Do You Approach Every Blog Post like the First Day of School?
Today on my ritual morning run to Starbucks, I had the pleasure of seeing several neighborhood children get ready to meet the bus for their first day of school.
The children were beaming, excited.
Parents were smiling ear to ear, taking pictures, giving hugs and words of excited reassurance.
Above all there was the feeling of a new beginning, adventure, probably with a dash of mystery thrown in.
Do you approach every new blog post with that kind of exuberance? With high expectations and fully in the moment? As you write, do you feel like you’re on the threshold of something new and exciting, like the first day of school?
Is that a reasonable expectation for blogging? Is it even possible?
(Picture credit - First Day of School, by bob.os on Flickr)
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Brad, that is truly a great perspective! I am generally excited about every post, but I have those days. The great thing about blogging is that if it’s not there that day you really don’t have to post. I am noticing a trend (it may just be the summer season) toward more relaxed posting schedules. I wonder if we are attempting to sustain the joy by relieving the pressure to post daily?
Karen, If posting feels like an obligation, it’s hard to stay enthusiastic. That’s a good reason NOT to post daily.
I must admit, there are times lately I’ve looked at a blank screen with something less than enthusiasm. That’s why I’ve slowed to about three posts a week. Gives me more breathing room, and actually has improved my writing, I think. (At least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)
Great observation, Brad! Thanks for shakin’ me up today!
Honestly I haven’t always at the start. But the fire always comes in the writing of them. I like your suggestion. Obviously we’d be much more readable approaching posting as an adventure.
Robert, Your writing has been top notch lately, and I didn’t even notice the cutback. Might be a good strategy.
Tom, Thanks for stopping by Word Sell! I agree with you - it’s truly exciting to hit the “Publish” button when you’re not sure what kind of reaction you’re going to get.
Up to now I still enjoy blogging (I try to keep to three times a week, but can’t always stick to that). And it’s always the question: how will the audience react? Will I get comments? And if yes, what will they say? That’s an exciting feeling for me. And I love it!
I have two blogs and post only once a week on each. It gives me plenty of time to play with ideas.
I love your analogy…I try to approach life that way. That’s what my blogs, especially Cheerful Monk, is about. My mantra for writing is “I’m going to sit down and play and find out all sorts of interesting things.” If I’m changed by something I write I figure the piece is a success.
Ulla, Your attitude is so refreshing! I don’t think bloggers ever get tired of seeing comments.
Jean, Thank you for visiting Word Sell! Like Ulla was just saying, it’s exciting to read comments, especially from new people. I’ve just been checking out your Cheerful Monk blog and I see what you mean. Playful and yet really instructive - a wonderful combination.
Blogging is still new to me. And it makes me feel alive when I post. But still, there are times when I’ll draw a blank. What I’ve decided for me - is that if this happens, then so be it. I don’t need to write then. I try to write 3-4 times/week. And after some experimentation, that seems to work well for me. And I think that’s the key, to do what works for you. If you write everyday, but feel burnt out from it, then it’s not worth it to do it that often. It’s a balancing act so that it remains uplifting to you. That’s my take, anyway.
I enjoy writing a blog post when I have a great idea and it just pours out. Otherwise, sometimes it’s a struggle. After over eight years of blogging… a girl just gets tired. I don’t pressure myself to post more than a couple of times a week. If I am not going to write a good post, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time with useless babble for the stake of posting.
[…] in Do You Approach Every Blog Post like the First Day of School?, Brad Shorr asks us if we approach our writing with the exuberance of children going back to […]
Lance, I think you’re smart to pace yourself for the long run. More people quit blogging because of burnout than any other reason.
Meryl, Eight years? You’re really a veteran. It would be tough to keep up a pace of 5+ posts a week for that long, even if you had that many good ideas.
I suppose people who blog frequently or having being blogging for a long time might at some point lose the enthusiasm.
What works for me is how I “pace” my self. I make it a point to make sure I have a idea people might want to read, and learn from it. That makes it much more enjoyable.
Shamelle, that’s exactly right and that’s how I keep trucking along.
Shamelle, Another way I stay enthusiastic is writing posts in batches when I’m high on energy.