03.23.07
A Blogger of Substance
Here’s the thing: I’m burned out on blogging. Sure I still love to tell the stories about the funny stuff my son does, the off kilter things Mike says, and the random odd ball things that happen to me. I still love to get struck with an idea that leads to a post of which I can be proud. Like this, or this. I no doubt still love to write, and here, I’m recording history. Maybe not the history to be found in future textbooks or admired over by generations, but certainly my own history, my own life experiences and those of my family. It’s a record of my perspective of things as they happened. Would that I had such a record of my own ancestors to read through like this! It’s important to me, and could be important to future generations.
But I’m getting burned out. When I write about Gabe’s potty training adventures, my stats soar through the roof. There’s a reason I’m third in line on the Google search Toddler Eats Poop, mostly for this post. Sure, it’s fun to document Gabe’s peeing on the floor, and having it here as a record is a fantastic way to jog my memory for when the story needs to be told to Gabe’s prom date, but really? My kid peeing on the floor? Is that as intellectual as I can get? It would seem so, since I have a whole category dedicated to bathroom functions. My kid is important to me, obviously, but my kid does not encompass me. Except that when I write about things close to my heart, things that scare me or make me think, my stats plummet, my Bloglines subscriptions go down, and I’m left feeling as if there are only a core few who come here that even give a shit, no pun intended. So I squelch my desire to write something that has meaning to me and just post another anecdote or a letter threatening Karma (yeah, THAT worked).
I don’t know a whole lot abut a lot of things, but I do know that blogging, particularly Mommy Blogs, are becoming a fast rising segment of the population with opinions that matter, much like Soccer Moms and NASCAR Dads. Not only do we as housewives (or just wives in general) have more of a niche in today’s economy, we can be a driving force in the way our government behaves. However, with my current content, it’s as if we’re all in an auditorium with a very important public speaker on stage and a pop quiz after the presentation that could change the direction of our lives and I’m in the back row entertaining five people by trying to make armpit farts. I want to be more involved in matters that matter, to make a statement of my beliefs and maybe someday tell Gabe I had a voice that mattered and I didn’t waste it on a poop story. But when I do step out of the clearly defined parameters I’ve established here at Little Bald Doctors, people who read here vanish. A good chunk of people. So I wonder what good is it if I state my beliefs and try to spread the word on important issues if no one is here to read the words I’m trying to spread? Then I get discouraged and just write about my cat hopped up on candy corn, which is seriously beginning to get to me, people. There are only so many frivolous things I can say before feeling like my frivolity is undermining my wit and intelligence. Sure, there are things I can do elsewhere in my community, but I’ve found a home here. I’m comfortable here. I feel like I might actually be able to thrive in a role of blogger with a purpose, at least part of the time, because I can’t see flipping this blog into something it’s not just for the sake of sounding self important. Plus, I’m not saying I don’t like writing the frivolity or the navel gazing, just maybe not all the time. This little spot in the www might actually be a place where I can do some good, even if it is just for a couple other people. Because this blogging thing is big and shouldn’t be dismissed. Online, we can, for the first time in history, gather our own information and spread it, digging through the crap of rhetoric and spin doctoring and pass on the gems that should be passed on. We don’t need to rely on media moguls that are invested in making a story look one way or another. We can raise the level of accountability we require for our news and information to force those in the reporting segment of media to keep it objective. This isn’t to say that a good portion of our news and information isn’t objective, but in the last couple years I’ve seen much in the way of creative PR from the current administration and the War on Terror to the leak of information on the undercover agent within the CIA, from the WMD not found in Iraq to government spending and our own governmental checks and balances system taking a vacation. Frankly, I’m very disturbed by the direction of the good ol’ US of A in the last five years or so. What’s really mind boggling is that we as a blogging whole have the means now to find a way to make our changes, reach more voices than we’d ever have been able to before the blogging revolution and push button publishing. We can actually reach enough people to make a difference in our country’s direction. Let me say that again. We can actually reach enough people to make a difference in our country’s direction.
I know I control my content and that my audience, while fluctuating, will either adapt to what I write or move elsewhere while new people show up, and I should just roll with it. And I will. There may still be potty training stories full of puns and snark. I’d miss them too much to quit them completely. But frankly, I’d like to be on the Google pages of something other than toddler poop cuisine. Because if I get the feeling that I should write another poop story over something of real merit just to keep people here and reading? Then maybe I should just hang a closed sign on the url and find another way to occupy my time.
*edited to add that the link to MomRising has been updated. Turns out if you leave the “s” out of www.momsrising.org, you’ll get sent to a site that puts their own particular brand of religious right spin on things. Just what I need, and quite ironic that I sent you there. Oy vey.
Jana said,
March 23, 2007 at 9:02 am
I’m applauding for you loudly. Bloggers do hold the power.
I say write for yourself and they will come. I know I’ll be here.
Jen said,
March 23, 2007 at 9:29 am
I will keep reading, I check your site everyday, not matter what you say, because I feel the same way you do about most things and you have to courage to put it in writing.
Cassie said,
March 23, 2007 at 10:05 am
It’s your blog, you should write what you want to write. Don’t worry about the audience, they found you in the first place and new people will find you too. You’re thinking about it too much, just let it flow!
Val said,
March 23, 2007 at 10:10 am
I don’t think you should censor yourself based on what you think people want to read. I love reading whatever it is you have to say. I don’t necessarily relate to the things you write about Gabe because I don’t yet have children, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love to read them or find them interesting. The same goes for your more serious and/or socially aware pieces. Write what makes you happy. I’m here for the long haul. Try to get rid of me…go on try it! It will never happen.
PunditMom said,
March 23, 2007 at 1:51 pm
There is power in all the things we talk about in our blogs, including the wonderful moment you share with us as readers. That’s the great thing about the blogosphere — there is room for every voice and every kind of writing. I say, if you like writing it, keep doing it. If you write it, we will come!
(And thanks so much for the link!)
Sarah said,
March 23, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Wow did this post send me for a spin. I really wasn’t sure what to expect in the next line from the very first sentence to the very last.
I think that when it comes to blogging, there are plenty of people here (myself included) who don’t need a poop story to keep us reading. If you write for yourself, the rest will follow - readers, posts you would feel proud to hand down to posterity, etc. If you like blogging/writing then keep it up; Google’s ranking shouldn’t influence that.
Blog Antagonist said,
March 23, 2007 at 4:22 pm
I completely understand where you’re coming from. But you don’t have to sacrifice who you are for the blogosphere. I’ve noticed in general that the bloggers who have really profound and intelligent and meaningful things to say don’t get nearly the number of comments that the poo mongers do. And it bothers me sometimes. But I decided that it doesn’t matter. I’m going to keep reading the smart bloggers and I’m going to keep trying to write things that matter. I hope you will too.
I will say that it took my hiatus to give me that clarity, so if you need a break, take it. It’s really edifying and cathartic and…well…relaxing. Everyone needs a mental vacation now and then.
I’m just now putting back my blogroll…I deleted all but a very few in an effort to curb my blog habit. I’m going to put you back on, just in case you decided to stay. :?)
mamatulip said,
March 23, 2007 at 7:33 pm
There are times when I wonder if people get tired of me writing about my mom. I mean, really, how much is too much when it comes to grief? Who wants to hear me say again how much I miss her? Yet if I don’t write about it, I’m censoring myself, and I don’t want to do that. I started my blog for me, and because I have readers doesn’t mean I shouldn’t still blog for me. There has to be a healthy balance between the blog author and the audience, you know?
If a lot of the fun is gone from blogging for you, consider a hiatus. When I stopped last fall I felt done. Like dinner. But a break was exactly what I needed to get rejuvenated and come back feeling refreshed, without the politics and the pressure.
This is your blog. If you want to write about something, write about it. Don’t censor yourself. Even if I don’t comment, I’m reading, and I want to hear what you have to say.
jaelithe said,
March 23, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Well, you know you won’t lose me if you go all smarty-pants on us. I might get jealous that your brain is actually working well enough for you to produce intellectual content, though.
My brain has left the building this month, I fear.
lildb said,
March 24, 2007 at 10:55 am
Your voice matters, Andrea. I would feel a real loss if you went away. So what if you don’t get tons of hits or comments for soul-baring moments? That makes them no less important to those of us who care about you.
Because I think of you as my friend, I appreciate very much your honesty. Poop or no poop.
Ruth Dynamite said,
March 24, 2007 at 11:03 am
This is an excellent post.
You can’t think about the comments and the traffic and let that dictate your posts. You just have to write whatever’s on your mind, because ultimately, the joy is in the expression, is it not? You find your voice. You voice your opinions. And you can still talk about poop.
What’s not to like? I hope you keep writing.
Sandra said,
March 24, 2007 at 6:17 pm
I so understand this Andrea. Really, really understand this.
But like the others have said, your words do matter. Your readers adore them and come back for you … not poo … okay that was bad. I meant it to be sincere and complimentary.
Sincerely, though, I hope you’ll keep writing too. I am not a great commenter but I am a faithful reader.
Julie Q. said,
March 24, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I found your blog tracing the Thinking Blog awards backwards and I’m totally impressed with this post. It takes courage to be honest about what you want your blog to accomplish. I feel the same way right now. I want to say serious things (and I usually do) but some days I also want to give myself permission to NOT BE FUNNY in any way. This is pretty tough. Especially when I care about my readers and what they think.
Good luck.
JChevais said,
March 26, 2007 at 7:31 am
It’s a tough call.
But as long as you keep writing, I’ll keep reading.
julia said,
March 26, 2007 at 10:16 am
I stopped reading my stats information. People are either going to read me or not, whatever. I write what and when I feel like writing and I think that’s what a blog should be. I’ll still read you.
Binky said,
March 26, 2007 at 10:59 am
I often feel the same way about the substance of my content but, unlike you, I’ve never had many readers, so that’s not what’s driving my banality. That being said, I did write about something more substatial yesterday, then sent it along to someone very active in advocacy for that issue. He read the posts and invited me to become a member of a private message board for the cause. Just because I blogged about it! Now I am reading the messages and realizing I have a LOT to learn and am marveling that two blog posts can gain me entrance to a subscription-only world filled with lawyers, computer science gurus and political bloggers. Anyway, maybe this whole thing is irrelevant. The point is to keep doing what you’re doing, and do it according to YOUR beliefs.
Dana said,
March 27, 2007 at 9:52 am
I mostly ignore my stats. People can tell whether or not you’re writing for yourself or someone else; always write for yourself first. It’s raw and honest. Don’t let your audience, traffic and all the goofy crap that comes along with blogging to dictate your written voice. It is hard not to fall into the trap of writing for others. Just say what you want to say; people will come back for your voice more so than for your content.
Besides, if you sign off, there goes our Internet girl gang.
stefanierj said,
March 28, 2007 at 12:58 pm
I haven’t looked at my stats in months, and it has been the most freeing thing. I hate to sound like the Fresh Prince’s mom, but if people only want to hear the funny and won’t stick around for the real deal, then are they really the readership you want to cultivate?
As for me and my comments, we are sporadic, but that’s more me-driven than content-driven. But I’m always reading, and when you get into heavy topics, I’m usually the one pumping my fist and holding up a lighter.
Riley said,
April 1, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I actually do aim to be the person in the back trying to entertain people with armpit noises (although I prefer making funny faces), which is why blogging is so fun. It can be many things to many writers. Be whoever you are, say whatever you want. And don’t even look at your stats.
Petroville » Blog Archive » A Perfect Post-March ‘07 said,
April 2, 2007 at 12:01 am
[...] the Year I Obsess awarded The Eleventh Miss Cellania awarded The Frog Bog Sunshine Scribe awarded Little Bald Doctors Owlhaven awarded Our Big Crazy Family Blessed Beyond Measure awarded What’s Up Buttercup? [...]
kgirl said,
April 2, 2007 at 7:24 am
Congratulations on the PP award. This was excellent - inspired and inspiring.
Stephanie Gibson said,
April 2, 2007 at 8:48 am
I love this post. This is my first encounter with your blog, but based on this I can pretty much say, I’d be happy to read whatever you have to share. I just started blogging and have been a little concerned about the narcissism of the whole endeavor. I like the idea of using it as a platform for change. We are mothers and wives and thinkers and people with opinions. Why can’t our blogs reflect that? Wonderful!
lildb said,
April 2, 2007 at 2:36 pm
I read almost every link you provided in this post the first time I read it. I NEVER do that. EVER. it’s just that you inspired me to with this entry.
you earned it.
Lisa said,
April 10, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Excellent post. As a born-again blogger, I find this very inspiring. Write what you want to write. I know it’s encouraging to see sky high stats, but like you said, do you really want them to be in response to poop stories? While I love the wit and humour of many of the mom blogs out there, I more appreciate the intelligent, thought provoking posts that I can relate to, or that make me reflect and question my own opinion on the topic.
Well done, keep it up, definitely worth the read!
Mary said,
April 14, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Beautifully said–and I’m so excited to find your blog. I look at my stats occasionally, but mostly I just write to have somewhere to write. If people read, that’s cool, but sometimes I worry that it’s like they’re reading my diary. Oh well, right? The variety of posts within one person’s blog simply reinforces the truth: that we are complex and amazing and vital.
Keep writing!
Kyla said,
April 14, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Great post. I’m here from the Just Posts. Write what you write because it is important to you…not for the stats. I believe we all can do at least a little good in our own corners of the ’sphere…and there is the potential to do a great amount of good as a group.
kim said,
April 14, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Hopefully your blog will provide a record of a woman that cared about making a difference, but still had to deal with everyday sh*t.