I rarely remember my dreams, but last night’s was a doozy. It started at some kind of fat camp (yes… been there, done that, have the t-shirt*) and involved a range of ‘challenges’. One of which involved a LONG marathon-like run, while another required a long swim. In the Brisbane river (of all places). As so often happens in dreams, logic seemed to disappear as the two combined into one and I swam in murky waters in between long runs.
Anyone who knows me knows… I cannot run (indeed I’m super unfit at the moment) and I’m not a swimmer. However, as it was my dream and I could do what I pleased, I seemed to fare pretty well**. A friend who’s a fitness freak and triathlete featured prominently in the dream – both encouraging me and disparaging my lack of fitness, in equal parts. But… it was the identity of some of the other competitors which made the dream particularly interesting.
Because…. they were bloggers. Well-known bloggers. Some of whom I’ve never met. But there they were…. in my dream. Competing against me.
It doesn’t take a therapist with a PhD to analyse that particular dream.
There have been a plethora of blogging competitions in recent months. I don’t really have a niche or strong following so don’t see myself as in the running; however… I know from other bloggers and social media that a few people have been quite disappointed with the results. Indeed, apparently some peeps have been downright shitty!
Source: nataliaoh.com
I was reading yesterday’s ProBlogger post by Stacey when several conversations I’ve had recently came to mind. Cos… I’ve been thinking about giving up blogging. Maybe forever, or maybe for a while***. And several of the reasons I’ve contemplated it are included on Stacey’s list.
Unsurprisingly comparing myself to other bloggers (in terms of pitiful stats, enthusiasm of readers and so forth) is a big problem – faced (I’m sure) by many. In theory I have no problem with the concept of competitions – after all, we’re hardwired to prefer some things above others, but… when you’re prone to ‘comparison’ (the old ‘thief of joy’), life becomes more complicated.
Source: crochetconcupiscence.com
I’ve tried to remind myself that I started blogging for ‘me’, that I love the art of writing, and to hell with the rest of it. But… it’s not that easy.
Source: kotmagazine.com
When, I wonder… did blogging become a competitive sport?
* As it happens I do have the t-shirt!
** In my dream I completed the run / swim aspect of the challenge with minimal angst and fanfare and then I woke!
*** I have a couple of commitments so have to keep blogging for a little longer…
Linking up with Trish from Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.
April 30, 2014
Oh Deb, don’t give up blogging! You’re one of the few blogs I follow, although I read quite a lot and like many. You’ve nailed the balance between an eclectic range of topics, a nice tone, amusing/entertaining and terrific writing… Although I’m newish and a bit inept at blogging, I don’t think it’s really about winning per se but more about enjoying the experience, corny as that sounds. Lovely, thoughtful comments make one feel good and as everyone says, it’s about connecting with people – strangers who become cyber friends over a shared thought, feeling, belief. I have no interest in competitions or being good at it, or even amassing lots of followers… but then I’m a bit weird. I find it a nice outlet and distraction, from the real world (and yet it is a real world in its own way).
When I started reading this post I felt your ‘dream’ was a NIGHTMARE – marathon running and murky waters – but yes, it’s a thought-provoking, highly metaphoric nightmare!
PS. Note to self: Avoid writing essay-like comments – you are not in the classroom 😉
April 30, 2014
Ha! Thanks Lee-Anne. The dream started as a nightmare as I still remember trying to tell anyone and everyone that I couldn’t run and there was NO WAY IN HELL I was going to get in the Brisbane river (willingly), but next thing I was paddling away and then running around boats (don’t ask) and bridges. Then I was going to be returning ‘home’ for the night before the next challenge. That was interesting cos I was referring to my former apartment there. I even remember thinking that I could catch one of the ferries from the river rather than go into the city to catch a bus to my place.
VERY strange!
April 30, 2014
No don’t quit! Keep doing it for all the reasons you began blogging with and just have a laugh at the ‘sport’ side of it! Your blog is unique (as is every blog) and really they are all different and not even worth comparing. They are as individual as the person who writes them. Great read though and thanks for the laugh! (Please continue blogging okay!)
April 30, 2014
Thanks Jody. I’m actually thinking of going to a book bloggers thing next month and tossing up whether I’d sell my Problogger ticket to justify the cost. It’s been interesting to see where my mind’s been at in terms of priorities in my writing and blogging (and what I’m enjoying!).
April 30, 2014
I read that post too and I have thought similar things but I am actually in the process of re-inventing my blog. I am leaning towards a book/writing blog now, rather than the pregnancy/motherhood I write about. I have also found myself doing some blogging/writing work for other businesses & magazines/websites which has really shifted my focus and perspective on all the bloggy awards, which I am never going to get nominated for, let alone win! Popularity doesn’t always pay the bills. xx
April 30, 2014
I tend to think that popularity helps on the monetisation front, but I’ve realised (increasingly) that – while I don’t mind some sponsored posts etc – I don’t want to get TOO carried away on my blog and love being able to write about whatever I want!!!
April 30, 2014
I kinda was drawn into the hype a bit last year, but you know to me awards and nominations are like movie and book reviews, they are very subjective! I read blogs I relate to and ones that make me laugh/smile x
April 30, 2014
Yes, when I had my diet blog I’d often get nice comments from someone saying that they appreciated my honesty (gulp!) and it was nice to read about someone else who felt the same as they did etc. I loved those comments because it’s sometimes surprising that anyone appreciates the crap I write! PS. That’s not a hint for compliments, rather more about the fact that I rave about whatever takes my fancy! 🙂
April 30, 2014
There are about a zillion fantastic blogs out there that have never won an award or competition so I don’t think it’s even worth wasting a second thinking about Deb! Who gives a ? Keep writing!
April 30, 2014
Yes, I know. I know I let the comparison stuff affect me but I was surprised at my dream and the competitiveness concept!
April 30, 2014
I love your blog! Don’t stop please! You definitely habe a nice balance and it is refreshing! That dream definitely sounds like a nightmare. Swimming in the Brisbane river eek! Interesting how our subconscious mind works and how it all unfolds in dreams. I am glad you still have things that will keep yoi blogging for awhile!
April 30, 2014
It was a very strange dream Jess. Even the presence of an old friend who I rarely see now…
May 1, 2014
If you blog because you love to write then why give up? I don’t have many followers or get many comments but I write as therapy and to entertain myself. If others find it entertaining as well or if they get where I’m coming from then that’s great but I think I’d continue to write just for myself.
May 2, 2014
I know and for the first 2 years of my blogging I kept it fairly secretive so had no readers…. I need to move past the comparison thing!
May 1, 2014
Number 1- I love your blog. Number 2- I reckon I know which one you’re referring to & all I can say is….yep…sometimes I’m not entirely sure that it’s not entirely….nope I won’t say it in public. Needless to say, I hear you.
May 2, 2014
I def don’t begrudge people winning competitions and as I said – I know I’m unlikely to do anything like that… it occurs to me that I sometimes think of blogging as thankless, but – it’s my choice and it’s only me that puts pressure on myself re stats etc.
May 1, 2014
I know what you mean. I was so disappointed when I didn’t get included in Voices 2014 and got really depressed about it for a while. I started blogging for me and my family, but its hard to remember that when almost every blogger you read is writing posts about how they’ve been nominated and going to blogging events. Anyway turns out I was nominated and there was some problem with the details they got so they never emailed me. Seems a bit bitter sweet now to find out after the judging for the top blogs was over. I think sometimes we need to just shut out the competition and noise on the internet and focus internally. Thats how I got out of my slump.
May 2, 2014
Yes, I have to admit I haven’t looked at Google Analytics for months – since I merged two blogs and the stats from the popular one disappeared. It’s much easier when you don’t feel that obligation to increase readership etc.
May 2, 2014
Oh Deb, swimming in that brown river would definitely be my nightmare! I always get a bit shaky driving over the Storey Bridge.
I haven’t had any stats on my blog for over 6 months now, and I don’t really think I want to know. I’m quite content that I can write whatever I want in my own little space, to look back on later. And I love catching up on what everyone else has been doing. I have no worries that I’ll ever have to give a blog award thank you speech 🙂
May 2, 2014
Ha! I don’t look at my Google Analytics but feel compelled just to check the basic stats on my blog when I open it. Perhaps I can remove them!!!