How do you blog – what were the responses to my poll?
I wrote quite a popular post two months ago asking the question ‘HOW do YOU blog?’ where I included a short poll and asked for responses to some simple questions.
Why? Because it is a question that intrigues me. With all the bloggers out there in the blogging world, how you blog is of utmost interest to me.
Maybe I’m just nosy!
Anyway I promised to report back on my findings with your responses and then life sort of fell apart for me – well that’s probably being a bit dramatic, when in reality life just happened, as it often does for us bloggers and I got sidetracked momentarily for a month or two 🙂
Comments on the poll – and comments on the post
Comments to my short poll included these insightful and honest thoughts as part of the poll and then there are masses of other answers in the comments on the actual post (pop back and have a read of just the comments if you’re interested!).
I currently maintain three, no, four blogs (one is hubby’s, he writes and I add photos and publish).
One is our personal blog and rarely is anything scheduled unless I am doing the April A to Z challenge. It chronicles what we are doing as well as silly dog pics of our two Goldendoodles. Hubby’s is where he is journalling the build of his hobby barn. I just proof, clean up, add photos, and publish.
One is a flash fiction photo prompt blog I took over – posts are done ahead and scheduled for midnight every Sunday. I do those a month in advance – no real writing is involved, just adding the photo/credit and the linky.
One is my author site. I have scheduled posts every Friday for flash fiction. I also try to write ahead flash fiction stories for both my Friday prompt and the Sunday photo prompt. Other than that, I try to write at least weekly but not scheduled. When a topic hits me, I write it and schedule it where it works in the week ahead.
Donna B McNicol
I do a wrap-up post on a Sunday/Monday morning & usually something travel related for Thursday link-up. The rest is as and if and when the inspiration strikes. Weirdly I blog more when I’m supposed to be writing & I blog more when I’m super busy in the day job.
Joanne – And Anyways
These days I tend to write my blog posts at the drop of a hat and when I’m feeling inspired. I’ve been known to write an entire blog post on my phone or in the car when inspiration strikes. Though I used to schedule posts I mostly write after a trip or when something comes to me. We evolve with our blogs don’t we and for me at the moment, with so many changes going on in my life this is what suits. Writing, travelling, living, they’re all intertwined.
Miriam – Out an’ About
I am intrigued as to how Lisa is circumnavigating the world! I schedule some blogs if we’re going to have visitors staying or going away, but mostly I think of what to write as I go along, inspired by whatever’s happening locally or in the wide world. I can’t imagine blogs ready for next year, they might come across as dated or worse, clash horribly with world events!
Janet – ccside writer
I am a full-time traveler and tend to post after I visit each major port. I do like to get out a post at least once a month but sometimes, travel schedules have me posting less or more than that. As I am completing my first circumnavigation, I would like to be a bit more scheduled and expand my writing beyond destination pieces. Will be interested to see the results from your posts
Lisa – One Ocean at a Time
Many thanks to everyone who read, took the poll and then left comments as well. It was so interesting to read how everyone else does this thing called blogging!
Responses in more detail
My basic question was how do you blog with my poll including 6 options:
42.62% selected this response: I’m more the spontaneous type of blogger and just let it flow when and how I feel like it
37.7% selected this response: I don’t plan everything but follow a basic schedule of sorts
11.48% selected Other as their response
6.56% selected this response: I plan everything, (posts, social media, images) and schedule posts weeks/months in advance
1.64% selected this response: I have a system in place in response to what my blog statistics/insights tell me
0% selected this response: I am paid to write what I write, so little input from me is required
The poll received 61 total votes which I think is quite good but the Mathematician in the family might question the validity of such an activity! But hey, I’m the blogger in the family and it’s my world 🙂
No right or wrong way to blog
I said this in my original post but it comes through loud and clear in the comments section, so I thought it was worth repeating.
There is no one right way to blog in my humble opinion. Everyone has their own style, their own reasons and their own voice – and it’s that which makes a blogger feel good, when it all comes together and works. It’s also what keeps others returning to your blog, your voice and personality shine through.
Tweet
One of the many great comments on my post came from Hugh, a blogger who offers lots of useful blogging advice and who freely shares his tips and ideas. This is just a part of his comment and it resonated with me. How about you?
You’re right that there is no right way or wrong way to blog, but I believe we each individually have a right way and wrong way to blog. For example, for me, a wrong way to blog is not to respond to any comments left on posts or click the ‘like’ button without having read and enjoyed the post first. A right way to blog is to leave meaningful and genuine comments that add value to a post rather than a comment that is empty and leaves no value at all.
Hugh
To plan or not to plan?
I found it interesting, but not totally unexpected, that the majority of people who answered my poll stated they are more spontaneous bloggers, rather than planning every little thing.
The comments also reflected this with many saying there’s never enough time to do it all and have a life; blogging can take over if we let it; it can be addictive and it seems our blogs are evolving over time. So as we change and move from one stage in our lives, like retiring from paid work, then so too do our blogs. They evolve with us.
Many spoke of the connections they’ve made through blogging and I am very aware of this too. More than one blogger commented on the need to enjoy our blogging, otherwise we burn out and lose our mojo. I also liked the comment about blogging being like parenting, we all do it differently.
Planning to some extent was also an important part of blogging, with it being the second highest popular response. Not planning every little thing but having a system of sorts was popular. Many bloggers plan and draft posts for future use or have notes ready for when the urge takes them. Spontaneity can be hard to find at times, so many bloggers have a few drafts ready to schedule for these moments when the thoughts are not forthcoming.
As for me, I sometimes schedule things in advance but rarely have too many posts sitting in my draft folder. Just lately life has taken over and I’ve not been quite as consistent with my blogging but I’m not particularly worried.
It’s my world and I’m in control – sometimes!
Thank you!
It’s been good to look more closely at these results and comments. Many thanks to everyone who took my poll and/or left a comment. I’m still amazed after all these years of the caring and sharing attitude of bloggers, it’s one of the very special attributes of many of bloggers in my world and I’m very grateful to you all.
Having the poll in my post was a fun activity and something I’ll use again I’m sure. It was an easy option to add and if you haven’t used it before I’d recommend having a play around. Let me know if you need any help.
Do you have any further thoughts to share? It’s always great to hear what you’re thinking, so leave a comment and start a conversation.
Deb x
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Deb's World 
I missed your original poll. I definitely would have responded. I schedule all my posts and try to have several weeks done in advance. This works well until “something” happens or until I go away and then I fall behind. I used to get stressed about this but then I realised that it’s my blog and I can do whatever I want to.
I try to schedule 4 posts a week. Monday is a travel-related quote; Wednesday is a postcard from my past travels (it’s fun going back through my old travel diaries and photos); Friday is WTFriday – something weird; Saturday is a post from my most recent trip. The last can take a while so I get to relive my holidays for a long time.
It’s so wonderful that blogging lets us share and connect with each other. I especially enjoy other travel blogs that take me to places I know and love and to places I haven’t been.
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Hi Jenny, I appreciate your comment on how you blog. I admire anyone who can have posts scheduled in advance, it’s only happened to me once or twice! I agree we shouldn’t stress ourselves but it’s often easier said than done. I like your schedule and thanks again for sharing your thoughts. I love the connection of bloggers.
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Great post Deb, I am such a planner of my posts, I constantly have a book with me full of notes.
It’s really interesting to read how others go about their blogging.
Thank you for putting this together x
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My pleasure Claire, it was fun writing it up and looking at everyone’s thoughts again. I also have a notebook with thoughts and ideas – you never know when inspiration will strike! Thanks for your comment 🙂
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Very interesting Deb. I used to worry that I wasn’t doing it right! Now I go with the flow and just enjoy it.
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Great to hear Gloria, I’m with you all the way!
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Fascinating to see how everyone goes about blogging in their own way. I agree with Hugh – but one of the problems I have is the lack of time to respond to comments received and get onto other sites that I enjoy visiting and leaving comments there.
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Oh yes, don’t start me on the time issue. It’s my word of the year and it’s a hard one to get around. I tend to chip, chip, chip away at things and try not to let myself feel overwhelmed by it all. We can only do so much!
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True. But I can’t help feeling guilty about not being able to do it all! Having a blitz today!
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I somehow missed the poll, but went back to read the epic comments. After nine years, I’m trying to look as blogging as a job now.I’d say I’m a writer who bogs, but each informs the other. I love that every day is new.
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I hear you Lorna! Thanks for adding your thoughts into the mix, I always value your input and blogging experience. And you’re so right, every day is new!
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Hi, Debbie – These results are fascinating. I agree that there is no right or wrong way to blog. We all have our blogging superpowers and our blogging challenges. That’s what makes the blogosphere so fascinating!
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Thanks Donna! I love that expression ‘blogging superpowers’ and you’re so right! The differences in what people write about, how often they post, how they frame their posts – it all makes the blogging world a very interesting place to be. 🙂
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What a great idea! I missed the pool post, but I’m blogging like the majority, letting the flow that over. Sometimes I wonder if I had the posts planned and a schedule would make a difference. I mean, a difference in the feedback, the comments and community. It would be interessant if you did a follow-up pool to check about it.
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Thanks for you thoughts Elizabeth. It is always interesting to hear how others do things and this has been no exception. I’m not sure how much more engagement or feedback would happen if things were scheduled as I believe it’s the content that is most importnat and if that engages people then you’re onto a winner!
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What an interesting post. I am so scheduled and regimented in all areas of my life except blogging. Ha! All over the place there. I try to create schedules and plan posts and even doing so, I wait til the very last minute and toss something together. Cannot imagine balancing more than one blog.
Thank you for sharing the results of your poll.
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I hear you Leslie, I also like being organised and have calendars and planners all over the place but my blogging is a more free and easy version of me and I like it! I couldn’t imagine having more than one blog either!
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That was interesting. For me blogging is also about community – which I feel you are part of.
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That’s lovely, thank you! We all belong to some great blogging communities and I value every one of you 🙂
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Hi Deb, firstly it is terrific to be in your blogosphere and to be blogging friends. More times than not you make me think, smile or wonder what the heck you are doing 🙂
I missed your post, so shall share here. Mainly I jot down ideas via the drafting process. Leave it for days or weeks and go back to see if it all makes sense. Rarely do I write and post straight away. Though I don’t schedule my posts that would make my blog more of a job which it is not, it’s my creative outlet.
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I’m so pleased you enjoy the blogosphere around us Suz, it’s been a real joy making connections all over the world. I love that I make you wonder what the heck I’m going to do next! I often make notes too and try not to have too much scheduled as I like the more as it happens style of blogging, it suits me and my personality better that way, but everyone is different! Thanks for joining in with your thoughts.
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How interesting to see all the differences! 🙂
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I thought so too Sheryl, so many differences but we all manage to continue our blogging in our own unique way!
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I found the results and comments from this poll to be extremely interesting and insightful. I hope to see more polls from you in the future. Thank you so much for sharing my comments in this post and for introducing me to some bloggers that
I was unaware of here. Looking forward to checking out their blogs soon!
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I found these results interesting – and confirmed the initial hypothesis (there’s a word the mathematician would be happy with) that there is no right or wrong way. There just is. I love being a part of your bloggy universe…
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I’m so glad to have you in my bloggy universe too Jo! The results were interesting and I’m glad I managed to do the follow up post!
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Such an interesting read and roundup of all the responses to your earlier post, Debbie.
I still think that the heart of blogging is its community. That’s why responding to the comments of readers is so important. However, unless we’re in it for the money, then it should always be about fun and enjoyment.
I agree that we should blog the way that works best for us, but I see so many wonderful bloggers give up blogging because that can often bring them stress and make them feel overwhelmed. Responding to comments can take up such a significant amount of time, but we mustn’t forget that we all have the option to turn off comments if they become overwhelming. It may not look good, but it’s an escape route from going down that slippery slope to blogging burnout. Nobody wants that, do they?
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I agree wholeheartedly with you Hugh! I know what stress and burn out feel like so I’m now in a much better place and enjoy blogging for the creative hobby that it is. I also LOVE the connections and community and try not to let myself get overwhelmed. It’s easier said than done though. Your posts give bloggers the benefit of your experience and are always a great way to see another perspective. I did have fun putting this post together and reading everyone’s thoughts was quite enlightening. Thanks for your input 🙂
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Thanks so much for this great recap (and I’m honored to have been mentioned). I found it interesting how others approach things.
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Thanks Donna, I’m so glad you didn’t mind me mentioning you and your blog 🙂 . It was a great way to illustrate the various thoughts of other bloggers and it’s always much appreciated to hear their words directly.
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Absolutely not…thank you again!
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Fascinating summary of your responses Deb. I guess everyone blogs slightly differently but the common thread is that ‘if it works for you, keep doing it’. It’s all about communication isn’t it?
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Yes that’s right Jonno, and I’m always willing to learn from others who have been there before me. I thoroughly enjoy the community interaction and engagement that blogging gives me 🙂
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[First I had to go back and see what I said in answer to your questions, to make sure I hadn’t changed my mind between then and now. I’m good. Still thinking the same things.]
I’m pleased to see how many people responded to your poll and to find out that I’m not alone in my approach to how I keep my blog at this point. While your mathematician may not think much of your results, I think they’re significant. Probably because they reflect my own views 😉
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Yes Ally, I’m thrilled with the response to my little poll and the comments that have been left. Thanks so much for your support and for going back to check your comments – you’re so sweet! It’s a great community we have going on and I’m so happy you’re in it.
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Very interesting. We found you through our friend Lisa, the sailor! We blog as we go based on our travel experiences. Life is too short to put any pressure on blogging. We treat it as a hobby, not a chore.
Cheers,
John and Susan
Medellin, Colombia
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Welcome to my world and it’s great to find you through a mutual blogging friend. I agree life is far too short to have pressure put on ourselves. Thanks for stopping by!
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Thanks for conducting this poll and sharing the results with us, Deb. I found it very interesting to learn how others operate. I have a plan, in that I post every Tuesday and more recently started a vlog that publishes on Mondays. If I don’t schedule publication, I’m not likely to make the time to write regularly–and as you pointed out, blogging is a time commitment. I hope all is going well with you and your family. Enjoy your day!
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Thanks Christie, all is going along OK at the moment. I’m glad you enjoyed the results of the poll, I find it a fascinating subject.
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Hey Deb, such a great idea for a pose and thanks for adding my comments into the mix. I love being part of your blogging community. Even though I’m not blogging as often these days I can’t imagine my life without it. Hugs and love sent your way xx
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I’m so glad to have included you Miriam, you are an amazing blogger!
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Hi Debs, I am so glad that I am not quite as disorganised with my blogging as I thought! Sometimes it feels like others have everything preplanned and have blogging completely sorted. Great to see these results. I have shared on my reg blogshare feature – MidWeek magic Inspiring Blogs for You, Claire x
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Oh thanks so much for sharing Claire and for your responses. It is always good to hear that what we are doing isn’t that different to others after all! I really enjoyed seeing the results too 🙂
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You are welcome, Debs x
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What an interesting and refreshing post! 🙂 Thanks for compiling all this info. I read about your blog from here: https://painpalsblog.com/2019/10/24/midweek-magic-inspiring-blogs-for-you-3/
It was interesting reading about all these different viewpoints on blogging. For me, I am a beginner (started beginning of this month) and I am just getting familiar with the blogging world.
Thanks again for the interesting read! 🙂
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Welcome to the blogging world! I’m glad to know where you found my post and that you enjoyed it. Thanks very much for your comment and good luck.
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