Is it just me, or have things been unusually quiet in the blogging community lately? Since the beginning of the year, I’ve noticed a definite drop-off in activity. I suppose it’s a sign that much of the world is moving into post-pandemic life. That’s a good thing, but I miss some of my favourite bloggers and often wonder what they’re up to.
When I put together my blogging calendar for May, I pencilled in a spot to write a post for the WordPress #WordPrompt. Thinking it would be fun to do something different, I waited to see a post pop up in my reader announcing May’s prompt. Nothing appeared. Perhaps WordPress has also noticed the reduced engagement and decided to abandon the monthly WordPrompts.
The blogging world is a special place
I’ve written before about how much I love the engagement in the blogging community. Through my blog, I’ve connected with many wonderful and talented writers from around the world. Unlike other online platforms, I find bloggers to be a friendly and supportive group. Although I hear it exists, I haven’t experienced the hatred and negativity that’s so common on many social media sites.
I’m always excited to see a new post from one of my favourite bloggers, and the engagement and comments on my posts keep me motivate to keep creating new content.
Where have all the bloggers gone?
Since the beginning of January, I’m seeing fewer posts in the WordPress reader. Broken links on my site are more frequent as some bloggers shut down their sites. And, while I try not to obsess over stats, overall views and engagement with my blog are down significantly from last year.
I’m hoping the lack of activity is a sign that my blogging friends are doing well and keeping busy with other things.
If you’re reading this and haven’t posted in a while, drop me a comment to say hello and let me know how you’re doing. You may be taking a well-deserved blogging break. In that case, I look forward to hearing from you soon. But remember, no matter how busy life gets, it’s important to make time for the things you love.
Let’s keep in touch! Join my mailing list and I’ll email you when I add a new post.
Boomer Eco Crusader isn’t going away
Finally, for those who are still here and blogging regularly, I hope you know how much I appreciate you.
As for me, I’m not going anywhere. In fact, I’m working on a new site to support my retirement coaching work. But, I’ll continue to post regularly on Boomer Eco Crusader as long as I feel I have something of value to share. For me, blogging is a hobby, not a money-making venture. If even one person finds value in something I write, it’s worth my time. So I’ll keep on blogging!
Have you noticed a reduction in blogging activity over the last few months? Tell me your thoughts below.
Hi, Michelle, I’ve noticed the same. I have more followers, but am getting fewer views this year than last. I have been absent for a couple weeks from time to time, and I had assumed that others gave up on me. It makes me feel better to know that it’s not just me! Thanks for posting this & giving me encouragement! 🌞
Hi Lisa, I think it’s just a sign that people are busier. Hopefully it will pick up again because I would hate to lose touch with some of my favourites.
It’s always great to check in with each other. I love the blogging community, too! Your support and enthusiasm over the years has been something I’ve appreciated, Michelle. We share some interests and I’ve always enjoyed reading your blog. Since I’ve been working two jobs to catch up retirement savings after a late start, blogging has been a creative outlet and a way to encourage others in the same boat that it’s not too late. However, I haven’t been consistent with so much on my plate. I’m working on getting back into it.
It’s great to hear from you Kathy. I’m glad you’re doing well. You hit the nail on the head when you said blogging is “a way to encourage others in the same boat.” I appreciate blogs like yours that provide helpful tips and wisdom that people can use to improve their own situation. Thanks for dropping by!
I love the blogging community for the same reasons. I can’t say I’ve noticed a break because I wasn’t very present before March of this year but you might be right, more people are now returning and perhaps having less time to be online. Those who love your blog will surely come back though, one way or another!
Thank you Vanessa. Yes, I am still seeing my faithful readers. Traffic from Pinterest is strong, likely because people are there searching for solutions to specific questions. In the end, the goal of my blog is to help people so it’s all good.
Hi, Michelle! I completely stopped writing for over two months because there’s just so much sadness everywhere. But slowly I’m making my way back now. I’m so sorry I never sent you a post for Clutter Tales — I really want to write one! I just got a bit sad. I hope you will continue to blog. Your posts are great — informative and authentic. I really enjoy them. But congrats on your new site! Sorry again.
Hi Suzanne. Thanks for your kind words. You’re right. There is a lot of sadness and anger everywhere. It’s hard to deal with sometimes.
Don’t worry about the Clutter Tale. If you get inspired to write one in the future, just let me know. 💚
Thank you! Will do. I’m getting back to it!
Hello! 👋
I have noticed a drop in engagement as well, but I thought that was because I haven’t been as active as I would like to be. I am still trying to balance post-pandemic life with a blog, as I created mine during Lockdown.
I love the blogging community as well; like you, I haven’t experienced any hatred or negativity.
I am glad your blog is not going anywhere! 😊 Thank you for sharing! I feel more motivated to get my act together after reading this!
Thanks so much. It is hard to balance blogging with everything else in life. I definitely have less time to spend on my blog these days, too.
Hey Michelle!!! I’m here! 🙂 I have been a lot less active because I launched my business this year. I try to still read the blogs from my top few favorites (you are one of them) but I know I need to do better commenting.
I’ve been working on understanding Facebook (ahh I hate FB), starting a YouTube channel (slowly), and promoting my business locally. I still publish a blog post once a month.
I hope you are doing well!
Hi Suzanne. Thanks for commenting and I am glad to hear you’re doing well and keeping busy.
Ha ha. I hear you on Facebook. Most of the traffic I get from there are family and friends. My blog page doesn’t generate many views.
I’ve noticed the same – my May stats are about half of what they were even just in April! Maybe it’s a mid-year lull?
Hi Charlotte. I’ve seen a dropoff in views since the beginning of the year, although my stats are probably more normal after a spike late last year.
Just dropping by to say hi. I actually wouldn’t know for real if any bloggers have disappeared, but I have indeed read so many ‘I’m taking a break’ posts this month. I’m guilty of writing a similar post as well. Like you said, maybe that’s a sign that they’re all focusing on their life responsibilities, or that things are picking up for them on that front. And that’s great. Anyway, thanks for this post!
Thanks for dropping by Stuart. It is great that real life is picking up again. I suppose, for many, blogging was a welcome diversion during the pandemic. I admit to writing a lot more frequently over the last couple of years. Time will tell if I will be able to keep it up going forward.
Hey Michelle! I love that you blog for the enjoyment and as long as someone else finds value in what you write then you keep going. I am the same! While I have been posting regularly (according to my weekly blogging schedule), my engagement is down (not responding to comments right away and not reading/commenting as quickly to new posts on the reader). I am finding myself get buried away by life’s tasks… and so much is going on in the world it’s gotten me a bit anxious lately and all I can muster some days is to go through the day to day tasks and sit my butt down at the end of the evening and do something mindlessly creative like doodling (have you seen those YouTube mandala drawing videos?).. it totally relaxes me! Anyway, I am hoping to get back into the groove of things but am trying not to put too much pressure on myself… Hope you’re doing well! 🙂
Hi Jen. I think lack of motivation is a common affliction right now. We’ve all been through so much in the last couple of years. It is important to find a way to shut out the world’s noise. I have not seen the mandala drawing videos you mention. I’m a terrible drawer so they might stress me out. LOL
I too have been noting the influx of broken links and sites taken down. While I appreciate that the people who move away from blogging tidy up after themselves by taking down their sites, it stings a little to see them move away from a medium I will always love and practice . . . loved your reflections on this!
Thanks Jaya. Yes, it is a shame to see people disappear and remove their sites. Glad to hear you’re sticking around! 💚
It definitely feels quieter this last month but I do most of my blog browsing from email notifications and I suspect Gmail of being weird. In April I was getting 70+ notification emails a day, up from 30. Its back to 30 now but my I coming traffic is depressed too so I wonder if other people are experiencing the same thing.
Gmail can be funny at times. I’ve seen a dropoff in email volume as well but my blog email isn’t on Gmail.
When I came across your tweet, I immediately clicked to read your post, because I too have noticed that a few bloggers have disappeared and we are not the only ones who have noticed. As for me, I’m still blogging, but I’ve slowed down a bit. I’ve decided to start a podcast so I’m putting things in place for that project and it’s taking away from my blogging time. I’m hoping though, that what we’re seeing is just a temporary lull and that things will pick up again soon enough.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It’s so nice to hear from you. I hope it will pick up again once people settle back into a routine.
Hi, Michelle! It’s a lovely coincidence to see your blog post pop up this morning. because I drafted a new blog post (after many months of inactivity) yesterday afternoon. Today I will edit and publish it. It is certainly possible that the arrival of Covid in our lives inspired more blog posts (due to our being unable to do many other things…) Thank YOU for continuing to share your thoughts and experiences with the rest of us!
Thanks Will. I’m happy to hear you’re back at it, and I will look forward to reading your new post.
I haven’t been very active lately because of being so busy and I’ve had to put my blog on hold. I’m hoping to finally be able to get back to it soon. I do miss writing!
Hi Michelle. Thanks for commenting. I’m glad to hear you’re doing okay. I miss reading your posts. 💚
It seems sporatic. Some days more than others. I know, for myself, I have not been as active and have been trying to focus more on my writing. Plus I am easily distracted byh a good book. I read a good post last week at Hughs News and View you might find informative. https://wp.me/p4lhej-bMa
Thanks Judy. Yes, Hugh is one that I regularly read and follow.
I think you’re right; we’re all getting back to our lives after the worst of Covid has come and gone. I’m also guilty…
No worries and thanks for dropping a comment, Michelle. I just often wonder how people are doing.
I would ask Dan at No Facilities if you may have something wrong or maybe it’s a WordPress faux pas, because I haven’t noticed that at all! Maybe we follow different bloggers though, I’m not sure. Either way, I hope it picks up for you!
Thanks Kim. I still see many of the old faithfuls, but a lot of the others I followed don’t seem to be active any more. I searched their sites and there’s no activity so maybe they’re taking a break, or have moved on to other pursuits.