When I first started this, just over a year ago, my main purpose was to keep family members and other interested parties (read: Raechel) up-to-date on the comings and goings of our family. Thus I posted pictures and told funny kid-centered stories. I wasn't cautious about our location or other terribly specific details of our lives because, well, this was just for family, right? I guess I failed to take into account the far-reaching tentacles of the internet, because soon people other than family and close friends, even people I didn't know from Adam, started reading, lurking, and commenting.
And my blog, almost immediately after its inception, started shifting some. I've always been a writer, and a good one at that (sorry, but I believe in knowing your strengths), but I hadn't considered blogging to be the creative outlet I needed. I guess I always thought I'd have to do it the old-fashioned way, via journals, submitted stories, and countless failed publishing attempts. I didn't have time for any of that in between raising my brood, and so the blog naturally transformed into my outlet.
I started branching out of the mom-themed posts and telling you what I thought about the economy. I gave you a taste of my trash-to-treasure/do-it-yourself themed life with a post about my curtains. I made you laugh by confessing my failings. In short, I allowed my blog to evolve.
And now I'm here, a year after its start, with a smallish sort of regular audience, a Facebook audience, and some stubborn lurkers (I see you!). Stephen and I talked about what you all react to the most, what sort of topics you comment on, what posts I enjoy writing the most, and I think I'm starting to understand my blog's purpose.
You should know I'm not out to become a huge blogger. I love what I do here in my small, cramped corner of the mommy blogosphere, and I'm happy with what I've got. If things got big, so be it. But for now, we're good.
I'm just trying to nail down my purpose a little better, and I'd like to share the two types of blog posts that I think generate the best feedback and positive response:
- My do-it-yourself house projects get A LOT of great comments and feedback, as do my thrift store/garage sale finds posts. I like making old, nasty thing pretty, and you all seem to enjoy watching me do it.
- My sarcastic, snarky rants about everything from my home's previous owner to how I think twins should be treated. I've also gotten great feedback on serious posts, like why I spank my children. You should know that not everyone agrees with me on everything, and some of the best feedback I've received involved people politely agreeing to disagree.
So here is where you come in. I would love it, adore it, be indebted to my readers forever, if you'd take a moment out of your day and let me know what you think about all of this. Why do you come to Keeping Up with the Cases? What posts do you specifically watch for? What posts do you comment on? What sort of posts would you like to see me do more of?
Maybe you'll take me by surprise and demand more Jack-says-things-so-funny and Charlotte-is-adorable posts. (Don't worry, Moms, I plan on continuing those.) That's why I'm asking for your help, because as much as I might think I've got my own blog pinned, I still depend on you readers to, you know, read it. And I know that what I write needs to interest you.
You see, I'm very quick on these sort of cyclical relationships.
Please let me know what you think. And thanks for making me feel like a writer with an audience. I couldn't do it without your support.
22 comments:
Hmmm...well, I'm not a mom, but I love reading your stories about your children. I personally loathe garage sales (long story) but I enjoy reading about your finds. I have little to no ambition when it comes to pulling items from the depths of despair and lifting them to new glory (i.e. your chair, your mirror, etc) but I enjoy seeing what you create. After giving your blog question some thought I think I just enjoy the way your write. You could probably write about anything that comes to mind and I'd read it. I am a voracious reader. When I find a tone/mood/flow I like...I go with it. This probably doesn't help much. I just know that your writing makes me chuckle or nod half-knowingly. Writing that does that is worth reading no matter what the topic. Sorry I could not give you a more direct answer.
Honestly, I can't think of a thing. I like the variety your blog has. I like your writing style and your honesty. I can't be as honest in my blogspot blog as I am a more personal, and private blog I have because of who might be reading it. I like seeing your creativity in your creations, I like hearing about your kids (who are ALL adorable by the way). I just like it all.
I would also like to say I thoroughly enjoyed your boys sitting by me playing with toys yesterday. They don't really know me, yet they brought be a toy and wanted it right on my lap. I felt very special. You do have cute kids. We should get all of our cute kids together more often.
Hi Christine,
We went to Lee together and I found your site through facebook. I think my favorite thing to read about is your stories about your kids and your do it yourself stuff. I just had my daughter recently and started my own blog so I like to get ideas for my own. Thanks for sharing your life!
I love all those "sarcastic, snarky rants" that I sort of wish I could post but realize isn't the purpose of my own blog. It always makes me feel a little less alone in those random frustrations that pop up throughout the day.
I love that you have humor about the truth of those stories but don't seem caught up and completely angry/bitter/obsessed about them. Sometimes people take stories like you share to mean you are some horrible person who needs to love more. But you aren't like that (and neither am I). You're just a real person who shares real frustrations with other real people who do dumb stuff. And then you move on with your day. (Or at least I like to think you do.)
Oh, and the fact that you can actually write helps too! (I majored in journalism.) Although I'm slowly getting over the annoyances with people who blog but can't write worth a darn, I'm always refreshed when bloggers can actually write.
(And never mind all the parenthesis I included here. I'm currently stuck in a writing phase of using them too much but not being able to escape how well they work to denote a side note to what I am writing.)
Hi Christine. I am one of those "stubborn lurkers" if you will, that really likes your blog. The insights are really helpful, and I absolutely love your DIY attitude! I think my husband would fall at your feet if he finally met "the Christine" that has inspired me to buy less and conserve more of what I already have-not to mention inspired me to sand, paint and upholster an old dresser he's had in the family forever by myself thanks to the inspiration I got from seeing what you did with that old china cabinet! (GREAT job!)
(Background) We went to Olivet together, and I took an english class with Stephen and Janie. We on the other hand maybe talked a few times and I saw you a lot in the english department when I was an english major. (Went the route of english minor and Criminal Justice Major)
Anywho, I'm not to stubborn to identify Myself as a "lurker" of sorts and to give credit where credit is due for my recent bout of DIY. I hope I've fulfilled your request & please, keep'm coming :)
-Jessica Smith
Christine, thanks for asking - because I love to share my opinion. :) My favorite posts on your blog would be the ones containing YOUR opinions, specifically in the form of sarcasm. For several reasons. 1)I appreciate that type of writing. I think it's funny, but mostly I just think it's honest. 2)Sometimes situations just need to be laughed at or made fun of because there is no other way. 3)Because the writing is honest, its relatable. I will say though that I do enjoy most posts. Your kids are cute, its fun to read the funny things that they do. I also like the parenting topics as well. However, like I said, my favorite would be what I highlighted above.
Hmm, good question. I guess when I come across a blog that I bookmark and return to regularly I am looking for one of three things, and your blog hits on these.
Although I may not know you personally, I enjoy reading the perspectives of other moms with young children, particularly those close in age like my own. Helps me feel like I'm not alone I guess :). I also tend to be drawn to blogs that share creative ideas about things like your trash to treasure posts with the chairs you fixed up. I am a DIY girl myself and love craftiness in many forms, so it's fun for me to gather inspiration from the blogosphere in that realm. And lastly, although I am not particularly gifted in writing myself, I do like blogs that are clearly or cleverly written as is yours. Hope that helps! :)
~Melissa
Yeah, that is the same yard sale. I'm not a yard sale person but I really wanted to see the thing up close. I mean Alabama to Ohio? That's a long way! I've actually visited your blog before but haven't left a comment (Have I?). I love your post about twins. I had twins in my class when I taught Early Childhood so I have some "twin experience."
Hi Christine...I too am a lurker of sort. I came across you a few months back and bookmarked you and I check in on a regular basis. I think I was originally drawn in by your photographs of your kids and I love your sarcasm (especially when it's directed at your hubby) I will admit that I usually tend to be drawn to blogs that I have more in common with personally. (I am anti-spanking, non-refurbishing :) etc) HOWEVER you have the gift of writing!
oops! I actually didn't mean to be anonymous there!
Everyone, y'all rock! Keep the feedback coming. It's helping, I promise.
Although I did have a friend suggest "MORE EXPLOSIONS!" and I'm really wondering how I can deliver on that one. We're brainstorming right now.
I love the stories about all three of your adorable kids...
I love the posts you did on your new church...
And most of all I love the pictures.
Okay, I love everything. Sorry I know that doesn´t help but I really do!
Hi, Christine-
I found your blog through Raechel's (we go to church together)and I agree with many of the previous commenters who say they love your sarcastic style no matter what you are commenting about. You are a fantastic writer. I have to say I love your comments about somewhat nerdy topics best (Star Trek being one, of course), but I also love living vicariously through people who garage sale and turn junk into treasure. All in all, a blog that makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis is a winner, and yours does just that!
Ashlee Boyd
Simply put, even if it is only a small cramped corner of the blogosphere that you occupy, your perspective is what's important. The world needs more measured, intelligent voices and messages to infiltrate the paradigm that permeates it today. I know not all your blogs are serious, but regardless of the topic or tone, you have an opportunity with your readers to dialogue about life.
I have come to deeply appreciate your and Steve's perspective on so many things. It's nice to engage people who are deep, who care and think deeply. The world needs more of that, and if this venue provides you the opportunity to be a voice of reason then take it.
Easy, short answer: I like stories about what funny, new things my nephews and niece are doing and learning. This blog makes me feel connected to my family, from miles and miles away. I really like it!!
well.. I honestly don't remember how I was directed to your blog, but I initially started reading it soon after Charlotte was born. I enjoy reading about the kids. I have 2 - ages 6 and 2 with one on the way. I love hearing the stories of how you deal with the kids as far as how you discipline, how they interact with each other. I love that you have twins but also enjoy Charlotte and her head bands.
I enjoy seeing what you find and how you bring old things back to life. I like to hear about your garage sales and it's inspired me to do more of that than buy brand new. My sister is getting married and we've searched yard sales for furniture, etc. We've saved a ton of money doing it this way.
I pretty much enjoy your whole blog. I like the way you write. I like to see the pictures - the kids, the patio, the chairs, etc.
Thanks and please just keep doing what you are doing.
At first I liked coming to your blog simply to keep up with you since you were once my college roomie long ago. I love to see stories about your cute, spirited children, love your tone, and have really recently loved seeing your do-it-yourself projects. Between you and Raechel, I am becoming more inspired to maybe someday follow in your money savy footsteps. :-) Also, your blog is great entertainment while at work or in class!
Kristin
I basically found your blog through Rae. She told me that you were a neat gal and pretty funny to boot. :)
I keep you on my blog list because I love reading your craft ideas and I love hearing about other people's children throwing tantrums (that way I don't feel so alone!) :)
My daughter introduced me to your blog several months ago. I have never met you personally (at least I don't think so), but you went to college with both my children, so you must be wonderful!
I enjoy your blog and read it often (I even comment from time to time!). You are thoughtful, thought-provoking, humorous, and delightful in your writings, plus you have so many great ideas! I love reading about your yard sale and furniture re-do adventures - they are inspiring!
Blogging is great fun! I've been keeping a blog for over 3 years now and love the community of friends I've made from it.
It's sharing our lives with each other in a bit of a different way, not unlike chatting over the backyard fences in days gone by.
Oh, and you have really cute babies!
Denise
I thought of something slightly different. I realize that you taught for a couple of years. I would LOVE to hear any funny teaching experiences you may have had. I don't know how many of your readers are teachers...so this might not be the BEST idea. Just tossing it out there. As I said before, you can write about anything and I'll read it.
I realize this post is old, but I am also a "lurker" who reads from time to time. I think your writing style is unique and easy to read, and you're a good storyteller. I also like to read your blog because your life and outlook are very different from mine, which is refreshing. But I do admire your intense bargain hunting and refurbishing; I like to do that as well!
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