I had a thought today as I was posting on my blog Nicks and Weepers that I was reinventing the wheel. These forums are doing the exact same thing I'm doing but on a scale much larger and way better than I could ever do. The perspective I was trying to give was that of a new'ish' wet shaver learning the ropes but my post today on brush cleaning gave me another thought. If people are reading this thinking I know exactly what I'm doing then they are going to be sorely mistaken. This is a learning thing for me that I wanted to share with others. I have a 4 year old and a 9 week old at home so time is tight but I enjoy blogging so went for it. Now I'm wondering if this is even worthwhile. Why should people come to my blog when they can come here and learn all that they need to know from a collective instead of some newbie? Anyone have thoughts on this? I have no problem stopping the blog if i'm wasting my time or doing something that doesn't have value but I wanted to check with others. Thanks so much for your input in advance. And don't go easy on me, I work in an animal shelter and therefore have some pretty thick skin!
If you enjoy the blog, keep it up. You can always recast it add a newbie learning his way or something...might help guide other newbies....we oldies may forget our pitfalls.
I would stop. If you have a limited amount of time, just spend it most effectively. If you are writing the blog solely for yourself to come back and revisit, then keep going.
I agree with Dale. With 2 younguns in the house, your time might be better servered. In the end, when you're doing something you enjoy, you generally find the time to do it.
I really enjoy the forums and the shaving and maybe I should just leave it as that. Why do I need to go any further? I have a slightly obsessive personality so I get hooked on something, go like crazy and then burn out. Probably not the best way to do things
I've read all of your posts. I think you are doing a fine job. Most of us really aren't looking for experts. We like to read about others who have the same questions we do and who share what they learn. But, girls can't hurt.
Life is a giant balancing act. Having raised 4 offspring I'd know. You will always need to find time for your spouse, and for yourself. Don't forget about YOU. I've read your blog. I'd say keeping doing it.
I think you answered your own question in your opening post: "but I enjoy blogging so went for it" So - go for it
Even though I am a single male, I will approach it in this fashion. IF (and that is the key IF) it takes too time away from Dad time with his girls, then let it go. I will answer with a song ...
If it was time to stop you would not need to ask. Keep doing it as long as you enjoy it. It would be nice if, as time goes on, you build a following and people enjoy and learn from your blog. That may or may not happen. Even if that does not happen, you will learn from it. Things about shaving that you look at differently because you are taking the time to write about it. Things about blogging, things about the web, things about yourself. It's a good and different experience.
I like what you are doing with your blog. If it interferes with family, dump it, but if you can scale back reasonably, go for it. It is a good shaving journal that is yours alone.
One thing about forums is although informative most have lot's of noise- off topic discussions, newbies unable to use the search button, etc. Also there is a certain amount of things you can't say on forums... Here's some constructive criticism of your blog- it is disorganized. When I click the SOTD menu button there is nothing there despite you having plenty of SOTD entries. Some interesting posts (for example the beard mapping) will just get lost in there. About SOTD- how much can one shave change from the next assuming you use the same thing? I really only do SOTD when something interesting happens. I feel it is too time consuming to take all these fancy pictures every day just to get "likes." You really don't need to post so many SOTDs.
Super helpful criticism/advice! I kind of thought the SOTD was time consuming and not great info. I'd be better off talking about the specific software or hardware separately. The link thing is a big I have to work out. I used to do a beer blog that was super organized but this one I just haven't spent too much time with but I need to. I think I'll have links to hardware, software, commentary and news. That makes more sense. Any pressure to update it every day you think? I always felt that with the beer blog to keep people coming back but it got problematic if you know what I mean!
I'd rather have quality content once a week than filler material every day. Also a link to your blog on your signature would be helpful.
Thank you all so much for your great ideas and advice. I think i'm going to keep going with it. I may only update it once a week but I'll make sure the content is good. I revamped my links to be a bit more organized and targeted. Let me know what you think and if you have any more ideas. You guys/gals rock!
Glad you're going to keep it up. I have two boys, so I absolutely agree that family should be a higher priority. But you do want to enjoy your hobbies, whatever they are, for the sake of your own mental health and relaxation. Treat the blog as a personal journal and don't feel pressure to update it "just because." Edited to add: Don't feel like you have to be an instructional space or a mentor. Share what you learn and what strikes your fancy. For example, I really enjoy the Brush & Soap & Blade podcast because it feels like he's just talking and sharing his thoughts. Not to say that you should emulate him or anyone else, but make it your thing.
Good for you for continuing with something you enjoy. If nothing else think of how enjoyable it will be for you looking back over your blog entries and seeing how your life and you perspective have changed. Whether it be shaving related or life related, whatever. It is the reason I do what I do as far as making soaps and aftershaves and restoring brushes & razors etc. It is not my primary job, it certainly, if you factor in the time I put in doing it, is not a huge moneymaker, but I love doing it. Thats why its called a hobby- because its something you enjoy doing for the sake of doing it. If you have a passion for something I say pursue it. Who knows where it may go and who really cares. If you enjoy it and you can maintain a proper balance with family and work and not have it interfere, then go for it! Now Im going to check out your blog!
