Recently I have wondered if a little heat, a lttle puff has gone out of the blogging community as other social media sites rival for play time...Have you sensed this? Have you noticed that your favourites are posting less on blogger and tweeting more....Do you prefer to load your images on tumblir and say less on your blog? Is your time spent browsing on pinterest rather than following the old crowd at blogger....Is facebook your place to connect and advertise what's happening?.... Sometimes I feel that blogger is the big brother of the social media platforms...kind of like the grown up, the establishment...and that is why I am musing over this....Are the 'new kids' on the block more fun? Easier? More gratifying? Is blogger too old school now, too laborious? Twitter is so instant, Tumblir is so pretty, Pinterest so easy and Facebook...is just a question of 'liking'.... I do question how we can manage to be a part of it all....Of course we can if we have help, if we are commercial....but as sole social media players it is a big call to actively participate in all the games.
Blogging for me is a way of life now....it is my place to be creative, feature what appeals to me, talk about interests close to my heart and most importantly, make friends. A blog has moods, mine is no different and those moods wax and wane much like those in a female life. Some days it's more difficult than others to be original to garner interest for a subject and other days word's fly and images are magical...that's life on a blog. So for me the blog comes first...then all my other distractions....because I fear that if we are spread too thinly across the board then no social media platform will have the edge that we want and the cachet to appeal to our readers.
What are my social media distractions?....Most of them but in varying degrees....First and foremost my attention is on French Essence then secondly, my daily click...which is my own little version of tumblir ...Twitter is my next best friend...I admit...I really like twitter, having reluctantly joined in and having dismissed it originally...I actually enjoy reading the people and services I follow. Twitter keeps me up to date with world affairs, enables me to post links to articles I have read or to retweet other's interests. I rarely tweet my everyday movements as I can't see that they are that scintillating and I don't tweet all day everyday...I tweet when I can, to notify that I have a new post up and when something crosses my path that I would like to share with my readers. To be a good 'tweeter' is harder than you think and requires as much dedication as blogging...I guess you have to choose and probably some bloggers have chosen Twitter hence my feelings at the beginning of this post. Tweeting is of the moment...140 characters max and you are done....so a much smaller task than a blog post, yet not without challenge...To be clear, sharp, newsy and tell a story all in 140 characters isn't easy...Lastly I pin on pinterest...I pin in colours, not themes....and somewhat infrequently...As for facebook.....no, not yet....
What are your thoughts on blogging v's other social media? Do you think blogs are as relevant today? What does the future look like for blogs? Love to hear your thoughts....xv
my daily click HERE
follow me on twitter HERE
my colour boards on pinterest HERE
image - pinterest
I really enjoy blogging as a Creative hobby and the greatest benefits are friendships. I did a Survey Monkey on this topic about 6 months ago and all who responded use other forms of social media but they all said the same thing about blogging. They blog because of the relationships. I find Facebook difficult because it merges my work like with my personal life but I use it nonetheless. Hard to say what will come. Who would have thought five years ago that I would wake up at 5:30 every day so that I have time to get on my iPad to play before work!
ReplyDeletehum, interesting.. I wonder the same about the puff going out of blogger.. I am relatively new to blogger, less than 1 year and true, it takes dedication to survive..
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that your description fits my bill perfectly.. I like the way you phrased it : "Blogging for me is a way of life now....it is my place to be creative, feature what appeals to me, talk about interests close to my heart and most importantly, make friends".
by the way, was not yet able to get very excited about Twitter, might change??
Vicki, Congratulations on your 3rd blog anniversary and congratulations on your well deserved success with your blog and your two books.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting question and you've really made me think of the big picture of social media. I smiled when I read about the word limit on Twitter. As a writer for the newspaper, I have a max word limit on my column and quite often it's a challenge to get your point across with word limits.
Keep up the good work. I hope you never stop blogging. You keep us fashionable and trendy in a chic way.
Sam
The puff, as you say, might have gone out a bit, in detriment to other social networks.
ReplyDeleteIt is normal, in my way of seeing things. Life is becoming more and more demainding and the time people have to devote online becomes more sparse, so it's easier to grab the general idea in facebook, do a like and return to it when with more time that reading bigger post at blog.
I see a blog - my blog, your blog, other blogs - as an online (personal and kind of lonely) diary which will bring us someday really charming people; meanwhile you have the fun for the fun of it without stressing too much about what-makes-you-the-fenchiest-blog-ever ahahahah.
Wishing you a lovely day.
T
Hi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI only have my blog at the moment, email and use my iphone. We were talking about Twitter the other day with our son, daughter and daughter-in-law. Our son said that it is invaluable in his job ( he is a producer at the BBC ) and keeps him up to date with everything. I can see why you do it Vicki, because of all that you do, but I don't, as yet, feel that I have the need. I feel the same about Facebook.
I'm pleased that, at my age, I am computer literate, have my blog and can do far more than many of my friends. My children tell me that I'm quite up to date with a lot of modern technology, but are encouraging me to join Twitter.....we will see !! haha.....I can't keep up with what I do as it is !!
Have a lovely week Vicki. XXXX
I feel the same way...and now Google + is in the mix. My time is definitely divided up. My blog reader is always at 1000+ and I never get caught up.
ReplyDeleteI think blogging has dropped off a bit for a variety of reasons. One it takes longer, most people can't sustain the concentration. Two, too many people are just trying to make money out of it, and that is boring. If something has substance then it lasts.
ReplyDeleteWe are being told that Twitter, Facebook whatever are "where it's at" and as we all seek to be cool we all rush to the latest thing.
I love blogging, for the same reasons that you do, it allows me to be creative, and to communicate in more than a few characters. It builds relationships, it doesn't just scream "look at me, look at me!"
Interesting thoughts, I would have to ponder that a bit (I've not jumped onto the twitter train yet...so i'm not informed in that area). I guess I just haven't analysed blogger that much .. as far as where it's heading. Food for thought.
ReplyDeletexxx DJ
Interesting but I guess I am more the exception than the rule, I don't use twitter or facebook or pinterest! I think if I start with pinterest, I may never stop, because I am addicted to pictures as is and my online album is ridiculous already:) I am a newer blogger 8 months, and for me at this point my blog is still my "everything".
ReplyDeleteInteresting post Vicki, we all invest a lot of time on our blogs, so inevitably we think about the alternatives. I'm like you, I love the creative side to writing a blog. I can certainly understand the convenience and instant satisfaction in facebook and twitter, but I like to think that blogging hits a different spot!
ReplyDeletexox
I do not tweet or use tumblir or pinterest and frankly do not care to. This may be an unfair statement, because I don't even know what some of these things are (tumblir, for example). I read and respond to blogs for the exchange of ideas. To me, it is more akin to old-fashioned letter writing -- definitely a lost art. Sometimes easier is not better, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will continue to blog and I will continue to read and comment.
Have a great day...Victoria
Well V, by now you know that posting daily from my hometown of Birmingham AL and my beloved Paris are starting to resemble an obsession! I don't Tweet, and for the love of me can't figure out what Pinterest is for. I do enjoy catching up with folks on FB so I do that some as well. I love the blogs, they are so personal and it's such a wonderful way to drop in on creative people. It's almost like being invited into their homes. And for the record, I LOVE being invited into yours. That's why I'm such a faithful reader. Blogging has opened the world to me and and I've made so many dear dear friends. Just next week Im off to LA to play with some bloggers out there.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic today and I really like they way you've grouped your images on Pinterest by color. If I could figure it all out , I think I'd do it that way as well. I'd starte with ROUGE of course!
V
A timely question that I think we are all considering. My blog (I'm on wordpress) is my #1 outlet. #2 is definitely twitter - I just adore the easy, quick, real time interaction. I have made many friends there that I now know in real life as well. I do participate in all the other venues but it is difficult to keep up - each has their own permutations that make them appealing. Now I have to go check out your pinterest page!!
ReplyDeleteI think blogging will always be on top of my list. I do like twitter a lot, too and have a page on tumblr, but nothing will ever replace my little beloved blog (and a few other blogs I like to read). I do have a feeling, though, that new bloggers (or blog visitors) circa 2011 prefer imagery to text and often visit mostly to get more attention to their blog rather than learning something.
ReplyDeleteStill... I'm happy in blogosphere and with the fact that blogger now allows to create quite a unique page out of a blog even if one isn't exactly an IT person. I'm planning to be around a while as can't imagine my life without it anymore.
x
Good Morning Vicki. I found your blog about a year or so ago and enjoy every post. Your posted thoughts and photo's inspire me everyday. I have also noticed a change in the blog world. I think you are correct, the newer social media spots do seem to be following the trends of culture. Quick, few words, superficial. And it is the notion of superficial that deters me. With limited time to follow favorite bloggers, I choose to avoid the other media. I don't have the time, I don't necessarily need that type of information. I have accounts, but not the interest. If I do not enjoy or appreciate the content and context, I respectfully move on. Your "Daily Click" is also a favorite, there is quality there. I started my blog to document a creative process. It is that, not political, not controversial, just sewing and lifestyle. Sorry for going on and on but this is a subject that has surfaced recently in several blogs and in some of my groups of friends, bloggers and non-bloggers. I hope you stay, continue to share and impart your civility to the rest of us who are inspired by the inspired.
ReplyDeleteI think all this blogging, tweeting, facebooking, etc. has taken most people away from what is right before them. Right in front of us are most of our lives, and people that we love, passing us by with time and our in-complete attention to it all~as our attention is being pulled left and right, up and down~away from true joy. The devil is having a hey-day, goo ole time laughing at all this electronic distraction. Keeps our eyes mainly on ourselves, strangers ,and off of God and our families. Ok, will jump off my soapbox before I fall off. thanks, Gina
ReplyDeleteI've noticed also...great post.
ReplyDeleteI love blogging the best because I mostly love to write, but as time allows I'm having some fun with Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter on days when my attention span is shorter. Haven't figured out Tumblr yet, how it differs from a blog.
ReplyDeleteMust admit I have fallen for Tumblr Hook, Line & Sinker but I do keep up with all the Blogs I follow with my faithful Google Reader and post occasionally to my Blogspot, before Tumblr I was always saving Pictures to my HardDrive but now I put them on my Tumblr and am able to share these lovely finds with others.
ReplyDeletej'adore ces "book d'inspiration."
ReplyDeleteJe vais passer un petit moment sur le tien...
Amicalement,
manon
No to a lot of that. I don't belong to Facebook as I think it is irresponsible to many; and I don't Twitter, either. Frankly, I feel that people have more to do than wonder what I am doing every five minutes! But I connect with email and the telephone. I guess I am socially backward, but that is how it is. Love the blogs, though!
ReplyDeleteWhat a very meaty and of-the-moment post Vicky,
ReplyDeleteI feel it really resonates with our current virtual state.
I too have sensed a lag in the blogosphere of late, as if many of us were distracted, uninspired or quite simply as you suggest, off sharing our feelings elsewhere.
Full disclosure, my brother is a software engineer at Twitter in San Fran, so though I don't do much more than tweet my blog posts, I do have a great deal of reverence for that brave and new and chirpy world.
That said, it does pain me to imagine a fading away of the blog as we know it. The creative powers of expression can be so rich in this medium -- combining images and words, videos and music even, to edit one's own ongoing mini-pub of sorts.
However, as you put it so well, without a bevy of sponsors, advertising, an online business or a grander goal, keeping up with the bloggy grind can at times feel more like a job than a happy pastime.
As for Facebook, I find I use it more as a place to share pictures of family or friends with, well, family and friends.
For now I prefer to keep my blog in its own sphere.
Thanks so much for sparking this moment of meditation ;)
Cheers and best, Alcira
nerochronicles.com
So insightful - you are so right, we have so many social media options now! I love pinterest and spend lots of time there but blogs are still the best for reading content and seeing lots of images on one topic - they really let you share more than just a snippet. But honestly its all inspiring!!!
ReplyDeletexo Allison
Spicer + Bank
www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com
intresting topic...
ReplyDeleteLove this Vicki A..you are listed(did a posting) as one of my favorite blogs. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteI'm about ready to drop FACEBOOK.Done with it!Love the blogs however,donot TWEET!
ReplyDeleteI still just like reading blogs. Call me a Luddite if you will but I have avoided twitter and really only "check" Facebook to see what my pals are up to. I think of FB as a list of mildly relevant updates and blogs as mini magazines.
ReplyDeleteI recently just said this same thing to some friends of mine I was visiting with in California. I remember when My Space was all the thing, then Blogger came along. I can't help but wonder if Pinterest will soon put Blogger in the past. :( I have to admit I love Pinterest. Its a designer's version of "Playboy"....just pictures and no reading. haha But, what you miss is the personal aspect of getting to know the person behind the pictures. But unfortunately, that seems to be where Social Media is headed. sad. Great article.
ReplyDeleteVicki,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog.... I only ready blogs and don't do any other social media... no twitter, no facebook etc.
I hope it never changes!
AB
Wow... you've given me so much to think about here. I cannot leave a simple, "Oh, that's great!" I really have to think about this one. But I do thank you for a lovely blog -- and pretty special too when it makes me want to think... linger... and get back to you later.
ReplyDeleteDear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you wrote about this. I believe that our blogging world has been diluted with twitter and facebook. I am only a blogger. It is a perfect balance for me. It keeps me in touch but I can still own my personal life. I have lost a huge piece of myself because of facebook. One of my closest friends has MOVED INTO facebook, it don't think she knows me anymore because I don't live there too! Anyway, I have been blogging less becasue of my own life being busy. I believe in BALANCE and in this world that technology is taking over I THANK GOD for my age and feel so lucky to have lived without buttons and passwords my first four decades without them.
xxx's
Great timing on this post! I'm guilty of blogging less lately, but it's more because of a shift in priorities and focus: We had to sell to move across the US because of a promotion the hubs got :) I feel bad that I haven't posted, and I now have a few new topics to post about, but having some un-interrupted time to get and STAY in the "mood" has been challenging!
ReplyDeleteThankfully, yes, sites like FB, Twitter and Pinterest have been quick ways to stay linked in and connected... But I still want to continue the online journaling of blogging.
Have a great week and thanks for sharing & inspiring!
xo Lynda
Happy Birthday! Congratulations on a great accomplishment. I absolutely feel like blogging is still relevant. I cannot imagine a life in which we are reduced to 120 characters (or whatever Twitter is). Though there is value in little snippets, longer ideas with explanations (& photos) is incredibly valuable. Keep blogging!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Hollye Jacobs, www.brooksidebuzz.com
I'm on a few sites, and I find they each provide something different. I'm an obsessive image collector, and I love blogging to share those images.
ReplyDeleteI'm on Facebook, because everyone I know is there. I don't post there much, but I do check it every day.
I've been on Blogger for a few years, and, to me, it is my main creative blogging site. I love the many beautiful blogs I find here. I'm hoping to make my main blog, how do i love thee, look a little more pro soon, and link it to my new shop.
For several years, I have been on tribe, but, sadly, that site died a social death when Facebook got big. I used to post a poem and an image every day there. Now I hardly ever post at all on tribe, since I know no one sees it.
I've been enjoying Pinterest--a little too much! It is seriously addicting. I love using Pinterest as an image-hunting source for blogging, and to get a feel for what people like seeing at the moment.
Recently, I joined Tumblr, mainly to source images for blogging, but then I found I love how collage-like it is. I feel very free to post anything and everything on Tumblr, in terms of imagery.
I am on FB and I blog but I do not tweet...there are only so many hours that one can sit at a computer.
ReplyDeleteI find myself having to pry myself away as there are so many great blogs!
Yours is one of them!
I'm overwhelmed by it all, honestly. I blog and have a Facebook account and that's it. Otherwise I'd spend all my time online and not living life out there in the world.
ReplyDeleteThis race for more comments and blog visits and Facebook friends and tweets and re-tweets is stress making. I don't need more of that in my life. Shouldn't the flow of connection be organic and easy rather than a constant BUZZ and push and rush of electronics and media?
Interesting topic Vicki...I feel the competition in blogging is fierce now - there are a few at the top and then the rest are just so-so. I feel I really HAVE to be so interesting just to get readers. Blogging is a way of life for me too though I do Twitter my posts and have an FB account for my blog too. I feel they are repetitive though. I don't do Tumblr or Pinterest - stop the madness!! Its too much!! I am challenged with coming up with fascinating posts every week and I have lately felt like, why am I doing this?? Great food for thought Vicki - have a lovely week! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI ditto Amy- I am overwhelmed by it all. I only blog, as that takes up all the time I'm "willing" to give. I feel to do "all" these takes up too much living. I think the balance between wasting time and being productive with all of the social media is a very fine line.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic!
xojoan
p.s. I thought of you this morning as I place a bouquet of flowers on your book in the reading room!
If you knew the joy your blogging has given me over the past three years you would never stop Vicki.
ReplyDeletePenelope x
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI think you are on to something here...I have not been blogging as long as you, but have also sensed a bit of a "pause" in some of the blogging world...myself included. I am on twitter, but do not use it too much...Facebook is definitely easier to respond to, with clicking "Like"...and I have a visual Pinterest addiction/obsession (am now following your boards)!
I think that life just gets busier and crazier, and it is hard to "do it all"...
I am guilty of not taking the time to click over and comment, but rest assured that I read and enjoy each and every post of yours!
Have a wonderful week,
Nathalie
Like your books I love your blog and I think people will stick to blogging as it's a way to connect with people in a creative way. Something that we are not always able to easily do on a daily basis. For me it's really valuable - its 'my time' to spend connecting with people, words, ideas and photographs that move me - and it's something that I can easily do every day IF I make the time - which I do. I need more than 140 characters I am afraid - my life is too fast as it is. Blogging makes me slow down - to think about what I write in my blog and to take time to read favourite blogs. Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary. I will check out your Pinterest as I do love visual things too! Francesca x
ReplyDeleteI like my blog site but it has been a challenge at times to post things that seem of interest to me, let alone any readers that might visit. I agree, twittering is fun but it's as time consuming as blogging. I'm not a facebook person but I love Pinterest. Not sure whether I could drop blogging for twitter.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Blogging is still definitely my first love, it is my creative outlet and stress relief. But I do go through those moods as well when there are days that I am not as enamored as others. But my blog always comes first. Then Twitter and Facebook. I could get sucked in for hours on Pinterest, but I don't let myself, I just go there from time to time as a mental break, viewing the photos is very relaxing to me. I add photos as I come across them on blogs, but I don't seek out photos to add. The fact that I also work in social media means it is a little disenchanting to keep up on everything, that is why my blog remains the mainstay of my activities - it is my space and I own it.
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging for five years (1300+) posts. The worlds that have been opened for me are inspiring. I've met people I'd never had the chance to meet, some locally, some regionally and others internationally. And I mean in person, not just on-line. I've had opportunities that would have never come my way, including an large newspaper article and a few appearances on a national t.v. show. I've learned so much both by researching posts I am writing and by reading other blogs.
ReplyDeleteI don't twitter, I FB a little, but mostly to keep up with what's going on with our neighbourhood, and I am not interested in Pinterest (yet).
I work full time, sell vintage and antiques on the side and have a full social life. I can't be ruled by my computer.
As a 6 year blogger, sometimes I think I'd be just as happy to just read and comment as to write and tweet.
ReplyDeleteThat said, each has it's value and doesn't have to be all day every day. If you want to ask your Twitter peeps a question, it's a great tool to get feedback.
Lately I've used FB to connect professionally.
The blog seems to be my creative outlet and I'm obsessed with Tumblr and Pinterest for doses of pretty pics for the soul.
There has to be a happy medium where you're not doing it all at once, feeling overwhelmed, just because it's there.
Before this techno age, we didn't have had to talk on the phone, fax, type and read magazines at once all just because it was there!
Moderation and functionality are what it's all about, otherwise it's a simple recipe for burning out!
Your post was perfect timing because I was just discussing this exact topic with my husband yesterday. I have definitely noticed a shift in blogging. While increasing traffic still comes to my site, I have noticed that comments with regard to my blog entries are all posted over on pinterest where it spreads very quickly. If I didn't take a look at pinterest, I wouldn't know all the comments people were leaving. I think blogs have become more of a quick visit where photos are copied to be shared across other social networks. I do think, however, that there continues to be room for all of these avenues.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope that the future of blogging is a bright one. Although I have been following blogs for several years now, I am only a relatively new blogger myself. And, despite the fact that it can take up a big chunk of my day to research for it, write it, tweet about it and promote it, I thoroughly enjoy doing it. I feel like since I've been doing it, my world has opened up. I have people reading it and corresponding with me from all over the world, which is quite a buzz. I think Twitter & Facebook are essential tools for marketing your business, but for someone who loves all things beautiful, they'll never compare to clicking onto a link and opening a visually pleasing blog post. Which Vicki, your lovely blog, very much is.I look forward to recieving a note in my email inbox telling me French Essence has been updated. And although I think there are a lot of blogs out there competing for followers, I think competition is good. It makes us all strive to keep tweaking and improving the standard we produce each. Much continued success with your inspiring blog Vicki.
ReplyDeleteMaybe like many things, it's the difference between doing something because you love it or doing it for money. I don't make any income from my blog. I blog because it makes ME happy. If it happens to make someone else happy, then I've achieved more than I set out to do. I don't think I could achieve the same thing with Twitter, Pinterest or Tumbir. The written word is my 'thing', and therein lays my obsession! Thanks for another thought provoking post Vicki.
ReplyDeleteDear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteSomehow you always manage to capture what the mood of the moment is. I just read an article in the WSJ about the influence of twitter on political campaigns and stock selections by hedge funds. It seems that twitter can capture the zeitgeist of the moment.... And yet, there is something so wonderful about a blog - to express one's self more completely. I have so little spare time and when I visit blogs, I feel like I am visiting friends. I always smile when I visit you. Thank you for that.
Oh wow Vicki, I have so felt the same thing after leaving the shop and being home again I so wanted to get back into blogging...It is still a joyous and wonderful thing for me because this is really where I started to become who I really am today and meet some of the most gorgeous and supportive people from all over the world... I know people are reading my posts because I can see by the stats but I get very few comments these days....I kept thinking is that because of the busy world we live in people just don't have the time or am I doing something wrong, is it not as inspiring anymore...I actually asked another blogging friend the other day what she thought...and so a little begrudgingly I started a facebook page for my business and I have started some boards on pinterest but to me blogger was always about positive inspiration, people just being themselves and wonderful images that just made you smile....Anyway sweet aussie on the other side of the world, you know this other aussie is always reading your posts...c xoxo
ReplyDeleteI wish for something more immeadiate, I just love pinterest, my facebook page, connecting with readers on the spot and sharing our passions. My blog is my growing love, as I come to understand how she works and where I want to take her blogging becomes easier and easier such that I couldn't imagine life without her.
ReplyDeleteciao for now Lisa
So timely, Vicki. I'm having a little blog breather to refresh myself. But as you can see, I'm finding it hard to stay away from my blogging friends! I've been trying to keep up with quite a bit of social media but I'm not sure that it suits my nature. I end up just feeling saturated, and unable to create output myself. Perhaps I'll go back to focusing on my blog, which I love, and leave the other devices to those who can manage them... x0x
ReplyDeleteTo keep it simple, I don't Facebook, I don't twitter, I don't even OWN a mobile phone so that is why I will always stick with my favorite blogs that I either subscribe to or have bookmarked on my iPad. Don't change anything about what you provide your "fans" because when I receive your daily email, it just makes me slow down, saviour the beautiful image in front of me and provides food for thought on your musings...it also simply lights up my day!
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have a point, and I say this because, as I noticed your pinterest page, I jumped for joy! I love reading your blog, and believe blogging will always have a special place in the online community, but we live in a world that is full of information, more so than ever before. We blog, we tweet, we facebook, we stumble-upon, gosh it almost makes the good old 'email' seem obsolete at times!
I love to come home after a long day, and hop on Pinterest to view beautiful, inspiring images that let my creativity soar. I don't have to strain my eyes with more reading.
In saying this, I still read a small collection of blogs, including yours, that have struck a chord with me. While twitter, facebook etc may be simpler methods of keeping in touch, blogs are a far more personal, and sensitive way to communicate with and inspire others.
Linda x
Hi Vicki, As always, your post made my day!!! I still don't know about Twitter, but I love your "Daily Click"--Be well, Mary
ReplyDeleteAt 55 I knew I'd made it recently when one of my 30-something sons FB'd 'My Mum has a blog, 2 Facebook accounts & Tweets, how cool is she!' I do it all 'cos I just find it great fun. I feel I may be one of the culprits in the group who's blogs seemed to have run out of puff recently. A return to full time work again, a new job, lots of study & exams has curtailed things over @ The Hedge recently. It has made me very miserable & I felt like I'd lost my best friend. So I have made a pact with myself that normal transmission will resume very soon & gosh I feel all the better for it.
ReplyDeleteI knew I could rely on you to vocalize what I've feeling, love your work girl!
Millie xx
Very interesting post. I have been thinking similar thoughts...
ReplyDeleteI'm only new to twitter & still trying to get my head around it. Following your tweets though!
I love blogging and hopefully always will, it's my personal creative outlet.
Pinterest is a great visual tool for me to pin any pretty images that inspire & it's so, so easy to use!
It will be interesting to see which of these social mediums last...
~ Clare x
I like what Amy said. I started blogging in January and it's my passion now. But as soon as I start racing to win the facebook and twitter contest I get stressed out. I want to enjoy the process, share my creativity and meet lovely people. I do have a facebook, twitter, pinterest and tumblr but I focus on my baby...my blog. The rest is just gravy. I haven't fallen in love with twitter yet as so many have...all the shortened links make me a little dizzy. Anyway this is the first time I found your blog and I love it! I'm a francophile so I'll be here often! Hope you stop by and say hi!
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
Dear Vicki, I think so many people are blogging that it's impossible to keep up with it all. My number one outlet is my books and so that's where I have to put my energy. I enjoy blogging for meeting kindred spirits but I've cut back a lot on my own Blog. I don't enjoy Facebook as I think it's a bit sleazy. Twitter is preferable. I've just discovered Good Reads which is my latest addiction. There are always blogs I will follow but I've had to let go of a lot as well. I was getting too much noise and have to be quiet to be creative. xx
ReplyDeleteAn interesting post Vicki. Personally I prefer Blogging,as I find it's just me. I tried twitter but can't get the hang of it at all. It seems a bit more impersonal. I havn't heard of the others you mentioned, so can't comment on those. It's blogging for me forever. x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 3 years! I've noticed changes. I find myself deleting words because I feel people want something fast. And I started blogging to write more than photograph. I belong to Twitter and never use it - small updates of what? Never sure. And Facebook is for connecting and superficially sharing? Blogging is from the heart.
ReplyDeleteI am also celebrating 3 years this Nov. Other than my blog, Facebook is about my only other social media. With family all over the world, it is the easiest, quickest and most fun way of catching up with everyone in a matter of minutes, with status updates and photos. As a writer, I also use it learn what so many published authors do, say, write, read, blog about and how they advertise and media-blitz themselves. I even learn how some of them schedule their writing days. It is such an education! After college, I missed the frame of reference of profs and Facebook has given that back to me over a hundred fold. I have been reluctant to join the Twitter world even though I've been told one can learn even so much more about the publishing world by following but it is the time aspect that has kept me away. I will most likely join at some point (the education of the writing world is too tantalizing) but have not felt ready to give up even more time for it yet. I have borrowed a few Pinterest photos (always with a link back) but even that leaves me feeling a little uncomfortable. I watch others do it freely but still wonder about it.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for your pov and for making us think and discuss.
Kirsten
You always start the best conversations, and written in your beautiful way that pulls me right in.
ReplyDeleteI love blogging. I have been sporadic with it, but it's a wonderful thing. A lot of us that started at the same time and have beautiful friendships grown because of it.
Facebook, I started one for the shop, same for twitter. I am woefully neglectful of both. The blog is sort of like a journal and bookmark for inspiration... too much time on it is, as someone said so eloquently to me, akin to daydreaming, where you talk about it more than doing it.
I think the people that manage it all have ghost writers.
xo isa
Hello Vicky!
ReplyDeleteA thought provoking post, indeed. You know, your blog was one I began reading before I even considered a blog of my own. I found your blog so beautiful and inspirational! I never imagined I could do something similar, nor could I ever have predicted having the pleasure of a visit from you!! (via the amazing Anita).
For me, blogging has been a portal into my own imagination, an outlet for my dreams, and an incredible meeting place for creative souls. This has been the greatest blessing, meeting such special and gifted people from all over the world. I do hope you continue with your blog, for you bring your readers so much joy with your own joie de vivre!
Merci Vicky,
- Irina
First, please don't ever stop blogging Vicki, yours is one of the best! Although I can't always comment, I do read it and get immense enjoyment from it whenever I open it up.
ReplyDeleteI dropped Facebook after one week when I signed up last year. I dislike it and have seen so many people, including young family members, hurt by it! I only blog, and have been for many years. My comments have dropped off since everyone has a blog now, but also some of my original friends have stayed, especially those whom I've been fortunate to meet in person through blogging.
My blog is my creative outlet, my diary, my memoirs, the source of inspiration in life through photography (I never knew I could be that good - thank you digital!) and I doubt I will never stop.
Hey Vicki, at last I'm going to see your homeland! Leaving next week for NZ, hopping aboard an expedition ship to the sub-Antarctic islands, ending in Tasmania, then a few days in Sydney and Brisbane..........I am SO excited! Camera will be snapping all the way - blogging will continue when possible.
Hugs - Mary
I am not a blogger but a follower of blogs and I still tingle with excitement when I check into my favourite blogs. I used to go through about 30 per week but now it seems to have whittled down to about 10 regulars but I relish them and will always click in to see what they're up to. I'm also a visual person and twitter doesn't do it for me that way. I love pictures and images in blogs. I also appreciate the time and effort it takes to maintain a blog whereas twitter is just a sentence worth of effort.
ReplyDeleteI love the way your blog has evolved. It was always visual but your words and subject matter increasingly leave me thinking and pondering these days.
Great post, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete