This blog post may read a bit like a break-up note… You know, the kind you would fold, origami-style, into some crazy shape and pass down the aisle in 7th grade history class to that kid you were “dating” (whatever that actually meant in 7th grade).
It’s not you, it’s me.
Let’s just be friends.
It’s safe to say that my life looks nothing like it did when I started blogging over 6 years ago.
That’s life, isn’t it? Career changes, major surgery, having a baby (with another on the way), contemplating new business ventures… The list goes on. Suffice it to say, my priorities have changed.
And, if I’m being completely honest, blogging is no longer at the top of my priority list. In fact, some days, it barely makes the list at all.
I started blogging because I wanted to share recipes. I loved spending time in the kitchen, cooking and baking for family and friends. I believed that food connects people, and I had this crazy idea that sharing my recipes and photographs would allow me to share and connect with people all over the world. Crazy or not, it happened.
The blog grew, I met a lot of amazing new people, and I became a part of an amazing community that I never even knew existed. I spent (a whole lot of) time improving my skills in the kitchen and working on my photography skills. I went to conferences and learned about SEO (whether I wanted to or not… I didn’t) and branding. I went through the process of getting a registered trademark for my blog name, and I have had countless dealings with people who have stolen my photos, recipes, content, name, etc.
At some point, a line was crossed. Every blog post had to have a certain number of “perfect” photos, ingredients had to be properly tagged so that they could be identified easily by Google, photos had to be submitted to countless sites that would (somewhat arbitrarily) either accept or reject all of my hard work (often determining my mood for the rest of the day), products had to be reviewed, and social media had to be attended to. Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, StumbleUpon, and probably a dozen others that I don’t even know about yet all demanded my time.
Blogging became more about maintaining a blog business and less about community and sharing. I started to resent having to write a blog post or photograph what I was cooking for dinner.
Eventually, I just stopped. I had better things to do. I held up my end of the deal for a few things that I had committed to, but that was pretty much it. The less I participated in the blog world, the more distanced I felt from it all. It started to feel impossible to actually be a part of it anymore. I had changed too much, and there was no longer a place for me as a food blogger.
So, a few weeks ago, I decided it was time to break up with my blog. I was done. I didn’t enjoy it anymore, so why was I doing it at all?
I’d just leave it here for a while and see what happened… I figured I wouldn’t miss it one bit and would just move on.
And, in just a few weeks, I started to miss it… Sort of.
I started to miss the “old days” of blogging where I shared what I wanted to share, caring very little about clicks, impressions, or social media, the days when I didn’t worry about the perfect composition for every photo so that it would crop nicely to a square to be shared on a dozen sites. Those were the days when I actually had some inspiration and passion.
After some thought and consideration, I’ve decided to give it another go. But, I plan to do things my way. I hope to rekindle an old flame and find what I loved so much about blogging in the first place.
I honestly have no idea what this will all look like. I don’t have a strategic plan or some great vision of my “new and improved blog.” In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I have no idea what shape all of this will take in the next few weeks, months, or even years. And, I kind of love that right now.
So, perhaps this isn’t exactly a break-up note.
Do you want to go out again? Circle one: Yes or No.
I’m right there with you, my friend. Blogging has changed so much over these last six years… And while a lot of good has come out of it, I’ve also been really disappointed with the direction it’s taken.
I’m glad you’re returning to the blogging world. Write what you want, photograph what you want, share how you want to on social media (or not). It’s about your experiences and connection to food. And that’s what’s most important.
Xoxo
Thanks, Brian – It’s encouraging to know that others are feeling some of the same ways. I’ll keep at it if you do… Deal? :)
I say blog however you want to blog… whatever makes you happy, and don’t worry a thing about Google or the way things “should” be done for maximum SEO or ?? There are more important things in life than trying to maintain the status quo… like babies and puppies and just blogging whatever the heck you want to– the WAY you want to!
Thanks, Lori!
I am SO with you! Is it crazy to say that food blogging has become a rat race? I feel like it has, and for those of us that started long ago, it’s begun to feel like a real chore. I’ve had the same thoughts about getting back to my roots and doing things because I WANT to do them and not because I feel like I HAVE to do them. I hope we both get there!
Thanks, Michelle! Yes, rat race is the right word. It seems like those of us who started around the same time years (and years) ago have gone one of two ways. Sorry to hear it’s a chore for you, as well… But, I’d love to see what you decide to do in the future when you get back to your roots!
YES, let’s go out again! On your terms, in the way that brings you joy. Bye bye, rat race. Hello, self expression, individuality, creativity and fulfillment. :-)
Thanks, Kathy!
I feel you! I think I broke up with my blog awhile ago without even realizing that I was breaking up. Thanks for the clairty! Life changes, people change, we grow. And not always with our “partner”. Love your honesty and authenticity. Enjoy your babies and embrace what’s on the horizon!
Thanks, Susan – Yup, it happened without me realizing, as well. I’m excited for some new inspiration.
Jen! I was having this exact discussion on the weekend with a couple of people from “the old days”. We were like “Why can’t it just be the way it used to be?” (and remember the Foodbuzz days??). I say go for it – who knows what type of movement you might start (seems there are a lot of us who yearn for the good old days!). Much love to you and – UM – congrats!? XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Mardi – Foodbuzz! Oh my goodness! That seems like a whole lifetime ago to me these days. I was just thinking about Daring Bakers the other day, too. I kind of miss that! Perhaps we can start an “old school blogging” revolution. :) XO
I am IN!
The answer is ‘yes’, I want to go out. ;) I’m madly addicted to blogging —my way. You’re going to love this new direction. Just have fun with it! xox
Aimee, you never cease to amaze me! I only have one kiddo so far, and I’m exhausted. The things you have accomplished while taking care of your three gorgeous children is amazing to me. You’re my inspiration to keep at it and figure out how to do it my way.
Look forward to seeing the next part of your blogging life. Totally understand life changes and our flexibility to move on. So a big Yes from me. Take me with you.
Thank you, Heather!
I’m totally on the same page! As I read your post I felt like I was reading the *exact* conversations I’ve been having with myself and My Yanni for months now! I’ve had a total change of heart and as of late, I’ve put the nasty little self critic in my head to bed. I’m also excited to break free of the chains I’ve allowed myself to get wrapped up in and focus on the original reason I fell in love with this blogging thing to begin with… to INSPIRE people. Cheers to you Jennifer! xo
Wendy – Yes, that self-critic can be such a drag, huh? I look forward to seeing what inspires you. Cheers!
I can’t tell you how encouraging it was to read this post! Bravo!
I do not blog but know that it can be a real time suck, especially if you are trying to brand yourself and build something. At that point, blogging seems to become a full-time job that feels heavy and oppressive rather than a way to have fun and meet people of like interests.
I most enjoy reading blogs that are “real”, not sponsored or honed to some silly standard of perfection.
Best wishes going forward!
Thanks for the best wishes, Lisa!
It’s funny; often during what can become the ratrace of blogging I’ve reminded myself that I’m fine being the tortoise. That I started sharing recipes online almost 20 years ago has seen a major change certainly but I’ve somehow managed to keep with my mantra and my focus. I blog about what myself, friends and family are enjoying from my kitchen. I don’t make a turkey in August so that I can glean social media shares prior to Thanksgiving and I don’t have every automated piece of software available to supposedly make social media easier. I don’t bother with conferences, I share what I want, pin what I want and comment every so often if I actually feel I have something to say. I don’t even bother to track down people taking my ‘stuff’ because policing the web is no fun and I’ve always done this because it is.
Ha my blog growth suffered as a result? Maybe but I still love doing it so really the answer must be no. If I ceased to enjoy it, if it just became a job that I resented it would no longer be about my passion but just a job.
Your news comes as no surprise to me. I’ve known you long enough and have seen your progression firsthand and I celebrate your decision. I know if I had that adorable girl at my side and another baby on the way that my focus would change too and your children, actually your entire family, will be the better for it. There is a time and place for everything and I’m delighted for you that you’ve got some clarity about yours.
Barb – I admire your ability to keep yourself grounded and blog the way you want to. My Type A personality has a tendency to get the best of me at times, despite my best efforts to ignore stats/social media/etc. Thanks for the support!
I love your courage. I also love your delectable creations. I am not a blogger, but I do own my own business and entertain way too much. When it overtakes your family and your life in general, then it definitely is time to step back and reassess. While I always look forward to your postings, you are here for your family and not for me.
A little recipe here and there would be lovely, but on your terms. If you do decide to “break-up”, then I hope you would keep your site up for a bit for some of us to go back and recreate some of your delicious treasures.
Best wishes to you, and may you and your family continue to grow and thrive in your love for each other.
Thank you, JC! I appreciate your kind words and encouragement. I think you will probably see a recipe here and there. And, I assure you that the site won’t be going anywhere, even if I don’t find the time to post no recipes. Have no fear. Thanks for the best wishes!
I’ve always been an advocate for blogging when you want, about whatever you want. At the end of the day, it’s your blog! It’s easy for the race to keep up to cast a long shadow on our daily lives. Life is for living, find joy whenever you can!
Deb – Thanks for the encouragement!
You’ve inspired me to finally break up with my blog. I haven’t posted in weeks and feel FREE! Good luck to you!!!
Lisa – Yes, deciding to do things on your own terms can be completely freeing. Congrats! :)
I’ve circles big YES :)
It’s not about the perfection – Please share what makes you happy!
Thanks, Karolina!
Hey jen.
Glad to hear you haven’t given it up. I love checking in and seeing what amazing food you’re making and the beautiful photos you take of it. Hope you and the family are doing well.
Thanks, James! We’re doing well.. Hope you are, too.
I hope you continue to *go out* with your readers…on your own terms. I recently posted *A Goodbye of Sorts* post on my site. With having two home-based businesses to grow and develop, it became necessary to put my efforts into creating a business site for my current and future cookie customers. Though I will do a post on the business site from time to time about new cookies for customers, it is not a blog. It is my business website. No more ads, no more concerns about SEO tracking, no more “sign-up by email” for followers, just business.
Blogging has changed. I don’t like the changes and I hope more people do as you may do, blog for the simple pleasure of sharing with community and not blog for shares of that SEO piece of pie.
Best wishes to you Jen in whatever you decide to do.
I am just now re-reading this post and realize that I never sent you an answer! YES, please continue to go out with me! I love your blog. Even though you and I are at opposite ends of life’s spectrum (you’re a young mother and I’m a 70-year-old grandmother of 4 boys: Jackson, 16; Jayson, 12; Isaac, 5 and Jonah, 7 months), I’ve always looked forward to your new postings. I do hope you will continue. :)