendship, there will be times when I’m readily available and then there will be times where life happens (i.e. family, work, everyday life) and I have to step away and take care of other things. Thanks so much for the perspective! :) :) :)

    Reply
    1. 

       Hugh W. Roberts

       Oct 16, 2023

       That’s a great way of putting it, Brian – ‘it’s like a friendship – we’re not always available.’

       This circle of feeling guilty and stressed or bloggers saying that blogging has become a chore seems to come around at least once a year. When I see stressful or guilty comments on other blogs and bloggers apologising for not having visited recently, I roll my eyes and say ‘Here we go again.’

       But thank you for sharing your perspective on the whole blogging stress and guilt situation. Good to hear you don’t allow it to make blogging become a chore rather than the fun and enjoyment many of us come to blogging for.

       Reply
    2. 

       Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)

       Oct 17, 2023

       Yes to all of this, Hugh! These days I scroll through the WordPress reader and my emails and read posts that genuinely interest me. I have unsubscribed from a lot of blogs, and many have just disappeared, so my reading time is more manageable. That said, I have a few favourites whose posts I will always read. I think I’d put you on that list, Hugh. Even so, sometimes life gets busy and I get behind. I don’t sweat it. The people who matter understand.

       Reply
       1. 

          Hugh W. Roberts

          Oct 17, 2023

          Thanks, Michelle. I’m honoured that I’m on that list of blogs you always read. But I fully understand that you may not always have time to read and comment on all my posts. And that’s something I was trying to get across in this post to those who feel they have to apologies all the time for not reading and commenting and being on WordPress 24 hours a day. When I see those kinds of comments on blog posts and on social media, I roll my eyes.

          Let’s keep blogging fun.

          Reply
          1. 

             Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)

             Oct 17, 2023

             On that note, I’m leaving on vacation tomorrow so I might be a little less active for the next couple of weeks. But I won’t apologize for that!

             Reply
             1. 

                Hugh W. Roberts

                Oct 17, 2023

                Good to hear. Nobody should ever apologise for spending some time away from the blogging world.

                Have a nice vacation, Michelle.

                Reply