Monday, January 9, 2017

a decision .....

As the anniversary of my blog approaches I've been pondering whether or not to continue.  I don't like a lot of the changes that Blogger has made.  Many bloggers have disappeared - have they moved to another platform, taken ill or worse?  Every day there are more blogs on which I am unable to leave a comment - I feel like I'm lurking.  'No reply' comments are becoming more frequent - I feel impolite when I don't reply.  Blogger has decided that some comments shouldn't be sent to my inbox - this apparently depends on what email service the commenters use.  The 'social' aspect seems to have disappeared.   Sometimes blog posts, mine included, are more like show and tell, a 'look what I made' - I'm uncomfortable with that. I don't like the blogs that are always trying to sell me something - most of these I have discontinued following or reading.

 I have decided I will play it by ear and continue blogging for now.   Please do not feel obligated to leave a comment - if you read my blog I am content with that.  Sometimes it's difficult to know what to comment on a post - I've been there, done that. 

And since I know that there has to be an enticing/interesting photo posted to attract one's attention, I'll share these polar bears that I made ages ago ......





 live life to express - not impress

 

16 comments:

Jeanette said...

I've been feeling the same Kate. I do use Instagram more than my blog maybe others have gone there too but i think blogging has just gone out of fashion. Quite a few of my friends have just stopped blogging altogether. I do hope you keep blogging. Love the polar bear. Hugs,xx

WoolenSails said...

I understand, I have a hard time keeping up lately, so I visit sites when I just want to rest for awhile and I try to leave comments on different ones each day. With Facebook it is getting worse, with groups I have joined, they are swamped with photos, but I do like the inspiration, so i scroll and stop at photos that interest me;)

Debbie

Chantal said...

Since this is my third year in Blogland I can't relate to most of your post BUT I do have the feeling (sometimes) that I keep leaving the same "old" comment. I hope Blogger won't disappear as I don't use any other sohose for cial medias. I sure am glad you decided to stay ... for now. Maybe a blog vacation is in order? Just saying. ;^)

Anonymous said...

I do hope you keep blogging, even if not as frequently as before. I don't like FB and don't want an Instagram or twitter account as I find they're more for just posting photos.
I actually keep my blog up more for myself, like an internet log book of what I get up to . . . it's lovely when people stop by to comment, and I feel I'm sharing, but I would continue writing regardless of the number of visitors I get.
Blogger isn't the easiest of places to leave a comment, I'll agree to that. But I'll still stop by and comment (the I'm not a robot thing is somewhat annoying) as long as you continue to post ^^

Justine said...

I have only been blogging for 3 years. I agree about the blogger changes especially not sending emails when certain followers comment, but I think there is still a good community out there of stitchers who blog. I do hope you don't decide to give up.

Pull the other thread said...

I too agree with you on the changes Blogger have made, it's very disappointing, so much so that I am going to be moving my blog to a paid hosting service this year. Fear not though I will keep my blogger one to let my current followers know when a new post is up but hopefully people will have an easier time of commenting. Love your polar bears!

Mii Stitch said...

I agree that things have changed a bit in Blogland. Many have stopped or moved across to other platforms, sadly. Blogger latest "updates" have not been for the best neither...
I do hope however, you will still blog and share your finishes.
Those polar bears are really cute!

Jenny said...

Sorry to read that you are considering giving up blogging Kate. I love reading your and other quilt blogs and don't really understand the other things like instagram, twitter, and facebook.
I write the blog on "Live Writer" (I think it is a free download) and then publish from there so having been having any problems.
Best wishes for a great stitching year.

Robin in Virginia said...

Kate, your polar bear is adorable. It made me smile. I am glad you will continue to blog. I know many have moved to FB and/or Instagram although some are slowly returning. Like one of the commenters above said, there is still a good community of stitchers who blog.

Needled Mom said...

I know what you mean! So many of my favorite blogs have moved onwards over the years. I really miss the interaction we first had at the beginning, but I will keep blogging.

Anthea said...

Well I'm going to start with those Polar Bears - too cute! - are they felt applique?

as for blogging, yes a lot of bloggers have slowed & stopped altogether & gone to Instagram... evidently, it's more appealing to snap a pic, apply a hashtag & publish it... well, I happen to enjoy reading the blog posts about how someone made something, I love the story behind a creation, & i enjoy the pics too. Although IG is 'social media' I don't find it half as enjoyable as blog reading.

I had no idea that not all Comments on a blog are going to an email inbox... i don't like the recent Blogger changes either... Kate you do what you want to do, what keeps you enjoying your crafting!
x

Timi said...

I feel the same as you... but I really like to read your posts and see your works!
Those polar bears are so cute!!!

Brigitte said...

I'm glad to read that you want to continue blogging for now. I think that's a decision that we have to take every now and then. Yes, you are right, a lot of bloggers have stopped their blog, but there are always new bloggers, too, that show their great work. So, there are always lots of new posts in my reader that I want to comment on.

As for commenting I have to say that I never feel obliged to leave a comment - I love to leave comments and if I don't have a lot to say my comment is just short, just to show that I was there and I appreciated to read the post. But unfortunately there are always blogs where I can't comment, mostly G+ bloggers and I think this is sad. And sometimes I even can't find a blog where I could go and have a look. Oh well.

I love those polar bears a lot. And yes, you are right, it attracted my attention, lol.

Carol said...

I think all of us who blog are questioning the future of it, right now, Kate. I can comment on other blogs okay, but can't respond to very many who comment on my blog which I find very frustrating. It is almost as if Blogger wants us to just throw our hands up and surrender :)

I'll admit--I do love Instagram for the speed and the number of finishes you can easily see. But, there is not the same connection, so, for now, at least, I'll continue to post my couple times a month!

Wishing you a most happy 2017!

Anonymous said...

Cute polar bears. I hear your concerns, even share one or two of them. Switching to WordPress might make your life easier and it's easy to move your entire blog over, all your posts, pictures, everything. I don't actually care whether people reply to my blog comments, especially if it's either just a thank you or one of those like things. If I leave a comment, come see my blog and leave a comment. That's the old way, though. =) We can make that pact, though!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

A little late commenting but ironically it's because there's so many posts in my Reader I am way behind!
I hear what you say about comments. I have moderation on to pick up the ones that don't send emails so I can respond direct. I do the same with "no-reply" people, I leave a comment on their blog and ask for an email.
One of the things which helps foster a feeling of community is the Linky SALs, I take part in several of those - WIPocalypse, Smalls, Gifted Gorgeousness etc. I also run quite a few blog hops. That's a nice way to connect with other stitchers.
I can see you've added a few posts since this one so you've obviously decided to carry on for a while!