As it is, I find this topic to be rather hilarious. I seem to be in the midst of a large slump or a big spell of blogger fatigue. This has happened to me only once before (between November and December 2012 I only posted 12 times), so I only know to do what I have before, which is...
- Take a day off. Read what you want. Ignore deadlines. Not forever -- just for one day. Remember what it is like to just simply enjoy the act of reading.
- Take a break. Don't think about the blog, or reviews, or ARCs for a day or two. Just hang out. Play with your pets more. Go for a hike. Veg out with some horrible show on Netflix.
- Take a breath. Remember that is is FUN. A hobby. And if you're not having fun for a consistent period, you need to figure out why.
- Take a look around. Find some new blogs to follow. Or read about new books. See if there is a new meme you want to do, or a blog tour to join. Try to find something new.
And
- Power through. Sometimes all of that, despite best efforts, just doesn't work.
I've been posting less and less the last two weeks, partly due to an influx of Real Life Stuff, and partly because I've felt drained, and well, judged since the Great GR Debacle of 20 September. I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't committed to tours and review dates.
Since GR went this new direction, I feel a bit distanced from this hobby and the community, honestly. Some left, some stayed, and... I feel judged about how I conduct my blogging. I feel like if I talk about GR, I am offending those of my friends who prefer BL now. If I go to BL completely, I feel like I am being forced into it.
Anyway.
Blog because you want to. And if, for sustained periods of time, you don't want to, well, think about it.
I understand blogging fatigue. When there is drama I feel lit the most. Like right now. I decided to take a Twitter break to separate myself from all of that for a few days. But, Jessie! I don't think ANYONE judges you for choosing to stay on Goodreads. I completely understand why you would, and I was one of the bloggers who completely deleted my profile. I never chatted that much on Goodreads anyway, and to be honest, I don't even really NEED a social media book site. Twitter and the blog are enough for me. Goodreads is a wealth of information, regardless of their new policies and I completely understand why someone would choose to stay there. You should go ahead and talk about Goodreads. If it upsets someone, they can just unfollow. That is SUPER sensitive to be offended over that, in my opinion, but what do I know? ;) Just keep being you. Because you're awesome!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you feel like you're being judged because you stayed on Goodreads and I'm really sorry that it resulted in a blogging slump :( I think you're amazing and that it's silly if people are actually offended by your choice to stay. The Goodreads situation is difficult, but it's still the easiest site to refer to for information, plus, there are still so many amazing people on there!
ReplyDeleteObviously I hope you're back in full capacity as soon as possible , but you're totally right in that blogging shouldn't come with pressure. It should be fun and not an obligation. I'm going to reiterate that I think you're super fun and funny and amazing and I love it that you're doing and being you. <3