A friend of mine was wondering on Facebook whether or not those of us who keep blogs write for an audience, or whether a blog is purely just an electronic diary.
It got me thinking about it, because when I started this blog way back when I was totally convinced that no one would read it - and that didn't bother me, I just wanted to get my hand made stuff shown off - appreciated even, by other people who make stuff,and crazy people who trawl through op-shops, looking for, and finding loveliness. I was amazed and delighted when I got my first comment, I remember who it was, and the feeling of sheer joy (sounding like a Tim-tam ad now .... we do it all the time these days, and it's just as good now as it was back then)!
But, really, does having an audience change the way we write? It must to a certain extent, cause I wanted to call this post 'Will fuck for comment' - but then I thought about the wider audience, and changed it!
I do intentionally keep things light, heavy on pictures, but that was my intention from the beginning. It's been a fantastic part of my life, I get inspiration from bloggers on a daily basis, and in a way it's also been great for my self esteem. There are only so many vintage tea-towels you can hold up to your partner before the eyes start to roll, where as here I can show you - and get gratification, verification even that, yes that was $2.00 well spent.
I'm also ever so grateful and appreciative when I get comments, because, for the most part, they are heartfelt, honest snippets, some one has taken the time just to say 'hey good work'. Thanks for that, here's to the electronic diary I say! Go for it Ellen, you're going to love blogging, and remember it's YOUR blog, your space, to do and say whatever you feel.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Will blog for comment!
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20 comments:
That's exactly how I feel anout blogging. I blog just for me, because I like it, because it makes me happy, because I get to show off what I can make and someone else might actually appreciate it.
I do keep in mind that my friends and family read it, so I would never include anything horrible or nasty.
Ditto exactely what Cam said.
Great post by the way.
I started my craft blog as a way to share what I had been working on with a crafty forum (I already had a blog for my daughter - but thought that the world could be spared from the 100 photos I popped up on there a week for her grandparents)
I continue to blog because I enjoy doing it an like to keep a diary of what I have done.
I dont really like facebook. I find hoping onto blogs more fun and personal than stalking friends on Facebook.
I'm still waiting for a comment that isn't from my mum or you....they both felt good.
ps do I get a fuck now ;)
I think it is so important to remeber that you are blogging for you. If other people come along and read it and then comment, and even follow, that is the icing on the cake. It must be about blogging without obligation - do what you love. Write the words, post the pictures, enjoy the ride!
My blog is mostly about having a space in the world (read website) that I can redecorate whenever I feel like it. I have to say I'm not much of a talker. I'm better at commenting on what others have done than sharing too much about myself - even then I don't comment much. My mum used to read my blog which was lovely but she just passed away so I feel there's even less reason to write anything. Maybe this new iPad will help :-)
Awesome post Claire. I have found that as time goes on I have become less stilted on my blog - ceratinly my spelling is worse !
One of the great things about the blog is being able to revisit past projects and ideas....
Comments are great - they sometimes spur you on, or give suggestions that end up in a whole new idea !
I'm going to keep thinking about this ...
I love this - man, I laughed at the original name... I like to have a space to write and process my own thoughts, and comments add a lot, for me - like somebody joins in the conversation. Widens the scope. But you can't obsess, it's a bit desperate, right?...be my friend! talk to me! anybody there?
your post inspired me to write one of my own on the topic!
Well it's an interesting point, diary, handmade adventure or writing for an audience - i guess for me it's a combination of all 3 but i'm always told i write exactly as i live, speak, act so at least i know i'm 'real'.
I don't do Facebook or Twitter, too much effort & my blog is more suitable to how i wish to expose my work, family & life to the world. Love Posie
I agree with your post , well done ! Then again I am biased cause I just love the name of your blog !
Great post. I was pondering this last week, as, while I blog for my self, reminding myself that there's an audience out there does make a difference to what I post and the way I write. If I was left to my own devices there'd be all retro and staffy pics and you tube clips of the Avett Brothers... but I figure that my imaginary (?) audience wouldn't cope. I've never managed to keep a physical diary/journal EVER so I figure the blog serves as one. And I kinda like that. Sometimes I do wonder if other people ever read it though. Fucken.
Fantastic comments from my fellow bloggers, each and everyone one of them reflects exactly how I feel about the whole FB blog debate. And that, in a nutshell, is why we keep on blogging, long afte we imagined we would.
LOL at fucking for a comment and the vintage tea towel remark - yours is one of my favourite blogs, I always enjoy reading it because even though you say you keep it light, you also call a spade a spade and I love that. Great post!
I feel pretty much the same about blogging and have pondered this question before. I guess in a way it is both. I never thought anyone would read my silly chicken blog and I remember that first comment (and who left it!) clearly. I must say though, sometimes when the comments are scarce I wonder if I've missed the mark so I guess you always know you are writing for an audience even if you're not thinking about it consciously at the time.
And I love seeing the things you make - damn, I wish I could sew! By the way, as I'm a bit slow to respond to this post, love the pic of you with your hand warmers - very chic! I can see where your beautiful daughter gets it from!!
I think blogging is a good way to get things off your chest. And it is like a diary for me to look on how I've grown and changed paths with my crafting.
My friends are wonderful, amazing people– but it’s bloggers who understand the thrill of a thrifted teatowl, or a 50c vintage dress pattern.
I do write for others in the hope that someone out there has that "oh..me too!!" feeling like the way I do when I read other peoples blogs. Knowing there's someone else out there in the big crazy world that has thoughts and feelings like yours.
That's why I'll often show mistakes in my sewing, wonky edges etc- cause it makes other people feel ok about their mistakes too.
I adore your blog because it's real and honest and makes me laugh – all the things I aspire to when I write xx
This is such a great, thought provoking post. I enjoyed reading it and all the comments as well.
The great joy of blogging for me had been realising how much I love to write, and part of that has been discovering that I enjoy having an audience to write for. But it's never stopped me writing what I want to write, or sharing the things that matter to me.
I also love the sense of community that I have gained through blogging. Like you said, like-minded souls who get you.
'Will fuck for comments' has to be the best post title ever thought of!
Was only just thinking about this the other day - was going to let it all go - and then I looked back over all my posts and loved the personal diary AND community aspects of it... I mean - who would have thought there were so many like minded op-shopping, thrifting, make craft, not war hounds in the world? Let's fuck to that!
I agree with your post ,
I agree with your post ,
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