Predictable Crises in a Blogger's Life
A fellow blogger is contemplating giving up blogging. The reason appears to be mainly a nagging feeling of not being read, and/or because they are simply repeating themself. Blogging can feel like writing into a void. But that can actually be freeing because then you can post something silly and off-the-wall.
I found his complaint about repeating himself a truism. I repeat myself. I repeat myself. (See, I just did.) There's only so much we can say, and we bring out our bag of personal insights that we've gathered over the years and air them and then...re-air them...and re-air...
I think the reason to blog is for the love of it. Before blogging, my writing consisted mostly of trip logs, diaristic entries and wisecracking emails to co-workers. I suppose that is the "core competency" of this blog (unlike Crystal's). Perhaps it's best to write what we would write if no one was watching.
Part of the warmth of the particular blogowner who is thinking of leaving is simply knowing that he or she is there and posting. It's like how the Pope says that sometimes just one's presence makes the difference quite apart from what you do or say. Sometimes I get a feeling of "all's right with the world" when a blogger I like posts, whether or not I find that post all that interesting.
It might also be interesting to consider what characteristics allow a blog to "wear well" over time, and whether personality plays a role. Perhaps it's an idiosyncratic thing. Or maybe it depends on style, or simply whether they post a high percentage of posts you like.
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