If you are looking for Menu Plan Monday, it is here or scroll past this post.
First of all I want to say thank you to all of you that stopped by with suggestions to my blog feed addiction. I appreciate all of the advice I received. Over the weekend I carefully weeded through my Bloglines and got my feeds down to a respectable 57!! It wasn’t easy, I enjoyed every single one for different reasons, but the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders is huge!
You see it wasn’t just the unread blogs that were stressing me out, it was all the posts marked “keep new”. This tiny little box is what eventually sent me over the edge. As I would read through Bloglines I would find myself clicking this “keep new” box either to go back and fully read the post later if it looked interesting or so I could come back to it to leave a comment. Except by the time I went back there would be more new posts and then more new posts which all left me so far behind I didn’t know if I was coming or going. In the back of my mind I would know these posts were there and I would feel anxious everytime I opened Bloglines. Do you know what this is called?
After considering my options, I realized it wasn’t enough for me just to reduce the number of blogs I read but I also needed to reduce my mental and visual clutter. To me, Bloglines provided both and so for that reason, Bloglines and I are parting company. I will still keep my blog feeds there for when I’m away from home and want to keep up with the blogs but while I’m at home I will go back to using my Favorites folder. I’ve got it categorized as follows…..Blog Favorites, New Blogs to Review, Organizing Blogs and Weekly Reads.
Today it was like a breath of fresh air going through my blogs listed in my favorites and seeing each of your sites. I miss feeling the essence of who you are through your blog design. I found Bloglines to be much like talking on the phone….visiting without really seeing your “face”. I hate talking on the phone, I would must rather visit in person. So from now on this is what I’m going to do. This is my new system. Doesn’t mean that I won’t change my mind at some point in the future, but for now this feels right and I can feel the tension disappearing already. I’m also not saying you should all give up on Bloglines. I happen to know it works well for many of you. As is the way with organizing, each person needs to develop the system that works best for them.
Since I’m on the topic of blogging anyway, I decided I might as well participate in the blogging meme Chilihead is hosting. At the risk of this already being too long of a post, I’ll try to keep it short.
How did you start blogging?
I started blogging as a way to connect with other moms. I was on maternity leave and feeling isolated. I thought it would be fun. It certainly has been that but so much more as well.
Did you intend to be a blog w/a following? If so, how did you go about it?
No I didn’t expect anyone would read my blog except maybe family and friends. However the more blogs I read and commented on the more readers came my way. Also participating in WFMW helped bring readers my way as well. Then one day a girlfriend suggestion I post my menu plan each week and add a Mr. Linky for others to play along. I had no idea that MPM would become as big as it has. I’ve found so many great blogs myself this way which could help explain the 241 feeds I had in Bloglines! It’s the interaction with others that keeps me going.
What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog? Have you been successful? If not, do you have a plan to achieve those goals?
I hope that my passion for organizing will contribute to others becoming “hooked” along with me. Sharing with others and having others share with me allows me plenty of opportunity for my own needed “fix”. I love when people tell me they are inspired after reading my blog to get organized. That makes me very very happy.
Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How?
No the focus of my blog has always been organizing although I’m definitely more confident now in my writing than I was when I first started.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you started?
How addicted I was going to get to the whole thing….lol.
Do you make money with your blog?
I do make some money through the ads in my sidebar. Unfortunately it’s not enough to pay my grocery bill but I’m working on it. I would love to be invited to participate in Blogads….hint, hint.
Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it? If not, why?
Yes I believe my entire family reads my blog but none of them blog themselves. My hubbie only occassionally reads it….he finds it highly amusing that I refer to my blogging friends as great pals that I would definitely meet in real life if I ever had the opportunity.
What two pieces of advice would you give to a new blogger?
1. Set a timer for yourself when blogging, it is amazing how fast time can get away from you!
2. Invest in a great blog design that’s full of your personality. First impressions are important!
If you’d like to participate as well go ahead and then link up over at Chiliheads.
Big Mama says
I’m so glad you started blogging. Menu Plan Mondays has become a lifesaver for me!
An Ordinary Mom says
I totally agree with you on how Bloglines feels so impersonal. More often than not I click over to a blog to read the full content. I finally had to organize my Bloglines account to ones I would visit daily and others to visit when I get the chance. It helped me feel less overwhelmed. I just don’t want to offend anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings by not visiting and commenting.
Above all I am glad you found a system that works for you :)!!
mamabright says
I’m glad you found what works for you…and thanks for sharing your blog story…blessings, amy 🙂
Marcia says
Wow – now I can sleep easy knowing you have a manageable amount of feeds.
You know I’m a google reader gal all the way. I still click through to the blogs when I want to leave comments so I don’t feel I miss out on anything.
Loved your blogging story!
addie says
Thanks for sharing your blogging story!!! I really enjoy your blog; and I keep in contact with your blog by using bloglines … I actually made mention of bloglines in my blogging story
Have a good week 🙂
Beth/Mom2TwoVikings says
As I’m sure everyone feels the same way, I hope *I* wasn’t one of the ones you deleted! *wink*
Seriously, whatever it takes to get you to stick around and keep us company here in bloggy-land and keep us organized…that’s what we’ll do!
Glad you found a solution that you can work with…
Multi-tasking Mommy says
I hear you about mental clutter! I make a rule for myself that at the end of each day, if I haven’t read my subscriptions, I mark them all as “read” regardless because otherwise they just add up and never stop!
Twisted Cinderella says
Sounds like it was a smart move for you. I have had to weed through my reads and make sure that they are a manageable number. (LOL, I just added you to that number)
ChupieandJ'smama says
Good for you! Sometimes Blog Lines really gets on my nerves too. I like my favorites folder much better. I’m glad you started blogging too. I enjoy your organizing tips and your menu plan Monday. But most of all I enjoy reading YOU 🙂
Debi says
I’m soooo happy you found a solution! I think we all need to reassess from time to time. When something that was supposed to be fun ends up bringing you stress instead, it’s definitely time to make some changes! I hope this works for you!
Lawanda says
Well, I could use a little more organization….. hmmmm….
Very nice blog you got here 🙂
momrn2 says
I’m so glad you have found a system that works for you!! I, too, remember the weight that lifted when I felt I had a more manageable list of reads.
You put LOL after wishing you knew how addicting this could be but there is a lot of truth to that!
I feel like I’m just now getting a handle on this! Glad you are feeling more relief and room to breath as well friend!!! 🙂
Katrina says
I’m another one who’s glad you started blogging — I can always count on you for inspiration and great organizational advice!
As for the blog feeds… it’s a never-ending battle for me. I cut back on them, but then the number creeps back up again. I’ve just gotten really good at marking them all read without reading when I get overwhelmed. Not the ideal solution, but sometimes there’s just not enough time to read every single post of every blog I like.
Jana says
I do not subscribe to blogs for the very reason you stated above. I want to see the personality of the actual blog site. I think what you’ve done is very wise.
I have found, if I come across a blog or blog post, while I’m surfing or doing my daily blog reads, and I feel it’s not important enough to read IMMEDIATELY, no matter how much I think I WANT to come back and read it, I never do.
You’ll be shocked, but I limit myself to five daily blogs that are in my favorites. They change periodically. I kinda “take turns” between several, and I have found that, by limiting myself so much, if there’s one blog that I keep coming back to, even though it’s not in my favorites list, it SHOULD be! There are other blogs I love, but just don’t have the time to read them daily. Some of them are so good, that I remember their URL by heart, even though I only read them occasionally.
Also, I make a point of visiting the sites of all who comment on my blog, so that takes a fair amount of time some weeks. For you, it would take much more!
Good post. Thanks!
Oh! And thanks for your comment on my Live Simply, Simply Live post!
Judi says
I know what you mean about bloglines. I feel the same way. 🙂
Christine says
I have thoughts on blogging that I’ve been trying to find time to post. It’s that “I’m-approaching-one-year-and-am-reevaluating” thing that every blogger goes through! Glad you’ve cleaned house a bit!!
Dawn says
I totally agree with you about how Bloglines is impersonal, so when I see someone has an update on their blog I do click on their blog so I can go straight to it to see everything. I don’t want to just read the messages, I want to see everything. I love all the cool blog designs that everyone has (even if I don’t have one myself). I love all your organizing tips and love reading your blog. I think it is helping me become more organized myself. Thanks.
dcrmom says
YAY!! Yours is the first I’ve read that gives the advice to get a great blog design. I wholeheartedly agree!!!
And 241 feeds!? GOOD LAND, girl!! I’m glad you’ve organized your “mental clutter”, love that term!!
The Lazy Organizer says
You’re a brave woman! I hope your new system works for you. Bloglines doesn’t stress me out at all because I only read when I can and I don’t worry about the rest. I have been inspired by you to unclutter it though. Thanks!
SpillToJill says
I am using bloglines now – but it is okay for me so far. I put things in folders and categorize them….if you find a better feedreader – keep me informed:)
http://www.spilltojill.com
Deena says
This was fun…and I love your layout!
Munchkin Land says
Good for you!! I hope this works out better for you. And I really enjoyed reading the history of your blogging adventure. It is addicting, isn’t it?!
Kimberly says
Congrats on getting rid of some of your mental clutter!
I’ve -only- got 62 feeds myself. ~lol~ I’m forever paring it down, then filling it back up again.
Thea says
Great job on the purge! I’m impressed!
Beth/Mom2TwoVikings says
Back to comment on your bloggy “origin story” – you were one of the first I found when I entered the bloggy fray and are still the one who’s my “bloggy mentor”! Keep up the great work!
Shalee says
I totally admit that I don’t do the MPM, I’m not organized on most days (despite your best attempts), and I’m a regular user of Bloglines because MY WORD I was a mess before I discovered it. However, I love reading you because one day I know I’ll get my act together and have a great resource to use when I do. That and the fact that you amaze me with your talent to organize. Yep, I sit in awe of you, Laura!
Susanne says
Well way to go girl! I am stunned at how you got right on that. I’m so glad you found what worked for you. I so know what you mean about those little squares that you check. I, myself, have had to come to the point where I am not going to feel guilty if I have to mark “all read” sometimes.
Reading how you started was fun and I personally, have totally enjoyed getting to you my Canadian friend!
ashley@twentysixcats says
I totally understand your equating Bloglines to talking on the phone. That’s one thing I miss now that I’ve switched to using Google Reader. Perhaps I’ll switch back; I don’t know.
I think it’s great that you’re so committed to organizing. 🙂 I have been reading your blog for a little while now, but this is the first time I’ve commented. Keep up the helpful posts!
Awesome Mom says
I have been cutting back on my bloglines too.
I spent some money to get a great custom template and I could not be happier. I have to agree with you that having a great template makes blogging that much more fun.
Fiddledeedee (It Coulda' Been Worse) says
I agree with you, I’m to the point that I love actually going to the site itself. I miss so much of the “personality” of the blogger by just reading the feeds.
I love your blog. I love the way it’s set up, and the whole shebang. I’m going to start haunting you on Mondays for MPM. I’m in a menu slump.
Clemntine says
I think your two pieces of advice are SOLID GOLD!!
heart of wisdom says
I blog to organize my mind. Good story. Good advice. I love your blog and find myself here often from kindred blog links.
Lisa says
Great site, and post. I am new and wondered how so many blogs were so fun and creative, where mine was based on the basic template. I still have lots to learn.
Sunydazy says
I just want to add to the MANY previous posts! I am so glad you are a member of blogland. You have been such an inspiration to me. After reading your blog I always am ready to jump up and DO SOMETHING, anything…to get more organized! Thank you for being there!
Grace says
My problem with Bloglines is that many times it doesn’t keep up with new posts correctly. Some of the blogs that have new posts, never get bolded, where some of the “new” bold ones are old ones I’ve read already! Frustrating.
GiBee says
You GO girl!!! I parted ways with Bloglines a long time ago … for all the same reasons.
And … I have several of my real-life firends HOOKED on your blog … lurkers mind you … for your outstanding organizational skills and your Menu Monday. Never ever ever ever ever stop. How’s that for pressure?
Rock on.
Kili @ Live Each Moment says
I use bloglines, but when I get behind I MAKE myself just go through and CLICK them all as read, and then just start over. I know I can’t believe I do that sometimes, but like you said it is overwhelming if you donT!
Erna says
I’m late in catching up with my blogs. Funny to read about your decision to part with Bloglines. I’ve considered doing the same or just having only family and friends in my real world on it and those I’d like to stop by and visit from time to time in a folder. With the Internet browser I use I can open all the pages in a folder at the same time. I’ve considered “gracefully bowing out of blogland” in regards to visiting so much. I’m not so sure how much time I’ll have to spend on the computer with a third baby on the way and the start of homeschooling.
Barb says
241? You have no idea how good that makes me feel. I thought I was a freak because I have 167 and it’s making me completely crazy.
I didn’t even know you’d done this post, Laura, until I got an email from GiBee after we chatted a little about the frustration of trying to keep up with everyone.
This is a good idea. It never occurred to me to do away with bloglines but you’ve given me something to think about. This could possibly be the answer for me too.
Honestly, how I miss the days when commenting was as easy as replying to the people who left me comments.
These days, I hit “all read” more often than I actually read. It’s just too overwhelming and yes, it does feel like brain clutter.
Sprittibee says
I also have let my bloglines get away with me. Lately, I have been using my old tried and true method of clicking my favorite blogs off of my own blog’s front page (I keep my own blogrolling list for this). This does 2 things at once… first, it helps me to make sure all the links are still working so I can keep my front page fresh… and it shows the person some support because they can “see” that I visited when they look at their stats.
My VERY favorite blogs that I pine over if I miss, I subscribe to via email. 🙂 Emails are much easier and mindless – no clicking needed besides your delete key after you view them. 🙂 Plus, that gives you the added feature (if you use Feedburner subscribes) of actually sending a comment through EMAIL to the blog owner. 🙂 It shows extra love to the blogger that you are so thrilled with their blog that you want it coming to your personal box at home. 🙂
I rarely check my bloglines folders any more. But I haven’t given up on it all-together. I still go in there and scroll down that long list for photos and things that catch my eye. 🙂
Your blog has lots of neat ideas. I recently added you to my front page template under “other interesting links!”. Just wanted to let you know.
Love in Him,
Heather
Hazel says
Thanks for your ideas on getting rid of a blog reader and just going straight to the website. I tend to do this for my “interest reading” but for work-related then I just want to get in, find what I need (like the abstract of an article to include in my monthly newsletter), and get out again — FAST!
Only just found you but I’ll definitely come back — sometime!
Hazel
tAnYeTTa says
i just got rid of my bloglines too! what a relief.