Is blogging challenging or difficult? Writing as such is not difficult for me. But blogging is not just the process of “writing”; it comes with interaction and commentary. And for me it is rather the psychology than the mechanics of blogging that create challenges for me. None of those challenges are difficult enough to make me give up blogging. But I am conscious of the following factors that determine my general approach to and relationship with blogging.
Blogging is a real hobby for me because I enjoy writing so much (even though I do enough writing every day – it is currently my staple income) and I enjoy interacting with my readers. But I do find it a challenge to balance my blogging activities with my commitments in RL. I have noticed the tendency in me to give precedence to blogging rather than to my RL duties – such as rushing through work because I cannot wait to write a blog post; or rudely reaching for my smartphone to check on incoming comments during a RL conversation with a friend. Finding the balance is hard for me because my blog is “real” to me, as are my readers, whether I have met them in RL or not. This is a problem that only regular bloggers and blog-readers can understand. RL friends and family do not really grasp it – so my desire to blog occasionally meets with incomprehension on their part. The result is, that I feel conflicted.
My blog is a bit of a fantasy world, I suppose. The happy place where I can talk about one of my favourite topics with like-minded people. That is a good thing, of course, but in a some way it may also bring out my weaknesses. There is a certain addictiveness to blogging: I write a post, and I receive feedback. When it is positive, it reinforces my self-esteem (good thing), but there is also this rush I get from receiving comments and likes, which, I suspect, appeals very much to my vanity and creates an overstated sense of importance (bad thing). And then there are the expectations that are created on the back of it. I write – I want/deserve/expect comments. Scribo – ergo (optima) sum?
I am quite deliberately staying away from daily blogging because I am aware of the temptation that blogging provides. Yes, I do want to be read, and yes, I do want to receive comments and interact. But it has to stay in proportion with my RL in order to keep my ego from growing out of proportion 😀 Blogging is my recreational drug. It is best taken in moderation.
Do *you* feel blogging is a temptation? An escape? A “vanity enabler”? And how about you, commentators? Does receiving replies to your comments give you a similar rush?
Guylty Pleasure 
Commenting is MY drug and I LOVE to provoke replies! No, I’m not a troll 😉
I think I’m better in reacting than in acting and therefore it’s perfect for me to comment nearly EVERYTHING 😀
And yes, sometimes it’s hard to resist checking the iPhone for new re-replies.
You see, same problems 🙂
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And thank cod for provocateurs like you 🙂
Seriously, I am grateful for people who prefer reacting to acting – it means there is an audience for a blog. Hope you’ll continue to find things here that inspire you to comment.
Hehe, long live the iPhonesEx 😉
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I started out with a daily post and it soon became too much for me to balance with the rest of my life, so I dropped down to thrice weekly. I love blogging, and the comments are the best part, but I am conflicted because I think it’s draining off the mojo that I would otherwise give to my fiction… I haven’t written a full story since I started blogging in earnest, because my free time is very limited.
Great photo BTW. I am fond of a cigar myself 🙂
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Oh, I know very few women who like to smoke cigars… Even though I smoke, I have never tried a cigar. (And this was a model, not myself…)
Daily blogging is quite a commitment. And I can see how it would drain your own resources if you did that. Also, I sometimes think that keeping posts scarce means that readers are still gagging for them 😉
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The LSH taught me how to smoke cigars–I who do NOT smoke! It gave me good material for one of my stories 🙂 But I only enjoy them once in a blue moon…
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I’ve tried once. Big mistake – I tried to inhale. Never again 😉
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The not inhaling part is why I like it!
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Hm i feel what you feel 🙂 I think the good thing RL is demanding enough in ongoing ways to prevent us from dropping off it into blogging all too much, and we need RL for inspiration, don’t we? It’s a lovely hobby and part of the enchantment is indeed the interaction 🙂 What i find is because i love reading other people time flies and i don’t get round to writing my own stuff :-p But it is a bit addictive, i grab the phone often myself but thankfully i leave it down at lot too as i simply can’t read well on the move without getting dizzy and i have a strict rule to not touch it during conversations unless as a group we want to know something that is online. But i love the ‘so this is what happened/this is what i think about something/this is what i came across..’ and the exchange that follows. It is the interaction and the flow across miles and miles and miles that is so wonderful 🙂
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The interaction is what makes it addictive. Let’s face it – I could write my stuff as a diary and just keep it to myself. But I’d get bored pretty quickly. Knowing that someone reads, makes me write better, more interesting, funnier. And that is good. But yes, I am working very hard on maintaining a healthy balance. I usually blog when I am alone – I try to be present with my family when they are home. They do come first…
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also, i have to read the book but i already get the feeling this will probably be one of the characters closest to my heart…
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Mixed up response?
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LOL, sorry , i was answering to S about the photo of Chop which i like so much and was gushing about how nice it would be to snuggle to somebody who dresses as comfortable as he looks in this pic. And i sort of already have a sweet spot for the character 🙂
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Wie trocken und nüchtern hättest du die Psychologie denn gerne? 😀
Der Mensch strebt nach Lustgewinn. Wenn du jemandem die freie Wahl zwischen zwei Dingen lässt, wird er diejenige nehmen, die ihm den größen Lustgewinn verspricht: Richarding statt Nachrichtensendung, Spiel statt Anstrengung, Bloggen statt Arbeit.
Völlig normal, ganz ohne Eitelkeit erklärbar. 😉
Was den Lustgewinn beim Bloggen und Kommentieren angeht: Wenn man sich schon die Mühe 😉 macht, die eigene Meinung zu formulieren, ist jede positive Reaktion angenehm. (Positiv heißt hier: Alles von Zur-Kenntnis-Genommen bis zu Begeisterungsstürmen.) Klar möchte man das, und ebenso klar ist es, dass man das gerne in die Länge ziehen will. Ich gucke z.B. immer, wenn ich irgendwo kommentiert habe, ob was zurückkommt, und fast immer juckt es mich in den Fingern, darauf wiederum zu reagieren. Ich verzichte allerdings meistens drauf, weil … tja, eben, RL und Prioritäten und andere Hobbys und so.
So ein bisschen Realitätssinn muss halt auch sein … Mist aber auch! 😀
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Du hast das alles sehr schön (und in meinem Sinne) formuliert. Sicher, genauso würde ich es auch sagen. Dennoch denke ich, dass man bei allem Lustgewinn auch im Blick behalten muss, dass das *Hobby* eben nur die Maraschino Kirsche oben drauf und nicht der große Kuchen des Lebens ist. Jedenfalls für mich.
Und übrigens finde ich es nur fair, dass man Kommentare als Blogger auch mit mehr als nur Kenntnisnahme honoriert, sondern etwas zurückgibt, wenn sich jemand die Mühe macht, eine Reaktion zu formulieren. Macht man im mündlichen Gespräch ja auch.
Danke für den gesunden Realismus. Passt!
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Eben: Der große Kuchen des Lebens ist der Punkt, wo der Realitätssinn zuschlägt. Menschen sind ja keine rein triebgesteuerten Wesen (also … nicht immer … 😛 ), sondern fähig, dem größeren Lustgewinn in der Zukunft (z.B. weiterhin funktionierendes Familienleben) Priorität gegenüber dem kleinen sofortigen Lustgewinn einzuräumen.
“Kenntnisnahme” meinte ich, glaube ich, so, wie es du wohl auch meinst: Kurzes Ansprechen, mehr als ein “Like”, weniger als eine Diskussion. Manchmal hat man ja auch wirklich nicht mehr dazu zu sagen. (Und wenn man mehr zu sagen hat, bleibt’s eh nicht bei der Kenntnisnahme.)
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Kleiner Lustgewinn vs großer. Optimal wäre es, wenn sich das überschneiden würde…
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Hmmm, ich weiß nicht. Wäre doch ein bisschen bedenklich, wenn Mr. Guylty fröhlich von RA schwärmen würde, oder? 😀
Im Ernst, die eierlegende Wollmilchsau gibt’s nicht, und das Leben besteht aus Kompromissen. Ich habe bei dir (ohne dich wirklich zu kennen, nur von dem, was und wie du schreibst) den Eindruck, dass du die Balance ganz gut hinkriegst. Wenn das dauerhaft nicht (mehr) der Fall ist, muss ein neuer Kompromiss gefunden werden. Es ist nicht immer leicht, Hobby, Arbeit und Familie/Haushalt unter einen Hut zu kriegen, aber das heißt nicht, dass frau stillschweigend leidend sich aufopfern muss. Es ist *nicht* egoistisch, Freiräume einzufordern. ❤
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Och, ich hatte mir das mit der Überlappung etwas anders vorgestellt…
Spaß beiseite – nein, natürlich braucht man eigene Freiräume. Jeder wohl ganz individuell. Und ja – das klappt bei mir eigentlich ganz gut, aber auch nur, weil ich der “Versuchung” widerstehe 😀
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Einen Blog zu schreiben ohne die Rückmeldungen der Leser wäre wahrscheinlich furchtbar langweilig und frustrierend. Stell Dir vor Du stehst vor dem Auditorium, wirfst eine Frage oder Feststellung in den Raum und nichts kommt zurück? Wie grässlich! Bloggen ist ja nichts anderes. Man gibt immer ein bisschen von sich selbst preis und ist dann natürlich gespannt auf die Reaktionen der Leser.
Und die Maraschinokirsche ist nicht nur auf dem Kuchen, sie wandert auch in den Kuchen und verwurzelt sich, wird ein Teil des realen Lebens. Nicht mit allen Themen, über die Du bloggst aber die Auswirkungen vernetzen sich mit dem realen Leben. Die emails, Besuche, der Austausch über Dinge die gar nichts mehr mit RA zu tun haben. Selbst wenn Monsignore sich urplötzlich aus dem Schauspielerleben zurückziehen sollte (rein theoretisch, wollen wir ja nicht hoffen!) würde Etwas bleiben was Bestand hat 🙂
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Jou, ohne Publikum ist ein Blog irgendwie uninteressant. Das ist eine Interdependenz, die notwendig ist – weil es sonst einfach überhaupt keinen Sinn hat, sich mit einem kreativen Werk öffentlich zu exponieren. Ohne Theater kein Publikum, ohne Publikum kein Theater. Und beim Bloggen sind für mich sehr schnell die Grenzen zwischen RL und VL verwischt – eben weil die Kommentare persönlich sind und man die Kommentatoren auch persönlich kennenlernt.
Ha, “Monsignore”… LOL. Höhö, rein theoretisch könnte der sich jetzt zur Ruhe setzen, und wir wären trotzdem fein raus, schließlich haben wir doch die virtuellen Freundschaften schon längst ins reale Leben überführt. Ich sag ja immer wieder, dass ich ihm dafür ewig dankbar und gewogen bleiben werde. *mwah mwah to Richard-y baby*
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I almost feel obligated to comment on the blogs I read (pitiful number, I must admit). If someone took the time to write something, it seems the least I can do as a reader is comment, even if I have nothing substantive to add, which is most often the case. The exception would be a controversial post where I keep quiet because I don’t want to step into a possible quagmire. But I feel quilty for not weighing in on some topics out of fear of flaming. Of course, not here. Flower crowns and shrines are happy things. I do check if my comment (or poetry) received a response because I love the interaction with people. And one thing I will never forget, sitting with you, and others outside of the cafe in London, waiting for the “Richard speaks” event, and introducing myself to someone who had come up to our table. And she said “You are Kathy Jones?!” with great enthusiasm. That was amazing to me. I was happy to bask in your reflected glory, Guylty; it was a very warm place.
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Hey – no obligation please. I will admit that I am a total mimosa when it comes to criticism, but I totally believe that it is fine not to comment each and every post that I read. (Well, most of the time I do, anyway, because what I read is interesting.) Anyhow, there is no obligation to comment on every single of my posts in order to keep *me* happy.
I am familiar with the sort of self-censorship you describe. Particularly in recent weeks/months I have been feeling like that. I used to be much more open about criticism. That is gone. In part a reaction to the unrest that has developed within the fandom, but also a reaction to my own development as a fan. As I am getting more and more settled (and used to the idea of being a “fan”), I feel less need to discuss *all* of the things Mr A says and does. My centre of attention has probably widened and he is not the sole focus anymore, too…
Anyhow, I feel similarly to you in the sense that I also think there is an obligation to respond to comments, to give back acknowledgment to the commentators, and to actually start a little interchange. Without that, we would never have made the step into RL and met up in London. The incident you describe, was simply wonderful. I confess, it was a bit of a thrill to meet people completely unknown to me who said “Oh, *you* are Guylty?! I love reading your blog”.
Eh, “reflected glory” – I don’t think you need any of that Kathy! You shine on your own accord!!! x
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AGREE!!!
No second-hand glory is necessary for a funny and witty commentator and poet. 🙂
Seriously, Kathy, there’s a lot of commentators around but your name was one of the first to be familiar for me. Meaning: A name I remembered. That means something.
Oh, and …
Well: Yes. it’s a burden. 😀
Sorry.
But I’m sure you’ll survive.
I hope. 😛
PS. *Really* serious: I wasn’t joking. You’ve really made yourself an name as a funny and witty person in the RA-Universe.
Sorry to tell you. – Live with it. 😛
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Glad you are backing me up with this, Hedgy! Kathy rocks!
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Indeed! She does! 🙂
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Thank you Hedgy. What nice things to say. I will work on learning to live with being a funny and witty person in the RA Universe. I am practicing every day, and with time and effort, eventually I will accept my fate as the comic relief of commentating.
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You are too kind and modest. While basking in your reflected glow, I received a third degree sunburn. You should come with a warning, exposure to Guylty without suncreen can be hazardous. Apply SPF 50 liberally and often.
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LOL – this could go on endlessly now, throwing the compliments back and forth. Let’s just say it was a wonderful day with many good encounters!
Ha, that has just given me an idea. I am going to listen to the recording of the Old Vic conversation…
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I hear ya on the blog being a bit of a fantasy place. Mine is that for me as well. And yes, the interaction with readers really is very nice, just even a like on a post… I’m not quite as addicted to blogging as you (yet?) and RL does keep me busy too, plus sometimes I need to indulge in other things (like binge-watching Call the Midwife) and then the blog goes into secondary mode as well. Now I’ve taken the plunge into blogging I am really loving it and interacting and reacting as well although I am not consistent in that I can react or read every day. Some days I can, some I can’t. Daily blogging… I couldn’t do it for any longer period of time. Unless it were my job, of course…
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Hehe, yes, I am a serial blogger which may indicate that I am indeed addicted. (This is my tenth blog, actually…) Although – one never knows what may happen. Not that I am going to fall out of love with Mr A and his fandom any time soon, but I have work changes coming up, and that may impact my blogging.
Your current practice sounds pretty practical and logical to me. And I am the first to warn anyone about jumping into daily blogging. I certainly couldn’t do it myself, and I really do not want to, either. It’s important not to put expectations and pressure on oneself – a daily post would make blogging a chore, for me. I prefer surprising the readers with a post – and being surprised by other bloggers by their posts.
Blogging as a job – I’ve done that. I have had several blogs which I was paid for writing. It was exciting for a long time but then also became a chore. I was relieved when the blogs were eventually cancelled…
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I dunno. I can only encourage you to consider that your wants and needs *are* important.
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Thanks for that reinforcement. And no worries – I am getting what I need out of this, even including the sort of “harnessing of my need for glory”. I may be a bit of a masochist, chastising myself for my “vanity”. But it almost makes me feel good to be able to control my weaknesses… So, all good on my part. And absolutely no comment implied on other people’s approaches and needs.
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I don’t blog, but I love to read blogs. The ones I like to read mainly belong to the commentators here or were/are given to me via a link. I comment the most here and usually keep it short. I agree with Kathy in that I believe if someone has taken the time to write and share with their reader then the least I can do is offer some acknowledgement or appreciation for their effort, especially if I’m a frequent reader. I am reserved by nature and don’t like to draw attention so although I love to read blogs and other people’s comments I am quite reticent in making my own for fear of being too visible, of being misinterpreted, getting in over my head or by taking up space with an unimaginative or pointless response. So a bit lazy and a bit cowardly I am! I admire those who blog and who give me so much entertainment and food for thought. I spend a fair bit of time in front of my computer but once it’s off, it’s off. I have a land-line phone and a mobile phone which can get internet but I purposely never use it for that and I’m in no way addicted to it, it too is off unless I’m going out. I do get a little buzz if someone responds to a comment I’ve made and if I blogged I think I’d want my mobile phone on internet for sure ;o) xx
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Kudos to you for being able to resist mobile internet 😉 . I am living in symbiosis with my iPhone. (Yeah, I claim I need it for work, but really, I use it for checking blog reponses 😉 )
I have to say that I feel very much blessed to have an audience like you – readers who enjoy commenting and interacting. That’s what makes it so worth-while and so fun and so interesting.
I don’t think you are cowardly or lazy at all. One should always pick one’s battles carefully – and since all of this is meant to be a feel-good activity for you, it is perfectly fine to stay away from controversy and focus on positive interaction. That doesn’t mean it is wrong to engage in controversial discussion, but it always depends on one’s own personality and needs. I, for one, am very glad to have so many readers and commentators who seem to have a similar (sunny) disposition as myself.
Hehe, I hope this response to your comment made you buzz 😉 xx
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Yep, I’m currently gently buzzing ;o)
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*giggles* Good. That was intended!
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