I'm curious to know whether the non-blogging people in your lives are interested in hearing about your blogging. I've mentioned my blog often to my family and friends. I have noticed that they don't necessarily pursue the conversation. They may nod or make a brief comment, but they don't want to go much further.
Blogging is one of my favorite activities. It brings me comfort and joy. I love that I have this chance to share my creativity through my poetry. I really feel lucky to be part of this wonderful blogging community. Connecting with so many great bloggers has added so much to my daily life. Being home with the kids all day, it is nice to know that a thoughtful or even funny comment is waiting for me when I log in.
Since I get a lukewarm response from the non-bloggers in my life, I am starting to keep my blogging a private activity. In some ways, I enjoy having something just for me. On the other hand, it would be nice if my family and friends were more open to hearing about my blogging for a few minutes.
My kids do enjoy hearing about the funny things that I find on blogs. It keeps them smiling :)
Can you discuss blogging at your dining room table? Or do you keep it mostly to yourself?
36 comments:
It took a while, but my co-workers and friends now think they are celebrities.........
My husband & parent's have always been tremendously supportive of my blogging. Mixed responsese from others, although recently there's been a spate of interest from friends and other family members. But I actually like my blogging separate: it's "mine", for me as an individual, not me as wife, daughter, sister etc.
Interesting question!
Whenever I talk to non-bloggers, their eyes tend to glaze over and they paste on a thin-lipped smile that clearly says "you are a pathetic woman". I don't think I am. I don't think fellow bloggers think I am or think that they are. I admit, The Husband wasn't excited at first. Now, I think he goes out of his way to say and do stupid things so he can have a cameo appearance once in a while.
(BTW, love your contributions at Pictures, Poetry & Prose!)
My boyfriend couldn't care less... he teases me everynow and then that I don't mention him enough. Of course, when I have talked about him in the past, he's acted irritated, so it's a lose-lose.
My family, on the other hand, is extremely supportive. They love to read it and talk about it regularly - even to the point of annoying other nonbloggers they know, telling them to check it out. It's a little embarrassing sometimes. Mama actually anonymously blogstalks several of my favorites on my blogroll.
On the downside, I have no privacy on here - I can't let out frustration about people I know because - well, they'd all read about it. :)
One of the things that seems to interest my family is the use of photos. When we're out and about, I often hear, "How about that ... Blog Photo?" upon passing interesting sights. They enjoy it and we've had some lively discussions inspired by it!
I keep my blogging to myself! Like Crazy Mo said above: "Their eyes tend to glaze over, etc etc!" LOL at that one! People think I blog because I am "missing" something from my life. But that couldn't be further from the truth! I blog because I enjoy it. I am able to write my thoughts down and vent when I wish to and it works out great.
It's a funny thing, isn't it? Blogging is such a wonderful outlet, and connects us with like-minded people in many ways.
Hubby sometimes is annoyed at the time I spend at it, other times, he will say things like, that will end up on your blog, I'm sure. That's nice. But perhaps they don't realize that if they want to really KNOW what's going on in our heads, they might just check in with the daily posting. My kids check in with it occasionally but that's about it.
I have a few folks that do show interest in my blog. I also have a close friend who lives locally and she also blogs - we enjoy chatting back and forth about some of the blogs we both follow. My hubby likes to hear what I have to say and in fact he looks forward to seeing what I've posted.
Other folks - not-so-much - and I have no idea why.
But regardless, I love blogging and keeping in touch with what's happening in the world. I hate reading the news - it's about 90% bad news. Reading blogs is actually uplifting for me.
Thanks for your posting - it really made me think!
I pretty much keep it to myself. Non-bloggers don't get it. Not that I am better than non-bloggers...lol...but, there is something so special about blogging. For the first time in years I don't feel isolated. I stay at home and this is my way of connecting to the world. And I feel connected! Think about all the visitors from Australia, Europe, India, etc that come to your blog to comment. It's awesome! And if you don't blog, you just don't understand that.
Blogging has become a big part of our conversation at the dinner table and with my husband. I had a private family blog, but found it hard to keep up with with my public blog, so I "came out" to my friends and family through email about my public blog, and NONE of them responded!
My aunt is my only "fan." It kind of hurts a little bit that I don't get some acknowledgement because they all know how much I love writing. And some of them have blogs and don't comment on mine. I KNOW they visit, but at least give me some type of acknowledgement that you read it.
I can understand if they don't comment because I'm sure they don't want anyone to visit, but at least send me an email.
And that's another thing that I don't understand. Why do some of them complain about the 'weird' comments on their blogs from people that they don't know?
If you make you blog public, you're going to have people comment on it. My take is if you don't like it, then make it private. That's my spiel.
In hindsight, I think most people who are non-bloggers don't think it's a big deal. I can understand that, but I also think that if someone goes out their way to let you know about their blog, is it too much to ask for some type of acknowledgement.
Okay, another looong comment from me. I'm glad that you are able to talk about your blogging to your family, especially since someties their the subject! Have a great day!
As you might already know, my blog is anonymous, so no, I don't talk to anybody about it (besides my husband, who often proof-reads my posts). I don't mind keeping it to myself. I think I prefer it that way. But I'd definitely have a hard time keeping it from my husband, so I'm glad he's supportive of my habit.
I also love the feeling of being connected to others through blogging. Maybe that's why it doesn't bother me to keep it to myself in "real" life. Come to think of it, I don't actually know anyone in "real" life who blogs. But maybe they are just keeping it to themselves, like me.
I don't usually spontaneously talk to my husband about it because the things that amuse me usually don't amuse him at all and I feel like it's a waste of breath. But ONCE IN A WHILE there's something funny that I share with him. Other people, well, I like to share stories that I read on other blogs sometimes or insights or things. Because that's what I think of. I relate to conversations by sharing these things.
However, if I explain it came from a blog and not just a "friend"- it becomes a joke for some reason. So I usually leave that part out and just say "a friend of mine said..." and leave it at that.
Non-bloggers just don't seem to understand the magic in blogging. I remember feeling that way before I got into my own blogging. I kept thinking...what is all the fuss about that? I mean, really isn't it just a bunch of gossip online? So I can understand what they're thinking...but they're sure missing out! :)
I know exactly what you mean about bringing up blogging. But I think taht mostly it has to dod with people's fear of the internet. Whenever I talk about my blog, someone always says something like: oh I'm not techie enough to do something like that. I clarify to them that I am DEFINITELY not techie!
It's too bad those people are missing out on your blog because I find it inspiring and warm!
Sorry I've been absent from commenting. I'm trying to catch up at work, and on sleep and on housework:( Hope you're having a great day Kelly!!
I liked the comment: "Non-bloggers don't get it!"
Both funny abnd true!
Well they really seem to think we're weird and spending time on weird stuff. anyhow my guys here at home are more or less non-bloggers. Still bad luck for them, because they are getting involved when i say so and they have to handle the technical side of it!
I found your post very interesting. I actually spent a year on sabbatical studying people who have written journals and poetry throughout their lives. I have found that there are very distinct differences in those who choose personal writing and those who don't. I have also found that the privacy aspect of a journal changes dramatically in specific blog spots. .... To be honest, I more often connect with those I don't know, than those I do, in various online journal / blog/ poetry sites. I do however have one particular journal attached to a dear friend and it offers as special private place to explore thoughts and feelings.
Blessings
Kringle
I do talk about blogging, but my whole imeediate family blogs or has blogged. I also have 2 sisters with blogs so it's a family joke among the husbands! The nurse I work with most days also has a blog, so we talk about it there too. I have noticed that non bloggers don't really get it!
Hubby blogs and my stepdaughter blogs and my niece blogs so that is quite a few people to discuss with . . .ohter folks in my life don't seem to really get blogging. . .
And like others said, some who I've turned on to my site I now realize I can't vent about!
I bet if you just talked about your poetry or something you were thinking or that a friend said without attributing it to your blog you might drive more conversation from the blog ignorant!
No, they don't really get it. Nor could we totally expect them to, since you really have to read as much as we do to fully understand the amazing writing going on out there!
I'm friends with a couple bloggers in real life, and we enjoy talking about it in real life as well, but lately.. real life is getting too hectic to squeeze in any blog talk! Isn't that ironic.
Hey Septembermom,
When I first started blogging my mom and grandma was interested but my friends were sort of on the fence. It took a while for people to get on board but they eventually did. Also sometimes people check out what you are doing even if they don't leave a comment so you may have more fans than you think : )
I agree with Crazy Mo -- most people have no interest. Some of my friends who write are interested...my husband LOVES reading it (and when I include him, haha!), and my parents (especially my dad) love seeing it and sharing it with others.
I really keep my blog kinda under the radar most of the time -- I tend to write about coworkers and students frequently, and as I have people in my life that I don't want to "stalk" me, I keep it kinda quiet for the most part, except for close friends.
Fantastic question! I loved reading the comments.
I remember when I started blogging, a friend of mine who had been blogging for three years (and no, I never read his blog during that time!) told me to expect my loved ones to be oddly indifferent..and he was pretty much right. My husband does read it regularly but that is my only family member, despite repeated attempts by me to get them interested. They just don't seem to get it.
Some of my friends read it, but most people I talk to about it just don't seem to understand what I am doing exactly so I just kind of don't bring it up if they react this way at first. The other day, I met my aunt and cousins and mentioned that I had two blogs and my aunt didn't understand what it was really but I saw my cousins exchange glances and say "Oh...she's a blogger" -- like it was some kind of social disease!!!!
I started because I needed some kind of creative outlet and connection with other adults and that need has been more than met so I don't mind if it isn't a big interest to others in my "real" life. But part of me wishes my brothers or parents would show a LITTLE BIT OF INTEREST!!! : )
i think my family has only read my blog once. they dont keep up with it at all! my husband doesnt get it, but he does take a peek at it once in a while
It's funny but I try to keep my blog to myself. I don't want to have to censor myself or worry about what people who see me on a daily basis think of what I'm writing. There are a few people who know that I blog, but I don't tell them where or what it is, although I've been asked.
That's a great question! I'm finding it's easier to keep it to myself. I'll say, "a blogger friend of mine said..." or "I read on a blog" and then I see their eyes either glaze over or a confused, puzzle look cross their face so I've just stopped mentioning blogs to people that don't blog. :)
My husband will listen to a little blog talk, but I don't really bring it up unless I know they read my blog (or other blogs).
Non-bloggers don't really seem intersted.
I have also had the same experience. I post my blogs on my facebook page and have the blogs listed when I send emails. But, they don't seem interested either. I have some friends that have read some of my posts but they are not "following" me on my blogs. I too would like them to be more interested but I also know it is not for everyone or maybe they just don't know enough about it. I share that I blog with a few people that I know really care that I am writing. I have not shared it with my husband because I do not think he will get it and say I am writing things online that I should not. I also enjoy the blogging community I have met and the followers I have.
I don't talk about it... then they might read it and find out I've been talking about them. The first rule of Blogging is "we don't talk about Blogging".
There's something for you on my blog! Come get it!!
Just popped over from Heather's blog. I have noticed that if they do not blog or are not regular readers of my blog then they don't care. I have really good friends of mine that have NEVER been on my blog...It use to piss me off, now I just think "their loss" and move on!
I`m actually pretty shy when it comes to talking about my blog. It seems that people either think it`s totally awesome to blog or that it`s just for people who have no life! I also don`t like too many people reading my blog who live nearby, cause, like some others have said, then I can never vent about anything! Sometimes my husband makes comments about me not living in reality, but he usually humours me and occasionally tells me I did a good job on a post. Only my fellow blogging friends (and one aunt!)comment on my blog. I know my family reads it, but I don`t get much feedback, which kind of hurts my feelings sometimes. I actually started my blog for THEM, so they could see more frequent pics of the kids and feel like they know what`s going on. It`s amazing how personal a blog is, even though it`s also very public. I can hear a lot emotions in these comments, and I understand all of them!
It's funny how you either participate in the blogging world or you don't. A few friends and family visit mine regularly (to support) but many do not...nor do they wish to hear about. Jones (my significant other) who is an Internet super use has never visited even ONCE! He's not into the content...even I had to raise an eyebrow at that one! :)
My blogging was a direct result of my attack dog chat room persona. A fellow blogger and friend, who was long time devotee of the chat rooms (2 years and counting), introduced me to the world of blogging.
Initially, I talked up my blog in the chat rooms for about eight months solid, so to that extent, I have people from the chat rooms come visit me at my blog.
As for family and friends, almost never. Family is more interested in computer games than actually reading, and a few of my friends have visited (I can tell from my sitemeter stats where my friends come from), as maybe one or two co-workers.
So I chug merrily along with my blog without worrying too much about my family and close friends visiting. If they do, they certainly don't tell me about.
When I speak about my blog or other's blogs, especially to my husband, I am often told that I have no life!
I honestly think he is just jealous that I'd rather blog than sit beside him sometimes!
I discuss my blogging with family (that will listen). I look at it as a part of me. I have some family that are freaked out by it. They think it is just to personal. I think they are scared of the intimacy of it. :) I try to assure them that the FBI and CIA don't care. No one is going to swoop down and harm me. Oh well, to each his own. LOL
Most of my friends and family are all big fans of it, so I don't have a problem there. Typically I don't bring it up in general conversation with people I'm merely acquainted with.
Yes I can and do. Blogging is such a huge part of my life, I feel I know all my "friends" here in bloggyland and just today I mentioned it a couple of times - people just go with it. My husband probably hears the most about it.
I did feel self-conscience in the beginning but now it's just part of who I am, if there's something that comes up that makes me think about my blog - or someone else's I do share. :)
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