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This morning I read this post by Autum (Creative Little Daisy).
It really expressed what I've been feeling for some time now.
Blogging used to be a fun way to share experiences and creative endeavours with like minded people.
The blogging world has gone completely haywire.
No matter how hard I try, I always feel inadequate. I can't compete with the "super bloggers".
I'm constantly trying to keep up and failing.
Upset because I'm not getting the glut of comments they're getting.
Not enough "followers" and visitors.
Not enough giveaways and free patterns.
Because I have a store I feel very dependent on my blog readers for business.
This has led me astray.
Away from the orginal purpose of this blog.
I'm done trying.
If you love my store and would like to continue to support me and be informed of the arrival of pretty fabrics and great deals, please "like" the store on Facebook.
Or subscribe to the newsletter.
I really appreciate your support.
I'll keep a link in the sidebar.
But from now on this blog will be what I intended it to be.
About sharing.
Amen.
I "liked" the store on facebook. And I will continue to like you in person (virtually) on your blog.
ReplyDeleteOh, do I understand what you've shared! I have felt the same pressure and finally had to decide that I must be true to myself and that my blog must be 'me'. Thank you for your post - I look forward to so many more.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Love the blog and store..ies... you share your heart and thats great...
ReplyDeleteHugs Dawn x x x
Anina, I feel your pain. Like you, I blog regularly but often wonder if anyone's out there reading. I also have a business I'm working at growing. I finally came to grips with the fact that I need to blog for myself. Once I decided not worry about how some of the super bloggers get a gazillion comments and followers I'm back to enjoying the process just for me. It's a great way to chronicle our own journey and a terrific way to go back and enjoy the process. Enjoy,
ReplyDeleteFor sure the pressure's out there, and sometimes it does make me feel inadequate too -- like no one's reading. But a few people are, and I suppose those are the ones I'm blogging for. I like to see what you're doing, so keep showing us. And I love to see your garden.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and your store and your friendship, so I don't care what you blog about! I will still be here reading and trying to comment as often as I can. I love reading about your sewing projects, your gardening, your remodeling, your son's adventures, your favorite TV show, whatever you want to share. It's YOUR blog, so don't try to compare YOURSELF with others.
ReplyDeleteSomedays I get ONE comment, and other days I get a bunch more. I do see other bloggers getting 40-80 comments, but I am not them. I'm never going to be them. I am me, and you are you, and you should use your blog to express your personality and not worry about comparing your blog and your thoughts to anyone else. (sorry about the preaching - it makes me feel bad to see women compare themselves like this)
I am sorry I am a lurker... I am hear reading if not commenting ... will try to do better :)
ReplyDeleteWell said. I love your blog and your wonderful ideas and you. Blogging for me has been about sharing fun ideas and making new friends who are interested in the same things I am. And just that. I have learned a lot from others talents and been motivated to keep creating. I don't want it to be a contest...just enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI agree this is for sharing ones thoughts and projects and flowers. By the way your flower is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI too feel the way you do. My blog just started out as a diary for myself. Then for some reason, earllier this year I felt compeled to "keep up" I do have a lot of blogs I like to read, but it is for the inspiration. I cannot compete with the "super" bloggers. I just like to write about what I am doing or where I go and what I like. I love your blog because it is about you. Thank you for letting me air.
ReplyDeleteI've been almost a year blogging. I went from gee this is fun to pant pant, run run. But I'm not the only one and neither are you or Autumn. There are a lot of bloggers saying, "what the heck..." It is definitely good to be back smelling the roses. 8)
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more. Blogging should not be stressful, it should be stress relieving!
ReplyDeleteAmen! I have felt the same way at times and I just tell myself that even though my blog will probably never be voted most popular, I do enjoy the creating and sharing.
ReplyDeleteAmen sista! Keep it real and don't worry about the "keeping up". We like you just the way you are. Off to like you at Facebook and sign up for your newsletter.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog, it has provided me lots of joy and inspiration. I agree that the blog world is in some kind of weird competition for perfection - so not what it should be, at least for me.
ReplyDeleteAmen indeed! I often feel that I'm just not as good as so many people whose blogs I read. But I have to just do my best and share my life and what I make and hope somebody out there gets something from it.
ReplyDeleteFunny, 'cause I always thought of you as one of those "super-bloggers"! (Not b/c you seem to be in the rat-race, but b/c your blog is so inspiring!)I still remember the post that made me start following your blog - it was a picture of some quilt block you made that had me drooling. Simple sharing is the only reason I'm a citizen of Blogland, and I'm sure that's true for many, many others. So, thank you!
ReplyDeleteAmen sweet sister!
ReplyDeleteI read her post this morning, too. I agree with her, and you. I've been following you for awhile, and will continue to do so, even though I don't always comment. ;)
ReplyDeleteFeeling valued for blogging is hard. I write on my blog a lot and have a few regular commenters, but not as many as I would like. On one hand I feel like I have a good relationship with my readers. On the other hand, I spend a lot of time writing and wonder if what I am writing is worth it and interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have decided that I will write what I want to write about and try not to anticipate what my readers want to read. This makes me happier. I am glad you feel like doing the same. Your blog is now in my blog reader and I will try to comment more.
Take care and thanks for your time.
Jaye
http://artquiltmaker.com/blog
I had an "Oh NO!" moment as I read your post, thinking you were going to be leaving the blogging world and we wouldn't be able to visit anymore. I'm so glad I was wrong. You blog on your terms, and make it yours again. I'll be here ever time you do!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your posts Anina. I hope to work on the Pinwheel Party this summer too.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Michele
I too am a lurker (please don't hate me!) but I read ALL of your posts and enjoy them immensely. IMO the "bigger" blogs aren't always the most interesting ones you know - I have stopped following some of them that started out small and became way too big too quick because the posts were too samey samey and had no interest whatsoever - keep true to yourself - your blog is for YOU - and those who enjoy reading it - these are the people that matter xxx :)
ReplyDeleteyeah...i rarely get comments. and i don't know if my blog really helps my business.
ReplyDeletebut, i try to remember i blog primarily for me! it's a record of the things i've done and made and found and love. if others read it and love it--great! but if not, I love it.
that's what really matters. :)
YAY & Well put. (I am still not joining facebook though.)
ReplyDeleteHi Anina, sorry you feel this way too. I noticed something was going on.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, I always have. I love your store, though I’m not a regular customer. You’ve learned me a lot about quilting and you’re a superblogger to me. Not the kind that’s only busy selling stuff or getting more followers and visitors. You’re right, in the past 3 years that I know crafting blogland and are a part of it, a lot has changed and not for the better.
Looking forward to your future cheerful posts!!
I love your blog and read it every day. My blog is about me and what I am doing and if no one reads it that is okay. I so agree with what others have said. It is our diary, our life, and our way of keeping in contact with other quilters and e-friends.
ReplyDeletePlease continue to blog.
I DO enjoy your blog but I rarely comment. I'm a lurker. LOL. But I did "like" your FB page a while back and now I'll sign up for your newsletter. The superbloggers... sometimes that all goes to their heads. I read their blogs last. When I've read all my "favorite" ones first. ;) My little blog only gets 6-9 comments per post and I'm okay with that too.
ReplyDeletei feel the same way. earlier this year i often felt pressure to produce as many quilts as possible to have an excuse to blog more and have more follows. however, it sucked all of the joy out of quilting. when i took a step back and evaluated things, i realized that the blogs i really like are the ones who share about life and quilting. not the ones who produce the same quilt over and over and over and over again. so i'll be around to follow your blog still. kudos to you not forcing yourself to keep up!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm a lurker, but enjoy your blog quite a bit. I downloaded directions for a few of the pinwheel blocks. I'm so excited when I find new posts on your blog. You must be loved, because I see your blog mentioned on that of many others.
Please continue!
I don't facebook, so I'll go sign up for the newsletter.
ReplyDeleteI think for you to share the things about your shop that are most exciting and fun to you is just fine. I certainly don't feel 'marketed at'.
I will be happy to see whatever you want to share. If I like it I will say so, and if I don't - well everyone has different tastes and I'll probably like the next thing!
I hope this will mean a return to fun blogging for you.
Cheers,
AJ
AMEN! I couldn't agree with you more! I enjoy the stories behind the quilts and the things people share about their families. I'm guilty of looking at lots of blogs but not commenting, however, this past weekend i made a serious effort to make more comments just to let people know others enjoy their blogs. I'll definitely add you to my FB account. Thanks for all the great posts and the FABULOUS Pinwheel Party you did :O)
ReplyDeleteBlogging is a strange thing. I was first attracted to your blog when I saw your pictures of how you made an art stamp ... a kitty. I think now I come here to look at your interesting pictures. I personally haven't quilted much but am always thinking of it.
ReplyDeleteThoughts on blogging. I have three blogs of my own ... none of them really connected in my profiles. I started each of them each for different reasons. My art blog is my personal favorite ... but I think my least visited. And my cat blog (Millie's House) is the most popular but for me takes the most work and it seems the one that I am always playing catch up in. I have found though the best part of blogging is the friends I have made around the world.
I hope that for you that your blog becomes fun again.
I have shared your blog site with many people and I can truly that I have not done so with any others. I think you do a beautiful job and I so appreciate all you share.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. That's why I've stopped posting so frequently. I've gotten to the point where I feel that quilting is a contest...I must make all the latest quilts, with the latest fabrics and I still can't keep up with everything. I've come to realize I can't...and I'm making a few changes that will soon show up on my blog. Changing my focus so that I can slow down and enjoy the process of quilting again. I feel more at peace now that the decision has been made. Thanks for your post...it gives me the courage to write mine...
ReplyDeleteI love your blog - check it daily. Thanks for your sharing -- I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've been putting a lot of pressure on yourself. That's no fun. Hopefully, going back to your bloggy roots will help. :) I appreciate all you've done, and how much you share with us-- Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteAnina--
ReplyDeleteWhat you wrote here really resonated with me. The ladies at my sewing group regularly discuss super-bloggers... for some reason we seem to all have a particular disdain for power blogging.
I sometimes feel like you-- pressured to keep up. I like your reminder to keep the blog about sharing, instead of being worried about creating a following.
When I gave away a copy of EQ7, I had hundreds of comments on my blog. None of those people have ever come back to read. :(
If it makes you feel better, your blog is one of my favorites! It's not at all hard to keep up with, which is why I like it. :)
Well, I spent my weekend working on a project I have long enjoyed.. making grandmother's flower garden blocks. But this time, I used your idea of running the freezer paper through the printer.. oh joyous day! What a great idea you shared. And I love the colors and inspiration from your quilting. So thank you for being who you are as a blogger. I enjoy your blog, even though I don't comment much anywhere, due to lack of time... but I do learn, and admire.
ReplyDeleteI totally hear ya! I'm going to try and do the same.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Sarah
I pretty much have unsubscribed from blogs that sell things: I know how to find where to spend my money. I like to read blogs mostly about quilting and some about the families that surround them. Welcome. By the way, I read through Bloglines so I don't join any blogs. I also am really happy when I get more than 5 comments, go figure.
ReplyDeletephew! I got worried, I thought you were leaving your blog!
ReplyDeleteI understand the pressures of trying to run a business and keeping a blog.
I LOVE to read your blog and I LOVE your patterns.... so I hope you can find a way to combine it all and still be happy :)
I subscribe to your newsletter and I have a few of your patterns! :)
SheilaC
I couldn't agree with you more. I finally quit blogging for a lot of the reasons you stated. I miss it, but haven't gone back to it... don't know if I will. I work full time, and felt I didn't have "enough" projects, pictures, and so on to blog about.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is great fun, and I will continue to read it regularly!
I totally agree with you! I feel like some bloggers have a new project completed almost everyday. I stressed about it for awhile, but now I've just let it go. Now I am quilting simply because I love it and I find myself picking projects that are more complex (like "Geese in the Forest") and taking my time with them, instead of trying to pump out quick projects just to have something to blog.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I am unusually behind in my blog reading (I probably have about 50 quilting blogs on my google reader) and I scrolled down my list and clicked on you first, because I love this blog so much.
I love your blog~! I always wish I could get my photos to look as good as yours.
ReplyDeletesounds good to me!
ReplyDeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteI have been strugling with like thoughts. I blog for the same reason I quilt, I like to do it.
I have come to the realization that if someone else finds either my quilts or my blog interesting, great, but, my enjoyment will not be dependant on it.
I hope you find this freeing!
PS... I don't 'follow' rather have lists of sites I go to each day of the week and you are on my Tuesday list!
Hi Anina..
ReplyDeleteYou must be faithful to who you are and to what you want to share. Don't allow outside pressures to affect you! I read your blog even though I don't comment often!!! Thank you!
I understand you worries and anxieties. I too have felt some of the same feelings. Wondering if my blog or posts are "good" enough, or "interesting" enough. I'm new to the crafting world, so my blog isn't filled with the wonderful quilts or knits or designs. But either way, that's not what truly drew me into starting a blog, we just have to remain true to ourselves and not worry what others think so much. Tough, I know... But I love checking in on your blog and seeing what lovelies others have made! Don't give up the faith!
ReplyDeleteWell said Anina! I am a subscriber so I will continue to keep up with your posts. I've been a customer but just learned about the newsletter so signed up for that too.
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post I was so worried you were going to say you would no longer be blogging. I am relieved that you will continue. I love your blog it was one of about 6 that I check EVERY single day. Your blog is always so motivating and the thing I do LOVE about it is that it doesn't feel like a commercial for all that you are accomplishing. On my over to Facebook now to "Like" you. Don't let the big dogs get you down, stay true to what you know in your heart!!!
ReplyDeleteTo thine own self be true. :)
ReplyDeletegood for you!! i am looking forward to your new, "free" blogging - yay!
ReplyDeleteclaudia
diddo to all the above!
ReplyDeletelove you blog and the store!
thanks
(((hugs))))
AMen! I second that and all that etc :) I will still visit because I enjoy you. Also I like your store so I will ry and remember to like you when I am on FB. It is all about the remembering lol. I too am like meh blogging I can not keep up with these people. I work full time and still try to fit in my art and sewing to have joy, and sometimes it does indeed get overwhelming because it gets stressful trying to get it to masses, or something like that. I know, create for me, as I do but sharing I like too so there you go! SO sorry to babble lol THanks :)))
ReplyDeleteI only stumbled across your blog a few weeks back and I enjoy iy very much.you have certainly brought out the lurkers. See lots of poeple follow you even if they don't comment. I blog for myself if people want to read it all well and good. I don't get many comments but so what. Keep blogging simple.I think that should be our motto.
ReplyDeleteAmen! I read your blog regularly, like you on Facebook and have been a customer:) I started blogging for myself and I try to keep it that way, although I get sidetracked sometimes.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and thanks for having a great blog!!
Don't underestimate the reach of your blog. I follow a lot of blogs, but only comment when something really moves me. A clever idea. A brilliant technique. An outstanding final product. A thought provoking question.
ReplyDeleteAs a blogger, I find myself falling back into Jr High thinking...wanting to be more popular. But by writing about what I'm excited about, I know my real friends will enjoy...and y'all can come along for the ride.
Amen!
ReplyDeleteI love your store and your blog!!
ReplyDeleteThese comments show that you do have lots of support. Lookign forward to what more you have to share!
ReplyDeleteI was sorry to read such sadness on your blog today. I have been following your blog for a long time, and think it is great. You should not be so down on yourself. This blogging thing was really not supposed to be about competition or proving oneself, any more than quilting itself is supposed to be. My mother always told me just to be myself and love myself. Makes sense to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for giving so much of yourself to all of us.
I'm feeling the same way! Putting my heart and soul into a post and then having just 3 comments is hard to accept, but it doesn't really matter as long as I liked it.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is great and your projects too!
I RARELY comment as time is so precious and in this last year I've decided to be very intentional with my time and energy.
ReplyDeleteIt has meant unsubscribing from things and in all likelihood, missing out....Oh well, my life is too valuable to give it to a screen for so many hours.
I NEVER sign up for prizes, fabric, patterns (even though I might really love those things) because it seems so gimmicky.
I also rarely have time to post on my own blog! Just living life and doing the best I can. I enjoy your blog and will continue to read it.
Great job!
I don't blog, I don't sign up for newsletters, I'm not a follower on any blog, and I usually don't leave comments. I also don't click like on facebook and I definately don't twitter. I just look at your blog because I like it and enjoy it. I've also shopped your store. But, just because you don't get comments and "followers" doesn't mean people aren't paying attention.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, girl - I am with you!!
ReplyDeleteI have never really worried about keeping up with other bloggers. I've just been excited to find that there are other people interested in similar things that I am. I don't have any friends that make things, so I love sharing ideas and inspiration with others like me. Maybe it's because my blog has already exceeded my expectations (some people actually read it!), that I've never felt pressured to blog often or to see how many people are reading. It's already an improvement over the response from my husband when I ask his opinion on something that I've made: a grunt is about all I'll get from him...
ReplyDeleteI like to read blogs like yours to see what you have been doing. blogs like these are my inspirition and my eyes to the world beyond my front door
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband passed a way a little over a year ago all the blogs I read were my way to enjoy my life while missinghim and going through the grieving process. With out my computer and my blogs and I have a ton of them I read I wouldnr have got this far I don't think
Mary Ann
Some of us older ladies this might be all we can do. and my worst thingto try and comment to people is remember my accounts tosign in and get it right every time so my comment posts
It's so funny that you're posting this.. I have a friend who was thinking about starting a crafting blog and I was telling her this exact thing. I love my blog and am glad that I have a record of all my projects and thoughts but, there are many days that I want to give her up.
ReplyDeleteOh, and by the way, I think of YOU as one of those "super bloggers" :)
Me too...that's what I have to say in addition to what everyone else has said about how you feel. Funny, I always saw you as one who was right up there with those "super bloggers"...besides you don't want to be one of those anyway - too many followers causes you not to be able to get to know your regular commenters much. You'd spend way too much time readnig and no time on your business or on your fun things! I am a new blogger and am really struggling with my purpose - just celebrated my 1 year blogiversary yesterday and am trying to have my first giveaway - only one comment so far - ptooey - looks like no one wants to win my prize! BUT - I have to remind myself it's not about popularity, right?? I still struggle with the things you mentioned and will do my best to straighten my head out about blogging! So glad you are not quitting - I was nervous you were announcing leaving, but glad you're not! I love your blog and everything you post about.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS!
Jenn
Hi Anina - well said. I never understood why someone would want all those comments and followers - that's a lot of time! But we are competitive by nature and it's easy to get drawn in to it. Of course we like to think we have something interesting to share - and I believe overall we do - the amazing thing about the blog world is the confirmation and reinforcement that we are all sharing experiences in every corner of the world in every walk of life. Keep that feeling of sisterhood and blog only for you knowing that you do have plenty of sisters out there that get it - and the ones that don't will find someone else who gets them. I still find this whole blog world amazing but I am purposefully resisting the competitive pull.
ReplyDeleteBlogging has certainly helped push me along in my quilty journey and you are a part of that and I thank you very much. Yikes - this is getting too long! Better stop as I can certainly carry on...
Hugs - Shari
Dear Anina,
ReplyDeleteI decided a long time to ago to not offer give aways. I know it's costing me followers. Most of the time, I never get comments on my blog...unless there's an online quilt festival or I post my English paper piecing pentagon flowers.
A few times, I've waivered on my decision to not offer give aways. In more recent weeks, I've thought about the obligations that seem to come with the readership and decided to stick to my guns. Your posting and the other one affirm that I've made the right choice for me. I hardly ever sign up to recive give aways. I have to really want the prize to bother.
Funny thing....when I think of a blog with lots of followers, the first one that comes to mind is your "That Quilt" blog, which has done a lot to keep me at the very least thinking about my DJ quilt...and has even inspired me to focus on finishing it some time in the near future.
Thanks for your posting and your honesty. BTW, I'll still be following your blog.
i had the same feelings about a month ago and almost shut down my blog. but i decided since i started blogging for me, i would keep it up and forget about who's reading/commenting/following. turns out, i wasn't the only one. i received a lot of emails/comments with other bloggers that feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteso you are not alone. i'm a follower of your blog and really enjoy it. but please don't feel like you have to post every day etc. do what feels right for you!
(hugs)!
It's odd that you compare yourself to super bloggers, when to lurkers like me, you are the super blogger! But you do inspire people and you are interesting to read, so don't feel like you need to keep up in some non existent competition. Truly, it shouldn't be a job, but a pleasure!
ReplyDeleteI imagine it is easy to feel pressure to measure up to others (I haven't jumped into the blogging world but have a friend who has).
ReplyDeleteComparison is always a tough place to go.
I love looking at your blog and seeing what you are doing. I don't know about the super bloggers of which you speak. I do know what you share is inspiring and enjoyable.
Well as you can see by the number of comments here, you have a lot of followers even if they don’t comment every time. I have a teeny tiny blog that I just started and while I feel small in the sea of quilt blogs, I am doing it more for me to be honest. Because I want to get it out there. I don’t have a lot of friends that quilt or people that will ooh and aah over my stuff, so I blog and pretend people are listening. :) I hope you will keep with the blog, but I hope you will make it what your heart desires as yours is one of the most inspiring quilt blogs I read. I am working my way through the Geese in the forest now, and I had so much fun seeing you do the pinwheels quilt along. I have room in my heart for many quilt blogs, 87 in fact (that’s how many are in my reader), so while I may not always comment, thank you fro being a blogger.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Rachel
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed your Blog. I found it one night when I couldn't sleep. (Good things happen) I so enjoyed and got my pinwheel done along with so many others. I can understand on your decission. I will peek in and keep tabs on you I enjoy your stories : )
Thanks so much!
Another lurker coming out to comment! I really enjoy your blog and really, really (really!) appreciate the work you do on That Quilt. Thank you for your hard work and I hope you continue blogging!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a shop Anina, but I totally get your post! Well said! x
ReplyDeleteI definitely understand this feeling... I think I stepped back from my craft blog for awhile because I was feeling the same way (although without the worry of the store). I think we just need to remember why we started blogging in the first place & focus on that...
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog through your BPQ listing, and I love the peony in your post! I understand much of how you feel. In the past I've only offered giveaways on rare occasions, but I'm gong to be starting more frequent giveaways, curtesy of my publisher, That Patchwork Place.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about numbers. It's the summer. People are at the pool, on vacation.
ReplyDeleteI love your flower picture and I don't want to win anything.
This is my first time on your blog and I'm going to start following. Because I absolutely agree with you! I just started blogging for myself, and I feel completely overwhelmed and underqualified. Glad to hear I'm not the only one. :) And I think your blog is great...and not just because I'm a fellow Washingtonian!!! Hello from Renton! :)
ReplyDeleteblogging is such a beast, isn't it? i've battled these same feelings over and over and over again. and then eventually i start to like blogging again. it's sooooooo hard to keep up with everything, isn't it? i don't know why i keep trying, but i do. maybe i'm a glutton for punishment?
ReplyDeletehope you are having a good summer!