I just came within a few minutes of deleting this blog. Of deleting my Twitter and Facebook accounts. I am truly still contemplating it. Would I have regretted it? I don’t know. Maybe. Probably.
I need a break. I’m taking a break before I do something that I’ll regret.
I’m tired. Tired of the constant drama. Tired of reading about branding and SEO’s and why I need to do this a certain way. Tired of watching the same trolls treat people like crap. The same dam trolls who ran off friends of mine, four years ago, are still terrorizing people. Just for kicks.
Tired of hearing about what people are selling or getting for free, instead of them sharing about their lives. Tired of contests that people never actually win on Twitter. I’m tired of writing a post and having it basically re-said somewhere else, by someone bigger and then watching everyone sing that persons praises for a week. I’m tired of caring about stuff like that. I shouldn’t care. But I do. I’m know that I’m a little bity nothing in the community. However, I wonder what it is about me that makes me un-linkable. I mean, sure write basically the same thing I did. Fine. But at least link to me. I know that I shouldn’t care. Heck, I like the person. It’s not the first time. In fact, it’s not even the first time in the past month.
I used to not care when this happened. I always say, I do this for me. I do this because I love it. Right now? I don’t love it. Right now, it’s not fun. I’m over all the drama. I don’t do this for money, I don’t care if I get free stuff. I promise, I don’t. But I do think that the blogging world has changed a lot in the past few years and maybe…maybe I just don’t belong in it anymore.
I used to love this space. I used to love coming here and writing. I loved reading what everyone else wrote. It seems like a big group of people who I used to talk too, who used to blog frequently are now barley around. People get busy, people get bored. It’s okay, it’s life. But right now, I am just not sure that I belong.
I’m sure I sound like a big ole hypocrite whiner. I guess if you’d like to call me that, you can. I’m sure I deserve it.
I’m going to take a break. Maybe a week. Maybe longer. I have two full time jobs to do next week and kids who are on spring break. That’s only part of the reason. Mostly I need to decide once and for all, to not care. To write because I want too, not because I care if people comment. To be truly okay with who I am in this community. To remember what it was that I loved about this. Until then? I’ll be taking a break.
*I’ve gone back and forth for ten minutes on closing comments. I am not, only because it makes me crazy when people do that.
i understand. i have felt the same. enjoy your time away! hopefully you decide to come back here!
if you keep writing, i will keep reading.
Sara´s last blog ..Breathe
Im sorry friend. I will miss you. Perhaps I should finally get around to sending you that package. I hope it will make you smile.
If you ever need to talk
But Why Mommy´s last blog ..Blink
I know. I hope you can find a way to write for you again. People rarely comment on my ramblings, but I still do it because I feel better getting the words out of my head. I have one blog that I write only for my kids. Then I have one that addresses all the things that isn’t about them or that they don’t need to read. I don’t brand. I don’t know who checks it. I just know that I share it because sometimes it’s nice to know that other people share our struggles. Hugs to you, mama. Enjoy your kids.
Sorry you’re feeling the way you’re feeling. I’ve been feeling it for some time, but in a totally different aspect. I’ve been mostly away from Twitter for over a week and it’s been so freeing…no one notices when I’m away, which hurts, but in a way it’s good.
If you keep writing we’ll keep reading. Hope things turn around soon.
AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Busted…
I’ve reeeeeally cut down my Twitter usage as of late because sometimes (not counting those I am closest to and talk to regularly online) it is just so much damn NOISE. I keep a small circle in real life because I hate drama and like simplicity and quiet and calm. Why would I then invite in all this other chaos?!? It was starting to not make very much sense. So I’ve been focusing on FB more, because that’s where my true friends are gathered (including those I’ve made online!) and it’s a smaller, move lovely and drama-free zone! (And I can still keep up with you there as long as you are still there!)
xoxoxo
Sorry you feel this way. I seem to have missed something major this week. Yours is not the first post of this nature I have read. I am sad to see it. My blog is not big enough to catch anyone’s attention. I certainly don’t have a brand. I don’t even have a paid ad. And there have been many times where I have wondered, why not. Why am I not as popular as so and so. But honestly, I have decided not to give a shit. I blog what I blog. My friends, new and old, read and respond and that’s enough for me.
I’ll miss your posts. You are an excellent writer.
drlori71´s last blog ..The Book of World Records
Sorry you are feeling so disconnected and frustrated. Sometimes a break can be a magical thing. I hope taking a break helps you find your way back to loving blogging again.
We’ll miss you and be here waiting for you whenever you are ready to return.
Lisa´s last blog ..Entertaining Her Stuff Animals
It seems there’s been a lot of bloggy talk the past few weeks. Every day I’m reading 5 new posts saying just about the same thing. For better or worse. Because what they say, it’s not me. I just want to write. But it’s hard to keep going at this when your heart isn’t in it. I hope you find your back soon.
C @ Kid Things´s last blog ..Feet First
Taking a break is a good thing. We all need a break from certain things in our lives every now and again. I hope you can get to the place where you don’t care, and just write because you love it – and I love reading it!
Oh, what is an SEO? See, maybe this is what keeps me from caring…I don’t pay much attention to what’s going on in the wide world of blogging.
Kari´s last blog ..Toothbrushing Scare Tactics
Issa, I’m so sorry about what’s happening. I am still in my “innocent” blogging days I guess, because I haven’t encountered any of this yet, nor do I understand it, but I like you so much for your honesty and truly appreciate what you write. I don’t read too many blogs because I just don’t have the time, but I only read those who touch me on a personal level and from whom I can learn something. My writing is therapeutic -I’ve never had ads on my blog and honestly prefer the small handful that read it to stay like that.
You know you can always email me about what we are both walking right now and I know most days the drama in my own life doesn’t have space for the drama outside of it, so protect yourself as much as you need to.
I will continue to support you in any way I can during this really difficult time. Be gentle with yourself – you have so much on your plate and so many people truly have no idea of what this is like.
Hugs and support – irishsamom@msn.com or email me on fb if you need an ear.
Love, Tricia xx
Tricia (irishsamom)´s last blog ..Singleness of Purpose
I’m sure I’ll get some shit for this, but I don’t care. I don’t understand blogging for money, for traffic, for revenue. I only understand blogging for the love of writing. I know so many people scoff and say blogging isn’t “real” writing. To them, I say “go to hell”. It is real writing. And like anything else, if there is no heart and soul to it, it’s worthless.
Take a break. Find your perspective. And for god’s sake, tell me who is basically plagiarizing you so I can Keeeel them!
avasmommy´s last blog ..Why My Future Grandchild has a Yellow Lump on Her Head
I just found your site and I am sorry to see you are leaving. I feel so out of touch with the blogging world. I have written a blog for over a year (everyday) and am just now stumbling into this big wide world of blogs.
I have been lucky I guess to not have any drama but I do hope you come back. In the end writing is what we do. It is who we are. Plus, it sounds like people will miss you.
I will now start reading your old posts so I can add my name to the list.
I get it. Totally. I am so sick of the branding, the “do this and you’ll be bigger”, “gno” hashtags and all the others. I almost sold my BlogHer ticket today, but a friend begged me to go, not for the branding or the posturing or the speeches, but for the friendship. Thankfully, I still have that.
I did get rid of all the advertising on my site which makes me feel a little less beholding to “do” anything in a certain way. I have been posting way too many photos with little text lately, but then I figure, this is my space. I’ll do with it what I want and if people still stop by to say hey, I’m ok with that.
Don’t disappear. Take a break, don’t read anyone else, just chill and wait for the words to come to you. If they do, great. If not, that’s ok too. But, hell, I’d miss you if you deleted!
Fairly Odd Mother´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Fun with Shufflebooks
Breaks are good. Taking a big step back is good. Reevaluating is good.
Whether you come back or not…do what is best for you. If you want to talk, you know where to find me. I’ve done the stepping back and reevaluating. I get it. Hugs.
Allyson´s last blog ..Him
It’s weird, because I have NO IDEA what you are talking about. It’s like I’m in a totally different blogosphere.
Antropologa´s last blog ..In just the last few days
I support you 100% and I hope you accept my apology for holding contests. I only do them if I can integrate it into something about my actual life, because honestly right now after being unemployed for 14 months, there isn’t a whole helluva lot going on to write about otherwise. And I am sorry that I enter those dumb contests on twitter, but I do because I hope that someday my luck will change and I will win and I have so little I covet those little gifts. And I am sorry for others not treating you with the love and respect you deserve.
I care about you. If I can change something, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Vixen´s last blog ..Fire burn, and caldron bubble
I’ll miss you. You’re a huge, huge part of what I love online. Take a break; but hurry back, okay?
anymommy´s last blog ..Mirror, Mirror
I’m a relatively new reader with not too much to say other than I hope you come back soon. I’m always happy to see you pop into my reader with a new post.
But hey, I’m just a mommyblogger who will never make a dime off of anything I write blogwise and I only have about five people who comment regularly so what do I know about the bigger blogosphere anyway.
I’m pretty well content staying in my corner and tiptoeing into other’s occasionally.
HubeiMama´s last blog ..You’re So Pretty
Issa,
I read you all the time, I rarely comment. My blog is a tiny, tiny little blog in this big bad blogging world, and I can’t even begin to imagine how frustrated you must be to be contemplating deleting….
I Love my blog. I sometimes manage comments, espeically since my daughter passed away, apparently the drama pulls people in, which is ok. I do like being read, I like being heard, but i hope I never, ever, think it’s ok to steal someone elses words. To me, that is like stealing the heart of their post, and the soul of the story. It’s unacceptable. And if it was happening to me, I’d probably delete as well.
Take your break, but do hurry back. I would miss you hugely if you left forever!
Tam´s last blog ..It was all going so well,
You must do what’s right for you, but I would definitely miss you. Please don’t go
x
Sandy´s last blog ..Eloise
Issa—
I am so proud of you for standing up and saying the things that no one else would have the balls to say.
I agree. And I adore you. No matter what you do. Ever.
Heather´s last blog ..An Update–and a Plea for Help!
Dude, it really sucks that people’s actions are making you want to leave this place. But it sucks more that people are stealing your stuff.
Chag´s last blog ..These Children Terrify Me
I love you lots (was going to say long time…but you know I wouldn’t want to give anyone ideas…LOL)
I so get what you mean and I totally understand.
xo babe, xo!
Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Flashback Friday-The Closet Edition
I will hunt you down and kick your ass if you quit. Take a break. We all need one (just learned that myself) but pretty please, with a cherry on top don’t quit!!!???
Headless Mom´s last blog ..Wordless Friday-Quiz #3
I am sorry, Issa. I will miss your voice, and I shall wait until (if) you come back.
And FYI, as unplugged as I am in this world, I have been actively deleting from my reader some (most?) of the drama that seems to continuously percolate. I am sure that they are lovely people, one on one, but I don’t want to get sucked into their drama any more. I don’t blame you for avoiding more drama, yourself. I hope you find some peace on your break.
And plagiarism is just WRONG.
I am sorry that it happens to you.
It’s the semi-annual “I’m just going to quit this shit” cycle. I think every blogger goes through it.
I love your blog & think you’re great and trolls can suckit.
Suebob´s last blog ..What is next? A plague of frogs?
I always seem to miss the blog drama. THANK GOD. I have enough in my own life and I really don’t like drama at all.
TAke care of yourself. You have a lot on your plate and if blogging isn’t helping but HURTING you? Then it’s definitely time for a break. Hope I still get to talk to you, though.
tracey´s last blog ..The Visitors
WORD. I *totally* get what you’re saying and even what you’re referencing and I feel like yelling ME TOO! at my computer screen while I read this. On several counts.
However… I don’t think it’s grounds for deleting your blog or accounts. Maybe purging some people you follow? Not clicking on their blogs and giving them the attention THEY SO NEED RIGHT NOW ZOMG LISTEN TO ME BITCH WHILE I GET HUGE HITS? Yes. Sure. Absolutely. I don’t think you’re the only one sick of this.
But guess what… I don’t read them… I read you. I don’t write for them, I don’t even try to get their attention on Twitter (they’re too good to reply back to little ol’ me) or request their pretend friendship on Facebook to make THEM look popular. (LOOK AT ALL MY FANS! OMG!) *eyeroll* And I don’t care to hang with them at conferences and such.
Personally, I’d rather have just a few great friends than be One of Them.
Undomestic Diva´s last blog ..Friday Flashback (Otherwise known as embarrassing photos of myself posted on the internet)
I have been lurking on your blog for months now. I don’t go a weekday usually without checking in with how you are holding up with all the stress you are under. I just want you to know that there is someone in Indiana who cares about your and thinks about you and your kids often.
Being a true little-beyond-little blog, I have no idea exactly to what you are referring, however, I get the gist. That sucks. As for me, I only follow bloggers who don’t sell their wares or at least do not make it painfully obvious that they do so. That bores me. What does NOT bore me, is reading insightful, witty and generally entertaining blogs like yours. So, don’t leave. M’k? Thanks.
; )
Susan @ Sassafrassery´s last blog ..See you soon
i’m so outta the loop on all this but i totally agree with you. just don’t leave ok?
Becky´s last blog ..Wordless Monday
As you know, several months ago I quit the Twitter and FB, and I can honestly say that I miss a lot of things about them, but the one thing I don’t miss, is the DRAMA! I did find out truly the people who really there to talk to me, and I email them off and on. If you decide to leave your blog space, please know you will be missed a TON! I to have very minimal readers, however I do it for the same reasons, just to put it out there, and for my family across the US to see. Hugs to you my friend!