Wednesday, January 21, 2009

As The Blog Rolls

About two weeks ago, I thought it would be fabulous if I not only updated my blogroll, but made it a resource for others.

My people pleasing roots run deep. So deep that as I was compiling my list, I realized that my blogroll had grown to include more than 200 blogs and I was still adding. As I checked out blogs, I found more blogrolls with even more great blogs that I had never before read...I wanted to add those blogs too.

Then, squished my eyes shut...a lame attempt to stop the room from spinning and to slow down my palpitating heart. As one friend commented, I had opened the proverbial can of worms...a giant can.

As much as I want to create a resource for other bloggers to find great blogs, I realized that in this stage of life I cannot. I also realized that those resources already exist. And since I already broke a primo writing rule by using a tired cliche, I'm going to use another one...why reinvent the wheel?

So, instead of an updated gargantuan blogroll, here is my new well thought out and prayed through action plan:

1) Beginning February 1, I will replace "blog of the month" with "blog of the week."

2) I will include a few buttons on my blog for mass blog rolls.

3) My current traditional blogroll will be discontinued.

The "blogs I follow" list that is a part of my profile is essentially a blogroll of sorts and contains as many blogs as I am permitted to follow. I'm keeping that.

I hope that these changes will not hurt any feelings, and I do apologize if I have disappointed you.

Now, on to fun stuff. If you would like your blog to be listed as blog of the week, I ask that you send an e-mail to becomingme@live.com with the answers to the following questions:

1) What is the name an url of your blog?

2) What is your name?

3) Why do you blog?

4) What's your niche? -- i.e. cooking blog, mommy blog, political blog, etc. I will accept hodge podge as a niche.

In addition to a post, the "blog of the week" will be featured on my left side bar from the Sunday-Saturday of the week it is to be featured. If you do not have a button, I can help you create something very simple, however, I must warn you that my design skills are limited to typing text over a picture and placing a border around it.

Also, the idea to have a question/answer post format once a week is not my own. Kristen from We Are That Family implemented something similar on her blog several months ago.

Thanks for putting up with me for changing my mind.

Hebrews 10:23-24 (New International Version)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.




28 comments:

Erin said...

You say "my people pleasing roots run deep." So do mine. I appreciate what you are doing, and taking away your regular blogroll. I'm half tempted to do the same. We have to simplify where we can, right?

Ronel said...

It is good to find a point where we can no longer go on trying to please others. I will continue to come back to your blog for encouragement and inspiration... I ask nothing in return.

Keep up the good work and I hope you have an awesome day!!

He & Me + 3 said...

I think it is a great idea. I was wondering how you were going to do all those people on your blogroll...You have a ton of followers.:)

Sheryl said...

Good for you - that would have been a daunting task. And to check out every blog to see if it lines up w/ something you would want to promote...whoa!

Love your words and thanks for being an encouragement to me!

Stephanie said...

You are not alone!

I have been thinking about saying good bye to my blogroll as well. I just don't think most people use them any longer.

Mel said...

I think your idea is great!! I find myself doing the same when I go to blogs and I click on the blogroll and find amazing blogs...

What I have found is there is not enough time daily to read and absorb all the fabulous blogs out there, I cannot even imagine trying to put together a blogroll!!!

Lisa Spence said...

You can type text over a picture and put a border around it? I am well impressed...

Seriously.

Unknown said...

I love the new layout! I think you have a great plan on your hands...and thank you for the prayer the other day...you have a wonderful way with words.(perfectly said) I enjoy visiting your blog.

Anonymous said...

I think your idea is great. Plus, you have to do what makes you happy. I hardly ever look at my blogroll since being introduced to Google reader. It's just much easier and it never lets me miss a post. Good luck with your changes!

Melissa said...

It CAN get overwhelming, can't it? I've really had to watch my blogging...it tends to get out of hand.

Good for you in making this decision!

Becky W said...

Great ideas! I too have WAY too many blogs I love to read! Can't wait to see some of the new ones you are going to feature!

Jennifer said...

I think this is a wonderful idea. You are always inspiring and full of encouragement which is one of the reasons I love to visit.

I think you have come up with a perfect, workable solution.

((hugs)) from Arkansas
Jenn

MaryBeth said...

I don't know how you keep up with all the blog writing and reading that you do already... not to mention the huge blog roll project! I think you've made a great decision, and I look forward to "meeting" the weekly featured bloggers.

Sit A Spell said...

Well said...you are blessed with the gift of words and a wonderful heart.

I couldn't even start to make a button!

Edie said...

Smart move. Blogging takes enough time without adding to more work needlessly.

I customize graphics (button, blog, or other) for the cost of a donation only. Not meant to be self-promoting, just offering to anyone who might be interested.

Soli Deo Gloria - for the Glory of God Alone.

Unknown said...

Love a good blogroll, I've found some blogs to add to my own blogroll. But I admit, you can only have so many. Often, I go to someone's site and just mooch off their roll if it's not on my roll.

Did that convoluted sentence EVEN make sense?

Beck said...

I don't have a blogroll. I read a LOT of blogs, though, and try to link to blogs and posts I like quite often. I think each blogger has to find her own way!
(and me? plain ol' mommy blogger.)

Karen Hossink said...

I'm a pleaser.
He's a pleaser.
She's a pleaser.
We are pleasers.
Wouldn't you like to be a pleaser, too?

LOL

Have you ever taken the personality test which pegs you as an animal? I am such a Golden Retreiver. I feel your people-pleasing pain. *grin*

But I understand your need to "roll back" and think you've got a great idea.

Katrina said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day! You have such an interesting blog... with so many fun links... I've really been enjoying it!

I like what you posted here and agree with you about the "pleasing others" thing... good for you.

Unknown said...

I'm not going to read all the comments, because I too have that people pleasing gene and the curiosity gene and then I'll have to go visit those blogs and my web will just grow more complicated. All of that to say I read Erin's & Mrs. Sidney's comments and agree with both of them.

You really just gotta do what you gotta do and do what you gotta do for you! When doin' what you gotta do turns in to a chore of what you must do, then all the joy is out of it.

Natalie Witcher said...

Just checkin' in! HOpe you are doing well!

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

I have recently discontinued my blog role as well. I figured with the ones in my profile that I was following, my followers on my side bar, the buttons I have on my other side bar, and ones I mention in some posts, it was enough. I didn't want to hurt feelings by leaving any one out, but like you, just could not do it all. :) I think your choice was a good one.

Carol said...

Sounds like a good plan!

Lisa Smith said...

I love how you address all your people pleasing, numbers counting, I want to be included, accepted, liked and popular concerns all over your blog...You make me smile because I can so relate to you!!!

Girl, you just do what works best for you and what honors God most with your time spent on this here blog. We'll continue to read...

I also have the huge, gigantic problem of love, loving a zillion blogs and then losing them...I have literally spent hours hunting and searching for people I so want to know what happened and can't find them again. So sad. I have finally just prayed asking God to lead me where I need to be in blog reading.

So many blogs, so little time!!

As for the button issue...I still can't figure out to get one on my blog **sigh** So your skills are pretty impressive.

elizabeth embracing life said...

My people pleasing rules apply, but can't when it comes to blogs. I just go with the flow, read a little here and there and am blessed by the many blogs I do read.

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

The blog world is so huge it would be impossible to link to that many blogs, I totally understand your need to cut back!
I've had a week of hardly even getting on the computer due to my Mom visiting me and it felt strangely freeing. Anything we do to simiplify our lives is the way to go!

Lucy Mills said...

sounds a good idea to me!

Nell said...

Ahhh the blog roll. I'm still working on redoing mine to only include blogs I actually read, enjoy and so forth. Which will still be alot.

I also use my blog roll as a tool to keep up with the blogs I read. I go into it a couple times per week. I find it easier than subscribing to a bunch of feeds.

I will be shooting you an email for blog of the week!

Nell

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