I haven't taken a break from blogging since this past November and I have decided to take one now. As you may have noticed I post everyday. I love blogging so it is very enjoyable for me to do so but it is also a lot of work.I take a lot of pride in my blog. I try to make sure that my posts are honest, well thought out and factual. I spend a good amount of time researching for my posts. I really feel as bloggers we have a responsibility to try to get the facts in our posts right.
I also spend a lot of time finding photos for my posts and for the "A Beautiful Picture" posts. It takes a lot time tracking down photos. I am really picky about the photos I select so I have been known to spend an hour searching for just one photo.
My music posts have become a joy for me. I love music and I love sharing music with all of you. Posting music has become a pillar of my blog. But as with most things associated with blogging, finding music takes a lot of time too. I generally post music that I have forgotten about. I guess you may be wondering how I find music that I have forgotten about? Well it's possible but not easy. Once again it requires a lot of researching. I spend a lot of time stumbling around the internet for songs and then try to find them on YouTube. But it's worth it! I love finding a song I haven't heard in a really long time and then sharing it with all of you.
Anyway my point is I spend many hours in front of my pc working on different aspects of my blog. I enjoy every moment of it but I need to take a little break. I just want to relax for a few days and read and comment on all of your blogs and there are a lot of blog archives I want to check out.
And since we are having this little conversation about my blog; I want to let you all know how much I love and appreciate your taking the time to comment on my blog. To me blogging is 50% posting and 50% about the comments. So thank you!
I'm not sure exactly how long of a break I'm going to take. I am totally addicted to blogging so I'm not sure how long I can stand to be away from my blog! I'm going to try though! So I will be back to posting in a few days, more than likely before the week is out.
I'll see you in the comments section of your blogs!
How do you deal with blogger burnout?
33 comments:
Since I'm new to Blogging Mes, I haven'tt burnt out as yet. At first it was infectious to post more than read then it went to read more than post rather quickly once I found yours and JJ's sites. Somewhere along the way, I only wanted to read stuff that truly interests, entertains and educates me. It's nice to have some fun, humor and other emotions as well. I love reading even if it is eclectic like mine whether I agree or not with whatever is presented. As long as I can feel the intention of the writer, I'm cool. Some Blogs have turned me off due to content and/or readers/posters and I've learned how to weed them out.
Now, website designing... oh I know that burnt out all too well. I've maintained a site on "celebrity men" for over 10 years. I feel so good now that I emphasize less on them and more on me. I'm soooooooooo honored to have met as many people, celebrated and not, across the globe, online and off. But eventually after 6 years straight of it, it took it's toll, no doubt. Now, I try to post and let everyone else work on "their artist/performer".
Not so in a Blog where it depends on you. It's YOUR Blog and the research you do or do not want to do for it is totally decided by you, not a time, not a person, not a music need... nothing. It's whatever, whenever, however.
So take as long as YOU need Mes. I know everyone here, like me, will miss you BUT, we all will understand. We all need breaks in all that we do in every facet of life. I'm glad you recognized it and want to share that part of you too.
See ya when I see ya lady!!
(Ahhhhhhhh, now I can raid YouTube while she's gone. AHAHAHAHHA)
I'm not surprised you fancy a little break, MDC, I don't know how you get the energy to produce so many posts! And as you say, they do seem very honest and well-thought-out which is why I enjoy reading them. I deliberately limit myself to a couple of blogs a week because any more would just be exhausting, not to mention taking over my life. And yes, I also love reading all the perceptive comments people leave - they often change my opinions completely.
hi mdc,
from time to time i notice that for me the pressure rises to post something really good and useful and stylish and full of humor, etc.,etc. on my blog - and then i can't come up with anything...
in these cases i try to remind myself that i actually started blogging for me and myself in the first place and the readers are only second (sorry guys...laughs). that usually reduces the pressure and the high expectations i put on myself...
if that doesn't help i go reading other blogs on random just by clicking on the 'next'-button... that brings me back to want i care and want to write about...
I'm addicted to blogging. Two days or so is usually all the break I need. I think of something and I get excited all over again.
My longest break was six days I think. Enjoy your break, you deserve it. You run a wonderfully inspiring blog.
MDC, I more than understand. So often I take a break and rush over to your blog to see what's new and believe me, there's always something new. I simply don't know how you do it, but you do an incredible job and provide such comprehensive information and yes, you do deserve some down time.
For myself, I try not to feel pressured to write. I need to feel compelled. If I have nothing to say for a few days or if I'm just too busy to take the time necessary to really gather my thoughts and get communicate them in most truthful and accessible manner, then I wait until I feel like I can do a good job.
I haven't reached burnout stage yet... when I get there, I'll let you know.
Enjoy your break!
Nooooooooooo!
I understand where you're coming from, Mes. Every now and then I too have to pattern myself or I will go through Blog Depression. In fact, I once wrote a post about it that still sits in my draft.
Anyways, I usually will go about 1 or 2 days during the week where I step away from blogging so much. And go back to reading alot. That usually refreshes me.
I'll be here, we'll be here upon your return. I agree your blog is very professional and thorough. One of the best blogs I'm associated with. So I have nothing but respect for your hard work.
And of course I love the music as well.
I certainly understand your need for a break. I always wonder how you do it! I can't even make the time to post on my blogs regularly - and you do multiple wonderful posts a day.
Don't stay away too long. This is one of my favorite blogs and I will miss your interesting and insightful posts.
thats a nice set up, u better than me, i just write what comes out of my head, onlyv takes about 5 or 6 minutes. I just hate lookingv for links to embellish it. i will see u when u return
I totally understand how you feel. I too feel slightly overwhelmed with my blog at times although I enjoy blogging 100%!!
I've thought about taking a break myself for like a day or two since I post rather frequently (5 days a week/1 being all celebrity photos).
We all need a break at some time. Just know that we'll all be here waiting for you when you return!! :-)
In another lifetime, I used to blog every damn day, and that would waste me to no end. I spend maybe an hour or so (maybe longer) writing one post, so it's important for me to take my breaks. For this go-round, I decided that it was best that I schedule myself because if I don't, then I'll lose my mind. Scheduling my posts gives me not only something to look forward to, but also gives me a break in case something should occur, like a meet-up or an emergency.
In other words, take a break or two: your readers might not like it but it's in your best interest.
MDC
Sometimes a break is necessary. You'll be more refreshed when you come back.
Your blog is part of my daily routine. You deserve the time off. I decided to take 2-3 days every other month to refresh, read other blogs, check in with the world and gather more material.
That works for me. Also, thanks for mentioning my blog. :-)
Enjoy the break. I will be going into MDC withdrawal while you are gone though. LOL. I will also be waiting on the edge for my favorite blog to return.
Don't worry, there is so much on your site for any reader to catch up on, they shouldn't be worried about new stuff.
Get some rest!!!!!
I can definitely see the need for a break. I can't even keep up with all of your posts! I try to read most of them, but I do try and visit a lot of other blogs too. I was wondering how you were doing it all!
I tend to not get too burned out, because I don't post everyday. Some posts are short, but even those I sometimes spend a lot of time on. I do 99.9% of all my own photography, and the cooking and finding recipes, then writing up a post takes a great deal of time.
When I did NaBloPoMo, I realized that there was no way I could post everyday unless it was a paying gig.
MDC,
i truly identify with you. this is my third blog...the previous 2 were abandoned because they took over everything. i put a lot of pressure on myself to make it perfect and it spiraled out of control. this one is better because there is no real focus. it is just about what makes me feel pretty, or what needs some "figurative prettiness" sprinkled on it. blog breaks are understandable...REST UP!
I love coming here because of how informative and thorough you are, so enjoy your break; it's well deserved. This will give me a chance to spend more time roaming through your archives.
Take a blog break! I learned that it is important!
MDC --> I went through a period like you're feelin' right now. Quite honestly, I created some things to help me.
* I have option to take a break on Wednesday with the Wordless Wednesday meme.
* My observation about my blog traffic is that it drops off quite abit on Saturday and Sunday. So my new habit is to post a sponsored post on Saturday. That brings in about $20 for each post ... which helps to cover some of the expenses of this hobby.
* I can use Manic Monday meme on Mondays. The guy who runs it gives a word so it reduces the pressure on me to create a new blog.
* Like you with your music or photo series ... I have the Alkebulan Journey series. I still need to do the research for each country ... but, I have a pattern and it's a bit less pressure.
* Finally, I have the Black Blog Rankings which covers at least one day of the month. Plus I've decided to feature every 100th blogger (800th or 900th or so on) that is added to the BBR.
Anyhow, you're doing the
Good advice Villager. I find myself doing more themes. Like posting movie clips and songs that mean something to me. It also allows people to get to know me a bit. And I started posting quiz questions.
Sometimes I'll just do a post about an interesting person. Those I can stock up on because they aren't time sensitive.
MDC, you will be missed! I enjoy your blog and the comments! Enjoy your break.
How I deal w/blogger burn out: I don't blog on wkends (fri & Sat)so that helps. But I still feel frustrated if there's something I want to say, but can't quite say it right.
MDC,
I feel u. Blogging is not easy. I find it hard to post everyday because I usully write when I'm inspired. I also try my hardest not to be like everyone else and repeat what everyone else in the blogosphere is saying. So, take ur break and enjoy it. We'll be here when u get back.
I know exactly what you mean, Ive had to step back for a little while my self.
Well, I guess this is Day One of the Blog Fast.
You take your break, Mes Deux.
You deserve it. It has always been apparent to me, the effort you put into your blogging. This is one reason is why I appreciate your blog and find value here.
We'll miss you, doll; but you do you.
We'll meet again, when we both return.
LOL
MDC: Your time off is truly deserved. I see the passion in your writing, in your words, in your commitment to your blog and I give you great kudos for that. I can completely appreciate when someone puts time and effort into something that matters to them...so enjoy your vacation...make it as long or as short as you need!
Hey MD, when i was burnt out i took a two year break. *shrugs* you gotta take care of you! we'll miss you.
e.
About 2 or 3 years ago, I got addicted. I would do it every day. I eventually got too involved and, like you said, became addicted.
I actually deleted my initial blog I had for blogger. I just began focusing on things that were more "important" (school, graduating, etc).
Now, I try not to become too involved in it. My job as a reporter, which involves sitting at a computer all day, actually helps because I'm usually wiped out by the end of the day.
I also try not to blog during the weekends. I use that time to thoroughly relax and get away from anything that may get me riled up.
I don't have burnout, but I was getting a little concerned that my social life was dwindling down a bit because of my new blog.
So I've decided not to hold myself to posting every single day (although I really, really want to).
I love this blog, and also CharacterCorner for the same reason -- they can be counted on to add a little positivity in my morning.
Thank you for everything. Take as much time to rest as you need, we'll still be here when you return.
Since I am still fairly new I am traveling the blogosphere just trying to learn tips and tricks from others! I havn't reached the burn out stages yet (and I hope not to). But occasionally when I feel overwhelmed I just don't post.
This is a hobby and not a job, when people start paying me to write stuff than that will be different but for now, it is all about me!
Get restored, see you when you return!
Peace & Love!
Take a break. Eventually you will read or hear about something that will send you running for the keyboard.
Hope you're enjoying your break, MDC.
Day Two of the drought. LOL.
Post a Comment