Dear Readers,
I’m conflicted. I don’t know what to do about my blog. I really enjoy writing about the details of my life, using the blog as a journal, but I also have fun writing about the things that I love (paper) and the things about which I’m learning more (design). I’m beginning to think that maybe this isn’t the forum for everything. It feels… cluttered.
Perhaps I should start a second blog. I could use #1 like a diary and #2 to explore my creative side. I’d essentially have a personal and a professional blog. Or would that just be making things even more complicated?
Many bloggers are able to weave together posts about their lives and their likes, such as Miss Jane, Ali Loves Curtis, Bliss, Katy Elliot and The Speckled Egg, but their blogs seem to flow better than mine. Is it because my posts vary in length so much? Because I don’t have a formula for writing each post?
It doesn’t help that I’m so indecisive. That’s why I’m looking to you, my 5 readers, to help me figure things out. Do I maintain two blogs? Streamline this blog? Come up with some sort of blogging template? I would love to hear your opinions, so please leave your comments below.
Thanks,
PJ
(image via flickr)
I say – just don’t worry about it and write about whatever you want! It’s your space. Who cares if there’s not an official formula or flow or anything?
Brooke–
Thanks for commenting! I know I shouldn’t worry, but I’m a girl who loves structure, and right now I’m feeling like I’m lacking it.
Plus, I overthink everything 😉
PJ
I think putting together 2 separate blogs might be a good idea so you can keep track of which types of posts get you more readers, etc. Otherwise, one blog is fine and people can choose to read a specific post or not. Just keep it up, whatever you decide!
2 blogs is the way to go. It might just be the affiliate publisher in me, but a niche site is way more effective and pulls more readers in than a blog that covers everything. Keep us posted on the developments!
I have wondered the same thing!! I have a blog but no one knows about it bc I can’t decide if I should post things about my life or career topics!!!! I thought about doing two but that thought sort of overwhelms me bc that would call for twice the updates. *sigh* but this does not help answer your question. I guess paper and design could be one blog and your personal life another? with many links in between, i’m sure.
joshomaha–
That’s what I was thinking… I could keep my thoughts more organized by using two separate blogs. It would be interesting to see which got more readers.
Thanks for your comment!
PJ
Brad–
Thanks for the advice! While I love writing for the sake of writing, I’m also looking to pull more readers in. I want to be part of the blogging community!
I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for commenting.
PJ
Jennifer–
I didn’t know you have a blog! I wanna see it!
PJ
I like that you intermix the two. It keep me updated on what’s going on in your life and I enjoy the bits about work/outside interests.
I think you’re wondering about the same things I wonder about. In fact, I often think that I’m getting too “lifey” and other times too “consumerist”. I also think that people have an easier time finding flaws with their own work and less so with others. So, if it speaks to you, blog about it, and hopefully, everything will sort out. Hopefully.
What a nice compliment that you think I weave life + stuff together well, though. Thank you!
Allison — thanks for commenting!
Jane,
You are absolutely right. I often wonder why there are so many flaws in what I do and none (if any) in what other people do. I guess it’s true that we are each our own harshest critic.
So would you categorize your blog as an all-around personal blog or a more specific niche blog?
Thanks for commenting,
PJ
PJ,
After I posted the earlier comment, I thought about how I would “categorize” my blogging. I think my goal is to stay true to my profile, which is cities/bakeries/stationery/magazines&fashion. I think most of my posts fit into that category. (which isn’t really a category) What I try to avoid is the “what I did yesterday” posts, especially the “what my son/husband did” stuff. Thankfully, there’s a lot of stationery and cookies out there, as well as an endless supply of magazines 🙂
Personally I’m a fan of mixing the two (as long as you don’t get too personal). Your personal life can’t help but influence your creative side and vice versa 🙂
Good luck, PJ! Either way it’s fun to have a “document” / “database” of all your ideas, big or small.
Anne