One of the challenges I face as a blogger here at ShaiCoggins.com is my tendency to want to blog only when I have long thought-out posts. So, now that I’m so busy with studies, work, and other projects, I end up neglecting this blog. And – I feel terribly guilty about it in the process.
Then, I remembered this wonderful conversation I had with Liz Strauss, when we first met in New York City a couple of years ago. She told me that one of the things that she had to overcome when she started blogging, was to resist the urge to come up with posts that appear like “full-fledged articles” – somewhat like blog posts all wrapped-up nicely with a bow. And, she said that letting go of that urge was liberating and helpful for her and her blogging practice.
I remember mentioning that I share such a sentiment. Since I primarily worked on the web as a feature writer especially in my early online years, my tendency is still to want to view my blog posts as “articles”. I mean, sure, they can be. After all, such blog posts tend to attract more viewers and readers. But, they don’t always have to be all wrapped-up and tied with bows.
Sometimes, they can be just visual pointers and markers. Other times, just a snapshot of a process – or a life. They don’t always have to teach, to inspire, or to impart a useful knowledge. They can be incomplete, open-ended, unfinished thoughts… Well, they can be anything, really. That’s the beauty of blogging.
I know that and practice that in some of my other blogs. In fact, I know that I’ve been trying to do that here too. But, somehow, I keep going back to this “nicely wrapped and tied with a bow” blogging mentality.
So, in an attempt to maintain this blog – especially during these extremely busy times – I’m giving myself the challenge to write quick blog posts. REGULARLY. I mean, sure, I’ll probably still write my long drawn-out posts whenever I get the chance and the inclination. But, I intend to release myself from wanting to create full-blown blog posts. Short, simple ones will do. No wrapping. No bows.
I hope you agree that that is A Good Thing too.
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I do the same thing! I save it all up and write a full history for the last month, I found during NaBloPoMo I was writing much shorter, and of course more regular, posts. I’m sure it was much easier for people to read. I got my bill last week for my blog for the quarter, and it hurt my credit card badly (someone tell the currency market to sort out that dollar issue asap!), so I need to start blogging more, or give up my shiny new blog. Of course, I’m not as naturally talented with it comes to real life kind of writing (give me an essay topic and I’m away!) so it’s harder to come up with more interesting, witty, shorter posts, but I’m aiming to blog more regularly. I think I’ll go with an idea floated here from NaBloPoMo and have say 5 themes that I write about on a regular basis to get me started.
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Shai Coggins reply on March 29th, 2009:
Nicola: Yes, having that NaBloPoMo deadline was quite handy for me at the time too. But, I really don’t think I can keep up with it at this stage of my life. But, ‘am definitely going to work on blogging quicker, shorter posts. Good luck with posting more on yours and getting to keep your new blog!
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my blog has become a jumble of quick posts. I’ve had to learn to write that way, and I’ve found that it’s a writing style I’ve become most comfortable with. It allows more of my personality (and sense of humour) to come through. I’m all for stream of consciousness posts, and many of my favourite blogs are written this way.
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Shai Coggins reply on March 29th, 2009:
Sounds good to me, Nenette.
Your blog’s doing great and looking good — so you must be on to something! 
I should really work on my quick-blogging techniques. Heh.
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I’ve stuck to the ‘once a week wrap-up’ type of post for the last couple of years and it has worked well for me. If I blog any more regularly I get jaded and overwhelmed (hello NaBloPoMo) but if I skip a week I end up writing a huge essay when I eventually get back. I’ve also tried to stick to a format – start with wrapping up whether I achieved last week’s goals or not, talk about things I did during week, discuss future plans, set weekly goals and then sign off. I find having a format helps me think of what to write , especially when I am pressed for time and don’t have the luxury of time/peace and quiet to think things through.
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Shai Coggins reply on March 29th, 2009:
Hi, Melissa. Yeah, it’s good that you found your own ‘blogging groove’ – whether by theme, schedule or format. I’ve been blogging for so long, I’m still have to adjust and re-adjust my own blogging groove. Good luck with keeping up with your own blogging sched without getting overwhelmed and jaded.
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I say go with whatever works for you
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Shai Coggins reply on March 29th, 2009:
Thanks, Joanna. I’m working out a way/approach/sched that works best for me and my current situation. I find that it’s always changing.
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Hi Shai,
I’m agreeing with this idea. You’re a busy woman. Just snapshot entries are fine. We just love to hear from you.
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Shai Coggins reply on March 29th, 2009:
Aw, thanks Heather. ‘am definitely going to work on it. I find that the longer I don’t blog, the more I find it difficult to blog because there are too many things I want to say in one go. So… let’s see!
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I pretty much never have time to actually think a post out. Most are just random ramblings typed on the fly. Sometimes I think it’s better that way because they are more organic then and less censored than they would be if I planned it out in advanced. I suppose it depends on what a blogger is comfortable putting out there and the level of professionalism they would like to maintain. Personally I prefer reading stuff with the raw emotion or a decent amount of personality shining through. It makes me feel like I’m visiting with a good friend on the phone
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Shai Coggins reply on March 29th, 2009:
Yes, Kari. That does sound good.
I guess, it’s just that I find myself constantly having to figure out where I stand online. So, I end up second guessing myself. I just have to go with the flow sometimes and see how it goes. Maybe. 
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Hi Shai,
I’m so pleased to see this. I’ve been thinking about you for days. Thinking about you and an email I promised to send months ago. I still plan on sending it, but now I know what I needed to know then.
Meanwhile, I’m all for blogging one idea. Blog your experience. Information is all over the Internet. We come for you.
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Shai Coggins reply on March 29th, 2009:
Thanks, Liz. I have been thinking of you and our last quick convo as well. Thanks for all that and your fabulous insights. I do look forward to that email you mentioned. I don’t want to bug you, so I haven’t followed up on it. I figured you’ll talk again when you’re ready?
In any case, it’s always wonderful to hear from you. Take care.
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Sounds like a GREAT idea to me Shai and I look forward to reading more posts from you. Funny thing is sometimes I find the casual posts I just ‘blurt out’ sometimes attract more comments than posts I have taken more time and thought in creating. I think it says something about our desire to relate to others, and perhaps is easier to relate to a thought than an article …
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Shai Coggins reply on March 29th, 2009:
Thanks, Jasmin. Yes, somehow, I keep telling myself it’s okay to do quick ‘blurt/blog-out-loud’ posts. And, somehow, I manage to get to practice that in my ‘pro blogs’ like JMMO. I don’t worry too much. With my personal blog, I tend to be more cautious, I guess. But, ‘am definitely working on this now.
Thanks again!
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