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Children's Mental Health Ontario
International Edubloggers Directory
The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
Jun
12
Blogging can be a pretty selfish and alienating activity
Filed Under Blogging in and out of the Classroom, Uncategorized
I’ve suddenly had the thought that blogging can be a pretty selfish and alienating activity. It has a dark side that I hadn’t notice before because I was blinded by the light.
I’ve been blogging for almost two years now (August 2006) and podcasting for over a year (March 2007) and am one of blogging’s biggest boosters. In fact, I’ve become a blogging evangelist trying to bring the word about the joys of blogging to anyone who will listen. I’ve persuaded some colleagues at work to start a blog and helped them through the first confusing steps.
I totally identify with Mathew when he says “I’ve built some blogging friendships that have both contributed to my teaching practice and been personally rewarding.” I’ve met some wonderful people on line that I count among my friends even though we’ve never sat face to face.
I was thinking about Mathew’s comment and sort of feeling that glow I get when I’m thinking about writing a blog, reading other people’s blogs or leaving a comment about what I’ve read. This of course takes lots of time and that’s what made me realize that blogging can be a petty selfish and alienating activity. All that time I’m spending researching for my blog, writing my blog, reading other people’s blogs, talking about blogging and learning about the more technical aspects of blogging takes lots and lots of time, lots of time away from other things like family and friends.
I’m thinking now as I write this that maybe it’s been too much time away from family and friends. I’ve been saying things to my friends like “Gee, we should get together more. I haven’t seen you in ages. I’ve been so busy.” What I don’t tell them is that I’ve been so busy amusing myself in the blogosphere. Almost everyday, I’ve been telling my husband, Kurt, that I”ll just go upstairs to the office for a minute to check my email and then before I know it, hours have passed and Kurt is sitting downstairs by himself. When I mention ever so casually that I might like to start to video blog, despite the fact that Kurt’s one of my biggest supporters, he suggests rather strongly that I don’t take on too much. What he’s not saying is that he thinks it’s already too much.
I’m spending too much time in the blogosphere and that is selfish and alienating, and that’s not what I want to be or to do. So, I’m going to spend less time in the blogosphere and more time with family and friends. 
And, that’s a good thing.
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5 Responses to “Blogging can be a pretty selfish and alienating activity”
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Elona,
I think you’re making a wise choice, though I will miss your frequent postings on this site. As I wrap up my first year of teaching I have been thinking about all the people I want to thank — and you are one of them! Your ideas, strategies and creativity have been a source of inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing your expertise and being an “e-mentor.” And having said all of that — enjoy your family and friends, and have a restful summer!
-Sukhdeep
I have been blogging less and hardly twittering at all since my grandmother passed in May and I’ve kind of reevaluated what’s most important. I think your priorities are right.
That is a good thing, Elona.
Have a restful weekend!
Tracy
Sukhdeep,
Thank you so much for those kind words. I’m glad that I’ve been able to help you. I’m going to continue to blog, just cut back a bit. If you have any suggestions for a blog topic, or a question you want answered please share that with me. I was lucky to have wonderful mentors when I was starting out, and I want to pay that forward.
Try and have a restful summer, if you can. I remember those early years and I remember the summers not being all that restful. Things do get less hectic as time goes on though.
Mathew,
Thanks for your support. I’m going to try to find that balance so that I can continue to blog, but also do all the other things I value in life.
Tracy,
Thanks, I plan on having a very low key weekend that includes reading an Alexander McCall Smith book. I love his The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series because it’s full of home spun philosophy which makes me think! His characters are so down to earth.
I’m going to dust off my library card and see what I can find on the shelves of my local library. Actually, I go on line to request books and then just go and pick them up when they arrive.