A blogging resolution

I've always found it difficult to blog consistently. I go through stretches where I have lots of energy and ideas but then I slowly lose focus and go long periods without posting at all.

The first post on this blog was more than three years ago, but I've only written a total of 57 posts. That comes out to less than two per month.

I realize now that part of the reason for this is that I'm always disappointed with the lack of response or traffic when I am posting often. Getting feedback on your ideas is exciting, but expecting feedback and then not receiving it can be really discouraging.

So I've decided to make a New Year's resolution regarding blogging. I'm going to post consistently and I'm not going to care if anyone ever sees it.

I'm going to have only one goal: learn to express my views on design intelligently and succinctly.

I'll measure success by looking back at my posts every few months to see if they still seem to have value. If they do, I'll be on the way to accomplishing the goal. If not, I'll try to examine what I don't like about them and work toward fixing it.

I'm not going to discourage or avoid feedback -- if you're reading this, feel free to comment, retweet, etc -- but I'm not going to measure the success or failure of the endeavor based on the number of pageviews I get.

Comments

[Claire Ramsey]

I read them, Jim, even if I don't usually comment.

[Kokochi]

I've been blogging since 2002 and initially the feedback was fun, but in the end, I realized it's *my* diary. When I forget stuff or dates of events, I know I can look it up, and especially after having a kid, my blog is the best gift for my current and future self. I love going back to old posts, and reliving those moments. But having an audience, even if pretend, is my forcing function. I know my parents and close friends will want some updates so that makes me blog. Most importantly, have fun!!

[Mark Simmons]

I didn't even read this.

[Account Deleted]

This sounds like a good set of goals. (and believe it or not, posting on a regular basis tends to draw more readers, or so I've been told.)

[Marc]

Thats a real issue. It's true publishing once a week is better to increase audience. But, same way as you, I find it rather difficult on the long run...