Oh wow, another week’s passed, and I’m once again writing my weekly post at the last possible minute. If I’m honest, this workflow hasn’t been the best for my blog growth.
What I’ve worked hard these past few years is now dwindling, and I find myself not having a choice but to just deal with it.
But if you know me, you’ll know that nothing’s ever a loss. A writer’s life is always win-win because there’s always a story you can flesh out of the bad experiences.
So the good part of all this is that I get to share my gradual downfall with you. All you’ll need to do is to apply the opposite and you’ll be golden.
See? Win-win.
1. Not networking anymore
This is the biggest one. The main reason for the higher-than-average engagement on my blog is me reading other people’s blogs and leaving comments. That’s it. I’ve never really invested in ads, SEO, or even Pinterest. It’s all networking, baby.
But with my current limitation on time, I’ve also found myself unable to network. And that’s why I think my readership has tanked.
As much as I’d like to think it’s the stellar content that draws people in, I have to say that there’s more to the algorithm game, and pouring my heart and soul to my writing only makes up for 20% of audience attraction.
So if you’re looking to grow your blog, don’t forget to network.
2. Not thinking about writing as much
Having less time for the blog doesn’t just mean a loss of writing time. It also means less thinking on a whole.
I used to pontificate blog ideas on my morning runs. Now all I think about is how to solve that work problem that’s been pending from the previous day.
Which kinda sucks because when I actually do have time to write, I’ll be sitting at the blank page not knowing how to start.
There’s much to be said about the act of just thinking. Writing isn’t always about writing.
Having the uninterrupted time to stare out a window and think about a topic really does help you put a fuller story together. And without this composting time, I’ve found my posts to lack their regular pop.
So if you’re looking to create more content, remember that mindless thinking can be as important as writing itself.
3. Not spending enough time on WordPress
There is a certain magic to facing the blank page. Sit in front of it long enough and you’re bound to come up with something.
It’s the same with jiu-jitsu. I’ve noticed that the students who spend more time in the gym—regardless of if they train or just watch the class—tend to improve faster.
Similarly, I didn’t particularly have many more ideas when I had more time to spend on WordPress. The creativity was just a natural product of spending more time reading other blogs and playing around with the editor.
So if you’re looking to grow your blog, the best thing to do sometimes would be to open up WordPress and just… hang out.
It doesn’t matter if you do it on the Reader, the Editor, or the Stats page. Creativity’s magical like that.
4. Not sweating the small stuff
It’s weird how work has turned down the volume knob in my life. Like, I used to be so bothered by the loud cars that zoom past my house every day. That hatred has now dissipated thanks to the unending to-do list I have to complete each day.
I forgot which artist said this: Work is a great way to escape life. I used to scoff at that remark. Now I’m starting to understand how profound that saying is.
Even my usual low-grade anxiety has stopped bothering me for a while.
I can’t say which is better, since having to dash from one thing to another isn’t exactly a fun way to live either. But I must say that it’s nice not having to worry about the frivolities of life, like my neighbour deciding to renovate again.
The downside? This indifference includes my blogging tasks as well. I kinda forget to draft stories and answer comments.
So if you want to stay creative, make sure you set some time for yourself to just do nothing.
5. Not bringing in new traffic
I’ve been relying on my regulars—you, basically—since the turn of 2023. And while I’m grateful for the conversations we share, I know that you can’t always visit the blog.
The thing is, my previous commitment of commenting on 20 blogs a day still brought in fresh faces, so even if you were to drop by the blog once a year, the conversations would’ve kept going.
But now that I’ve stopped networking, I don’t get as many new visitors. Which means that engagement will eventually take a hit. And when that drops, so too will the traffic.
It’s like my ex-salon-manager always said: “People attract people.” And it’s been so long since I’ve facilitated that.
So if you’re looking to grow your blog, you need to believe in this internet woo-woo. Regular activity always beats stagnancy.
Oh, and by the way, I thought I’d just drop a kudos to Razz and Roze for finding their groove through the art of commenting and creating their own momentum.
Life is a series of ups and downs
I guess the most important message I want to leave you with today is that you’re never one thing.
And even if you are, nothing ever lasts.
So as you watch the seasons of your life change, know that there’ll never be a constant in life.
I could one day lose all momentum and end up with a defunct blog. Or I could come back even stronger and lead this blog to the goat-sacrificing greatness it was meant for.
Either way, nothing stays the same. And that’s the only constant we have in life.
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Your Friendly Malaysian Writer 
I always enjoy your writing Stuart! I haven’t been blogging for a while but I’ve returned to your blog for some inspiration! I was meeting with a group and sharing stories for a while and now I’m using an app with question prompts and I try to write a story each week. I’ve been thinking about getting back to blogging and so I’m getting back to reading the thoughts of other bloggers! Hopefully I’ll be inspired to write something on my blog.
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That’s what I do too! Whenever I’m lost, I just turn to other bloggers or newsletters to get that part of my mind going. Same for fiction.
Am honoured that you’d stop by for inspiration. I do hope that you get back on the blogging bandwagon. Here’s to coming back to the routine!
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Perhaps routine is part of the answer! I found that I wasn’t able to write regularly because I was limited in ideas that might appeal to other bloggers. There might also be a problem of over thinking things so today I used a prompt to get started. I also decided to begin with just a few ideas and write! I’m pretty happy that I’ve managed to post something!
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I went through a time where I only posted once a month because keeping up with blogging on the side of my full-time job and side gig business was just too much. I came back this year to doing bi-weekly and I already feel myself losing steam again. This full-time, capitalism thing is killer to creativity. Whatever you end up doing, wishing you the best.
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So glad to share experiences with someone going through the same thing. I mean, it’s not that bad, because it does dampen my anxious mind. But it also does away with my creative mind too. Give and take, I guess. Thanks as always for stopping by!
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Real life may have its uses, but it certainly gets in the way sometimes! I think the more we engage with the blogs we follow and read, the stronger the connection is between writer and reader. Then you’re more likely to follow and engage to support their efforts. Thanks for the great post, and I hope things even out for you soon so you can keep everything afloat! 💞
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Am definitely looking for whatever little pockets of air I can get, that’s for sure. This is one such example. Thanks so much for your positive vibes, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
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That’s really well written post about your blogging experiences Stu!
How you doing? Been a while we spoke. Traffic and followers seem like ‘the thing’ these days!
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Yeah, I’ve been attending events lately, and it’s interesting how someone’s credibility seem to be tied to their digital presence. What a world we live in.
I’ve been all right. Trying to keep my head above water sometimes. But can’t complain. How about you? Great that you stopped by!
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Yes that’s kinda true in some things but I still feel not all. It’s nice to have digital presence though. I mean you can’t physically be present in all places and with all people all the time Stu so just a way of being connected too specially if we are in different parts of the globe.
I have been okay I guess but it’s crazy sometimes and sometimes I have to motivate myself to keep going by saying tough circumstances don’t last all the time, tough people do!
Find sometime to drop by mine and share your social media id, I guess that would be Facebook and Instagram – the more popular ones for digital credibility!
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Thanks for this. It’s quite helpful to me as well
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And thank YOU for stopping by!
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Your dedication and hard work always inspires me Stuart. The fact that you keep showing up is impressive. Who was the first person to ever comment on my blog, back when I was a new blogger trying you navigate the blogging world? You. Those little words of encouragement always go a long way fir peeps. Keep rocking Start!
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*to navigate and for peeps I meant 🙈
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Whoa, I had no idea I was the first, so it’s amazing to wake up to this comment. It keeps me humbled that any tiny interaction on here could very well stick with someone, for better or for worse. Thank YOU for making my day with your comment!
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Thank you for this. I just started blogging about 6 months ago and I kind of like it. These things you have mentioned would definitely help me push forward. Keep writing!
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I’m definitely honoured that you’d continue to blog more because of this. Keep on keeping on, and thanks so much for stopping by!
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Awakening tips really : some we’ve always known but forgot, others we are learning. Thanks.. Keep the fire burning
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And thank you for stopping by and keeping MY fire burning!
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I’ve really been struggling with my own traffic lately on my own website. I get views, but no interactions. I feel as if perhaps my work has become too out-of-touch, too esoteric, and too eclectic. But now that I read this post, I recognize that my issue is I simply haven’t networked at all for over a year. I just have problems sometimes being able to organize my thoughts in such a way to leave a useful and interesting comment on multiple posts on various blogs in a single day. Sometimes I have to dig through the archives of blogs just to find something I have a meaningful tidbit to add to the discussion.
But you’re absolutely right; writing and blogging in particular thrive on community, connection, and discussion. It seems to me, though, that despite your saying that your blog is struggling, I see plenty of vitality being shared in the comments, something that’s growing increasingly rare in our age dominated by the scrolling culture of social media. Keep going, my friend. You have plenty of insights left to share; even if you don’t have the time you used to (I find I have far too much to spare), keep up your weekly posting. My wife and I love your site and look forward to new posts regularly, even if I don’t always know exactly what to say to add to the conversation. ~ Amelia
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Yeah that’s my other problem too. Wondering if I’m taking my personal writing too personal sometimes and forgoing others’ comfort of consumption. There’s definitely a need to balance it out there. I still haven’t found it.
Always grateful to have you and Thomas over here! Appreciate you leaving your thoughtful comment!
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I think I am in that place with my whole life at present. Good read.
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Ah, are you okay though? How you doing over there?
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Taking it day by day.
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Looking back at last year and now, life is vastly different and it’s crazy how much has changed. I still remember how much work I put into blogging, how much I enjoyed reading yours. But then, once I started getting into the rhythm of work and doing a 9-5 editing job, all that effort towards blogging was, once again, put on hold. Although it’s nice to be busy and not rely on freelance, I do miss the days spent crafting story after story, hoping that the next one will take shape and become something living, breathing all on its own. I do miss the weekly conversations on this site and all the creativity that poured out because of blogging.
Hope you’ve been well Stuart!
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I’m so glad that so many people resonate with this point. There’s good and bad of being occupied by our day job, isn’t it? I, too, am grateful to have something steady instead of the intermittent salary from freelancing. But at the same time, I too miss the entire days I had just to craft blog posts and network on WordPress. I guess life happens and we just find our way, amirite? Thanks so much for stopping by. Your name is one I haven’t seen in a long while!
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Hi Stuart. We are in a very similar place! You articulated it all so well. I just wrote my first post in months and it’s my version of this same topic. Work absolutely ate everything else.I love how you phrased it: It’s weird how work has turned down the volume knob in my life. I am back on WordPress, hunting around for the old magic and trying to make space for everything to be different. To let the seasons of life play out. Love your writing. You are my favorite blogger out there!
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It’s so awesome to hear such supportive words, especially from people I’ve known for so long like you.
It’s been a while since I saw you around too, so it’s such a welcome surprise to read your comment.
Work is weird like that, isn’t it? It’s like all the tiny anxiety-inducing things become small problems—almost as if I don’t have the time to care about those trivial inconveniences anymore.
Pros and cons to it. The cons is much lesser care for creative endeavours too. Have you found that to be the case?
Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you hop right back on that blogging bandwagon!
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Creativity needs time. Not just a little, though much can be done with a little, but it needs a lot, so much that even if much is wasted it doesn’t matter. Art is an adventure and it’s hard to have an adventure on a tight schedule! I am trying to find my way back to the pure joy of it all. Writing was that for all of 2022. 2023 just ate everything! It’s ok. I need to approach in the spirit of adventure and not making finding my joy yet another thing on the never ending to do list!
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I can relate to every word you said especially not sweating the small stuff. I am trying out the once a week blog . I try to Network because I do believe it’s the best way tp get people to read . In trying thus out I Hooe it works but I repeat what other people say please do keep blogging
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Networking is the bomb, especially when looking for free ways to grow the blog. It’s just soooo time consuming. I hope you find your own groove through networking. Thanks so much for your kind words, Dana!
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Hi Stuart. I feel so guilty for not commenting on your other posts that have touched me. I’m sorry you’ll be winding the blog down. But I get it. My own blog has been on sabbatical due to a self-enforced deadline to complete my novel. I miss it but it was sooo… time consuming. Commenting on posts has just felt like a luxury but I realise that unless a reader comments, the author doesn’t know they’re reaching anyone. I don’t read blogs in general – I just really like yours. You make a lot of sense. I hope you can manage to keep it going, maybe by doing it less (like quarterly?). I’m going to pick mine up again. The novel deadline is blown anyway!
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I’m not sure if I’m winding the blog down, to be honest. Just in kind of a limbo for now. I’ll try and maintain the schedule for as long as I can. Weirdly enough, I haven’t had time to think about posts, despite living more.
And yes, you definitely should come back. Am looking forward to when we both get our blogging mojo back!
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Life is a rollercoaster. Even if this isn’t the peak blogging time of your life, it sounds like you have a lot of other things that are important now. I think it’s good for us to go along on the ride sometimes and see where else it takes us.
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If Sarah says life is a rollercoaster, then I’m inclined to agree. Because you know a thing or two about the wild hands life can deal you. Thanks so much for your support. I really appreciate it!
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I remember the first time I got a surge in my viewership, I got like 300 views in a single day and that was back when I was just looking up topics to read about. I will say, WordPress’s search feature is a little funky, but looking for other sites in the comments of sites I already follow is a great idea! Thanks for that one!
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Yeah, I’ve met some great people thanks to the regular blogs I visit. And it’s much easier to connect since we know they’re already active. Love that you found your own takeaway. Wishing you all the best with your blogging journey!
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This is exactly what I’ve been going through, especially leaving writing to the very last minute!! Definitely not sustainable but this post was a great reminder on how to get back on track – thank you!
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I myself am struggling to keep my head above water where writing is concerned. Am wishing you better luck with this. Here’s to getting back on track together!
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Life lessons blog for bloggers..this was fun to read. Lots of great advise there. I will try and follow some of them myself and see where that gets me :)
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Lol do find your own way. I’m sure you’ll come across some methods that work better for you than others. And I’m rooting for you to find them! Thanks for stopping by!
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Work is a way to escape life! Wow! And here was I blogging to escape work! Hahaha…and also thinking the grass was sweeter for those who hv more flexible schedules, like writers like yourself! Hang in there bro…focus on what’s important ‘now’…I also schedule my posts ahead so i dont write at the last minute…I think this is a very good tip posted by some here! take care!
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Lol, not gonna lie, I’ve felt less anxious ever since I started this job. Maybe it’s just replacing one form of anxiousness for another. Anyhoo, here’s to living in the now more!
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Hey Stuart. I can understand what you are saying. I have a project that has sat idol for 3 years, it is killing me. I simply lack enthusiasm at this time. But this is not about me. SOunds like you need a holiday, physically and mentally. I would put the blog on hiatus, get some rest, clear your head then decide what is best for you. Life sucks enough, there is no reason it should be self inflicted.
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I might go on a hiatus someday, but I still feel like things aren’t bad enough to reach that level yet. I have a feeling that once I do that though, I’ll either disappear forever, or come back stronger. A 50/50 flip for sure, lol.
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Yeah… and we’re all stuck going back to life. :D COVID isolation gave a lot of us the option to stay inside and read/watch online.
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Yeah, gotta admit, COVID did change the way we work. And it also gave so many people a real look at the digital nomad life, for the better or worse, lol.
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This is good for me. I been trying to get iho the motions of daily journaling and blogging and I’m just getting going. I’m not to worried about readership right now just trying to get a consistent writing routine going. These tips are good
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Glad you see these as tips and not a discouragement of the cycles of blogging. Hope you get into the groove. In fact, I’ll go visit your blog right now!
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Thanks for all of this Stuart. I think you’re right – it is a commitment and the time spent writing pales, sometimes, when you compare it to the time it takes to interact with other bloggers. I think Ally shared that (above) and I agree. I’m a big believer in seasons…paying attention to our callings and interests and allowing ourselves the grace to pivot when we need to. No harm, no foul. Just paying attention to what matters and you’re right…it’s pretty fluid! 😊
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Looking at Ally’s blog, I think there’s something behind her words for sure! Looking at it as seasons is definitely a great way to go. At least it makes me feel less guilty about easing off the throttle. I hope to find my mojo soon, and thanks to you for helping nudge me in the right direction!
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I feel ya. We all evolve and what helps one part of us can hinder others. I’m hoping to end my break soon. Thank you for these valuable insights. I always appreciate your honest takes.
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I’m hoping that you end your break soon too! Now that you’ve said it, you’re going to have to make it happen :P
Thanks so much for your encouraging words. Here’s to finding our mojo!
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Agree with all of the things you’ve mentioned, especially around discovering new blogs, and mine being discovered. I haven’t blogged anywhere near as much lately as I did in the earlier days. Some of this has been about a sense of purpose. I’m about to visit Cambodia and Vietnam, and so I’m pretty confident I’ll have lots of posts to follow. But when you’re just going about the dailies, there isn’t often a sense of purpose in blogging. The other is about changing technologies. I’ve just started doing audio posts, and getting the various AI patforms, Bard/Chat GPT to tidy them up, improve grammar and thoughts. I’ve only done this a couple of imes, but it seems to be working. For my trip, I suspect I’ll record some voice pieces, and get the AI to improve their text for blogs.
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Interesting that you bring up audio posts. I’ve been mulling over short video posts as well, just to add an extra medium to my repertoire. It’s great that audio is working for you!
That’s super interesting that you’ll be in this part of the world soon, so I’m looking forward to read about your adventures. Thanks for stopping by, James!
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i started my blog to record as accurately as possible the covid ‘war’ in NZ, and how it affected me and my family.
Now that the hysteria has died down, I have less to write about, which means fewer posts. I still keep writing, but only about stuff that is important to me. i don’t write stuff just for it’s own sake.
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I think that’s what matters in the end, isn’t it? Especially when it’s personal writing instead of work writing. Once we start writing for others in our personal writing, then that’s when we begin to lose our way, which is what I’m kinda feeling now.
Thanks so much for adding your thoughts!
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I just found your blog and am seeing a few commenters here who I follow as well. I’m sorry you’re feeling down about your blog. I’ve been blogging almost 20 years now and have gone through slumps, but rode them out. In my experience blogging needs to be fun, however you define that, plus you need to share the comment love by extending yourself to others. Most of the energy in blogging isn’t in what you say, it’s how you interact with other people.
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That’s true indeed! I mean, I’ve realised that there’s more to WordPress than just the writing. In fact, sometimes I feel that the networking bit makes up much more than the actual blogging when it comes to this platform.
20 years! That’s an inspiration. It’s great to know that you’ve managed to ride out your low periods, because that gives me a little boost to ride through mine. Thanks for leaving this comment, Ally!
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You’re welcome, Stuart. Blog on!
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I remember work getting in the way of my creativity. It can be disheartening and I feel your frustration. I hope you find your mojo and keep blogging Stuart. It’s not all about the numbers. Some of it is just about making us, your readers, laugh about goats!
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A ha! Goat gang! It’s such a privilege to be able to share inside jokes, so you’re right about that. It does feel much better than just worrying bout the numbers. Here’s to finding our mojo even if we lose it!
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Whatever it is, I know that your blog…and you yourself, won’t be forgotten.
It might be idle for some time if you’re not active.
In my case, I realize…
…that the blogging and posting, are actually ‘an idea’ (thought) about doing something good…
…but there is no actual wanting, desire, lust, or even hunger for this…
…and there only reason I was able to do it daily in the past…was because I made it my ‘responsibility’ to do it…
…but the word ‘responsibility’ alone…feels like a burden, because to me…
…it feels like something that a person has to do no matter what, regardless of him wanting to do it or not.
Maybe that is why I am not really doing it these days,
but it does pay off because it is a good deed…a good thing.
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In some ways, that feeling of ‘responsibility’ is what gets me to do interesting things. I do feel the same, in that once something becomes a ‘need to do’, then it begins to feel like a burden.
But then again, without that way of looking at things, I wouldn’t even try doing hard things.
Anyhoo, thanks for this food for thought!
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Hi Stuart, Thanks for sharing your insights. You write from the heart, that is what matters. Nothing remains constant, you just have to do what matters at the time. Keep writing !
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Love that thought. Gotta embrace the fact that nothing is constant except change itself. The quicker I get used to that, the better I can adapt to whatever may affect the blog. Always appreciate you stopping by, LH!
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I’m a first time reader. I appreciate your post – one of things I like most about WordPress is the community. I look forward to your newsletters!
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And I’m grateful that you decided to stop by! Also, am super grateful that you’re part of the newsletter. Anyhoo, looking forward to chatting with you more!
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Thank you Stuart!
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My blog was growing pretty steadily for a couple of years, but the fact is, if you only follow people you genuinely wish to read (in other words, if you don’t do follow-for-follow blogging), there comes a point where you just can’t follow anyone new. Even now, I sometimes get behind on blog reading and it’s a real commitment to get caught up, so adding new people to read is unthinkable. It’s made my followership stagnate a bit, but I’m ok with that because at least I’m following people authentically.
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Tell me about it. I just can’t keep up with my own Reader anymore. But I still do check on whoever comments, so there’s still some outgoing reading. It reminds me that there is a hard limit to growth though.
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Occasionally I’ll want to follow someone, but then I look and see that they post more than once a week (sometimes every day, or even multiple times a day), and it scares me away. I simply can’t keep up.
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Networking is the most surefire way to grow a blog, but that requires time and energy. I have less traffic now because I’m investing my time elsewhere. You know what, I’m okay with that. I prefer comments over people who hit like without reading my posts. As I’ve told you, I’m still here even though I blog far less often. That must mean you’re doing something right.
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Always great to see your comments, especially since I know what you’re up to lately. I don’t know what I’m doing right, but that gives me the confidence to keep on being me. So thanks for this, Pete!
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These are such great things to remember and learn from.
Thank you so much for sharing!!
Just subscribed to your newsletter!!
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Wow, that only means I’ll need to stay on track just so I don’t let you down. Thanks so much for being part of the newsletter, and I don’t take your support lightly!
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That’s great!!
Pleasure is mine 😊
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My participation in the blogosphere consists of you, Stuart. Despite my complete lack of fluency in blogging matters (or 21st century communication in general), I am always inspired by what you write. ALWAYS. So your impact reaches the world in ways that metrics will never report.
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Wow, you sure do have a way with words. This one hit me. Likewise, I appreciate our chats over email when you drop a message, so do remember that you’re leaving positive experiences in my life, halfway across the world, as well!
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I agrée it’s hard work to have, keep and write a blog. I’ve gotten over it by just seeing it for what it is for me – a place to share my “monkey brain” thoughts and ramblings. Sometimes when I get a comment, I’m surprised. “What? Someone ACTUALLY READ what I wrote?!” 🤣
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I get that exact feeling till today. Because what I’m doing is essentially what you’ve mentioned—sharing my monkey brain thoughts. So I appreciate you leaving your thoughts, because that feeling of ‘Someone read my stuff?’ never really goes away!
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Thanks so much for the mention Stuart! We have learned alot from you and we both always enjoy reading your posts. They never disappoint, as this one shows. You’re right on with your points and I can totally relate. Especially the last one. Nothing ever stays the same. I have lived long enough to see many, many changes in my life and how I live it. Change is the one thing we can always be sure of. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with all of us.
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I don’t have much wisdom to share, to be honest. Just recording my daily thoughts. But all the same, I’m so honoured you’d read it and always leave comments on the blog. I appreciate our timely chats, no matter how brief!
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You make such interesting points, Stuart. It reminds me of the quote from Brian Tracy, “You are a living magnet. What you attract in your life is harmony with your dominant thoughts. ” When something like work is drawing your attention, it makes sense that would be where you’re growing. Maybe that’s as it should be.
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Maybe indeed! You certainly bring up random thoughts along these lines: You are exactly where you need to be.
So while it may be ‘down time’ for me, perhaps it’s what I need to continue forging ahead. Who knows, right? Thanks so much for your lovely thoughts, Wynne!
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I sometimes feel the same way. Maybe repost some older posts again. Perhaps take a couple of weeks off.
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Am definitely thinking about that. Maybe rejig the way I write until I find my groove again. I guess the onus is on my to find my path though. Thanks so much for your support!
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My pleasure. You will figure it out. 🖖✌️🙏
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It’ll take a lot more effort to kill your blog Stuart. Maybe not continued growth, but certainly not death. I suppose the real question is, does it matter? Should we always pursue growth? Isn’t it okay to have a stable set of regulars and just be fine with it…? I for one would love to read a couple of lousy posts on your end. You raise the bar too high for all of us man ;).
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Yeah, I’m gonna take a play out of Thomas Slatin’s book and admit that this journey can be cyclical sometimes. Maybe I’m going through a phase of coasting, so maybe it’s okay to not seek growth at this time of life. Thanks for giving me a new perspective to think about!
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Don’t go!
Sent from my new Geekpad
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Will definitely try not to!
Sent from my iPhone
lolol
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🤔 I must admit that networking plays a major role in both building and keeping of a readership.
Another thing to consider is that the younger generation is into vlogging and podcasting.
Even the blogging guru, Neil Patel, does a bit of vlogging once in a while.
Maybe, you could consider doing both blogging and vlogging.
Times are changing and if we do not change with the times, we could end up being left behind.
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This is a good point. I do have the feeling that text is slowly dying. Video maybe over its peak though. Podcasts seem to be the thing for everyone. Particularly now that AI can generate quick posts that are decent it might further hurt the blogosphere. It takes the art out of it. Blogs are also a weird sea to navigate. I always struggle to find stuff among the millions of affiliate marketeers.
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Yeah, I’ve definitely been thinking about adding an extra medium to the repertoire. Because words alone can only go so far. Been thinking about easy vlogging, maybe start with Insta stories. Who knows? Thanks so much for your thoughts, Renard!
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🙂 You are welcome, Stuart.
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Hey Stuart, guess what? It’s ok not to post every week. We all have level 1 commitments to maintain or our personal affairs will go out of whack.
For some people, blogging can be a level 2 commitment or maybe even a level 3.
Anyway, your making new connections at work and they will one day convert to new blog followers.
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Weirdly enough, I’ve never been able to get Malaysians on board as readers. So my work networking may not be the best, lol. Still great to connect through bloggers here on WordPress. Like I’m glad to have met people like you, Kevin. Anyway, thanks for stopping by!
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I too have found 2023 to be a year of writing very little, and it shows. I think as writers we sometimes just need to take a break and not be so hard on ourselves. Yes, staring at the blank page/screen can spark an idea or two, but so can getting busy with something else. And then by the time you’re in front of the page/screen again, it has been all but forgotten.
I have been consistent with blog neglect; all are treated equally. Networking does take time and effort, there’s no doubt about that. But at the end of the day, you have to do what makes you happy at this point in life. You’re staying consistent with your posts, even though you’re not spending hours on WordPress lately, and that counts for something.
Keep the posts coming Stuart, because there are those of us who enjoy reading what you have to say. :)
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Aww, you really do know how to make a writer’s day! I know I shouldn’t look outwards for happiness, but comments like yours really do leave a pep in my step. I appreciate you taking the time to leave this comment.
Yeah, I can attest to being hard on ourselves. It’s funny how tough we can be on ourselves. Weird thing is, I don’t think I’m operating at full capacity yet, so I sometimes wonder if I’m just being whiny. Anyway, thanks once again for your encouragement!
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Hey Stuart! I’m still here and I’ll keep reading whatever you write. (I’m kind of loyal that way). This statement in your post really struck me: “Work is a great way to escape life.” That is so true and it’s one of the reasons many people struggle when they retire. They no longer have that escape so now they need to figure out the life bit. It’s a big adjustment for many.
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Idle hands are the devil’s workshop indeed! I’ve found that I worry much less now that I have my day-to-day to think about. It’s a blessing to have a vocation, and only now am I starting to see its true value. Anyway, I appreciate your lovely words, Michelle!
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thank you for your great insights. it is a struggle to know if you are reaching people and touching them with meaningful content. your wisdom is appreciated.
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It is a struggle indeed, but maybe I should start looking within too, eh? Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your comment!
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yes. because i deal with difficult topics, i have been censored by search engines such as bing. starting relevant and important discussions is increasingly difficult in a totalitarian world
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Please keep writing; your blog is one of a handful that I actually enjoy reading. I know that it is human nature to sometimes be discouraged, as I once managed to amass 20,700 visitors in a single day in 2011. I haven’t had traffic like that since, but regardless, I keep going and you must keep going, too. Even if you don’t post as often, what you have created here is a community of interesting people. I can’t speak for everyone, but as for this author, I am counting on you to keep your blog going, even if you don’t post as often as you currently do. :)
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Well, Thomas, I am in AWE of your 20,700 visitors in one day. And here I was feeling proud of my high of around 800 in one day back in 2021. I echo your comment about a community of interesting people.
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Thank you, Michelle. :)
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Whoa. 20k visitors in a single day would be a hard one to top, that’s for sure. I hope you get many more days like that! It’s amazing to read comments like yours, Thomas, because it may be a quick comment, but it does linger with me for days. So I appreciate your positive vibes!
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‘Work is a great way to escape life’. I’d never heard this before, but agree wholeheartedly. Through my blog I try to find my work life balance, but sometimes work still wins …. it pays the bills, so I guess sometimes it has to.
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I find that I’m so much more anxious when I don’t have work to occupy my mind. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but being busy does help me not sweat the small stuff!
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Can’t disagree. Although I’m not a high-flyer, I’ve found that reading and commenting on other’s blogs has brough in the most followers. I’m sure if I took the time to properly read the comments on the blogs where I leave a comment, I would find even more fellow-thinkers.
But life’s too short to spend on the computer.
Especially now the sun is shining in the UK! (Sometimes.)
You know what they say… If you want something done, ask a busy person.
Unfortunately too may people ask and I find myself (in retirement ) busy.
I have found that starting a draft post with rough notes whenever I think of a topic has been useful. Every time I have the time, I go in and write one of them up properly and schedule it – it’s less onerous than starting from scratch. I’m scheduled up to six weeks now, and it does take the pressure off.
Get on with what you want to do. The blog will still be here when you have time for it.
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Oh yeah. To build on that method of drafting notes when you have the time, I’ve found that drafting entirely in notes helps me write an entire article without realising it.
Like I actually use bullet points and intend to make an outline. But through the magic of butt-in-chair-hands-on-keyboard, the bullet points turn into an article. I don’t know how. Not complaining though :P
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Cathy!
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I never grew to your level, so I never thought about it. To me, blogging was something which I could do on my own, and express my thoughts. For that purpose, it has served me well. True, I would love more readers, but we can’t get everything, now can we?
For now, my break seem to be coming at an end. Still, the chaos in my life has not abated, and the final chapters of my web serial are yet to be written. (I’m writing those in advance.) Which is exactly why there has been no activity from me.
Anyway, I do think you can get pass this one too, Stuart. I’ve no doubt that you have faced harder things in your life in the past.
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It’s almost as if we have a total writing quota, isn’t it? The moment we choose to pursue something else, something’s gotta give. Most times for me, that’s the blog. Will definitely keep up with my schedule to see how long I can stay afloat! Am actually curious now, lol. Looking forward to you coming back!
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My first few years of blogging, I was only interested in posting my own work. I didn’t engage with other blogs at all. What a difference it does make with traffic and followers. But it also does take a commitment of time.
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Indeed it does. I remember spending hours a day just on commenting alone. The results of networking cannot be denied though! But maybe it’s time for me to look to another way to scale? Thanks for your thoughts!
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👍🏼
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Stu please keep going. You’re my blogging rock star aka North Star (heck you do live north of me for crying out loud!). Keep blogging n keep commenting pls!!
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I shall take on that responsibility and keep pushing on, lol. Thanks for the reminder! Sometimes it’s much easier keeping on moving when it’s for others. But judging from the time it took me to reply this comment, it’s probably going to take a while to get back on track. Here’s to trying!
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