For a few months, I’ve seen tell-tale signs of social media burnout at some of my usual haunts—on different blogs, Twitter, maybe a little on Facebook. Mostly from bloggers.
I think those of us who are big into the blogging world really like it. We’re hooked. We like reading other people’s blogs, commenting on blogs, visiting our friends on Facebook or Twitter, and writing our own blog posts.
And because we enjoy it so much, we keep doing it. Or we find it really hard to cut back when things in our non-virtual life get busy with family commitments, holidays, work, etc.
But our online friends are friends, too. We want to keep up with them, support them, and generally just stay in the loop.
How much time does an active blogging and social media life take? It depends on how wide we’ve thrown our net online.
Those of us who have a lot of online friendships and connections probably spend 30 minutes writing our own posts (times however many days a week we blog), 20 minutes responding to comments on our own blog, maybe 30-45 minutes commenting on others’ blogs (this number can go way higher, though), and maybe 30-45 minutes on Facebook or Twitter, whichever our poison of choice is.
So…maybe 2 hours a day or more for a really dedicated blogger?
Then, though, life gets a little wild for all of us. We just don’t stay suspended in our routines for all that long before something comes along to trip us up.
But we’ve established our routines online. In fact, I could do spin-the-wheel, pick a commenter’s name on this blog, and tell you the time of DAY that they probably commented, without looking at my blog. And most people know that I usually comment at about 5 or 5:30 a.m. EST, unless I’ve got craziness in my house getting the kids to school…then I comment around 8:00. I do a second sweep in the late afternoon. I’m a big routine nut.
I’ve been very erratic the last 4-5 weeks as my deadline approached. And I hate being erratic.
But I want everyone to know (and I think you know) that I love your blogs. And your tweets and your status updates. If for some reason I’m not there some days, believe me, it’s not because I don’t want to be. It’s because I’m juggling more things than I’d like.
And those of you who need to take a blogging break to focus on work or family or for just some rest time or writing time—we’ll all be there when you get back from your break. Don’t worry at all about it—I’m guessing most of us just browse blogs through our Google Reader and when your blog is back up, we’ll be right back to visit you. Because I’ve seen some anxiety from bloggers about what will happen to their blog and readers while they’re gone.
Although…if you could maybe do a short post to tell us that you’re taking a break from blogging for a week to rest up or to devote to writing or whatever? Otherwise, you’ll likely get a “Checking Up On You” email from me (don’t laugh—some of you have gotten one from me before. You know who you are.) :)
And if you can’t run by and comment on my blog some days…believe me, I understand. We’re all doing our very best to juggle so many different things. We’ll still be friends! I’m sure most of us feel that way.
We all do what we can. Sometimes we’ll need to cut back on visiting, or cut back on posting, or even take a blogging vacation.
We’ll all be there when you get back.
Oh Elizabeth! I nearly in tears, this hits home for me today. I feel like the worst blogger friend.
I love blogging more than I would have ever imagined, but I never knew I would love the relationships so much.
It tears me to pieces when my day job gets in the way of my morning blogging, or the kids, the hubby, life. Urg!
No matter I’ll never let too much time pass without making my way back home.
Elizabeth – I know what you mean about life getting crazy, and I honestly do not see how you do everything you do in your life and still have the amazing blog you do. I am in awe.
You’re right about the siren song pull of social networking; speaking at least for me, I really do enjoy blogging and reading others’ blogs. It’s a tonic for me.
I had to laugh, by the way, when I read your comment about times of day when people blog. I’m exactly the same way. When I notice that there are new comments on my blog, I can often tell who left them by knowing what time they were left. How funny!
This is why I like to subscribe by RSS feeds – because no matter how long somebody takes time off (or how long I take off) the blog is still there waiting so I don’t forget where I was.
But I never expect anyone to keep it all up constantly, and I tend to comment more when I have the time and energy, and when I don’t, I may just sit and read and nod to myself at the wisdom of the blogger’s post.
I used to write post two or three times a week, on a blog I kept a couple years ago. Then it would be once a week. Now I’m even more sporadic than ever.
However I’m writing more. Sooner or later I’ll get the balance right. (Hugs) Indigo
Elizabeth, you say such important things so effortlessly and sweetly! I love my blogging friends (like you) and I hate to miss commenting on my favorite sites, so I hope people forgive me when I’m absent, but I know I always forgive them and look forward to whenever they have time to stop by.
Thanks for this!
Hi.
I can relate to this so much.
I spend so much time on the internet, it can be scary.
Often, I can reply to any comments I get, as soon as they are made, because I am online and can see when I get one.
I have posted more often lately too. I have had my blog for almost 2 years, and started off slowly. I love blogging, and it is now integral to my life.
It is my life! Oh boy!
I think two hours a day is an accurate estimate for me, too. Some days, it feels a bit overwhelming, but the desire to keep in touch with my online friends usually wins.
I do like the idea of a short post letting readers know you’re going to take a break from blogging. I do worry about my blogging friends who have posted in a regular pattern and then all of a sudden disappear.
One of the best things about blogging is the community aspect, and just like in real life, building community takes time. But for me, the rewards far outweight the effort I put into it.
What a very insightful post! I thought it was just me who felt a little guilty when I don’t have time to read/comment on everyone’s blog. Nice to know I’m not alone.
Enjoyed the post and it says so much about how things changes sometimes and we can’t follow our normal routine of blogging. It’s crazy that you can miss reading words, but they do make you feel connected to others. I know my routine is off and probably will be for a little while. Like you said, “we do what we can.” Have a great weekend.
Sometimes a little change disrupts what used to be ‘normal’ — we’ve moved two time zones earlier. That means that my previous early morning blog crawl now happens two hours later. Somehow, seeing blogs with 45 comments already posted changes the dynamic. Shouldn’t matter, but the “feel” is different. I know it’s early enough where I am, but it seems that I’m behind and ought to be doing something else. Plus, I don’t have an “office” until we find a house, so I’m working off a tiny computer stand in the bedroom and the hubster likes sleeping in now that he’s not working.
It’s easy to imagine that it can be as time consuming as you’ve stated. You do a wonderful job of not only keeping up with it, but with providing interesting and in depth information… daily. I used to follow so many blogs, but I found that it was hard to manage. Yours is one that comes up everyday through a Google Alert I’ve set. This way I’m sure to never miss what you have to pass along. Thanks for the dedication. Sometimes, it’s as simple as something you’ve commented on that is the difference between me setting down to write or forgetting about it and going for that second (or fourth) cup of coffee. Thank you for what you do.
Thanks for this post, Elizabeth! Your first comment on my blog was that blogging is a time suck. How right you are! I’ve had my blog for two weeks now, and I think I’ve got my routine down. But that first week it was sooo easy to spend all day in the blogosphere! I’m really enjoying writing my blog and reading other writers’ blogs and commenting. It’s such a relief knowing this life is not as lonely as I thought. Thanks for the reminder that everyone will be here if I need a break. The writing community is filled with so many loyal, generous, and encouraging people!
Thank you Elizabeth – so nice to know people understand and thank you for your answers to my questions for my industry analysis – I’m writing it this week.
Thank you for saying something about the lurking white elephant in the corner. I try so hard to at least stay current reading but then feel awful if I don’t jot away a short comment. It’s comforting to remember, in spite of all the pressure to connect and network, at the end of the day it’s ok to put other things first for a while. Not forever of course!
I already let everyone know the next two weeks I’ll be cutting back a bit.
I’m pretty routine as well. I tend to check in the mornings and afternoons, and feel bad when I miss those who blog late afternoon or early evening.
Two hours on blogger sounds right – and that’s without the other social sites for me!
Hear, hear!
I know all about wanting to blog & visit people´s tempting blogs but not having time – or perhaps taking the time and neglecting everything else in my busy life.
I also second the idea of telling your blog friends that you will be away for some time. Like you, I wonder what has happened if they stay away for too long.
Great post, Elizabeth. I weave in and out of the blogging world, love my online friends, and know that we all have life situations that push and pull on us, causing expansions and contractions of our online presence. Have a great weekend!!
Wow. Great post. Very true and timely right now. We’ve been talking about balance and how difficult it is to achieve with all the different stressors pulling at us. You speak to that eloquently here. Thanks.
I’ve injoyed it more than anticipated and made some great friends here as well. I try to check in several times a day, just so I don’t miss anyone. Of course, the arrival of my iPad has thrown off my routine a bit…
Tamika–It does the same to me! I really hate it when unexpected things come up in my life and I can’t keep up online with my friends. I’m trying to keep it all in perspective though–everyone understands because we’re all in the same boat!
Margot–We’re all creatures of habit, aren’t we? But SOMEtimes life gets in the way of our plans!
And thanks. I try…sometimes it doesn’t go the way I’d like, but I try to keep all the juggling balls in the air!
Indigo–I’d say the important thing is that you’re writing more! That’s wonderful.
The Daring Novelist–That’s me. It’s all on the blog reader, and I tune in when there’s a post! But I do notice if there’s NOT a post for a while or if someone’s blogging pattern changes abruptly. Usually folks will say when they’re taking a break.
Star Child–It’s true…writers have the computer on a LOT. And we know when emails come in, or comments, or Tweets, or status updates…so naturally it’s going to suck up our time. But we can’t always keep it up–and we have to forgive ourselves when this happens!
Lorel–We just can’t do it all, can we? And I know everyone understands because we’re all in the same boat, together!
Ingrid–That’s *definitely* what keeps us going, isn’t it? The desire to stay in the loop with our online friends!
I do worry about people who suddenly drop off the face of the planet and we don’t know why. I have a friend that’s virtual AND in-person and can’t get in touch with her. She’s an older lady and it worries me.
Teagan–Thanks for setting mine up on your alerts. :) You’re so right–it’s hard to handle everything and we have to prioritize…and our priorities might even need to be reassessed day to day.
I’m a big coffee fan, too! :) I try to drink it WHILE I write, but that’s a little dangerous, since I’m using a laptop.
Laura–I think it helps to HAVE a routine, but then it helps to allow ourselves some leeway with it, too.
Alan–Oh, I’m consumed by guilt from just about everything! But I try to talk myself out of it.
TootingWurzel–You are so welcome. :) Hope your analysis goes well.
SM–There are only so many hours in the day and we’re all pretty packed as it is! I think putting ourselves in a cycle of trying to keep up with EVERYTHING everyday and then beating ourselves up (as we all tend to do) when we can’t meet our own impossible goals…it’s just bad for us!
Diane–And I’m glad you did, because you’re one of the bloggers that I’d be emailed to find out what happened! You’re very routine-oriented, too.
SarahJayne–It is hard. I think I’ve accepted that some days *will* be balanced with all aspects of my life…the next day will be slanted way toward putting out fires off-line…the next day I might spend a lot more time ONline.
Mason–I think the writing life (and reading life, too) can be really isolating and we all look forward to our opportunity to connect!
Alex–Oh, if *I* had just gotten an ipad, I’d be the same way… :)
You are such a sweetie peteetie, Elizabeth. Blogging (which includes visiting blog friends) is time consuming, but….the alternative is not finding out what’s going on with people I’ve met online – and learning stuff.
Helen
Straight From Hel
I’m fairly new to social networking, and I don’t always keep up, but I have to say that I’m grateful that it’s there. Given the solitary nature of a writer’s working life, the Internet is an especially convenient way for a writer to stay in touch with others who are serious about the craft. (Can’t you just see Jane Austen and Agatha Christie blogging? :-) I’m especially grateful that you’re here, Elizabeth. Even though I don’t always comment, I always enjoy reading down your week’s posts *and* reading the inisghtful comments of those who do find the time to leave comments :-)
~Cleo
Well said and reasonable thoughts, feelings about blogging. I used to be a little let down when my blog traffic and/or comments lowered in volume, but hey – blogging is not the be all and end all of most people’s lives. So now I just appreciate the attention my blog DOES get, do my best to return the favor of faithful readers who have thier own blogs, and I don’t feel any undue pressure to ease off the gas a little from time to time when I have more important and/or pressing things to do.
Like this past week and a half, I’ve been in a writer’s zone with a book that is DEMANDING to be written. 45K words in like 10 days, and when that happens, I take little blog breaks, but don’t spend the usual (like you accurately estimate) 2-3 hours for blogging and networking. Hey – we’re writers, right? (wink)
I love blogging but I know that I have to find the balance it has been difficult. I have my favorite blogs I visit (this one included) but many I wish to visit daily I can’t get to. I give 2 1/2 hours a day to blogging alone and that doesn’t mean twitter and facebook. That’s a lot of time which I also have scheduled specifically.
Love your post.
ann
Excellent post Elizabeth! I’ve visited a ton of sites lately where bloggers are apologizing for not keeping up. It’s tough. I just posted about laptop woes that will have me cutting back for a bit – thank goodness not completely!
Thanks, Elizabeth–like you, I read more blogs than I have time to comment on. And I become erratic with my own blog when the “real” writing MUST be done–when I’m on deadline!
Helen–No, YOU’RE a sweetie! :) And you’re right…usually we all just try to squeeze some more time out of our day. It might be the middle of the night,but…
Terry–Oh, those husbands can mess with a routine!!
I can’t imagine adjusting to a later time zone. I know what you mean…I was in Alabama a few days ago and that’s only CENTRAL time zone and I felt so far behind!
Cleo–I would be SUCH a follower of Austen’s or Christie’s blog!
And I lurk too, sometimes. Sometimes I’ll have 1 minute…enough to read and absorb and appreciate content–not enough time to comment! And, Cleo, you’ve been really supportive of my blog–foodie blog and this one. Thanks.
Marvin–Exactly! So we can’t take it personally because we’ve BEEN there!
45K?? Wow, you’re really cooking that book! Yeah, the writing has got to come first. It’s the whole point.
Dorte–Something’s got to give! And different days it seems to be different things. Sigh. At least I’m either neglecting people equally or being really on top of it….I guess it balances out.
Paul–I think that’s exactly right. We have days where nothing’s really going on and we can play catch-up. Then things go wild and we’re absent a little more. It’s almost wave-like.
Ann–There’s really no REGULAR balance, that I can see. Some days there IS balance, most days I’m robbing Peter to pay Paul, time-wise. I’ve tried to just approach it all with some flexibility.
Conda–Well, and we get paid for that writing. :) So we’ve got to give it some priority. But it’s hard, isn’t it?
This is a great post and reminder. I am one of the ‘love the blogging’ but because of the day job or the home life have my gaps on visiting. I try to mostly use my sidebar to keep track of who has updated recently and catch up as I can, but YES, it can be SO time consuming.
And it is a great reminder for those of us who need breaks to just SAY IT. My husband was hospitalized in January with pneumonia and my blog readers were FABULOUS. All I had to say was a paragraph about what was up and that I would be gone for the week… simple as that.
Communication, even if brief, is all that is necessary.
Ditto to everything you said. Routine, commenting on blogs, reading comments and just finding out what’s going on in my bloggy world makes me happy. Great post!
And here I am, two days late commenting. Thanks again for your encouragement through your blog posts, friend.
Jemi–And no apologies are even necessary, are they? Just maybe a “I’ll be back in a week” or whatever. Just to keep us nosy folks in the loop! :)
Hart–I really appreciated when you kept us updated…you’re one of the bloggers that, if you suddenly dropped off the radar, I’d worry about.
Kathi–Thanks so much! :)
Glen–And thanks so much for all of yours! I appreciate your RTs on Twitter and your comments on my blog.
Oh, I feel you on this one. My blogroll’s become rather unmanageable of late. So y’know what? I took your advice and sorted my blogs into day-of-the-week folders. Now I don’t feel quite so overwhelmed when I have 170 unread blogs stacked up, because I only have to read and potentially comment on maybe 30 or 40 blogs for a given day. Ah, the sweet relief!
(Thanks for that suggestion, good lady.)
Simon–It helps, doesn’t it? And then we KNOW we’re being regular with our commenting, too…we don’t have to try to remember the last time we visited a particular blog. :)