Mo's Manic Monday

Posted: Monday, June 16, 2008 by Travis Cody in
26



Welcome to another Manic Monday with Morgen. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at It's A Blog Eat Blog World. Today's theme is Will.

The word Will does appear in my post. But I also had some other thoughts on my mind.

I'm a little out of sorts. It's made me a bad blogging buddy because I haven't kept up with blog rounds lately.

I did clear out my reader today. I visited as many of you as I could. I realized that the ease of using Google Reader has allowed me to add many more blogs that I really enjoy. Of course, that means that there are so many more posts to view every day. And it's tough to keep up. Some of you are quite prolific.

I started blogging because it looked like a great way to share some of my writing. I've done some of that, but not enough to say that's why I still blog. There are lots of cool writing challenges and memes out there. I say I want to participate, but then there's always some reason that I don't do it.

I guess I'm a bit discombobulated at the moment.

Having so many posts stacked up in the Reader is intimidating and it makes me feel like I'm letting my own visitors down. I don't blog to feel like that.

So what to do?

Do I cut back on the number of blogs to which I've subscribed? Do I take another blog break until this little funk passes? Has blogging run it's course, and do I need to move away from it?

Maybe. Maybe. I don't think so.

So what?

I guess I just need to remember that I blog for me. Blogging is something I enjoy. And I guess my blog pals will have to understand that sometimes I'm just not going to be able to get to your blogs every day, and I will miss some of your posts.

I enjoy being part of this community. I will try to be the best blog buddy that I can be, but not at the expense of taking long drives on the weekend with my Lady. Or taking her out to dinner without the Google Reader nag in the back of my head reminding me that posts are backing up. Or not posting for a day or two and worrying that my visitors won't come back.

Silly? Yeah. But if you haven't felt the same thing at some point in your blogging career, well then I guess you're a different kind of blogger than I am.

So I'm going to think about this place called Travs Thoughts. I'm going to think about it and try to figure out how to make my blogging experience a bit less chore-like, and return it to the enjoyable time it has been in the past.

I'm not going away...at least I don't think that's an option. But I'm going to re-align a bit and make things a bit easier on myself.



There will be a game 6 in Boston. The Lakers survived a lot of poor defensive play and managed to get the win to force the series back east.

The Celtics are playing much more relaxed. They held off the Lakers in game 2, nearly stole game 3, made a historical come back in game 4, and very nearly stole game 5. That's what champions do.

The Lakers are playing not to lose games. Champions don't do that. I can only hope that they get it together somehow and will play like champions in game 6 on Tuesday.

But even if they don't, at least there will be no green and white celebrations on the Lakers' home floor.

Go Lakers!

26 comments:

  1. Jeni says:
    16 June, 2008 01:17

    Seems like a lot of us are finding the same things as you stated about blogging to be in our lives too. I hate to be behind in readings, or postings too -or worse, struggling to find a post topic! I don't comment on every blog, every time I read it but I do read every blog in my reader -eventually! And I was really relieved when I read your post and you said to the effect of not giving up the blogging at this time as I really enjoy reading your take on many things. Well maybe not the basketball stuff so much since I never got interested in that sport at all!
    Keep coming back at it as you feel the need or have time or whatever. Just enjoy the fun of it, the sharing, the camaraderie of it all. Peace, my friend!

  1. Liz Hill says:
    16 June, 2008 01:56

    I understand but I would miss your thoughts so very much.

  1. Terra Shield says:
    16 June, 2008 02:50

    I think I can relate to the situation you're in. And I'm sure people don't really mind if you miss a post or two here and there. After all, blogging should be a fun, stress reducing experience :)

  1. anthonynorth says:
    16 June, 2008 03:02

    This seems spot on with the subject. You are expressing your will :-)
    I think most bloggers reach this stage many times. And yes, blogging is mainly for the blogger. Most bloggers realise that.

  1. Schmoop says:
    16 June, 2008 04:01

    I have found myself, falling far behind in my reads as well. Take it easy Trav, and thanks for using the word,"discombobulated". I love that word. Cheers!!

  1. DrillerAA says:
    16 June, 2008 05:03

    Yep, I think all of us started blogging in order to share thoughts and ideas about our view of life and issues important to us. At some point it becomes more like an electronic diary or journal of our lives. I know, if I don't post three times a week, I have a fear that no one will return to my blog. Not like it's all that exciting, but I do feel a certain obligation.
    Keep up the good work, I do look forward to coming here.

  1. Ivanhoe says:
    16 June, 2008 05:33

    Take your time figuring this all out. I noticed a lot of my blogger friends are taking a break, it's just fine with me. I agree blogging is for fun, not to be nagging in the back of your head :o)

  1. Barb says:
    16 June, 2008 06:34

    I never did like readers and subscriptions and therefore I don't subscribe to any. That would be overwhelming, thinking I now HAD to do them all. ]

    Relax. Blog when you really want to. Never forget to live your life to the fullest!!

  1. maryt/theteach says:
    16 June, 2008 07:24

    Gee, Travis, I wouldn't like it if you went away... I was just thinking that it had been a little while that I hadn't visited you and I felt bad. I had sooo many comments to answer. I wish we could figure out another way to keep in touch with everyone who wants to keep in touch with us.

  1. Durward Discussion says:
    16 June, 2008 07:57

    Trav,

    I love it that you are one of the folks who regularly comments unlike the hundred or so that just seem to sail through every day. Unfortunately, we all have real lives and blogging should be fun not a chore. So pace yourself, just do however many blogs you can handle a day and rotate them so that eventually during the week you visit the majority of your blogging buddies. They will appreciate the effort you make.

  1. Empress Bee (of the high sea) says:
    16 June, 2008 08:01

    don't worry about it trav, just do what you feel like doing... i always read but don't always comment. sometimes i just don't feel like it. you know? it's fine with me...

    smiles, your cake buddy, bee
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  1. Travis Erwin says:
    16 June, 2008 09:42

    Great post and I often feel the same way. Sometimes just keeping up is a bit daunting.

  1. Sandee says:
    16 June, 2008 09:52

    I think we all go through this from time to time. I know I do. Google reader is a great thing, but it also adds a lot of stress if you don't stay on top of all the posts. I've gotten where I just hit the 'mark all as read' from time to time and that helps some. You just have to find out what works for you. Good luck Travis. Have a great day. :)

  1. Anndi says:
    16 June, 2008 11:51

    Just be happy, that's all I hope for where my friends are concerned.

    Love ya bro.

  1. Charles Gramlich says:
    16 June, 2008 12:01

    I'm glad you posted this. I've been feeling much the same way, especialy when I came back from my four day trip and found 196 posts in my google reader. Sometimes making the rounds can feel like a chore, especially when I try to comment on everyone's stuff. The problem is that there are very good posts and I want to take the time to comment, but sometimes the number of posts is overwhelming, and there are quite a few people who actually post 2 or 3 times a day. That amazes me.

    If you come up with a trick to ease the work aspect and get back to the crazy fun of those first few months of blogging let me know.

  1. Akelamalu says:
    16 June, 2008 12:40

    I totally understand where you're coming from Trav because I feel the same way!

    I have a lot of blogs on my reader and sometimes I just don't have the time to visit all of them, but I do try.

    I used to post every day but I'm now just doing four posts a week including my 55s and Wordzzle which I just love doing.

    You have to strike a happy balance otherwise blogging does become a chore instead of a pleasure.

    You do what's right for you hon. x

  1. Vinny "Bond" Marini says:
    16 June, 2008 14:25

    When blogging interferes with our life, that is when we step back and try and get it realigned.

    I have done it numerous times.

    Funny, I am sitting here today..having been told to go home for my birthday at noon and finished watching an incredible US Open and the first thought was 'what am I going to blog about and dang, I still have not visited many blogs today"

    that is wrong.

    it has to be for enjoyment and not a 'job'

    My friendship does not wane because you do not post or you do not visit...

    Lakers need to man-up or it will be over real early on Tuesday

  1. Meribah says:
    16 June, 2008 16:23

    Discombobulated. I love that word! Sorry you feel that way, though. Technology is (or was) suppose to make our lives easier, not make it more stressful. You could always try just visiting a few blogs each day, savoring each one like a fine wine, and live with the fact that you're gonna miss a few things. That's okay. We know you're only human. Just do what feels right to you. Hugs from the puppy. :)

  1. Travis Cody says:
    16 June, 2008 16:27

    Jeni: I'll be re-organizing the way I do this.

    Turn: They will still be here, just perhaps a little differently.

    Terra: Exactly.

    Anthony: I'm sure they must realize it.

    Matt: I aim to please!

    Drilleraa: Thanks. I also enjoy your place.

    Ivahoe: I think a periodic break is a good thing. I've taken several and will surely take more in the future.

    WT4W: Good advice!

    Teach: Don't feel bad! That's the same reason I felt bad and what prompted my post! We'll figure it out.

    Jamie: That's actually a good idea. Maybe visit for a set period of time instead of trying to get to everyone every day. I'll add that to my ponderances.

    Bee: Yeah...and sometimes you just don't connect with the post.

    Travis: It is...and then my own posts begin to suffer.

    Sandee: Sometimes I have just cruised through several post titles, read one, commented, and then marked the rest as read. I felt guilty but at least the post count went down.

    Ann: I'll settle for content.

    Charles: I have days when the bloggosphere was on fire with good thoughts. And I wanted to read them all.

    Akelamalu: I've been wanting to do the Wordzzle and Flash 55, but there's just no time to focus on my writing while I'm trying to visit everyone's blog.

    V: You said it...both about blogging and my Lakers. I don't want to see them lose it, but I just don't know if they can get it done.

  1. RW says:
    16 June, 2008 19:34

    I to understand the feeling of being overwhelmed especially in the summer when there is lots of things to do.
    Your are a amazing writer Trav and I wish I had your talent in that department.

  1. Marilyn says:
    16 June, 2008 20:18

    I have suffered from the same sort of blogging blah... I quit all the weekly memes except Manic Monday and I don't even get to my absolute favorites more than a few times a week but I'm still blogging and I still have a few readers.

    I just remind myself, whenever I'm feeling bad about it, that this is recreation. I don't visit here much but I alwys enjoy the visit when I do.

  1. Desert Songbird says:
    16 June, 2008 22:55

    Aw, Trav, blogging and reading blogs should never be a chore. It should be something you enjoy. Don't feel bad about skipping posts and only commenting on those that really strike a chord with you. That way you have balance and don't neglect any one person. Most importantly, don't feel guilty about it!

  1. Mimi Lenox says:
    17 June, 2008 01:04

    No one is going to be upset with you if you don't make it to their blog everyday. (except me and well, there's the dungeon to consider) but I digress..seriously, I'm struggling with this too. My format is going to slow down to posting probably 3 days a week and once or twice on the weekend but no more. We all have to find a balance. There's no doubt that blogging interferes with my real life more than it should.

    I love reading blogs and especially discovering new blogs. I also enjoy interacting within this community very much. It's a hobby and a passion that I take seriously, as most of us do. Commenting is such positive encouragement for folks. It's natural to want to "converse" with blog friends we've come to admire and respect over time. It's awesome! Who doesn't love comments? Especially the non-generic ones like you leave.

    But I think we all understand and go through the same thing. Something has to give.....You'll figure it out. Sounds like you're well on your way to doing so.

    Ergo, I leave a comment and quickly run to clear out my google reader. Sigh.

  1. Travis Cody says:
    17 June, 2008 17:06

    Meri: Puppies are smart! And that is a really good plan. I thought about limiting my blog reading to an hour a day, with my blog list on a constant loop. It may take awhile, but I'll eventually get to everyone and it won't dominate my life so much.

    Roger: Thanks. I wish I could take photos like you do!

    Marilyn: And I think that I need to remember that enjoying my visits to blogs is what it's all about.

    Songbird: Good advice all around. Thanks!

    Mimi: You're right. I'm listening to a lot of different suggestions, plus thinking my own thoughts about how to do this. I'm sure I'll come up with something to bring back the fun.

  1. Linda says:
    17 June, 2008 18:48

    Travis, I've struggled with the guilt of the Google Reader over my head quite often myself. I feel bad when I don't get a chance to read everyone else's posts and yet with my work schedule and other things in life, sometimes there just isn't time to get to all of htem. I hate to feel that I'm letting people down by not reading every single post but I've come to the conclusion that sometimes that just isn't going to happen.

    Beside, if you're chained to the Google Reader then how are you ever going to be able to take lovely drives like the one you and Pam went on this weekend? How are we going to enjoy that drive through the pictures that you take?

    Sometimes you just gotta hang out the "gone fishin'" sign, hit the "mark all as read" button when you come back, and enjoy blogging without the guilt. Anyone who is a true blog buddy will more than understand and be glad to see your icon on their pages when you get the chance.

    Do what you can, when you can but please don't go away as then I'd have to start actually watching "Dancing With the Stars" and "American Idol"!

  1. Julie says:
    22 June, 2008 13:23

    I know I know I know!!!!! And it doesn't have to be this way at all! I haven't hardly read blogs all summer...maybe it's a winter thing. Or at least a non-summer thing.

    I've only posted a couple times all month...but it's okay. I'll get back to sharing and reading some day. And although I love reading about the "little things" that help me get to know fellow bloggers a little bit better; I also know that my email address is out there if anyone really needs me....and I know who to go to that will help me smooth out my life when it gets too bumpy.

    I have nearly 400 in my GR...and I say, "Oh well....sorry fellow bloggers...I'm trying. I'm just not allowing another thing to stress me.

    Hugs and kisses dear.

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