Blogging Myths Busted: Breaks, Comments, Followers and More

Do you have any examples of blogging myths? You know, those pieces of information you read or are told that don’t quite seem right, yet they can frighten you into believing them.

Over the twelve years I have blogged, I’ve come across plenty of misleading information about blogging, some of which I’m sharing.

You’ll lose all your followers if you take a blogging break

Some bloggers are terrified of taking a blogging break for many reasons, but the main one is that they believe nobody will be there when they return.

While I recommend that you inform your readers if you are going on a blogging break, I can guarantee that even if you do not inform them, there will still be people waiting for you when you return.

And if you do lose followers because you’re taking a break and you told your followers, you shouldn’t concern yourself about those who unfollow you. They’re not worth thinking or worrying about.

Taking a blogging break can improve both our physical and mental health, which is far more important than worrying about losing followers, many of whom will never have engaged with us.

You have to publish posts every day to be a successful blogger

This was a myth I was told about during my first year of blogging. Publish every day, or your blogging days will be numbered before your blog’s first anniversary. Nearly 13 years on, I’ve never published daily, and I’m still blogging!

Sure, if you publish content daily, you may see an increase in views, but that doesn’t mean people are reading your posts.

Daily publishing has its disadvantages, mainly that it can cause blogging burnout if you push yourself too hard.

The quality of posts may suffer, and the comment sections usually end up gradually becoming barren or hideouts for comments that prove nothing other than that the people who left them wanted you to know they popped by in the hope you would return the favour.

There is little, if any, substantive discussion of those posts, making the blog look community-less.

I know successful bloggers who publish weekly, monthly, or even every three months, so do not fall into the trap of believing you must publish daily.

Sure, some successful bloggers publish daily, but they can be hard to find. If you do find one, take a look at the comments section of their posts. If there is genuine engagement, then you may have found a blog worth following.

You must read and comment on all posts of the blogs you follow

So many bloggers suffer from blogging burnout because they are told it’s only polite to read and comment on every post on every blog they follow, for fear that if they don’t, it will upset the blog hosts, who will then unfollow those who don’t comment.

Sure, you can lose followers if you stop following a blog or stop commenting on it, but you stopped commenting or following for a reason.

I recall one blogger telling me they felt obliged to read and comment on every blogger’s blog who read and left comments on their posts, resulting in a total waste of time reading material they had no interest in. That’s not what blogging is supposed to be about.

The majority of bloggers understand that not everyone who follows them will read and comment on every post. If you do encounter a blogger who is upset with you for missing one of their posts, ask yourself whether you should be following them.

And there is nothing wrong with not following a blogger who follows you. I follow the blogs of many bloggers who do not follow mine.

You must have a WordPress account to be able to leave comments on WordPress

This is a myth I have to address repeatedly.

WordPress allows all users to decide whether anyone who wants to leave a comment must be logged into WordPress.

You can change these settings in the discussion area of your blog’s dashboard. For example, I have my settings configured to allow anyone to leave a comment, regardless of whether they are logged into WordPress.

To check the discussion settings on your blog, go to your blog’s dashboard, click Settings > Discussion, and look for the boxes next to ‘Other Comment Settings‘.

A screenshot of a website's settings page, displaying the "Other comment settings" section. On the left, the bold heading reads "Other comment settings." On the right, there are three blank, unchecked square checkboxes next to the following options: "Comment author must fill out name and email," "Users must be registered and logged in to comment," and "Automatically close comments on old posts."

Untick the boxes if you are happy that those wanting to comment do not need a WordPress account.

Another myth you may have heard is that if you allow anyone to leave a comment, you will get a massive amount of spam. That’s not true, as WordPress allows users to choose how much spam they want to see.

The Akismet anti-spam software that WordPress uses helps stop 99% of spam comments from ever reaching my moderation queue or spam folder.

Go to your blog’s dashboard and click on Jetpack > Akismet Antispam. Under Spam Filtering, tick the box that says ‘Silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam so I never see it.’

A screenshot of a spam filtering settings and statistics dashboard, likely for the Akismet plugin.

The top half is titled "Statistics" and features a bar chart tracking spam blocked from January to July 2026. January shows a significant spike with over 7,000 spam comments blocked, followed by a smaller spike in May around 2,000; the remaining months show almost none. Below the chart, text metrics display: "Past six months: 9,924 Spam blocked," "All time: 321,624 Spam blocked," and "Accuracy: 99.74% (557 missed spam, 521 false positives)."

The bottom half is titled "Settings." Under "Comments," a checkbox is selected to "Show the number of approved comments beside each comment author." Under "Spam filtering," a red rectangle highlights the currently selected radio button: "Silently discard the worst and most pervasive spam so I never see it." Under "Privacy," another selected radio button reads, "Display a privacy notice under your comment forms."

You don’t need to look after your blog, it’ll look after itself.

While WordPress takes care of much of what goes on behind the scenes of your blog, every blogger should take some time to do some blog housekeeping to prevent things from breaking and then blaming it on WordPress.

Bloggers who don’t do blog housekeeping usually complain most that their blog is broken or that nobody is visiting or engaging with them, so they end up abandoning or deleting their blog.

The post below by blogger Shah is a fantastic example of what housekeeping needs to be done. Give it a read and go and introduce yourself to Shah.

And that’s it for some of the myths I have heard about blogging. I’d love to hear about any blogging myths you have heard. Share the details in the comments section.

The featured image in this post was created using the WordPress image generator. AI was used to check for grammar and spelling mistakes and to help with the layout of the post.

Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

You can follow me at the following sites.

Please feel free to share this post.

Fediverse reactions


Discover more from Hugh’s Views & News  

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

63 responses to “Blogging Myths Busted: Breaks, Comments, Followers and More”

  1.  avatar
    Anonymous

    I have been blogging for over ten years and all that you have provide is important and definitely knowledge to be disseminated for all bloggers.

    The one aspect about my blog site are my catalogue of posting, that needed editing, and revisioning to be reposted years later.

    Thanks Hugh!👏🏾🫶🏾👴🏾

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      You’re very welcome. I’m glad this post has helped so many of those who have read it.

  2. Tails Around the Ranch avatar

    Thanks for sharing those myths. It’s reassuring to know my neuroses aren’t going to be the death of my blog. ;)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      You’re welcome. Blogging should always be about fun and enjoyment, unless we use it as a source of income, in which case, like any job, it could become stressful.

  3. annabellefranklinauthor avatar

    Thanks! You learn something new every day. 😊

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      You’re welcome. I believe that’s part of what life is all about.

  4. beth avatar

    these are so good and i agree with all of them. i had to learn most of them for myself over time

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I think, as bloggers, it’s something we all have to do. It’s just a shame that some bloggers still believe these myths many years on.

  5. Kevin avatar

    Well Hugh,
    I haven’t posted for a good while and I’m fine with that. It just hasn’t been in me. As you no doubt noticed, the world is a mess. I’m feeling a little better or maybe I’ve become a little numb to it all. I am slow writing something now. It might be the spark to reignite some kindling.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I do hope so, Kevin. We all need breaks from time to time. It’s just a shame that some bloggers are frightened to take a blogging break for fear of losing followers. That’s something no blogger should ever have to concern themselves with.
      Good luck with the new post. I hope it does ignite something.

  6. Shahbaz Ashraf avatar

    Yes, it was a myth for me too until I read your blog yesterday and changed the settings. Thanks again for sharing this valuable piece of information. You have a knack for explaining WordPress technicalities in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
    As for sharing my post about the “Like” button in one of your upcoming posts, you are more than welcome to share any post you find useful.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      That’s great feedback about ‘easy-to-understand terms, Shahbaz. It’s something I always try and aim to do in my posts. And I try to make it clear that I’m always happy to help.

      Thank you. I’ll link to your post in an upcoming post I am drafting.

      1. Shahbaz Ashraf avatar

        My pleasure, Hugh. Keep up the great work by helping all of us understand the technical side of WordPress. Looking forward to your upcoming post.

  7. Michael avatar

    Thanks Hugh for another informative post. When I was teaching, I had a “blogger” blog for my students. I would post things going on in the classroom, etc.

    When I decided to write my own personal blog, I decided to go with WordPress for the simple reason that I didn’t want to get the two of them mixed up. One was for professional reasons, one for personal reasons.

    I have found over the years some blogger friends that have a blogspot account tell me that they sometimes have a hard time leaving a comment. Of course, since I don’t see that on my end, I had no idea what they were dealing with. After reading through your post and the comments, I went into my settings and unchecked the box that said “leave your name and email.”

    I also found that I had a real hard time leaving a comment on a blogspot blog, so I created another blogspot blog that was simply for having a google account. Once I did that and was logged into that account, I could make comments.

    I so understand what you mean about making thoughtful comments. When I get a thoughtful comment, it begins a great conversation between the two writers, and I think that’s what blogging should be!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks so much for joining the discussion, Michael.

      I’ve had terrible experiences trying to leave comments and engage with bloggers on Blogger. It made me jump through so many hoops just to leave a comment that I soon got fed up with trying. And sometimes, no matter what I tried, I still could not leave comments. So I finally gave up trying. I see Blogger more as a writing platform, without the engagement (which some bloggers seem to like). But to me, that’s like talking to an empty arena.

      Just one thoughtful, genuine, engaging comment is all it takes to encourage many bloggers to keep blogging. I don’t see how anyone could be motivated with nothing but a few clicks of the ‘like’ button. For me, that’s like talking to a wall. Great conversations can often lead to real online friendships. Short, non-engaging comments can never do that.

      1. Michael avatar

        I know what you mean. When I get a thoughtful comment, it is encouraging and it makes me want to continue to blog.

  8. Eugi avatar

    This is such an insightful post, Hugh. Posting every day can be a struggle for the writer and the reader. There are only so many hours a day one can dedicate to blogging. Thank you for sharing Shah’s post on blog housekeeping. Personally I shy away from blogs with broken links and missing images. I audit my blog frequently making sure it presents itself well.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Likewise, I don’t even contemplate whether I should follow a blog that lacks any kind of blog housekeeping issues, Eugi. Those blogs could be full of harmful links and bugs. I’ve unfollowed some where it’s obvious the host has taken no care, thus showing little to no care for their audience. Just a few minutes a day can help maintain a blog and make it safe.

      I loved Shah’s post. He summed blog housekeeping up so well. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did.

      1. Eugi avatar

        Hugh, it comes down to taking pride in ourselves, and our work. Our blogs are out there for millions to see so we must put forth our best effort.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          I couldn’t agree more, Eugi.

  9. wrookieschu avatar

    Great post, Hugh. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with the blogging myths. It’s so easy to feel pressure to post constantly, reply to every comment, or keep up with everyone’s blogs, but that can quickly take the enjoyment out of blogging. I much prefer reading and commenting when I genuinely have something to say rather than doing it out of obligation. Thanks for the reminder that blogging should be fun first and foremost.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Wayne. Sadly, some bloggers feel obliged to leave a short, non-engaging comment on every post. One blogger refers to them as robotic praise comments, where the comment is always the same. I see those types of comments a lot. I’ve always believed that one genuine, engaging comment every once in a while is a much better way to engage with other bloggers. The types of comments I get on my posts certainly tell me which bloggers are best to engage with. I don’t bother to leave comments on the blogs of those who leave those robotic praise comments.

      1. wrookieschu avatar

        I know what you mean Hugh, they can become very tiresome when it’s the same two words on every post.

  10. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    I always enjoy and learn much from your blog how-to posts, Hugh, and this one is no different. I think all new bloggers go through that phase of blogging every day, or trying to read every post. Each blogger must find their own voice and cadence for posting. Although I follow several bloggers who post daily and some multiple times daily, I pick and choose which of those I read.

    I also allow notifications of active bloggers and those I don’t want to miss. I rarely unfollow people but I simply don’t get all the notifications. I like that we can choose how often we can get notified: Instantly, daily or weekly.

    About the blogging breaks, I believe if someone is a challenge host (Like myself, with two), announcing a break is crucial. Sunday Stills is halfway through year 8. I’ve made adjustments and even asked other bloggers (you included) to take over for me if it would be for more than a two week stretch. I believe that as bloggers, we like to write so why not communicate those changes and keep followers abreast of any changes?

    Now that I started the Flower Hour (which took up the slack that dear Cee left), I’ve been busier than ever, with a LOT of new followers and posts to read. I really enjoy seeing the amazing photography and talent people share.

    Thanks for another great how-to post, Hugh! The comments are very thoughtful!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I saw that first year of blogging as being at a new school for the first time, Terri. So much to learn, some of which could be rather frightening, yet seem adventurous. But once you settle in, it’s not long before you find your own way around.

      The notifications of how often we get new post notifications are a great tool, yet not many bloggers seem to know about it. I mention it often in conversations.

      I agree about announcing blogging breaks, although I think all bloggers should do it, if only to prevent some of their audience worrying about them. It can be very upsetting when a blogger we have formed an online friendship with suddenly disappears without any notice. It brings me back to the subject of ensuring we have a plan in place for when we can no longer blog.

      I’ve always said that sometimes the comments on blog posts can be as good as the post’s subject. That’s why I love discussion so much on my posts, and always strive to do the same when leaving comments on other blogs.

      1. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

        Your discussions are always great to read, Hugh! Another blogger friend just announced her final post yesterday. She was one of the first bloggers I met in person when we visited San Diego. But we’ll always remain friends, and that is another amazing benefit to blogging–the friendships built online, and if we’re lucky, in-person too!

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          I saw that post from Janis. I haven’t sent her my good wishes yet, but I will.

          Many friendships can be formed online simply through discussion and engagement in ways that make the person we are talking with feel that we really appreciate them and their posts. Just look at all the new friendships you are making with your new Flower Hour challenge, Terri. But I agree that it’s great when the opportunity arises to meet some of those bloggers in person.

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

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.

Let’s connect

Subscribe to Hugh’s Views And News

Latest Posts

Looking for your next quick read? Try my books

An image of book covers, book, tablet and mobile phone, for the book Glimpses.
An image for the book More Glimpses - showing a book cover, tablet and mobile phone.

Follow Hugh in the Fediverse

Hugh's Views & News  
Hugh's Views & News  
@hughsviewsandnews.com@hughsviewsandnews.com

WordPress & Blogging tips, flash fiction, photography and lots more!

312 posts
9 followers
A widget with the words 'Team Effort - Story Chat Digest - Where Authors Meet - Author'

Most Viewed Posts & Pages Over The Last 24 Hours

Recommend Blogs To Follow


Roaming About
A Life Less Ordinary

Second Wind Leisure Perspectives
Second Wind Leisure Perspectives
Fun, Photography & Friends

Spo-Reflections
Spo-Reflections
To live is to battle with trolls in the vaults of heart and brain. To write; this is to sit in judgment over one's Self. Henrik Ibsen

Boomer Eco Crusader
Boomer Eco Crusader
Live Green | Declutter | Simplify Life

SONGS AND SCRIPTS AND DUNKING BISCUITS
Every day tales of a winging-it creative

Jacqueline Lambert
Jacqueline Lambert
Award-Winning Travel Humour Writer

Anne R. Allen’s Blog… with Ruth Harris
Writing about writing. Mostly.

Fancying France
The musings of a ‘femme d’un certain âge’ who divides her time between SW France and SE England

Marsha Ingrao         Always Write
Marsha Ingrao Always Write
Having fun blogging with friends

Curiosities, Castles and Coffee Shops
Curiosities, Castles and Coffee Shops
The musings of a curious mind

WrookieSchU
WrookieSchU
Live life 🙌🏼

WPcomMaven
WPcomMaven
Helping you make the most of your free WordPress.com website since 2011

Share Your Light
Share Your Light
You are a miracle – Let it happen

No Facilities
No Facilities
Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams

Esther Chilton
Writer, Tutor and Editor

Saying nothing in particular
Saying nothing in particular
Jan … JT Twissel

The Chicago Files
The Chicago Files
A Canadian Perspective on Living in the Windy City!

Thank you to all my visitors

482,872 hits

263,259 visitors

Copyright Protected Blog

COPYRIGHT ©2011-2031 Hugh’s Views And News BLOG – All Rights Reserved.

This work by Hugh W. Roberts, and/or Hugh’s Views And News blog, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material (text and images) without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. If you want to use posts, excerpts, photos and links, you may contact me first. You must give full and clear credit to Hugh W. Roberts and Hugh’s Views And News dot com with links to the original content.