I have just been listening to Joni, Megan and Linda of The Skirted Roundtable chatting about blogger content - what interests them and why they post it. This led me to think about what I like posting and what I like reading and the breadth of information that comes to me by way of the blog each morning.
I enjoy a wide variety of blogs and for all sorts of different reasons. Some blogs I open for the visuals, some I read for the dry and self deprecating wit, some teach me plenty, and others just amuse. There are thinking blogs and decidedly non-thinking blogs, there are interior blogs and fashion blogs, there are blogs about poetry and books, there are blogs about art and the classics; the beauty of blogging is that there are no rules when it comes to content (as long as it is acceptable by the google police). Structure and content is for the blogger and the blogger alone to decide upon.
I would like to tell you that I have a blog plan and a post program but I am afraid my posts are a moving stream of daily thoughts. I have no strategy other than to talk about anything and everything that relates to France - whether it be beauty, fashion, interiors or film even if it is just for a nano second. I regard blogging somewhat like a diary - a wonderful way to hold thoughts and memories together and a reminder of where you were and what you were about at a certain point in time.
Blogging is 'live' relatively speaking and what we write or photograph today will never be the same as what we would choose yesterday or tomorrow. This is the great gift of blogging; a way to encapsulate thoughts on a given day.
What do you post? Do you post for you or do you post for me?
I think it is probably a 75/25 split for me - I post what I love but really hope that it appeals, amuses or interests you. I make the presumption (please excuse my forward ways) that if we read each other's blogs on a regular basis then we have some kind of fit and more times than not the content will please.
Did I intend to post today? No this is an entirely impromptu post that has sprung from my morning rounds.... and that is what I love most about blogging, xv.
Good Mornig Vicki!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. I share many of the same sentiments. I post what I love and what is pertinent to my life at the moment, hoping others will love it too. I never really intended for people to read my blog but instead I started it as a place to keep my thoughts. Little did I know I would be embarking on a lovely journey with such a welcoming and inspiring community.
Best wishes!
xoxo
Judith~
Great post, Vicki! I blog mostly for myself, but the 75/25 split sound about just right.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Vicki. Blogland sure is a fun place to be. Variety is the spice of life - I too love all sorts of blogs for all sorts of reasons.
ReplyDeleteI think I am a 50/50 poster.
I never know what I will post, it just depends on the day and what is happening in my life.
Alison
blog blog blog .... I wish I could read more blogs but nnnnoooo time ,,,you are one of the 10 weekly blog i open .
ReplyDeletebisous
take care
I love this post. Open and interesting. I am so new at this, but started by wanting to share what I see, in my mind and elsewhere. I post for both, myself and the reader, anything that delights or inspires, but like you explain, it is a moving stream of thought. On the natch, as my kids would say! However you look at it, I enjoy your stream!!! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMorning you!! Guess I never really gave it that much thought, but now that I am....I am still not sure, I think I post cause I enjoy it, but I do of course hope others will enjoy it too! Plus I really don;t have any friends here that are quite as "hooked" on decor as I am so to show them what I have done is a bit of a let down, but my blogging pals, well thats a thrill!! The "friends ' I have made on here too, o.k. we may never meet but we do share a passion,its like old fashioned pen pals from around the world, how could we ask for more!! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! Ever since I started my blog a few months ago, I've been surprised at some of the topics that I come up with. I think that keeping a blog makes me more mindful all day long of how many interesting things there are to do and to see. And I love reading all sorts of blogs for inspiration!
ReplyDeletei have to say my blogging changes on a daily basis. it is in my nature to say what is on my mind, it always has been and probably always will be. often to my own detriment. ever heard, "foot in mouth"? all the time for me. i am getting better as i get older. most likely due to hurting someone i love-unintentionally of course. i just can't help it. i am a performer so some days i am blogging for you entirely other days it is all for me and still other days it is a perfect mix.
ReplyDeletelove you love your blog!
xoj
Hi Vicki, I really enjoyed reading this post. One thing I have realised in my short time blogging is that I love the impromptu nature of blogging & that when I go out in the world now I'm much more observant & take things in much more. I often think 'oh I wish I had my camera with me, that would be lovely to post on my blog'. It's such a great way to capture the world around you and the things you love. And if others happen to love the same thing to then that's great! Lee x
ReplyDeleteGreetings Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI love all forms of artistic expression (creative writing, esthetics, journaling, stylish photography, graphic design, etc.), so, I would have to say that I primarily do it for myself, and welcomely invite others who are interested enough to take a peek or two along the way.
Lisa
So inspiring to wake up to your blogs, they seem to settle me into a day of being present in the moment. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI loved this!! I too follow different types of blogs, and i love them all for different reasons. I blog for me and others. Sometimes my mind is full of lots of things to blog about and i often don't get a chance to write about them all, sometimes i can't think of anything!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post!
ReplyDeleteFM~FP
Funny, I was just thinking last night about blogging. Why do we use our precious time to engage in it? What is our intention? My conclusion is that in this busy world of texting and facebook e-mailing that blogging can be a deeper connection to other people. You can follow their lives, frustrations, thrills, favorite things, favorite places and inspirations. It provides a forum to easily find people with similiar tastes and thoughts. And, in return I share mine back. I'm a 50/50 gal. I comment to be polite and let them know their post was worth something that day. Inspiration and knowledge of life, design and fashion is my desire. And, I am fed everyday from my new fabulous blogging friends. Cheers to us!
ReplyDeletei agree that there are no rule and i really enjoy your blog so keep sending those daily thoughts my way!
ReplyDeleteGood morning to you! Blogging has really been an incredibly amazing journey. I feel touched by the sharing of others. Sometimes I think my best laid plans have a way or taking on a life of their own -
ReplyDeleteI truly feel it is a special relationship - a give and take- like a marriage. Your blog is beautiful inside and out. I feel a certain connection being married to a man who was raised in France. My morning rounds are sort of like a mini trip without ever having to leave my cozy home.
pve
Hello Vicki!
ReplyDeleteNice to see you on my blog today. :)
I agree with the 75/25 split in reference to why we blog. I blog for several reasons, one of them being to spread awareness of leukemia and blood cancers. I blog as a mother and friend. I blog about my daily habits, routines, and interests.... or maybe just about work or the interesting person I met on the street. You're right; they're abstract thoughts that meld together in an eclectic anc identifiable way.
Anyway, I look forward to reading more about you and your experiences in the future. =]
Sarah
Hi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my site. Tickled to find you had left a comment.
I find with blogging one thing leads to another and at this point I can't see how I will ever run out of ideas.
Love your blog and your beautiful life. I will "favourite" you.
Good question, why we blog.
ReplyDeleteLet me ask it in a different manner - What if there were no comments and no other trace of people reading your blog?
Would a blog be done at all? In a plainer fashion? Would photos be included?
I think we blog because we feel we have something to say or share. And that requires an audience. And if there's an audience we then tend to be neater and outwardly fashionable.
And blogging is in the "now". I say that simply because it seems older blog posts rarely get noticed.
Hello Vicki,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting today. Your post is thought provoking. Although my subject matter naturally has to be something I know about, I write in the hope that it will appeal to others and, too often, I am concerned not to have a subject! But it is amazing how things "crop up" and provide the seed! I shall look forward to having a longer look around your place.
As always Miss Vicki --- - well put.
ReplyDeleteLots of food for thought. I'd have to put myself in the 75/25 category, as I started this as a means of tracking my own thoughts/whims and have been delighted to find a few like minded souls.
I've noticed that I generally start with an image and never really know what I'll say about it until I start typing. I'm usually surprised to see what evolves!
Jjjj
I'm still so new to this but I'm finding that I have a different idea weekly about what my blog should be about and it's completely different from what my originial idea was. I'm still not sure so am just going with the flow for now. I like the idea of it being more organic that way than a plan I have to stick with!
ReplyDeleteThanks for making us think about this!
Kirsten
hi vicki..and thanks for visiting my random world! hope you stop by again. :)
ReplyDeletei ditto your reasons for blogging. i do it for my own sanity [as my banner and welcome state] and just hope that sometimes, i touch someone else's life..in the same way other's posts touch mine.
blessings,
Tracie
Good afternoon Vicki,
ReplyDeleteLove visiting your blog and viewing your french life. I'm new to blogging...this is my first year anniversary and I have to say I do mine for me 75% and for others 25%...I started it as a sideline to my shop that I had just recently closed down and it grew from there. Now I blog to keep a journal for myself, my family and friends. I'm a multi-media artist and scrapbook so this helps my "memory" as I get older. After reading Somerset Studios "Artful Blogger" I was hooked on blogging and last year when I attened Donna Downey's Inspired art retreat and met all the "normal" aka...non-techy...women then I knew I could handle a blog. Have a great day, fondly, Roberta
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com
Good topic, Vicki. I post 90% for myself and 100% for the readers. It is personal yet the choice of topic finally comes down to what would appeal to the reader. I just started a new format: Vintage Mondays, French Wednesdays and the American in France Fridays. Just started this week and am jazzed about having a structure. Thanks for today's subject!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic blog! I can see that I'm going to be spending time reading your past posts.
ReplyDeleteI began blogging as a way of keeping in touch with readers of my novels but it rapidly became a daily pleasure - a way of taking note of the world around me and finding the words and pictures to describe my thoughts.
And then it became a way of learning so much about the world beyond my mountain farm and a way of meeting people from all over. And now it's kind of an addiction . . .
My Daily Reads are really diverse as well....so for the beauty, some for the wit, some for the recipes...and everything in between.
ReplyDeleteMy own blog - well, i blog because it;s better than talking to myself...lol
Our darling Judith sent me here today after reading my blog...about others blogs! And you should check out Chris's musings today...http://prismtrail.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletemust be something in the air! I hadn't quantified my posts but would say that mostly, I post for myself and what interests me but love, love reading what others wrote! And welcome comments as a link to the outside world. great read, good thoughts, I'm glad I came! amooches
vicki, such a provocative and thoughtful post, one that makes me think about my blogging path and what exactly is my point...I think I use it as a diary of sorts and yet don't, always mindful that it is "out there" forever, something I am not always comfortable with...I have a thing about not liking to post without a photo but that's about my only rule, I suppose...thank you for firing my brain cells today ;)
ReplyDelete.. now I must think about painting something before I go nuts!
blessings to you...
Ahhh. Good thoughts Vickie!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I blog for me...others for you. But I can never guess which is recieved better...and am often amused.
I, like you, love the great tapestry of all that is blogging...so many voices, thoughts, visuals. Love 'em all.
Had fun listening to the round table this morning too...put's a new layer onto blogging!
Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I think we all post as we are people. And there are so many different kinds. Some post from the heart, others for just something to do or selfish reasons or to vent. I am a newcomer to blogging and I have realized some blogs have pure beautiful energy, others don't. You can almost feel a person or not. It all truly amazes me~
xox's
Janet
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and your kind comment!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about your thought about your reasons for blogging.
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog via Sande @ A Gift Wrapped Life (She's incredibly talented, isn't she?!) I really appreciate this post. When asked by my friends and family who don't blog why I spend time blogging, my answer is "It's a place to dream; It's also a place where all of my hobbies/interests (the French language, French & Paris Apartment decor, fashion, the art of photography/editing, teaching, writing, social interacting) collide. Blogging, to me, is like being the style editor, photographer, and writer of my own magazine and I love it! And of course I just love it when someone else enjoys my blog as well:) I do not own your book YET, but I look forward to purchasing it. Have a great day!
Mandy
Vicki, I enjoyed your post about "why and what you post". It's fun to be self reflective and then share that with your readers. It also explains your talent for entertaining...you offer what you enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYour title explains your "all things French idea" but your post clarifies why you stray into the interesting world of your own autobiography. Thanks for sharing your life.
Btw I am still thinking about your question. Why do I blog? What do I blog about? Who do I blog for? I think it needs an entire post to answer...or rather to look for the answer?
xx <3
Hi Vicky - thanks for linking to our podcast at The Skirted Roundtable and for your thoughtful post about why you blog. It's exactly what we're hoping to do - jumpstart the conversation and hear what others are doing and thinking!
ReplyDeletereally terrific post.
ReplyDeletei'm guilty of blogging 100/0 split for me!?!? is that awful?!
cheers, -paul
I love this post....I spent last night thinking about blogging so this was a very appropriate post to read today. I first came across blogging on our journey to adoption, so I started blogging about that. I find now that I blog to keep family back home in Ireland up to date on the kids and family happenings. I find myself wanting to drift in a different direction as I discover many more wonderful blogs beyond the 'Mommy' blogs...now I ask do I mix everything together or start a new one just for my musings...maybe I should post about this....hmmm For now it's a 95/5 split I guess.
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for a post and discussion like this. I post whatever I feel like that day. I never know. I also post on things I love. I started my blog because I was bursting to put down my thoughts and memories on my first trip to Paris. I think I might run out of things to say soon :)
ReplyDeletethank you for the comment! I would love the opportunity to work there and just experience everything! hope you will become a follower of my blog as i have done! :D
ReplyDeleteI first read this yesterday in a hurry & thought OMG Vicki is so organised wouldn't you just know it, that girl has a Blog Plan. I worried the rest of the day that I was a very dodgey Blogger, that I'd really failed & I should get my act together & plan!
ReplyDeleteSo how silly (& relieved!) do I feel now when I've had a reread this morning & I'd got it totally wrong! It's actually No Plan - & phew am I ever so glad. Let me tell you Vicki, for a No-Planner your Blog is tres awesome!
Millie ^_
I just wrote about that the other day as well, and I have noticed this "now what" from a lot of bloggers - advice so to speak -
ReplyDeleteI haven't been here in awhile though, and why? beats me!!
I have only been blogging for just over 1 month. But I blog mostly for me, I have lots to show and tell I guess. Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoy whatever you post. Yours is a blog I look forward to visiting each morning over coffee! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would agree with the 75/25 split. I have so many interests and enjoy so many different types of personalities that my blog list is very eclectic. I love all your new lists on your sidebar - excellent! I've just been gushing about you over at Sande's. Was tough to keep it brief!
ReplyDeleteLove to you,
Catherine
Interesting post and wonderful blog (just found you and now firmly on my reader!).
ReplyDeleteI blog for myself pretty much most of the time (random thoughts) but might jazz it up a little bit for readers. I guess we just hope that others will enjoy reading our thoughts too!
:-)
I loooooooove the picture!!!
ReplyDeleteBlogging for me is sharing.
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteLike so many others, I blog because I enjoy writing; it satisfies a creative urge, and, I love my topics. But I also appreciate that others enjoy what I have to say, when readers share their comments, and when they suggest topics. So I would say I blog for myself and my readers.
Well all I can say is DITTO.
ReplyDeleteMy reasons are exactly the same as yours. Did you come over here and get into my brain? :)
Definetly a sad fact, but i trully hope for a new book era, any how its still a book if its digital
ReplyDeleteI love this!!!! This is wonderful to understand the real person behind the blog!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJoni
p.s. thanks for listening too!!
have a great weekend.
I love how your posts are a warm conversation - I could easily see you saying these things over a cup of coffee --
ReplyDeleteIt's always like visiting a good friend - and then there's the witty, smart, artistic, interesting, creative, kind, giving, open, refreshing, and insightfullness about you that reminds me on a daily basis how lucky I am to have entered the blog world and among such wonderful people that have turned friend.
Thank you Vicki.
I'm like Judith (hi Judith!) I started my blog as a diary and photo album of sorts to document our renovation and I colored outside the lines some, and it's now as much about life along the way and stream of consciousness as to what's on my mind that moment -- ebb and flow. =) Never in a million years did I think I'd be part of a community - Blogland is certainly different and more than I thought it would be. Much to my happy surprise.
xo Isa