Yeah. Good Times.: Does anybody really know what time it is?

xmlns:og='http://ogp.me/ns#' Yeah. Good Times.: Does anybody really know what time it is?

Friday, April 15, 2011

Does anybody really know what time it is?

This is probably one of those posts that I'm going to delete later because I think I've shared too much. For the record, though: totally sober right now! I'm not entirely sure why the Chicago reference; the uncertainty of it just seemed appropriate at the moment.

I've been thinking about taking a break from blogging. Don't worry, I probably won't, I've just been thinking about it. I hate making grand declarations of things like "I'M GOING TO START TAKING CARE OF MY BODY AND STOP EATING GLASS ONCE AND FOR ALL" because I never follow through and then I feel like an idiot for having said it in the first place, so I'd rather just not announce my plans about anything; and yet .... here we are.

I just don't think I'm doing it right. I take it too seriously, I care too much about how many followers I have and how many comments I get on each post and how many unique visits I get a day. That's not, and shouldn't be, the point of this whole thing. I think the people who are doing it right don't actually obsess over things like that. So, I thought it might be good for my mental health to just step back a little.

Plus, I'm always so concerned about having a new post every day, so I end up putting up crap that I don't like (I mean the things I've written, not the guest posts or Dive Bar posts that other people have written). I read once on some blog somewhere that when (whoever it was) starts to get that "should post something" feeling then what they'll come up with will seem forced and inauthentic. That's a really good attitude. I need to do that. Instead, I've been forcing myself, inauthentically (it's a word!) to come up with something every day and, well, some of it... okay most of it... is total shit. So, I'm going to try this thing where I don't post every day. And I won't feel an overwhelming urge to fill in the empty spaces with stuff.

But... if I don't post something every day, will you forget about me? Will you move on to somebody else who babbles incoherently and makes no sense? There are a lot of us out there, you know. I'm afraid you'll forget about me. On the other hand, I'm also afraid you'll get bored of me. I'm also afraid of not being funny. I think I need some perspective. Or vodka.

I'm just going to try it. It probably won't last.

Comments (59)

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LLA_Princess · 728 weeks ago

You rock your blog the way that it makes you feel the most happy an we will all follow. I wont forget you ever. unless you mess with my kids then, well you know. Love and hugs hooker :)
My recent post First Blog EverUhNow What

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@jessicaesquire · 728 weeks ago

I think taking a break is totally your call. But cutting back on posting is another thing to consider. Sometimes only having to write every two or three days helps me feel like I'm writing better posts. And sometimes I pop into them several times to edit and tinker.

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Kara · 728 weeks ago

We'd all probably just talk about how when you did sit down to blog, your underwear always went up your...wait...no...that's me. Never mind.
My recent post You Look Confused

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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TheNextMartha 73p · 728 weeks ago

I only write when I really want to and even then it's a 50/50 if it gets done. I look at it as a hobby. I don't look at stats so I don't know that number stuff you speak but if that becomes your main thing? It might be time to re-evaluate.

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dawn 58p · 728 weeks ago

get out of my head woman!

Seriously though, the key is to find the balance between "inspiration" and "writing to write"--BOTH are good for you. One fulfills an emotional need, and the other helps you hone your craft. (as much as you say you don't do this to be a writer, you are. face it) This is why i do these daily challenge things so that i don't back away from the posts i don't wanna write--because if i do, i find excuse after excuse.

That being said, take a break! relax! have a drink! Sometimes you also need a vacation.

1 reply · active 728 weeks ago

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Kelly · 728 weeks ago

Quick! Vodka STAT! In all seriousness, do what you gotta do, Jillsmo. We will all be here when you do post. Once the blog takes over too much time and energy, it loses it's original purpose and becomes JUST ONE MORE thing you "have" to do.

But, really, do get that drink. Sometimes a buzzed mind is the best mind! ;P
My recent post ShhhhAJ Has a Secret!

1 reply · active 728 weeks ago

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@Super_shellbell · 728 weeks ago

Oh man. You suck ass. How can you do this to us????
Just kidding. I think stepping back and trying not to obsess about it will be good for you. Heck, it will give you more time for booze. Ha.! I'm a new-ish follower so I hope this doesn't seem awkward.... but I'm sending smooches and associated snacks your way. Don't be so hard on yourself.

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@Super_shellbell · 728 weeks ago

ROFL at auto correct. I MEANT to say "ass smacks" not associated snacks. That is hilarious. Ok. I'm an idiot! Bye

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Cheryl D. · 728 weeks ago

I get way too caught up in my number of followers too and the lack of comments on my blog. I look at you blog, and I think, "Wow! Jill's doing so great!" And you are! But when you aren't accomplishing the goals you want, you just have to chill and say "It's not important!" If you enjoy blogging and the friends you're making, that's what counts!

I've been having this crisis too! I sometimes feel like I blog something really great and nobody reads it. Then I blog something eh, and I get more comments, but still not where I want to be. Whatcha going to do? I love blogging and the people I'm meeting. It just is what it is! I'm learning to come to terms with that! I still have my bad days though!
My recent post My Daughters Version of Entourage

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Quincy · 728 weeks ago

Glass is very bad for you. You need to give it up. This has been an intervention.
My recent post CREAM

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Ana · 728 weeks ago

Look, Jill. Whenever my Google Reader tells me you've posted something, I'll read it.

I think this is my second time commenting, but if it means that much to you, I could always do it more often. I'm a lame commenter though, so you're not missing out on much. But a LOL a post is guaranteed. :)

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Squatlo · 728 weeks ago

Shoot, jillsmo, if I worried about my puny list of disciples or the fact that no one comments on half of my posts I'd be a head-case... I don't write for the daily affirmation a certain number of readers or visitors conveys, I write because it's fun, it makes me less likely to "download" on someone the first time they pop off with a contrary opinion, AND it's a release I find therapeutic. I'm sure some of that applies to all of us who blog.
You've got a great following, people who come by every day (and sometimes many times a day) looking for your stuff. If you post once a week (and one of my favorite bloggers @ The Beekeepers Apprentice does just that, and she's UBER popular) your followers will be there to read every word of it.
The worst thing you could do is force yourself to post or write when you aren't inspired.

My recent post PBS AND PNC BANK WILL USE ELMO TO HELP KIDS LEARN ABOUT FINANCES conservatives will scream because they didnt use Jesus for the message

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post+taste · 728 weeks ago

I hear ya. I so hear ya. that means I'm listening. I could never stop eating glass once and for all, but that's just me.
My recent post earth day craft

1 reply · active 728 weeks ago

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Lizbeth · 728 weeks ago

Vodka will provide persepctive. And do what you have to do (or want to do)...this is your space. Those of us who are desperate enough will always come back and stalk you--even if you post every other day. Well, at least me, I'm good that way. ;)

My recent post Im sick and a liar to boot

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Emily · 728 weeks ago

You are TOTALLY EXCUSED from daily blogging! But, it might be nice to let Ben contribute on some of your off-days. How good is he at translating his inherent cleverness and humor into a blog-style narrative?

2 replies · active 727 weeks ago

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lhand0124 49p · 728 weeks ago

I'll come by whenever you post. Doesn't matter to me. Recently, I quit a post a day challenge because I was starting to feel like I had to put stuff out there and the stuff was crap. So I announced I was quitting the challenge and just going to post when I had something to say/ when I felt like I could put something up with substance. Wanna know what? I've posted every day since then, and some times twice a day. Tonight's rant was shit, but I'm proud of everything I've written since I quit the challenge. Weird huh?

At any rate, don't be a stranger. No writing could leave you more time for reading! (ahem..cough) :-) Love you and you are totally Awesomeness!!!

2 replies · active 728 weeks ago

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a@believeinforever · 728 weeks ago

Do what you need to do. The members of the YGT army love you enough to want you to put yourself first.
My recent post I Feel Dirty

1 reply · active 728 weeks ago

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Dani G · 728 weeks ago

I kinda used to care. Then I stopped. Can you tell? :)
My recent post This Moment

1 reply · active 728 weeks ago

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mamamash 80p · 728 weeks ago

It's a great attitude for a blogger to be selective in what she posts, but I find that it's also important to write every day, even if it I don't hit publish after I'm done. I'm glad you posted this though, because I'm sure we all get caught up in page views and comments, and forget our own voices sometimes!

Also, you could replace glass shards with sandpaper. More fiber, I hear.

1 reply · active 728 weeks ago

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Rachel · 728 weeks ago

I don't think you're writing crap, but if it feels like crap to you, you definitely need a breather. I will always come around and see whether you've posted anything. I'm easy that way.

When I started blogging, I was really invested in getting comments, blah blah blah. After awhile, though, I began to realize that if I helped just one person feel like they weren't completely crazy, I'd done my job. Maybe that's the way to look at it?

Besides, it doesn't matter how many people read your blog. It cool just to see how many countries they come from! I mean, people from all over the world read your blog, yanno? How amazing is THAT?
My recent post Guest Posting Today at Yeah Good Times

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temysmom 64p · 728 weeks ago

I decided on January 1st that I would write a blog post every single day of the year. HA! That lasted less than a month. Honestly, who the hell needs to post every single day? I can't think of one blog I read that has great content on it every day of the year. I've stopped beating myself up over it - if I have nothing to say... I say nothing and move on. I "try" to post every day, but if not, then it wasn't meant to be and I won't have to have my readers suffer with dribble.

Take a break if you need to - skip a few days when you don't feel like writing - we'll all still be here.

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Meredith · 728 weeks ago

On the off chance that your brand of neuroses is anything like me....fight the urge to go to extremes. This doesn't have to be all or nothing. Just because you don't want the extreme of every day, doesn't mean you should throw it all away and dump the whole deal. If you are like me, balance is something to wave to, on the way up and down. It may be asking too much to find a static structure that is going to fit you forever and ever. You write well, you are entertaining, you are interesting and informative. No-one can keep that shit up every day. Then again, you may be completely sane and the Queen of moderation and me and the folks in my head will go away now.
My recent post Rally car Mummy

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Happy Elf Mom · 728 weeks ago

Hello! I'm sad that I didn't get the Chicago part. Did you edit something really juicy out, and I missed it, or am I only slow-witted this evening??
My recent post Perspective on Testing

2 replies · active 728 weeks ago

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Mckellipgirl · 728 weeks ago

I shan't forget you but will miss your incoherent babbling. It makes me feel a little bit saner. (is that a word?) Anyway, I'm a terrible lurked so I'll try harder to become a whitty enough commenter for your epic blog!

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Jen · 728 weeks ago

I'll still follow you AS LONG AS you don't start spouting crap like, this post was written organically. I hate the word organic being used for anything other than food. I feel you are heading in that direction. Don't. ; )

I love writing most days. A while back someone on Twitter started talking about whether or not bloggers get tired of writing, and then it made me start questioning my whole blogging career. I am easily influenced. Then people all around me started taking "breaks" and I wondered if I should. I think the blogging world is fickle. If you are gone too long, there are thousands of other people there to take your place. BUT, the question is...should I care?
My recent post Giveaways in honor of Autism Awareness Month

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Big Daddy · 728 weeks ago

Considering you got a gazillion comments on a post about how your obssesed with getting comments and thinking about easing up on the posting, I don't think you need to worry or about being forgotten. Nobody is going to forget about you. Except for me. But I forget everything. Wait. Where was I? Who are you? Who am I?

Just kidding. Such a touching yet controversial post, Jennifersmo. Janetsmo? Jerrismo?
My recent post Drafted- In the Army Today

1 reply · active 728 weeks ago

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Russell · 728 weeks ago

You everyone of your posts is a treat. But if you thinks crap don't post. Take a day, go smell some fresh air, drink too much, take walk. We will be here tomorrow waiting for ya!

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alexandra · 728 weeks ago

Jillsmo, only post when you want to.

It'll be fine.

Really.

You have your own style, and voice, and there is no one like you.

If people don't come every post, it's because of time being at a premium.

We're all fighting the clock. Look at me, 2 effin in the morning, and I'm trying to catch up with my blogs.

Take a break, it'll so so OK.

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FranceRants · 728 weeks ago

Cut back on your posts and give yourself a break. You won't lose followers. I would find it incredibly difficult to post everyday, which is why I don't.

The numbers and comments and followers can mess with you if you let it, don't let it.

We'll still love you okay?

And that post about the lady whose kid was beating her? So heartbreaking I couldn't even comment. Didn't mean I didn't read it though.....
My recent post Music Video Rant

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tulpen · 728 weeks ago

Please stop posting every day. I can never keep up.

I post twice a week, sometimes three times.

And every time I post, I am sure it will be my last. I won't announce it when it happens. I will disappear quietly when the time is right.
My recent post To The Earth As One

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Laniata · 728 weeks ago

I think a lot of bloggers are cut from the same cloth. Since the first of the year, I've cut down on the amount I post each week, although I still write everyday. And I took a vacation with my husband, when I came back, the stats didn't matter so much. Write because you want to...not because you feel you have to.
My recent post P is for Park and D is for Drive

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Amanda · 728 weeks ago

It's your blog. Do what you want. That's the beauty of having a blog. it's your space to use how YOU want to. I used to be obsessed with posting every day. Then what I was turning out was shit. So I stopped giving a shit. I post when I want (but I will admit to trying to post on trending higher traffic days of the week). The only time I give up on visiting a blog is when the person stops posting for weeks at a time. Oh, and isn't that why bloggers have feeds? That way I can subscribe to my most favoritist blogs, and if they don't post every day, I get an e-mail when they do to check it out. If you plan on not posting every day, I suggest making sure I can subscribe by e-mail somewhere. Just sayin'.
My recent post A Day in the Life

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Nickie · 728 weeks ago

It's good to take a break from time to time and no-one expects a post a day, mate x Write something different or elsewhere. Blogging stops being fun when it's pressured.
My recent post My Husbands Old Man Road Rage

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Cactusinyrpants 59p · 728 weeks ago

I remember when I was right wing bastard, and the only person who ever commented on your blog.
I also remember when I was saying funny things to you on text and when you insisted I Tweet them, I froze up.
I mean, I felt the pressure to tweet funny things, but really, not every day is funny.
You seemed happy with me as your only reader.
I survived Twitter.
It's o.k.
But I do understand from when I was guest poster. The attention is intoxicating. So much positive feedback at once was an emotional experience.
Your blog is getting too big for me.
You should take a break.

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Casey · 728 weeks ago

Can you feel the LOVE woman! It's coming at you from all sides....YOU. ARE. SURROUNDED. BY. LOVE!! Do what you can, fuck the rest. You're awesome.

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solodialogue 73p · 728 weeks ago

Is this about that Top Mommy Blogs rating?! That so does not mean anything! We all totally love you. You are so awesome and you have never, ever had a crappy post when I have read. I've felt lately that you were rocked by the loss of position on that stupid brown square and then that competition against that at that other blog with that Bob guy. I've noticed you have not been yourself lately - like you are searching. I think you are fiercely competitive but you are just competing against you. You definitely are putting to much pressure on yourself. No one else is putting that pressure there - just you! You are naturally gifted with humor. You could write about paint drying and make it funny! I think you definitely are a daily post person - it's a matter of coming to terms with that dirty little thing called "stats" that's getting to you. If you surmount that - then you're golden. (Let me know if you figure out how).
My recent post Apologies

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Kimberly · 728 weeks ago

For the record, I want you to know that I'll read you 7 days a week or 3 or 5 or 1. I just want to read you. Your honesty and perspective (with that awesome dose of humor) keeps you in my reader...do what's best for you. I'm not going anywhere.
My recent post It’s a fine line

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kamaness 25p · 728 weeks ago

That is it.
We are going to a strip club.
RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!
There will be lots of vodka drinking and laughing.
(And glitter. I like glitter.)

Also- No, I wouldn't forget about you.
Never.
<3
My recent post Just a quick note

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Karen-Aspergers Mom · 727 weeks ago

We can see that you put a lot of time and effort into this. You're not alone in the obsessing over stats and comments or lack there of. I have to remind myself that I am writing as an outlet. It is not who I am. Some days, I have nothing to say or I'm too depressed to say it. That's when I take a step back. My readers are always there when I come back a day or two later. We appreciate the laughter whenever you post. Your quick witted Twitter posts are just as good and that takes less time.
My recent post Make it Funky!

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Autism Mom Rising · 727 weeks ago

Don't delete this post. It is not neurotic. Okay, maybe it is neurotic but it is the kind of stuff most bloggers think about but don't have the guts to say, so it is actually more like public service announcement.

I always feel that pressure because I'm not a humor blogger. I WANT to be a humor blogger. I want my mind to automatically hone in on the funny side of life like you, & Lynn & Big Daddy but my mind goes straight to the serious...all the time. When I read some of my old posts I wish I could go back in time and kick my own ass. But its who I am. At the end of the day we all need to realize that ultimately we write for ourselves and any comments or praise from others is gravy on a meal that already tastes friggin' good.
My recent post Exhale

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Rhonda · 727 weeks ago

I won't forget you, you are on my google reader. I didn't used to blog everyday, but now I am doing an A to Z bloggin challenge for April. It is hard to come up with something for everyday, and I have the added difficulty of the alphabet letters. I don't know how you and the other daily bloggers do it. I can barely keep up with reading and comments. I have mostly just been reading, but it sounded like you really wanted comments on this one. I think slowing down a bit is fine.
My recent post An Ocelot at Dinner

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oohsparklee 22p · 727 weeks ago

I read this: http://www.tartx.com/blog/?page_id=233 and it changed my perspective so much that it is the only "button" I have on my blog. There are lots of ways to take a break: post less often, get off of Twitter (gasp!), unsubscribe to the 1000 blogs you might be following and instead just check in when it's convenient, don't do those god-awful chain letter "award" memes, etc. etc. Just my two cents. :-) You've been at it longer than I have, but I just look at it as a marathon rather than a sprint... gotta pace yourself so you don't bonk. Autism moms are so busy and stressed as it is, God knows we don't need the extra pressure of feeling overwhelmed by writing or reading (and commenting on) blogs! All that said, you've proven yourself by writing oodles of brilliant, hilarious posts-- no one's going to forget you! :-)
My recent post Boy- Put Your Pull-Ups On

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