Written on July 1st, 2009 at 12:07 am by Darren Rowse
Should I Quit Blogging?
Image by -nathan
“Should I quit my blog and start Lifestreaming, Videocasting, Social Messaging/Networking etc?”
There’s been another round of ‘blogging is dead’ posts doing the rounds of late and as a result I’ve had a number of emails hitting my inbox over the last week from bloggers asking if they should stop blogging.
Here’s some of the advice I’ve been sharing:
- Blogging is not dead – it’s evolving.
- You should be evolving too (read Blogs are Out of Beta, But Bloggers Should always be in Beta)
- Keep being useful, keep solving problems and keep meeting needs – whatever the medium this is key.
- Keep producing content – people continue to search the web for content in huge numbers. It’s not all about networking and bookmarking – whether it be text, video or audio – keep producing content.
- Experiment with different mediums – to the best of your ability keep abreast of the ‘new’ mediums that are emerging.
- Build a ‘Home Base’ – many people flit from one medium to another and end up with nothing of their own (read more on the Home Bases and Outposts that I use).
- Build a Brand – the mediums are tools. They’ll come and go in time – the key is to build something that lasts beyond them.
- Don’t be Precious about your ‘Blog’ and be open to change – there’s no one ‘right’ way to blog. Blogs can have comments or not have comments, have full RSS feeds or partial ones, look like a traditional blog or act and look more like a lifestream or portal. The key is to know what you want to achieve and let that shape what you do with your blog.
- Don’t abandon your blog too quickly – your primary efforts may move into a different medium but blogs can be an important part of the mix of what you do online. Don’t abandon your blog – build upon it, let it evolve, leverage what you’ve already built and use it where appropriate in the mix of what you do.
My last piece of advice is particularly for those with limited time or capacity to fully engage with all of the mediums and tools that are currently at our fingertips.
I get the sense from a lot of bloggers that they feel that they’re being left behind – that all this new stuff that is emerging is beyond them – that it’s hopeless to keep on blogging. My message to you if you’re feeling this way is to keep at it. Even as a full time blogger/web entrepreneur I don’t have time to fully engage with all of the new technologies that are currently emerging. I too feel some of those ‘overwhelming’ feelings.
I think the key is to engage with the new technologies to the point that you’re able but to know when to stop and focus upon what you already have in front of you.
The problem as I see it is that whether it be a blog, a Twitter presence, a podcast or some other kind of website or presence – it takes time to build these things up to successful levels. If you only give a medium a short time before moving to the next one you’ll just end up with a trail of abandoned accounts and sites behind you.
I see a lot of people running from one thing to the next and not really achieving anything. They live in a constant state of distraction and experimentation. There’s nothing wrong with new things and testing them out – but unless you’re fortunate enough to have a lot of spare time or an amazing capacity not to sleep there comes a time where you need to choose a handful of things to do (or even just one) and to do it to the best of your ability.
For me – this means focusing mainly upon building blogs. My blogs are evolving and looking less and less like blogs as I experiment with different ways of presenting the information on them and play with different technologies on them – but I try to keep my focus steady upon the long term goals that I have. As a result I’ve managed to build them into profitable properties.
Yes I’ll continue to experiment with other technologies but for me they are only about adding value to my primary web properties.
What do you think? How are you approaching what you do in this ever changing web?
116 Responses to “Should I Quit Blogging?” - Add Yours
BlogSEOExpert - SEO for Blogs
July 1st, 2009 12:42 am
I don’t think anyone should quit blogging because quitting is in fashion! Or because blogging is dead – it is not.
I look at a blog as if it is a magazine – just that it is produced by a single person instead of a team (at least initially).
As long as there is demand for what you write about, and you fulfill that demand through your writing, your blog can not just survive but can also flourish.
And if you are not solving someone’s problems through your blog, you should not have started the blog in the first place!
Ross
July 1st, 2009 12:42 am
Blogging for me just became really serious since i landed a HUGE advertiser. I must say, thanks to you Darren ;)!
JIm Fitzsimmons
July 1st, 2009 12:50 am
I think blogging is a great long term solution to share your message, and over time – grow a great database of useful information. I never understood writing great content, and then submitting it to sombody else’s site. Why not put it on your own first?
kosmo @ The Casual Observer
July 1st, 2009 1:15 am
@ BlogSEOExpert – I completely agree with your idea of a blog as a magazine. In fact, I routinely refer the The Casual Observer ( http://www.observingcasually.com/ ) as a web magazine (to reinforce its lack of niche-ness – more like a New Yorker type of magazine)
I’ve personally thrown all my energy into blogging, with minimal effort in the othere spheres. Of course, I think of myself as a writer at heart, so this makes a lot of sense.
The Casual Observer covers such a broad range of topics (from coverage of Nathan’s Hot Dog eating content to an interview with personal finance blogger Lazy Man) that we manage to avoid feeling like we’re in a rut.
Graham Jones
July 1st, 2009 1:16 am
The people saying blogging is dead or on its last legs don’t seem to get the point. A blog is merely a means of publishing content. So too is Twitter, or Facebook or a static web page designed in DreamWeaver. It’s no different to publishing in any other form – it’s just publishing.
In just the same way, people said radio would be the death of newspapers, then we were told TV would be the death of radio and videos apparently were going to kill the cinema. None of these predictions came true because they are based on the same false assumption that the “blogging is dead” crew start with.
They assume that each new technology is a “replacement” for prior technology. It isn’t; it’s an addition. Publishing content takes many different forms offline – newsletters, weekly newspapers, evening newspapers, monthly magazines, quarterlies and even annuals. They all have their place.
Just because a new form of publishing comes along does not necessarily mean an older method goes out of the window. Indeed, I understand that many people still write things with pen and paper….!
If you are a blogger, carry on blogging. But consider how you can also use newer technologies to publish your content in alternative forms so that you access the widest possible audience.
Amber
July 1st, 2009 1:25 am
I’m relatively new to blogging, but I’m not worried about it. Since I -am- new, it would have been equally easy for me to spend all my blogging-time on twitter or something, but I know from the start that it won’t have the same positive impact for me or for my readers, than a blog.
Furthermore, the way I look at it, so long as you’re solving a problem (or just being interesting), readers want that. So if I hear about a bunch of people giving up blogging, that just means that there are more readers for me!
Philip Nowak
July 1st, 2009 1:27 am
I don’t think blogging is dead at all. However, I do think that it is important to adapt to new technology.
Vlogging (video blogging) was the hottest thing for the past few months, but some people don’t have the patience to sit through a video and would rather read something. Give them both! Make your blog a hybrid where you offer both a short video related to your post as well as your written content.
Embed a Twitter powered chatroom into a page on your blog using Tinychat.com. Schedule regular times where you will login to the chatroom via video broadcast. Engage your readers, fans and followers.
Embed the new Tweetboard discussion forum into your blog. Let people interact with you as well as with others. Ultimately, a well organized threaded discussion will form. More people will become engage as the forum is powered by tweets so others can see your interactions.
Engage and adapt!
Lauren Hale
July 1st, 2009 2:01 am
Thanks for this post, Darren.
I’ve been steadily seeing an increase of hits at my own blog over the past year (went from just 10k hits to 40k – ok, not huge, but it’s a tiny blog I’ve worked hard at getting out there). I’ve seen a bigger growth since joining FB and Twitter. It’s a wordpress blog so I’ve incorporated the Twitter Feed feature on the front page which has netted me some followers familiar with my work. I didn’t start the blog to be huge; I started it to help other women who struggle with Postpartum Mood Disorders. So for me, blogging will never die – it will always be a viable way to get information to new moms in need.
@ Larry: LOVE the idea of an embedded chat – thanks for the tip! Not sure how crazy I am about vlogging yet – been hashing that one out in my head the past few months. I’m much stronger in writing than on-camera.
Lauren Hale
July 1st, 2009 2:03 am
oops! Should have been @Philip! Sorry! (don’t ask where I got Larry from – see what happens when you try to get serious with toddlers in the room!)
Brandon Mendelson
July 1st, 2009 2:06 am
The thing that irks me about the “blogging is dead” crowd is that:
1) It comes from the mainstream media outlets who would benefit the most from blogging actually being dead.
2) It comes from early adopters who, while influential in their own crowd, don’t have much (if any) sway over the more mainstream crowd.
Both have a bias, and both have an agenda to push. The media wants the advertising dollars, the early adopters don’t want to lose relevancy among their fickle audience (and clients.)
So, blogging isn’t dead, not at all. If anything, it’s just getting started.
AaronBaer
July 1st, 2009 2:17 am
I don’t think blogging is dying at all. What’s really changing is the level of engagement that is required from anyone on the Internet. Now, instead of bloggers just writing in response to their topic, they need to respond and correspond with their readers. That’s all that twitter and all of these other online mediums are creating – new avenues of engagement.
Great post!
Daniele
July 1st, 2009 2:18 am
I agree, Darren.
I think blogs will never die, because they are the online voice of individuals.
Social networks can be:
a distraction;
a tool;
If you use them like a distraction, you waste your time. If you use them like a tool, you can give value to your blog.
Greg Pincus
July 1st, 2009 2:37 am
Sound points, indeed. Evolution isn’t death. I mean really now… radio has “died” so many times that a cat’s nine lives wouldn’t be enough.
Adopting and adapting technology to help you tell the story you want to tell is important in any field, of course, and probably heightened online. Still, that’s also different than “blogging is dead.”
The way blogs create influence is changing constantly, and becoming a trusted source will be more and more important. And that would actually argue for continuing to blog rather than stopping now. Blinders are always bad… but knee-jerk reactions are usually worse!
Tim Smith
July 1st, 2009 2:40 am
Darren, as usual, what an excellent article. Sometimes, I think we all want to give up but the key is to not give in to that. You throw away weeks and months that you invested in building a blog. Thanks for the article, it really helped.
Mariano
July 1st, 2009 2:41 am
This is a great post. I think bloggers all at one point or another wonder whether they should just give up.
Whenever I get that feeling, I take a look at the content that I’ve completed over the last few months and observe how it’s evolved and enticed the readers that have taken the time to comment. I use it as a springboard on how to present other ideas and think about how what I know can help others to succeed. Isn’t that, after all, the core of what social media is all about?
Great questions and great strategies for keeping it up Darren. I appreciate your insight and your advice…and you encourage me (and I’m sure more than a few others) to keep chugging out good content.
Thanks!
supergranny
July 1st, 2009 2:42 am
Since I am an ‘ole gal’ that is yelling down the back slope of my life, I blog as a therapeutic process for me. May only have a handfull of followers or readers, but I see value in what I do. We need to keep some humor in our lives. So, I’ll keep trudging on getting my ‘gray matter’ exercise while I’m doing it…..
sprittibee
July 1st, 2009 2:50 am
This is a great article. I’m one who has those trails of neglected sites behind me. Facebook, Stumbleupon and twitter used to be some of them. Now I use them regularly and have found a way (method) to do it and yet still keep up the blog. The key is moderation! ;)
My main deterrent to blogging this past few months hasn’t been twitter – it’s been my 3 month old baby! That’s a blog post waiting to happen.
Dave
July 1st, 2009 2:54 am
I agree that bloggers need to evolve with the landscape and adapt new technology while also staking their claim to a hub page/site. The biggest blogs today were the blogs that did the same thing 4 or 5 years ago… so the strategy makes complete sense.
Zemalf
July 1st, 2009 3:05 am
Blog gives a great “haven” to base your online presence on. Keeping up with the latest “trends” and incorporating new media to it seems to be the things at the moment (audio, video and even just pictures). But all that is still one form of content and that’s what blogging is about, creating great content, whether it’d be blog post, podcast or youtube video.
Anatomy of Online Business
July 1st, 2009 3:09 am
If i don’t have enough time to blog, definitely i will quit blogging. becoz i am doing this as an hobby not a full-time blogger like many others.
So time should decide everything for me. :-)
-Ven
MoneyFunk
July 1st, 2009 3:23 am
I know there comes time when i think about quitting, but instead have evolved with my site (quite recently). I’ve evolved by now making a more informational site w/ a bit of added personal. Added twitter. But, I did this so I can start focusing on the other tasks I have planned. Like starting my journey on producing green products. Evolve or die! LOL. ;)
Iris Rounds
July 1st, 2009 3:25 am
This blog post is so encouraging. Being totally new to blogging, I’ve grappled with going with a traditional format or something that reflects me. In my mind’s eye, I want to convey information in various ways, using non-traditional means to really engage my audience. Building my blog has come to a standstill because of my search to find the right “voice” and “feel” for my blog.
As a 40′ish baby boomer quickly approching 50, I know what my generation is feeling and what we need. I want to offer, via my blog, solutions, insight, and confirmation that we will embrace aging just as well as we have embraced every other challenge thrown at us!
Darren, I would like to thank you for inspiring me to move forward with my ideas and build a blog that reflects me but speaks for many!
Nicole/MadlabPost
July 1st, 2009 3:27 am
Quit blogging if you’ve spent a year on it and nothing is working. I use 12 months as a timeframe because bloggers can built up their blog in six months to a year usually, depending on the topic. If a blogger is using your 30DBBB Workbook, then thay might even speed up the process but I figure that a blog should have at least a few dedicated readers or subscribers and a combination of feedback and writeups or links from other blogs within a year and move on if that does not happen.
How am I approaching what I do in this ever changing web, you ask? I try to stick with things that work and skip mediums that don’t like Facebook for instance. Facebook has becoem very popular but I did not have a good experience with them when trying to start a profile and build it up. Therefore, Facebook is not on my list of priorities for promoting my blog and maybe that is not helpful since a lot of bloggers are implementing Facebook plugins for their blog to get more interaction with Facebook users. However, they left a bad impression on me and I’m not up for any of that.
Stumbleupon has not worked well for me so I am rarely on there and I’m just getting into the gist of this Twitter frenzy.
It is best to know about new developments online and in social media but that does not mean bloggers have to necessarily use all of these tools, at least I don’t and am not going to. I do agree with you that we should be aware of and learn how to use the new technologies that are emerging. That’s the only way to find out what works for your particular blog and what doesn’t.
Matt Cheuvront
July 1st, 2009 3:31 am
The most important thing is to KEEP CHALLENGING YOURSELF. Maybe you’ve written to death about social media marketing – try your hand in philosophy and religion. While it’s important to martket yourself as an ‘expert’ in your field, it’s equally important to challenge your own writing – depending on your style of blog this might mean starting a new blog for your ‘random thoughts’ or figuring out how to incorporate new themes into your current blog’s message. Diversity is the spice of life – reach out and connect with new people, do some guest features on other blogs, bounce ideas off of your social media connections.
Blogging is not dead, in fact, it’s far from it, but in order to maintain my own interested, I have to keep challenging myself. Those ideas that you tell yourself will never amount to anything – revisit them and you might be surprised at what you can come up with.
George
July 1st, 2009 3:36 am
I say keep changing and trying new things, but agree that keeping a home base is critical. I think your blog should always be your home base….but it has to evolve to stay that way.
Mary-Frances Main
July 1st, 2009 4:09 am
I think the issue is that the “leaders” of social media will always be WAY ahead of the mainstream. I remember hearing that Facebook was dead right before everyone I actually knew (High School whatever) just signed up.
I think blogging is still new in many areas. I’m in arts and crafts (and also houseblogging) and I think people in this area are still “finding” blogs.
Sure, there’s an evolution, but there will always be a mass of people behind any curve. Unfortunately for the leaders, those people are the ones that ultimately decide the nature of the curve.
RaceDriven
July 1st, 2009 4:16 am
I agree, blogging isn’t dead, but you do need to evolve. One blogger said it best, blogs need a reboot and they do, however I am overwhelmed by everything out their, but I’ve been blogging for 4 years now at RaceDriven and I am not stopping.
With that said, I am interested in building something more like a home base, a site that is separate from my blog under another url that displays me as a brand with everything I am connected too from blogging to Twitter, MySpace and well thats it for me.
One question, what would partical RSS feed really do, would it bring in visitors to the site, more then just reading the RSS feed? .
Todd - Home Construction Improvement
July 1st, 2009 4:54 am
I’ve felt like this several times over the last couple of years. But lately my sites have taken off and I’m making very good income from them so now more than ever I feel like it’s a great time to be blogging. At the end of the day I find that readers respect and appreciate the quality content that so many blogs provide.
Mark Wheatley
July 1st, 2009 5:01 am
It’s an interesting question.
Linking your blog with other marketing strategies certainly has merit.
I think it boils down to the question. Is it interesting what you are writing about or showing your audience? Which is the same for any medium.
The other question you need to answer is, what is your end in mind? Then does what you are doing with social media move you closer to your goal?
Not wishing to ‘sit on the fence’ interesting bogging isn’t dead, regurgitating other peoples material can be boring.
Regards
Mark Wheatley
Chris Marshall
July 1st, 2009 5:02 am
As my Great Aunt used to say, “keep on keeping on.”
Jessica Who
July 1st, 2009 5:03 am
This is great advice, I’ve been reading many of these blogging is dead posts and find them to be funny. I am having so much fun blogging and I find it extremely rewarding. I am constantly receiving positive feedback on it, so I have intentions of quitting.
While I am experimenting and having fun with the different mediums, my bread and butter is my content, on which I’ve been putting a lot of effort.
People who blog for the sake of pretending to be money experts should probably quit, but those of us who bring unique content and fresh perspective to the web should keep chugging away.
I hope that you continue to make these posts, as I’ve taken a lot of your advice and although I haven’t agreed with everything, I know that you are educated about what you speak about. You’re not a trend jumper and this post really solidifies that.
- Jessica
Bible Money Matters
July 1st, 2009 5:06 am
I think blogging is alive and well, at least in my small corner of the web it seems to be doing pretty well.
With all the new technologies coming out, I’m only using them to augment and accent my main web properties. I use twitter to promote and build relationships with readers. I use friendfeed as one place people can find all my content. I use stumbleupon as a great place to share things I’m reading with my readers. And all of those mediums point back to my main site.
I think you have to work with the new technologies and use the ones that work for you, and make them part of a whole blog strategy.
Drezz
July 1st, 2009 5:36 am
If you have a following that you cater to, and have content people need, you’ll always have traffic regardless of technological advances.
These new innovations and mediums should serve more as extensions – its all about extra leverage, when you can afford the time and resources to do it.
Sometimes we lack focus and foresight.
Sandy
July 1st, 2009 5:39 am
All you have to do is look at someone like Dooce (and many other “mommy bloggers”) to realize that blogging is still profitable. What I do is read and study the most successful blogs, trying to understand what they do that makes them successful. For instance, Dooce started her blog in 2001 and it didn’t become profitable until 2005. That’s persistence!
Ellen Kimball
July 1st, 2009 6:08 am
I was on the DemocraticUnderground.com for four years from 2004-2008. The management and I then had irreconcilable differences.
In August, I joined another smaller forum, but felt as if I needed another audience.
Decided to join Twitter when I saw Evan Williams interviewed by Charlie Rose. It fits right in with my radio talk show training. Short burst of information, then another short burst, like sequential telephone calls.
I’m finding Twitter quite addictive! I could do this all day. Once in a while, I have! The dishes are in the sink and no dinner is planned.
Have to keep my blog because I need to publish film and entertainment reviews to qualify for complimentary tickets. I’ve been reviewing since 1971, in longer formats as well as under 5 minute recordings.
I was “born to tweet” — and it’s lots of fun to tease my 20 year old grandson. Hey, Michael. Is it possible that your 70 year old grandmother is really further along the “Twitter Twail” (yes, we make up all kinds of TW names) than you are?
Ha, ha, ha, ha. I love it.
Peace, love and happiness,
Ellen Kimball
Portland, OREGON
Kathy | Virtual Impax
July 1st, 2009 6:34 am
The “blogging is dead” crowd always makes me giggle. I remember when they were saying, “Quit blogging – start Twittering!”
Um – excuse me – but my most meaningful Twitter connections are those made through my BLOG, thank you!!!
Blogging has never been a “get rich quick” business… despite what your spam emails say…
Darren, one of the things I love BEST about you (and your blog) is how OPEN you are about the fact that blogging is NOT the end all, be all way to overnight success.
Your blog is a communication tool – pure and simple. Shut it down if you’ve got nothing left to say. I believe several celebrities (Farrah Fawcett, Micheal Jackson and Billy Mays) have all reached that point… why, because they’re dead!!!
Otherwise – keep blogging – keep sharing – keep communicating. Revisit your initial goals for your blog if you need a boost to get back on track!
Layla
July 1st, 2009 6:41 am
Interesting blog post!
& yes, at times I’ve thought of giving up too (but not due to Twitter lol!!)
Honestly, since I’ve become more active on Twitter, I’ve read more blogs & fun posts than ever before – so actually Twitter makes it easier to read fun & exciting new posts – if only the headlines are catchy enough!! :)
& there are a few blogs I’d really GREATLY miss if the owners stopped writing in them – must admit they’re a mixture of vlogging & writing & photos & an occasional audio – so they’re really very exciting!! :)
Evan
July 1st, 2009 6:43 am
I think the main message you are conveying is add value to people’s lives and they will come. This is the same with any business be it selling lemonade on the corner or million dollar jets to billionaires.
You have to change somewhat with the time to keep connected to your target market, but if you add value to a person’s life and they enjoy hearing what you have to say or using what you sell your business will stay afloat.
I just started my blog and am trying to figure out all these new technologies, but amongst it all I’m trying to stick to my blogs core message. It’s difficult, but if you always keep the core basis of your blog in mind that your customers like then you will be well off.
Another great post Darren.
Not John Chow
July 1st, 2009 7:46 am
@ BlogSEOExpert – I also agree with the magazine (or Ezine) allegory. This is an opportunity to put your imprint on your blog or give your magazine your feel.
Kristin
July 1st, 2009 7:58 am
I’m going to ride out the whole “blogging is dead” thing, if it even exists. My blog is still young (7 months) and I’m not noticing any bad traffic changes with it. I’ve got my subscriptions that I read and relate to, just like a magazine that others have mentioned. Thanks for the good post!
Vicki@collegeparentcentral
July 1st, 2009 8:50 am
Great post! I’m glad to hear that so many people agree that blogging is not dead. I’m someone who is enjoying the writing and the blogging and I have no intention of quitting. I’ll admit that I’m avoiding twitter and other media right now because there are only so many hour in a day. We really can’t do it all and do all of it well. I’ve chosen to keep my focus on the blogging. I know I may be losing out on some opportunities, but it’s a choice that works for me at the moment.
Clint Osterholz
July 1st, 2009 9:07 am
I’m a freshly starting blogger with an idea that I feel is timeless, so I am not overly concerned with these pronouncements. If anything, newspapers and magazines are dying while blogs and websites are replacing them. Of course a few old media hawks will be ready to scream about the glut of blogs that have been started in recent months. Think about the number of magazines and newspapers that are launched and fail each year though. The starting capital is prohibitively high, but they still fail to reach an audience all the same. Blogs and websites are no exception. I estimate that the internet is largely filled with abandoned or sporadically updated blogs.
It is definitely hard at times, but news like this just makes me all the more determined.
Tiger Singleton
July 1st, 2009 9:26 am
Great Timing on this article. Never have commented on your site before but this post definitely sparked some enthusiasm to reach out and share/comment. I love your point of “evolving,” from a conscious development standpoint I would call it expanding.
I’m somewhat new at this blogging phenomenon (about a year in) just started my second site and as I began looking for new resources to create a great presence I came across your site and was immediately hooked.
Why? Because you evolve. AND Because you have original content. As I searched around for support, I can’t even tell you how many times I saw the same content on different sites (I found it a lil frustrating). It gave me the impression that what I found here, I can find anywhere, so their is no reason to stick around.
As I read your post, I started thinking about why this is. I really believe its because people are more caught up into the fad of blogging rather than truly having a desire to add value to mankind and it’s efforts (such as yourself). If people are blogging just because they want to create income, this seems like a very very very poor life plan. Where is the genuine excitement in that (my opinion).
The point is growth. Not just to increase your numbers, but increase your capacity to create value. I don’t see much value in ‘copy and paste’. Maybe we need to reevaluate the “Why” and if that “why” is not consistent to what we truly desire for our lives (as far as what we give), then maybe we need to get the hell out and find something we are actually passionate about; rather than trying to catch the fad train. The point is Growth, it’s suppose to be challenging and joyous.
I don’t subscribe to many blogs (3), and only follow you and another on twitter (currently). Because you create genuine value and you seem to genuinely care about the success of your visitors. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard you say recently that the blogging sphere is cluttered, I agree. Imagine how much more productive we’d be as bloggers if we focused on caring, being genuine, and offering original content. Yes, many would go by the wayside sense they are not going to be happily successful any ways.
Expand yourself, let blogging be a tool for personal growth. I believe all else will fall in line. But then again, I’m new to this so I could be totally out of touch lol.
Namaste
-Tiger
Krissy
July 1st, 2009 9:40 am
This post came at exactly the right time for me! Thanks for the encouragement I needed to continue on my blogging adventure.
Nicholas Z. Cardot
July 1st, 2009 10:37 am
They have been saying that blogging is just a fad since it first started becoming popular. Critics have touted that it would come and go like bell bottom pants. But they were wrong then and I am pretty convinced that they are wrong now. I think that some of the “Here’s what I did today” blogs may end up being swallowed by the evolving social media available now, but I think that bloggers who blog on topics and issues will be around for a while! I plan to keep on blogging and I’m glad that you do as well!
make money online
July 1st, 2009 10:45 am
Hey Darren Great post as always. Personally what I think the problem is people don’t understand the unlimited potential of a blog. I have seen blogs transformed into market places, chats, forums, and any other medium that you can think of. If you think you are behind the times whether it be with a blogger or wordpress blog simply do a search for plug ins. You also make an excellent point when you say don’t give up easily. The reason I like this is people put in a ton of work into their blogs or website then when they don’t see the immediate pay off they drop it thinking setting up a new presence not realizing they will have to do the same amount of work. Well anyways good post.
Kris,
Cory
July 1st, 2009 11:21 am
Perhaps being new to blogging is an advantage for me. I can see the juncture of content and technology, choosing the appropriate course for my blog by watching the mistakes and successes of others. One key thing that seems to stand out is the word “content”.
Be it Pepsi or Coke, you drink it because of the “content”… the taste. You may market that taste with any myriad of new technologies or plans; “ The Pepsi Dome” as an example, or “Coke” Sunglasses, Viral cola drinking party videos, or tattooing “RC Cola” on the bosom of a supermodel. These technologies may get them to your product, but they will continue to drink only if they like the taste of the content.
Tee
July 1st, 2009 11:28 am
Like many others here, I am pretty new to blogging – been dabbling about 3 months. My biggest challenge with blogging, and the new technologies is staying up with them. I have never been a “on the cutting edge” type of person. I have always come into something about the time it starts fizzling out in popularity.
To be honest, I don’t understand Twitter (most of the time I log in and just stare at the “What are you doing now?” thing, and think..”Umm.. I am typing, duh”. I hate Facebook, Digg, Technorati (all the social bookmarking sites), and don’t even like cell phones :) I am addicted to StumbleUpon though.
Anyway, what I’m getting at is that you need to stick to what you are good at doing, and what you like doing. If you run around trying the next hottest gadget every time it’s featured on Lifehacker (or similar site) you will get frustrated, get burned out, become overwhelmed and WISHING blogging was dead.
Stephanie Valentine
July 1st, 2009 11:30 am
Darren, what a comforting yet pragmatic message that bloggers should keep blogging and not flit from space to space. I, too, see a lot of people quit or give up hope if their blog doesn’t produce instant results. As Seth Godin points out in a recent blog post, it’s pretty much a low barrier to entry “free for all” out there, so it does take time to build an online presence, whether on a blog or on Twitter. We each do need to have a home base, and then branch out to outposts as we feel comfortable doing so, and within the limits of our time. And thank you for pointing out that no blog should be confined to a certain look or feel. A good blog expresses digitally the warm body behind the blog — personality, good points, warts, and all. Lovely post!
Bruce
July 1st, 2009 11:53 am
I’m glad I stuck with blogging.
I’ve had some bad experiences with my first blog (although I’m determined to revive it), but I continue to persevere to learn and use as much as I can.
As a result, my new blog is starting off faster (traffic, subscriptions, even comments) and I have a better feel for what I’m doing.
I love Darren’s take and a lot of the comments here, that may serve as an antidote to discouragement.
Thanks all!
needmoney.com
July 1st, 2009 11:55 am
Technology is never worth engaging with until it reaches critical mass. My advice is to be aware of it, but not to worry about incorporating it into your blog until it does.
A good recent example is that “seesmic” rubbish. You’ll notice blogs are sticking it up all over the place like brainless lemmings. Ever see anyone respond to a blog post with a video comment? Exactly. It’s Not Quite Yet.
Michael
July 1st, 2009 12:12 pm
I feel the same way, Darren. For some people, this may be Seth Godin’s “dip”: their personal experience plus the grand statements of a few prominent “former” bloggers equals a fear of the future. Fortunately, however, no one in their right mind has declared that READING is dead, or that INFORMATION is dead, and for a goodm hard-working blogger that’s good news. You may have to add your blog’s RSS to FriendFeed, or build relationships on Twitter, but that’s simply to enhance the value you’re already producing.
I’ve recently seen Scoble come back to blogging, only to keep banging his “blogging is dead” drum (what do you THINK he’s going to say – his personal brand is built on jumping on the next bandwagon – podcasting, vlogging, social networking – and pumping the hell out of it until the early adopters ahead of him alert him to something else). Odd that he had to go back to the blog to let the world know how it’s ending.
Good content will win out, and blogging (the format) will be here for a while, even if it’s propagated via whatever social network is “hot” next year.
Tony
July 1st, 2009 12:34 pm
Hi Darren & everyone here,
Darren I swear your wrote this blog about me lol. You sure you don’t have ESP. I was just thinking yet again about quitting blogging. I start one then I get brain freeze’s (or brain dead). Last post on my blog was on June 8th wish is too long, I guess it’s because I look at some other blogs and they look better than mine. i will try and keep mine or give it up, I don’t know yet. Yes I know no one is suppose to give up on anything, but then again I feel like an idiot not know what to put,etc.
Tony
Blogger Make Money
July 1st, 2009 1:29 pm
I don’t anticipate anyone should abdicate blogging because abandonment is in fashion! Or because blogging is asleep – it is not.
I attending at a blog as if it is a annual – just that it is produced by a individual being instead of a aggregation (at atomic initially).
As continued as there is appeal for what you address about, and you accomplish that appeal through your writing, your blog can not just survive but can aswell flourish.
And if you are not analytic someone’s problems through your blog, you should not accept started the blog in the aboriginal place!
KampungBoy
July 1st, 2009 2:39 pm
I don’t think so….
it’s the good decision
A good recent example is that “seesmic” rubbish. You’ll notice blogs are sticking it up all over the place like brainless lemmings. Ever see anyone respond to a blog post with a video comment? Exactly. It’s Not Quite Yet.
Rob
July 1st, 2009 3:08 pm
Quite Blogging? Maybe. Quit FedralTattleClogging, no way. With the FTC breathing down bloggers necks I say we all quit “blogging”, and call it FTCing.
The net is not media, it’s digital language.
Rob
July 1st, 2009 3:11 pm
Darren or admin,,,maybe a little help with that last comment, quit not quite.
sanisah
July 1st, 2009 3:14 pm
I had read your post and this really motivates me. I am quite new in this blogging era and would definitely come back to this page for more!
Traffic Blogger
July 1st, 2009 3:48 pm
“Build a Brand – the mediums are tools. They’ll come and go in time – the key is to build something that lasts beyond them.”
That’s all it is. Just build high value content and market it – the channel you choose to market or publish it doesn’t matter.
Quantum Q
July 1st, 2009 5:01 pm
I’ve been blogging for 3 years now and made a few blogs and have come to a point of quitting that’s why I have a lot of hiatus blog. But at the past month I’ve dedicated my self to go back blogging and do great posts for people. More power to you man! Keep blogging.
Monetize Online
July 1st, 2009 5:43 pm
Dont quit blogging – but do take on other opportunities which arise. The web is always evolving, staying in front is the name of the game!
Strength and Fitness
July 1st, 2009 7:18 pm
Very sound advice here–I don’t think standard blog/websites are going to be phased out any time soon. The vast majority of internet readers still . . . well . . read.
Hubtonomy
July 1st, 2009 9:22 pm
Trends, trends, trends. Essentially it is all the same thing in a different packaging. Just look at print media (you do remember those!) you have books, magazines, newsletters, leaflets, newspapers. They all live happily together and all are suited to different tasks.
Maybe someday people will go back to making good old fashined websites.
Laura Cococcia
July 1st, 2009 10:23 pm
Great post – and I think those of us who blog have probably all come across this feeling at some point. It’s a fast moving world so you’re right – you have to pick carefully what you have time for so you can do it well. Really enjoyed this perspective and the helpful links!
Nihar
July 1st, 2009 10:27 pm
Great post.
I agree with you. I don’t think blogging is dead. One should not think of things that they are missing out. NO body in this world can keep track of all the things gong around.
Everybody will miss out on some things.
Michael
July 1st, 2009 10:32 pm
A lot of the people who write that blogging is dead just want others to quit so that they will have less competition!
That is what I think anyway.
If you love blogging, do not quit.
Robert
July 1st, 2009 10:49 pm
Gee I sure hope blogging isn’t fading I’m just starting and I just wrote a blog on 5 reasons problogger should be on every blogroll http://robertsbloggert.blogspot.com/2009/06/problogger-5-reasons-why-this-guy.html
Hey thanks Darren for all your advice. Your site a great mentor for anyone interested in blogging.
Leighton OConnor
July 1st, 2009 11:01 pm
Is there a blog or forum I can use to ask questions about blogging? I’m trying to find blogging software in which I can have a column to the left or right for ads and be able to track click-thrus for the ads. Thanks, Leighton
Leighton OConnor
July 1st, 2009 11:02 pm
Hello,
Is there a blog or forum I can use to ask questions about blogging? I’m trying to find blogging software in which I can have a column to the left or right for ads and be able to track click-thrus for the ads. Thanks,
BLOGERCISE
July 1st, 2009 11:04 pm
I think this is a problem of trying to label a site. The term “Blog” means a site that features regular news posts – which is really like any site.
A site does not have to restrict itself, as long as it is organised in a way that allows user engagement. There are plenty of CMS systems, e107, joomla, etc which allow news posting, forums, video content, downloads etc. Even everyone’s favourite WordPress can be expanded if you really want to go down that route.
I don’t think people should be asking if “blogging” is dead, they should be asking themselves whether they still have the hunger to run a website.
The problem with building content on social media sites is that you never really own anything yourself, and then one day that site goes out of fashion and it’s all over.
Marian den Boer
July 1st, 2009 11:23 pm
I just recently finished your ‘31 days to build a better blog’ and thank you for all the great tips and strategies. You have made blogging fun, interesting…exciting even. Thank you so much. Why would I want to quit blogging?
fas
July 1st, 2009 11:47 pm
You have to ride the change. You can just sit and think of doing the same thing you did yesterday and expect that all is fine.
BloggerDaily
July 1st, 2009 11:50 pm
Yeah. Blogging never dead and it always pave the way for me to explore new things about various things!
Never say NO to quit blogging!
Ryan Freed
July 2nd, 2009 12:15 am
Great Post! Blogging is evolving. You just have to be innovative and stay ahead of the curve. Blogging is a business, and a business can’t last without innovation. Also like the fact that you talk about execution. It takes time!
Angela Ritchie
July 2nd, 2009 12:38 am
I started blogging as an expression of creativity. After a conversation with Danielle Laporte who writes White Hot Truth – http://www.whitehottruth.com it lead me to realize why I blogged more clearly. This lead me to changing my baby boomer blog – which is about creative and styling baby boomers to a magazine format and from that I concentrated on my business. Blogging gives me an outlet for creativity and I can use as a platform for people to gain an insight to living your life fully as you age. It keeps me in tune with interesting people and activities to do and not to dwell on negativity but to grasp the great and creative opportunities that life has.
Beth Norman
July 2nd, 2009 12:57 am
Hi Darren,
When I’m burned out I think of quitting my blog, design teams, and small business. I work full time and sometimes blogging is hard to do, and even worse when my chronic depression sets in. When I leave my blog alone for two weeks, I feel guilty. When I don’t post a weekly tutorial I feel guilty. I’d love to see an article that touches on burn out and how to handle things when one goes though this blip in life. I’m sure you did an article at one time, but I think now that it’s pertinent to me, I’d like to see one.
Mikes Sumondong
July 2nd, 2009 12:57 am
One thing for sure: We with our blogs should always be open to change.
David Stillwagon
July 2nd, 2009 1:04 am
Great point about not rushing into every new thing that comes along!
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work
July 2nd, 2009 1:44 am
This is a very well put voice of reason. Each of us needs to set and follow a strategy that works for us authentically. I’m not a social chatter so I check in with Twitter occasionally and say what’s on my mind. It’s insanity to think that we can stay abreast of everything. What purpose would that serve anyway.
Tanai
July 2nd, 2009 2:19 am
As always I am glad I stopped at your site. To be honest I used to be one of the aimless medium hoppers, however once I read your book all that changed. Why? I think because I felt like I was at a manageable beginning of an online career. I am not giving that up for the latest fad. Thank you for your help in getting me started on my first soon to be publicized blog.
shajib
July 2nd, 2009 3:45 am
Some times its take time to success.
teratips
July 2nd, 2009 5:59 am
No Darren its wrong think, you should do more for your readers
my blog about blogging and money
http://www.teratips.com
Anne Noonan
July 2nd, 2009 10:24 am
You make SO much sense. thanks for such a great post. It’s like you’re speaking directly to me. I’ve been choked up with doubt thinking I won’t have the right thing to say, I can’t keep up with the changes in the internet, always jumping to the next hot thing without focussing and realising anything takes time to build. You’ve given me the confidence to get on with it. So ‘ablogging’ I will go! Thanks.
akazuma
July 2nd, 2009 12:40 pm
never. Thats my answer.
Prasanna
July 2nd, 2009 4:11 pm
After entering the blogosphere I think one needs to spend at least two years before taking a call on whether to continue or quit blogging.
Few people think blogging is already dead. But, I don’t believe that. Blogging is just evolving & it might take a slightly new form in the near future. But, the old media seems to be dead.
So, as long as one is passionate about blogging, he should not think about quitting blogging. I am into blogging from past 4 years and I still think blogging is becoming interesting day by day.
Blogger Make Money
July 2nd, 2009 6:43 pm
Technology is never account agreeable with until it alcove analytical mass. My admonition is to be acquainted of it, but not to anguish about accumulation it into your blog until it does.
A acceptable contempo archetype is that “seesmic” rubbish. You’ll apprehension blogs are afraid it up all over the abode like addled lemmings. Ever see anyone acknowledge to a blog column with a video comment? Exactly. It’s Not Quite Yet.
Callie
July 2nd, 2009 11:27 pm
Blogging is a permanent phenom….just like computers. It’s not going anywhere.
Editor
July 2nd, 2009 11:50 pm
Blogging is only just getting started… the possibilities are huge and the future is bright. I can only do what I can do, but focus and passion in blogging and sharing quality content and information will bring success. I am convinced of that.
Golf Gurl
July 2nd, 2009 11:52 pm
The blog is a great medium to reach your audience. We’ve learned it takes time to make it work, that and great content. We are growing and experimenting with new ideas all the time.
Kamilion
July 3rd, 2009 12:36 am
I have just began blogging,why quit then?
I dont think that,the blogging is dead.
Internet Infopreneur
July 3rd, 2009 3:07 am
I have decided to seed my new blog that’s focused on a forthcoming book launch with posts that are excerpts and summaries from the book itself. This way, there’s less writing involved, which means I can concentrate on other elements, and not keep flitting and fleeting from one thing to another, but just tweak and modify to see what sticks.
Curt
July 3rd, 2009 7:43 am
Yes, I completely agree.
You have to keep working and building your brand. Don’t get distracted by new ideas and new trends if you have something that is working, keep working on it.
kiedis
July 3rd, 2009 8:27 am
A blog should evolve constantly, the web evolves and everyone should adapt. Changes can be good or bad, but they are there.
Abandoning a blog because you get not a lot of visitors its not a good thing.
I don’t get as many visitors as other blogs but i keep doing it, even if i get 4 visitors a day im happy with them i keep blogging for me and for them.
I try to do my best.
seo lancashire
July 3rd, 2009 10:43 pm
I fully agree with you in regards that blogging is not dead!
I do not think blogging will ever dye!
Blogs are an excellent resource for content and as content is KING then how on earth can this ever dye?
Lee Ka Hoong
July 4th, 2009 8:39 pm
I don’t think we should quit blogging. I have the strong feel that blogging will be one of the hottest tool that we can use to expand our business, perhaps it’s already one of the hottest tool. Anyway, I’ll never quit blogging, no matter how…
Regards,
Lee
tunepal
July 4th, 2009 8:45 pm
if you think you reach your limit, so better you quit.
No Fixed Office
July 5th, 2009 3:56 pm
I in many ways feel just the same. I have attempted to build a number of different things on multiple different sites. However i have found that there are a number of different sites i have attempted to build a presence on other sites. However my over bearing finding has been that many sites do not draw me into the process so that i enjoy it.
As such i have generally come back to working with just a few outlets. Twitter being one, and Facebook the other. I do take a little time for one or two other sites, but these show me the most benefit.
This combined with the amount of time that i spend on blogging i find to be optimal. Anything more i think would be getting to the limit of my patience in working in to many directions. So far i think this is the biggest benefit that has caused me to not feel like quitting.
Matthias
July 5th, 2009 7:04 pm
I don’t think blogging is out. It’s just a way to style your publishing part of your Website. You can blog everytime about you favorite topic. If you write your posts interesting, the visitors have fun to come back.
Maybe Websites or Services like Twitter,MySpace or Facebook can die, but not a special Way of Publishing like blogs, forums and so on.
Stay blogging from Germany,
Matthias
1913DST
July 6th, 2009 4:55 am
blogging is definetly not dead, and i believe that as long as the internet is around blogging will never die. even though i am very new at blogging i am not at all new to writing i’ve been writing since the age of 6 and although much has changed about my writing and the way that i prefer to do it (crayola-then-keyboard-now), writing has never gotten old to me. i suspect that this is the way that many blogger feel, therefore i think it is nearly impossible for blogging to die, it may not be as mainstream as it used to be. which in my opinion will be fine because i cant tell you how irritated it makes me for ppl to call themselves “writers” from some of the blogs that are out today. lol
yemekteyiz
July 6th, 2009 11:24 pm
Blogging is a permanent phenom….just like computers. It’s not going anywhere.
Seh
July 8th, 2009 4:29 am
Thtat’s one thing I have realized. You have to be willing to try new things, because “things” become old quickly nowadays. I’ve ventured into online video marketer. I create short videos that lead viewers to a free offer on my site. Traffic to the video mostly comes from posting my video free to a video marketing site called http://www.Adwido.com then my lead generation begins. I also feel I’ll find a way to implement blogging into my marketing effectively.
karsten h.
July 10th, 2009 10:29 am
Darren is absolutely right(again). When are people ever going to learn that quitting is never the best route? Is there even one good reason that you wouldn’t ever want to work the absolute hardest that you could….in anything!!!?!?!!
Muffie Shannen
July 12th, 2009 1:48 am
blogging continuously evolving as technology continue to develop. it will never die. as a matter of fact you have a lots of variety and topics to discuss on your blogs.
and you should work so that your blog wont die. its in the person/author which makes a successful blog.
http://muffieshannen.com
Hooshmand Moslemi
July 12th, 2009 9:32 am
Blogs were considered before as online news publications and people thought blogs would stay at that level forever. However, as you said, it’s always evolving.
Blog is not only a news platform anymore, rather it’s like a dynamic community that could be emerged with tons of online tools and resources giving better functions and features to these phenomenon.
Blogs are now places where people meet each other, interact, share their thoughts and find useful information.
I don’t think quitting blogging would be a good idea specially when the rate of web 2.0 evolution is growing all the time. Everyone should use blogging, whether for a hobby or business. Blogging improves self-confidence, credibility and innovation.
Focusing upon building a good content should always be the core of blogging project. People are not first interested in who you are, they are looking for what you have to offer them, good information.
Then, they would be more interested and seek for more info on your web pages and want to get more focused content.
That way, they would get to know you, your passions and enthusiasm. Finally, they realize you care about them and give you more credit. That’s what should happen when you are blogging.
Darren, in my opinion, you are one of the top experts in blogging and I am really glad you have covered such an important subject.
Cheers!
Hooshmand Moslemi
George Hall
July 13th, 2009 6:38 pm
Don’t quit yet, Darren.
I agree…the blogging medium is evolving. Newer ways to do things, new tools. The occasional new way at looking at things.
The operative saying here is “evolve or die.”
Actually, let’s put that more as “adapt.” Adapt to the tools, adapt to the new things, not being scared to try.
Reinvention is also something to look at.
But while some platform might say “Blogging is dead,” that doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Sure, someone might say that if they’re trying to sell some alternative to it, but that doesn’t change things overnight.
People will still want something to read regardless.
Jason Su
July 14th, 2009 1:56 am
I totally agree with you Darren. In my blog I cannot stress how important it is not to give up. I mean like many people think that blogging is a get rich quick thing, but it is not.
Blogging takes hard work, for many months, you may not see results, but when you do it is very satisfying. Do not give up and just experiment with things, and one day you will find the right technique that works for you.
For any new blogger: keep trying, find out what you might be doing wrong, never give up and you will succeed!!!
SURVEYS FOR MONEY
July 17th, 2009 8:45 pm
Quit Blogging? Huh? People want to quit blogging? I couldn’t do that. As long as I can make an income from blogging I can’t quit. There’s always someone who will be interested in your content. That should motivate you to continue writing quality posts. Once again, don’t give up. This takes hard work and perserverance.
Free Advertising Forum
July 19th, 2009 1:59 am
I agree that you must have a long term view for success. If you want it all right now blogging is not the right venue for you. I am trying to apply that mentality to all my websites not just my blog. Quality for experience for all my users. I have a long way to go.
Jorn
July 20th, 2009 12:50 am
well,..my home base is built quite good now… my own website, and no spam/banners on it…
only thing i need; more authors for writing blogs about other types of stuff then psychology and sociology, which is my thing :P
it’s a good blog again Darren!
Janet Hansen
July 27th, 2009 3:29 am
So totally agree that all the mediums, strategies and methods people use, have used, and continue to use will serve a purpose if there is purpose behind what they are working to achieve.
If someone blogs just to blog, then the trail of info or archive will be meaningless. Content must be relevant to a topic or the specific goal of what one has in mind.
Hopping around from thing to thing based on the whispers of what is the next cool thing will do nothing in terms of building relevance and clarity in the mission and goals established for well-thought out endeavors.
Janet Hansen
Scout66.com
Herman
August 5th, 2009 12:58 pm
Of course you shouldn’t quit blogging, blogging is a good way for people to learn all sorts of things, whether it be making money, fixing a car, or something around the house. I personally dont know what I would do if it weren’t for bloggers. Theres been so many times when I’ve ran into a problem and didn’t have the money to get professional help and I just logged on to my old faithful computer and she saved my life. So keep on blogging and keep on making money.
Harry
August 6th, 2009 1:21 am
Like you said blogging is not dead is just evolving,. I personally think that it’s one the most unique phenomenons in the internet’s history.
So for those who are screaming that blogging is dead… i don’t think you’ll see that day coming to soon.
Wakas Mir
August 23rd, 2009 12:12 pm
Blogging has never been more fun than now, I think bloggers that wish to quit really need to refocus n energize themselves with some positivity and rock on with their talented minds.
UGG Bailey Button
August 23rd, 2009 6:33 pm
Actually, let’s put that more as “adapt.” Adapt to the tools, adapt to the new things, not being scared to try.
Uniquely Cool
August 28th, 2009 3:43 pm
One thing for sure, blogging is much harder than it use to be in the good ol’ days. It’s harder to get noticed and everyone seems to be distracted by sites like Facebook and Twitter.
I’ve been very discouraged over the last few months, but I’m not giving up. It seems like everyone’s attention span gets shorter and shorter every day. There are so many choices that a person will land on a site and almost immediately “X” out of it. Even if it is a super cool site you spend weeks or months on.
The one thing I have noticed right now is that everyone is interested most in things about THEM. Me Me Me will keep a person glued.
Perhaps a question to ask is…what product/service can you provide that will cater to this narcissistic world we live in?
If you’re on a shoestring budget it’s extremely difficult to keep up with the big people… but, a good thing about NOT being big is you can serve other areas that a big site can’t.
Sorry to ramble on and on… just a few thoughts to add :)
jeux voiture
September 26th, 2009 10:48 pm
I think that this is a great summary of the life of a blogger, as I’ve shared many of these same feelings during the time that I’ve been at it. I agree that taking a break form blogging helps sometimes, and also, remembering that it’s just a blog, and with anonymity comes bravery (for commenters, not myself). If you can stick with it though, I’d say that the rewards definitely out weight the downsides. Keep up the good work.
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