I have a horrible feeling that for me, quite often, it's not so much a waste of time as time mis-spent. For a writer, it's the perfect way of procratinating, while still (technically) writing.
I enjoy blogging. I like having somewhere to express feelings or experiences or odd thoughts, and I like reading other people's opinions/ views/takes on life etc. Inasmuch as you can never really know someone you've never met, I have nonetheless come to 'know' some really nice, supportive, interesting and entertaining people. But does that make it a good use of time? (Many people use Facebook for the same purpose, but for some reason, I cannot stand Facebook. It seems not only trivial - often - but too public, for while anyone can read this, not that many people know about it, and it's my own forum.)
So - what do you think? And (perhaps more to the point) is there anything you ought to be doing now, rather than reading this? I'm putting off work on the WIP, which has run into difficulties. What's your reason?
I'd really love to know.
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Blogging is the thinking persons Facebook. Twittering is what birds do and they do it far more effectively than human Tweeters do.
ReplyDeleteI have only been a Blogger for a few years but love it.
I am not reading your third book till you publish the next so hurry up please. Procrastination is fine. I have spent sixty years turning it into an art form.
I like that, Adrian. The thinking man's Facebook...
DeleteIf you email me, I will give you a private update on my current novel. Not for public consumption!
I am reading this to kill a few minutes before I go out.
ReplyDeleteA star you are. I'm struggling to keep awake.
DeleteKilling a few moments is what blogging does best, Frances.It's when it slaughters half a day that you need to start worrying.
DeleteI've only been blogging for a year but love the way it has linked me to a wonderful world of friendly writers, like yourself. I don't use Facebook although I have it with just my husband as a friend ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI think we're in agreement here, Wendy.
DeleteI agree with you and Wendy (although I don't have her husband as my FBF). Writers and gardeners are very generous people with their tips, advice and motivation.
ReplyDeleteYes. The advice and tips (and experiences) from others are very worthwhile, L.
DeleteBlogging is no more a waste of our time than chatting to friends or sending texts. Maybe it's because we're sat at our computers we feel a little guilty that we're not doing any real work?
ReplyDeleteVery good points, Patsy.
DeleteWhatever it is, I love it, and it keeps me off the streets! As an insomniac it fills the early hours between the first coffee of the day, breakfast, and dog-walking. It also makes me think a wee bit.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, CM!
DeleteI have learned so much from other people's blogs, and learning is never time mis-spent, is it!
ReplyDeleteAlso, like Wendy said, I love the way my blog links me to a world of friends. We don't always agree on every subject (which is perfectly OK in any circle of friends or acquaintances),
I mostly read blogs as my morning coffee read. Writing is a different story; it depends on what I want to post and how long I think it will take me. If it's just a brief book review, I'll write it when I have about half an hour left before leaving the house for work. If it's a bit more or I don't know yet how long it'll take me, I wait until the weekend when I do not need to go out at a certain time to catch the train.
I think maybe it's easier to justify the time spent if you go OUT to work, Meike, and have official coffee breaks. Discipline - or lack of it - is my biggest problem.
DeleteI read blogs when I have my morning cup of tea....and should really be getting ready for work. Blogging is not a waste of time in my opinion...I enjoy it tremendously and enjoy the gentleness of it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Libby.
DeleteI really enjoy the way in which blogs connect writers with each other, even if it's only online - although I've also met couple of online friends at the RNA conference! Definitely a form of procrastination but keeps us writing.
ReplyDeleteKeeps us writing...I'll hang on to that, Rosemary.
DeleteI don't think any piece of good or entertaining or informative writing (or all three in the case of your posts) is ever a waste of anyone's time, either the writer's or the reader's. Your blog is where I found out about your books and so I shall always be very grateful it exists.
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly, Joanna.
DeleteBlogging can sometimes seem like a waste of time, especially when you're pushed for time, busily trying to get your work onto Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI'm recently new to blogging and beginning to enjoy it, although I don't think I'm going to join Facebook or Twitter (but never say never).
I like your blogs. I, also, like Joanna, found your books here. Keep it up.
You're very kind, Fanny. As for Twitter, I daren't go near it. I'm quite easily distracted enough as it is.
DeleteBlogging can be used for many different purposes - procrastination is just one of them! As for time, it is like money. Spending it is not necessarily wasting it, and saving it is not always making the best use of it.
ReplyDeleteHow wise you are, DT!
DeleteI have never once wondered if I'm wasting my time blogging. Other people do that for me by telling me it's a waste of time. They often spend their time watching a thing called a television (the greatest potential waster of time ever invented). I agree with almost every positive comment made so far. I would add/reiterate that I have made some wonderful friends (both real and virtual) as a result of blogging. I hope you continue Frances. Blogland would be that bit poorer a place without you.
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DeleteAren't you sweet, GB! I have in intention of giving up; just needed more arguments to use against people who think I'm wasting time (mainly myself).
ReplyDeletePs that should of course be NO intention!
DeleteOne of these days I'll start up my own blog again, but it is a commitment - a bit like having a dog. You must feed it information and give it plenty of attention to keep it alive. Bloggers ususally migrate to those with similar interests. Facebook is for anyone, and often includes 'friends' you would rather not have. Keep blogging Frances. You are one of the select few that I follow.
ReplyDeleteAh, but you don't have to take it for walks, Maggie, or pick up its....oh, never mind.
DeleteI don't always leave comments but 'm a regular visitor to your blog, Frances. You always leave me with food for thought. Keep blogging.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keith. I will.
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