First of all, thanks for visiting. We both know there’s lots to read on the web, lots of outstanding and very focused blogs, and all sorts of valuable web content – articles, white papers, case studies, press releases… and let’s not forget good old-fashioned news. So you honor me with your attention.
I’m here to say I’m a little frustrated with blogging. But it’s not what you might expect. I really don’t have expectations of readers being drawn to my ramblings like flies to… well, you know. I don’t even assume that anything I write will even be read. I’m just unhappy that I haven’t yet found a niche, a reason for this blog to exist.
I started this thing late last year, with the confidence that I’d matriculate from stories of my kids and my dog to useful or at least relevant observations that were worthy of your review. I suppose there is evidence of evolution, with some downright entertaining content there for a little while. But while I do like to write, (or as humor writer Carol Band said in a blurb, that I have “a real affinity for words”) it’s hard work.
Going nearly a month without a post, a first for me on this blog, has me in a bit of a panic. Once a full month passes, it doesn’t strike me as a blog anymore. Instead, it’s more like a random postcard, without the interesting photo and “wish you were here” sentiment.
So here, out of frustration, I’ve made my frustration public. I’ve always thought of myself as resourceful and “creative” enough, and the word Creative is even in my business name. But when confidence in a meaningful choice of blog topic eludes me, it’s akin to the mythic blank-sheet-of-paper that has humbled real writers and artists. Fortunately for me that’s never really been a problem in my create-on-demand career. I’ve always been able to conjure an idea that I was able to quickly germinate and spark and quickly fan it into enough of a flame that soon took on its own life. And for that, I feel blessed… truly blessed.
The root of this frustration is me. A theme, nay a real purpose, needs to be developed and built here and I’ve been too lazy to do so. I can say I’ve been distractingly busy lately, which I have… but so what? It’s either getting done or it’s not. Fortunately you don’t notice it as much as me. You have better things to do.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah, what a topic you have introduced. Being a new blogger myself, I’m struggling with these same issues. Do I make my blog informative (because who has time to read for just entertainment)? Do I make sage observations on the state of my business, marketing? Do I make self-involved ramblings about myself, my family, my cat? Or do I just comment on what’s going on around me, in my own voice?
I will have to say that, although I haven’t stopped by regularly (shame on me), I enjoy your posts because I sense that you are sharing the “real you,” and I’m liking your humor. (Think I may just subscribe to your blog feed. Don’t know why I never got around to it.)
I do understand that blank-piece-of-paper thing you talk about. Panic. I don’t have a topic this week. Then I’ll be surfing the net and something will strike me. An article. A piece of news. Another blogger’s post. And I’ll think, I have something to say about that. Not just in a “me too” sort of way, but in my own voice. And I’ll be off.
I would say, if time isn’t getting in the way, continue to blog. Continue through the feeling that only your best friend and your mom might be reading. Through the “I’m just talking to myself” feeling. Through the “I have nothing meaningful to say” days. Your theme will come. Heck, I’m writing a memoir right now and have had two very fine writing instructors tell me that I’ve yet to find my theme and I’ve been working on it for three years!
Thanks for this honest post, Bruce. Bob and I are hosting a biznik event next month on blogging and your post is very relevant to the issues we’ll be addressing.
Judy:
Thanks so much for the words of support (and your kind review)! I gambled that if I complained publicly, using the same terrifying medium, I might find a empathetic soul. I’m absolutely delighted by your concrete advice, which while it amounts to “keep at it,” individually addresses most of my neuroses regarding writing and baring my soul.
Thank you again for the shot of confidence and adrenaline!
bruce coltharts last blog post..What to blog about?
Hmmm…I actually meant to “leave a reply” as opposed to commenting on my own blog, so I could use this cool little plug-in that formats my replies thusly.
Judy; I’ve also taken a bit of “elementary” advice to heart, which I’ve seen published recently, for those new to blogging. I can’t remember where I saw it , but the logic was that to start blogging, one should first visit other blogs and comment profusely, to “warm up.” Taking that advice, I’m warming up right now. But hopefully sharing this “beginner” tactic will also stimulate others suffering from blogger’s block.
bruce coltharts last blog post..What to blog about?
Blogging often feels a bit masturbatory. I mean – why should anyone care? And I guess that’s what the guideline should be. Who will care.
Of course my own lame-o blog is akin to a middle-schooler’s diary.
Carol – don’t your readers want to hear your “voice” and be entertained? I’m hoping one of your reasons for blogging is to share your humor, to interest people in your book, and to keep your conversational writing skills sharp. In other words, it’s good exercise and it’s good marketing!