I’ve been blogging for a little over eight months. I started with one post a month, so really only four months. It’s official. I’m addicted. I’m reading, um yeah, a lot of blogs now. Just ask Matt. He’ll tell you that it’s too many. He’ll also tell you that he needs his own computer. Imagine it with much eye rolling and you’ll get the picture.
(Matt is my husband. I’m leaving the HSSH nickname behind. It’s annoying because it’s hard to type. It requires shift. Matt is his real name, although I call him Tom. Matt is too biblical. [What movie for five points? Here's the tally. Aunt Dee - 10 points, Ryan - 5 points, Megan, Renee and Insta-mom - 2 points, rest of the universe - O points.])
Every thing bloggy still seems shaded in a warm, rosy red. I know that’s not how it is all the time. Even with the rose-colored shades, I suffer from my share of blog-related angst that I stress about in the wee hours of the morning. Stressing at other times leads to pointless relationship strife. He has two answers. “Um, don’t do it,” and, “oh, wait, I can solve this problem, um, DON’T DO IT.” I’m going to share here, where I might find a mediocum of sympathy.
A few weeks ago, Nissa, an interfriend (new word) of a friend (also, my top nomination for most needs to start her own blog award) left a really sweet comment. I reply-commented (another new word, urban dictionary here I come) that she was giving me a big head. At 2:00 a.m. the next morning, suffering from insomnia, I thought of her comment and my response and I broke out in a cold sweat. I had never said what was utterly obvious to me, “uh, no. No. Not me. I’ve never been smart or funny, let alone smarter or funnier than someone else.” I stressed as only I can stress at 2:00 a.m. I sounded horrific! What a twit.
By the light of day, I went into the comments to re-respond and then I thought, “you dork, get over yourself. NO ONE CARES. No one is going back to old comments to see if you are a twit or not. They already know you are a twit.” (As long as we’re here, Nissa, I’m absolutely not any of those ‘ers’ except the one about having more children than you, which you know, some would not exactly call a badge of honor. Some might even suggest that if I were smarter, I might be able to prevent their continued appearance.)
My stress did make my twit self think about my blog vibe. People I’ve never met read about me here and form a picture of my me-ness. Do I seem friendly, cold, warm, obnoxious, sweet? When I tease my sister Dee or my brother-in-law Ryan, does it read as fun snark, or just meanness? (Wait. You do know that Ryan is completely serious when he calls me Internetgeniusmommy. Because, I am.) Some blogs I read are so warm and welcoming. I’ve visited a blog and been instantly drawn into the writer’s story and personality. I wondered what initial vibe I give.
Then, I read something that made my blood run cold again. A blogger mentioned that she feels obligated to comment on some blogs because they comment on her blog. Another sleepless night. Seriously? I’m a commenter. I figure, I took the time to read the post, I at least want to say that I was there. At times, I have nothing to say or I’m in a hurry, but I comment often. Obviously, because every thing applies to me, I thought, “oh, for the love of god, here I was enjoying the feedback on my writing and thinking I was part of a community with interfriends and I’ll be bushwacked if it doesn’t turn out that I’m just inadvertently guilting people into coming here with my free-commenting ways.”
Here it is, your official absolution. Do Not Do That. I don’t mind. (Gulp. She says with fear of never receiving another comment.) I’ll still comment. I like it. It’s what makes me part of something instead of just yapping to my own damn self. Plus, I feel silly reading someone’s thoughts and then just leaving. I’ll comment when I want to comment and you do the same. Deal? Pinky swear?
I truly enjoy the blogs I visit for tons of different reasons. (Disclaimer! These categories overlap and are not mutually exclusive.) Some, like Cribcronicles, Hey You! Remember Me?!, Citizen of the Month, Thursday Drive, and While the Baby Sleeps have particularly beautiful and insightful writing. Some of my favorites mix great writing and sarcastic humor – The Bloggess, Black Hockey Jesus (although, I still think he rode the fast train to fame clinging to Backpacking Dad’s coattails. Way to capitalize on name recognition. BHJ – BPD, black, back, you see what I mean.), Baby on Bored, Motherhood in NYC. Some inspire fascinating discussion like More Than a Minivan Mom. Others, like Harvard to Homemaker and I’m A Smart One have particularly compelling stories. Penny Carnival and The Z Life are soothing to visit, like a professionally decorated house or a relaxing trip to the spa. Funny Girl, But Why Mommy and You’re Gonna Miss This are adoptive moms that make me feel less alone. Some, like AMomTwoBoys and Mama Ginger Tree are just fun and make me laugh out loud. So many are becoming friends. (Disclaimer #2! This is not even close to all of the blogs I read, or love. I’m just overwhelmed and weary of linking.)
On the other hand, blogging is supposed to be a break from my small children, not an excuse to let them be raised by wolves. (Or television. I would actually prefer a wolf to TV – nature, diversity, ecological awareness, survival instinct.) There is a limit to the amount of blogs I can follow, which makes me sad. On a marginally related rant, it bothers me that blogger doesn’t save the email of everyone who comments. I’ve read that there’s a “plug in” that requires an email to comment, but that’s over my head. To me, “plug in” is what you do to make your vacuum cleaner run. And I’m Internetgeniusmommy, so if I can’t figure it out, it can’t be done.
Speaking of comments, I suffer from another bloggy angst related affliction. Commenter’s remorse. It’s relentless and it can strike at any time. I was so glad when Robin posted two comments in one day because she was afraid the first one might be taken wrong. Then, Marinka emailed me to see if a tweet (if you don’t know you don’t want to know) had offended. I heart you girls. I felt so validated in my commenter’s remorse.
Want to know a secret? There is a very popular blog that I will not go back to because I left this asinine comment that made me sound like I was twelve. It wasn’t mean or even rude, it was just dumb. Cringing right now dumb. I read her blog in my reader and I plan to keep it that way. It’s too bad because she’s an excellent writer and her comments often have interesting discussions. I’d like to follow her on twitter because most twitterers do and I read a lot of one-sided conversations not following her, but I won’t. I don’t want to give her a reason to remember my existence.
My final source of angst is blogrolls (for non-bloggers, those lists of blogs that you read in the sidebar.) I can’t do it. Don’t get me wrong, I like them. It’s so much fun to visit a blog that I enjoy reading and see my name listed. I feel all warm and fuzzy to know that someone I’ve never met enjoys reading what I write. I’ve started one several times, but if I list everyone I read, it’s way too long and if I don’t, well, I just feel icky. Which is silly. While it’s fun to see myself listed, it doesn’t stop me from reading a blog if I’m not. It doesn’t even make me feel bad – I respect that a lot of you just say, this is who I recommend, period. I wish I could be like that. But, I’m not. The idea of listing some and not others, even with valid reasons, bugs me. Can’t do it. It’s a wishy washy aspect of my personality that I’m not fond of, but there it is.
That’s why I started the post of the week, to link to writing that I love, or that struck me as insightful, or funny. Perfect. Problem is, it’s up for a week, and then it’s gone. Too quick. I want something more.
We’ve been playing a movie quote game for a while in Anyland. I throw a marginally relevant movie quote (or song) into a post and the first one to identity it gets five points. Towards what you ask? Towards nothing, wiseass. This is not Delta Airlines. You’re not working towards a free round trip ticket any where we fly on Tuesdays when the moon is blue and no one else wants to travel, so long as you sit by the bathroom and pay $100 in miscellaneous fees and agree to change planes in Chicago and Atlanta on your way from Seattle to Los Angeles. NO. You get nothing but the pleasure of beating out any other readers I might have and showing me your breathtaking trivia knowledge.
But, I hear you protest, you need recognition. Fame. Glory. Your hard earned points up in lights. Look hither, my trivia spouting friends. It was all worth it now, wasn’t it? (Hint, quote game tally, in the sidebar ——>)
(Points will be awarded completely arbitrarily and without regard to any rules whatsoever on Tuesdays when the moon is full. Play is voluntary. The operator of the Movie Trivia Game accepts no liability for any damages, real or virtual, sustained in your participation in this game. The operator reserves the right to ban any one from play at any time without valid reason. Play at your own risk. All rights reserved. Not valid where prohibited. Must be 21 or older to play. Complaints can be registered with customer service and they will be responded to most likely never in Hindi or Bangladeshi. For English, press ten. [This one goes to eleven. Movie?])
The game tally is a thing of beauty because it solves my blogroll problem while giving credit where credit is due. Brilliant. Genius, your other name is Anymommy. Plus, I don’t control it. How beautiful is that? I make no value judgments, follow no moral compass, nothing can be pinned back to me. It’s all on you and your quick commenting and your trivia retention. It’s like I’m a politician. It’s fun. Maybe I’ll run for president so I can appear on the cover of the New Yorker with a yellow Star of David tattooed on my forehead. Digression.
So, come on, bloggers of my heart. Get guessing so that I can add you to my blogroll, uh I mean movie quote contest. There’s a new one way up there in the first paragraph of this ridiculously long and self-indulgent post and another just two paragraphs up. But listen, Black Hockey Jesus, Jenny the Bloggess, Citizen Neil and Stefanie (Baby on Bored). Don’t even bother. I declare you disqualified. You can correctly identify movies until the cows come home and I won’t add you. Why? You sob. The cruelty. Do you hate our blogs? Have we wronged you? Oh no, like the rest of the blogging world, I read your blogs with the fanaticism of a stalker. It’s because you have enough hero worship for one lifetime. But mostly, its because you are funnier than me, you are smarter than me and worst of all, you write better than I do. So, no points. None. Childish and petty enough for you? What can I say, it’s my world, you’re all just reading about it.
i’m going to have to get on the ball to earn me some pointless points. or whatever. :)
flattered i got a mention though. if you could see my apartment though, you would definitely NOT compare me to a well decorated home.
p.s. i need to send aunt p an email. could you be so kind as to send me her address?
I am so bad at movie quotes, just rate me at -1,000,000,000 and we’ll call it done.
As for all your blogging angst – I often leave comments I cringe to think back on later. I also strew comments here and there, but then can go awhile with no comments because I don’t have the time. I also wonder what my internet voice/presence is (thoughts?) since I have no clue how I come across… I’m afraid that half the time when I am being sarcastic, it’s being read as serious – and when serious, as sarcastic (or funny, or whatever)… I wonder if I will live up to my blog-pression when I meet people in real life (and yes, I was just following your lead in making up new internet-worthy words ;)
btw, that was a score of negative one million – doing the comment clarification thing here ;)
I love that song Don’t Look Back by Boston and sometimes ya just gotta do that with blogging.
I appreciate it when you stop by and leave comments by me, but I don’t ever think about you not commenting – actually just figured you had your hands full with your little ones and all.
I have been blogging for about a year and a half. I have been really blogging on blogspot since the beginning of the year. I’m still not “comfortable here”, but I left my previous spot because people were not kind in their comments and just got down right nasty and the host – a local TV station did nothing. That being said, if you say something that sounds foolish, it would obviously be a mistake. Just take it in stride and “Don’t Look Back”.
There are no right or wrong answers to blogging.
Love your blog and wish I was as good of a writer as you.
The answer to the movie question is “The Bucket List”. grantinsaipan
GrantinSaipan rocks the movie trivia! That was a hard one. Five points.
There’s still one up for grabs – This one goes to eleven. Anyone? Hint. Mockumentary of a Rockumentary. Now it’s easy.
Zarafa – Well, your blog is aesthetically beautiful like a well decorated home! I’ll email you.
Z – Done. You make the list with negative a million points. You worked in a clarification comment AND made up words. You earned your spot as the worst movie quote player ever.
Wfb – Thank you. Great advice that I should take more often. I’m really sorry you ran into haters. Hope you are enjoying your new home more.
I suck at remembering movie quotes. I recognize them, just can’t put them with the movie.
I also worry about how I’m being ‘read’. It’s hard when you can’t see my face or hear my tone.
Worrying: it’s what I do.
Are all the quotes going to be from movies that have sucked/depressed me in the previews so I didn’t bother seeing? Because I don’t see myself doing very well at that.
I’m still relatively new to blogging, but I’ve had comment remorse. Thank you for giving me the idea that I can have full-fledged angst about it, though, I’ll be sure to put it to good use!
SPINAL TAP!
I can play in my world.
Dysfun mom – As do I. Worry and angst go together.
Marinka – No problem, any time. And, now I have angst about my taste in movies. You already trashed my favorite drink, otherwise known as manna from heaven. I would be glad to put you on the disqualified list, if it will make you feel better.
BHJ – Rebellion!! Dissension!! Anarchy!! Correct though. Impressive, if you missed the hint.
Ok, no fair! I know NOTHING (it seems sometimes) that’s culturally relevant, and I actually recognized the “this one goes to 11″ as being from Spinal Tap. That’ll teach me for taking too long to read your new post, right? ;)
Anyway…
I see you read Kellen’s post today. I totally get how she’s overwhelmed and feels like she’s not following etitquette, etc. But I read blogs because I like them. I don’t read them because someone does or doesn’t comment on my blog. Or does or doesn’t list me in their blogrolls (I don’t have one either…).
I comment on many posts I read, but there are posts I read where I don’t feel like I have anything to contribute or add (obviously this is NOT! one of those) and I don’t post. I was never one of those kids in school who had to answer just so my voice was heard.
I’ve made comments before where I wish I could rephrase parts or wonder how I come off, but I also figure that what’s done is done and no one will remember it a week from now. And if they do, they’re too judgemental for me to care!
I read your blog because you draw me in. You’re funny and honest and compelling and raw and good in so many ways. It isn’t about you commenting or not commenting on my blog.
Have a drink — and enjoy the bloggy life!
I am really good at trivia, but not as good at movie trivia. I recognized the Bucket List one…but only after the answer was given. *sigh*
Regarding all the bloggy stuff: I can’t say as I worry about all that too much…anymore. I have been doing this a relatively very long time, though, so I’ve pretty much gone through all the stages of blogging and am working my way back through them again. (Someone recently did a great post about those stages, I just don’t recall who at the moment. I can find it if you want to read it.) The anxiety of doing it “right” faded after a while. Heck, I took a year off and it freed me to do pretty much whatever I feel like doing.
Oh, and you are SUCH a lawyer! Your birdseed made my paralegal heart go pitter-patter.
No guilt posting here…Love your stuff. You are warm and fuzzy by my read and so i continue to come back for more. As far as the crunchy goes I rate myself in the middle (I raise my own chickens, compost, buy CF bulbs, grow many of my own fruits and veggies, recycle, use programmable thermostats, buy and eat largely organic/free trade/clean food, have gone vegan for several months at a time more than once and remember to carry my canvas shopping bags) but for some reason my sisters have pigeonholed me into the least crunchy spot because they all deem themselves crunchier. I don’t get how being a hippy, leaving lights on and using the rock make them more crunchy than me, but I choose not to rock the boat. I presume it has to do with having a job and being the stepford crunchy that leaves me in my place. They are all pretty socialist and I married a republican. And even though I throw things at him on election return night I don’t think they have forgiven me for bringing half republicans into the world : ) Have a great night.
I enjoy your writing and have you in my reader. I am the type of person that comments on blogs when I feel the need to. With most blogs I read (like yours) I can’t help but comment. Even if they don’t come to my blog.
I don’t twitter. That’s probably a good thing, because I too spend a lot of time reading blogs. Technically it’s replaced books, but I get to hear wonderful stories everyday.
And, I get kind of neurotic about my blogroll, because I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I do know the feeling of showing up on someone’s blog and seeing your name in the sidebar. Definitely warm and fuzzy.
I’ve been blogging for three and a half years and I still ask the same questions you do — and have the same insecurities. Blogging is an odd beast In my opinion, it is mostly writing. And writing usually means sitting by yourself typing. But blogging also has this strong social dimension. And these two parts of blogging make for weird bedmates. You have to not let the comments, the blogrolls, the social stuff make you crazy. I think it is a nice quality that you worry about the feelings of others, but the blogging pace is so fact and chaotic and segmented that it is best to focus on yourself, your writing, making a few good friends, learning new stuff, but remembering to shut off the computer after a while to go and kiss your husband.
Well, even if I didn’t already love your blog I would leave obligatory commentary since I have now MADE it…and earned a mention in the blog itself! : ) I completely “get” the comment remorse. Why do you think I don’t write a blog myself? Well, other than the fact that I have nothing to say and can only rely on responding to the witty and/or insightful words of others? It is because I would always be editing my original posts, never mind commenting on comments! For the record, I love looking back to see if you have commented on comments left; I think it makes people happy to know that you have some love for your readers, too. For what it’s worth, I love your style and the things you write about. I do not, however, love coming to your part of the world and not getting to meet you in person. How rude…you’ve changed. (Does that sarcasm translate?!) I’ll hope to catch you again on a return trip! (Another reason I can not blog: I rely on !!! far too heavily…in person, I think my hands do more of the talking!)
I comment on most of the posts that I read. On some blogs, I am just a lurker and don’t say anything. If only I could get paid for writing and reading blogs. I think that’s my new dream job.
Yay. I have points and I didn’t even realize we were keeping score. Must squelch overwhelming urge to win at all things. Because honestly, last time was just dumb luck that my mom is Canadian.
I’m terrible at movie quotes, unless it’s a John Cusak movie.
I completely understand your blog angst. It would be impossible for me to comment on every post that I read. Especially now that I continue to discover more and more blogs that I enjoy. I try to avoid the “hey that was great” comment, but sometimes that’s the message I want to convey.
I also tend not to comment on some of the more popular blogs if I am comment number 40+.
If someone leaves me a comment, I feel obligated to go to their blog and leave a comment. But I don’t always expect that in return when I leave a comment on a blog no matter the “popularity.” I only get an average of eight comments per post and for now that works just fine for me.
I try to remember why I started this in the first place… as a record of these fleeting years for my kids. All the friendships and comments are icing on the cake.
I like what Neil said “remembering to shut off the computer after a while to go and kiss your husband.”
Yeah, I totally haven’t been back to a blog I really really liked because I messed up the freaking introduction when I met her face to face. I can’t bring myself to even read her blog anymore, much less leave a comment.
I comment on a lot of blogs. If I click through to the blog itself from my reader, I’m leaving a comment. I don’t always have time to click through anymore, but I do make an effort. There’s no point to this for me if it isn’t social. I’m not a writer, I don’t do it for the love of the word and to sharpen my wit and pen.
I give up on the points. But does that mean I can hang out with Jenny while everyone else is trying to get points? (I’m so cool with that…)
Thank you for the lovely thing you said. You are very kind to include me in that last!
By the way, I left you something at my place earlier.
I love you even if I never get any points.
Write exactly what you want to write and the people who get you will understand. The ones who won’t aren’t worth your time anyway. It’s taken me years of blogging to finally understand that and I still have to remind myself of it every time I comment or post. EVERY post I immediately have posters remorse on.
First of all, thanks for reading and mentioning MY BLOG! “YOUR GONNA MISS THIS”!
I am a commenter too. Relating to your post today. Also, getting woke up in the night with blog thoughts!
Thinking in blog. Everything that happens processing it in blog! Even when I don’t write about it!!
I don’t know if I will ever win any points in your movie comments, unless you start quoting Dora movies! Which I am sure you could do! LOL!!
Your fellow blogging friend (what was that word you made up?) interfriend!
Pam
oh my lord you are funny…i too will agonize over blog posts, comments, my horrific spelling etc….you are a fantastic writer…sometimes when I read your blog, I think, that’s what I wanted to say but couldn’t.
I’m posting a birthing story p/ your email request…
Woohoo I have 2 points. But I totally didn’t get this reference and even tried to google it (yes I am that big of a dork).
I get what you are saying about wanting comments but not seeming like you are asking for them by commenting on other blogs. I comment on the ones I do because I like what they write. I read so many more and wish I could comment more but I just spend way to much time on it as is.
But you did get me thinking about my 101 post. I actually asked for comments about me and the blog. I totally freaked out and changed it to say you all can tell me if I’m crazy because I didn’t want to be fishing for compliments.
Hi Any Mommy
I wanted to let you know that I left you a message on my blog.
wfbdoglover.blogspot.com
Have a great day!
Michelle – 5 points!! (BHJ is disqualified) Thank you for your thoughts – I did have a drink.
Maura – You can take the girl out of the law…but you can’t beat the legal training out of her. I didn’t know you were in law – I’ll have to learn more.
Shannon – I married a Republican too. I have my stash of rocks put away already.
Eatplay – That’s funny, I think the same things about books. I never had time to finish one anyway, since the kids showed up. Avoid twitter. Huge time suck!
Neil – Love the last advice. And, I do turn it off. Have I mentioned all the kids…maybe I should blog more?
Nissa – MWAH! As they say in blog world (I think it’s a kiss.) I would have loved to meet you in person – next time.
p.s. I read your blog because you write with sincerity. I am also amazed that someone with three kids under three can even form a coherent thought, much less write a blog post!
You are under no obligation to leave a comment on each one of my posts. I will know you are reading and I will most certainly still love you.
Dude. The comments have solved all of my problems as I NOW know the answers to the quote questions. Go on, ask me again!!
You’ll go through several phases with blogging, some of which you’ll think of quitting because of the self-imposed obligations. Here’s a hint: Don’t. You are a great writer and extremely witty… at least on the computer screen!
:)
I’m a new reader here and had to say that you bring up an excellent point about comments.
I too like to leave a little note that says I’ve been there – and after awhile of leaving a few lines or two, it always makes me feel “appreciated” when the blog owner writes a little note back – either in their blog or via a reply to let the person know that their comment was appreciated or heard.
I’ve only left you one other comment – and you were so kind and quick as to write back to me. So Thanks :).
Kym – I wonder if it would take the fun out of it? Once upon a time, I got paid to write legal briefs and it sucked. Probably the nature of the writing, but sometimes I think just the pressure would change things.
Insta-mom – No way, eh. You nailed Strange Brew.
Mama G – You are right, they are icing, which is particularly apropos, coming from candy land!
BPD – You write pretty darn well, but I know what you mean.
Jen H – You’re welcome, I’ll visit.
Jenny the Bloggess – I’m all tongue-tied. I love you too.
Pam – I’ll try to work Dora in. I can definitely quote Disney movies.
tz – Yeah! Birth story! I’m coming.
Renee – Oh no. Your post was fine. Now, I’m spreading angst. Spread love, not angst.
Wfb – I’m on my way over.
Oh man, I totally stink at movie trivia :-) I’ll just have to find another way to gain fame through your blog. Maybe I’ll totally stalk your blog and find a way to be the first to comment all the time! lol.
… or I could have commenter’s remorse about this comment in about 2 minutes.
Oh sweet pea! What’s with all the worry? (That’s not a judgement, I find myself fretting over comments and stuff too sometimes) But the thing about all that is, it takes the fun out of it.
I come here because it is warm and SWEET – you come off very sweet. I would totally be your girlfriend if we lived next door to each other. You’re really funny sometimes and really raw and honest sometimes. And yes – your blog design is very pretty. Also, I have no recollection of you ever writing anything “dumb” in any of my posts..I doubt the comment you’re so mortified about is as bad as you think.
Try not to stress, try to enjoy.
No you are not spreading angst, I’m just a bit paranoid anyway. Because I want people to like me I just don’t want to seem like I’m asking them to like me.
Okay I’m going to stop typing now.
Oh, I love love love this post. For one, I love it because this is *so* a post my friend Amy would write (franklin5 on my blogroll, although she seems to have fallen off the blogging bandwagon). She is totally neurotic and fretful in a most adorably charming way, and this could have been written by her, and she is one of my best friends, so I love that.
But I also love love love this post because this is a post that I think in my head, but won’t blog, because I like to pretend that I’m impervious to such neuroses. When, really, I’m up at 2am with you (literally. often up at 2am with my mind racing) wondering if I hurt someone’s feelings or pushed the envelope too much or whathaveyou.
I think my “blog personality” is much more in your face and outraged than I really am. It’s my release. I don’t go up to people “in real life” and spout my agenda and rants…although of course I will still be outspoken if I perceive an injustice (although usually in a much more thoughtful and reflective way). But then I sometimes think that I end up MORE angsty on my blog because on some level that’s what it’s become…you know? Not that I don’t mean every. single. word. that I type, but is that really the energy I want to put out in the universe? Will people hear the message if they are so turned off by the messenger?
Could I be any more self-important?
sigh. I don’t know. But I think most of us who take blogging seriously and passionately worry like this on a fairly regular basis.
Love your writing, love you, not just blowing sunshine up your ass.
Dude, I don’t even know where to start here (too much wine). Except to say that I adore you with all my heart. Seriously. You’re up there with The Bloggess and Stefanie in my book. For reals.
First of all, what the frig is a blog award and how am I supposed to start it? It sounds exciting. Do I get to dress up? I have so much to learn about this crazy Internet thing.
Second, I looooove getting comments on my blog. I hardly get any, and perhaps lately that is because I have neglected my blog (oops, I typed “dog” first. subliminal, I guess).
Obligation, schobligation.
Third, I’m still so new to blogging that I’m still trying to find my voice. My craft activities are my excuse right now to write. One day, maybe, I’ll quit self censoring as I write. By that I mean I will start using the F word because it usually is the basic building block of my vocabulary but I’m having to bottle it up these days, what with a 3 year old at my feet.
Finally, yes I often regret comments I leave, too. Like this one, I’m sure.
Seriously: You’re super, Staci. Just keep writing.
http://www.pennycarnival.typepad.com
I have alot of the same anxieties!! Especially on commenting. I like to read and I like to comment. If someone comments on my blog, I will definitely head over and read their blog. But I am a total commenter (commentator?) and I like to do it. My anxiety also comes because I never know if I am supposed to comment back to people on my post…I seriously lose sleep that people will not read my blog because I never commented back on their comment. *phew*
I thoroughly enjoy your blog, it is great entertainment!
Tracey – Thanks! Can we patent your computer screen?
Jill – Welcome and I am already fascinated by your family’s story. (They are in India right now.)
imommy – I’m easy, we’ll get you some points. And you inspired a post that I’m still working on, I’ll get it up one of these days!
That girl – You are very sweet, but it was pretty dumb. You are absolutely right though, this needs to be fun and it is.
MM – Okay, love, love that you said all that. I’ve never been turned off by your tone. I love that you say what you think and defend it without getting unpleasant. It makes your opinion worth a lot.
1mom2boys – I’ve had a lot of wine myself tonight. With girlfriends. There’s a recipe for commenter’s remorse. Your book totally spoils me!
Megan – Thank you. And, it would be fun to see f**k on your blog – it’s so gorgeous, it would be doubly shocking! I have a weird aversion to using it here too, although, I say it sometimes. Seeing it typed out, I never feel right.
Mommega – Yep, we all have different worries. I like commenting back because I get so few comments with emails. But, I think, I wonder how many people actually ever see that I responded?!
I’m with (crap can’t remember now). I’ll only comment if I feel like it adds to the discussion. I simply cannot comment on each post I read. Because I have a life, ya know? But I do make it a point to comment every once in a while on people who comment a lot on my site.
And blogrolls? I’m going to take mine down I think. I feel like I can’t list everyone, and I don’t want to leave anyone out.
I’d like to make a case for getting some points, even though both answers have been given. Here it is: I TOTALLY would have gotten Spinal Tap if I’d read in time (without the hint — dude, it’s the most famous line in the movie!), and BHJ was disqualified anyway so pretty much he’s just yelling into a gaping void, and the reason I didn’t get it in time is because I had to schmooze with bosses and bosses’ bosses, and now my hair smells like smoke because said schmoozing was in a bar and that’s really gross but I’m too tired to shower (but apparently have energy to read blogs…it’s a sickness) so in summary: I REALLY think you should give me some points, please.
I can’t resist a well-pled argument. The verdict is – two points to mam and Groucho’s family! And, you should move to WA – no smoking allowed in public venues. It’s fabulous.
You really nailed this one! You described perfectly all the lovely blogging issues that end up haunting you once you’ve reached that kind of “I’m officially blogging” state. I do feel funny about my blogroll(s). Sometimes I think I should remove them. I have guilt sometimes when I see my blog on someone else’s roll but I don’t have theirs on mine… But it’s my lazy way of keeping up with others who are traveling the same adoption road without going into my favorites/bookmarks or typing in the address. There’s probably another just as easy way to get ultra quick access but though I am quite proficient at most things internet related, I haven’t spent the time researching this.
Also, I think those people that feel like they NEED to comment all the time on every post they read are also the people who have a tendancy to feel “hurt” when people read their blog and don’t comment. I have read two different blogs now where the blog authors litterally begged for comments and acted all hurt that they were commenting on friends’ blogs but weren’t getting comments back. I didn’t realize we were still in Junior high…
Oh and now becuase of that comment, yes, I feel this little stab of oops… maybe I shouldn’t have said that.
Yippee — now my trial record is even better! I’m “undefeated”…I’ve won every trial I’ve undertaken, but really that’s just one. Now, I’m going to consider this my second.
I didn’t realize you were so close by…hi, Pacific NW neighbor!
I love hearing about all the angst you suffer from in the middle of the night about your blog. It is so nice to hear that someone else shares my self doubt. Thanks!
Sandra
you are KILLING me! definately one of the funniest blogs I’ve ever read.
I am SOOOO in love with this post it’s just not funny. I felt like screaming like an idiot, “me too, me too, me too!!!” Can you hear me from there? :)
Blog anxiety…sucks. I actually spent the whole morning stressing about a comment I left on a blog I’m really familiar with. She wrote a really snarky post about something that was troubling her– I had read the post that came after it first, so I knew everything worked out for the best, so I laughed at her wit and made a comment saying so. What a moron I am– she was really concerned about something and using humour to get through it and there I am.
Now, aren’t you glad I found your place so I can come here and make (un-obligatory) insensitive remarks?
Yeah, I’m like gum stuck on the bottom of someone’s shoe.
any news coming ?