Saturday 6 February 2010

Falling off the face of the earth…

I’ve been wondering lately if I feel off the face of the earth would anyone notice? Those of you who actually read my answers to the 5,000 question survey may have seen this question before. It’s my standard I’m feeling out of sorts, alone, you name it I am probably feeling it. Or will be soon.

I think it’s been triggered by a few things but for the purpose of this post I have actually wondered when do you worry if a blogger who normally posts frequently stops without a I’m going away, taking a blogging break etc?

Take for example Daria and Psych Babbler.

We knew Daria was going away, she told us.  But then she didn't come back and hasn't blogged in a very long time (almost 2 months), I was worried.  I guess others were too because Clarissa blogged to let us know that there were computer issues and things were okay.  I’m sure a collective sigh of relief was released all over the blogosphere.

Now Psych Babbler is generally a fairly consistent blogger, several posts in a week, keeping us entertained.  But then she didn't post for almost a week.  Luckily for us she reappeared and has just been busy.

But it has me thinking when do you wonder?  When do you worry? And that’s if you can call it worrying about someone you have never met and probably don’t know their real name.

I’m a fairly private person.  I try not to reveal identifying information (not that I have a stalker at the moment – I do expect him to reappear in my life at any moment given the time of year but I doubt he would ever find me here) and try to fly under the radar.  In real life I have been described as a snob and aloof.  Often antisocial and even if we are friends, I have days or longer where I will say hi and that’s it.  It’s just me. 

So far I think my lovely readers have been spared the angst that I often feel.  That was one of the reasons I started this blog – I figured Mr E. needs a break from my crud, self doubt and the questions like: what am I doing here, am I making a difference, and if I fell off the face of the earth would anyone actually notice?

I think I’m falling into a self absorbed phase and I’m not sure I should or will spare you readers anymore… be warned.  I wish I could make that in flashing letters to would be some much more effective.

Would you notice if Whining at the world wasn’t updated in a week or a month? Do you wonder what has happened when one of your favourite blogs remains stagnant for a while? Are you like me and think well that sucks I liked reading that blog and I hope that person is okay?

In some ways I feel closer to some of the bloggers I read than people I know in real life but chances are we will never meet and only know each other through the blogosphere. It’s interesting…

8 comments:

Stacey @ Say Something Stacey said...

I would start to worry after a week for you especially if I didn't know you were on vacation or something. And yes I do notice when my favorite bloggers are missing, especially a select few. I've made very good friends with some bloggers, and I agree some closer then friends I have in person. And you're totally not weird to wonder this, I do all the time!

Clarissa said...

Yeah, I miss when my favourite bloggers are missing.

Psych Babbler said...

I definitely worry after a week especially if the person has not mentioned they may be going on a break. I reckon though, I do have separation anxiety issues...even in my real life, I worry heaps about people if say, they don't respond to a text within a couple of days or don't return a phone call...my mind always goes to the 'worst-case scenario'. I'm working on it though...

Madmother said...

Yeah, I do. But I swing between: "How intrusive of you - they just probably are off having a life!"
and worrying and wondering how things are.

Which is why I post if I intend to take a break...

Short answer, if you stopped for a week or so, yes you would be missed. ;-)

PinkPatentMaryJanes said...

I most certainly would miss you. Like all the others, I notice, worry and then try to calm myself.

Feel free to vent when you're feeling like you need to. That's what blogs are for x

E. said...

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'm feeling warm and fuzzy from all the nice comments.

CATE said...

I do start to think "gee, I wonder what's happened..." but then I kick myself and figure they are off having a real life. I know how erratic I can be with my blogging, tweeting, emails, phone calls etc, and I have extended periods where I keep to myself alot, so I don't get too concerned about others going MIA for a week or two....I miss them, but I try not to worry. (am way too much of a worrywart in general, dont need the extra pressure, LOL)

Summeranne said...

Please don't fall off the face of the earth.

I would miss your blog, and I all the wonderful comments you leave on mine!

 

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