Green and Clean Mom - Latest Comments in Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Work at Home — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:12:10 -0000

I was reading a few other blogs that led me to this blog, which is leading me to more blogs! Wow, can you believe it is dark outside already??

Seriously, yes, this is a hardship for all of us. We want to communicate, we want to help others, we want to patch boo-boos... this is what moms do. Moms also overschedule themselves. If it weren't blogging, it would be on the phone, it would be so many other things to communicate, to help others, to patch boo-boos.

So, while we think about the fact that we are overburdened with so many tasks... all the other moms in the world before us were also overburdened, and their moms were too. So, the point of this comment is to say:

1. Communicate - it is good for you and for us
2. Help others - you are a good person for doing so
3. Patch BooBoos - we all need patches... and we all need you (and I am speaking not only to Sommer, but to ALL OF YOU)

The world needs mothers. Seriously. Honestly.

(ick - can you imagine the Internet without us?)

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Multi-Tasking Mommy — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:56:16 -0000

Hmmm...what an interesting post and very well written! You've given me a lot to ponder. Thank you!

From: Multi-Tasking Mommy a Mommy blogger who wished she had more time and a less cluttered multi-tasking mind to blog more often :)

<abbr>Multi-Tasking Mommys last blog post..My First Day Away</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Jaime — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:51:22 -0000

WOW - What a great article. I am glad to see that I am not the only one who feels this way. I am a first time mom who stays at home and before my daughter I was addicted to blogging, but now I am trying to find the happy medium of motherhood and blog addict LOL... I now have the motivation to revamp what I was doing and make things work together - THANKS!!

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Nell @ Casual Friday Every Day — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:44:19 -0000

If a Mom blogger came to me and asked my opinion about quitting, I'd tell them to just step back for a bit and see if you just need a break. A blogging vacay, if you will. Often I see Mom bloggers drop off the face of the web only to come back a few months later ready to rock and roll again. I was one of them! So I speak from experience.

I think many times we just need a break. And sure, you'll still lose some of your audience, just like you would if you totally yanked your blog, but the difference is that ALL your writing and life and pictures and soul that you've poured into your blog will still be there when you get back. And if you take the break, see that you really don't ever want to come back then so be it...close down the blog and move on. Sometimes blogging is just there for a season in our lives and it fills a purpose for that time.

Nell

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

taraburner — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:38:11 -0000

Ironically while I've seen many quit or move on and I commented before about keeping balance, in the last few days I've installed (well my tech girl installed for me) 3 or 4 NEW blogs for me! LOL
I can't help that I get an idea and go with it!
But it doesn't mean that I have to be 'blogged' down (get it instead of bogged down...ok so I'm working on less sleep than normal)
I can still post whenever I want, as often or infrequent as I want and now have more 'targeted' blogs rather than all on one...
I'll have to print up a 'schedule' of when I'm blogging and on where since some of them are themed for days of the week!
but it can be done..just have to do what works for YOU!

<abbr>Tara Burners last blog post..Eco Tuesday: Going Tankless</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Carrie Lauth — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:06:06 -0000

Great post, and you inspired me to write an entire article in response!

I think balance is different for everyone. If one mom finds that her blogging is a source of stress and is taking away from her other priorities, she can either set boundaries with it or quit. I have no criticism of that.

Boundaries are hard to enforce though, so it really has to be a decision that we can back up with accountability. It's great to take a step back and revisit our purpose and goals when we started blogging, which is slightly different for everyone.

<abbr>Carrie Lauths last blog post..How Not To Quit Blogging</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Green & Clean Mom — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:46:23 -0000

Thanks Trisha for commenting. I think you make a great point, it's a way for you to be more social and that is great! I love how blogs, forums and social networking helps connect us.

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

trisha — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:35:03 -0000

Ill admit, its time consuming, but to be honest, my life is time consuming period. Before blogging, it was my business online (boutique), before my boutique, it was forums...there was always something. I simply am not good at going to mom groups and I have never had a friend I called up to just chat with BEFORE blogging.
Blogging has actually given me a way TO be more interactive.

As far as my family, we all just have to balance it together. But we use our blog for charity, for community, and for a way to share knowledge amongst each other, and I feel good about it.

trisha
momdot.com

<abbr>trishas last blog post..Pinked Out: The Stroller Hunt</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Jennae @ Green Your Decor — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:06:15 -0000

It is definitely a delicate balancing act. When I first started, I pushed myself to post every day, three or four times. The nature of my blog makes it easier to do multiple posts, but I was burning myself out. I spent all day and all night thinking about my blog and what I could do to make it better. I was attached to the computer for hours on end, and my husband hated it.

Finally, I had a mental shift that made me prioritize. I'm not sure what made it happen, but I finally realized that there are more important things than blogging and design. Now when I wake up in the morning, instead of rushing to the computer, I spend time with my daughter before she goes to preschool, I read the Bible and pray, I exercise, I eat a healthy breakfast, and only then do I get online. And when my daughter returns from preschool, I force myself to get off the computer -- even if I'm in the middle of something -- to spend time with her.

It's not always easy, and I struggle with it even now, but I'm doing better. My blog is a business for me, so I don't think I'd ever give it up completely. But given what I've been through with my family, I certainly understand why some moms would.

<abbr>Jennae @ Green Your Decors last blog post..Color Reigns: Barcelona Bench, Chair & Cubes from Viva Terra</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Green & Clean Mom — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:54:32 -0000

Thanks Beth for taking the time to reply. I think you are right, it happens to be all bloggers or individuals online. Shoot, I'm going to say it has to do with all of us regardless of what we do. We can all get carried away with stuff (work, hobbies, etc. ) and sometimes we need to slow down and rethink things and prioritize.

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Beth Terry — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:58:21 -0000

Great post, Sommer. And very useful links. I just want to add that it's not just Mommy Bloggers who are overwhelmed and disorganized. I think it can be pretty much all bloggers. I don't have kids, but I do have a full life and often wish there were more hours in the day. Now I realize it's what I'm doing with the hours I have that is unhelpful.

I used to complain when I had over 500 messages in my email inbox. Now, I just laugh because I've got over 1100. Most should probably be deleted unread, but I keep emails like old clothes just in case they might possibly be useful some day. (And this is not counting the thousands and thousands of emails that are filed in folders.)

Okay, getting off the computer now and back to "real life."

Beth

<abbr>Beth Terry, aka Fake Plastic Fishs last blog post..Showing Some LunchBots Love & Quitting My Tupperware</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Kathy — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:43:22 -0000

Great post Sommer :)

I think I smell a new business opportunity... who wants to build a "Blogs For Adoption" blog with me???

I think now, it's really important that we help each other. There are so many valuable bloggers out here right now and of course I have days where I can't bear to come up with a post. So I don't. But all of us can utilize each other more effectively. Having a rough day? Point your readers to another blog you admire and take the day off! Building traffic is important for all of us but helping each other stay "in business" is important too.

There is always a circumstance where a blog becomes a chore or gets in the way of important real life stuff. But it's the Internet. The Internet won't go away and there is always a project to be dreamed up.

Now if I can just figure out what I'll do when I need to take maternity leave this summer.... ;)

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Eco-Office Gals — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:44:45 -0000

Wow! I don't consider myself a "mom blogger" I blog for my business and I am a mom, so that's were the connection lies. My husband seethes about my time online. He deals with it because he's in construction and business is so bad for him right now. He's tolerating the hand (computer) that feeds him, I guess. What would I do otherwise? Yes, probably spend more time with family. I think right now the stress of the economy is what drives me online 14 hours a day, every visit to my blog or follow on Twitter has the potential to become a client (as you will know LOL), a connection, a meal on the table.
It really hit a nerve (not a bad one) to read this post as well as psychmama, cause it made me realize I'm not a freak, I'm not the only one struggling to find time for family while the pages load. Thanks!

<abbr>Jen @ Eco-Office Galss last blog post..Is Bartering Good for Business</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

alexes — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:10:39 -0000

I came across your blog post through a friend and could not help but be impressed with the passion of your thoughts. I have noted two kinds of people when it comes to blogging, those who put everything into their blogs to the exclusion of going outside to see what the weather is like, being with friends or family (it is close to being an addiction) or those people who start out with enthusiasm and will work and work and then go, it is not working, nothing is happening so they just give up. Regardless of which group a person falls into the fact is as you said, you have created a valuable online property. Is there a solution? You have stated some very good concepts and that is appreciated. I also came across this blog post, if I might share with you? It is titled" The Essential Guide to Growing Your Blog on Minimal Time", I hope that it will be of use to you.

One last thought and this is more an invitation to you. We would like you to nominate your blog to BlogNet Awards. You have many good things to say and feel that showcasing yourself would be of real use to you. If you are interested, then click on: Nominating My Blog to BlogNet Awards

Best Regards to you

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Green & Clean Mom — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:56:21 -0000

I wanted to make one more comment and I'm so happy this is appealing to my audience and that so many of us can help each other get through these rough patches.

PsychMamma, the context of the post and the tone and direction is that you made this personal choice and that is respected but from this can we all learn to help one another cope with this and make it work and not feel that we have to quit. Can we lean on each other and the friends we've made to help each other sustain our blogs? You have inspired great discussion and thought and you should be proud of that. You feel like so many of us do and I respect your honesty.

For the flaky part, this is directed towards the lot of "mommy bloggers" and perception that other could have on the group if indeed more of us mom bloggers quit. You are not flaky and this post is not directed to judge you because there are several bloggers that have quit recently and your post made me realize how sad this is for your impact on others and your good content.

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Nathalie Lussier — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:13:47 -0000

I'm not a mom, but I'm a green blogger and environmental/health enthusiast. I think you really hit home for me. It's so true that whatever we create on the web is like a real estate property. We might think that stopping it isn't a big deal, but it is something we put so much time an energy into already. Plus there are people reading the blog, commenting, and investing their own energy.

I just discovered your blog, but I'll be back for more! And I know you'll be there when I do, since you are committed. :)

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Tara Burner — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:36:20 -0000

oh wow Sommer! I sooooo can relate.
I've got multiple blogs going and about a month ago was wayyyy overwhelmed w/them along with running my business(es) and kids, etc.
BUT my wonderful techie girl emailed me saying something sooo simple that it hit home and since then I'm not overwhelmed.
It was this "just because you have over 10 blogs doesn't mean you have to post to each one of them every single day. Do what you can and don't worry about it"
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh good advise...some of which I tell my stress management coaching clients...to not do things that trigger stress, delegate some work or just walk away.
I'm not walking away from my blogs, but I am posting when I can where I can and going on about my business happily :)
Nights my DD is at her dad's, I have nothing to do anyhow so those 2 nights a week I get lots done.
Excellent post :)
Thanks

<abbr>Tara Burners last blog post..Container Gardening</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

mother earth aka karen hanraha — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:32:58 -0000

a seasoned mom here, soon to be empty nester, devoted blogger who has enough recent mishap to sit back and question why do I blog - however in parallel to what was mentioned here -- had I had "voice" the way I do now when I had itty bitty kids I would not have felt so alone and I know my confidence would have grown because of it. To find like minded is really powerful. Mommyhood sucks the life out of all of us. Not having balance is always an issue. I started my own wellness company years back and had to continually shift how I managed things. Time, phone usage, computer time, family time. Clarity is so important. In current times I just decide when can and do I want to blog, I reduced my posts by 50%. Guess what? Nothing happened! I still blog because I love it, I still have readership and my writing got tighter and more purposeful. I think quitting is an extreme solution expecially if you love having a voice. I'd like to think there is always a solution at hand. Giving up to me doesn't say solution.

<abbr>mother earth aka karen hanrahans last blog post..Is Vitamin E Safe?</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Caroline — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:26:01 -0000

This is an excellent (100% stumble-worthy) post. Really. And could not be more timely as I sit here and brain storm a post for a site that doesn't pay me. So am I using my time right? I keep thinking I need to "pay my dues" and get some more experience and exposure before I start expecting to be maybe possibly gee do ya think PAID for my time. So much is a confidence thing too. I'm just a mom, typing this in her kitchen while her kid eats lunch. What value is my voice? So this balance thing. Yeah. I have to fugire it out. And do this WELL and PRACTICALLY - not just blindly doing it all the time at the cost of family, and life around me. Ack. I'm working on it. But an awesome post none the less. Truly inspiring the fire under me that much more. Thanks.

<abbr>Carolines last blog post..Vivienne Tam: Giving Thanks and Feeling Worthy</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

crunchy domestic goddess (amy) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:25:28 -0000

good post. i think it's important to remember that we all got into this for different reasons and we'll likely all end for different reasons, but ultimately its our choice. i respect everyone who continues to blog and those who have the courage of knowing when to say when too. :)

i've been taking a break from blogging lately due to some health stuff i've had going on and honestly, it's been very refreshing to not have the pressure (even if it's self-inflicted) to post every day or every few days. i don't think i will hang up my hat and call it quits, but i was at the point where i needed to seriously cut back and reevaluate and i'm glad i'm doing that.

<abbr>crunchy domestic goddess (amy)s last blog post..The fog is slowly lifting</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Jenni at My Web of Life — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:24:17 -0000

This is really interesting to read as someone who is beginning to 'ramp it up a notch' with my blog. I began My Web of Life in August in hopes of sharing that 'middle ground' of green. That crazy, convoluted tangle of good intentions and the reality of life. I wrote a smattering of posts here and there, but for the past two months I have begun writing more regularly and entering the social media world.

Although I am certainly still on a small scale, I am amazed at the amount of time and energy that is going into this little world that I have created. It is already becoming a bit of a tightwire act and the rope seems to be shaking at times.

But I really LOVE my little self-made world and I want to remain there. I will be continuing the balancing act and hope for the best. Blogs like yours (and many of the others you've mentioned) are a continued source of inspiration and guidance for me. Posts like this one validate that others struggle as well and it's not just me.

I guess that was my very long way of saying 'Thank you.'

<abbr>Jenni at My Web of Lifes last blog post..Stuff</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Jennifer Taggart — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:11:28 -0000

I have had a very difficult time blogging the last three months, but this made me think about why I blog, and now I feel re-energized. Okay, so off to write again . . .

<abbr>Jennifer Taggarts last blog post..CPSC & CPSIA Updates</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

The Soft Landing Team — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:56:42 -0000

Wow, Sommer - you've done it again. You've driven straight to the heart of the matter for so many of us WAHM's.

We all come from different backgrounds and we all started blogging for different reasons. For me, it's a necessity to blog in order to communicate our product research findings to our customers as it corresponds to our online store. But that's not all - it's actually a relief for me to blog, because I have an ongoing flow of ideas jumbling around in my head. It's a way to organize my thoughts and then release them from my swirling brain. I know that my business would be incomplete without my blog.

I do believe that we need to set realistic expectations for our blogs in the way of content, frequency and other tasks (like responding to comments, commenting on other blogs, etc.). I think we need to be okay with meeting our own expectations/goals instead of worrying about what other bloggers are doing.

Setting limits from the start and stopping often to re-evaluate what's working for you will serve to keep bloggers from burning out in the long run. Maybe that means posting only once or twice per week, or narrowing your choice of blogging topics. I also think it's fine to step away and take a break sometimes, especially when your family needs you. I would much rather see a pause in my favorite blogger's posting than a complete end.

Sommer - thank you so much for mentioning me as a source of inspiration! I hope you know how much you motivate me too :)

PsychMommy - don't worry about the choice you made to stop blogging. There is no right or wrong in this situation - I'm just sad that you feel burned out and wish you the very best! I know Sommer feels the same way . . .

<abbr>Alicia [The Soft Landing]s last blog post..Don’t Worry, We’ve Got You Covered</abbr>

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Chris — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:57:52 -0000

I totally agree with the final thought: Once you have created something of value, like a blog with good content, it is very hard to turn your back on it and just leave. If nothing else, it still is intellectual property that is of value - and I don't mean the monetary kind of value...

So, keep on blogging :-) And if you don't have the time, just leave the blog alone for a few weeks. I have to do that from time to time, but I still keep coming back...

Re: Mommy Bloggers are Quitting

Green & Clean Mom — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:29:15 -0000

You are far from in question. You made a choice for your own reasons and I respect this, I'm sad about it and hope I don't lose other blogger friends. I wrote this to share why I blog, why I feel others quit and what I hope others decide to do. Again, I'm sad you have left but it was your choice and everyone make choices for reasons that I cannot see behind the screen.