Sometimes I wonder if my readership was gone way down lately, or if people just don't have the time to comment. I totally understand if people are just reading, and I totally understand if just coming here and seeing my ticker is too much for some of you who are still waiting for your miracle, but I hope it's not because of anything I've said that would make it appear that we in anyway take this little one for granted.
It is hard to be a PAIF (pregnant/cy after infertility) blogger. As I read through my posts over the last 4 months, I think that I've blogged about the pregnancy itself considerably less than some PAIF'ers. Which is totally their prerogative (and mine), but to be very honest, most days all I can think about this baby is just total gratitude and admiration and awe that he/she is squirming around in there. And while I hope you never doubt for a minute that we are so thankful for this child, I imagine posts about that every day may be a tad redundant. And I am definitely not going to complain about any discomforts- any that I have felt PALE in comparison to the happiness that fills me up and overflows when I pray for this baby.
So as I read through what I've written, while in general there have been many posts which are pregnancy-related, but I feel like my reflections have been pretty general and on varying different topics.
But is there anything you would like me to write about? Would you like more pregnancy-specific posts? More grateful posts, even if they repeat the same theme? More reflections on our journey to get here? More gardening or food or dog stories? What would you love to come here and read about?
Bloggers don't write just for the approval of their readers, but of course it is nice when we identify with each other through our posts. And while I know that if you are still waiting for your little one, you are not going to identify with a post about maternity clothes or something, but I hope you will remember that I was in your shoes for a long time, and I will never forget what it's like.
27 comments:
I think you're doing just fine A! I know it's hard to be PAIF and I'm sure I've lost a few readers too, and that's just going to happen. I think you should continue to write about what you feel like writing about!
I agree with Bridget! :)
I think it depends what you want out of this blog. If you want to use it as a way to connect to other IFers and PAIFs, then catering it a bit to what they want to here is fine. :) If you are using the blog to record your story or as a journal of sorts, then I would write about any little thing you'd like, no matter how mundane it may seem. It's *your* space on the Internet and people can choose whether they want to come visit it or not. :) (As you know, I've had some issues with this too.)
Strangly enough, my readership has grown since I got pregnant. Although I'm sure some people have left, more people have come. I feel badly about those who have left, but I know they are doing what's best for them so I just wish them well and keep them in my prayers, hoping they get their miracle very soon.
So, that was a book, huh? Sorry about that. :)
*they want to hear*
I hate when I do that!
Hey! I have been using google reader on my phone (& have terrible phone service) so I haven't been commenting at all lately :( I have read every post you've done and you are doing a terrific job. Once I get to start blogging again I will be a better commentor too ;)
Gee, I think I've visited just as much...I may have trailed off on blog commenting in general of late? I didn't think I had, but maybe. I don't suppose there's any way you can track how many comments you leave under a given google ID, say, per month? That would be interesting.
Doesn't answer your question, though...I don't have any suggestions to change your content. I would keep doing what you're interested in. I do, and I can definitely see that some things I write interest a lot more people than others (even though I continue not to be pregnant throughout), so I figure that's just how it goes. Not very helpful, am I?
Write what you're in the mood to write about when you're in the mood to write it. I wasn't sure what to write about when I was pregnant or after I had the baby. Mine was primarily an IF blog, after all. I didn't want to alienate or hurt anyone still dealing with the TTC aspect of IF. I recently decided that being on the fence isn't working. The LO is my main concern and, ergo, my main topic of conversation. It's my blog, I should be able to write about her and my experiences. Now I write about my day-to-day experiences being a new, first-time mom not just for me, but for those who will go through the same thing one day and will have questions. I like reading about others' experiences in motherhood (just as I did with pregnancy) so I know what to expect and that everything we're going through is absolutely normal.
Since this is your space, I think you should write what you feel. If it's something you want to share with your child one day then you should definitely post more about the pregnancy. I don't think you have been too heavy or too light on your pregnancy posts.
I think you should just be real and blog about whatever you'd like! I know for me, I tend to wander to blogs that relate to me at this particular time, so since we both got pg naturally after IF treatment, I tend to enjoy reading about your pg journey cause we're in the same boat.
Please don't change a thing! I love reading your blog and thinking "She perfectly understands and words how we feel." I am not always great at describing my feelings, so I like reading how you word things. I like the hope you give and how "real" you sound. I hope to be in your shoes one day, blogging about PAIF. Use this blog to write down whatever you feel, or whatever you like. If they don't like it then who cares=) I will admit it is harder to read a blog after the blogger becomes pregnant, but those are usually on the days AF shows her ugly head. The other days, I find it exemplifies nothing but pure HOPE.
I agree with all of the above. I very much look forward to your posts! I wouldn't change anything. I think you should write about what you want and what is on your mind. I love your blog! :)
I think you're doing a great job. I suppose one question is, what do you want from your blog? Is it something that you'll look back on? Is this something you plan on printing out & sharing with your child? Sharing your journey with them?
Just be you...like you are. And in my opinion, you are write from the heart, so keep on doing just that.
I've been reading everything from my phone (computer is in the shop) so my commenting is way down - sorry. Write whatever YOU want to write about and remember. It's your space.
I think you have had the perfect balance! And I agree with all the others, it is your space, so write what is in your heart. I like that you write about a number of different topics.
I've been reading more than commenting lately, sounds like that's true in general for blog world recently. I think most readers stick around and understand that you truly have walked in their shoes. I think a blog should be a reflection of our thoughts wherever we're at in our journey at the time. However, a fellow dog lover here is always up for some cute doggie stories or pics:] Appreciate the honesty in your posts!
I really enjoy your blog, and I think you do a lovely sensitive job of looking after all of us who are still waiting. I personally don't mind reading about pregnancy related stuff- it is nice to see that there can be a nice ending!
Sorry I haven't commented much lately, but I read every post and really appreciate the things you have to say.
Thank you!
ops, last post was from me logged in to my other account. Lady Grey
i think your posting is just fine! just wanted to let you know i'm still reading, just usually have no time to comment :-)
So if you havent heard us loud and clear, WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR BLOG!!! I am happy to hear all you have to say Preggo related IF related days subects reflections. We like reading because of what YOU decide to write about!! Keep it up. xoxo
I also agree with the others and a IF still in the waiting. I have no problem with what you are writing about. I hope that someday we will a get a chance to write about the joys of pregnancy. I think you are very inspiring. Even tho its hard to read about other who have gotten a little one or waiting for the arrival of one I think of it as a reminder from God that mircles do happen. I think that it is an amazing this that you have been giving a mircle.
Thank you so much for all you post and I look forward to reading them all the time.
I would keep going just like you are. Share your experiences - good and bad - just like you did before. I'm new to all of this blog stuff, but as I find new ones to "follow", I really am happy to have a mixture of ladies that are at various stops on the road to becomming mothers. It's very encouraging to see that you've made it :)
Yeah, so it's been said already... but I like you just the way you are. ;) I just like to read whatever someone is thinking about that day. Just be you. Just be real. :)
I'm always reading, although lately can't comment much!
Keep writing what you feel like writing :).
Just keep writing about you and your journey with honesty and you are giving us all a gift!!!
I always find your writing insightful and compelling, and I like hearing about all aspects of your life. Thanks for continuing to share with all of us!
The place where you are now (pregnant after infertility) is kind of a confusing place to be for a blog, at least I thought so. I agree with the others that you should continue to write about your own slice of life. Unfortunately some may not keep following, but you may gain some new readers and those faithful readers (including those like me who wish they had more time to comment) will stick around!
Just checking in. Keep writing what you want to write. I'm still reading if that's any consolation.
I totally understand. Sometimes I also feel like there are less readers out there.
I love your posts on whatever is on your heart. I of course love hearing about your pregnancy, and how you are feeling. Oh, and I'd love a baby bump photo. :)
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