I have been maintaining an Art Blog Directory for...well, a very long time. It is one of the ways that I try to connect our stellar community. Any and every blog that is related to art, craft and creativity is welcome to be listed.
Once or twice a year I do housekeeping and delete any blog that has been inactive for 6 months or longer. That time came again this past weekend. As I clicked through all 432 (!) links, I realized yet again that the heyday of the long form blog has passed us by. Replaced by social media sites that allow for easier posting, quicker viewing, and like-clicking, these original weblogs almost seem quaint at this point. Not quite as quaint as cassette tapes though. Maybe more like CDs.
I ended up deleting 70 inactive blogs. 15% of the total. Some were very familiar to me, being from the pioneers of art blogging. Many had moved on to posting only on Facebook or Instagram. Some people posted that they were ill and couldn't keep up. Some just disappeared without a trace. There were a few new ones and many old friends that are as consistent now as they have been for many years. It was almost like having a class reunion.
Blogging for me started it all. And I continue to be dedicated to posting and sharing info and images in a way that requires allows us the opportunity to stop for more than a few seconds, breathe and take in all that art and creativity offers. Glad there are at least 366 other people who still do that too.
23 comments:
I have 4,944 posts and will continue to check in with fellow bloggers! I ALWAYS learn an d am inspired by my fellow bloggers!
It is sad that people disappear from the blogs and we lose inspiring places to visit - when I started mine I didn't know I would keep it going for as long as I have, but I agree it is slower than the fast pace of FB which honestly I can't keep up with. My blog will remain my creative diary where I keep a web log of my projects, ideas and techniques, foremost it is for me, a place to remember what I have done and to look back on, it is also a place to communicate and connect with other artists and crafters I come in contact with and build friendships that would never have happened otherwise. As Daisy says above, I'm sticking with it too. Xxx
I thought I would just put in a word. I don't have a blog, I'm a reader of them! I'm glad that blogs are in existence. I am disabled and don't get out much and there aren't many workshops near me. Blogs are the only way I can find inspiration and techniques to try. Facebook is good for directing you towards a blog maybe, but the blogs are where you can lose yourself in lovely crafty and arty goodness! Long may they reign xxxx
Very well said! It is sad and I fear the trend will continue. For the moment there are still some great blogs and the moment is all we have! Xx
Thanks for taking the time to maintain your list. I appreciate being included. I do agree with you that we are the CDs of the internet. But...like vinyl records...do you think perhaps the "everything old is new again" syndrome might grab hold of blogs? I do hope so! Again, thanks for giving us all a place to recharge our creativity and connect, artist to artist. I know we all appreciate it!
Funny, I just did a post about how I have been blogging now for 9 years. I still love it. It is my "journal" of sorts since I cannot seem to keep a "real" paper one. Thanks for staying with the blog-o-sphere!
Well said, Seth!
And thank you for saying it out loud - yes, blogs allow us the opportunity to come to a short halt, relax and take a closer look beneath the surface of projects and at the feelings involved. I love to dive in, read about the thoughts and how-tos and be inspired that way! Facebook and other social media are way too fast and superficial to really "see" or get "seen". I prefer to explore art of others instead of consume it.
I would love to have my blog http://vonpappe2.blogspot.co.at/ added to your list. Will send you an email as soon as I remember to do so ;)
Thank you so much for taking care and offering this blog directory! I have already found a lot of awesomely inspiring artists via your art blog thingie!
Greetings from Vienna,
Claudia
Hi seth
For me, blogging is part of the creative process, if it wasn't for other peoples blogs I wouldn't of learnt half as much as as I have, ....social media is so fast paced, returning to blogs is like slipping on that comfy pair of slippers....its slower paced, I can return at my own time for inspiration, they are always there....Blogs are a way of documenting what inspires us, what new products are out, who's teaching where....its my creative diary, a memory bank of my makes, my emotions and how my own styles have been changed or influenced... (sorry I got a bit deep there!) I think I will always treasure the community of blogging, long live the blog!
hugs
kaz xx
p.s. please feel free to add my blog to your list xx
Wow, that's a lot of housekeeping. Thanks, Seth.
Like all comments before me I totally agree with them and of course yourself that has prompted us to endorse your post. Whilst I use FB and Instagram my heart lies with my blog which I have maintained now for 7 years. like those above for me it is my diary of my art for me and is a charting of how my art develops. I also mirror the sentiment that the blogs of others has helped me develop my own creative outputs and I would miss it if it just happened yo not be there. So Thankyou to yourself for maintaining the blog route and to all those that I still follow who are doing the same. Reviewing my blog list is an evening ritual for me as I chill out catching up on the new art of the day. Hopefully they will remain a group of, if what smaller, who will continue to keep the blog journey alive. I would also love to have my blog included in your list if you feel it's http://amanda-momentsofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk
Love
Amanda x
I started blogging in 2008 .. SF told me to consider it.. Your blog was one of the first I read.. And loved it.. You are right.. It IS like a class reunion. Blogs are not dead, but like books, they have to be special... The pendulum always swings! Nice to be in the same class with you! 😉
I agree with all of the above comments. I have Facebook, but prefer to blog as I can be in depth as much as I like. Please feel free to add my blog geezercrafter.blogspot.com
Thanks
Bryan.
Thank you, Seth (and that was a lot of clicking!). I love blogs but I sure feel the pain. My IG account gets way more likes and comments and attention than my blog. But on IG I can post a project or tutorial or anything in depth......It is very frustrating and I am blogging less....but still at it. And I love to browse through my favorite blogs and I try to almost always leave a comment....
I'm one of those that have switched gears somewhat...more IG these days...but hoping that changing up my blog with a new website will rejuvenate both me and the blog! So I don't know if my entry needs to be updated from fourcornersdesign.blogspot.com to studiofourcorners.com
thanks Seth - your support is always appreciated!
amy
I guess the reasons people do what they do vary. I find much as I enjoy fast flips I really need some kind of connection even when I go to shows. So I appreciate the blogs I can connect with. Blogging was originally a diary for me. I hadn't even heard the word journal. lol Who knew that there could be class reunions. Next year I will work towards being on your directory. I am shaking off a housewife who once mostly quilted but now is getting her art on and while I have kinda left that old diary behind I am knee deep in journals!! Thanks Seth! I still wish I had some of those old 78's and 45's!
It constantly amazes me that you find time to blog regularly. You get the gold star Setho.
I agree with your findings. People have definitely moved on. But I try to contribute a few times a month to share techniques and projects. LOVE your work and thanks for keeping me on your "list."
~Linda
Thank you Seth for all the trouble you take to update your list so regulary.
If I feel uninspired (luckily that is not often) or when I feel to tired to create something I go to your list and randomly choose one or more blogs to visit.
It is always refreshing and inspiring. Thank you again, and thank you for having my site on your list. :)
Yes, Seth....thanks for continuing what now seems to be a quaint tradition. For me, the more popular social connection sites that rely on quick bites and clicks, just aren't in the same league. Our world comes at us in little sound bites and other fragments and though I don't get to read as many blog posts from my blogging friends as I once did, I don't want this form to disappear. I've taken up with my blog again and am glad to have it as a forum. Thanks for carrying on and inspiring the rest of us! Cheers, Patti
Thanks Seth, on behalf of so many of us that read your every word and appreciate you devotion & kindness! ;o)
Sad that so many blogs have left the virtual world. I think blogs and social media can work well togeather. While I do find myself visiting blogs less often I realized from reading your post that I am now led from Instagram and Pinterest to blogs. Before I would serf the net. Interesting- hum...
I too was very interested to hear what you said Seth about the demise of blogs. I have to confess that I struggle to keep my blog current, especially when it seems to be duplicating what I've posted (much more quickly) on my Facebook page. But blogs are like favourite books that can be dipped into when you want a leisurely read, and I truly hope they're with us to stay.
Super blog and really interesting information about the art journaling and i love it.
mixed media
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