Thursday, August 29, 2013

On Overload

Okay, so at the risk of becoming the world's biggest hypocrit ever, I've sort of decided to move away from the blogosphere. I feel like a complete hack, having taught many (MANY) "how to blog" classes at conferences and conventions.

I love blogging.

Or at least I used to.

Over the past year, I've fallen more and more out of love with it. I find it so much easier to send a tweet, or update my Facebook status, and I can easily read through my lists and groups to find out what's going on with the people I care about.

I know. That makes me like, the worst blogger ever. I just can't keep up anymore (haven't been able to for a long time), and I've been wondering if blogging is a platform that I'm all overloaded on.

And I think maybe it is.

I've been hesitating from moving away from it -- though, let's face it, I've been emotionally detached for a while now -- because I used to love it so much.

But I also used to love cotton candy. Now I just find it sticky, and messy, and overpriced. I didn't worry about abandoning that sweet for something else I liked. I don't know why this move has taken so long or feels so... I don't know. Painful? Yeah, probably painful.

I will still be here, periodically, as I have things to say and contribute. But really, I'm spending more time on twitter and Facebook. Or writing -- definitely writing.

Have you ever gone through this? Leaving behind something amazing and good, hopefully in the pursuit of something better?

23 comments:

Red Boot Pearl said...

Doing what's important to you is what matters, there's not enough time to do everything. :)

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I've really struggled lately too. I'm working on figuring out what I can offer on my blog and if it is of value, I'll stay with it. But I have to figure that out first.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Better now than when you're really frustrated. Best of luck Elana.

Jennie Bennett said...

Nothing wrong with moving away from blogging. I've had the same thoughts myself, and think blogging is great tool, if you use it right.

Kim Webb Reid said...

You should still teach blogging classes because you know how, even if you don't want to do it anymore. And maybe you can teach a how to use Twitter class because I. do. not. get. it.

Caroline Starr Rose said...

Do what you need to, girlie!

Michelle D. Argyle said...

I got to that point, too, Elana, so I completely understand. That's when I got rid of my old blog and just created an author website with a blog attached to it. Since then, blogging has been a fun thing for me to do whenever I have time. I don't worry about comments or driving in traffic because that's not what it's for now. It's definitely low stress.

Glad you're finding a balance! I don't like cotton candy anymore, either.

ilima said...

I think everyone in the blogosphere is feeling it...the shift to more twitter and FB and quick interactions. I think people don't have a lot of time to read long posts anymore anyhow. Do what's right for you!

Tracey Neithercott said...

Yours was one of the first YA writer blogs I started reading and I've found yours posts so helpful throughout the years. You leaving blogging doesn't erase all of the incredible tips, fun, and personal anecdotes you've passed on to readers via this blog! I think what's most important is you do what makes you happy.

I used to have a health blog, but stopped that when I started getting burned out on it and more serious about my writing. There's nothing wrong with that and people won't hate you! And it's not hypocritical to change your mind, lady. :)

Stasia said...

I hear you, Elana. I SOOOO hear you. Thank you for all you've done here at the blog and don't worry--I'll continue to stalk you on Twitter ;)

Natalie Aguirre said...

You need to do what you need to do. I really think blogging is only satisfying if you're visiting blogs and creating friends. It seems like the only way to keep a following. If you're not into it anymore, don't do it.

I still like blogging because you can say so much more and know if anyone is listening. But I am trying to get a better balance even if it means saying no to posts. And I'm joining Twitter this weekend so will see you there.

Melissa Sarno said...

I've decided there's so little time these days, we should spend the spare time doing what makes us happiest. Do what you need to do Elana! See you on twitter and FB!

Mart Ramirez said...

OMG thank you, thank you, thank you for this! I'm not alone!!!

I've been feeling super guilty and I keep wanting to put up a blog post but I'm buried in edits.

I haven't forgotten about my readers and it's hard to deal w that nagging feeling where you have to post something. I've been wanting to post a 'thank you-thinking of you' post but am buried beneath these edits and because I am determined to get them done, I've been lagging. It's good to see I'm not alone!!

It's so easy to post on FB and Twitter and it requires witty ideas for blog posts. Editing and writing need to come first for me and sometimes it's hard.

Angela Brown said...

You've been at this blogging thing for quite some time. I've noticed that some who've blogged for multiple years are reaching that point where blogging isn't, for them, what it used to be.

And that's okay. We must all do what is right for each of us...that includes you :-)

I'll catch you on the Facebook side :-)

JeffO said...

If you don't love it, if you're not committed to it, better to not do it at all. Take a break, maybe you'll come back to it. We'll miss you, those of us that don't connect via those other methods, but maybe you'll be back.

Or maybe we'll join you over there.

Kelly Polark said...

I think it's important to do what feels right for you. I've blogged way less in the last year or so. Mostly due to lack of time, but also because I can talk to other writers easily on FB and Twitter now. Though I do post occasionally and try and read other blogs once or week or so. I guess I still do love blogland, but just had to cut back...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Do what is right for you.
I can't leave blogging. Too many friends. And with the Insecure Writers Support Group about to hit two years, I'm committed to keeping it going. Plus my last book comes out next month.
Of course, I'm not on Facebook. Only Blogger and Twitter compete for my time.
We each have our own paths. Take yours.

Unknown said...

I made this move a while ago. I changed my blog format to (hopefully) appeal more to readers than to writers. I rarely blog on the how to's of writing, except to include readers in my process. I get the most hits on cover reveals and book blitzes (mine or other authors), than anything else, so it confirms to me that this is the right move. I do the "hanging" out thing on FB and twitter as well. I think it's the way things are going.

Misha Gerrick said...

Sorry to see you leave the bloggosphere, but I do understand what you're saying.

Blogging takes up a lot of time, and if you no longer enjoy it, it's actually stealing time you should be spending on stuff like writing.

Best of luck with whatever you do. :-)

Donna K. Weaver said...

You gotta do what's best for you. I've loved your blog and glad I've been able to be a reader. But other forms of social media rock, too.

I'll look forward to whatever you post here in the future. :D

Unknown said...

Absolutely! I have this love/hate relationship with it all the time. Mostly because I want to be a part of the awesome writing community and blogging always seems to be the best way to do that. I miss you all!

Nichole Giles said...

"Leaving behind something amazing and good in the pursuit of something better" feels like the story of my entire year. Actually, I kind of wish I could slow it all down a little. Or speed it up and get it over with. Something. Anyway, I'm glad you're cutting back to keep writing. Good for you! <3 Hugs.

Mario said...

I've always lacked focus, especially when it comes to reading, but I read your whole article. What a shock! It's just so encompassing that I got involved in your content. I like your many views.
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