Sunday, July 22, 2012

Getting Back to the Basics

My little ones chowing down on some homegrown cherry tomatoes. Woohoo for me actually keeping plants alive!

I've been mentioning for months now that I would like to make some blogging changes. But as of yet, it really hasn't happened. I could use a dozen excuses but it really comes down to the fact that I haven't pushed myself yet. I like safe and comfortable so the idea of change always tends to make me nervous. But after the latest rounds of controversy that seem to just keep on coming, I've been forced to re-evaluate my blog and the reasons why I blog about books. I started this blog 4 and 1/2 years ago because of my love of books. That fact hasn't changed in all of the years that I have been blogging. In fact thanks to all of the lovely bloggers out there, I may love books even more now than I did 5 years ago.

Changes. For me to continue blogging about books and my family, they need to happen and sooner rather than later. As the title of this post indicates, I need to get back to the basics of why I started blogging. This means less drama and more of the following:
  • Reading challenges that create community
  • Group reads that expand my reading comfort zone
  • Read-a-longs that create discussion
  • More commenting and meeting both new and old bloggers
  • Personal posts that allow for me to develop friendships with other bloggers

With all of the positive, I'm hoping to jump start my love of blogging once again. And I'm going to need less of the following:

  • Review copies that make me feel like I owe something to the author and publisher. I don't.
  • Stress because blogging about books is supposed to be enjoyable and not a chore.
  • Pressure because I'm the only one who is putting pressure on myself. Time to take it off :)
  • Drama that just creates negativity. I don't want that here on my blog.

2012 has been a CRAZY year for blogging but I think with a little bit of change it can end. It's time to focus on what is important and get back to the books.

14 comments:

  1. Sounds good :) Stick to that plan

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  2. I guess I should feel blissfully giddy that I am unaware of any drama in the blogosphere! I am seriously clueless. Anyway, I'm looking forward to whatever you decide to post -- whether it be about your books or your brood! :)

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  3. I hope the changes make things better for you!

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  4. Happily, I seem to have missed all the controversies, but this looks like a great plan, one that will help keep you focused on the things you love about book blogging. :)

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  5. Adorable photo! I think your ideas about books and blogging are wonderful.

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  6. This is a great plan, Samantha. Very doable! I may be following suit shortly!

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  7. I think it's good to re-evaluate why we blog. I like your reasons. I've never really sought ARCS b/c I don't want the committment. I've been thinking of a few changes for my blog as well.

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  8. Loved this post!! Even though up until the other day I had no clue about the negativity going on out there, I was just tired of the time commitments that come with review books! I'm sure these changes will make you very happy!!

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  9. Sounds like a good plan! Blogging should be a fun and creative outlet.
    Cute pic of the kiddies!

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  10. Aw, what an adorable photo! And great ideas, thanks for sharing :)! I just found your blog & will definitely be following it from now on! I recently started a new book blog if you want to take a look: http://heartisinthewriteplace.blogspot.com/
    Thanks again!

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  11. I love this Sam! But especially those cute little babies.

    And this: "Pressure because I'm the only one who is putting pressure on myself. Time to take it off." Yup. I've decided that I have to also be a bit selfish with my blogging--taking care of me before taking care of everyone else (commenting, etc).

    In terms of readalongs--want to hold my hand in September when Fizzy Jill and Christina Reading Thru the Night make me read IT? ;)

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  12. I was just thinking about you Samantha. Your plan sounds great. I hope you're doing well!

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  13. Great goals/plan. Glad I did not know anything about the latest drama, there are times when being ignorant is a good thing.

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  14. Like Nise, I stay out of any controversy and always have. I blog because I love books. I would, once things settle at home, be able to get back to more commenting and such. I miss knowing what's going in in the lives of the bloggers I've become close too. I like your philosophy and I always enjoy posts about the little ones and your reading!

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