About 5½ weeks ago I took a blogging break. Both my time and motivation for blogging had been decreasing. Apparently I haven't been the only one. I've noticed on the ol' web that the golden age of blogs is probably behind us.
A June '09 New York Times article cited a Technorati survey that found "only 7.4 million out of the 133 million blogs the company tracks had been updated in the past 120 days. That translates to 95 percent of blogs being essentially abandoned..." Why, you ask? Well, there are probably a number of reasons but The Guardian's Charles Arthur gives one of the biggies: "Because blogging isn't easy. More precisely, other things are easier – and it's to easier things that people are turning." --e.g. Facebook (more here)
Here's some advice from a Wired article entitled Twitter, Flickr, Facebook Make Blogs Look So 2004: "Thinking about launching your own blog? Here's some friendly advice: Don't. And if you've already got one, pull the plug."
Well that's succinct.
So what the heck am I doing back? I'm not really sure. I guess I wasn't ready to say bye-bye to Views from the Road just yet. So I'll head down this road for a little while longer -- at least until I see what's around the next bend for me.
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picture above: one of my old postcards, "Inspiration Point"
11 comments:
WELCOME BACK!!!!!
Even if you do decide to decide to unplug down the road.
you just couldn't wait to get "on the road again" ;)
Speaking of postcards, I keep forgetting to thank you for the latest postcard I got from you! The Edward Hopper one where they're advertising Ex-Lax :)
Welcome back. Glad to know there are a few of us not looking for something "easier" - "better to ask what is good instead of what is easy."
Missed you!
I just don't find those easy ways to be satisfying. I mean they are ok as a quick easy amusement...but not as a place to reflect, to ponder, to write, to share, to build community, to get to know others. I'm glad you're back. I've missed you here. I've missed your post cards and stories, and photos and wit. Welcome back!
I'm with the others ... glad you're back and not happy with people choosing the "easy" way. For me it's about time and inspiration to be creative to post "safe" topics.
Meh, I can think of a few friends who have started a blog just within the past few weeks; I don't think it's outdated. And even if people aren't writing them as much anymore, I think most people keep up with reading at least one or two of them.
I missed you. I mostly lurk here but promise to really comment from now on!
Thanks, Mary Beth :)
Lurkers are welcome too :)
Welcome back! I don't think blogs are dead by a long shot.
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