A few days ago, I posted about my blogging style and got a number of awesome comments from you guys. One in particular from Leslie got me thinking and then a conversation started by Caitlin on twitter got me thinking even more.
Leslie suggested that maybe my style of introspection isn’t what everyone is looking for in a blog and that maybe they prefer to read blogs that are “easier to digest”. I agreed whole heartedly. I have heard on more than one occasion that people use their online life is an escape from their reality. A place to be who they want; a place to leave all the troubles of the world behind. So, if that is the case for most, then I can see that people might shy away from heavy topics like the ones I often present.
On twitter, Caitlin suggested that bloggers lives are not perfect and that she doesn’t write about 75% of her life on her blog. Many bloggers replied that they don’t want to be “debbie downers” on their blogs so they hold back negative things that happen. I replied that the problem is that many bloggers portray an image of a perfect life. They have the perfect house, with the perfect husband, with the perfect workout routine and perfect eating habits. They are always chipper and never seem to have a bad day. This makes me really sad for the people that read these types of blogs and beat themselves up for not being as perfect as the blogger they admire. Isn’t this the same as those glossy magazines with the airbrushed models?
Now, as I said before, every blogger has the right to express whatever they want on their blogs, it is their blog afterall. I also think the goals of each blogger are different. I write my blog for me and my sanity. A way to express myself as I move through my recovery from BED and as a way to explore food. Others write their blogs for the soul purpose of earning money. Neither way is wrong or right, they just are what they are. I think that the purpose of the blog must have something to do with the writing style and image that is portrayed by the blogger. Obviously, I’ve learned that my open hearted approach isn’t the most popular and I have tried pretending to be chipper and in fact, my readers called me on it. That isn’t what they expect from me and frankly, it isn’t what I expect from my self. But am I wrong that most people would appreciate more transparency in the blogs they read?
So, I pose this question to you. What types of blogs do you read and why do you read them? Do you write a blog? If so, what is your persepctive?
{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t write down everything that goes on in my life whatsoever, but thats just a way for me to protect my own privacy. I mostly just read blogs to see how other people consider healthy in their lives (I’m planning on doing stuff in the health promotion field when I get out of school). This is something that I think will really help me out a lot when I graduate
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle´s last blog ..REMINGTON comes to VISIT!
really good post!
i agree about your point on escapism. i love reading deep blog posts that make me think about life; but on the other hand, some things about my own life suck so i don’t really want to read about other people’s problems all the time. its nice to read pleasant things and experiences… it puts me in a good mood and makes me forget my own issues! so, i read a lot of different types of blogs to fulfill different needs.
i don’t share my whole life on my blog because 1) some of the secrets of my life aren’t mine to tell and would hurt people if i told them 2) i dont think people would really understand some of my problems and 3) i think people like my blog because i do have a generally good attitude about life, and they aren’t looking to hear about my personal problems when they come to Healthy Tipping Point (I’m not faking my positive attitude about life, that is a true part of me).
also, i think what you should share depends on the nature of your blog. you have a very introspective blog and its super interesting to read. but a lot of people have more superficial blogs (i dont mean that in a bad way, mine is superficial!) that mostly discuss topics such as food, excercise, racing, and the lighter side of life.
there’s nothing wrong or better about either type of blog… they are just different! and different is great
As I mentioned on twitter yesterday, I don’t share my whole life on my blog either. There are somethings that are just way too personal and don’t contribute to the overall purpose of my blog. My ED is only one aspect of my life and as you know, life has many layers. So, it is not that I think others need to share every detail of their lives, I just wonder if the blogs that come across as “perfect” are doing more harm than good.
p.s. I don’t think that your blog is one of “those” blogs. I think you do a great job a balancing real life with a positive attitude.
i don’t think “perfect” blogs are doing anything bad… i think readers who think that a “perfect” blogger shows every aspect of their life are in denial.
caitlin´s last blog ..Grilled Banana Sandwich and the Last Q&A
I’ll have to noodle on that one. I’ve never thought of it from the denial perspective. As someone with ED, I often see things from the “triggering” perspective.
Hey Christie!
I for one love that you are true to yourself and post what you feel. You and I first “met” because of you writing about intuitive eating which by nature is a personal and introspective journey.
My blogging style changes as well from time to time. The focus may be on recipes, weight loss, bentos, etc. but I’m always talking about food and it’s impact on my life.
I read blogs to get new ideas and along the way connect with certain bloggers. The personal journeys fascinate me but I too am leary about “perfect life” blogs.
Thanks, Spice. I really enjoy reading your blog as well.
I love this post!
I try to maintain a positive attitude on my blog, but there needs to be some sort of reality as well. I did a post last week on adjusting to motherhood and how its hard to let go of the old routines I had before I had a baby. I know that wasn’t the most uplifting post, but its reality. Motherhood is the most joyful thing that has ever happened to me, but its also life changing. Adjusting to those changes can be challenging.
I read all types of blogs, so my taste is all over the place…
I do appreciate your honest approach with your blog
Estela @ Weekly Bite´s last blog ..Double Dove Chocolate Chip Cookies
I read a ton of different blogs, too. I read them all for different reasons and some of them, it is to just veg out and relax. Others, it is to engage in great conversation and build community.
Great post! I definitely try to maintain a positive tone on my blog, but at the same time, if I have a bad day, I’m putting it on the blog! Like you, I’m not a fan of the “world of perfection” blogs out there– they seem so phony to me– no one’s life is THAT perfect! It reminds me of reading a magazine like Martha Stewart of Self and thinking, “Man, my life isn’t any where NEAR that perfect/healthy/beautiful.” But you know what– the honest blogs are the ones that I come back to, the ones that really pull me in and make me think. The “my life is perfect” blogs get old, you know?
Great post!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg´s last blog ..Purple, Green and Gold
I only read the Dear Wife’s blog.
Aw, so dedicated and sweet.
i read all kinds of blogs, but it’s never to delve into someone’s personal life and know every detail. if it’s someone i have a lot in common with I’ll read and maybe email back and forth, but it’s a great way to get ideas for new food, new adventures, new places to visit. it’s a great way to connect from far away if you will.
great post!
Heather (Heather’s Dish)´s last blog ..New Friends + Great Food = LOVE
This is a great post! I like to read blogs that are honest and I try to write my blog in the same way. No one is perfect ever. I try to keep a positive attitude most times but if I’m having a bad day I will probably talk about it.
Angela (The Lady Loves to Eat)´s last blog ..Is it Spring?
Hey there! i like your post on blogging styles. I think it’s really interesting to see everyone’s different creative style. Personally I like to keep my blog positive and not divulge ALL information. I think some thing are private and meant to be that way. But i also try to make it so people can relate to my disordered eating past and how far I’ve come since then! Hope you guys enjoy : )
xo
Jocelyn
Peace.Love.Nutrition
Jocelyn @ Peace.Love.Nutrition´s last blog ..Giveaway!
Great insight! I read both the superficial and the introspective. The reason I read yours is for something meaningful. Something that sticks. Sort of like oatmeal, your blogging really sticks to my ribs, you know?
But the reason I love the superficial ones too, are because they get me out of my own head for a minute. It’s easy and fast to fly through the many light blogs and feel a little bit more positive at the end.
Andrea @ CanYouStayForDinner.com´s last blog ..Pork Chops with Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Apple Relish
Thanks, Andrea. I really appreciate that.
I agree that the “superficial” blogs are nice to read for an escape. But, I often have to remind myself that they aren’t perfect either and have no idea what happens behind the blog doors.
This is so interesting, because I have been having a DTR with myself and my blog recently. I can tell you that there’s heaps of stuff that I may or may not hold back. However, I get annoyed–royally- when people write ‘I am so sorry I haven’t been around’–come on you have a life outside of the blog. Or ‘Sorry this is so down’–come on you have a life.
I think that some people will focus only on this or that. However, what I appreciate about people..and those blogs which I read..is genuine authenticity of their voice, their story, and their approach to their writing. I can’t stand people who gloss over, sugar coat or hold back.
But that’s just me.
Michelle@eatingjourney´s last blog ..Diets Aren’t Working For Me
I agree 100%! I have even caught myself apologizing to my readers about not posting or what not and then I realize that is life. It is so easy to get caught up in feeling like we need to be a certain way on our blogs but for me, I much prefer the being real approach. This blog is about finding my whole happy self and I’m not going to achieve that my not being real. That just isn’t what my blog is about.
“This blog is about finding my whole happy self…”
I think that’s the key – what blogging is to you, what drives you and what motivates you. That’s what shines through when others read it. I’m a person who loves introspection, who loves having conversations with people figuring out life and what’s going on. For me that’s part of blogging. For others it isn’t – what it comes down to is if you write what you love – what matters to your journey – the people who also find that important will read. I read a variety of blogs, light, introspective, humorous, depressing, pure news, etc. Some are to find shared experiences, some are to find ideas, some are to reflect on life and find a community, and some are just to keep up with the world. We need a variety to stay balanced.
Love this post! I actually used to write more about my personal issues (boyfriend and my parental problems, binge eating, etc). I had to stop writing about this stuff because when my mom discovered my blog a few months ago, she freaked about the bf and binging. Now I try to keep it more about food and fitness. I wish I could vent sometimes though because I do still struggle with things! I think I read all kinds of blogs…yours since we went through the same thing, positive blogs just to put me in a good mood, and blogs where they share their feelings and are great writers. I don’t like anything fake!
Missy Maintains´s last blog ..snackTAXI Giveaway!
I am 33 years old and would have a conniption fit if my mom found out about my blog. I even stopped posting links on my fb page because my grandma joined fb. I tell most people about my blog but I don’t think that my mom would appreciate me spilling my guts to the world. Especially last year when I talked about what it was like growing up.
The reason my blog is so generally happy is because my mom doesn’t understand things and gets very upset. I would love to blog about more serious issues. . . . but, I just can’t. That said, I agree with everything you said. It DOES get to me reading blogs where the blogger’s life seems perfect. You hit the nail on the head with that one. Sometimes, I just want someone to have a bad fucking day and NOT always look on the brighter side. Although I am trying to be more positive myself and find the good in things more, but you know what I mean.
Dori´s last blog ..Run for the Parks 4 Mile Race Recap
I just found your blog after your left a comment on mine and I read through a couple of posts. You are a very inspiring person! The blog world can be a hard place when we compare ourselves to what that person eats or how much that person exercises. I like to read blogs that talk about healthy living and I do the same on my blog. Continue to do what your doing!
I look forward to coming back!
Thanks, Nicole, I appreciate that!
First of all, I’d like to commend you for putting together these great discussions lately from you reader questions. They’re really great and thoughtful.
Personally, I love your blog because you are so real, you tell it like it is BUT you do so with a positive attitude. You recognize that struggles are important and can be learned from and built upon so that we become stronger because of them. You show how these struggles effect our day to day choices. I enjoy a wide variety of blogs, some give me motivation to try something new at the gym, be less afraid of fat, be more forgiving of myself. I also think reading blogs has made me more confident. Like, if they can do it, what am I so afraid of?
Thanks, M. I am really loving blogging lately, I really enjoy all of the interaction and being able to get folks thinking!
I love reading blogs beacue it gives me so much inspiration and ideas for execise and healthy cooking!! I love seeing other peoples food and workouts and healthy living! it is crazy howmany of us there are out there
it makes me happy! yes I have a blog. http://www.onefitfoodie.com
I put most things out there and love all of my readers! I love the Questions I get and all of the inight from others!
My blog definitely reflects my mood accurately to a point where I almost feel like its a bad thing because no one likes a negative nelly. But thats the beauty of having a blog, we can do what we want with it and in reality, we have bad days. Like you, working towards recovery from BED, there are going to be many struggles ahead. I think people appreciate the rawness of putting yourself out there.
With that said, I love catching positivity from other bloggers.
Thanks for stopping by! I just discovered your blog today and have enjoyed reading it. Keep doing what you are doing!
First, I just want to say that I think you underestimate your blog. While it is quite real, I do think it’s the type of thing people want and need to read. You overcome daily struggles and portray yourself as human. That’s why I read at least
I read all kinds of blogs. From those “perfectly portrayed” ones (if only for recipes and playlists), to recovery blogs, to just funny blogs…I think what draws me to each one the most are the people behind them. If I can’t relate to a writer, I find it hard to keep up with.
I try to NOT label my own blog. I focus generally on a healthy lifestyle, and I named it “This Winding Road” because that’s what I feel like my journey in life is. I hope people who have and have not had EDs can read it and enjoy.
Jenny´s last blog ..Concentration Issues
This post is so perfect, especially today. I’ve been having a rough time. Today I shared on my blog that blogging really helps me escape from my real life. There are a million aspects of my life that I don’t share on my blog. While I do try to maintain a positive attitude (in both real life and my blog), I do get really frustrated by reading other blogs of women who just seem so perfect. I know I shouldn’t be comparing myself to others but sometimes I just feel like crap after reading some blogs. That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate positive/happy bloggers; I absolutely do! They’re inspiring! But sometimes it’s nice to know that these people are real.
While I’ve only started reading your blog fairly recently, I can already tell you that I love it. It’s so thought provoking, and I really admire that you write it for you, not for anyone else. I strive to do the same. You’re an inspiration in so many ways!
Karla´s last blog ..Lent
Hi Christie,
Reading this post and all of the comments following were just what I needed to read today! I recently started blogging my own food discoveries, but am still making some choices about what kind of blog I really want it to be. My tendency in life is to be extremely earnest all of the time. To some degree, I think it would create balance for me to have a space where I can focus on the progress and the positive; a space that makes me proud and where I don’t necessarily feel compelled to share each challenge or life-altering perspective I’m percolating on at the moment. (But since I tend to be an open book in all other arenas, we’ll see how that pans out.)
That said, I really appreciate when others can be really open and honest about their experiences. I appreciate your blog for that very much. While I’m also a sucker for blogs that promote a pretty little life to lust after, the ones that really resonate with me and encourage me are the ones where people are real and honest. Thank you for creating a space like that!
Katie
Katie @ peace of cake´s last blog ..Happy Pancake Day!
I like it when bloggers talk about real life- managing work, relationships, emotions, time, money, expectations, etc. I also realize that it’s easier to be chipper about everything than to be honest or reminiscent of Debbie Downer. It has been interesting to watch some of the “popular” bloggers evolve over the years- I love that Caitlin at HTP has used her popularity to inspire so many others.
On that note, my mom, boyfriend’s dad, and lots of people in my real life read my blog. Because of that, I’m careful not to express certain things on my blog- frustration with my job, what it’s like to be in a long-distance relationship, personal issues, etc.
I have always enjoyed your writing. There have been more than a handful of times that I’ve read one of your posts and been touched, or left speechless. Often, I don’t even know what to say that could possibly add anything to the conversation b/c you have already said things so well. I know that life’s not always perfect, but you really seem to be in a good place right now!
laura dishes´s last blog ..Dessert from Heaven
I actually think my blog keeps me positive. I like to read motivating and real blogs and it helps me stay motivated and positive somehow.
Everyone should express what they want to on their own blog-it is a reflection of you……
Hi Christie, long time no talk! Saw your comment on my post, and just read yours. I have a lot to say about your post – it would probably end up being a really long comment so I might just put it as a separate post on my blog. I really need to gather all my thoughts together on this because there is a lot to think about and comment on. Will let you know when the post is up – thanks for your patience!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)´s last blog ..CSN Stores and Dinnerware 101
I like to read blogs that are light hearted and show a balance between work, life, health, friends, fun, etc. I am a funny (well I think I am) and snarky girl and show that in my blog. I talk about what’s on my mind, negative or postive. Sometimes its boring, sometimes it not. I do it for me and am not going to apologize to the blog community if I miss a day or a photo of something ( I cannot stand when people do that and say they are a bad blogger)
Tiffany´s last blog ..Fiesta Fiesta
Another great post!
I write my blog honestly. I had a hard time coming out of my “fabulous life” complex, but have found that being honest is good. When I told people about my anxiety, I got some amazing emails. Or my cooking flops – I do agree though that some bloggers live’s seem so perfect and wonderful.
Just write your truth… who you are!!! The right people will become your dedicated readers!
I do try to be cheerful and encouraging on my blog BUT I have shared the ups AND downs of a lot of things – like once weighing 300 pounds, losing over 100 pounds, how isolated I felt, how difficult it was, my journey with raw foodism, how I fell off the 100% raw food wagon, and how I’m an emotional eater and have slipped up and had cake and ice cream or have eaten a little meat after being vegetarian for several years.
I try to make clear to my readers that although I am LOTS better than I used to be and have lost over 100 pounds, that I still have struggles like everyone else. I NEVER want to appear as if I’m perfect. NEVER. I try to be as open and honest as possible. I feel it’s the right thing for me to do.
I don’t tell every single detail of my life. I don’t think anyone should. But I don’t try to be something I’m not either. That’s just my blogging lifestyle choices.
Awesome post, by the way!!!
Food for thought for sure!
Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl´s last blog ..Oats in a (Nuttzo!) Jar
I believe in writing from the heart, that is what makes a blog unique! Love your honesty.
Late to RSVP to this party, but I just wanted to say the following – there are so many post what I eat blogs that I simply cannot keep up. It takes more to get me to stay. For some blogs, I’ve been reading them for so long that I am friends with these people and am genuinely interested in seeing what happens, but for new blogs, I need more.
For me, it’s really hard to pick and choose what I will share. I try to do a mix of upbeat, funny and real, but in life and in blogging I am a terrible lier and faker, so the real usually wins. I used to think people would not read or ignore the posts with no pictures, but it seems to not be true. I think it shows people are all looking for different thing.
In your case you HAVE to know that there are people who admire your journey and are happy you’ve shared it.
Hangry Pants´s last blog ..She Says: The Body Knows
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