It’s odd, there seems to be an equal measure of fall out and inspiration after this year’s Britmums Live conference, if Twitter, blog posts and Facebook forums are anything to go by. There are some bloggers who seem somewhat worried about their fellow parenting bloggers who seem to have decided to close down their blogs or rejuvenate them in the weeks following the two day blogging conference which took place in London and saw over 700 parenting bloggers converge in The Brewery for a two day learning, sharing and networking extravaganza.
Personally, I’ve toyed with the idea of shutting down my blog on many occasions over the past year.
Sometimes I’ve felt that it has lost direction. Then I normally remember it never had any to start off with! It was, and still is a place for general ramblings and in many ways, it shows off my character. I’m skittish and change direction in life just as often as I change direction on my blog. Still. My readership numbers hadn’t grown much, I didn’t have local nor worldwide fame (snort) and there was no book deal or tv appearances from the blog, so I ‘rationally’ believed it was probably best to shut up shop.
Then I decided to buy a ticket for Britmums Live 2014.
Maybe what I needed was to see other bloggers and regain that passion, the spark that made me sit up in bed at midnight, writing blog posts and trying to vlog. For me, attending a blog conference reignited my passion for blogging. It was therapeutic and inspirational. I was surrounded by bloggers who I’d met years ago, at the start of my blogging journey and many more who I’d met for the very first time. Some had amassed 10 times the page views that I’d received, others blogged sporadically and some in very niche topics.
Whether they blogged as a hobby or as their main source of income, I felt a natural affinity to them and was in my element.
It reminded me that blogging was the that special thing to me in the same way that watching every football match, playing PlayStation, running marathons etc was for others, it is fun, it inspires me and it challenges me.
It has led me to a love of photography, a new hobby in vlogging, on top of sticking with blogging and even gave me the kick up my butt to start a new pen pal style club for bloggers who appreciate the art of writing, or who perhaps just fancy the odd package now and then through the post!
I don’t know where the blog will take me, but I acknowledge that to date, it has already taken me to some pretty exciting places! It has allowed me to take my daughter horse riding, to a gymnastics club taster which she loved so much that she’s been attending ever since! It has allowed us to attend many film previews, review some cool products and work with some amazing brands. I’m going to continue to juggle all my likes, loves and obsessions, juggle the many sides of me and be a true circusmum!
Aww so glad you stuck with it. I find it a bit of a struggle myself at times but then remind myself that it’s fun and we as a family gain a lot from it too. Plus I’ve met some fab bloggers like yourself 🙂 Hope to see you around soon x
Thanks Carolynne! I agree, there’s so much to gain from blogging, particularly meeting other fab blogger like you!!
Good for you!
A lot of bloggers say you should post on a schedule, others just do it as they see fit. I tend to just blog when I have something to say and I think it’s important to stick to the things you love to do.
It really must have been great to meet all those people and I’m glad to hear you have your blogging mojo back!
Great post. #AllAboutYou
Thanks for stopping by! I know a schedule really helps some people and it’s great for readers who enjoy uniformity but it adds too much pressure for me! I’m a blog as you go kind of woman!
Good job finding your joy in blogging for you rather than what works for others. Your passion shines through in this post! #allaboutyou
Thank you so much! It’s funny, whenever I write without thinking of my ‘intended audience, keywords, trends’ etc, I always feel better and those posts always do better! Thanks for stopping by through #allaboutyou
It’s a hard one isn’t it, deciding whether to continue and trying to work out what the point of it is. I think as you said, there doesn’t have to be a point far greater than enjoying it, just like watching footie or running marathons. Enjoy it!
Thanks for your comment Zaz, yup this is my marathon, though maybe I should try to do one of those too!?
Sounds even more knackering, and I’ve heard people even lose toenails! Stick to blogging lovely, thanks for linking to #AllAboutYou xx
Popped over too from #allaboutyou
Fab post, love the new writing club you’ve started and taking part in it. I loved BritMums and love that blogging, something I love is my career too x
Thanks Vicki, really glad you’re taking part in the writing club too!
How refreshing to read a positive post following Brit Mums! Lovely to see that it re-ignited your passion too, thats what its all about! x x
It would be such a shame if you gave up blogging, especially as it is something that inspires and challenges you. Sometimes all we need to do is to look at things from a different perspective to get that kick up the bum and I am glad that going to BritMums Live did that for you….Can you imagine stopping something you truly enjoy and then in a year or two looking back and wishing you hadn’t.
I say keep on rambling and keep on being you!
Popped over from #BrilliantBlogPosts.
Debbie, lovely comment, thank you. I think you’re right. I would really regret stopping in the long term. Britmums Live was a great chance to realise that writing, taking photos, chatting to other bloggers etc, are all things that have become an integral part of my every day life and I’m not ready to give that up anytime soon!
I am glad you have kept going. If the pro’s list is longer than the cons keep blogging! x
Thank you! I agree, the pro list in my case is most definitely longer than the cons, so I’m going to keep rambling along!!
Love your passion and your blog. I ADORE blogging as you know, I never thought it would become my full time job when I started it but I couldn’t be happier! Blogging rocks, as do you! Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts
I’m actually in awe of you and your blog so your words warm me xxx thank you Vicki. I love that you have managed to turn a passion/hobby into a full time job, it’s really inspirational.
Looooove you!
That’s all. 🙂 xxx
Awww, well I luuurve you tooooo!
There are so many pros and cons to blogging but at the end of the day, if the pros far outweigh the cons, then why give up? I’ve been on many a journey since Britmums but I think it has been good for me to gain perspective over why I’m doing it. I will continue of course but the summer is going to be about my family as priority 🙂
Well said Suzanne!
I quite like your style of “no direction” Tinuke – it’s more real and gives your blog a personality. As a newbie, it’s so easy to question “why I’m doing this”, but it’s reassuring to know I’m not alone, it’s normal and that we all do it because we love doing it. It is to us, what a marathon is to those crazy loons who love running 26 miles 🙂 Keep doing what you love hun! Jai xx http://kiddyreviews.com
Jai, if I ever offer myself up to run a marathon, give me a virtual slap! That being said, I’m signing up for a 5k Run or Dye (care to join me!?)
Great post! I am a newbie blogger and it can sometimes feel quite intimidating when looking at the ‘big girl bloggers’! I have to remember that they were once where I am now. I should feel inspired by them, not threatened. I will be going to Britmums for the first time next year and this post has made me look forward to it even more.
PS. I think sometimes the blogs with no direction are the best ones!
Jenna at Tinyfootsteps
Hi Jenna thanks for your comment! I still feel intimidated at times, then I pinch myself and remember they are all people lol! Oh I need to buy my tickets for next year! I look forward to meeting you there, or maybe at other events before then!?
Good stuff. So many people seem to have had a hard time, I don’t know why Britmums was so emotional, but it really tested everyone. I personally had a great time, and have come away really full of belief in the ‘your blog, your rules’ 🙂
I think that many people around us can make people a little bit overwhelming! I agree with the your blog your rules mantra! I think maybe, if you were doing things differently from the ‘prescribed, best practice’ taught in sessions, people felt they weren’t doing it right or maybe felt like they had a massive mountain to climb??
Britmums did the exact same for me! I really enjoyed reading this post so I’m glad you didn’t shut down your blog 🙂 xx
Thanks for the comment Donna, it brought a smile to my face. I’m glad you got the same end result from Britmums as I did!
I’m so glad that Britmumslive reignited your love for blogging and for your little corner of cyberspace – because it ROCKS! I think it’s very healthy to take a step back sometimes and evaluate whether your blog is going in the right direction for you though. I’m glad you’ve decided that the positives outweigh the negatives – because I love popping over here to sit for a spell and discover what you’ve been up to 🙂
Thanks Michelle! People like you, other bloggers with a cheery outlook and honest approach, really do make the decision that much easier for me!
Excellent post, beautifully written – as always. You are absolutely right in trying to get to the bottom of what it is you want. Only then can your blog follow you happily.
Thoroughly enjoyed putting a face to our friendship again at BritMumsLive! which is what the thing is partly about. Love, Mx
Mel, it’s always a total pleasure to spend time with you, I still hold our two post Britmums 12 meals with high regard. I was in some wonderful company, both nights and that is more than partly due to you! Glad you enjoyed my post xx
What an inspirational post this is! So many times, I’ve thought the same: ‘that’s it, I’ve had it’ and played candy crush instead (shouldn’t have bothered, I’ve deleted the app three times). I was sick of hearing from others who were new bloggers- ‘don’t worry, you’ll find your vibe’ as their page visits were soaring into the distance. I clamped down and didn’t bother for a good few months, but it’s people like you, like us who keep us going, why? Cos we all understand who we are and we love our ‘floating blogs’ and we like to keep our readers wondering where the hell we’re going next! Love it! Love your blog and loved tweeting you! Never stop! x
I’ve never played CandyCrush! Noticed it was very addictive so I’ve stayed clear! Really glad you liked my post Kate, lovely to have been introduced to you via Claire x
Hi Tin
Loved reading this, very well written….I think that all bloggers feel like you do at some time or other, sometimes the words and inspiration flow & sometimes they just don’t! I have always written about all kinds of things on my blog and that’s how I like it, I don’t want to be pigeonholed & I like to be able to write about what I am feeling that day or about what’s on my mind. I am a big believer that it’s your blog & so your blog should reflect YOU. If you want to change direction, you do it!
You always come across as both inspired & inspiring, you have a great & infectious energy….I’m glad that BritMums was just what you needed, it’s great when you come away feeling that way.
Hope that life is good with you & that you & Princess are well.
Simone Xx
Simone, you know, from the very first time I met you, I thought you were ace and I still do. Those words mean a lot coming from you as I’ve always been inspired and a little bit in awe of your blog! Everything always seems so well polished and well planned out so it’s really a breath of fresh air to hear that you also like to blog about any and everything that takes your fancy!
I hope you and your family are all well too! Let’s meet soon, it’s been an age!
Aw, thank you Tin Xx
Love this post and do glad you haven’t shut up! I’m so excited by your new pen pal link and I’m sure there’s more to come. I’ve read far more negitive (personal not about the event itself for eg) stuff about bml it’s nice to read this xx
Hannah, I’m so glad you’ve joined in on my pen pal link : ) You don’t know how much it meant to me to have you and the other 9 sign ups in the first few days of setting it up! I can come across very confident (because I talk a lot) but I was terrified of starting something new and nobody liking my idea! Britmums gave me the ‘oh F*$k it’ attitude I needed to just go for it! Thank you for joining and thanks for commenting too xx
This was lovely to read Tinuke, after the whole negative … ‘BML was rubbish’ vibe I got from so many people. I loved blogging before BML, and I love it now … as do you it seems, but it’s just nice to read that sometimes! x
Thanks Kate, yes I found there was a lot more negative comments and posts than I’d have expected, was talking to my mum about it (because I’m cool like that) yesterday and I think that’s what made me write this post. Blogging is great!Britmums reminded me of that fact and about just how much of a voice, us typing on a laptop or talking from behind a camera can give not only to ourselves, but to many others!
You are my friend are awesome energy , I am glad to know you in real life and indeed call you my friend xx
AWESOME is as AWESOME does.
Well yes, and awesomeness also sticks to each other, which is why you’re also so awesome! Still find it hilarious that we were tweeting each other the first night from literally 5 feet away! How blind are we?! You’ve got such a natural sense of calm and an infectious cheeky side! Loved getting to spend time with you at Britmums Claire!!
Aww this is such a lovely post and I am glad to see you are sticking with it. I enjoy reading your ramblings. I know what you mean about shutting up shop. I find myself feeling that way every now and then. I feeling like it’s not going nowhere. But I then remember all the things iv achieved because of it.
Joy you hit the nail on the head! Sometimes it’s so important to remember all that you’ve achieved so far in order to bring that perspective!
I’m glad you enjoy my ramblings! Trust me, I hold it back as I know I can go on! That being said, I think my ramblings have saved my relationship as it means I can moan, let it all out or just generally ramble on here rather than to my long suffering other half!