Where is the blog headed?

Posted on by Parul Thakur
My blog and the intent

Let’s get to the point right at the start.

I am confused and clueless on the direction the blog is headed. I am not able to manage time and I am writing fewer posts. The frequency of personal posts most readers have loved on this space has gone down.

Monday Microblogs, Gratitude Lists, Thursday Tree Love and Women At Work are steady and that is it. 

There is no time to stay active in blogging communities to learn, engage and promote the blog. What can be an alternative to that?

Is the readership genuine and not a tit-for-tat reaction? I don’t know.

Should I be writing and scheduling so that the posting is regular or should I publish as soon as I write? Not sure if there is a correct answer.

What I know is that I love writing and I want to continue. Where I worry is that if someone is reading without me promoting? Is a post helping someone smile or think about their life? Is my blog just another drop in the ocean or is it making a difference like I have always wanted?

I am also being conscious about my writing style. I want to improve but constructive criticism is hard to get.

You must have got the drift by now. I am lost on many fronts. Would you have any answers?

Today’s post is part reflection and part talking to you all. Since this is a short one, I am staying consistent with MicroblogMondays #150 and tagging the picture above to Mundane Mondays #117.

 

72 thoughts on “Where is the blog headed?”

  1. A blog is true creative freedom to express yourself on any subject-or no subject sometimes. There are no editors imposing heir views. You should write as long as you enjoy, and as often as you feel you have something to say- and you do have a lot to say (and you do it beautifully-so much for the critical view!). I am quite sure you have lots of genuine readers, but chances of them reading are improved by promoting the blog.

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  2. Lots of questions there Parul. The thing about blogging is no one can answer them for you. Each of us has to figure it out on our own. I’m not half as prolific and I also go away on breaks but the bog is very forgiving and that’s what I like best about it. Sorry if I wasn’t much help. I hope you find your answers.
    PS: I do love dropping by because I always take away a happy feeling, whether it’s a thoughtful quote with the picture of a tree or the story of an inspiring woman.

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  4. It’s a dilemma, isn’t it? One most bloggers face at some time or the other. But to be honest, if you enjoy the writing process and the comments that come your way, you should write. Someone somewhere is being helped by your posts. Don’t forget that. Even if I don’t visit regularly, I appreciate the effort you put in to keep the blog happy, warm and vibrant for its readers.

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  5. Parul you write so well and your posts have a characteristic “honesty” about them, that make them so endearing. I am sure with a hectic job and a demanding schedule at home it is tough to balance, I face it all the time. But you must write as long as you enjoy it and it sure makes a lot of readers like me smile when I read your posts:)

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  6. I hear you. It takes a lot of energy to sustain an engaged community. I’m still new enough at this blogging thing that I really enjoy spending the majority of my blogging time on other bloggers sites. Not only do I learn what works (and what doesn’t), but I suspect this is a key component of developing genuine relationships. Once those relationships are formed, the tit-for-tat fades into the periphery.

    I’m amazed that you’re able to sustain the output you do. I consider myself lucky if I get one post out per week (2 if I feel unusually inspired). But I think your point about scheduling on a set day each week will be the next goal, and will make it easier for followers to keep up.

    I’m happy I found you and am looking forward to seeing where the future takes us!

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  7. Maybe you should have a schedule and post a few times a week regularly. I do that most of the time and then I don’t feel stressed about trying to do more than I can manage. The people who enjoy your posts will know when to expect them which is nice I think.

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  8. Definitely not just another drop in the ocean. The fact that you keep up the regular linkies itself prove the point. It’s hard to keep up sometimes but you’re doing great. Keep going! Lots of love ❤

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  9. I’m sorry you’re feeling lost, but I think it is something others feel, too, honestly. I think if you love writing and the blog is feeding your soul, then that is what truly matters. I so agree with Mel over at Stirrup Queens that if you write for you, if you write because you want to put your voice out there and you assume that your words touch people (because they do), that can be enough to keep going. Just by writing posts you are continuing to improve, and I think writing those three types of posts is a lot! I never think your Microblogs are impersonal just because they are part of a bigger picture. I agree that if you want to write more, finding a time in your schedule to devote to it can be helpful, but there are always times when life gets crazy and you find a space has gone by longer than you’d thought between posts. But keep going, I love your voice and I can feel the soul in your words.

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    1. Jess, I love what you said about putting my voice out there and assuming it will touch people. Those words made me think how no voice ever gets lost. Love that thought.
      Thank you for your words and the thought.

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  10. No, not at all. Please don’t feel your writing is just a drop in the ocean. Keeping up the writing routine is a great accomplishment as a blogger. Even though it’s little hard to keep up all the times.Still, I haven’t build a blogging routine for myself. You have a writing style and it’s amazing. Write as long as you enjoy, sure you will reach the heights.

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  11. I think you are reasonably prolific, Parul. I like the warmth and happiness that your space has. If you enjoy writing then don’t stress about schedules or number of posts. At the end of the day, you are doing it for yourself. Good luck!

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  13. I can truly relate to your dilemmas. Frankly at this point after 3 plus years of blogging, i have been asking myself these questions. Heres what i feel. Atleast when it comes to my blog and experience. My blog is just another one in the whole ocean of blogging. Readership for personal blogs is generally as you say tit for tat types. But its not always.. one or two May genuinely be read.

    I personally am not able to engage fully on social media and blogging groups due to my own time constraints. But i do read a blog or so.. not really for tit for tat, but atleast to understand what s generally happening. I hardly get much readership from social media frankly.

    Somewhere i have begun to feel its better to have a niche blog and network accordingly . So i have begun to focus more on book reviews. cause its easier as i am a voracious reader. Plus, with the right keywords there is search engine traffic. Makes more sense to me.

    Parul, i feel there is no correct answer. Somewhere we have to question ourselves and find or own solution. Ask yourself.. what do you want from your blog? Is it just an outlet? Or do you expect something more from it? So take the time breathe easy and you would know what is it be done.

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    1. That’s a good advice. Reflecting is must to know where do I want to go. I think you can use social media. I get a lot of traffic from Facebook – mostly blogging communities but it works 🙂

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  14. This happens to me also. Going through the above comments, I get to know it happens to all of us. The answer that matters is you like to write and you want to continue. Don’t worry about being a drop in the ocean because in a way we all are, with or without our blogs. The other fact that you are consistent and regular with all the 4 categories you have listed in the post also speaks for your blog. For your warmth exuding personal posts, writing over the weekends and scheduling them for later might be helpful.

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  15. Being consistent is a big thing Parul. I have started A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BLOGGER series, craft section but nothing could work after some time. I post when I truly wish to. I love being here to read those personal posts and women at work. and not to forget those lovely trees.

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  16. Parul, I think there are no definitive answers. I think most of us here are because of some personal reasons….love of writing, sharing travelogues, helping others…. except for few who are here for the fame or money/free trips and food!

    As long as you are happy with what you are doing, its fine.

    I have also been feeling pressed for time since last one month…too many things to do..I hardly find time for social media. Reading other blogs too is time consuming. But trying!! My post frequency has come down from 7-8/month to 3/4 per month. No options… 🙂

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  17. It’s always a struggle to find time and balance it all, Parul. I hear you. Like Lata said, you are consistent and that counts a lot.
    I think the important think is to keep writing and publishing for the joy of it, and let things evolve. Personally, I think there are too many ‘must-dos’ and ‘must-haves’ out there. These often keep us from making our blogs what they started out to be – a place to express ourselves and share our thoughts with others.

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  18. Good questions.Few I have all the time.But I like finding out my answers .The best part about Indian blogging scene is it is what you make it.You should ask yourself why you blog .Maybe that will help you get the answers.

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  19. I hear you Parul. I’m working on a similar mindset at this point of time but not letting it deter me. I want to write for the joy of writing. I am also planning to work on my strengths and leeway them by blogging on the topics I’m passionate about. Maybe fix two days a week and schedule those posts. I’ve been given these tips by some very seasoned bloggers.
    I’m new to this game and finding my way too.
    I believe your blog is a warm cubby hole that many people love stopping by to. So chin up. I think you do a fantastic job of blogging regularly despite having a full time job. And your #ThursdayTreeLove has touched so many of us in myriad ways. I’m always on the look out for a pretty tree to feature for that prompt.
    So please be gentle on yourself. You will have it all figured out in no time. You actually have in most ways.
    Big hugs ♥️

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  20. You never know who , when, and where is reading your post and is being helped by your words. Keep writing. I like reading your blog, love the name. Happiness and food is a great combination 🙂

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  22. I love reading your personal posts Parul, they really reasonate with me. It’s alright to step back n breathe a little. I was not able to work on my blog for past few days , no fresh posts at all. But no beating or guilt- am going with the flow. I have come to realise, one never knows who is reading your blog and where it could all take you….
    I hope you won’t let this get you down and you will continue as there are peeps (like me) who look forward to reading you. Cheers 🙂

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  23. I agree with you that getting constructive criticism is very difficult. As a writer who wants to grow, getting constructive opinions is very necessary. Anyway, do not think too much and just keep writing, the rest will fall in place. As long as you are enjoying writing and your followers are enjoying reading…ALL IS WELL

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  24. I think what you’re going through is a temporary phase but one that I can very closely relate to. Unlike me, you are very prolific, regular in your posts and I think if writing gives you a space to express your thoughts and be yourself, then, by all means, do it when you can make the time or feel the need to do so. Not for anyone else, but for yourself. At the end of the day, you need to be happy, whether you are blogging or not. It is okay to take a break, let go of worries and wait for the right time to get back to your blogging. I think you have an amazing blog that many of us love to keep coming back to, every now and then. Keep your chin up, and keep blogging, Parul.

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  25. I appreciate the way you express yourself and find you very genuine, thoughtful and sensitive; for I have always been touched by your writing – currently I am happy joining you for the tree love, which is amazing; and the issues that you touch are so important and has helped me think about it deeply, the women at work series are motivating and I am touched by every post you make. Thank you for your meaningful post, and please do write whenever you want to; at the end of the way we must be happy and have a sound sleep – thats all matters:)

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  26. Parul, perhaps you already know that these are the very same question I’ve been asking myself. And, you’re so much more regular in writing than I am! It’s very tricky and there’s no easy answer. The time you’ve to invest (at least initially) to build that rapport and network is huge and I’m not certain it will yield results because there are just too many players in the market and I do not have grandiose ideas about my blog being a unique one. I know I’m just a speck in the whole wide galaxy (pun intended). But, I’m continuing (plodding along, actually) because I don’t want to discontinue creative writing or chronicling the special moments in my life.
    I’m not a regular at anyone’s blog but I love your work and leave with a smile, always! So, keep writing my dear. The answers will present themselves someday.

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  28. I hope you remember your advice for me for my MMC when I wanted to stop. Well we all reach a slow moving point in everything that we do for a long time. Only a few things stay. Talking about blogging, It can be anything depending on the way you look at it. It can be your personal diary, an outlet, a reason, a passion, a way to help others, a way to get ego boost and so on. Since it is your personal blog, you have to decide what do you want to do with your blog and what do you want to get from it. Since you always get good engagement, I am sure that you have already built a good relationship with people. Capitalize on it and have fun.

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      1. And i think if you choose a jetpack powered comment management rather than Commnetluv, you might feel a bit more appreciated since with commentluv its a bit difficult to have exchange of conversation. Its just my feeling.

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  29. I think you are doing a wonderful job with what ever you are doing now. You write pretty regularly too and I love you posts. They are effortless, genuine and ooze happiness.

    Do what you love, Parul. For yourself. Always.

    I am a genuine reader who loves this space and the person behind it. I’d come here as soon as there is something to read, no matter what it is 🙂

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  30. I hear you…it can be confusing wondering if you are doing what you intended. The thing is, even the personal blogs carry weight and meaning. Your Microblog Mondays tend to be personal and reflective posts. At the end of the day, blogging needs to make you happy and not stress you out. Else it’s not working for you.

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  31. I have found that ,many people lurk on blogs, for some reason, and rarely comment. I’ve also found the blogging community (and I’ve been blogging since 2009, so I have some experience with this) tends not to get into constructive criticism unless you join a group for that express purpose. There are blogs were you can solicit such advise on your writing, and it may be worth your while to seek them out. If I don’t like a post, I (just a personal observation) quit reading and move on. Having said that, I enjoy your Thursday Tree Love immensely. It has made me look at trees in a whole new way. Perhaps I should have told you before now. Finally, as an experienced blogger, I would personally recommend you blog when you want, and about what you want IF that is what works for you.

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  32. “Is my blog just another drop in the ocean or is it making a difference like I have always wanted?” I will give a Dumbledore way of response to this – Of course, your blog is another drop in the ocean Parul, but why on earth should that mean that your blog is not making a difference like you want? 🙂
    You know, I am going through the same confusion. I have almost stopped blogging, not by choice that is. Summer vacation and the busy-ness. I am not sure if I should continue writing what I am writing about now, or should I change or even if someone is enjoying what I write. I want to improve but I don’t know how. Sometimes I reach to the verge of tears. It is overwhelming.
    I am reading up a lot lately, and the answer I reached is to just write what I want to. If change is what I want to do, do it. But do it. Either I fail or succeed. And I will know what to do. Nobody is stopping us, right? Confusions are part of the learning process. I don’t know what I will end doing.
    But I can say one thing for sure. I haven’t come here to reciprocate or in anticipation of your promotion as I haven’t written anything this week. I remembered that I haven’t read you, so opened my browser and typed happinessandfood. And I come here to get inspired. There are a few bloggers I look up to and you are one among them, Parul. So, yes, you are making a difference, at least to me. Keep writing. 🙂

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  33. Pingback: Grannies don't blog | Mumbai On A High

  34. At this juncture, I will advise that you take a step back and truly review what you want.
    1. What were your dreams for your blog when you started out?
    2. What were your focal points (blogging interest) and have you veered far from them?
    3. What can you tweak to make your schedule more comfortable for you? Don’t be worried about letting go of stuff that’s not working.
    4. Remember that your first audience is you. If you are happy blogging then that’s what counts most.
    Sometimes, we do get in a rut, but I believe that taking a step away from the whirling world of blogging does help a bit. You rejuvenate your thoughts and approach. We all are little drops in the huge ocean of the blogworld. It is what it is.

    On the other hand, would you be interested in being interviewed for my ‘getting to know your blogger friend series?’ If you are, please shoot me an email let’s talk. jacquelineobyikocha@gmail.com

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  35. Pingback: Mundane Monday Challenge #118 : Learn Photography - PhoTrablogger

  36. The same questions bother me. But then if I don’t blog then I miss it. I guess as long as you love it and enjoy it, keep doing it. I have stopped being part of circles where give and take is a must. I write and if someone reads it then good else it’s fine too. And the same way I read what I want to and don’t give in to the compulsion of any kind. I can only say, I love your words, Parul. Rest is up to you, my dear.

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  37. I have always enjoyed all of your posts, Parul. The inspirational and women posts are always a delight to read – promoting such an important issue and also giving a voice to many women out there. I think some of us lurk around blogs because we are shy or just aren’t the kind who likes to leave a comment. Never found fault with your writing style and it always came across as very readable and easy to understand to me. That is a mark of a great writer 🙂 Keep writing, and keep blogging 🙂

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  38. Good luck, Parul. Here’s a suggestion which may help: Write like no one’s watching. Keep an anonymous blog and indulge in it so you are not weighed down by the expectations of your readers. Or like Kurt Vonnegut said: ‘Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia.’

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