Thursday, July 21, 2011

THANKS, BUT IT’S NOT FOR ME: THE 7 LINKS CHALLENGE

Rock and Balsam RootI am, completely and utterly, a blogging amateur.  A hobbyist.  A dilettante.  I like to write, I like to share… but to do it on an internal schedule that is never quite clear until inspiration hits.  While my blog began as a way to bring family and friends along on our travels, I appreciate it most as a journal – with photos – to remind ME of all the places we have been and the things we have done during our fulltiming years.

I am definitely NOT a blogger who is committed to blogging daily; to keep it enjoyable, I go out of my way to avoid a sense of obligation to my writing.   My blog has no ads, and increasing my readership is not a concern.

So it was with a feeling of dismay that I read on Nina’s blog, Wheeling It, that she had nominated/invited Semi-True Tales (me) to take part in The 7 Links Challenge sponsored by Tripbase.  I admire Nina’s blog, and read it regularly.  I know that posts/offers like this are a way to link blogs with new readers, and that being one of the nominated blogs is generally considered a positive boost. 

Gorge Chasm TrailSo, in spite of my prior complete rejection of similar invitations, I gave it some thought – really!  I even sat down to try to find posts to illustrate the 7 categories of past blog posts.  And in no time at all, I found myself sidetracked by a diversion… following some other link, playing a game of hearts, moving to the sofa - Kindle in hand - or lacing up my shoes for a walk outside.  Even making a grocery list, or sorting the laundry!

I can’t help it – it is just too much like homework, which need never be endured again in this lifetime, thank god.

Nina, I appreciate your invitation (thank you, really), and I understand that participating would be a very good thing for any blogger interested in increasing their readership.  I really enjoyed reading YOUR responses to the 7 Links Challenge (and hope this post might introduce some new readers to YOUR wonderful blog), but I won’t be participating.  Too many books to read, too many hikes to take, photos to sort, recipes to try… or perhaps I’ve just had too much wine?

at 11:39 AM

21 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    That's the way I felt when I first read about this challenge: it's an honor to be nominated but doing the work would feel like just that--work. Good for those who want to increase their readership but not for those of us who choose to not even submit our blogs to the popular search engines. I am enjoying seeing what blogs participants choose for their links, though.

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  2. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    We enjoy your blog just the way it is. It is really for your enjoyment and research. So why make it work. Way too much to see and do in your travels.
    Sandi

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  3. Dennis and DonnaJuly 21, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Oh boy, I am so totally with you on this one....AMen!

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  4. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Hey no worries at all!! There's absolutely no pressure to participate. It's meant to be fun, and definitely don't want it becoming work. I love your blog just the way it is and appreciate that it inspired you to post (thanks for the shout-out too!!). Also, completely understand your viewpoint. :)
    Nina

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  5. Sue and DougJuly 21, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    once a 'blog' becomes a chore there is no point to it anymore!..enjoying life is more important!..speaking of which..the sun is out!!.yahooie!!

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  6. Al BossenceJuly 21, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    I received this invitation as well, read it over this morning & made the decision it just wasn't for me either. I'm satisfied with the place I am now & have no desire to shake the branches & increase my stress levels....

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  7. UnknownJuly 21, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Not something for me either! Heck I can't even manage getting my Blog started (again). And I deleted my "Our Home on Wheels" or whatever I called it. Just can't seem to get my mind organized on anything. ~Tricia

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  8. Jim and SandieJuly 21, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    I love your blog. I've loved getting to know you guys and I'm so glad you're going to keep on doing what you enjoy. That's what blogging is about. Some people are really going to enjoy the challenge, but probably most of us wouldn't.

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  9. DianaJuly 21, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    I am totally with you on this - blogging shouldn't be work, or we will quit doing it!

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  10. RickJuly 21, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Not for me either. This one, along with a few others I've received, all seem like the old 'chain letter' deal. They are mostly organized to generate ad revenue for the host.

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  11. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Right on Laurie. And that lower picture looks like one of the paths in Deception Pass State Park.

    You guys going to still be in Oak Harbor over the weekend?

    Joe

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  12. Donna KJuly 21, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    Good for you...just hang loose!!

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  13. SherryJuly 21, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Way to go Laurie! I'm with you all the way. I love that folks read my blog and especially their comments but I don't care about increasing my readership in any way but by word of mouth. The blog is mostly for me so I don't forget. Although I really am counting on Blogger not to lose any more of my posts like they did one I really spent some time on about Hot Springs Arkansas.

    Anyway I certainly wouldn't want to do any "challenge". You are SO right, too many other fun things to do.

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  14. Janna and MikeJuly 21, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Good for you Laurie--I love your blog just as it is and find it a very enjoyable read. We use your campground reviews, too. I'm always excited to see a new blog from you--and retirement shouldn't feel like work.

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  15. Nancy and BillJuly 21, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    I like your blog because you write for the two of you and then are kind enough to share those ideas, places, and events with us!!

    Thanks and keep blogging the way you enjoy doing it:o)))

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  16. HappytrailsJuly 21, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Totally agree!!

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  17. Alan and Marilyn McMillanJuly 21, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    I agree 100%!

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  18. Fred WishnieJuly 22, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Couldn't agree more with your decision. Jo is so much more relaxed since she decided to only write when the muse called to her.

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  19. Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009July 22, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    It is like being between and rock and a hard place. It has to feel comfortable to you! I agree with the books to read, places to go, people to meet BUT I think Nina did a great job in choosing your blog. Nina is an AWESOME writer, photographer, etc. And you two are right there with her!

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  20. A HowethJuly 22, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    I like your approach. I got started the same way and sort of feel an obligation to have a post everyday. However, having said that I am considering posting only when there is something to post about. Staying in the same place a lot, due to the economy and recent family changes, I find it hard to make an interesting post every day.

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  21. Jerry and SuzyJuly 22, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Wow, what a lot of comments! And they all agree with you. I have to admit that, when Nina nominated Our Life on Wheels, we were flattered and really considered taking up the challenge. But the more we think about it -- and certainly having read your post, which we completely agree with, we are stepping down from that challenge. Actually, we are getting ready to produce a DAILY blog much like John Souva's "Connected to the Vine Photography," one picture, no story.

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