Last week I sat myself down to write a post about the shampoo guy at my hair salon. Before I actually started writing, I thought, “This is a funny story!” But once I wrote it out… BLAH.
Let’s see, I had an awkward conversation with the shampoo guy. I got very uncomfortable because we chatted about my wedding ring, then he hit on me, all while shampooing my hair. I guess it was one of those “you had to be there” stories because after I wrote it, it just sounded stupid.
Then I started to write another post about Henry, but I stopped short after realizing the lack of amusement in a story about my puppy shitting on the carpet…for the hundredth time. A couple of more times during the week, I tried to think of something witty or moderately interesting to write about. Zero.
I think sometimes it isn’t about writer’s block, but rather my life isn’t funny or amusing 24/7. Big shocker. At times, there just isn’t much to share.
When I decided to make a bigger commitment to blogging and to this blog, I made a casual promise to myself that I would try to post every day. I think there is something to be said about posting daily. It helps to maintain discipline and organization. I am also realizing that there is something to be said about quality. I am seeking to tap into my inner voice, and that comes with writing daily. But I realize that not every one of my text-heavy posts needs to be published. Maybe some days it is a pretty picture that inspires me. Other days it is about earrings or clothing. It’s not all ground-breaking or necessarily helpful, but when I write about something, I want to be satisfied with what I am putting out there (or at least excited to share it with you all).
Rather than dazzle you with stories or material that are overly dramatized versions of what really happened, it is okay to miss a day or two. And furthermore, if I were to start telling tall tales, I would become inauthentic to myself and my audience; a risk I am not willing to take.
In a perfect world, there would be quality and quantity. But let’s just say, I don’t think I am there yet. There are days when I am grasping at straws, and I am searching for something that inspires me. As a blogger, how have you dealt with quantity versus quality? As a reader, what is your perspective on this? Does authenticity rank high on your list?
-J.Darling
Authenticity is highest on my list! It's really hard to put yourself out there all the time. If you get feedback, it could be negative. If you don't get feedback, does that mean no one cares enough to read/write to you? It's a tight place to be in, that's for sure!
I think the most important thing about blogging is ownership. It's your blog, your life, and your thoughts. The words you choose are yours alone to publish, or to keep private. My journal is a great example of all those. Sometimes, it's 2 sentences. Sometimes it's a rant. Just keep it real. 😉 You'd be surprised what people find interesting/entertaining!
Chic 'n Cheap Living
Carly, I wholeheartedly agree – it is hard to balance quantity and quality. I also have all these posts in "draft" form and sit back and wonder if it's blogworthy.
I also try to blog every day in order to maintain a good discipline about it. It can certainly be hard though. I find a break now and again useful and I still clip images that are noteworthy. But then, blogworthy – is it in the name of the reader or the author? Oh well, as long as it's fun…
MayLove
I started my blog for myself, as a way of getting thoughts out of my head, and not inundating my fiance with everything I was thinking. I don't think anyone but him actually reads it, so I just write whatever it is I really need to express at the time. I know your situation is much different since you have a LOT of followers who actually read your blog, but for me writing what I needed to write is what matters. I do have those experiences too where I'll write something, look at it and go "Blah." Or sometimes I'll write a rant about something that really ticked me off, but I dare not post it in case the person it is about happens to ever come across it. In those cases, I either save it to a file in case I ever want to revist and improve on it, or I save it as a draft. It helps to at least get it out of my head if not published for the world to see. I get you though- best wishes!
Krista
I don't blog as much as I used to. Now that I'm not planning a wedding (with checklists and deadlines and so much to do!) I find I have less to say to the world.
So I'd go for quality over quantity.
P.S. I love the Henry posts, even if they're about his worms!
thelessthandomesticgoddess
@Krista: That's SO true about the wedding blogging! It was so much easier to have a ton of blogging material when we were planning our big days. And I'll make a mental note about the Henry posts. I haven't posted about him in awhile. He's gotten so big!