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blog revival?

3/1/2016

 
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And so just like that, it seems, it's 2016.  This post is not going to be a reflective look back on 2015, a recap of all that I achieved or didn't achieve in that year. A post to revel in glories and admit to regrets. Instead, I'm going to start this year with what will possibly be quite a disjointed ramble about lots of things that are floating in my head at the moment.

There's something about the new year, the fresh page on the calendar that seems to plant so many ideas and plans in my brain. I'm ready to write lists and sketch images and swatch and get into any thing new. Any thing really that doesn't involve finishing those lingering WIPs and jobs from the last year. It just has to be fresh and new. I'm busting to cast on all the things and starting writing and swatching new patterns. I want to drag out all my fabric and sew up something straight away.

I'm not alone there, am I?

One thing I am going to drag over from last year, even the last few years, is the plan to blog more. There's this thing about blogs at the moment that's got me thinking a bit more about them and trying to re-focus and find the time to keep this one going. One of those reasons was a series of blog posts that I was super keen to follow up on last year but it didn't quite happen. I've also been thinking about the concept of the blog a bit lately and where the format is headed. All these new social media platforms seem to have almost brought about the demise of the blog and I have to admit for awhile there I really wasn't reading blogs in the same way I once did. I certainly wasn't blogging on this one either in quite the same way, and I'm not sure that readers were engaging in quite the same way. I know that I'm not alone there and I've seen a number of big name bloggers either cease blogging or drastically decrease their blogging. Whether that's a consequence of the changing landscape of social media or other factors come into play it's hard to know, but blogging is definitely currently on the outer. Google "the demise of the blog" and you'll find countless blog posts (ha!) and articles written about this. The quick fix of social media platforms that allow you to engage with more people and give you approval with a simple click of a like button has had quite an effect on the comments sections of most blogs.
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But, and this is a big but, I think the potential is there for a swing back, and this is why.

Facebook is definitely the platform that is killing off blogs. It's massive, incredibly so. With this growth however,  more and more restrictions and unseen controls on content has eventuated.  There has been a lot of chatter behind the scenes on Facebook lately about the declining reach of Facebook posts, particularly those that contain words like "discount", "sale" and links to outside pages. You can almost guarantee that a post around the same time from the same page with a link to another Facebook page will get at least double the reach of the first post, It seems that Facebook is filtering out of people's feed the very information that they want to learn from that page!  To test this out earlier this week I posted two posts on Facebook within two hours of each other. The first post was a "marketing" post with the naughty words "20% discount" and "coupon code". The second post linked to a post on another Facebook page with a much much smaller audience than mine. The second post had four times the reach of the first. What that does highlight is that if you want your marketing posts to get out there, the ones that your customers often want to see, you have to pay the boosted post game that Facebook traps you into, because they're not going to show your readers your post otherwise. 
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As far as preferred social media platforms go, I much prefer Instagram. It's a procession of the pretty and lovely. It's a quick and easy engage and generally it doesn't have the negativity factor that seems to encompass Facebook at times. At the same time, however, Instagram does perpetuate more than any other social media platform the idea of the celebrity of perfection. If anything, the last year in Instagram land has taught us that there are Instagrammers who are actually PAID to promote goods and companies in their posts (did this shock you a little as it did me). We've also become ever-questioning of the portrayal of perfection that rings out from staged photos. The Socality Barbie account demonstrated that so very perfectly!

So where does this leave blogging?

I wonder if blogs are going to be a bit like book shops.  The advent of the Kindle and e-books took a heavy toll on bookshops, particularly those small independent ones. Some "experts" even predicted that books would one day become a thing of the past. 2015 however, saw the opposite happen. People are going back to physical books. There are definitely e-book lovers out there but physical book sales actually increased in 2015 and it looks like a trend that will continue.  Books are real and physical; tangible - and a new book smells so good in a way that a Kindle never can. They're also prettier in an IG photo (just kidding).

​I do wonder if the return of the book is echoing an embrace of a simpler way of living. Ironically enough, I see so many photos on Instagram that speak to me of people looking for that simpler way or life, yearning for some of the simplicity that we perhaps romanticise about from our own childhood; or in the very least, attempting to portray an embrace of that lifestyle. Maybe because social media is so so busy, that in our "real life" we need to embrace the simple, the wholesome and the less. I don't know.  Maybe physical books offer far more of an escape from the world of social media than an e-book can.  Maybe we just yearn for the tactile feeling of actually turning the pages of a book. 
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So my thinking about all this lead me to consider and ponder whether we're going to see a similar revival of the blog, because while yes, there are a great deal of bloggers who have simply become yet another promotional tool for business, (one of my previous favourite blogs is now basically just full of sponsored posts) there are those genuine ones who open their heart and soul to their readers, or who offer terrific information, tutorials and discussions in a way that other platforms on social media simply can't. And realistically, blogging has been around for so long that some of those original blogs still in action almost can claim vintage status.  A blog is like a home that a writer invites you into. It becomes a friendship where you can drop in any time unannounced. Where it doesn't matter if you haven't seen each other for quite some time, you still just pick up the friendship where it left off. There's a depth to a blog that you just can't get in a Facebook post, tweet or Instagram photo.  And when you offer depth, it much easier to separate the wheat from the chaff.

So I don't know, I think I'm going to persevere with my blog this year.

I'm going to post that series of blog posts I didn't end up posting last year because I thought blogs had lost their way. I'm going to continue to share my crafting and designing journey with you, talking about the good bits as well as the struggles. I'm going to continue to share the good bits that I know about crafting that I think will help other crafters out - because at the heart of it, that is the most important aspect of the crafting community - the sharing of knowledge.
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What I'm knitting: My Favourite in Shilasdair Luxury DK, Winter Loch colourway

​The yarn on my desk: Adagio Alpaca Mills 8ply (the yarn from my Kickstarter reward)

What I'm working on: A series of knitting patterns for an art project

What I'm reading: ​South of Darkness by John Marsden

What I'm dreaming about: cooler and slower days and camping in my much loved tent
Cassy
3/1/2016 04:11:28 am

Beautifully said. I look forward to reading your blog posts this year. :)

Georgie
7/1/2016 01:52:19 am

Thanks Cassy, I think I need to sit down and compile a list of topics and flesh out my special series a bit more. Any ideas for posts are much appreciated. :)

Andi link
3/1/2016 07:40:54 am

I am glad that you are deciding to revive your blogging habits. Personally I prefer blogging and the written words to many of the other social medias, because that is what inspires me. I think the same can be said for many others.
I am with you sharing is vital to our crafty community and I am so glad that there are many like you who are willing to keep it alive.
Great post!

Georgie
7/1/2016 01:54:55 am

Sharing is so important, I agree, Andi. I think we're lucky we've had this recent resurgence in knitting, if it hadn't happened I do wonder how much of the skills would be lost. We don't have that inter-generational teaching as much any more (a lot of my mum's friends weren't knitters) so I really put a lot of value in peer sharing.

Kim link
3/1/2016 09:09:56 am

Wow Tikki! I had no idea about the background shenanigans at Facebook. I have been blogging since 2007-but at times my postings were few and far between. When comments started falling off a bit, I must admit it was a bit discouraging. But when I really looked at why I was blogging I realized that while the comments are fun and all, I was also blogging for myself. My blog is a form of a journal and also a big of a creative outlet--so I continue. I look forward to hearing more from you this year-you will always be one of my favorite designers!
xoxoxo

Georgie
7/1/2016 01:57:34 am

Kim, that is so true! I think Blog Lovin', while making blogs easier to read, doesn't encourage commenting in the way we all once engaged. But yes, we shouldn't be discouraged by fewer comments, you are so right - it really is a reflective journal. I'm going to keep that foremost in my mind this year. Thank you! xx

Emma
3/1/2016 10:27:59 am

I am so pleased to see you will be blogging more - I love the way you write and hearing what you have to say. Really look forward to following your blog this year xx

Georgie
7/1/2016 01:58:25 am

Thanks so much Emma, I'm feeling quite inspired! If you have any ideas for blog posts, I'd keen for all suggestions. :)

Sezza
3/1/2016 12:07:41 pm

Great post!! I've totally neglected my blog of late but I've missed it and the community of bloggers that come with blogging and reading other blogs. Perhaps it will have that revival. I'm also a kindle reader but was pleased to see books are doing better - I support the book industry by buying countless children's books and cookbooks! Oh and yes, sketching and casting on all the things!!!

Georgie
7/1/2016 02:00:08 am

I've missed reading your blog, Sarah! Maybe you'll join us and be a part of the revival. I am also pleased to hear you have been sketching! Some new designs on the horizon from you, I hope? School holidays and all that? xx

Lesley
3/1/2016 12:45:27 pm

Like you Tik my blog is sadly neglected
But I much prefer blogs to fb
I follow quite a few in bloglovin, it doesn't screen thenm, shows me what I want and is easy to use. IMO fb has a lot I answer for but we've also let it lead the way :(
I will be waiting for your blog posts :)
Happy new year 🎉

Georgie
7/1/2016 02:02:22 am

Happy New Year Lesley!

I agree blogs are much better than FB, and Blog Lovin' doesn't screen what you do and don't get to see like FB does. Funnily, my FB post and link to this post had a bigger reach than recently - I suspect because I mentioned FB - how ironic!

Janelle
3/1/2016 02:01:41 pm

I probably read more blogs now than I did two years ago, thanks to the the bloglovin' app on my phone!!! And although Instagram does offer that quick sugar hit so many people like now days with their social media, it can work the other way too- I've often seen a lovely picture and then followed it back to a blog, and have discovered wonderful blogs full of honesty and personal voices in the process :)

Georgie
7/1/2016 02:04:03 am

That's good to know, Janelle.

I suspect the increased use of Blog Lovin' is going to help lead the revival - that's my hope anyway! I'm pleased you've found excellent blogs via IG, that is very reassuring to know.

Briony
3/1/2016 05:32:43 pm

Such a lovely blog post Georgie! Do keep blogging. I think blogs do definitely have a place as you can say so much more on a blog post versus Instagram or FB.
I have been thinking about blogging but I'm not too sure people would be interested in yarn dyeing all. The. Time! Hehe. I'll ponder some more!

Georgie
7/1/2016 02:08:24 am

I would love to read a blog from you, Briony, particularly, as I've mentioned your experiments in natural dyeing. There is a lack of good solid in-depth information around pertaining to Australian natural dyeing ;).

Libby link
3/1/2016 05:40:47 pm

Books do look prettier in Instagram posts - seriously 😉
I'm ready for you to get back to blogging just like I'm ready for me to do it too. Bring it on!

Georgie
7/1/2016 02:10:24 am

Haha! I may have IGed a book cover today.

We are the Renaissance Bloggers, Libby!! Yay for us!

Lydia
3/1/2016 06:37:54 pm

Well, you have me thinking now! I do enjoy reading a familiar blog where I have built up a relationship of what to expect from the blogger. Lately I have succumbed to Instagram - which fascinates me in such an alluring way… Most of all I would like to start a blog of my own… who knows.. maybe I will.

Georgie
7/1/2016 02:12:51 am

Instagram is such a time suck! All that pretty.

I think the relationship you can develop with blogs is a pretty special thing in the social media sphere. It is really like being a friend, they become a part of your life.

I think yes, to starting a blog Lydia, join the blog revival!

Rachelle Crosbie link
3/1/2016 08:31:24 pm

I still blog, not as often as I should, but still a reasonable amount I think. I love Instagram and Facebook, but it's hard to say a lot on either of them, a blog is more of a journal format and that's where I'm most comfortable.
I enjoy reading blogs too, not giving that up in a hurry!

Georgie
7/1/2016 02:15:16 am

Maybe with the longevity of blogs you feel like you've said it all? But in real life that never happens, so i think we should all keep chatting away on our blogs. And you are so right, it is such a good journal format. There have been a number of times I've googled my own blog because I knew there was information on there I wanted/needed (particularly recipes - I'd have lost my favourite cake recipe if I hadn't published it on my blog)

Abbe
4/1/2016 12:52:53 am

Wonderful to read your view on blogging. I had lunch on Saturday with seven women - my 'Internet friends' that I met through blogging. Only a couple of us still blog. One of the few posts I did last year was about how I was going to blog more but it didn't happen. I still read a lot of blogs but definitely haven't been commenting as much since reading them via a reader.
I have now realised that blogging is not only a great way to record my makes but it gave me those seven other women so I really should stick with it...imagine who else I could meet!

Hopefully I can get back to and reconnect with some of the others that have stuck with blogging or also get back on the bandwagon.

I can't wait to see what 2016 brings in the wonderful world of makers and craft.
Abbe

Georgie
7/1/2016 02:17:41 am

What fabulous connections to make via blogging, Abbe! That is awesome! Blog readers are a bit of plus and negative, I think they're going to engage more people in reading blogs but they're generally not user friendly for commenting - which can make bloggers feel like there's less interaction.

I do hope you join the Great Blog Revival of 2016. I will pop over and visit your blog if you do. xx

Shadow
9/1/2016 09:22:55 am

I'm glad to see this and very much looking forward to the renewal of your blog. I've missed your voice in this form.

Jen
7/2/2016 12:26:40 pm

Yay for bloggers! I'm still a blog reader, but do most of it through a feed reader on my iPad and commenting sometimes doesn't work, so I don't often even try. Perhaps in 2016 I will work on leaving more comments for the blogs I read so they know they have a listener :)

Georgie
7/2/2016 02:13:16 pm

Blog writers love it when readers leave comments! Yay!
I love feed readers too (Blog Lovin') but I wish they'd make it easier to read comments.


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