I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I've been writing this blog for over 5 years and I've seen a lot of blogs come and go. Participation in blog linkups, as well as online link threads, is down. From my own perspective, when I review my stats, my blog views are down. What's going on? Is it worth to keep blogging?
Social media and mobile platforms have taken control. Over the past couple of years, Instagram has exploded, reaching its highest number of users ever. I've noticed a trend of users posting more than a statement with their photos, some even posting race recaps or several paragraphs of dialogue. So while fewer people are blogging, it seems that they've taken their thoughts over to Instagram. With a 2100 word per post limit, you can write a mini-blog post on Instagram.
I get it. Instagram is quick and easy. Everyone is busy and overscheduled. Sitting down and writing a blog post takes preparation and time. Reading blogs? Who's got time for that?
I'm not ready to give it up yet, though. Here are my reasons for sticking with blogging.
I Love to Write. First and foremost, I started my blog because I love to write. Plus, I love to run. It makes sense for me to write about my passion. On the other hand, I don't just want to write about my training and my races. Keeping it interesting can be a challenge. My blog has always been more personal than technical. I might not be everyone's cup of tea. But I keep it real and that is reflected on what you read on my blog. Authenticity is hard to come by these days, but you'll find it here!
Writing is My Therapy. I often say that running is my therapy and that is true. I work a lot of stuff out when I'm pounding the pavement. But I also come up with a lot of material for the blog when I'm out running. As much as I'm loathed to admit it, some of my best blog posts have come from angst or challenges in my personal life. While I've been dealing with the challenges of living and running with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), my readers have stuck by me. I've also attracted a new group of readers, people who are dealing with RA and can relate to my issues.
I Still Have Something to Say. I'm still out there, running and working out. But my disease has given me a whole new perspective on being a runner and an athlete. So has aging and menopause. I enjoy reading and connecting with runners who share some of the same issues I'm struggling with. I try to keep it real on the blog and while my narrative might not be relatable to everyone, writing about it helps me keep my perspective positive, even when I'm not feeling that way.
I Value the Connections I've Made Through Blogging. I'm an aging mother runner and through my blog, I've found my tribe. It's the craziest thing. Who would travel across the country to spend a weekend with someone you've only met through your blog? I've made some wonderful friends here and have had some really good times with them. Blogging keeps me connected with those friends. While some of the women I've met through the blog are no longer writing, we still keep in touch. Kind of like modern-day penpals, right?
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| Just some of the many fun running bloggers I've met through my little corner of the web |
Blogging is Fun. I get to let my hair down in this space and get silly. My irreverent and at times, inappropriate sense of humor comes through in some of my posts, particularly my monthly "Runfessions". You might as well learn to laugh at yourself, because everyone else is, right? I try never to take myself too seriously. Life is so much better that way.
Is blogging dying? 6 Reasons I'm Not Quitting via @oldrunningmom #runchat
Is blogging dying? I don't think so. While there may be fewer bloggers, there will always be a place for quality blogs. I just read a stat that says a marketing trend for 2019 is working with smaller blogs and connecting with their followers. The key will be finding new ways to drive readers to our blogs. Social media is continually evolving and it's dizzying to stay on top of the latest trends. I've seen a lot of bloggers monetize with ads. While I understand the reason for it, as a reader, I find the ads distracting. Plus they slow down my computer. I still believe that if you write good content, readers will come.
For me, my blog will always be my favorite way to express myself. I enjoy blogging and plan on sticking around as long as there is something to say. My blog's not dead yet!
Do you think blogging is dying? Are you a blogger? If so, why do you blog? How do you feel about ads on blogs? Do you think blogging is fun?
I'm linking this post with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.
Next week marks my 10 year anniversary as a blogger. Blogging has absolutely changed over the last decade, but I don't think it's dying. I do think the days of "journal blogging" are slowly going away, because of things like Instagram. It's just quicker, for both the poster and the reader, and everyone has a shorter attention span these days it seems. However, I think that blogging as a source of providing information and experiences, still has it's place. I don't foresee quitting anytime soon either!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that blogging still has it's place. We just have to make sure we change with the times and stay relevant!
DeleteI don't think blogging is dying - there are less blogs, but those who are still blogging are putting out fantastic, frequent content. The short format of Instagram can't beat a longer form blog post, especially for those of us who love to write. Plus, I prefer to head directly over to the blog I want to read rather than rely on IG's algorithm. Keep on writing, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura! 100% agree with you. I enjoy reading blogs so much more than squinting at a long IG post. I will always read the blogs I love, like yours!
DeleteI had no idea there was a word limit on Instagram posts. Who wants to type (and read) that many words in an Instagram post?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading blog posts to get to know people and read about their opinions and experiences. There are a few bloggers that write every single little mundane thing in their life and it gets annoying.
I've been blogging for 7 years now but it is more for fun. I like to write about my race recaps and my experience working on my 50 states goal. I also like to write what I do and use in my running and personal life and maybe others will benefit from them.
I am OK with ads. But too many is also annoying. :-)
I agree with you on the IG posts--but some people do it! I don't have the patience to sit and type on my phone like that. I'd much rather read on the computer!
DeleteLast night I was thinking ... where have all the bloggers gone? That I should write a post about it. There used to big group of run bloggers here in my area and they have all dropped off. I've been blogging for 15 years. My blog has changed over the years (from teaching in Korea to being a runner). I am not giving up either :)
ReplyDeleteI've been having those same thoughts! I'm hoping that the good bloggers will stick around.
DeleteBlogging isn't dying. Too many ads on a blog or anywhere is annoying. I think people read but fail to leave a comment to let the writer know they read the blog. I do think our attention spans are getting shorter from all our time hoping around from one site to the next on the net. As long you keep writing I will keep reading and try to be better at leaving a comment.
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to leave a comment! I can see how many people read my blog--so even if there aren't a lot of comments, the views are tracked. Thanks for sticking with me!
DeleteI've often thought about this. While I don't think that blogging is dying, I do question myself if I'll still be blogging in 5 years. While I do love it, it does take up a lot of time.
ReplyDeleteI actually hate the IG posts with the super long captions - I usually skip them. I know that's mean but I don't want to stare at my phone that long to read a race review, lol.
You aren't kidding that it takes a lot of time. Definitely a labor of love. But that's why I'm going back to writing more personal posts than technical. I'll never be one of the "big bloggers" but I like my little community here and that's what counts.
DeleteHeck no blogging isn't dying! Constantly evolving yes, dying no. I personally cannot stand social media but love reading blogs and get so much out of writing mine. I don't have ads on my blog because I don't think the number of page views I get would make it worthwhile AND I don't enjoy seeing ads on other people's blogs for the reasons you mention...Adblock makes the internet a much more enjoyable place;-) But at the same time, I don't hold it against any blogger who uses adds or writes sponsored posts...if you can make money doing something that you love, you should by all means go for it.
ReplyDeleteMy son told me I need to get Adblock. And as you can tell, I'm not opposed to writing product reviews but I try to integrate them into interesting content.
DeleteI was thinking this same thing! I agree with Heather about the "Journaling" bloggers. Although I have a few where I enjoy reading their Day to Day activities, I just dont have time to read more than a handful. I think people will stick with their "tribe" but other than that, I think people are going to read blogs where they are learning something or have an interest. I think people continue to click on blogs through Pinterest for that reason.
ReplyDeleteInstagram on the other hand is so much easier to interact with. You dont have to take the time to leave a comment if you dont want to yet you can show your love by simply tapping the heart icon. I am a journalist by trade so although I have slowed down with blogging, I hope I dont lose the passion altogether. Thanks for the insight Wendy!
I hope you don't lose the passion for blogging either! I like IG for the pictures, but I don't like to read a blog post there!
DeleteI agree. I would never write an entire blog post on IG and I rarely read those who write all that much...lol
DeleteTyping that much on my phone would make me crazy!
DeleteMany of those I've met in person, I've only met because they blogged. I've been at it for over 10 years. Of course, I've thought of quitting. What do I have left to say. Who cares what I say. But I think I will keep at it. Basically because of the connections I may make in the future.
ReplyDeleteI takes up time and I don't really have the time but I can write posts ahead of time and schedule them. I enjoy reading race reviews and learn a lot from others. I value the support that I get from comments.
Don't stop!!! But I will understand if you and others do.
Obviously a lot of people care what you say because you have been writing for a long time!
DeleteI don't think it's dying, but yes, I do think more and more people are more active on social media, which is where I blow hot & cold. Life happens, and mostly I'd actually rather write a blog post. Seriously, I could've written this post & I agree with all your points!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I've been thinking about doing some "I Tried It" posts myself recently -- maybe I got the idea from your blog? I thought I was being original. :)
Maybe you were and just came up with at the same time as me! I like the "I Tried It" feature because it doesn't take up a whole post. I really don't think people like reading product reviews as a stand alone post.
DeleteAll great reasons to keep on keeping on. Even though we've never met, I value the friendship we've developed over the years through your blog posts (and facebook as well), our common interests, and love of writing. I, too, write to work out issues, so I get it. Having a venue to share when it's virtually impossible to publish traditionally is a gift.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a personal blog but manager my book club's. It's open to the public, and although almost no one reads it, including book club members (WTF?) I enjoy writing it.
I am among those who believe there will always be a place for bloggers. Please don't go! (As my six-year-oldgrand-daughter would say, "I was just a-kiddin." I know you're not going anywhere.
That's ok, Connie, I have my "virtual" running book club on Goodreads and NO ONE reads what I write there...lol.
DeleteInteresting topic. I have noticed some link ups have gone away and its a little harder to get participation. But mainly I blog for myself and not others although I do enjoy interacting with readers. My blog was for me to keep track of my training and to motivate me to keep going so as long as it does that I will continue to write!
ReplyDeleteI started blogging just to write but it's been fun to be part of the running blogger community. I don't want that to go away.
DeleteKeep going! Let’s race one day!
ReplyDeleteSounds good!
DeleteI'm new to the running world - 40 year old mom with 2 young kids - and just discovered your blog. I love reading blogs on my breaks at work and will keep on reading as long as you're posting :).
ReplyDeleteI'm not going anywhere right now--as long as people want to read it, I'll write. I started out reading running blogs too! It's a slippery slope...but a wonderful community.
DeleteIt does feel like there are fewer blogs and there have been several blogs I used to enjoy reading that aren't updating any more :( But I agree that I have my own reasons that I enjoy blogging (and reading blogs) and want to keep going on!
ReplyDeleteThere have been a few big holes in the running blogging world, haven't there?
DeleteBlogging had definitely ebbed in the nearly 11 years that I've been blogging - I do miss some of the bloggers but totally understand why they stopped writing. As for me, I think because I started a schedule of posts early on, I do OK with warding off burnout most of the time. Like you, I enjoy writing. Instagram does not do that for me and I actually won't read long captions there - it's more of a scroll through pictures thing for me. I suspect blogging will always be around.
ReplyDeleteI do understand why people stop but for me, it's an outlet.
DeleteI love your blog and would hate to see it go away. It's great content and very well written. Some, I have to say, just go on and on with way too much detail. My blog is not very consistent but I like doing it. It's just a hobby for me so when I have the time. I do not like to read long post on IG. If there is more than a couple of sentences, I move on. Glad that you are planning on sticking around for a while!!!
ReplyDeleteI have such a short attention span that if someone goes into a lot of detail, I just start to glaze over. So that's why I write like I do! Thanks for reading!
DeleteI can't remember if we had this conversation in a comment on your blog, or if Darlene and I talked about it -- or both. Someone also asked recently about how long we'd been blogging. I think that was Deb on her anniversary post? I started "blogging" when I lived in Japan in 2001 -- but running is the longest I've stuck with it. It's a helpful training tool for me.
ReplyDeleteI think blogging has been "dying" as long as it has been around. Facebook/Instagram/Tumblr are the next best thing, but then we all seem to keep coming back. I think the primary reason for that is that blogging provides opportunities that the others don't in the same way. While I enjoy people's running photos on Insta, I don't get to know them the same way I do in long form writing. Same reason LiveJournal was such a source for "internet friends"
It's funny the parallel you draw to Instagram-one of the reasons I turned to instagram around the 2016 election was the lack of words. I could enjoy people's photos and have a respite from the incessant arguing
I may have brought this up before? I'm not sure. You know I have major short term memory issues...
DeleteI was wondering if there were fewer bloggers or more bloggers so more competition. Anyway, I am not ready to give it up yet either. As you say, it's great therapy and I have made some amazing connections and friendships that I hope will way outlast my blog.
ReplyDeleteExactly. What a great reward!
DeleteGreat post! I started my blog because I enjoy reading race recaps before running a new race and I thought why not write recaps of my own. I really enjoyed participating in the weekly wrap link up with Holly and Tricia and making new connections with people like you. Grad school has taken priority lately, but I hope to get caught up with blogging after graduation in May.
ReplyDeleteDebra "Happy Running Sole"
I hope that on one of my trips to visit Holly that you and I will get to meet!
DeleteI started blogging 10 years ago about showing my dogs in dog agility. I started for two reasons, one for my mental sanity and to remember how the long weekends went for later and two for my mom who lived 9 hours away. I have had various blogs over the years but LOVE blogging and probably won't stop anytime soon. I think maybe 10 people read it weekly, mostly my mom and my BRF and friends but I love doing it for me more than anything. My dream would be to some how be an ambassador to the dog products I like and share on my blog but I just can't seem to get into that world yet!
ReplyDeleteI started out writing a medical blog but there is a gray area with that and so I stopped. I was reading running blogs and I thought that I had something to offer. This blog has way surpassed any expectations I had when starting out!
DeleteI go back and forth on this and definitely do more with Instagram than I used to. I do way more product reviews and giveaways than I used to b/c that's what drives traffic and interaction for me. I like to do thought posts and link ups, too. I enjoy going back to some of my old content for my own purposes. I still enjoy writing and interacting with other bloggers, readers and brands. As long as that's true, I'll keep going to some extent.
ReplyDeleteI also go back and forth on this. I have loved the opportunities that blogging has brought my way--I still do! But it seems like a lot of brands want the curated feeds and huge followers on social media, which I will never get. I have a lot of feelings on that topic! I hope that what I read is true and that brands are looking at smaller bloggers. We're real and we're spectacular!
DeleteI love reading blogs! I am not a blogger, and I am always sad when a blogger I follow decides to stop. About the ads--while I understand that bloggers should be compensated for their work, I hate when I get the "this website is slowing your computer's performance" pop-up on certain blogs that I read.....it hasn't deterred me from reading those blogs just yet, though!
ReplyDeleteI still love reading blogs too! Glad you are still reading mine!
DeleteWendy, I love reading your blog! I look forward to your posts. So glad you are not going to stop blogging. Making new friends has been one of the most surprising and welcome aspects of blogging for me. I never realized how social blogging was before I started blogging.
ReplyDeleteI have never been on Instagram. I am on Twitter and FB. Maybe I will have to give IG a try.
I agree with you on the surprising social aspect of blogging! It's like a small little community. I do love real life meetups!
DeleteI, for one, am glad that you plan to continue blogging! I really don't think that blogging is dying, it evolving though. I'm currently feeling somewhat burned out, but that happens to me this time of year when I'm really busy at work and have to scramble to post, share, and respond.
ReplyDeleteI stepped back a bit this year because the WW took a lot of time--I'm looking forward to getting back to just writing and reading.
DeleteYou are such a talented writer and I love reading your posts! I am so glad you are sticking with it and many of your reasons why resonate with me. I have so many things to say about Instagram and the explosion there and "micro blogging" on that platform. I am wondering...hoping...it is a wave to ride for now and that full length blog posts will hold more value, etc. Anyway, I could go on & on & on.... Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this and I look forward to reading your posts for years to come! xo
ReplyDeleteI love that term "micro blogging". I hadn't heard it before but it sure fits what's happening on IG.
DeleteI’ve only been blogging for a couple of years but I am so happy I found this group of bloggers. I haven’t been linking up lately because I feel like I’m taking the easy way out and not coming up with my own ideas and content. I probably need to get over that and just follow along with the group links.
ReplyDeleteDon’t stop blogging. I enjoy reading your stuff.
I don’t like a lot of ads and usually avoid those blogs.
Yes, you need to get over it! I love what you write and your posts are always so interesting!
DeleteI love this and I really appreciate your honesty - that's what I've been trying to do with my running posts on my blog and I find it very valuable reading about other people's struggles as well as their triumphs. I'm not stopping any time soon. My professional blog's figures went down when I had a break from blogging on it and I'm looking into what happens now I've started up again ...
ReplyDeleteI, for one, am so glad to have found you through the Runner's Bookshelf. I love your perspective and I hope you keep writing about running!
DeleteI don’t plan on stopping anytime soon either, for all the reasons that you listed as well!
ReplyDeleteI just don't know how you find the time to do it, but I'm glad you do!
DeleteAs I approach my 10 year blog anniversary I've been wondering the same thing. And, while my blogging has slowed down recently I realize that I'm not ready to give it up for many of the reasons you've mentioned.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes while I enjoy IG for the photos I'm not loving the trend of long captions either.
I'm glad you're planning to continue writing. I love your blog and am so glad we've been able to connect!
i am so glad we were able to meet last summer and I'm looking forward to a reunion this year! <3
DeleteGlad you aren't stopping! It is fun, I enjoy peeking into other peoples lives through their blogs as well as sharing with mine. For me it keeps me honest about what I'm up to and how I'm feeling and sometimes to process an event. I started following you through a friend, but once I got my Lupus diagnosis, you are a source of inspiration for me to keep going or for me to think, what would Wendy do? She'd do her best! Thank you for opening up your life and your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHaha--I can't imagine anyone asking themselves what I'd do but I appreciate the support! I do find a lot of inspiration from other blogs and I totally get what you are saying.
DeleteI am not quitting either and hope you don't. I love to write which is the main reason why I blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm not planning on quitting--but I've had to do a lot of rethinking about what I'm doing here! I definitely am planning on returning to why I started writing in the first place...to share my love for running.
DeleteWow! You have a ton of responses already to this. I don't think blogging is dying but I do think that the idea of the blogging journal is kind of outdated at least in the fitness world. Microblogging on Facebook and Instagram has definitely shifted the landscape a lot. But Instagram and Facebook aren't great archives of information ... yet. So blogging still has a place to answer the age old question of "how do I do this?"
ReplyDeleteI knew this was going to be a hot topic but I wasn't expecting all the responses to the post! Clearly, a lot of us have been thinking about this. But you are right, blogging is still the best way to digest information. Moving ahead, bloggers need to find a way to stay relevant.
DeleteI have struggled with what to do with my blog over the last year but one of the reasons that I don't want to is because of the connections I have made. It is SO nice to be able to connect with people outside of the world we live in IRL. I will continue to post at least once a week but won't beat myself up if I can't. I want do to it and keep it genuine...not forced.
ReplyDeleteI feel the exact same way!
DeleteI can relate to so much of this -- while I love instagram I will forever love blogging more. For starters the fact that I own the website and am not relying on someone else's algorithm. Also I love to write and find blogging to be the better space to do that writing.
ReplyDeletehttp://kaylainthecity.com
I can't imagine sitting and typing my thoughts while hunched over my tiny phone keyboard! There's something about the big screen and the ability to sit back and think while I write.
DeleteI have had various blogs over about a decade,and blogging is definitely less active now. I don't think anyone I followed when I started is still writing. I see blogs start up and then fade away. My traffic is light. But I enjoy it, and there are people I know only through their blogs who I enjoy interacting with, so I will keep writing!
ReplyDeleteYou and me both!
DeleteI love this post so much. I agree that blogging is becoming a lost art, but I think it's way better than Instagram. For we writers who like to take the time to organize our thought and dig deeply into something, there is no better way to do it than with a blog! Keep on blogging Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI much prefer reading thoughts on a blog than on instagram or Facebook.
DeleteI love this post! But more than that, I needed this post! Since the beginning of the year I have been struggling with whether or not to "kill" my blog. I continue to hear that blogging is dying especially the way I like to blog (sharing my journey, fun things, race recaps). However, I have felt like something has been missing since I stopped consistently writing posts. You post made me realize that I don't care what my numbers are but that I am getting value from it. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteYes! I was considering giving up the blog too, which is where this post came from. But I just love writing and for the same reasons as you, am going to keep going.
DeleteI, too, think of great ideas for blog posts while I'm out running (when I wasn't injured), but would completely forget what the idea was by the time I got home. I'm not kidding!
ReplyDeleteI hope blogging isn't a dying art and I'm glad you're sticking with it, so am I!