My blog is dying.
Readership has dropped significantly over the past six months. I used to get 100 comments. Then 50. Then 30. Now, I'm lucky to hit the 20 mark. My stats are embarrassing.
I know, I know. I shouldn't care, right? After all, I have more than 900 followers, so why complain? And I should be blogging because I love it. Because I enjoy writing. Because it keeps me creative. It's an outlet for my despair. Whatever.
And isn't the cardinal rule of blogging not to complain about stats and comments? Because then it reveals that you're a human being who wants to be loved. Who wants people to think you're awesome, and it's embarrassing when you realize you're not.
But, I'm not going to lie. It sucks. Every time I log into Blogger, I'm constantly asking myself what I'm doing wrong.
I thought it was just me. But after talking to several other bloggers over the past few months, I discovered it's a wide-spread infection.
It's almost like blogging isn't really that cool anymore. The world is rapidly spiraling into another dimension.
People don't want to read stories anymore. They just want pure content. And they want it to be hilarious.
They want a quick list from Buzzfeed on their iPhones, showing them cats wearing berets and the top 10 reasons why dumb shit is hysterical. Everyone is on the move, and they don't have time to slow down.
This really shouldn't come as a surprise to me. I was shown the future five years ago, and I refused to believe it.
I applied for a position at a pop culture magazine. At the job interview, the editor warned me that the magazine was going to be less articles and more lists. "People our age don't want to sit down and read a story," she said. "They want bullet points."
I was horrified, and it showed on my face. Needless to say, I didn't get the job.
Well, I've been trying to keep up. You may have noticed in recent months that I don't write personal stories anymore. I've been trying to do lists. But, I like to write and they don't give me the same satisfaction.
I'm not sure what to do. Perhaps I'm naive, but I really don't want to give up on this blog just yet.
I've put a lot of heart and soul into it.
I find it interesting that my sentiment coincides with the impending death of Google Reader.
Clearly, I'm not the only one noticing the future of blogging is morphing into a blurrish form.
Perhaps my blog just needs to grow up. Change with the times.
Tell me. Do you want to see more Buzzfeed-type lists here? Or do you prefer my writing?
Or better yet, what do you LIKE about my blog?
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40 comments:
I, for one, detest magazines with just huge photos and bullet points, and no 'real' articles. I love reading! You write so well, your blog is entertaining, your writing is captivating...I'd be really disappointed if you stop writing the way you do. I look forward to reading blogs with good writing, and this blog features among my top favourite ones!
But yes, I'm very lazy when it comes to leaving comments -.- Sorry!
It's crazy how blogging has changed and one of the things I love about your blog is that there is ALWAYS something original or your telling us about an actor/model/tv star that I had no idea about! IT's pretty awesome because if I see one more blogger telling me how to dye eggs I think I will scream! I feel like it's the same blog over and over. Here...I don't feel that at all. I liked hearing about your journalism tales and how the world has changed posts. It's very interesting and different.
Please do keep blogging Jennifer! Your a great blogger and I'm always happy to see you have a new post!
Ergo - Blog
As a long time reader of course I prefer your writing. However, I'm a victim of the blur that society is going into. But I like to be a mix, writing long stories and bullets too. I don't think you should change up your blog at all, despite the loss of response. After this craze is over, everyone will go right back to wanting to read long articles. It's all a cycle. Don't give up!!
www.kawaiicoffee.blogspot.com
Hey! I have read you like forever. I'm from Perú and also have a blog (it's new and it´s host in a newspaper) I write about fashion and celebrities.. but also realize that people just want more photos, more bullets like you said. the just don't read. I think that it's the web. I love reading magazines,but maybe internet it's so quickly that you want it fast.
xoxo
Carla from Perú :)
I love your posts...I think we need all kinds of posts because the shit gets boring otherwise!! I like ones that tell me things I may not have known...I don't always want to look at someone's hundred 'same pose' photos of their outfit, that I swear I seen on someone else's blogs hours before!! Things go around and then it comes back. Sadly. I prefer blogs that take their time and do research and inform, sometimes just pictures are cool, but I need balance. And the balance is swaying too much. Your blog is brilliant & people don't know what their missing out on!! Don't worry!! I've seen this happening to lots of blogs, ones that had hundreds of comments every time, we just need to keep doing our thing! xx
I love your blog. You have great content; I don't like lists. And yes, while it's true a lot of readers do like numbers and lists, it's also knowing your audience. I don't think you have that kind of audience. You've already built such a strong and loyal readership that I think adding things like that would cause a shift in readers.
It's hard for me because you literally have 3x as many follwers as I do- and you still feel down! But I understand what you mean. I don't know what I'm doing wrong either. I know I should post more on the regular, but part of me feels that as a fashion blogger, I've missed the boat. I guess I'll never hit my goal of 3,000 followers. I'm just not what readers want, I suppose.
I love your blog but there's some technological hitch which means I cannot comment though Bloglovin meaning I have to remember to comment through my blog sidebar once I've finished commenting on the other blogs I follow and being old and short sighted, too (your robot thing is so hard to read that sometimes I just give up leaving a comment after numerous attempts to read the small print! - This is my 5th attempt)
I love your writing and love when you educate me about Bollywood stars xxxx
You're right, Blogging isn't that cool anymore. Social Networks are killing it slowly.
Bloggers like me who write about a certain topic (horror films) can still keep their stats on a solid level (thanks to sharing links on Imdb, Twitter, FB, movie sites etc.), but it's getting harder and harder for people who blog about everyday life.
Saw many of them come and go in the last 1-2 years. Many start writing a blog and end up posting .GIFs on Tumblr.
Blogging needs a reboot, something that makes it interesting for upcoming generations, or it will simply die a slow and painful way.
A variety of posts very important. Balance. Also people have become busier and they have less time to read lengthy posts. They prefer tumblr and so forth.
I'm not going to lie, I do like Buzzfeed type lists and cats in berets. But one of the things that I really love about your blog in particular are your written posts. I like your stories, especially the personal ones, so I think you should continue doing that.
I know that my blog would get more readers and views if I did outfit posts more often, but "ain't nobody got time for that" and I like to write too, so if that means less viewership, then so be it.
I visit your blog for ur writing. I swear..!
Aditi
So-Saree
www.sosaree.blogspot.in
New Post Up
Please don't leave me. I love when you school me on celebrities and teach me about Bollywood. I love your posts. Always. And even if you're not seeing the traction you're used to, it seems you have a lot of people who really like what you're doing :)
jen, it's ashame, but the younger generation doesn't want to READ! so sad! they just want you to post pictures and comment. i like to write, just like you (well no where as good as you hahaha) and refuse to back down from it. i can honestly say, that your blog is like no one elses! i love the stories you do about people. i never knew about such things and your blog medium brought those things to life. you have a way of capturing a reader with your words. i truly enjoy your posts. when i heard from YOU about the death of google reader, i was about to shut my blog down. Last night, I erased so much off my blog (frou frou stuff in my side bar) and was about to say GOOD BYE! Because I finally got to over 500+ readers and now THAT is going away!?!?! I only have 160 on bloglovin! But then I took a deep breath and said "Kim slowwww down". It shouldn't be that serious! But when you care about something and put your all in it, it becomes frustrating when it doesn't do well. I try to write about a combination of things throughout the week:fashion, beauty, food, art and travel. I think you should incorporate more posts like this on your blog. People love to talk to you about what's happening in the blogosphere :D Have a great week and please stick around! YES, misery lovesssss company! HAHAHAHA
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
I cannot imagine getting 100 comments. Only very few vintage bloggers do-its a shame really. I hope you dont get rid of yours-its one of my faves and yes I love love love reading your stories-sometimes they make me laugh or think or take a deep sigh. I would suggest revamping your blog up-it may lift up your blog spirits. xox
I, for one, LOVE your blog. I love when I have a new story about a long forgotten celebrity to read about. They're the best! And it's something different.
I agree though, blogging has changed. I find I'm writing less, and using more pictures. That's why I got a full time job - because I knew blogging was changing so much and on the decrease.
I might have to FB message you at some point this week to have a proper discussion about it!
I read your blog BECAUSE of your writing. I don't read any other blog like yours (the rest are your usual lifestyle/superficially types) and as much as people say that readers go for original, interesting content, I tend to notice that the "original" popular blogs aren't much different to the next "original" popular blog - pretty pastel palette layout, dslr quality images, weekly Instagram round-ups etc.
I LOVE YOUR BLOG x
I love your blog because of your writing so please don't give up on it. On every post you share so many interesting stories or recommend awesome books I would probably never read if it wasn't for your blog.
But I have noticed the same thing - people don't read anything anymore, it's all about stupid embarrassing pictures with dumb captions on them, it's so depressing :( My blog is a photo blog so I never write a lot, but I've noticed that sometimes some people don't even bother to read two-three sentences, how terrible is that?
The bullet point lists are funny, but the really enjoyable, memorable posts are your stories and articles. You have such a unique style of writing and your storytelling is really quite masterful- Please do keep it up!
What do I like? That you're freaking hysterical. And, by the way, my comments have dropped off MASSIVELY over the last year or so, if that helps at all.
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com
Oh Pretty please.... Don't stop writing your stories!! I regularly check for those amazing articles you write about starlets, Hollywood and Bollywood. Being from India, I love the fact that you are spreading the message that India isn't just about colourful dances, sets etc. It's also about beauty, talent and much more.
So, please continue blogging 'cos i luv ur blog.
I wish you would stay just as you are. I love your style of writing and your stories are always so compelling. Who wants those lists anyway? Perhaps blogs aren't the right channel for them. I can understand that seeing those stats go downhill can be quite depressing. But don't you worry, there are many blogs (like mine) that propably will never get any skyrocketing numbers. But it is all about writing and keeping that core gang happy. I believe in satisfying the few, not the crowds. :)
Honestly, I like everything about your blog. I like...
You, your style, your humor, yep...all of it. I wouldn't change a thing. But I have to tell you that your personal stories are amazing. Just please don't stop blogging!
I think it's sad that our society is "rapidly changing." I refuse to buy into that garbage that we're now into "lists" and stupid 5 second attention span shit. Is that really what we're all craving nowadays? Or is that what they want to sell us? We're being deliberately dumbed down. Yes, that's also the title of a book. LOL! But it's true. They're making us dumber each and every year. We need to change that! It's bloggers like you that can mold the youth back into intelligent beings.
I'm glad you've stayed true to yourself. That's what matters the most. I will always love reading quality work.
PS. Have you noticed how our clothes, music, art, and writing have all become "cheap" and disposable? I was just telling my boyfriend the other day. Quality work (from any creative field) is becoming hard to find.
Love ya girl!
Darling, my blog is dying, too. It totally sucks.
I think you should stay true to yourself and keep at it anyway; that's what I'm trying to do.
xoxox,
CC
I still believe in blogging and I LOVE your stories - personal or not, your writing is incredible. I come to this blog because I love what you write and it never leaves me disappointed.
Maybe this is a bit hypocritical coming from someone who hasn't had a blog post with more than a couple of sentences in forever...but I have always preferred your writing. You're amazing at it and, selfishly, I hope you keep it up.
Blogging does seem to be dying, but for me, it's always been therapeutic because it's an opportunity to express myself (about a subject pretty much never express myself in my everyday life) uninterrupted.
All I know is, I'll keep tuning in here, no matter what you post...
I love this post. Thank you for it. I was thinking that I am the only one who thinks about stats and comments. Honestly I prefer articles to list style writing.
My only advice to you is continue the great work. You will always have a reader in me.
Love,
Amena.
Fashionopolis By Amena
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This is a great post! I am glad that I am not the only one who thinks about these things.
Also, I believe that people have become really lazy and spoiled. They want right now, in your face.
My advice to you is...
Keep Writing your awesome!
http://simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com/
Dawn
Hay Hun! :) I love your blog! :) you are my first blogger friend and I adore your writings! :) when my PC broke I missed reading your posts so much I coulda cried! :( plz don't ever stop writing and being yourself! :)
Hugs and best wishes,
Alicia
I actually love your writing. It's thoughtful and provacative. I myself am a writer who would love to finish those two novels on my PC so I appreciate your style of crafting words. Love your take on Valley of the Dolls a few months back--you had me in stitches. you're right that the writing and blogging world is changing. I notice though the folks with high stats aside from having good content are usually SEO-oriented in some way. They go through phase too when their readership drops off and commenters go south for the winter . . .
I never comment, but I am a frequent reader. I really enjoy your writing and actually read a book your recommended. :o) You are very interesting and I love reading and learning about something or someone I knew nothing about until you introduced the subject in one of your posts. Don't give up - you're very talented.
I LOVE your stories and features of random, tragic celebrities. You are funny lady and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
I totally have the same drop in comments though I never got as many comments as you. It did hurt a little but I have many other things to stress about.
I can somewhat see that people are reading, but just not commenting (guilty here) and I was actually relieved when I got fewer comments. I try to reply to all meaningful comments and it can be time consuming!
xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
I love your writing. So please write more. No lists unless you want to make lists.
But what you say is true. People don't like to read any longer. Just photos and a brief sentence is all they care for. But there are still lots of loyal readers out there. And I am sure many of them are your followers. So please keep writing.
http://everythingthatclicks.blogspot.com
I know you hated the whole captcha removing thing, but I totally think it makes a difference when it comes to comments. Easier for me to say though since there are better programs over at WP self hosted for filtering spam. I would agree Blogging is dying, except I know so many blogs still growing and being amazing these days. I think people's focus is changing though. Instead of following lots of blogs for reading, they are following only a few where they can comment and then engage on twitter or FB. People are going for quality over quantity. I noticed a MUCH better engagement when I started and kept up with Twitter, but that might not be YOUR audience. I think you need personal stories along with the celeb gossip, makes you a REAL person worth following.
I totally understand how you feel. I've been thinking about quitting blogging myself. No one reads anymore. Why do I spend all this time writing if no one reads? And then I get told to spend all my time whoring myself out so I can get published....it makes me want to just go paint for a living. The world obviously needs more goofy critters.
I share your sentiments and am in the same boat. It's not that blogging is cool anymore, it's just that the blogging market is saturated to death. Everyone is a blogger, and everyone wants to be THE blogger. So instead of reading content, people jump from blog to blog for the purpose of advertising their own. This is why I think Blair from Atlantic Pacific figured this out before anyone and didn't bother posting text with pictures, because who reads it anyway? Unless you're in the inner circle, no one will read your blog, no matter how great the content is, or how funny it is.
To be honest, I don't read a lot of blogs, especially fashion blogs because, well, no one has anything interesting to add. I don't always comment on all of your posts, but I read every one of them. I really enjoy the posts on your personal life. I feel like I can relate to you. Please, for the love of God, don't stop writing, and don't do those God awful lists. Your blog is a unicorn right -- a rarity in the blogging world because it's so eloquently written. I hope we don't lose it :)
Like I said, the issue is not blogging is dying, it's just that there's too many bloggers and everyone is trying to make it big.
Miranda of "A Duck in her Pond" sent me here and I'm so very glad that she did... because I have been feeling the exact same way, and I didn't realize it was a widespread epidemic. I thought it was just me--that my blog was alone, suffering.
I won't say it's reassuring that anyone else is going through the same, but the connection is there like, YOU UNDERSTAND, TOO, and isn't that why we started in the first place? To make these kinds of connections?
I feel as though I kind of lost the meaning of blogging over the past few months. And maybe everyone else has, too. But you know, it doesn't mean that it doesn't have to be cool anymore. We can still continue to do it and it'll be WAY better than that time we all held on to Myspace.
I'm glad you shared this today, an dear God, NO BULLET POINTS! Keep doing what you're doing. I might just be one voice, but your writing rang true to me today :)
I'm amazed how much this post impressed me. I come to back to it regularly and re-read it. Not only is it fabulously written, it is also very, very thought-provoking. I never thought about the meaning of blogging, what it means to us, what it mean or may mean to others...
Jennifer, whatever you do don't stop blogging!! A few years ago when I got sick and was hospitalized I neglected my blog and my stats tanked too. I was getting tons of comments and now I'm lucky to get 1-5. Sometimes 0. I used to use my blog to fuel my self confidence but now I just blog for me and that's all. Okay I just lied. I DO like comments, but I'm just not focused on them as much anymore. It's interesting because I've been such a bad blogger (I rarely comments on blogs anymore) I didn't even know this was taking place. I thought it was just me. But - I can understand that there are SO many blogs and so little time, I think people get torn in too many directions. Keep doing on what you do best and blog for you. Your blog is FABULOUS (seriously!) and keep on writing. You are truly talented and pull me in every time.
"Keeping up with the times" "Short-attention-span-generation" lots of people are pointing to our future as a buzzfeed article or a 160 character tweet. However, I truly enjoy your writing. You're truly a talented writer and I much rather read your blog than peruse a buzzfeed list. Albeit, I do have my moments where I get sucked into a Buzzfeed vortex, I just enjoy the way you put together a post. I don't have 100% similar interests, but your knack for putting your thoughts, your feats, your sorrows, and your galavanting into perfect short stories keeps me so engaged. Every time there's a new blog post, it's like I'm picking up where I left off in a book about your life.
I'll be sad if you switched to straight bullet point-style posts, but I honestly think you could make anything funny, witty, or compelling. Maybe the bullet-point style will be just another weapon in your writing arsenal. I'm sure you could switch back and forth on styles and both would be so entertaining just because you wrote it.
Nevertheless, it's your blog, I'm just a humble reader. I hope you see a spike in your readership again regardless of what you do.
This is my first time visiting, but it's clear that you are a talented writer. I enjoyed your article. I've also heard that readers like lists, & I blog about "Five Tips on How to . . ." now & then. If you're in it for the love of blogging, I'd recommend you just follow your heart. I have a stubborn streak that keeps me from conforming just because someone said there are rules. I think you just gotta be you! {Having said that, you may get more comments if you turned off your word verification - I did & I very seldom get spam. Some people say they won't take the time to comment on a blog with "W.V."}
Warmly, Michelle
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