Monday, June 23, 2014

Why I'll never be a famous blogger...

You know how I know that I'll never be a famous blogger?

Well, first because I've got some HTML problem that makes my blog practically un-searchable.  (And in case you're wondering, it's not a SEO issue, at least as far as I can tell. I've just got to get a new blog template, I think.)

There's also the fact that I have no real vision for this space, so my "content" is just whatever random ish comes to mind each day week.  

But mostly, I'll never be a famous blogger because I don't want to do what it takes to be one.

When I look around and observe the success of many of the "big" bloggers that I read and adore, I become ridiculously aware of the fact that I am wholly incapable of doing the things that are required to "attract readers."  (That phrase feels so foreign to me that it feels weird even typing it.)

I have neither the time, nor the inclination to hop around to every blog participating in a link-up and leave disingenuous comments on blogs that I know I'll never be visiting again.  (I do love link-ups because they're a great way to connect with like-minded bloggers, but if I comment on your blog, it's because I either already read it or would like to start reading it and am reaching out to say hello.)  I would abhor the pressure of feeling compelled to write on certain topics or in a certain way just because that's what readers expect.  I am uninterested in taking pictures of flowers and books and coffee cups that I arranged beautifully for the sole purpose of sharing them here.  And the thought of having to answer to sponsors or to peddle products/companies that I don't believe in makes me sweat a little.

Please don't misunderstand me.  I am in no way judging anyone who has the desire to grow their blog, attract sponsors, and make some income from their hard work.  Those are understandable and awesome goals, and I applaud people who are able to do them well.  And who doesn't love being inspired by by carefully orchestrated and beautiful blogs?

It's just that I don't think that I want to pursue those things.

You know what I want?

I want to come here when I feel like it, write from the heart, connect with you guys, and then close my laptop and continue on living my life.  I never, ever want this space to be an obligation, and whenever I have begun to feel that way, I just force myself to pull back a bit and let go of the pressure that I sometimes feel to satisfy imaginary demands that no one is really placing on me.  (I mean, you guys don't care that I haven't told you yet that Grace has twelve teeth already, do you?)  If I ever had to worry about numbers and page views and comments, this wouldn't be fun anymore.  It'd be a job, and I've already got a job that I adore.

I just want to keep writing.  And I want to keep reading about Kristin's relocation to Colorado, and Joey's book, and Leslie's sweet southern charm, and Emily's pregnancy, and the other Kristin's adventures with Eli, and Nichole's new house, and Jessie's adorable boys, and Karly's little Ivy, and Laurie's insane organization skills, and Jenn's quest for answers, and Joy's pretty princess.  You girls (and so many others that I don't have the space to mention) are what make this whole thing worth it (even if you have no idea I'm writing about you right now).

So maybe I'll never be a real blogger, whatever that means.  But no matter what... I'll always be real.    

11 comments:

Kristin said...

Your blog is just as fantastic as you are, Ryan, and that's why I keep reading it! I agree: I have NO desire to grow if it means it's an obligation because then it won't be fun anymore. There's also a long list why I'll never be a big-time blogger too…
And you have a very full life…being well-rounded is most important, right?

Have a great Monday, friend!

Emily said...

LOVE this post! I feel the same way and feel like our blogs are very similar in this sense too! I blog for me and my family-its our scrapbook and I don't care to attract readers (weird!), but the connections that I have made with other people through blogging (like you!) have been wonderful! Knowing that other people are going through what you are going through at the same time (often the case with us and our girls) is so reassuring to me! It's nice to know we are not alone! Blogging friends are the best!

Jyndia said...

Thank you for saying that!!! I agree and think that was the original intent of all bloggers. Not to say if you can make a buck doing it that you shouldnt, but bottom line I should not feel guilty over not posting consistently or having sponsors. I feel like I write best when I am not pressured. And I love your blog! Thanks for keeping it real!

The Tale of Three Ps said...

Good post! I totally agree.

nicole said...

So well put, and I totally agree! I love your blog just the way it is!

~ Nicole from Bumps & Beginnings

Jessie said...

AMEN! I feel like blogging can be such a popularity contest, but really, I just connecting with other real and adorable mamas. You fit the bill on real and adorable. Keep doing what you're doing and I'll keep reading.

Hayley Chandler said...

I absolutely adore your blog!!! I am so glad I stumbled across it several months ago. You are real, and that's what keeps me coming back!!!

Anonymous said...

I'll never be a "real" blogger because I have too much other stuff that requires my attention, but I enjoy doing it when I have the time and if nobody ever reads it, oh well. Sometimes I just have to dump all the stuff that's bouncing around in my head to make room for more important stuff.

Anonymous said...

Amen! I agree! Since I've been pregnant, I haven't felt like blogging at all. So happy I don't have to answer to anyone else about it. I know I'll get back to blogging when I feel like it. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Oh I love this post! I couldn't agree more! So glad I found your blog :) seems like we have the same outlook on a lot of things!!

Tammy @ Next To Grace said...

Love this post. I'll never be a famous blogger and I'm just fine with that :)

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