Blaaahgs

Plain and simple, I read too many blogs.  In my defense, they give me inspiration.  My Google Reader is nearly always full, and I’m rarely, if ever, caught up.  I guess I can honestly say it’s both a hobby… and a vice.

Lately, it seems that many of the blogs I truly love are changing.  I understand changing, and wanting to take things in new directions online.  However,… 

It drives me CrAzY when…

Blogs do compensated product reviews.  As if they’re actually going to say anything negative.  If they did, they wouldn’t keep getting free stuff.  I’m not jealous, it’s just nothing I have time for…  to do myself or to read about others doing it.  If I’m interested in a product, I’ll Google it when I’m ready to learn about it, and find your glowing review then.  (And, I just removed you from my Reader.)

Blogs sell out.  I understand that blogging has become a source of income for many people.  Kudos to you.  But I DVR television for a reason… so I can fast forward through the commercials.  I can’t stand reading “commercials” on your blog, where you ooooh and aaaah over your latest “sponsor” (who just sent you free stuff).  As soon as I see one of those in your feed (where it hasn’t been before), I tend to remove you from my Reader.  I figure if you post something worth reading about in the future, it’s likely going to be regurgitated in some form on a different blog I read.

Blogs turn into Giveaway Central.  There’s nothing wrong with a little giveaway here and there…  but since I’ve basically stopped entering giveaways (because “not winning” gets old, natch), reading your multiple giveaway posts gets a little tired, I can’t keep up, and it makes me remove you from my Reader.

Blogs shorten their post feed on Reader.  I don’t click through all of the shortened posts that pop up in my Reader… only the ones that grab my attention before I rapidly scroll on by.  If you’ve always had a shortened feed, I might still be reading.  But for those blogs who’ve just recently shortened their feed, hoping to drive traffic to their site… buh-bye.  I have to really love you, or know you IRL, to keep reading.

Blogs move all good content to Twitter or Facebook.  I can’t keep up, and honestly 140-characters is lazy blogging.  It’s not the same.

Blogs with great ideas go private.  I understand your reasons for going private… I really do.  Personally, I think there’s a greater chance the axe murderer/pedophile will follow you home from the grocery store.  Unless I know you IRL, I’m not going to ask to be added to your allowed list.  And that makes me sad.  (If I am on your allowed list, check out this great idea.)

You know, I read this list of pet peeves of mine, and I sound like a prima donna…  I’m not.  I don’t have delusions that I’m a “powerful” blogger with a truckload of followers and what I say goes.  Not at all.  I’m simply a big fan of the medium, and many things I find online inspire me in various aspects of my life.  These are just my honest opinions (which I’m entitled to have).  I’ve never been a fan of leaving nasty comments on someone’s blog when they start doing things I don’t like… I just stop reading and move on.  Simple as that.

It’s a two-way street really…  I don’t expect to have readers on my blog.  I’m truly flattered to know that I have some and I value each and every one of you… I do not take you for granted!  Seeing your comments in my inbox makes me really happy and is incredibly validating.  But, I decided a while ago that I’m writing this blog for me (& my family).  It’s my little hobby, and I hope you enjoy it.  So, when I post something here on Sprik Space, it’s because it’s something I want to tell YOU, my friends.  And again, I hope you like it!  :)