Last week I announced via Twitter that I was taking a week off blogging, and even though I never mentioned the "why" many of you pin-pointed that it was related to the latest Boston Marathon tragedy. I received quite a few comments / questions asking what blogging etiquette had to say in regards to this... and I truly didn't know. I replied to some of you saying I just did what my gut was telling me to do, but I also respected other bloggers' schedules who decided to keep their regular program, and left it at that.
I try to be very careful that I don't regret the things I publish on the blog and to me at that point just as it happened with Sandy Hook it felt very insincere to continue my schedule when I was not at all thinking about any of the blog-related things but rather wanted to be present and have time with my family. Now, this is a thing that took me a while to learned. When we get into the habit of blogging and we start making this our job we feel like the Internet couldn't survive without us and the truth of the matter is that things are ok without us here and those who read what we have to say and are genuinely interested will wait and will understand.
I thought about all this throughout the week and yesterday did a bit of research myself. One thing caught my attention. Social media can be very useful in weighing what a certain group of people feel in regards to any matter, and in this case I was rather stunned to see how there's no gray area. It's black and white. A lot of people find it absolutely wrong to continue with a regular program while tragedy is happening around us and some others think the show must continue and feel it's their obligation to "cheer people up" by offering them a distraction from all the media bombardment.
Because of what I'm about to say, this will sound more like an opinionated comment and not a piece of advice... but since this is based on what I believe, it works for me. I just say: Go with your gut. There's nothing worse than feeling trapped in a space that is yours, where you should have the freedom to express yourself in a unique and personal way. So, if you feel like you deal with it better by not saying anything in regards to tragedies, politics and worldwide shocking events, don't. On the other hand if you feel like you can bring some light and encouragement to the table, do.
I guess the important thing is that you deal with it personally in your own way. Not many realize this, but behind every blogger there's someone who hurts, cares, feels and who might have different ways of sorting through the shock and the scare that these events cause when they come crashing into our world. We cannot expect everyone to be open on a blog and talk about matters that we deem important.
No matter what the conditions are, do what feels right for you and those who read your blog... and most important of all, do not feel pressured to meet everyone's expectations. Worry about being present and empathetic to those around you and those, who even if not close to you, are suffering tonight from a devastating loss.
I hope you're all having a wonderful and safe week.
Do feel free to comment and tell how you think a Blogger should handle themselves during tragedy.
Last week I had not gut, so I didn't post much. In part because I felt adrift and a large portion was to honor the weight of the victims and the tragedy of it all. I did write this though:
ReplyDeletehttp://pomegranateandseeds.blogspot.com/2013/04/snippets-of-humanity-bright-and-fierce_16.html
just wanted to share it with you. So glad you wrote what you did today. Made me feel better about having a slower week last week. xxoo
Thank you so much for sharing, Rebecca. Can't wait to read that post. Thank you for your encouraging words. Sometimes I find it hard to post about what I personally think about x subject because some people believe a different opinion to theirs is an attack to what they believe. xoxo
DeleteAna, I so respect your thoughtfulness and your grace-and I can't imagine any better advice than trusting your gut.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lena. You're the kindest. Can't wait to visit you :)
Deletei feel the same way. its uncanny because i just posted a similar sort of post on my blog, about fashion in general.
ReplyDeleteI read that post and loved it so much. I've been thinking of re-joining the fast.
Deletexx
Ana, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I definitely agree with you on listening to your gut - in any situation really.
ReplyDeleteI also acknowledge everyone's own way of dealing with situations like the Boston bombings, and other stuff that's happening. Although every time something like this happens (in the 'Western' world - where the media instantly reports on it) it makes me think that lots and lots of people die every day in other parts of the world. Syria, Palestina/Israel, Africa, etc... The list goes on and on. There are days where I feel very strongly about all these issues - and as you said, we should use our space on the internet the way we want to. So I wrote a post about it not too long ago.
It's not particularly entertaining or fun, but I feel it's still important to talk about it, as we all live in this world (the real world - which isn't the internet).
Quite a few thoughts on this topic from me and I could probably go on for another while, so I'll stop now ;)
Thanks for reading!
I appreciate your openness on this topic :) Helena x
Hi Helena! That is so true, that's also been in my mind since Sandy Hook. Unfortunately, we only get to experience or "mourn" those things close to us or that affect our community directly. I'd love to read that post. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI'm really happy that you posted this-- there are so many things that happen, both on a large scale and on a small scale, that it's difficult to know what to post and what not to post. Going with your gut is wonderful advice-- I generally post more "polished" articles, graphics, etc. to my wordpress blog, and will post random thoughts and reblogs to my tumblr.
ReplyDeleteI was going to add some articles to my "linked" post about the boston marathon tragedy, as well as some articles on gun regulatory laws, but decided against it at the last minute... It's nice to see a blog address the thoughts behind these kinds of decisions.
I cannot thank you enough for commenting. This was my exact point. People are being attacked for doing, for not doing, for tweeting about it or not at all... without actually realizing that the people behind those blogs should be free to post what they think is suitable. Sometimes I find all those discussions baffling, maybe because to me it feels like my responsibility as a reader is to respect people's opinion whether I agree or not given that I'm the one who decided to "visit" them.
DeleteKeep up the good work!
I think this goes for any kind of time in your life when blogging just feels like an item too many on your to do list...
ReplyDeleteThe internet will survive and your readers will wait.
I agree, Frankie. Although, I must accept I went through that too. I didn't learn it in the best way. I actually got very ill about 2 years ago and that taught me the internet is completely fine without me but it's a tricky thing for all. I find it very reassuring to remind myself of that. Thank you so much for commenting here. xx
DeleteI truly loved this post, Ana. I admire you for the decision you made last week and for doing what feels best for you. Such a beautiful quality. xo.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post Ana I never really know how to touch base with issues like this so I try to stay clear most of the times. It always makes me so sad when horrid things like this happen to people who do not deserve it and who were just going about their day. What a sad world we live in. I hope you have been doing well.
ReplyDeletevery true words.. it's everyone own choice to make things publilc or not.. even your deepest feelings…
ReplyDeleteBig hug. xo
http://some-kind-of-style.blogspot.de
This was really lovely and uplifting to read, Ana. You are such a beautiful soul. Truly!
ReplyDeletewish you had a like button! I would LIKE this! Thanks Anna!
ReplyDeleteI like you! Thanks for this!
ReplyDelete- Jane Reaction