This is one of those posts that I hope comes out the right way.
Here goes:
My blog is not monetized. There are no adverts, no giveaways, no pretty widgets and plug-ins. I’m trying to keep it as clean and simple and honest as possible as there is enough noise on the Internet. I don’t have a Facebook page on purpose (although I do sometimes toy with the idea). I’m not driven by numbers.
In fact, the blog was private for a while this year and I’m still trying to come to terms with what I deem appropriate to share and what to rather keep within the confines of our home and closest friends. Emotionally it’s been a tough year, but I’m gathering myself toward myself. As you do.
I’m torn between wanting people to read (I will always love seeing people comment, even though I’ve unwittingly made it difficult for people to do so until today, thank you Laura!) and not wanting people to read (I feel too exposed, too judged, too emotionally fragile to deal with trolls).
I battle to find the right tone at the moment, I have to dig deep to see the funny some days, which is why I have to keep writing. It forces me to put things into perspective.
I have also neglected reading some of my favourite blogs – especially the local ones – and now I remember why I used to love reading them: they often put life into context. I haven’t opened Bloglovin for most of the year as, quite honestly, seeing all those unread posts make me want to run screaming (I really miss Google Reader btw, everything was *just* right).
What I’m really enjoying are the “quiet” blogs, the private thoughts that aren’t publicised. They somehow feel more honest, less contrived. Their intent, like mine, isn’t to generate income, it’s there for an outlet and support (I think). It’s like The Underground of Blogging.
It’s so easy to get sucked into chasing page-views, optimising what you write for the Whole Wide Web to read. It’s so liberating not to give a toss, mostly. Read it, don’t read it.
But for those of you that read and keep coming back I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for reading.
It means the world to me.
You are welcome … I’m so pleased you are public again. I couldn’t access your blog when it was private … Hence why I connected on FB.
I’m glad we connected on FB Collette 🙂
I read your posts, whatever the topic. Because I so enjoy how you write, so real. Thanks 🙂
Thank you Marisa!
I’m glad that it is easier to comment now. I felt like a troll reading it and not commenting.
Haha! Thanks for the giggle Surita 🙂
Your love for your husband and kids is so inspiring. You are a ray of sunshine in my life. It’s always so comforting to know that you are NEVER alone in your struggles. Loving you very much! Cxxxx
Love ya Charmaine 🙂
I am struggling with the same things at the moment and therefore I can relate. My little blog has been reduced to a craft blog as a result.
I love your blog. It is rare to find a blog that is real. I enjoy reading because as a parent to it comforting to know that you are not alone.
Us parents need to stick together Ramona!
I could never comment on your blog, so whatever you have done, thank you 🙂
Woohoo!
I really, really enjoy reading your posts, and am so glad that you’ve sorted out the commenting issue 🙂
Thanks! It was such a silly thing too “blushes”
Love to read anything your write my friend. And that’s why I have the two blogs – I know a bit odd – one for those inner, honest things and pics and memory keeping for the kids and one that is public – for all to see.
I completely get why you have a second blog Cat!
Thank you for opening the comments. Felt like I was spying when reading your posts but couldn’t comment.
Keep it real. X
You can spy away any day Mandi 🙂
I love your reading your blog. You are authentic and funny and sometimes sad. As the best people mostly are. x
Love you Sam
This is a great post as it speaks to so much I keep going around and around about in my head with regards my blog. I also don’t want to turn my blog into a money machine. It is my space to share my thoughts, and I also really struggle to know what to share and how to phrase.
Keep writing I always read and you speak my language (so to speak)
Thank you 🙂
Love your writing. You’re quite right – there is a difference when writing for a large audience with ads, to just telling us what life is like for you and yours. So interesting & so obviously real.
Agreed!
Love you xx
Love you too xx