Most people have some kind of sign as to when things are not right in their lives. For some it may be a change in appetite, a change in sleep patterns, or a major mood swing. I actually do all of those things, but when I really notice a change is when I lose interest in something that I love doing.
Here comes the confession part. Over the last couple of weeks I have lost interest in reading blogs. Sure I have been busy, but I have actually had very little interest in reading most of the blogs that I keep up with through my feed reader. There are a few must-reads every day but the rest I could just go without. This is a big change when you consider that I obsessively read well over 50 blogs (almost) daily. Many of them are a quick scan, but I at least keep up with what is going on in the lives of my favorite bloggers.
Now I wonder if my interest will bounce back or if it is just time to move on to other hobbies. I have been doing a lot of other things lately that are taking up my time so maybe it is just a natural progression happening. More of one thing means less of another. The really strange thing is that I don’t really miss it. I almost feel a sense of guilt though when I don’t read. I’m afraid to hit the “mark all as read” button because I might miss something important. Plus, when I get too far behind I just get overwhelmed. There is never enough time to catch up.
Maybe it is just time for a little spring cleaning of the feed reader.
Technorati Tags: confessions, blogging, feed reader, feeds, blogs, habits
blogging is never supposed to feel like a chore, and that goes for both reading and writing. there are very few people who “deserve” your allegiance (read: readership) no matter what. for example, i feel i owe it to my roommate to always read her blog, because she’s a part of my daily life and i know it’s important to me. my mom owes me the attention she puts into my blog because i’m her baby girl. but most people are just people you’ve met through the blogosphere, and you don’t owe them anything.
all this isn’t to say that bloggy friendships aren’t real or aren’t significant, because i strongly believe they are. but you shouldn’t feel guilty for not always reading everyone you’ve always read. forcing yourself to read really isn’t any better than not reading, because it’s not genuine.
as always, i say you should do what’s best for you. those of us who truly count you as a friend will always want that.
plus, scarcity will just make it that much cooler when you do pop around and say hi. 🙂
Yeah. I hear you. I am the same way.
The way I see it…blogging shouldnt be a chore. Lara is right on about that one. It is a hobby. So I read only the blogs that interest me and I only comment when I have something to say. If that means fewer readers of my own blog…so be it. The people who are interested in me will continue to read it.
It is funny too because I used to avoid people’s blog because I felt compelled to constantly leave comments. Once I gave my permission to just read them, I started reading (and enjoying) them again.
If you’re not enjoying reading blogs, don’t read them. I skim over most of mine, and if something catches my eye, I read further.
I completely understand. I have been going through something very similar lately. I’ve been wondering if whatever need I used to fulfill by reading blogs is being fulfilled by something else. I’m not sure but it’s really been on my mind. I haven’t written as much on my blog either.
I was going to say exactly what Donna already said.
Don’t feel guilty. Just don’t!
Thanks for all of your comments on this. I am always amazed at how supportive my blog friends are. I think I’m over the lost interest, but I do plan to pare down my feed reader a bit. There is only so much time in the day!