the evolution of blogging
Bloggers new and old, but especially old, read this about how blogging has changed in the past half dozen years, and why. I certainly know that Facebook now fills the void that was once filled by what I considered my particular blogging community. As far as my own responsibility as a blogger goes, I can tick almost all the boxes in the article, especially the ones about laziness, burnout and blogrolling; but as a reader I'd still much rather check in on my favourite blogs than read a Facebook update.
I've found that as blogging has changed, mine has become more about my work and, as a result, the fun and the humour have all but disappeared. I do blame Facebook to some extent, but I mostly blame myself for second-guessing. Awareness of an audience can be a real killer of creativity. Just look at children's art. I remember all those girls at school who became my little art clones because they "wanted to draw like Andrea". As for me, I just wanted to be little and self confident and as good at sports as Penny and Fionna. Blogging moves on but I guess my own evolution has stalled, since I'm laid up with an injured back like the fat guy in the marathon who forgot to train, then keels over with a heart attack. Meanwhile, Fionna is still an elite-level 10k runner. Ouch.
posted by andrea at 7:38 p.m.
9 Comments:
OK...I clicked that link. I read the post. I also noted (this may or may not be significant) that this is heavily weighted to American blogs, particularly socio-political commentaries. Not blogs I choose to read. The operative word here is "choose."
Yes, there have been changes. Mostly good changes. A few questionable changes. Possibly some bloody awful changes.
But for most bloggers and readers the shift is not so much an axial tilt as a change of gear, downward.
The big boys can argue this one all they like, I'll cruise through (in a comfortably lower gear!) my preferred sites (this blog one of my earliest) and continue to make my own choices.
Good link, Andrea and I've no doubt you'll stir things.
I agree with Dinahmow that that link is about the sociopolitical blogs and really has nothing to do with those of us who blog for the fun of it.
My blog is like a journal and has little to do with what is going on in the world as a whole. It's quite self-centred; in fact, it is usually all about me! And I'm okay with that. Although it is often about the mishaps and adventures of the animals in my life as well, just for entertainment value.
So I guess the evolution of blogging all depends on what angle you're using. I much prefer the personal end of things than the rants, raves and musings of the workings of society.
But that's just my opinion! And I like your art, Andrea. One day, when I have some disposable income, I just might buy some! :-)
I like your blog Andrea and I don't particularly like Facebook - I use to keep in touch with my kids!
I'm sorry you have a bad back!
Dinah: Whatever the type of blog, there are some universal truths there. I know my best blogging days are behind me (LONG behind me) even though I fill that supposedly-resilient specialist niche mentioned.
Ponita: Thanks! And I think the personal blog will live on as it's both a place for self-expression and a communication tool. A more elevated Facebook as it were.
Zig: Ha! My kids won't even be my Facebook friend. They want to keep their dirty little secrets a secret I guess. :)
Yeah, maybe. I still vastly prefer the blog world to FB.
Great post and I especially love the piece....
Facebook's boring compared with (good) art blogs! Besides, I reserve Facebook for people I've actually met "in real life", & it's far less pictorial, apart from photos of people.
I don't believe you, how can you say your best blogging days are behind you? Blogging evolves and changes all the time just as our readers change and evolve so for some of us these days may be your best blogging days!
Back pain is hard. When I stand at the easel all day, I feel it in my back. I just got a pillowtop mattress and it's been really helpful.
I haven't succumbed to Facebook yet, although I probably will one of these days. I do like the creativity of blogging though.
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