I'm trying to change my approach to blogging. I feel I've fallen into a trap of using my blog to entertain others rather than to express myself- which isn't necessarily a bad thing, depending on one's goals for keeping a blog. I've decided my goals, however, need to be more personal. I need a creative outlet, and writing is a good one for me. Writing is also something I'm ok at it; whereas I totally suck at making things (such as blogs and crafts) look good. Therefore, I'm done with posting just for postings sake, and I'm tired of trying to meet my own silly criteria, such as these:
- I must be cute, cute, cute. I only feel this way because a majority of my friends' blogs are so stinkin' cute and creative that feel like I have to try to keep up. Cute blog templates. Cute fonts. Cute, chic pictures of attractive family and friends or adorable discoveries. With cute and fun things to say about said beauties. It's all very impressive and admirable, but also a lot of work. Believe me, I've tried. I've come to accept that as much as I'd like to, I just can't do cute.
- I have to talk about something fun or exciting. My blog is titled "The Salad Days" after all, an idiomatic expression referring to my enthusiasm for these early years in my life. I feel like I'm supposed to stick to the theme... and entertain... as well as show off a little.
- I have to like something. That statement may sound odd, but I feel pressure to be positive. I think about my audience here (the 5 of you know who you are) and wonder: Wouldn't people get bored if I complained all the time? Or if I were really sarcastic or ironic? (I really can be.) But then, what's the point of posting just to post? Do people really care what Amazon's top books are or if Erich bit the shape of a slug into an apple? Who am I trying to impress? And why?
I'm revamping my blog. Very soon, I will no longer be The Salad Days. I may even delete some old posts that mean nothing to me. We'll see. At any rate, I hope this results in a blog that I'm proud of, a lot of randomness, and some better quality writing.
Keep it real,
Melbo
13 comments:
I think you should be proud of the blog you've created thus far!
I turned off my comments for a year and your husband threw a tantrum. Also, comments motivate me to write more and keep fresh content on my blog (as silly as that sounds). I didn't realize this until I turned off my comments.
I love your blog and look forward to its newest adventures.
bring it on- although, no pressure! and really.. if you want to complain, please do. it makes the rest of us feel a little more sane.
I would love to see your sassy sarcastic self writing about the crap in your life! Actually, I've really enjoyed what you do post but do understand the pressure. I've succombed countless times.
In fact, I saw your give away post before any comments were left (so I could have been first!) but I felt the pressure of having to then make a gift and pass it forward. See, I can't even be as cool as you!
Feel free to write whatever, I do! And I care about Erich biting a slug in his apple.
i feel ya-the blogosphere can be a really overwhelming place and i get SO sick of the facades. then again, everytime i post something opinionated or controversial people feel like they should tell me how to live my life (which i really don't care to hear). it's tough. i could go on and on about the things i hate about blogging. but i also love keeping up with people (annoyingly cute or not) because then i don't actually have to call and email them all (i am lazy). anyway, i'm sure you'll do a great revamp, even though i love your blog as is.
I always say "it's my blog and I will do what I want". So do what you want and it will be awesome!
I'm all for more blogging... and all against the deletion of past posts.
I like that Erich bit a slug into his apple. And cute is way overdone! Way. On blogs and in real life, so I think a little freshly washed face blogging would be nice!
Word!
All I really do with my blog is post pictures. Blogs should be whatever the blogger wants, so you go girl.
I loved this post! I think that a lot of times when I blog I'm more concerned with the comments I get rather than how I feel about my posts. I know that people can get pretty bored with seeing pictures of Scout over and over but really she is what my life is all about right now.
Personally I think you are a great writer and I love reading writer's blogs. I blog about crafty stuff cause that's what I feel comfortable with, but deep down inside I wish I was a good writer.
It's your blog do what you want! I'm excited to read your posts.
I'll look forward to reading whatever you write. I especially love the rants and ramblings.
Let's hear it! I think there is a lot more that we all have to say if we weren't so concerned about coming of as perfect and nice. I'm game.... but you first! ; )
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