August 31, 2011

is it time to quit?

When I started blogging, it provided such a creative outlet for me. I posted post after post of things I found inspiring. Then I found out you can make incredible friends through blogging and I was obsessed. My blog took up so much of my time ( probably too much! ) and I loved it. Lately I don't feel like I'm contributing anything interesting..there are so many blogs now, with authors that have exciting and fabulous content. My blog did lead to starting Sarah Swanson Design, so I will be forever grateful for that.. but now that I've added a bigger work load, I don't have the time I used to for visiting my friends blogs. I can remember the days I would wake up in the morning to 30 some comments..wow was that fabulous..now I'm not sure if anybody stops by or cares about what I'm writing. So I'm left with a decision..stay or go?


Share your design inspiration, I'll help turn it into a reality! e design services start at $85. Visit sarah swanson design.

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

you have a beautiful blog. I've only joined recently, but I like to read your ideas and see the photos you've added. No one reads my blog at all, but I've come to the conclusion that I do it for me, they're reminders and things that inspire me. If you've stopped doing it for yourself, then there's no point doing it.

Francy said...

nooo plaese STAY.

Definitly STAY! I love your blog and your style. It inspire me soooo much!

Form Italy,
Francesca

Anonymous said...

Sarah, I love your blog. Don't quit! I blog only for myself, and it's still fun!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I am in the EXACT SAME place. My businesses have started to really take off (luckily) and because they are both online, about 12 hours of my day are devoted to them. While I have time to put my blog together and keep it going, I don't have anywhere near the time to visit others as much and therefore, the comments dwindle down and you wonder if anyone is reading and if you're wasting your time. Yep, stay or go, I'm asking myself every day lately. Make the best decision for you. I took a 6 week break and came back, but I'm not sure why...

Unknown said...

I don't comment often, but I subscribe and check in every day. Your inspirations have inspired me, even to the point where I've printed out pictures & taken them to the store with me. If you leave you'll be missed, but please know that while you were here, you were very much appreciated!

Marianne said...

I just sent you an email. xoxo

Pinecone Camp said...

Sarah, you've brought up an interesting topic. I think that if you like posting, then do, but maybe just a few times a week. I try to post 3-4 times a week, and just focus on what I do in down time, or show case stories that I've shot for magazines. You have a lovely style, and I'm sure your design business will, well, flourish!

Danielle Oakey Interiors said...

Stay stay stay! I love your classic style :) I have felt the same way several times, but I don't know what I would do without it!

Sara said...

Sarah- As someone who reads your blog every day and adores your style, I would be very sad if you decided to shut down your site!

BUT, you need to do what you are passionate about.. Are you still passionate for this, but maybe just frustrated with the results? Or has your passion faded away? At the end of the day I think thats what you have to figure out! I am hoping for my sake though that you stick around!!

Barbara von Enger said...

I update my blog once a week or whenever I'm in the mood. I don't allow it to overtake my life. It's a hobby; I have a day job. Continue blogging, but perhaps at a slower pace?

David Toms said...

I for one want you to stay. I love your blog and ahve already got some great ideas. I admit it does take up some time! Maybe one post a week??

karolina said...

Oh please don't quit! I always look forward to what you write and enjoy them so much. I have been shy to leave comments...it doesn't have to be every day, please keep this fantastic blog!

Beachmamato2 said...

PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP YOUR BLOG! It is so inspiring! I look forward to it everyday! Thank you.

Sidney Ann said...

I rarely comment, but I lurk daily! I really enjoy your blog and think you should continue, though I totally know what you mean about needing a break. Blogging definitely has its peaks and valleys :)

Park Interiors said...

Stay! I love the pictures you post and the thoughts you share. I would miss reading your blog for sure

Nikki said...

I still enjoy stopping by and seeing your great finds, but I do understand the time involved. It's a tough choice but I'll keep you on my blog roll in case you stop in from time to time!

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I am always here reading, for some reason I thought the comments were for people that knew the blogger personally, like there was a blogger community that I am not a part of. I find your blog very inspiring and will be sad if it goes

Abby M. Interiors said...

Hi Sarah-
If it makes you feel any better, I feel the same way. Design blogging can be such a catch 22 because if you become successful/busy with design, you don't really have the time to blog and continue the relationships by leaving comments everywhere. I'm not sure what the answer is, but maybe just try to post twice a week instead of losing all of your momentum. I consider "quitting" on a daily basis.
Abby

Anonymous said...

Stay. End of story. :)

-Teresa & Chris

Lonely Wife Project said...

Blogging is more time consuming that I ever though possible. I love the friends I've met and the outlet it provides, but I sometimes wonder how long I can keep going so I completely empathize with you. Selfishly, I want you to stay though :)

LeeLee said...

Stay with it, no matter what. Your blog can serve as a creative outlet for you, whether people comment or not.

P.S. one of my favorite places is also Napa Valley. :)

mosaicology said...

won't blogging help your business? how about taking a break and then decide? love your style.

Desiree said...

stay...I love our style and check in on every post!

katie [the bright life] said...

As fun as blogging is, I agree that it certainly has its ups and downs. I feel the same way sometimes, and I wonder if it's worth it. In the end, I know I would miss a place to post my inspiration, even if I'm only posting to an audience of one. You should do what feels best to you based on your time and passions. All the best! Xo, Katie

Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} said...

Of course we're coming by to see what you're up to! But I think we all hit a blogging wall...it can be so monopolizing!!! Cut yourself some slack, take a break from it, and pop in from time to time when you've got something to share. you'll stay on my blogroll so I can keep tabs on you!

So thrilled your business has taken off too!

Jordin- I Love That! said...

I love your blog! You were one of the first bloggers to comment on one of my post and follow me! I understand though, being busy. Sometimes I find myself thinking "what in the world am I going to talk about today?" I just try to remind myself I don't have to post something everyday and if I have no inspiration for weeks than that's that. Maybe take a break for a little while and see if you miss it. Good luck!

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

Just a thought..........if it helped get your business noticed and helped it to thrive, then I expect it will only continue to help it grow. It's like your first client that sent you many referrals, if they called you later when you were really busy, you would never turn them away. Heavens.....they helped get you there! i tend to think of blogging the same way. that being said, keep it less time-consuming and know that at times all bloggers have doubts about it's value. Sometimes it is good to take a break and everyone understands that. I do think the discipline helps keep creative people alert to the mood of the general design customer. That can only help anyone in a design business. best of luck in your decision. XO

Designwali said...

stay...your blog still inspires.

Lynne said...

I love your blog! I read everyday. I, too, have felt like anonymous that commented earlier. Sometimes it feels as if commenters are personal friends of the blogger. I don't mean here specifically, though.
Anyway, I find inspiration from you always-have pinned many a photos from your blog. So, I'd love to see you stay.

Unknown said...

do. not. stop.
STAAAAY!
Love your eye, your blog, your style...please don't stop blogging!
xxx

bluehydrangea said...

Sarah,
I feel your pain. it is a tough balance but you would be so missed!!

Southern Exposure said...

I feel the same way! I used to love blogging and felt like I was overflowing with post ideas, etc. Now I almost feel like it is a burden to come up with posts! I keep telling myself I am just in a rut. I am trying to stick it out - it is a great creative outlet and has led to several clients. However, I have to keep reminding myself to blog for myself and not for the comments. My posts have never generated many comments - probably because I don't leave many on other blogs. I have been reading your blog for a while now and while I am not sure if I have commented before I promise I am still reading! I love your posts and hope you keep going but I understand your frustrations!

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

I completely understand! My blog isn't even a year old and it is hard work! As everyone has already said, you have to do what is best for you. But I do love your blog. Your photos are fabulous and make great statements. And you are on my blogroll! So my wish is for you to stay, but truly understand if you decide otherwise. :)

paula said...

I so feel you... Really I probably have this conversation in my head daily. I think I would miss it though in the long run. Oh, and your blog still inspires me.

Gaby [The Vault Files] said...

Sarah: Even though I don't comment on your blog every day I got you on my reader and I check it out every single day. I would definitely miss you, but I guess you got the wrong question, what you should be asking yourself is "Am I still strongly passionate about my blog?" if you are then that's it! ;) I don't get tons of comments, but I love what I do and I enjoy it so that's my motivation ;)

InteriorGroupie said...

I agree with all of the above and totally emphathise with your situation. I'll repeat what others have said - only do it if it makes you happy. passions should be enjoyable and relatively easy. Do what makes you feel good. seriously.

christine, just bella said...

I don't know how some bloggers do it, blogging every day. I've always had a rule to blog cause it makes me happy - no rules, no expectations. Some times I blog more, sometimes I blog less, no biggie. You gotta do what works for you, Sarah, and do it because you enjoy it! I love the beautiful inspiration on your site, you do what works for you and I'm sure you'll find your happy medium :)

SHERRY HART said...

I say post less and stay longer....you would miss us:) I might not comment as often as I should but you are sent to me everyday. Your blog was one of the first ones I started reading and inspired me to start mine.

Lawny said...

I love your blog and read weekly, I have never commented though!

I would love to see more photos of your home/design projects.

I also think it is FANTASTIC that you are in Calgary - a home-grown 'celebrity'!!

Hope to see even more from you :)

Dyck Family said...

Stay, please!!!

Ashley said...

Oh, please do not quit! You were sweet enough to visit my blog in its infancy and I've been hooked on yours ever since.

I'm struggling now because I feel like my growth has stagnated, but you DO continue to garner many visitors and commenters AND produce wonderful, inspiring content.

If you're still contemplating your decision: STAY, definitely STAY!

tamara said...

Sarah! Please don't stop...your blog is wonderful. You are so creative! Life is full, just do what you can. I have every intention of blogging once a week - with work and kids it rarely happens. T xx

Kathleen said...

Sarah,

I do not blog, but I know what a commitment it can be to maintain. If my vote counts in any way, please stay. Ultimately, it is your decision but if you go, you will be missed, if you stay, maybe you can lighten your time commitment a bit.
-Kathleen

Anonymous said...

I'm also guilty of not commenting but I read your blog everyday and I love it! I'm so happy you are staying!

Hello Lover... said...

I'm still here! My commenting has waxed everywhere - I just don't have time. But I do spend whatever free time I have going through my google reader and you remain in mine!