14 January 2012

Declaring my intentions

I've debated over the last few weeks whether I should say something about my lack of blogging activity over the last few months. This morning I've decided that I will 'declare my intentions'.

I started this blog a couple of years ago. It was intended to serve as a record of the changes my husband and I made to our apartment, and also provide some sort of 'creative release' for me. I had been breaking my balls in the same job for almost a decade, and, although it was in a creative industry, I was getting very little back from it (besides a mediocre pay cheque to pay the bills). Having Flying Ducks helped me to feel that I was 'taking control' in some small way. I didn't expect anyone to read, but many of you did (for which I am very grateful).

Eventually, I was blogging several times a week. It was a few months ago that I realised that I didn't understand why I was doing this. It seemed to be mostly just to show off that I'd bought some new kitchen utensil, and not that I'd done something creative in the form of renovating or making. This, it dawned on me, was quite shallow. As many of you know, I also started a new job in the middle of 2011. I have felt much happier as a result, and have no longer felt compelled to force myself to write blog posts in order to feel like I am doing something (however shallow) to fulfil myself.

[I must also point out that I have no problem with those who DO choose to blog on a regular basis, and I am in no way calling your activities shallow. Many of you have a lot of great things to say or show, and many of you blog as an important part of your business promotion. That is something I respect.]

So, what's my plan? Well, I don't plan on closing this blog down. I'll still be using it whenever I feel that I have done something that I am proud of and that I'd like to show off. That might be something we've done to the apartment, or something I've made. What I won't be doing is blogging to show you a new tea towel or fruit bowl or ornament. There will be no giveaways. Ever. I can't say if I'll be blogging on a regular basis or not. That will depend on whether I've done something that I feel is worthy of a post. I may also start to again post on my other blog (which is intended to be largely political in nature), but I won't be forcing that either.

I realise that some of you like regular posts on blogs in order to justify following them, and that's cool. I don't expect everyone to be into it, so I understand if you unfollow. I've already had a couple do this, and that's fine. I'm not going to be paying any attention to my follower numbers or stats in the future. I've never made a cent from this blog and never intend to, so those things are irrelevant. As long as the people who ARE visiting my blog enjoy it, that's what I care about.

Thanks to everyone who's supported Flying Ducks over the last couple of years. I've met so many people (online and in person), and many of you I count as real friends. This has been the best part of it all.

9 comments:

  1. The great thing about RSS readers is that even if you only post once a year, I get to read it!

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  2. I'll still follow you Kylie but no pressure, lol. And it has been a pleasure to meet you. x

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  3. Yes, yes ... personally I never mind how much someone blogs (unless it's too much - haha!). Intermittent bloggers are always welcome in my feed (goodness knows, I'm one of them!).
    I definitely think that blogging is something to do when the moment strikes, and not something to be forced.
    :)

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  4. Thinking about why we do what we do is so important, and I'm really happy for you that you're feeling so much happier now than when you started blogging. Coming up with posts shouldn't feel like a chore, and hey, if you miss it, you can always get back to writing as much or as little as you want!

    x Catherine @ The Spring

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  5. HI
    Great post! and incredible blog ! Very helpful post! I must say. Simple & interesting. Wonderful work!
    thank you!

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  6. Sad to see you go, but I can understand your reasons. I'll still keep an eye out for your posts here though! Haha. Glad you are enjoying your new job, much love xx

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  7. Don't close your blog dear, I'm enjoying reading it!

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  8. Hi
    I wanted to spend a minute to thank you for this article.
    You are wonderful! Thank you.

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