My friend Judith recently asked "when does
blogging turn into slogging?" Not yet, I'm happy to report. But it is summer, and some of my fellow bloggers are taking "sabbaticals," turning off their computers for a few weeks, and recharging their batteries. They leave apologetic notes explaining their absence, which is a testament to how seriously they take their blogging "job" which for most of us is an after-hours labor of love, not a paying gig. Still, stepping away from the computer and the internet is a big deal for a serious blogger. It's the mental equivalent of vacationing on a remote beach like this one. (photo courtesy of Ian Britton, FreeFoto.com)Personally, I think this summer trend of blog breaks is great news, even though I miss getting updates from my favorite writers. But even bloggers need vacations, and we should all be getting more down time in this stressful world. So if you don't find a new blog post every day from your favorite bloggers, don't lose faith in them. They just need a rest. And wouldn't you rather they took a few days off than stop blogging entirely? I know I would. So here's a toast to Jeff at Good Grape, John G at Quaffability, and all the other bloggers who are taking some time for themselves.
We can't wait until your back.
13 comments:
I understand the feeling and wrestle with it myself, since I both read lots of blogs and write my own. There's always a sense of disappointment to keep clicking back and never see any updates, though I really do get it. At the same time, I sometimes feel the sense of dread that there isn't anything new on my shelves to drink! And, I've been having a hard time keeping up with it on a daily basis with the move, the new job, and now a new dog. Not only have we had to reduce consumption as we work into the late hours doing home improvement stuff, but then I need to find time to actually write the posts. A simple task at my last gig, but this new one keeps me on my toes and going all day! Stuggling to find a good balance as we speak.
Thanks, Deb, for my 15 seconds of fame. Whatever you publish whenever, I'll be happy to read it. XX, Judith
You are soooo correct. There are days when I am in the same spot. I look at the wine rack and all that is left is a heavy Cabernet or Zin and it's 92 degrees outside. Since I feel a responsibility to my blogging wine community, I jump in the car and head to the store for a bottle that I can have that evening and talk about the next day. I feel that if I do not blog, I am missing out on something - like being a kid and invited to a birthday party but for some reason could not go. Are the people at the party having fun and I am missing out! But I do think a break from whatever you do day in and day out is a good thing. We bloggers spend hours on our blogs and sometimes if you take a break you get a new perspective on your subject. Then you look forward to coming back with new energy and fresh ideas! OK, I'll stop now.
I had blog exhaustion 2 weeks ago, but it's winter here and I really couldn't justify time out. What I did was spend 2 days massively at work and I posted 2/3 of my posts ahead of time. I still have enough posts to do so if anything cool comes up (as happens) it gets its fun moment. And I get more playtime.
So drink the wine you want to drink at the exact moment it will give you most enjoyment and write notes about it, then save the notes for the moment you need them.
I think it is a good idea to step away for a week or so from the computer. I have done my share and will continue. What I discovered about myself is while I am taking a road trip or just sitting on the back deck hiding from phones and email, I become inspired with new blogs and look forward to coming back.
Yeah, I have a day job, but I do think it is important to let your readers know that you are taking a break and some idea of our return. Afterall, they (our readers) are the reason why we write.
Last week when I couldn't write my big post, my fingers were itching for the keyboard. Then again, there are days at a time, when I'd like to flush that weekday post quota and just drink wine and enjoy it. No camera, no notes.
It hasn't turned into a slog yet, but I find it refreshing to take time off and view other blogs, new sites, and comment. Alternating waves of writing and commenting - that's what keeps it from being a slog for me, for now...
It's an interesting problem. I love building a blog post... My love of wine may even be surpassed by my love of photography and words. But I am running a business - and there are many families that are depending on its success. Somewhere in there is a balance...
It is amazing that you've posted this now...as next week I'm planning a "no wine week" over at LENNDEVOURS.
In addition to the blog, I have samples backing up for all of my NY print writing...and there are times when one of two things happen:
1. I just don't want to drink wine at all. Yes, it's true.
2. I want to JUST drink wine...meaning no taking notes, no blogging about it. I just want to drink for pure pleasure without any of the work involved!
I just stumbled upon this great video of the Nantucket Wine Festival. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
http://nantucket.plumtv.com/videos/wine_festival_2007_highlights
Great comments, everybody! Having just returned from the UK, and recovering from an 11 hour flight and a cold, so it's good to know that I'm not alone. It's nice to remember that it's ok to stop and smell the roses once in a while, as well as the wine!
Was that smell the roses or roses'?
I am like Lenn when it comes to wine --- there can be several days and even over 7-10 days where I don't care to have any wine and then in one evening things can change with the right bottle. ;-)
Catie, didn't catch that! I meant the flowers, but maybe the wines were subliminally in there, too!
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