What do you want from me?

The salt pans at Tavira, with an unusual pink tint

Maybe this is a question I should have asked long ago.  But to ask it, you first have to think of it.  Browsing in WordPress Discover I found lots of articles dedicated to improving your blog.  The suggestion that your focus be more on the reader than on yourself was one that made me think.  I tend to think of myself as someone who likes the sound of her own voice, and this is certainly true of my blog.  My scribbles are mostly anecdotal and in diary form, and they help to keep my travels alive for me.  They are my ‘unique voice’.  But is that enough?

The marshes come alive with colour in the summer

Is this really what the readership wants?  Is it too much of me, and not enough about them and what they want to read about?  It’s quiet around the blogs at the moment, and I start to wonder if I’ve become boring.  Have I assumed that my style of writing will carry me through, when people are hoping for more facts/more fantasy/more information?  Do I give enough?

The long view
A fishing boat heads out to sea, passing the jetty at Quatro Aguas

I look at the bloggers I admire and it’s true that many of them have a more factual basis to their blog.  I can protest that I’m an individual and that this is my space, but is that sufficient for you?  I am sometimes approached to work with marketing companies.  Would this result in a loss of identity, or might it benefit the reader?  Am I right to stick to doing things my way?

I love this light over Tavira

So, what do you think?  Now is a good time to ask, because I’m not sure that this blog will continue after I move to Tavira.  Most certainly there will be changes to be made, but I would like to take you along with me.

209 comments

  1. Your post prompted me to look at how many words I had written since I began blogging in 2012. The word count comes in at about 140,000 words which is about the same word count for A Tale of Two Cities, or 2 PhD dissertations. You have been a much more consistent blogger than I have. Your word count must be massive. And that equates to an enormous amount of effort and creative energy. So, if you want to blob out for awhile or have a change of pace, I say go ahead. I am sure your readers won’t mind giving you some space to reevaluate what you want to do. If you find you want to continue, along your current path or on a different one, please remember to do and write what feels right to you. If you let the masses (as opposed to your lovely readers) or the advertisers dictate what you read, the end result is likely to be a mish-mash, not unlike a unsavoury tabloid. Hugs and best wishes. 🙂 🙂

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    1. Heavens! That’s a way to look at it, Ann. 🙂 🙂 Sometimes when I dip back into the blog, I think, hmm, did I write this? I rather like it! What a vain piece I am! 🙂 🙂 But yes, a lot of effort and a lot of pleasure along the way. I’m not singing The times they are a-changing’ just yet. It’s wonderful to share the love. And thanks for being there. 🙂

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  2. I think the most important thing is to speak with your own voice, and reach out to people, generously. Another blog I used to follow has followed the advertising route, covered with list of ‘the ten best’ and so on, and adverts everywhere – it gives out plenty of information and I hate it. By travelling and posting photographs and reactions you are sharing information, but in a personal way which is much more attractive. Some of us need to connect with people and blogging is a way of doing that if it is not immediately available in our own communities – just keep going at a pace you enjoy! I have gone quiet because I am frantically trying to complete some photography projects – perhaps I should post some of my efforts! I enjoy your writing and photographs and much appreciate being featured on your walks, through which I have made new contacts – do not give up just yet! And lucky you going to live in Portugal.

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    1. Thanks a lot, Candy 🙂 🙂 I agree with what you say and I hate intrusive pop-ups. It’s ego really, and the desire for a wider audience, but then I couldn’t keep up with them. Far better to treasure the many loyal folk who come here. It’s a wonderful safe space I have, and I am grateful for it. I’m glad you’ve found an outlet for your photography. Stop by whenever you can. I hope to be here. 🙂

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  4. Wow, such a long dicussion already. I admit I did not read all the voices – but here is my two cents. Although I often prefer scanning to in-depth reading and your blog is no exception, I like what you are doing (my visits may be short, but I keep coming back).

    However, if you ask yourself if your blog is still going in the right direction, there might be a couple of additional questions to ask: What is it you wish to share? And why? And with whom?

    As for the last question, I – for example – have been quite active collaborating with other bloggers on ToyPhotographers.com. I like the idea of a blog written collectively, and I think it is grat to share thoughts with like-minded people. And that’s what you have accomplished with this blog: You invited fellow walkers/photographers who come here to ‘see the world’ and share their views. Which, in my eyes, is agreat thing!

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    1. Thanks, Tobias! Your presence here is always much appreciated. It’s a great thing to be able to gather people together and I am amazed at the response. Your toy photography is fascinating and i’m glad you’ve found some like-minded people to extend yourself with. As to the what and why, that is much of the problem, but certainly a more purposeful direction is required. But mostly, I just like to make people happy 🙂 🙂 And then, they make me happy.

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  5. Jo, do not worry much about how to blog. I believe 100% that all each of us can do
    is to give bits of ourselves and our dreams. Show things that touch us … just be who
    we really are. Fake facades never reaches deep.

    So, please, don’t stop blogging or showing those wonderful pictures from places most
    of us will never see.
    Hugs
    Miriam

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  6. I too question what I write, and why I continue to blog. In the end it comes down to a need to share. I think your voice is perfect, and that you should share it as inspiration moves you. Maybe you’ll need a break for a while and then something new will arise. Yes you give enough!
    Alison

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  7. Keep writing your blog, keep voicing your opinion and expressing yourself. I very much enjoy reading your blog and look forward to reading the next chapter and adventure in your life. Don’t change a thing!

    Peta

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  8. I love your blog and your anecdotal style. It’s what makes your blog unique and interesting.

    I do get where you’re coming from though. It’s quiet on my blog too and I choose to chalk that one up to it being summer and people being away on holiday right now. I too wonder if I should change something to grow my blog. And then I remind myself of the question: why is it that I blog again? To me it’s a creative space.

    Sure, I’d love to receive more likes and reactions to my posts, especially when I worked really hard on something (my two part hostel review took me a looong time) but I also want to keep my authenticity and stay true to the person/blogger I am. Not to say one can’t improve, but if people don’t like what I do, they’re not going to stick around anyway. And I’m not about to do something to make them (I can only tempt them, haha)

    I’ve decided I’m going to keep posting what I’m enthustiastic about and keep experimenting with other kinds of blog posts. I’ve agreed with myself I’m not going to focus on numbers too much. Blogging is my hobby, a creative outlet. And I guess I like it that way 😉 Hope this makes sense 🙂

    Whatever you decide to do is fine, but I’d be sorry to see your blog go if you decided to stop after your move.

    Good luck!

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    1. Thank you so much! 🙂 🙂 I’ve received so many thoughtful responses and it’s nice to hear echoes of your own thoughts from other people whose work you value. Because it IS work, however pleasurable. But it’s also a place where I can express myself freely, and I place huge value on that. I guess I’m greedy and I want the adulation of the masses, but I couldn’t cope with more responses than I already receive and still have a life. And I’m retired! I should just be grateful anyone wants to listen. 🙂

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      1. You’re welcome. 🙂 I think everyone wants to be seen and recognised for the work and energy they put in. I’m no different, but I reframe those thoughts and bring it back to the core of what blogging means to me. Therein, I can only validate myself and don’t need anyone’s stamp of approval. Other people’s responses are like confetti, rainbows and unicorns. They make my day! I might not read or respond to all blogposts I follow myself all the time, but largely that has to do with my busy work life. I personally like finding blogs with authentic voices and tap into that rather than critiqueing heavily of what I might not like. Constructive criticism is welcome, of course.
        Maybe take from the responses you’ve received what you can and want to? Like you said: be grateful anyone wants to listen at all, hahaha! 😀

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  9. Just continue sharing your part of the world. That’s what I find interesting! I love that I can get to know about different places I may never have the chance to go to through blogs – and not only see photos but hear the voice of people who actually live there. x

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  10. Μy sweet Jo there are so many blogs and we choose what they have to give us ….

    In your own blog I travel through my computer and your descriptions

    Through your eyes we see the beauty of the scenery and the beauty of your soul !!

    Do not stop doing it … I will be sad!

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    1. Bless you, Efi! I’m privileged to have a space here and have so many people who are prepared to listen, and to share. Thank you so much for your own efforts and for your encouragement, always. Sending hugs 🙂 🙂

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  11. I do hope you keep blogging and just the way you do. You have so many loyal followers Jo that must tell you we love reading your posts and following you on your walks. When you move life is going to be so busy that finding time for blogging will probably be difficult, but I hope not impossible. Maybe you will change your focus, but whatever you do I know you will do it with style.
    I never really pondered about whether my blogs interested others, though, of course, it is always a big bonus to have a community of like minded bloggers to share thoughts and comments with. But initially I find blogging such a great way to keep track of life’s happenings. Good luck and I hope your moving and house selling is going smoothly.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, as always, Pauline 🙂 🙂 I think I’m just a frustrated writer who frets that she wastes too much of her own time and energy here. But what better stage could I have? And I’d never find a more appreciative and loyal audience. I think you’re probably stuck with me. 🙂

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      1. That’s good Jo I’m looking forward to your adventures when you move. You amaze me how you manage to keep up with us all. Just doing posts is very time consuming, but then to read and comment on your large community is even more time consuming. The pressure must sometimes be enormous

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    2. Sometimes I’m organised and it works well but I’m often up against the deadline for my walks. I seldom manage to schedule anything, but whoopee, this week I’ve got my 6 words ready and Monday partly written. 🙂 🙂

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      1. It must be hard with your deadline for Monday walks. I do look forward to reading them but as you know I only join in with an intermittent walk post. Maybe you could cut back to fortnightly or even monthly to ease the pressure. Well done with your ready and waiting posts. I’m very haphazard with what and when I post

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  12. Why do you blog? Is it for you or your audience? I blog for me, but of course I don’t want to talking to myself. I appreciate those who care enough about what I have to say to read it. I’ve always enjoyed your blog, although i don’t always comment. And I certainly enjoy the interaction with you. At the end of the day, though, you must do it because you enjoy it. Life is too short to waste on anything less.

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  13. Oh Jo, I strongly believe that blogs are for our unique voices and subject matter, no matter how we express ourselves. From time-to-time, our blogs go quiet for a variety of reasons – the ebb n’ flow of this type of media. But one thing I am certain of, you produce a high quality blog from stories, to photography, and personal bits that for me a friendship of sorts has formed and that I wouldn’t trade for anything. You have a major following in the blogging community – do it your way! It’s a compliment to who you are – you know your own voice and that is what we want to hear.

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    1. Such a very kind response, Mary! I’ve felt so emotional reading some of the comments today. I’m not sure that I can let go of the many friendships I’ve made on here, and that is part of the problem. I think I’m addicted! And very grateful to you for taking the time to share with me. Thank you! 🙂 🙂

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  14. My blog is totally a random assortment of my thoughts/experiences. I’ve wondered about trying to give it a focus, but then I realize that would probably entail more work than I’m prepared to do at this point. But enough about me! I really enjoy coming along on your walks, and I hope you continue this blog after you move.

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    1. It’s our own personal space, isn’t it, and that’s the whole point! It’s wonderful to have the interaction that I do, but sometimes I get grouchy. I’d be lost without you all though. You’re probably stuck with me. 🙂 🙂 And thanks!

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  15. I think that at some point blogging demands that we ask ourselves why we are doing it. If you are blogging to gain followers and sell yourself, your work or products you produce then it is necessary to ask what your readers want. If you are blogging to express yourself and showcase your photos simply because you enjoy it then writing, and taking photos, that express your way of seeing the world then focus on that.
    It is quite around the blogs at present. A lot of people in your part of the world would be on summer holidays. Some, it seems more thhan a few at present, arre coping with illness, major life chances or difficult environmental problems like extreme heat, wildfire, drought etc.
    You have many loyal followers who love your blog. Being true to yourself and sharing from your heart are your strengths. If you want to change what you do on your blog go for it –

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    1. Right to the heart of it, Suzanne! 🙂 🙂 You’ve stopped blogging a few times and reinvented yourself, so I know that it’s possible. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy what I do, and the many and various reactions to it. I am a privileged person to have the time and energy to devote to it, and if the doubts creep in, then I should get off my butt and do something about it. 🙂 Many thanks to you for your support.

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  16. Your motives for writing are the only ones that are important. If you want to express yourself no matter who reads, then go for it. If you want lots of followers and responses, you may have to please the public, so to speak. But don’t stop taking pictures, posting, and writing copy. You’re good at it.

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  17. Try and stop me coming along with you. My view about the question? I’m very tempted to say forget the audience, and just write what moves you. But then I didn’t expect an audience, just a chance to write what I experience. Once you start thinking about audience you have to ask which bit of the “audience”? And if they / we want something you don’t offer then they can go somewhere else. But then, if you want an audience it might be a different proposition. I’ve seen advice that says single focus works best – I say “who for” or “so what”? Just don’t disappear from my world.

    (I’m halfway to Sydney, stopped for coffee and VERY excited!)

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    1. Hello, lovely excited lady! You’ll be well on your way by now, one big bubble of excitement 🙂 🙂 I have more ego than you, and I’m greedy for affection, Meg. Both of those things are fed here. Where else am I going to go?

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  18. I want you to be healthy and happy, and continue inspiring us with your walks, and sharing your good attitude toward life — that’s all, Jo. I am hoping you are not going to write for marketing something. I don’t know… I find it is hard to believe every word when someone is blogging for marketing purpose.
    One problem I have for making a comment is that I hate to repeat myself. I don’t want to keep telling you how much I enjoy your walk week after week (with similar words) so I only comment when I have something more unique to say 😉 I probably should try harder 😉
    Have a great day. ( on our way home from a trip to DC. )

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    1. I very much appreciate your presence here, Helen, and oh yes, I notice that, even when you don’t comment. 🙂 🙂 It’s a balancing/juggling act, isn’t it? Occasionally I visit blogs just from the ‘likes’ but it’s all about time, and how much of ‘me’ there is left to put into the blog. I value your judgement and your friendship, and I think that you make a great contribution to the blog world. Thank you for that.

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  19. I think that when we share, we focus on what is happening around us and in our lives. Readers react and make comments. I don’t blog because I want to have more readers or followers. I blog for my own self-fulfillment and self-expression. Nice post Jo.

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  20. If you want a large readership then, of course, you have to study their needs, but if you want to write because you enjoy it and want to convey to us your enjoyment of travel, walking, visiting new places, then do what you are doing now so very, very well. If you want to work with marketing people, then write for the market, sell your stuff and make money. You have the talent and a warm engaging style, so it would be easy, I think, to tailor your stuff to the needs of current media. However, having just left that scene, it is a frustrating way to write nowadays as editors have to fill their pages with stuff that will attract advertisers and that isn’t necessarily how one wants to write. Years ago, it was so much easier (and so much more profitable as well), as one could write anecdotal stuff, tales of odd people one had met, include references from Ovid to Elton John knowing that the readership would come with you, but nowadays it has to be tailored to the short attention span reader. Short sentences, two sentence paragraphs, no more than 800 words, and sometimes a copy-editor (when there is one) will slash your words and re-arrange sentences and paragraphs to fit around a photograph. And the money is less than half what they were paying ten years ago. Fewer pages in newspapers means less work for writers, more competition in magazines mean much more stuff is written in-house, journalists who were ‘let go’ have the contacts in the biz and know who to approach with an idea making it harder for free-lancers. But that’s OK, that’s how it should be.
    Apart from this, the most popular blogs are about fashion, cosmetics, cooking, childcare and stuff like that. I can’t see you going down that road with your blog.

    So, I for one, would hate you to change your style and I am shocked to think you might consider giving it up when you move to Tavira. Please don’t, you are my essential read.
    Sorry, I’ve gone on a bit in this comment, but I had a lot to say!

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    1. And I do appreciate you taking the time to say it, Mari. 🙂 🙂 Essentially I’m lazy and I’m not good at rejection, so I have never gone the route of submitting to editors. I wouldn’t know where to start! My ego and need for affection is fully cosseted here in my own very safe space. I am touched at how many people have taken the time to say ‘don’t go!’ And thank you for your wonderful support.

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      1. If you ever do feel the urge to submit to an editor (try the Inflights first, or your County magazine for local travel who are usually very keen to have walking articles) the thing to remember is never to send in a finished piece. You should submit a good idea to the editor, something you can precis into a two sentence pitch, and say why you think you are the best person to write the piece, then point him/her to your blog as proof of your writing in the absence of published clips. Easy-Peasy. Rejection is part of the learning curve, you just acquire a thick skin!

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      2. Many thanks for this, Mari 🙂 🙂 I thought I’d replied to this last night but it was a ‘Girl’s Night’ so I wasn’t entirely ‘focused’.

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