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Are We in the Last Days of Blogging?

In a long ago and hazy past I made my living typing. I wasn't an especially fast typist, but I was accurate and it really did give me a foot in the door when jobs were tough to get. One skill I did possess was changing typewriter ribbons. I could change a ribbon -- black and red type -- in two minutes and not get a smudge on my hands. It was one of my best skills and it served me well. Little did I dream that someday that wouldn't be a skill and there would be few typewriters in existence outside of museums.


I was reminded of my obsolete skill during my reflections about BlogHer. Though I wrote about the fun aspects, the weekend wasn't just dance parties and delicious snacks. There was a lot of tech discussion and at a number of points the topic turned to the future of blogging. Actually, the topic wasn't the future of blogging, but the lack of a future for blogging. The question that was posed was "Is blogging dead?"

Blogging is alive and well in Buttercupland, but even in the small universe of my blog buddies I see some dimming of the stars. A number of my blog buddies are Facebook friends, too, and that's fortunate, because many of them have stopped blogging. Several weeks ago we had a great chat on Facebook -- not on a blog -- about keeping up both a blog and Facebook. For some people it's even more complex if Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest are added to the mix. It's easy to run out of steam and interest when there's so much going on in the social media realm.

I keep blogging because I like it. I like the feeling of sitting down with a blank computer screen and ending up with a post. It's not so different from the days when I changed typewriter ribbons for a living and loved sitting down with a blank piece of paper and seeing the page become filled with my thoughts. Why do you keep blogging? Inquiring minds want to know.

I'm getting back into the home schedule. I started physical therapy this morning for a stiff shoulder and later went to the bank and drugstore. I also bought two summer shirts marked way, way down because in Retail Land summer is over. Considering the forecast for tomorrow is 82 degrees I think I'll get some use out of them. They're both hot pink, my other favorite color next to turquoise.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!   

22 comments

TARYTERRE said...

It is sad that so many things are becoming obsolete. I do not do Facebook or Pinterest, so for me blogging is where it's at.

It's me said...

Love blogging the most....fb a little.....but blogging is like a magazine to me.....read all the different Posts every day...love from me...!....x!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I love blogging and hope it doesn't become a thing of the past. It docent compare at all with the other things you mentioned except for the fact that it could include them all. Although the options are available, blogging is my first choice.

From the Kitchen said...

Blogging remains number one for me. It is a bit of a journal, recipe reminder, writing exercise and visit. FB is beginning to get a little out of hand. I can't seem to figure out how not to get too much information there. Hopefully blogging will remain alive and well.

Best,
Bonnie

Becky K. said...

I very much enjoy blogging and hope it doesn't go away completely. I think it is a valuable tool for sharing creative information and encouragements. However, having said that I find I have less time to sit down and write an entire post but can attach a photo and short message to a photo on FB. It bugs me when I do it...and yet...

Little Wandering Wren said...

I blog because it proves to my family in different parts of the world that I am alive and well...
I blog because I love the freedom of writing and sending a post out into the big wide world and seeing who replies...
I blog to connect with other bloggers, some days I post, some days I just visit...
I blog because I love it...
But some days I love my Twitter more - 140 characters Yippee!!!
Wren x

Sharon said...

I love blogging and am blogging again after a long break during Bill's illness, BUT I am already conflicted about it because I find I just don't have the time. My life is full of activities and friendships and those can't be shoved aside so I can blog. But without the blog, I wouldn't know people like YOU and I so cherish the memories of friends I have met through the blog that I wouldn't know otherwise.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I can keep blogging because I have cut back on the amount of posts I publish and don't drive myself crazy with a deadline. I so enjoy the people I have met thru this medium and would hate to lose this connection.

Vicky Hunt said...

I blog because I enjoy it...it's an online journal of sorts for me. I will never be one of those bloggers with thousands of followers, and sometimes life is too busy to post refularly, but I love it and will keep it up. It's good for my soul...:)Have a blessed day.

Hugs, Vicky

Linda said...

Blogging to me is way much better than FB. Blogging is not dead, however, the English language is dead with all these abbrevations these kids use as is talking face to face. (winnk)--Blessings

Kerin said...

Interesting thought; blogging coming to an end.

Not for me.
I enjoy blogging, and have always loved journaling. For me, this is another form of journaling, and I enjoy it.
Even though I'm not a popular blogger with hundreds and hundreds or thousands of followers, I still love to blog.

I've made great blog friends that I otherwise wouldn't have gotten to know.

Even if not one person read my blog, I would still blog. I plan on publishing my blog into a book for our family also. A reminder of year to year events.

Have you put your blog into book form???

Unknown said...

I blog because I love to write: songs, poems, stories, anything that pops into my head. Writing relieves my stress, lets me interact with others, allows me to keep a running record of where I've been and where I'm yearning to go. Like so many others I plan to publish my blog into a book for family. Just wish I'd been wise enough to save my original blogs. I didn't because I was just learning about computers when I created them.
I will always blog. Hopefully, there will always be somebody to share that with.

Unknown said...

I really love that you wrote about this. Many of the monster bloggers that I started off with 9 years ago have tapered off and only do pinterest and instagram these days. I have found for me, blogging is about making like-minded friends and hope that it will continue for a long while...I guess we'll see!
xo Mary Jo

Trout Lures said...

i love blogging so much actually it is my hobby.
Trout Lures Australia

Barb said...

Many of the blog friends I started with have stopped posting. I sometimes take blog breaks to refresh myself, but I like the blog and my blog friends too much to say goodbye right now.

Susie said...

Buttercup, I am so glad you still want to blog...I do too. I just wish I had all your tech knowledge. I type with two fingers.:) I know...stone age. Glad you got some hot pink top...I told you that pink was a good color for you. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Terra said...

Oh Buttercup, let's do continue to blog. I like my blog buddies and my FB friends. My blog automatically posts in my FB feed so that is no extra work. I hope there is a future for blogging.
So many skills like being a typist are simply history, changes are ever faster in this new century.
Hot pink and turquoise, two fabulous colors.

Mevely317 said...

No ... I can't imagine what life would be like w/o blogging and checking in on my buddies!

True, some have mysteriously disappeared - causing me much angst (I'm a Class A worrier) - and others quit commenting altogether a long time ago - leaving me to wonder, "what did I do to offend?". Still, it's wonderfully therapeutic.

All in all, I can't think of another hobby I could pursue half as enjoyable - and often, I get to do it in my 'glad rags' and hair all over the place! :)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, I'm one who has been blogging since 2006--and do see a lot of changes in it...I am one who loves to get to know my blog friends on a personal level--and do have many fantastic friends. Don't know if I'll ever give up blogging totally --but I certainly don't do it as much as I used to.. Many of my friends are like me, no longer blogging regularly... My blog is a 'journal' of sorts and I enjoy writing longer blogs with more photos and explanation than most people want these days. People are SO busy (myself included) --so the popular blogs these days are the very short ones --and all of the memes. Like I said, it's all changed in the past 5 or so years... My future as a blogger: who knows!!! Right now, I still enjoy it--and can't imagine giving it up. I do love Facebook though --which is much easier in a lot of respects...

Hugs,
Betsy

Pondside said...

I can't see stopping my blog, even though I have been able to get to it for nearly a month - life has intruded with a capital 'L' and I have to ride it out. I am so far behind with everything NOT having to do with the house sale! I will, however, be back with renewed vigor when all is settled.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I've posted about this topic several times as well. I believe blogging is an art form that is here to stay. At least with those who enjoy it. It was a fad for a time, and there will always be people who drop a fad. But overall, I think it's here to stay.

Annesphamily said...

I am so addicted to Pinterest but like to chat at Face Book too! I love the blog and won't give it up! My cousin who is a few years younger than me blogs about our heritage. He does it for his own kids and grandkids and nieces and nephews. I love his stories. Enjoy your week!