I was reading Amber's post a few weeks ago and couldn't help but realize the pressure we bloggers live under simply because we choose to share our lives and thoughts with the world. And while this pressure brings us to edited, proofread, pin-worthy posts, it's not necessarily a pressure we want all the time.
The pressure I'm referring to is the pressure to post photos and write posts that are perfectly written and photographed, or I like to say, blogworthy.
I know this has been blogged about and then blogged about some more, but I feel like it still has to be talked about because it's still an issue in the blogworld--or it is for me, at least.
You may not have realized this, but I don't post a ton of photos of myself on the blog. Part of it is because I tend to be stuck behind the camera and the other part is because I worry that what I'm wearing on a day-to-day basis (especially in the summertime heat when all I wear are athletic running shorts + boyfriend tees) isn't nearly as blogworthy or interesting as what the other fashion bloggers wear.
I also second-guess a lot of my posts because I worry that no one will read or comment on them. And I worry that my posts will have tons of typos or run-on sentences (which they do, so there's that). And then I over-think the fact that I post too many still-life photos, have too many blog series, and write too many words, too.
I don't know if I'm alone, but I put a lot of thought into my blog and whether or not what I'm sharing is worthy of being shared about.
But at some point during my blog-writing process, I stop myself in my tracks because this is MY blog. And it shouldn't matter what I post about (within reason, of course) because it's my blog and it's my space, my online diary. I cannot compare my blog with someone else's because my blog is it's own place and it's a reflection on who I am. I love wearing tees and I love taking photos of flowers and writing posts on singleness. And it's not a bad thing, it's just a part of me.
So here's to being honest, transparent, and real--blogworthy post or not.
And here's when I turn the tables and let you respond. Do you ever fall into the blogworthy blogger trap? How do you get out of it or avoid it? Do you believe in balancing your blog content between what's real and what's pin-worthy? How do you avoid the comparison trap?
I've decided that I'm going to post the things I want to... because I don't want clicks... I want people who love reading or looking at my photos. If that means a loss of followers, so be it. But I feel like I should write that out and post it to the top of my computer so I remember it each day! Ha!
ReplyDeleteOh, cliques. I thought once high school was over that they'd be long gone from my life but I so get what you mean! As bloggers, I think it's important that we're passionate about what we write and share and that we can't compromise ourselves and who we're created to be just to have more followers.
DeleteAnd yes, I need to remind myself of that each time I post something, too! I think it just needs to be tattooed on my laptop so I can read it, haha. :)
It's pretty much impossible to not worry on some level that we won't get comments or views on a certain post, but I like to consider that in the future, I really don't care how many comments a post did or didn't get.... All I need to know is, is this something I want to remember? If it's noteworthy for me, then I want to blog about it. Also, people who wear running shorts and t-shirts all summer long are the best kind of people :)
ReplyDeleteSo true, so true. And that one question that you ask yourself is a brilliant one! I've never really thought about the future in terms of my blog posts but I think that it's a great way to really keep myself true to my words.
DeleteAnd it's good to hear that you approve of my outfits because I'm wearing that exact outfit as I type this up! :)
I always try to remember why I started my blog- At the time, I had moved away from most of my friends and family and I wanted to keep them updated. I also wanted to use it as a way to look back on that time in my life and remember certain things. I try to keep MY blog for ME first- and then include my friends and family to enjoy it with me.
ReplyDeleteYes! I think it's easy for me to think it's a selfish point of view to keep the blog about me but it's true if we want our blogs to be an honest reflection of ourselves! :)
Deleteyou are right that every blog is so unique - on a unique journey just like the girl behind the blog! so comparison really isn't even applicable! :)
ReplyDeletei agree with Amanda, that there is always that thought in the back of your mind "will anyone read this? or comment?" and i think that's just natural because anyone in the whole world could read the post.... but i also think about it as you & her do... it's my blog & if i want to remember it then i will blog about it.
i love your thoughts :) the blog world is such a struggle/weird place sometimes!
Exactly! Every blog is most definitely unique and it's because the bloggers are unique that blogs are unique (haha, hopefully that makes sense!).
DeleteAnd I'm glad you relate when it comes to having those questions in the back of your mind when you post. I've never really thought of it as being a natural tendency for bloggers but like you said, it really is.
p.s. The blogging world is definitely weird and a struggle at times! Thank goodness there are other bloggers out there who understand what I'm experiencing! :)
This is hard! I post what I want yo post, but I di try ti keep people in mind...I'm not DIY, fashion, or even food...Realizing that really takes the pressure of. I don't expect to be pinned or passed around so any pressure doesn't even cross my mind. Still, I try to put myself into my reader's shoes and ask, "Will they EVEN care?!?!" before I put up a post. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that perspective. I, too, keep people in mind but sometimes more than I intend to. :) I want my content to be original and interesting and I love that you don't box or limit yourself to one type or genre of blogs. Honestly, I think it's freeing! :)
DeleteAnd I also love that you don't expect to be pinned or passed around. I see a lot of posts on being pin-worthy and have come to the realization that while it's good for some, it's just not right for me!
I definitely fall into this trap. There is so much pressure for things to be blogworthy, especially since there are now so many blogs out there. But I think it's about finding what you love about blogging and what you love in general and blogging about those things! I think doing things out of love instead of fear of worthiness is what leads us in good directions.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you can relate. :) I think there is definitely a lot of pressure to be blogworthy and it's easy to cave into the pressure and compromise your voice in the blogging world.
DeleteBut like you said, I think it all comes down to passion. I've learned (the hard way) that blogging fluff content wasn't right for me because I didn't have the heart behind it and it showed. So passion is definitely key in the blogging world and in life in general!
p.s. That last line was spot on, too. We have to act and live out of love, not fear!
taking photos of flowers, posts on singleness & blogging, and all of the above - we are like the same person, girl! my favorite posts as of late are blogging posts. the perspectives from other bloggers reminds me how diverse the ladies in this community are, but that we are all connected by this wonderful thing called blogging.
ReplyDeletethis was a great read! [and thank you for sharing my post!!]
Girl, I'm thinking we are the same person! Blogging posts have been getting to me lately, too (hence all these posts, haha). :) I love reading what other bloggers have to say and getting their input and advice, too.
DeleteI feel this way all the time. I second guess myself a lot, because I'm only a few months into blogging and I'm trying to "compete" with bloggers that have years of experience. I always feel like I'm going to be seen as juvenile and immature, but in reality, it seems to be the opposite! I've started realizing that recently, and I've started posting through my own voice again rather than in the way I think I need to write.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling, Jessica! I've felt it in the "real" world (i.e. at work) and in the blogging world as a young person. I think it's easy to let those feelings get the best of you, but like you said, we need to embrace our voice and unique experiences and perspectives. That's what makes us who we are and it's also what makes a blog unique, too. :)
DeleteWith my first blog, I definitely felt a pressure to make things "blog-worthy," but then, when things got stressful, I just couldn't meet that standard, which meant I basically stopped posting at all during the school year. Recently, I've decided that with my new blog I'm going to try not to care as much about page views and such. It's still difficult not to be discouraged if a post gets no reads, but I remind myself that my blog is new, and I feel better about it. Plus, not worrying about "blog-worthiness" has given me the freedom to be a little more "me" on my posts, if you know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteGirl, you are so wise. :) I, too, have learned through experience that we need to focus on the content and community instead of the numbers and statistics! And like you said, there is much freedom in writing with your own perspectives and your own stories. No one else can tell them but you after all!
DeleteAHH! I had my comment all typed out and then it wouldn't post...here we go again..
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean about the "will people even read this", when I started the Quiet Place I wasn't sure anyone would read it, I was't sure what it would turn into. But clearly God had other plans for it. Which is so humbling.
The photos--sometimes I worry that my photos aren't pinworthy or good enough quality. It's hard, but I believe that each blog has it's own unique voice and that is what makes it so cool! I love your blog and I am so glad I stumbled upon it! Your posts always speak to me :)
I've heard that happens to other bloggers--I've had it crash on me once, but I have no idea why it does that. So sad!
DeleteAnd I agree with everything you said. As a visual person, photos are worth a thousand words for me but it really and truly all comes down to heart and honesty and embracing your voice. :)
I'm usually of two minds when it comes to my posts, actually. One similar to what you have described here, and then, one where I worry that I am being too vain by assuming that my words are worth reading. I usually end up with a watered down version of what I initially meant to post, which, of course, brings me right back to feeling like it's not blog worthy. Bit of a vicious circle, and definitely something I want to work on. But it's nice to know I am not the only one struggling in this area!
ReplyDeleteOh, I know that circle, girl. I've done the same thing! You are most definitely not the only one. :)
DeleteOh girl! Again you nailed it!
ReplyDeleteI am seriously so encouraged every time I read these posts from you because I relate almost always SO very much!
I think it's really easy to overthink/overanalyze/compare/second guess/ etc ourselves in blogging because blogging is about being vulnerable and sharing our lives.
I have been challenged SO much recently in thinking through these things, and you're write....it's MY blog, or it's YOUR blog. Make your space what you want, and be HONEST with your life.
I love people, genuinely....and as much as I like seeing girls dressed perfectly and well accessorized, etc....truth is- that's not everyday life. I LOVE seeing people share photos (and I am sucker for people photos because I think God made people beautiful, unique, and so special) of their everyday life, of themselves, their families, their homes....because it's real stories, not just a pinterest staged photo.
I loved the part in the American Blogger documentary when one of the women was talking about how the human experience is interesting...and I think that's so true! The everyday lives of people are fascinating...and I truly think that sharing your life is a gift to the world.
Just my two cents!
Thanks for being so original and such a blessing to all who stop over at In Its Time :)
Thanks, Amy! I am loving these posts and reading everyone's comments and input. It not only solidifies me love for the blog community but it also reminds me why I blog, too.
DeleteI never thought of pairing vulnerability with second-guessing and over-analyzing but now that you mention it, it makes complete sense! Sharing vulnerable parts of our lives/hearts makes us vulnerable and it can be scary (but good!) to do just that.
I also COMPLETELY agree with you on seeing the everyday life. I think it's cool to get a peek into people's lives and to see them for who they are--not the clothes they wear or stuff like that. I love being able to relate to people and get to know them better and real stories is where that happens, if you ask me!
I forgot about that part in the American Blogger documentary--I need to re-watch it! The human experience is definitely interesting and sharing it with others is an awesome experience, too. :)
Thank YOU for sharing your life and being such an encouragement and source of support!
Yes awesome! I haven't felt that yet and hoping I don't :) I started it because I was so excited to journal my journey and love to write. Never knew much about the blogging world AT ALL when I started and its just so much fun and never knew I'd find so many happy lovely likeminded people on here! The best part is that everyone is individual and its their space! Thats what I love most about it!! And if I didn't see any of your gorgeous still life snaps or flowers in my feed I'd be sad :) It's perfectly you (from what I've gathered so far anyway that is hehe)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, Finley! And can I just say how awesome it is that you haven't felt that pressure? It's definitely a sign of a good-hearted blogger. :)
DeleteAnd thanks for the encouragement about my love for flowers and life snaps. Capturing the details in life is a part of me and I can't imagine not posting it!
I fall into this trap all. the. dang. time.
ReplyDeleteif I get like two comments on a post I really poured my heart into I think "well dang, that sucks" then I have to remember. I'm posting to share MY story with whomever is reading, even if it is only for me to go back and re-read. ya know?
there is so much pressure to be the best, to have the most original content, to make so much money that you don't have to have a "real" job. it is stupid. utterly stupid.
sure I would love to do all of those things...but lets be honest, I actually enjoy LIVING my life more than I do writing about it ;) so more power to you for talking about this, more people should!
YES! I know that feeling all too well. I will post stuff, too, and then wonder why people didn't comment on it. But like you said, I think it's those times that we realize that our blogs can be just as helpful for us (or sometimes more!) than it can be for others.
DeleteI love what you said about the pressure to make money so you don't have to have a "real" job. To be honest, I like my real job and while I love blogging and think it would be a fun job, I don't know if I would love living without my paycheck at work. There's something about relying on ads and stuff that doesn't sit well with me right now. :)
I also agree with you on LIVING your life. While I love photography, writing and blogging, I also love the freedom to live my life and not have to share every tidbit or event that takes place. :)
Totally agree with you! I was actually thinking about this while doing laundry today. As I pulled out all my t-shirts and athletic shorts, I was thinking that that is about as good as it gets...and I started to think about all the blogs I read and what awesome lives they seem to have. Lives that I find myself craving to have myself. My days are literally going to work, coming home, eating dinner with my parents, blogging, go to bed. I live paycheck to paycheck, I pay student loans, I have an older car that is still somehow kicking it, I'm single and living at home, I have a group of friends that I can count on one hand and they are spread throughout the state and nation (aka nowhere near me). There is so much about my life that I love and so much that I would love to change at the same time...but I feel like that is always going to true until we find true contentment in all that we have.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm pretty sure all this rambling doesn't really apply to what you talked about in this post. Let me try again. I want my blog to be a real place. I want to share true and real feelings. I want my readers to feel comfortable there. I want them to find encouragement and to know that they are not alone in their situations. I want my real life and my blog life to line up, so that my IRL friends can say that blog me is who I really am and vice versa. If I ever get away from that...I just need to stop blogging.
I opened up your comment pretty much as soon as I got it in my inbox (crazy timing that I was just finishing a few other emails!). Anyway, my goodness your description of your life sounds A LOT like mine. Still at home, with a small amount of friends (aside from my blogging friends!!), single, going to work and coming home for dinner and blogging, and the list goes on and on. I think this just shows that we're NEVER alone in our stories. :)
DeleteI can also relate to what you said about loving your life all while wishing you could change aspects of it. My goodness, that fits me to a T right now. I honestly couldn't have said it better. I feel like there's a lot about me that would love to move out and get married and have kids and all that but then part of me doesn't want all that change--does that make any sense?
Oh, and what you said about your blog? Also spot on. I, too, desire a place of vulnerability, honesty, and community. I want people to know that I'm not perfect and that I never will be and I only have a perfect God to point me where to go. :)
Kiki!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great! The best blogs have sentences that sound like them (run on or otherwise), pictures that share, and personality! Your blog is you and that is the most important thing!!!
XOXO
Aw, thanks sweet friend! I so agree with what you said, we have to be true to who we are and making my blog my own is definitely important when it comes to blogging! :)
DeleteI fall into this all the time! i find myself wondering if the things i find captivating are captivating at all or if just feels that way due to my own experiences and then I feel a little daunted. Usually after I let the post sit for a bit though I'm okay again lol
ReplyDelete