I have been a bit on the fence about whether it's a tiny bit rude to just read and never respond to blog posts, and I have come to a conclusion - it depends on why you blog. If I blog specifically for the reason of making friends (which I have intimated in the past), then it is a bit rude - kind of like the friendship is only going one way, with no reciprocation. So this has led me to think about why I really blog (which honestly changes monthly, I swear). Kim wrote about this last week, and Kristina spoke at the CBC about finding your voice on your blog (see, I have been reading your blogs!). I was really sporadic about blogging during the pregnancy, and I may change the way I blog a little again after I get this parenting a newborn down a little better. (That sentence makes sense in my mind, but it may just be complete jibberish to you. Sorry, I'm tired.)
Two of my favorite blogs that I blurk on regularly are Moosh In Indy and Loralee's Looney Tunes. They are both so unflinchingly honest. I value that. I want to be more like that. Should I feel guilty for not commenting on their blogs? Am I a tad voyeuristic since I am only reading and not commenting, even though I love their blogs so much? Are there any blogs you blurk on that you think I might enjoy?
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I rarely comment in normal circumstances & I'm fairly certain once I birth this baby all my commenting will meet a temporary death. :)
I used to try to comment on everything I read -that was taking HOURS out of my day, so then I tried commenting on the blogs of people who had come & commented on mine -that wasn't working so well either. Now I only comment when there's something I want to say. Or when I want the blogger to know that I am in fact still reading them as a show of encouragement.
Take care of yourself and your beautiful little girl & don't worry about us. :)
My habits are always in evolution, sometimes regression. I just do what life allows/demands. That's all anybody can do. I think the only danger is when we start feeling an "obligation", isn't it just a hobby after all?
Congrats on the newborn! I feel so way out of it not to know already that she was born. Love the name, btw. Blogging is weirdness. Lots of obligation and guilt associated with it b/c it IS a social activity full of women. In the end, you just have to do what's best for you but there usually are consequences. It's tough.
For as much as I comment, there are blogs I never comment on for some reason.
I had never comment on C Jane, until I actually met her, and then I felt more of a personal connection with her.
For me, it doesn't matter how many comments someone already has, if I feel like I really have something to say, or I have a relationship with that person, I will comment.
I went through the same thing after Spencer was born. At first I didn't even read for awhile, but I have the same issue with marking all as read so it took me awhile to get through hundreds of posts (sometimes just skimming). Now I almost always read, sometimes comment (less than before, maybe, but almost as much) but do very little on my own blog. My thoughts are just too wrapped up in motherhood (and writing lately) to think about blogging.
I think you know how I feel about commenting. It's YOUR deal.
like heather, i just comment when there's something I want to say. I do a lot of blurking these days. (I'm typing 1.5 handed right now with baby on my lap.)
Sometimes I'm a lurker and I don't have a newborn as an excuse! I don't have any excuse. I feel like if I HAVE to comment, it's going to take away that fun that I've found in blogging. I've made friends, found blogs I really like and I will continue to comment on them, but maybe not on every post. I don't want to comment just to say, "hey-I was here." Ya know?
You are such a sweetheart even to worry about this. You just had a baby and I can think of no better permission for blurking! I did a fair bit of it myself when I was on bed rest with Claira and after having her as well. I didn't want to be out of touch, but being completely IN touch was too difficult at that time.
In general, I comment on everything I read. Even if it's just one quick line to let them know I was there. But when life is overwhelming? I give myself permission to ease off. What I usually do then is read several posts all in one go and then just comment on one, letting the blogger know how much I enjoyed catching up on their blog. Takes the guilt away for me. =)
Love you! And thank you so much for the link - it means a lot to me.
Don't feel bad. I don't comment all the time, in fact I don't comment more than I do (did ya get that?) I think at different stages in life you need different things. Don't over think the comment thing and just enjoy.
I blurk a lot! You should feel no guilt! I stopped Google Reader! It caused me to Panic Attacks! LOL
I constantly blurk. As you may have noticed, I'm not very good at commenting. Usually I just don't have anything to say, and I don't want to just force something. So of course I don't think you're a bad person for doing it, too.
I have a whole section in my reader, titled 'Just Watching'. I never miss a post, but just don't comment...ever! I think it's nice to comment when you can or have something valid to say. I personally prefer two meaningful comments to ten from people that felt obligated. And...I think some blogs are meant for lurking only.
Maybe I need to be better at blurking. I comment on every post I read.
I blog for remembrance, to write and to keep up with friends. I've been a terrible commenter lately, but trying to keep my priorities in check. In fact, I just cleaned up my google reader last night. I feel much better about the subscriptions I have.
I'm totally blog pals and former co-workers with a friend of Moosh in Indy. Small blog world, isn't it?
Personally, I blog to keep up with friends I already know, but I have one or two people I don't know and check in on.
I really wish I knew who all was reading my blog, even if they don't comment every time I wish they'd do it more often. I've been so pleased and surprised by one-time comments from friends and family members I didn't even know checked in on me.
There are several blogs that I read and never comment on. I can't wait to check out the blogs you reccomended.
I only comment very rarely on Loralees posts. I should comment more since she is a very dear friend. =)
I only comment if I have something worth mentioning. /sigh
I'm laughing that Bridgy is on here. She totally took the photos on my post today!
And? You're a sweetheart even to read, babe! xo
Nothin' wrong with blurking--there are just so many minutes in the day, especially with a newborn. Only comment when you're moved to.
Btw, I really love your quotes!
Lately I've been much more of a blurker. ANd my blogging has been down as well.
It depends on my energy level and if I feel I have something to give to the comment box if I comment or not.
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