Some great questions have been posed regarding mommyblogging by a favorite of mine, Her Bad Mother. In fact, it seems that the topic of mommyblogging and the analyzation of our chosen “hobby” or “profession” has been a recurring theme in many of the blogs I’ve read recently. Although, I’m a lazy bum who should go find all the posts and put their links here, I’m going to defer to Sara at Suburban Oblivion who has already done an excellent job of tackling the subject and including links. It also must be said that I have Sara to thank for my blogging addiction, as hers was the first blog I ever read.
Here are the answers to most of the questions posed by Her Bad Mother. I apologize that my answers lack the eloquence I wish to convey. Please be assured that I’ve actually been working on this for several weeks and my pregnancy brain has been stretched to it’s limit.
1. Who are we? What is a mommyblogger? What kind of mommyblogger (parent blogger) are you?
I think “we” are a community of mostly women who have found an outlet to tell our stories. We’ve found a place to vent, discuss, brag, question, stretch our minds, have adult conversation, and make friends. The blogosphere is ours, we don’t share it with poopy diapers, socks left on the floor, dishes in the sink, pediatrician’s appointments, and all of the other irritations of motherhood.
As far as being a mommyblogger, I’m honored to be a part of this group. It never fails to amaze me when I read something that I wish I could hold and own myself. Other mommybloggers’ views and insights into motherhood and beyond are so reassuring to my own sanity as a Mother. My posts are typically in regards to the day to day trials and tribulations or questions about parenthood that I encounter.
2. Who are we writing to? Who is our audience?
Generally, I think we are writing for other Mothers and for ourselves. On my blog, I try to evenly post about myself and my kid(dos). I try to think about topics that are either funny or of interest to people who visit my blog. It’s obvious when one post is better received than others it seems. One comment versus 22 comments speaks volumes. We also can use our blogs as a way to reach out for support when this whole motherhood gig gets a bit overwhelming.
3. Why are we writing? What is our purpose?
I write because it is one of the only places I feel that I can really be heard. My husband doesn’t want to hear the mundane details of what I do each day from losing sippy cups to gossip heard in an OB/GYN office. Writing in the form of a blog allows for feedack and comments, where if I were just journaling my thoughts, the much needed support would not be there.
I also write because it feels amazing to be creative. It feels good to not take myself too seriously. It feels good to have people read what you’ve written. It feels good to receive comments and feedback.
Since starting my blog, I feel like I am back to more of the person I was before I became a Mother. I feel like the true “me” has been in hiding since my son was born. Here in my blog, I get to be more than just a Mom. It’s nice to be validated again.
4. What is the context for our writing? What are we saying? What is our message?
Our messages vary from day to day, from blog to blog. On our good days we can share important news or tell the funny story of what happened at the grocery story. In the same respect, when we have those days that should be filed under “Do Over”, we can reach out to our readers for support, encouragement, and advice.
Some blogs try to be funny by examining the absurdities of life with children. Some blogs make you think by discussing a topic with meat, a topic beyond diapers, poop, and tantrums. Some blogs can do both. Mine is probably NOT in the thinking blog arena, although I truly enjoy reading other’s well-written, researched, and passionate posts!
5. How does the medium of blogging affect all of the above (that is, does, or how does, the communication of our messages through blogs, bear upon the message itself? Bonus points if you leave Mcluhan out of it.)
The medium of blogging has allowed all of us to become writers (some obviously more technically talented than others.) Generally I think the blogosphere, in terms of mommyblogs, is a supportive place. When I say supportive, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we don’t have very strong differences in opinions and values. There are times, however, that bloggers and commenters may feel very free to say things that face-to-face they wouldn’t dream of saying. For many, blogging and commenting is anonymous. The anonymity can be a safety net but also a license to say unkind things. Luckily, I haven’t personally encountered any rude or uncouth comments and I typically don’t read posts that I feel are posing a purposely confrontational subject.
6. What kind of citizen are you in the parent blogosphere? How and why do you comment? Link? Give awards? How important is ‘off-blog’ (or inter-blog) activity to the parent blogging community?
I try to comment on anyone’s blog who has given me a comment. I do this because I love that I’ve been visited and read, it’s my way of saying thank you. In fact, it’s how I’ve found some truly fantastic writers who entertain me with their stories. I also comment when I’ve read something that makes me laugh, cry, think, or question a worthy topic. Admitting this is embarrassing but, I also have blog crushes and commenting is like smiling at that cute boy in the hall in 7th grade when I leave a comment.
I link to blogs usually to make a point or clarify my purpose in my own post. Other times, someone else has written something so amazing that it must be shared with whomever is willing to click on the link.
I’ve not yet given an award, but daily I read something that I think is worthy of an award. There are some unbelievable writers among the mommybloggers.
7. What are some tried and true hangover remedies that you know?
Greasy cheeseburgers and fries…haven’t needed anything of the sort for at least 32 weeks!
So everyone, what are your thoughts on the subject of mommybloggers? How do you feel about the title? What is your purpose in your blog? Are you caught up in the number of comments and visitors you receive?
Please see the post below if you’re interested in participating in a meme with me…I’ll post a link to your blog if you play along….You know you want to ….come on!
Tags: blogging by Jennifer
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