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As I sit here working on my “Where Are They Now” spoof (which I’m already in love with) I came to the realization that my beloved blog was suffering because I hadn’t posted anything since Monday.
It’s not that I don’t have things to write about. I actually get lots of goofy ideas in my head.
I just feel that most of these revelations are either too long for a Tweet or too short for a blog post. It’s like my ideas are trapped in literary purgatory.
Part of the reason for my angst is that I’m petrified of not meeting the bar. I feel that every post has to be better than the last or I’ll lose readers…especially after writing something that leaves people rolling in laughter. This unrealistic expectation of stacking achievement has planted a perpetual seed of doubt in my ideas.
My wife says I’m crazy because she has yet to go a day without laughter. Fair enough. But it’s a serious high for me when people comment on my posts. I love the interaction and I love it when people take time to either share their thoughts or just pass along some kudos. When I go from dozens of comments to a handful, I can’t help but feel as though I let my readers down. This is what I strive to avoid.
I don’t have a studio, I don’t have a team of writers, I don’t even have good A/V equipment. What I have is a passion for making people smile and laugh.
Until someone ponies up enough dough so that I can create daily features, I have to supplement the home runs with singles. I have to sprinkle in posts about my family, my daily grind, and my struggle to fall in love with Texas.
But do people care about these kinds of posts? Are people interested in my random thoughts? If I created a section called “Telling Dad’s Briefs” and I posted whenever the mood struck or when some goofy anecdote meandered its way out of my brain, would it interest you?
‘Cuz if so, I’ll totally do it.
Case in point…
I wanted to write a short blurb about how pointless it was that our microwave oven asked if it was AM or PM when I was setting the clock. Who cares? It doesn’t tell you if it’s AM or PM on the clock anyway so why does it bother to ask? If I can’t tell by looking outside whether it’s daytime or nighttime then I have bigger problems than being 12 hours off because of my microwave.
My wife says the AM/PM option is there so that you can set it in advance in case you need to microwave something the next morning. Seriously? You can’t just get up and spend 3 seconds tapping some numbers and pressing start? How much time does one save by scheduling a microwave to reheat the night before?
My wife usually gets up at 6am. So is she saying that she can now enjoy the luxury of sleeping in until 6:01 by pre-arming the microwave to heat water for her morning coffee? If you really need to pre-program your microwave then you may want to look into adjusting your schedule.
So there it is. Is that really a blog post?
This was just something I was ranting about while I fiddled with the microwave to adjust for daylight savings time. Heather was laughing hysterically as I went into my little tirade about the insanity of it all and she said I should blog about it. I said, “good idea!” and then sat down to do just that. Then I’m all, “Nah, this is stupid.” So I tried to think of other ideas.
Stupid.
Stupid.
Stupid.
So tell me. Do short little ditties and brain purges like this make for good blog fodder? Or are readers only seeking the next grand slam? Are readers loyal to those they enjoy even if a few lame ducks cross their paths along the way?
“Put up” between feature posts or “Shut up” between feature posts?
I suppose this is my question du jour.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
I think sharing those random seemingly stupid bits with your readers is what makes it fun. Boring to some perhaps but who cares! For me, it's those simple off the wall everyday tidbits that get the best chuckles.
What may be boring to you may be highly entertaining for others. Blog fodder is what you make, not what others make for you. Who set said bar? You? Throw out the bar, throw out the rules, if you are always funny and people stopped laughing…would that be boring? Blog on withca bad self…and what seems to be meaningless moments in life.
.-= Karie´s last blog ..Gifts for Kids: Sweetie Pies Kids Boutique =-.
I absolutely love it
see that's what I meant short and sweet and funny 
all in one – a perfect blog post!
Now wait, why doesn't my microwave do that??? I could use an extra minute in my day LMAO
.-= Firefly´s last blog ..The Ultimate Cloth Review =-.
I LOVE love LOVE short posts! They are like my best friend. Sometimes I have like no time to read and these are like a java shot – a lot of punch in a tiny package!
And the microwave blurb had me rolling! I never thought of it but it sure makes sense that it doesn't make sense…..does that make sense?
Geez, it's midnight and my tired mom brain needs rest.
But do short blurbs! They are the best! if you do, I'll grab your button LOL
.-= Annie´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – How to Change a Diaper =-.
I use my microwave with no power… for a timer, 'cause my wind-up ticker one broke.. so I use my real expensive timer now… ala' microwave!
Bar ??? we have a bar??? is that like in drinking , belly up to the bar or more like let's do the Limbo bar!!
Any way it sounds like a party to me! what time should I set my timer for???
.-= Faythe @GMT´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
I love the blog fodder. Just that little blurb about the microwave gave a chuckle. I didn't even know you COULD preset a microwave…I'm with you, that seems…exceptionally lazy. Even I, the Queen of Lazy, am not that lazy.
But, to get back to answering your question, I think the little brain purges make for good reads too. And I feel like even if you tried you couldn't produce a lame duck. Only Jive Turkeys here baby!
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..Writer's Workshop =-.
I know what you mean about the next grand slam but I have realized they all are not going to be home runs. Some are going to be pop ups where people probably won't care but you won't know until you blog about it. I like bloggers who do short random post sometimes. It is to much when every single post a person writes is 9 pages in length. If that is the case write a book not a blog post. Long is good but so is short. Blog about what you think is funny. The point of blogging is to have fun and entertain but not stress about every detail and hope that every reader will like it. If they like you and your blog they will come back even if you post a lame duck every now and again. I come back dont I? LOL. Kidding!
You know what they say about brevity. And since I have the brain of a goldfish these days short posts sound perfect for me. Go for it!
.-= Big Dot´s last blog .."Remember, remember… =-.
I think short, sweet, entertaining posts are sometimes absolutely the best reads. Often I find that when I write a killer post, I have no comments, and then one that I don't think is so fantastic ends up bringing down the house. Like with 12 comments or something. I'm just really getting good at this, mkay?
Oh and one more thing- why the hell are you not in LOVE with Texas already? Hmmmm? I just moved away from there after being there nearly 20 years. And I miss it. Dearly. Good thing there's a hawt cowboy and horses up here to keep me entertained or I might go back!
.-= ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~´s last blog ..And the Saga Continues… =-.
YES! Yes you should write about them! Yes, that was hilarious. Yes, I would read it.
You could make it a feature, honestly. Writing room floor, or some such.
And don't let it get to you when people don't comment!! I've had comment lulls before, and I have offered to purge subscribers, because I felt like they were pointless… suddenly everyone is saying, "Please don't! Even though I don't always comment, I love to read!"
We are here. We enjoy your work.
Side note – I once asked my husband why people bother to read my blogs, and he said, "Because they have thoughts about your thoughts."
It made me laugh. But it's true. And that's why we're here!
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..On Sleep, and Co-Sleeping, and NOT Sleeping. =-.
I love the microwave tirade. And better than the programmable microwave for hot water is the programmable coffee pot. Then it's waiting when you get to the kitchen. If you're like me and don't do mornings, this invention is huge.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Birthday Boy =-.
I felt the same thing about my blog.. I have a couple days of just quick theme filler posts.. Enough to make my readers hate my blog. Then the big one comes a few days later. It's like a weekly comeback kid.
As for the quick blurbs,that's why I started my reality comic strip..
"Pretty Dang Exciting"
It's full of irony.
Anyways. Just do what you do. I'll keep reading.
.-= Eric´s last blog ..Crossing the Bridge =-.
Holy crap… if that is an example of your Telling Dad’s Briefs, then PLEASE do it.
I had a great chuckle over the microwave… ours does it too and DUDE does it annoy me.
I looked for a good 5 seconds (thwarting the time I would have said by pre-recording) looking for the 'I don't care' button.
Hilarious, you keep writing… we'll keep reading.
What was the question again? I started reading all of your comments, reading the links to other bloggers last posts, wondered if I should oh say quickly read other blogs then comment and I sort of got lost a bit: my point? The quick, witty laughable shorts are perfect, especially fitting for day to day reads. It's like reading the comic section and skipping view points til, well, one has more time. The perks are a nice chuckle every day no matter how ordinary the subject matter. Kudos!
.-= Litlalaska´s last blog ..Here’s Why We Don’t Follow Celebrities =-.
I say write about everything. Even the short posts are funny. The microwave craziness cracked me up. If my microwave asked me a stupid question like that, I would have to go on and on about how pointless that is too.
Your readers like your perspective and what you have to say.
Keep the "briefs" coming!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday ~ 11/04 =-.
Post it all! Long short…emotional…funny – it's what keeps me coming back to blogs. If you have the time to jump on and press "submit" – do it! Even if someone doesn't comment, doesn't mean they are not laughing or affected. For me lately, it is a time issue — just don't have a ton of time to read long wordy posts – your microwave rant was brilliant and readable – loved it and agreed.
.-= mamajoss´s last blog ..How to Take Your OWN Holiday Photos – My Article for Sprout for Parents =-.
I will read everything you post! Short & sweet, or long and if I peek and it is long, I savour the thought all day until I can sit and enjoy it. Anyway, either way works here! BTW, all my blog posts are two paragraphs.
Post them! I personally LOVE random quips. Sometimes the silliest, most random thing can make 1 single person smile because they can relate and also thought that it was too "random" to talk about.
The beauty of blogging is, there is no "rule book" – no one says you have to have ONLY long posts. That would've been a sufficient, funny blog post about your microwave. Nothin' wrong with it
I do a series called "Out of the Mouth of Babes" in which I keep a blog post in draft and add to it every so often, when the kids say something hilarious. Once it reaches 4 or 5 funny quips, I hit "post" – if you feel uncomfortable with short bits like the microwave thing, perhaps you could start a "Random Crap" post or something?
.-= Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting´s last blog ..How to Make a Super Hero Costume =-.
Definitely voting for 'Put up'. When I turn on my horribly slow computer and I finally get the internet to load up, it's a better day when the blogs I read have something new. Even if it is less consequential, it seems like I'm hearing from a good friend about something funny they heard. It's more familiar and fun.
BTW I totally agree with you on the Microwave am/pm thing. I was wondering the same thing last weekend
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Nyah Dancing =-.
oh and speaking of lack of comments.. have you read my blog?? Then you know that NONE of my family members comment. Nice huh? They're the whole frickin' reason I write the thing. I get maybe two comments a month, IF I'm lucky!!!
So don't you gripe about your commentless days. W/E! LOL
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Nyah Dancing =-.
Hi, I'm going to give you my two scents worth, which I very much hope you will take as positive. I love your blog, and I think you are very entertaining. You have mentioned your concern over writing grand slams before (I think it was right after the BlogHer conference). I think you should write about what interests you regardless the size of the post or the nature of the topic. If you don't get a slew of comments everytime, oh well. I would rather read and be entertained by what it is you want to say…whatever it be, than by what it is you think I want to read. My advice- whether it be brief or an epic post, just keep it real. : )
.-= Maria @ Mom et al´s last blog ..H1N1: Do You HAVE Options? =-.
And OH MY GOD, that "scents" typo is killing me.
.-= Maria @ Mom et al´s last blog ..H1N1: Do You HAVE Options? =-.
It's okay, Maria… Just tell him you're giving him "Warm Apple Pie" and "Fresh Linen" scents. Then it all makes… sense!
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..On Sleep, and Co-Sleeping, and NOT Sleeping. =-.
lol, I was going to edit "scents" but it's funnier this way.
I can't express how appreciative I am of all the insight. I truly had no clue that so many people read and enjoyed yet didn't comment.
That makes me feel better!
I am going to be kicking off "Telling Dad's Briefs" (not literally) as everything everyone said above rings true. Most DEFINITELY the part about "keeping it real" regardless.
And you're right Maria…I did go through this after the surge with BlogHer '09. I suppose I have my awesomeness to blame.
I like everything you write, but the short, sweet ones are the best. If I can read them quick, it's easier to disguise what I'm doing when I'm supposed to be working!
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Poker Face ReMix =-.
Dude, and I was totally expecting some comment love in response to my comment. Ah well. Keep up the good work, and please, for the love of your loyal bloggers, keep your briefs on, literally.
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Nyah Dancing =-.
I'm there RIGHT NOW!
I am so sorry. I wish I had time to hit everyone up
but I do a lot of pro-bono work in addition to regular work so I'm behind.
Add in this Monday Mingle thing and my mockumentary plus a sick child and
I'm torn in a thousand directions.
I'm sorry and I WILL VISIT more often!
Thank you for the comment push.
Oh, and I can't promise anything about
keeping my briefs on. People seem torn on which way to vote.
If its funny write about it, who cares about the length. Short & sweet is fine!
.-= Janis @ SneakPeek´s last blog ..Wordless – What's For Dinner? =-.