7.31.2008

How do you know when it's time to end a blog? I'm not sure if it is all the activity away from the Martini lounge or just the summer blahs, but after three years I'm having more and more thoughts of bringing this site to a close. I'm worried that as soon as I do, I'll find new inspiration to blog again.

How do you, long-time bloggers, keep your inspiration? When do you really know it's time to close shop?

29 comments:

The Honourable Husband said...

It's a matter of blogging philosophy.

When I started my blog, I determined that it would be more of a journal than a diary. I would only post if there was something really interesting to write about--a new thought, comment or piece of information that would charm or stimulate the casual reader, as opposed to recording my life for the edification of friends and loved ones.

This does not suggest that the life revealed in your posts is anything but fascinating, Diane. You live an extraordinary life, and the world loves hearing about it. You have a duty to share!

But perhaps you find it a chore to record everything, rather than simply writing when the spririt moves you.

It would be a great shame if you packed it in completely. Maybe you would find longer think-piece posts more personally satisfying.

Whatever you do, don't stop writing!

(Besides, there's a bit of self-interest going on here. I get many visitors from your blogroll. There are people who depend on Martinis for Two!

Dallas said...

I'm always more eager to blog when I know I've got readers, so just incase that helps, I'm delurking and letting you know that I've been enjoying reading your blog for a few weeks. I found it when searching out Expat and Trailing Spouse blogs.

Unknown said...

My blog is my first. I find it is a strange idea sometimes to have one, but I was sharing this same info with friends & family via email. They figured as much there would be others who would love to know some info, if they ever found themself in my shoes..

My blog is a cross between a journal and [hopefully] a help site. As a journal, things are always going on. Same for you, and I enjoy your blog. I hope you'll keep doing it, even if it's not so often anymore. Especially with such cute things as Nael sharing in English ;)

No matter, I will keep mine going. Even after I return to the States one day. Information is wealth, and I believe. Your blog has a positive attitude, and I believe many expats will love reading what you have to share. :)

Anonymous said...

I've been blogging for three years too. In February, I dropped my archive of approximately 700 posts on living in Belgium, gave the blog a new name, and took it in a different direction that was less personal, very few stories about my life.

Lots of bloggers I know don't stop but slow down for a time and kick it up later. I sometimes think taking a sabbatical would help me out of my malaise.

Jul said...

When I read this I thought "Wow, 3 whole years of blogging!" before realizing that I'm just a few months shy of that myself.

A good way to renew my love of blogging is to make sure I don't view it as an obligation. If I feel like posting, great, but if not, then I feel free to ignore it for a while. Eventually the urge to write tends to come back.

I also like Headbang's suggestion - try writing an entirely different kind of post. It might be fun. :)

zerodoll said...

I'm also a few months shy of three years and my postings have definitely dropped off. I think some is fatigue, some is being busy, some is not feeling like it's a journal area b/c people i know read it. i took the obligation to post off myself a few months back when it seemed like all i was doing was a recap of my weekends, etc.

Sonja Streuber, PMP(R), SSBB said...

I'm on my third blog right now, if that tells you anything--been doing this since 1999 (yes, I'm OLD) ;-)

What keeps me going is reading a lot of other blogs (especially political ones) and what passes as news in this country and having an opinion--what else would you expect from a German? When I don't know what to write about, or when I run out of time to write about something, I look around me and think "hmmmmm ... would I rather clean my house or write something fun for the blog?" That usually settles it.

AmyB said...

Feeling much the same way, I finally realized that I don't have to work for my blog. I post when I want to post, and when I don't have anything to say, I don't say anything at all. I still visit and comment on my favorite sites, and they stick around to read when I have something to write. I've stopped feeling guilty about it (finally), and take it for what it is. I don't think you should quit the blog. Just reinvent yourself on it! I'd hate to see you quit completely, that's for sure. And while that's a bit selfish on my part, I also know that we each get something out of having a blog. Don't give up on it yet. Just don't feel like you HAVE to entertain us. Live your life, and visit us here when you WANT to. :o)

kenju said...

I have NO idea how you know when to stop.But I don't think it is while you have dedicated readers, is it?

I have a badge on my blog called BWO - blogging without obligation. I do post everyday, but I don't think I have to. You don't either, of course, but we'd miss you!

Cowgirl Warrior said...

I started my blog as a journal with accountability to the world. I don't expect people to read it and I've often shocked to see how many people stopped by. I'm not paid to do this so I don't feel pressure to amuse or enlighten. It's a forum without bringing too much attention to myself.
I would be sad if you stopped writing, what one thinks is mundane can be considered inspiration to others....

Anonymous said...

I'm not a blogger but a loyal blog reader. I think you should keep blogging, but use the philosophy above -- you're not paid to do it, so you have no oblig to amuse or enlighten. Write what you want, when you want. And if that fails, use the choice above -- house cleaning or blog post. Anyway, I would love to continue to follow your life. I know I and many others have prayed for you, particularly after your miscarriage and so I'd love to read about whether our prayers that you'll get to become a mom will be realized. And if not, we'd all be happy to support you and just enjoy reading about your wonderful experiences and your great hubby!

Anonymous said...

I've stopped writing in mine every day (well, that happened a while ago) and started enjoying having it again. It felt like an obligation for a while, and I wanted to get to the point where it was something I really enjoyed again -- and I did. So I guess, just don't push yourself to post constantly if you aren't inspired.

Anonymous said...

Bon dia, Diane!

If you're like me, sometimes I write because the words in my soul and head simply have to escape. I don't always blog often but when I do, I'd like to believe it's for a good reason. I haven't been in the mood to write about the moments as of lately but I know it'll hit me again. It always does....

Anyway, I hopre you're enjoying life and all of it's blessings.

*CHEERS*

Anonymous said...

Like everyone else said here... if you see it as a NO OBLIGATION, and post when you have something to share… Then it’s not such a huge shore. I have found that during my blogging years, there are moments where I don't post as often (because my life is boring, and why would I stick my boredom to the internet?) and sometimes the inspiration grips me and I post like mad. Plus, my friends, who are scatter all over the world get to read what is going on with me, which saves me sending out repeat emails with updates (I'm lazy that way).

Of course this is your blog, and you and only you know what is right for you… but I got to tell you, like everyone else pointed out here, you will be missed if you go away... sniff, sniff.

Paige Jennifer said...

I've got no solid answer to your question because, um, I'm in the same boat. Maybe that's why you look so familiar?

Anyway, as I've toyed with the idea of going silent, one blogger friend gave some good advice. She said to take a break. Just leave it be and go about life. That way, I can come back to my carved out corner of the internet if I change my mind.

I liked that idea. It took energy and effort to create what I've created. Walking away altogether feels so wrong. But sticking around without inspiration feels a tad more wrong.

Good luck as you figure it all out!

Dianne said...

I've been blogging for less than a year and I do wonder sometimes if I still will be in 3 years but then I got back to one day at a time.

I would miss you if you were gone completely.

I too only blog when I want to. Some weeks it's a lot and some weeks it's not!

I have 3 regular things that I do and although there are others that interest me that is ALL. If I take on a new one I will drop one of the others.

I want it to remain enjoyable for me - as well as my readers.

Start off with a break and then see how you feel.

Hugs Diane

amy turn sharp said...

three words
Don't you dare
:)

Anonymous said...

For what it is worth I have been reading your blog for awhile now and really enjoy it. I realize it must take an extreme amount of time and effort but I hope you get some enjoyment from it. You are a wonderful writer and have an exciting life. When you moved to Germany I was thrilled to read about your adventures. I really hope you continue your blog.

Anonymous said...

Please whatever you do, don't stop your blog, I am addicted.
I am a German living in the States, and I love reading about your experiences in my homecountry.
Take a break, or whatever,
But please don,t close your blog.
I am a huge fan....
Susanne

Girl in Carolina said...

I think you should keep blogging, because I find your posts inspiring :) You also give me hope that true love exists! By the way I went back and read a lot of your old posts (at the risk of sound like a stalker, ha ha) and you were gorgeous bald! :)

meno said...

I can only say for me, that i will stop blogging when i don't feel like it anymore.

Dora said...

Please don't stop blogging. Slow it down if you have to, write only when you want to, but don't worry about us, we'll just keep checking in. I love hearing about what you are up to, its always interesting!

Just a trumpet player said...

I usually take blogging hiatus (which has been quite often lately...)and I'm totally fine with it.

Still reading lots of other blogs, thought !

A blog should never become an obligation...

Dan-E said...

if you feel like you're in a writing slump, just take a break for a while. it's your blog do with it as you wish (just don't delete it). i know you feel obligated to your readers but we'll do fine without if you need to recharge.

after almost six years i've thought about quitting a few times and i found that just taking a break and posting just when i feel like it helps.

running42k said...

Take a break. I find that when I take a break I miss my blog. It isn't very well read but then again it's for me right?

Anonymous said...

want me to take over for a while and tell the world about my wonderful sister and brother in law? I gots lots to say :) - C

Rositta said...

I've been thinking of doing the same thing and I'm also a few months shy of three years. I started the blog when I took a trip to California and my offspring thought it was a good way for him to keep track of me. Then it became an outlet for me when I was taking care of my Mother but now, well, I'm not sure if I still need it. I will consider it after I return from Greece in October, maybe it's time...ciao

Anonymous said...

If you stop I'll miss reading you... but if it's not fun for you any more then it's time to take a break.

See how you feel tomorrow... or the next day...

Ron said...

Hi Diane,

Just wanted to stop by and say hi!

I just found you today through Dianne at Forks. LOVE your header!

Hey listen, I've had this happen to be before too. I had a blog for a year and I could feel that it was time to stop writing. It was a difficult decision to make, because it was my first blog and I didn't want to end it. The blog is actually still out their, but I just don't write on it anymore. It's more of a TOPIC blog, and I just felt like I had said all I could share on the subject.

But what's really interesing, is that as soon as I did it...I was suddenly inspired to start the blog I currently have, which is more of a personal blog. I've had it for almost a year now, and I'm still really enjoying it.

I think as bloggers, our "voices" sometimes change, and we feel the need to share other things.

Follow your heart...you'll eventually know what to do.

Nice meeting you, Diane. I'll be back!