When Bloggers Vanish: Online Friendships, Goodbyes and Silence

How missed would I be if suddenly, without warning, I disappeared from the blogging world?

This was the question I asked myself after reading the opening line of a post that asked, ‘Did you miss me last week?’

The Sudden Silence

The blogger had been missing for a week. I don’t know how often she publishes blog posts, as I have never followed her blog, but that opening question had me wondering and made me think about bloggers who disappear without any trace.

I soon realised there were bloggers and readers I hadn’t seen for a while. But how concerned should I be about them? I guess it depends on when they last published a post, when I last had a comment from them, or when I saw a comment from them on another blog. Does being away for one week mean a blogger thinks people out there will have missed them? How long should a blogger go missing without warning before worrying about them?

I guess we would know if any of our regular readers went missing. I’m talking here about those who engage with us regularly. But not commenting on one post shouldn’t concern us, should it? How many missed comments would it take for us to become concerned about another blogger?

“In blogging, absence doesn’t always come with explanation.”

Why Do Bloggers Vanish?

There are many reasons a blogger might vanish. These include –

  • Blogging burnout
  • Health or personal struggles
  • Loss of interest
  • Privacy concerns
  • Life simply moving on

Thankfully, most bloggers who leave the blogging world write a farewell post, but many disappear without warning. There could be a family emergency, an illness, or other reasons. Some come back with an apology for being away, although, in my view, an apology isn’t necessary, especially when they’ve been absent due to an emergency.

The Goodbye We Never Got

Sometimes the hardest goodbyes are the ones that were never said. Some bloggers disappear from our lives without warning, often leaving us with no way to contact them. When that happens, I believe it’s only right to leave them alone rather than try to find them. The lack of closure can be difficult, but they cut off contact for a reason, probably something they didn’t want to discuss.

If you are thinking about ending your blog, do consider that silence can feel very different from writing a farewell post. There seems to be a human need for endings, although I have always believed there is no such thing as an ending; it’s just the point where we leave the story.

“Blogging may happen on screens, but the friendships it creates leave very real footprints — even when the trail suddenly stops.”

Still Here, Still Reading?

I’ve been blogging on WordPress for over 12 years, and although I no longer follow many of the blogs I used to, I appreciate that they are still there when I see those bloggers on social media and in the comment sections of the blogs I follow.

If someone goes missing and it’s someone you have grown a friendship with, I encourage you to check in on them if they are still on social media or you have their email address. But if they have cut all communication, they’ve done so for a reason.

While some online friendships can be fleeting, I’ve witnessed countless genuine friendships form through blogging. Those friendships can grow into something special, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if life gets tough. Remember that not all friendships are measured in miles – some are measured in comments and discussion.

“Is it better to search for answers, or to simply appreciate the time we shared?”

What do you think? Have you ever seen a blogger quietly disappear from your online world? Did you try to reach out, or did you respect the silence? Should we try to reconnect when someone disappears, or accept that some chapters are meant to close without a final page? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments. How do you handle goodbyes in the blogging world? How long do you think it would take your readers to miss you?

As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts.

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122 responses to “When Bloggers Vanish: Online Friendships, Goodbyes and Silence”

  1. Pat avatar

    Thank you, Hugh, for writing this and it gives me a different perspective from a follower’s point of view. I’ve been on and off with my site for seems like a number of years now. Some of the reasons I’ve almost pulled the plug have been not much traffic or interest that justifies paying monthly fees along with what to write.

    For some reason, I’ve hung onto it after all these years though I’ve not been very active. And, when I do post something, I’m grateful for the followers that are still there and happy to see they’ve stuck with me, but I do think that if I did call it quits, I would publish a farewell post.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      It’s good that blogging and writing keep pulling you back, Pat. Write and publish new posts when you have something to share. Never force yourself to write and publish. I see many bloggers do that (mainly those who publish every day), and you can see the drop in the quality of their content. That’s why they lose followers, and many eventually stop blogging because of burnout.

      All blogs lose followers, which is part of the blogging process. The important followers are those who remain after you’ve taken a break from blogging and who continue to engage with you. Never be too concerned about those who unfollow.

      1. Pat avatar

        Thank you, Hugh. Your comments are encouraging. I try to do that and only write when I have something to share trusting it will reach someone who may need to hear what I wrote. Can’t force it.

        Some of my followers have been with me from the beginning – almost 20 years – and I’ve made friendships with them. It’s special and think that’s one of the things that keeps me holding onto it for now and hope I’ll know when that time comes to let it go.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          That’s lovely to hear about the friendships you have built up over those 20 years of blogging. Pat. I don’t think I have that many followers left from the early years of my blogging journey, but I’ve made some great connections over those years and had the honour of meeting some of those bloggers.

          1. Pat avatar

            Thank you, Hugh, and glad to hear you’ve done the same, built up friendships.

            Haven’t met any of them but imagine it sure would be special to do so, like you. First years of blogging were with blogspot and then WordPress for 14 years.

            Don’t know where the time has gone. Thank you for your responses. Appreciate it.

  2. V.M.Sang avatar

    If I’m going go be away from my blog, I usually say. And if I’m away unexpectedly, I will apologise on return.

    I’ve made a few good friends online. We’ll probably never meet in real life, but that doesn’t make the relationship any less real

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I agree. Online friendships are very real. For some, they are life-savers (especially during the lockdowns).

  3. Tails Around the Ranch avatar

    I’ve been blogging since 2014 and to my utter surprise, have a nice following with so many lovely people. Sadly over the years, too many have stopped blogging and their absence left a sad mark on my heart. My blog is in the pet community and we tend to become attached to the upright as well as the 4 legged. When I first started blogging, I sold pet treats and accessories and worked hard to develop engaged relationships with my customers/readers who I viewed as friends. When a pet passed, I understood it when they stopped blogging. It allowed me to develop relationships with all the regular commenters.

    I’ve always tried to inform my readers when I’m going to be away and when I lost my first pet, several reached out to check on my absence for which I was grateful and several sent memorial gifts. They helped me deal with the loss of a beloved pet and after a short break, I resumed blogging. In an age where people live behind their screens and post mean/cruel comments, it’s refreshing when others show they care. The pet community seems particularly close knit though I know there is always the one off that either didn’t like me, my style of writing or just aren’t interested for whatever reason but they seem few and far between. Some of those who left blogging are on Facebook or Instagram and I try keep in touch through those platforms. I always mourn the loss of those who leave without advanced word. When you connect with folks, it can be crushing when they suddenly drop off which leads to be mention that planning for the inevitable departure should be determined in advance. I hope my estate executor will notify folks once I’ve departed this world. It makes you realize you may need a plan to take care of your online presence once you’re gone.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      The blogging community has not only supported me but also helped me continue blogging. There are many wonderful bloggers out there. We will always encounter those who disagree with what we say, but provided they do so in a friendly and professional manner, I see it as part of the blogging experience. However, nobody should tolerate rudeness. I always mark such comments as spam.

      Informing our followers that we will be away also helps prevent unnecessary worry. But your last point is very important, as we should have a plan to inform our followers if, for whatever reason, we are no longer able to blog. It sounds as if you have something in place for that, which is great to hear.

      How long have you been blogging for?

      1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

        Ignore my last question, as I noticed you told me the answer at the beginning of your comment. You started the same year as I did.

  4. Debbie D. avatar

    I think that blogger who asked “Did you miss me?” after a week away was being facetious. That’s a short absence, and unless they usually post daily, most people likely wouldn’t realize they were gone. Many bloggers I know have disappeared over the years, some without explanation. One never knows what is going on in the lives of others, but it’s human nature to fear the worst, so a farewell post would certainly be helpful. As you said, though, that may not always be possible. Blogger burnout is something I experience periodically, and always let people know when I’m taking a break. The last one was earlier this year for about six weeks.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      From the rest of her post, I think you are right, Debbie. I don’t know how often she posted, but it seemed to me that she expected her followers to be waiting for every post she published as soon as she hit the ‘publish’ button. However, I think it’s largely a matter of knowing a blogger’s posting schedule before anyone becomes concerned about a sudden disappearance.

      I’ve also taken several blogging breaks over the years I’ve been blogging. I always let my audience know I’m going to be away and for how long. If anything changes, I’d let them know. I think it’s only polite to inform our readers and prevent unnecessary worry.

      It’s good to hear that you take a break when you experience blogging burnout. I’ve seen many bloggers refuse to take one, then crash and never come back.

      1. Debbie D. avatar

        Yes, for me, regular breaks are necessary, to regenerate the muse. :) Some bloggers seem to think if they stop, however briefly, they will lose followers. From my experience, that’s not the case, and one shouldn’t become a slave to blogging. It’s supposed to be enjoyable!

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          I agree that taking a blogging break won’t cost you followers, Debbie. In hindsight, the majority of blogs lose followers every week while active. But it’s all part of the blogging experience and shouldn’t be a concern unless a large number of followers leave.

  5. Eugi avatar

    It’s worrisome when bloggers all of sudden vanish. I have found later on that some passed away. And others make an announcement they’re throwing in the towel. I followed a blogger for several years, and was one of his guest writers. His blog dwelled on blog tips, computer assistance, and a variety of interesting subjects. He was a very meticulous and proficient writer, and not in favor of AI. Toward the end, we (his followers including me) noticed a change in his writing and images, which appeared to be AI. Then, all of sudden his blog was gone, and deleted, plus there was no trace of him on other platforms. I often wonder what really happened to him.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I think I know the blogger you are referring to, Eugi. I had many a discussion with him here on WordPress and also via email. Then he was suddenly gone. But I did see a difference in his posts towards the end. They were not as personal as the earlier posts he wrote and came across as written by something else rather than a person. I also saw a decline in his discussions with other bloggers. Whereas he used to get into conversations, he went on to immediately close down any discussion by simply thanking people for leaving a comment.

      1. Eugi avatar

        Yes, we’re talking about the same person, Hugh. It seems odd he would give up on his blog that he was so proud of. I guess we’ll never know.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          I think the problem was that he ran out of ideas for posts, and instead of reducing his posting schedule, he sadly experienced blogging burnout. Well, that’s what I think happened, but you are right in that we will never know.

  6. Eileen avatar

    I’m still here! Certainly with the pandemic of 2020 and the aftermath, there was always that concern that we would never hear from some people again, and never know why. In the normal world, if someone I follow has gone quiet for more than a year, I will unfollow them. Perhaps they have moved on, had to have a new computer and couldn’t be bothered, or there was long term illness in the family. But there was always that hope that I’d spot their blog name in comments on another site, and I could follow them again. I don’t always use this blog as I have another concerned with gardening, which I keep up on a regular basis. On this one, I was always joining in writing challenges etc, but as these tailed off, so did my interest. Of your own blog, Hugh, I do read back posts when I have some time to spare as you are always informative about the failures and foibles of WP.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Good to hear, Eileen, although I do see your posts pop up from time to time.

      Likewise, I unfollow blogs that haven’t posted in over a year, although I still follow a few where I’ve been in contact with the host and know why they have not posted (usually due to ill health or personal matters).

      Thank you for continuing to support my blog. Hearing from anyone once in a while is much better than getting short, non-engaging comments on all my posts from them, although I seem to have managed to stop readers from leaving those types of comments now.

  7. Hazel avatar

    I think a week of absence from a very supportive and regular commenter on my blogs leaves me thinking if she/he is okay. It’s okay if someone leaves with no bad feelings of you, but if there is, it’s so different and something sorrowful. Thanks for your encouragement and beautiful thoughts, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      You are welcome, Hazel.

      I guess that, like life in the outside world, bad feelings between bloggers can exist. I know of one blogger who made it quite clear that she did not particularly like me. I didn’t find out why because I thought it was her problem rather than mine. Thankfully, I no longer hear from her even though she still blogs.

      1. Hazel avatar

        I have a similar situation, but this is life, as I always said.

  8. Linda Schaub avatar

    This is an insightful post Hugh and I know what you mean about bloggers who just disappear and it isn’t because WordPress suddenly unsubscribed you from their posts – that does happen occasionally, but thankfully, for me, those bloggers always post on the same day once a week, so I could track them down.

    Two bloggers I followed have passed away and two bloggers left the same week recently, one frustrated by an increased cost for her blog subscription fee and the other was disappointed at what she perceived as less followers than she believed she had. Both suggested their followers go to Facebook for more posts. I didn’t mention to them that Facebook at some time may have issues about posts/pictures and whether you might glean money from those posts/photos. I followed a nature photographer on Facebook (he was not a blogger) who was told to take down his site – he was not selling his photos, but he did take a lot of photos. He was angry, thus took down his Facebook site, started a new site, then posted less photos.

    I have a blogger I follow and I don’t know how I even learned of this blog, but it’s called “Dear Cameron” and it’s written by a man who has battled cancer for many years, well over a decade. His blog is directed to his grandson. But he only posts about once a year when he’s feeling good. One time, having not heard from him in a long time, I looked him up and left a comment and asked if he was okay. His last post was a decision to forego chemo for brain cancer and travel a little first. I do hope if he doesn’t survive that someone lets readers (very few of us) know.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I think we get to know the posting schedules for many of the blogs we follow, Linda. If someone who publishes every day suddenly stopped without warning, I would be concerned after about a week. But sadly, that concern would take much longer for those who publish monthly or less frequently. I would hope they’d notify me somehow, especially if there is a strong connection.

      I think it’s all well and good to tell followers to follow you somewhere else now, but we’d all no doubt lose followers when moving to another platform. Unfortunately, WordPress, like all social media platforms, is full of what I call ‘Ghost Followers’. These are people who sign up for your blog but never return. It’s usually done in the hope that we will follow back, but that doesn’t (and shouldn’t) always happen.

      The last paragraph of your comments makes it clear that it’s important to share our login details with at least one other person, so they can provide closure if needed. However, I am aware that some bloggers do not want family or friends to know they blog. I think it’s kind to provide closure for those who care, but there will always be cases where that’s not possible. I fear this may be the case for the blogger you mentioned. I hope not, but it does seem likely.

      1. Linda Schaub avatar

        I have many Ghost Followers through the years too Hugh, following for the same reason as you stated, but I think a lot of people who have free blogs, may be trying out blogging initially and decide not to make a permanent commitment. I know we both have invested a lot of time on our respective labors of love, so we would think twice about just leaving it.

        I have no family at all and I only have a few friends who read my blog so I’m not sure I’d entrust them with my logon info and to post information about my passing. Two years ago I saw an attorney to have him prepare a Trust document – he will take care of everything when I am no longer here and at that time I didn’t think about whether to keep my blog up after I am gone or to have him contact WordPress to advise my followers about my demise (if it is sudden). Yvette Prior, a fellow blogger, and I discussed this at length a few months ago after a friend/blogger Trent died suddenly. I am 70 years old now, many of my followers are around my age or older.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          There is another comment here from a blogger who alerted me that WordPress will not take any action unless whoever is contacting them has the blogger’s login and password details, Linda. However, laws vary from country to country, so they may differ where you live. I’m sure your attorney will know the answers.

          1. Linda Schaub avatar

            That is good to know Hugh and it makes sense. I wish I had thought to inquire into this before I did all my Trust paperwork, as I assume that would not factor into the Trust document unless I desired to keep the blog active and he would be paying a fee to sustain it.

            1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

              I believe WordPress would eventually downgrade a blog to its free plan if payment were not received. So it would still be there. However, as someone pointed out to me, do think about those who would be upset to see a blog after its host’s departure. Plenty to think about, but do whatever feels right for you.

            2. Linda Schaub avatar

              I wish I had taken it into consideration when I did the Trust … I have to ask the attorney if he would have any interest in keeping my blog active and paying out of a Trust fund after the initial estate is settled. That would be nice if WordPress agreed to do that.

  9. petespringer avatar

    Whenever I decide to leave (no plans to do so now), I will write a farewell post. Closure is important to everyone. I was a career educator, and sometimes families moved in the middle of the year without saying goodbye. No one can fault anyone for leaving, but it would have been nice for the student, his classmates, and me to say our farewells.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I think it is a human instinct to want closure on just about everything, Pete. However, I realise that for some it can also be difficult to say ‘Goodbye.’

      I’ll certainly write a farewell post if I decide to stop blogging, but I’m not sure I’d want to leave the comments section open. However, I’d ensure that those I have a connection with are informed before I publish the post.

  10. Dan Antion avatar

    I look back at some of my early posts and see the people who liked them and left comments but are no longer around. It makes me a little sad. Their support was so helpful. Some I barely knew, some became friends. I check to see if they’re still around. Some are gone. Some left their blog as it was. Every now and then, one pops back into my email. That’s always a good day.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      So many faces exist of bloggers long gone in our comments section, Dan. I update posts regularly (more so since WordPress started their ‘throwback’ notifications), and I often wonder what happened to some of those bloggers and how they managed to disappear without me realising.

      I always think it’s sad when I see an abandoned blog without any explanation for why it’s been left like that, especially when the last post has lots of unanswered comments expressing concern for the host. I can’t help but fear the worst has happened.

      1. Dan Antion avatar

        I abandoned two technical blogs before I retired, but I left an explanation on one of them. The other one I took down, but it wasn’t very popular with readers but attracted a lot of spam.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          I’m glad those days of spam are well and truly behind us now, Dan. I hardly see any anymore on my blog since WordPress updated Akismet.

  11. JT Twissel avatar

    It is a kindness to say good-bye to long-time followers if you can no longer keep up a blog. Bloggers are also writers and suddenly losing the feedback of a long-time blogging buddy (with no explanation given) can wrack havoc on one’s self-esteem and ignite an already overly active imaginations. I speak from experience. As usual Hugh, you don’t shy away from issues we all think about but don’t know how to articulate.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I agree with you that it is kind to say goodbye, but I also understand that some people find it difficult to do so. It does make me think about the comments section in a goodbye post, too. I’d not want to see it full of ‘I’m sorry you are leaving’ comments, so I would more likely close comments, but I’d ensure I’d given bloggers with whom I have a connection a way to keep in touch.

      I find that subjects like this can be difficult to talk about, usually until someone publishes a post about it or brings it up. And as you know, I love talking and discussion on any blog.

  12. Brenda avatar

    An interesting question Hugh. I think, as has been highlighted by some of those commenting, its not always possible to let readers know we’re going to be absent. I do think the person you were talking about saying “I’m back; did you miss me” might be asking for trouble – expecting to be missed, but what if they weren’t? A week isn’t really that long, would we notice an absence that quickly – it feels unrealistic and perhaps a bit presumptive.

    My experience has been that my breaks/absences haven’t been planned and I had been hoping to work through them, but that doesn’t always happen. It might be more effective to plan for breaks/pauses – better for the readers as they’ll know what to expect, but it also gives us breathing space as writers too.

    I agree there have been people who have just disappeared – some I do think about, wonder how they’re getting on – but like was said, there’s not always a way to get in touch. And I know one person who always said that if they stopped they would just disappear,. deleting their account – which is what they did. I don’t think there’s a simple answer, but I’d like to think if I were to stop permanently, I’d say goodbye first.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      When I read that opening line on the ‘Did you miss me?’ post, it made me think the blogger believed her followers were there 24/7, waiting for her posts, Brenda. I agree that a week isn’t very long for people to think you have gone missing, but if you are publishing daily, I suppose it could alert some people.

      I’ve taken several blogging breaks over the years, and as you rightly say, they are best planned when you are able. Informing readers that you will be away is considerate, so nobody worries unnecessarily. But there are always those who didn’t read the post. It’s nice to see emails enquiring whether all is okay.

      Deleting your blog without notice can be concerning for many readers, but when the host cuts all ties (including on social media), I think it’s best to leave them be. ‘Goodbyes’ can be hard to write for some, but they certainly help followers find closure.

  13. Paul Ariss avatar
    Paul Ariss

    It’s pertinent that you should post about this Hugh as I’ve been thinking of a blogger called Janice Reid recently. Janice blogged regularly and always commented on my blogs until a few months ago when she went a little quiet, then blogged to say she hadn’t been posting as often as she had some personal stuff going on that she didn’t elaborate on. However she had also said that things had been getting more difficult in the U.S.

    Originally from Jamaica her and her husband had lived in America for a long time and have three fine sons in their 30’s who had been born there and all the family live in Long Island. But she had said they were feeing increasingly uncomfortable and whenever they went out they were now taking their passports with them in case they were stopped and needed to show their identity.

    It wasn’t long after that when things went quiet. Of course it may be that the personal stuff she mentioned is the cause of the recent silence, but I also worry it may be something else. Until she blogs I can only speculate but as you say, you do build up a relationship even if you don’t expect to ever meet that person.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Paul, I’m so sorry to hear about what Janice is going through. It’s difficult to take in what is going on in much of the world at the moment. And the majority of the world seems to sit back and allow it to happen.

      I hope Janice comes back online soon and that the worry about her absence can be put behind you.

      I don’t know whether you have started watching Russel T Davies’ new drama on TV, but what you said in your comment about Janice is very much what ‘Tip Toe’ is about. It’s very difficult viewing, but it’s so true to what is happening right now.

      1. Paul Ariss avatar
        Paul Ariss

        Yes I hope she is back soon, I’ll try and remember to let you know if and when it happens. You’re right, most of the world is sitting back and letting things happen. I think it’s a moral test for all decent minded people whether we push back against it or just let it slide. I’ve kept quiet on it as I keep getting into online arguments but I think I’ve had enough of that, I just need to find a cleverer way of going about it. Apathy helps no-one.

        I have been watching Tip Toe. I’ve seen the first two episodes, I have felt uncomfortable with some of it but TV needs to be brave and Russell T. Davies is never shy of being that.

        The local council I used to live under is now under Reform. They have taken away any support for Pride events and apparently are taking down books from libraries, though not sure of the details on what those books are.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          I’m a big fan of Russell T Davies. I’ve loved all the stuff he has written and produced, but this new series is so very hard to watch because his writing is spot-on about what is happening in the UK (and other countries) today. It’s no wonder the series has already picked up so many five-star reviews when it can bring out the emotion in those that watch it.

          Having lived (and protested) through the Section 28 years, it is very sad to see that those days could very well return.

          1. Paul Ariss avatar
            Paul Ariss

            It’s not easy to comment on something I didn’t experience, but it is easy to see and feel right and wrong, and all this feels very wrong right now.

            1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

              I agree, Paul. We are living in a very unkind world where division is being used as a weapon.

  14. beth avatar

    there have been bloggers who i follow that have passed away, and written about it as they fight what they are going through, or someone in their family lets the bloggers know. i’ve also have had some who give an explanation and then stop blogging. within the last month, a blogger who i’ve followed for years just stopped posting one day and had not alluded to anything being wrong. i wrote a note on his last post asking after him, but no response. it makes me worry about him, but perhaps he has no idea how the people he reaches feel about it. my daughters have promised to post a notice on my site if i’m still blogging when i leave this world

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      When people suddenly disappear without any explanation, I think most of us fear the worst, Beth. That’s why I believe it’s important to bring closure and to share our login details with at least one other person so that they can carry out our wishes. I’m pleased to hear that you have passed on details to your daughters.

      I’ve taken several blogging breaks over the years I have blogged, and I always inform my followers when I’m taking one. I think it’s only kind to inform our followers, rather than leaving many of them fearing the worst.

      1. beth avatar

        yes, i agree with all of that. and everyone needs a break now and then, so good to let people know for sure.

  15. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    Asking if you’ve been missed as a blogger after one week seems to be presumptuous. Maybe it was meant as a joke?

    Because I blog relatively sporadically but still about two times a month these years, I would think that I might be missed after a couple of months. But my traveling life is busy, challenging, and unpredictable, so I’m sure my readers would take that into account as well. I expect my closest readers would probably check in with me after three months of silence. If they don’t follow me on social media, where I have a bigger presence when roaming the world.

    Most bloggers I know who quit, have left a farewell post. I do encourage and appreciate that. Often they leave another way to stay in touch. After they stop blogging, this seems to coincide with them not following me/others or leaving comments anymore either. It’s a clean break that appears to be the decision of more and more people.

    In the past, I followed a really good, informative, fun, and honest blog about an American couple first traveling around the US in a motorhome with their dog and then moving to Lisbon, Portugal. I really enjoyed their blog, but they decided to quit posting after they moved and became expats. They didn’t want to offend anyone with their impressions.

    In January if this year, Mark, Maya, and I spent four days in Lisbon. I tried my hardest to contact this couple ahead of our visit as I’ve always wanted to meet them. Despite their website still being live, they didn’t react to emails I sent there and to the contact form I filled out. I even searched for them on Facebook and contacted a mutual blog follower to see if he had a different email address for them. Nothing! It was a shame we didn’t manage to get in touch and meet up

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      It may well have been meant as a joke, Liesbet. However, given the way it (and the rest of the post) was written, I have my doubts. I believed she generally thought all her followers were waiting 24/7 for her to publish her next post. It reminded me of a blogger who gave her followers only 3 days to read her posts and comment before closing comments. And she published several posts a day.

      I’d certainly miss you if you stopped blogging. You may publish only a few times a month, but I believe we get used to bloggers’ posting schedules, so a sudden stop would alert us. I do have some social media accounts, but I spend much more time on my blog. I limit social media to no more than 30 minutes a day.

      If I stopped blogging, I think I’d also stop following and commenting on blogs. I’d want a clean break, but I’d set something up first to stay in contact with the bloggers I feel more connected to, without leaving the room announced.

      It’s strange that some people don’t delete their blogs when they stop blogging. They may not know how to delete them, or they think they might come back to them, but the obvious answer is that some may have passed away and haven’t given anyone instructions on how to access their blog. I think it’s so sad when I come across abandoned blogs. It’s like arriving on a once-populated, thriving planet that is now barren. And most of us can’t help but fear the worst for the host of that blog.

Feel free to leave a comment. Engagement helps keep blogs alive and forms community.

I’m Hugh

Welcome to my blog. I’m delighted to have you here. This is the place to discover tips on blogging and WordPress, flash fiction, photography, and more. I enjoy engaging with my readers, so please feel free to explore, join discussions, and contact me. I’m happy to assist! Find out more about me and my blog by clicking the ‘Meet Hugh’ button.

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