It took me about 10 minutes to create this graphic:
I did that so you could easily pin it on Pinterest. It’s not what is considered the “perfect” dimensions for Pinterest, but I don’t have time to do any better than this.
When this post comes out, I’ll tweet it on Twitter and post it on Facebook…I hope. If I was really doing things “right”, I’d also figure out some cute way to Instagram it. (Instead, I think I’ll just post cute pics of my kids and our homeschool day.)
It would be great if I could work into the post a way to ask you to subscribe to the blog or buy my latest ebook, but the baby is crying, so that will have to wait for another day.
Oh, and I really ought to work at making sure this post has great SEO (that means search engines like Google like it), and I really should try to meet the needs of every single person in cyberspace, whether they loyally read my blog or not.
Phew!
There’s a reason I wrote a post last year saying I was done knocking myself out with this blogging thing! I had just moved and just found out I was pregnant with baby #9, and I was at a crossroads with my blogging. In fact, I wasn’t even sure I was going to continue to blog at all. I felt I had run out of words and steam. After several years of professionally blogging, all of its rules had worn me down.
Ty and I prayed over the blog and decided to change how I was doing things, even if it meant less pageviews, less income opportunities, and less growth for Raising Arrows. We decided it was time to go back to my blogging roots and just write.
And I wasn’t the only one…
I began to notice a change in the blogging world. Crystal of Money Saving Mom announced she was going back to a more personal feel on her blog as she shared her real life with her readers. Jeni at The Blog Maven started focusing on how to blog AND have a life by blogging smarter. Bloggers who had been around a long time were coming full circle and letting go of many of the expectations of professional blogging in favor of reaching out with real life and real content. They started telling stories, being real and candid, and giving you the kind of content you need without overwhelming their schedule and your inbox.
For me, this means blogging has become more enjoyable because it has stopped being about doing everything “right” and has gone back to sharing, mentoring, and fellowshipping.
In fact, this is so near and dear to my heart that this October, I’ll be speaking at the 2:1 Conference in Kitty Hawk on the topic of how you can build a blog without losing yourself. I’ll be sharing a lot of my own journey as I encourage bloggers to do what works for them.
I want readers to come to Raising Arrows because what they find here is useful. I want them to stay because they’ve found a friend. I hope as more bloggers recognize a need to slow down and offer better content, the internet will become less noisy. But, even more than that, I pray that bloggers and readers will have more time to live their offline lives in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord!
Some questions for you as readers…
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog?
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly?
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
Thank you to those of you who take the time to answer these questions! Your answers will help with my session at 2:1! If you are interested in attending the 2:1 Conference this fall, click HERE to learn more!
raisingcropsandbabies says
I don’t really care about how many posts a week a blog has.
For the last question, I don’t really read many blogs anymore. This one and maybe 2 others at the most. I stopped reading blogs for a variety of reasons: 1. advertising of ebooks, things to buy, bundles, etc. It all felt shoved down my throat. I don’t like pushy salesmen feelings and definitely felt that in the blogging world. Another reason (2) is because I didn’t want anybody to “tell me what to do” anymore or put me in “info overload” and make me feel guilty for not trying this or getting rid of that… I needed to find what worked for my family and remember I don’t have to do xyz for our family to work. I needed to re-focus and remember that God wrote in ONE book all I needed to know for this life and to let that be my constant and guide and that HE is bigger than food, health, decisions, etc. Stopping all the blog reading helped me remember that. I felt peaceful as I drowned out all the extra voices and realized different things work for different families.
I would say I regularly read this blog, but check 2 others randomly.
Amy says
I agree – there’s been a lot of “voices” and noise for a good many years. I’m sure even I have been noise from time to time, but I keep learning and growing. 😉 Thank you for reading!
Sarah says
I like to see at least one or two posts a week, but understand that these are real people with real lives and it can change all the time. I read a ton of blogs, DIY, homeschool, crafts, farming, etc. I love the fact that you homeschool, have a large family and don’t push too many ebooks, bundles, etc. I love to follow people on instagram and I used to like facebook but I never see posts anymore. I use bloglovin’ to follow all of my blogs.
Amy says
I really dislike that Facebook hides all the posts from blogs and such. I wouldn’t have liked the page if I didn’t want to see what they had to say!
Stephanie says
1. I like at least 1 post a week on a blog so I don’t forget about it. But I don’t care to see lots of posts about buying things. We are on a tight budget and I try to be very careful of spending, but maybe those are helpful to others.
2. I tend to read posts I see in my email.
3. Facebook is the only social media I use. although, I think I’d love instagram if I had a phone to do that.
4. I like blogs that give encouragement and practical advice. A glimpse into how large families do what they do.
Amy says
Thank you!
rebecca says
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog?
1 or 2 is nice
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly?
I prefer my inbox- because I have very little time to browse blogs and follow only a couple!
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
facebook is my only social media…
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
THIS one!!! and Large families on purpose (because I can relate and find great and helpful tips and encouragement) and when I have time I browse other large family blogs if I can (often on the links and recommendations of the blogs I already follow) especially for homeschool ideas and organization
Amy says
I browse recommendations too. I like to have information that really fits our family, so I definitely think we’re on the same page. Thank you for reading!
Kimberly D says
1) I don’t really mind how often a blogger posts, even if just once or twice a month because I realize bloggers are real people with lives outside of blogging.
2) I definitely am more likely to read a post that has come into my e-mail. Sometimes I will just scan through my e-mail for trash and save several posts in a “to read” file. Then get to them when I can.
3) This is it. I am not on Facebook or anything else and don’t plan to be.
4) I mainly follow blogs of people with similar convictions, homeschooling, and larger families. I enjoy blogs that make me stop and think. The ones that make me get out my Bible, do some digging, and say out loud to my husband, “how could we have never saw this?!”.
Amy says
Great insight! Thank you!
Melinda Johnson says
I love imperfect blogging!!! I like blogs that are honest and “real” like you have been. You are one of my favorites! I read your blog through my email, and I do like it that way the best. When it was time for you to give birth in December, I anxiously waiting along with you and for the news that baby had come. But I do enjoy your practical posts as well. I do read other blogs that are more narrow, but I usually just scan them (say on homeschooling) for any content that is usable for us. The blogs I read in full, are the ones like yours that more like a story of a family, and moms giving tips about real life, and being honest with the bad days, etc. So keep doing what you are doing! Thanks!!
Jen says
YES! Exactly! I was waiting expectantly too. There are other bloggers who have had babies…. but I didn’t care about them for some reason… probably because I didn’t feel like I knew them… they hadn’t brought me into their living room per se.
Nikki says
I LOVE inperfect blogs as well. There are too many blogs out there of people who try to show only the good and perfect. Since we know that there is no perfect familyI leave those blogs disgusted. Thinking that they are fakes which they are only fooling themselves. Love coming here to Raising Arrows. Real and practical but in a friendly way!!!
Nikki says
I meant imperfect not inperfect! 🙂
Amy says
Thank you, Nikki! I like real life blogs too – as long as they are not depressing. I want HOPE! 🙂
Amy says
Thank you for the encouragement, Melinda! That helps me a lot, and is right in line with what Ty and I have been talking about lately.
Jen says
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog? – I prefer one good quality post per week or month. Those are the blogs that stay in my reader. If most of the posts from a blogger are advertisements or selling books/bundles, I delete them from my feed as clutter. I need meat people! And I like real people. I love that you shared about when baby was born, your weight journey… you are a real person with a real family. That shows and I like it! 🙂
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly? I use a feedly. I check it every morning.
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
Commenting on their blog. Facebook… but I don’t do that much any more because I feel like I end up drowning in the negative comments that inevitably present themselves. It’s hard to pull away when you end up feeling defensive and argumentative.
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
Yours… because you are real and open.
Mindful Dad… he only blogs a few times a year, but his stories are very real… lessons he’s ACTUALLY learning… I respect that and look forward to the next story.
DIY Natural… because I appreciate learning new things about natural living and the posts are very practical. Some I disregard, but I have found that more often than not the posts are helpful or informative.
Honestly though, I used to follow a TON of blogs… I’d have like 20-30 in my reader every morning. Now, sometimes there aren’t any… never more than 5. My life is less noisy now because I’m not getting sooo much input from sooo many different voices. Everyone saying something different and all those voices, thoughts, and opinions making me essentially mentally constipated… unable to act on anything because there was too much in my head… too much food for thought = a paralyzed mama! IMO! 🙂
Amy says
I just had a conversation with a friend a few days ago about being paralyzed by too much information. I love how you said “mentally constipated”! She said she had lost herself in all the homeschooling information and she no longer felt like she could do anything. Great insight…definitely need to write about that! lol
Grainne says
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog?
About three, too many and I feel overwhelmed by content.
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly?
Complete posts delivered to my inbox and preferably one at a time.
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
I don’t really use social media, occasionally Pinterest and do repin clearly titled graphics that lead to good articles.
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
Too many to list (mostly larger homeschooling families with a Christian/Catholic/Jewish outlook, some home decor and organising ones) but I like posts that are not overlong (yours are a good length). I love personal content with “day in the life” type posts and pictures. I tend to read more consistently those I can follow by email. I prefer ones that do not very often do sponsored posts (especially as living outside the US I am never entitled to enter giveaways) and I dislike constant selling of MLM products (oils, hair clips and the like), one giveaway/product sales post a month is plenty I think.
I’ve enjoyed your writing for years and consider it a real privilege to be allowed to share in your family’s stories and life. Keep blogging please Amy, you are a great encourager and we really appreciate how you keep it real 🙂
Amy says
Thank you for the encouragement!
sarah says
Hi Amy,
I like to see 2-3 posts per week. I read your blog on feedly. I hate posts coming to my inbox. I get enough email as it is. I like blogs that I relate to, laugh, or think. I hate impersonal blogs. Its nice to have “friends “, because at this stage I dont have time to maintain all the friendships I would like. 🙂
Amy says
Do you read feedly every day? I have tried to follow blogs that way, but really struggle to remember to read!
sarah says
I dont care for the program, but I havent found a different one. I read on my phone using the app while drinking my coffee. 🙂
Dana says
Thanks for the encouragement in this post! My answers to your questions have changed depending on the demands of my life. When I was still working, I enjoyed two favorite blogs (Raising Arrows and Kim’s County Line) daily during the week. I would read them both faithfully on my lunch break and wanted to see daily posts (weekdays). I would go directly to the sites regardless of FB or other social media. When I began staying home with my daughter, I still did a pretty good job of reading every day – and even posting to my own blog every weekday for a while. Then, Baby 2 came, and computer time was significantly decreased. When Baby 3 arrived (now 18 months), my computer time has gone down to sometimes 15 minutes every 2 or 3 days to quickly check e-mail (not reply, usually) and Facebook. Sometimes I see the Raising Arrows posts in my inbox (under promotions now, and sometimes I don’t check that folder). I don’t always open the e-mail to read it, but if I read the post, that is the only way I do so right now. Because of my sporadic computer time, FB or other social media is not a great way to get me to a blog, and 5 posts a week are not necessary. One really applicable/encouraging/entertaining post a week would keep me as an as-faithful-as-I-can-manage-right-now reader. My favorite blogs are the ones that come from authors I know personally. I enjoy others and occasionally click on a post from FB, but with my current time/computer limitations, I don’t make reading all the great blogs out there a priority. (Current limitations being that I’m at home with 3 delightful girls under 5 and expecting a new baby in March, dealing with pregnancy fatigue, home schooling for preschool, with a husband working long hours and very little support as we recently moved far from “home.”)
Amy says
I need to subscribe to Kim’s blog! I always read when I see her post on Facebook, and that’s because I can relate to the things she says because that part of the country is near and dear to me. 🙂
Rebecca says
1. The amount of posts per week doesn’t matter much. I like 1-3 but real life happens and that’s all good.
2. I only subscribe to blogs (and receive them in my inbox) if they are ones that I don’t want to miss. Others I follow randomly. I delete my subscriptions as soon as I feel the blog doesn’t apply to my life anymore or becomes too “business like” and not personal or becomes too preachy. I want real life, real solutions that the blogger is living.
3. I do not use any social media
4. This blog is my favorite – have been following for a long time. Glad you went back to personal! Ourbusyhomeschool is another good large family blog although from a different religion. Amongstlovelythings and Simplyconvivial are two that I follow for now but they are heading more and more out of the personal and into the business like so not sure they will be lasting on my subscribe lists. Other assorted blogs are followed randomly.
Amy says
I’m a deleter too 😉 Thank you for the encouragement!
Becky says
You’ve touched on the very thing I love about your blog! That it’s so real-I really appreciate those who are willing to share their lives-the good and the struggles with the reader. I appreciate your willingness to use your writing gift for the purpose of encouraging the body of Christ. I like to see probably at least a couple of new posts a week, but try to be understanding of the fact that bloggers have real families, too, and need to be spending face-to-face time with them, rather than with their computer screens! I prefer to check blogs directly, rather than getting new posts in my inbox, but do like to see updates on facebook from my favorites.
Amy says
Thank you, Becky! And a quick question…do you have trouble remembering to check your favorites or is it just something you do – like brushing your teeth! lol I’m trying to get a sense of how readers fit favorite blogs into their day, so I appreciate the feedback greatly!
Beth says
I don’t really care how many times you post a week as long as they come to my inbox. The email lets me know there is new content without constantly checking for it. I’m sure other people use RSS feeds this way, but a feed reader is just another thing I have to check and I’m really to busy for that. Along that same line, I did a massive purge in the past year and unsubscribed from the vast majority of blogs that were sending me emails. Most of them only had me on their list because they offered something as a subscriber freebie, but I was never really interested in their content in the first place. Eventually, I just got tired of the overwhelming feeling of a never cleared inbox. Now I only have three blogs that I’m subscribed to and this is the only one that I am guaranteed to read the day it arrives. When it comes to social media, I follow some blogs on facebook and twitter (usually as a result of a contest), but I don’t actually interact with the blog through those sites. As a very early adopter of facebook, I still prefer it for keeping up with people I actually know, liked it better when the identity of everybody on the site was actually verifiable and really don’t like having to use my facebook login to comment on blogs or articles. On the other hand, Twitter is the people I wish I knew. I follow on Twitter for common interests and create my own tribe where I can find ideas and support for all the choices our family has made that make us outside the mainstream and, thus, crazy to everyone who knows us.
Amy says
Thank you for the insight! And you are the first person to mention Twitter! Twitter is where I started, but I got away from it. I really did enjoy it, and would like to be there more than I am right now.
Jessica says
I feel like I get bogged down with too much content too! Once a week is usually good for me. I actually read the blogs that come to my email less than others. Weird, but I like my email to be about business and my Facebook is where I click on blogs, almost all of them! 🙂 Sometimes, I do go from Facebook and then start clicking around, depending on if babies are napping or not!
Amy says
Do you check the Facebook pages directly or are you seeing them in your feed? I hardly see any blogs anymore in my Facebook feed. 🙁
Jessica says
I see them in my feed. I think fb has changed a lite of things, so you have to be smarter than fb. What I’ve done, and try to make sure I do, you need to visit the pages and people you want to see and like or comment on things. Once you do this, it should start showing up in your feed more and then every once in a while like something or comment. It keeps it active so to speak.
Amy says
I think you are right – I need to try to do this so I will see the ones I want to actually see!
Kirsten Pankratz says
A couple posts a week is awesome! I don’t like reading it in my inbox. The actual blog is best for me. I never look at posts when something is for sale. We don’t have the money even if something is an awesome deal for me to go spending over the Internet like that. I do like advice and encouragement with large family/homeschooling things but my favorite thing to read is just about other large family’s stories and what’s going on in their lives and how they are dealing with it both large and small in a God honoring way. That alone can be an encouragement and there is usually something to learn as well. Thanks!
Amy says
That is really the essence of what I want to do here – offer a glimpse at our lives that is God-honoring and relevant to where others are. Those are definitely the kinds of blogs I’m interested in as well! Thank you for sharing!
Amy says
1.Once a week is fine, but honestly whenever you post I’ll read it. 🙂
2. I read emails on my phone, but usually get you more on Facebook.
3. Facebook, I guess. Just started Instagram.
4.I follow several homeschool blogs. Most to me are too full of ads for curriculum, which I feel the Lord led me to stop using because we just couldn’t afford it. I dont like reading those blogs and feeling guilty because I can’t buy them. Your blog and one more by a lady in SC are my favorites, but she just announced she’s stepping back from blogging for the same things you mentioned. I love how you focus on the Lord, and how you are practical and keep it real. I read your blog because you encourage me, and always point me towards my love of God and need for Him daily, and remind me of why I started homeschooling in the first place.
Amy says
Thank you, Amy!
Michelle says
I was a blogger for four and a half years and got lost in the tangled world wide web far too many times. After taking almost two years off from blogging, I am cautiously re-entering the blogging world, though my blog is still offline.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that taking a blogging break is nothing but a facade unless you actually tune out the rest of the internet world. (Which I didn’t do most of the time.)
I write about this topic and others that deal with learning how to stay focused as a creative lady who is also a homeschool mom. It’s hard, but so important that we don’t waste the time that has been given to us.
One thing about your blog, Amy, is that I seldom, if ever feel like I am wasting my time here! It is one of the blogs that helps me stay centered instead of scattered.
Thank you for all you do. I haven’t been here in a little while as I have taken a break from a lot of blog reading, so a belated congratulations on your sweet baby Aspen! She truly is precious.
Amy says
Wow, Michelle! I appreciate all you said here – especially that you feel you are wasting your time here!
Michelle says
Umm…I said I felt like I wasn’t wasting my time here. Is that what you meant to say, or did you misunderstand what I said?
Amy says
Mistype! Sorry about that!
Michelle says
😀 I was hoping that was the case. Sometimes my wordiness leaves room for interpretation.
Amy says
And sometimes my one-handed typing leaves out letters! lol
Nicole says
Wow! How candid! I love the honesty. It really is just a reminder that life can get cluttered, with distractions. Maintaining that balance is not only healthy for you and the family, but not losing yourself and priorities as well. Raising arrows is the whole purpose of staying at home with our children. I love the challenge if being super mom, but sometimes being regular mom is just as fun! 🙂 🙂
Amy says
Regular mom is pretty super in my book! 🙂
Kela Nellums says
YES!! I’ve been shouting this very thing for a couple of years!
I mean…my page view or “status” isn’t that big anyway, so it may be easier for me to say. LOL
I love the basics. I tried for a couple of posts to follow the “rules” but decided that its best for me to be very organic. It works best for me!
I’ll gladly share my posts on social media site and make a “pinteresting” picture for my blog because that’s what grasps my attention as a reader.
To answer your questions:
1) Maybe 3 posts a week.
2) Posts coming to me email inbox is best for me. I sometimes catch posts that are shared on FB.
3) I’m most likely to interact on FB. Second is on the actual blog in comments.
4) Some of my favorite blogs are Jolene Engle’s Christian Wife University, The MOM Initiative, Angie Tolpin’s Leaving a Legacy …and too many more to remember! I enjoy them because encouraging strong biblical marriage and motherhood is my passion!
Amy says
Thank you, Kela! I’m glad you didn’t waste your time for too long on following the rules!
Diana says
Hi, Amy!
Love your blog!! I think the steps you’ve taken this year have been awesome, and I think you’re setting a great example.
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog?
One or two. Three would be the maximum, I think. Less is also great – if a blogger’s life gets busy, life has to come before the blog.
I am much more likely to read if the topic is personal or practical. If it has anything to do with product reviews, sales, ebooks, bundles, specials, etc., I usually don’t visit for those. I apologize for that, because I know that’s how bloggers make their money – but we never have extra money to spend, and I’m not a shopper anyhow! 🙂
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly?
I prefer to use my blog reader through Google. Having posts in my inbox is nice, but I already feel overwhelmed with too much email and prefer to have it in my reader.
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
The only social media platform I have ever used is Facebook. However, I prefer to interact on the blog, simply because Facebook comment threads on mama-blogs tend to quickly degenerate into arguments among the readers – which are exhausting and non-productive. Also, I have deactivated my FB account and am hoping to eventually delete, so that one will be gone soon.
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
Oh, so many! I love blogs! Here are a few:
Raising Arrows 🙂
Always Learning
Our Busy Homeschool
Children Are a Blessing
In the Nursery of the Nation
Contentment Acres
Deep Roots at Home
Get Along Home
Growing Home
Smockity Frocks
Lif in a Shoe
The Common Room
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Raising Olives
The Modest Mom
Reasons I like particular blogs:
– Connecting with like-minded mamas (homeschooling, family-integrated, conservative Christian, etc.)
– Learning practical skills, usually with regard to mothering, home education, marriage, or homemaking
– Once I’ve connected due to one of the above reasons, I connect on a more personal basis and like keeping up with their lives as well.
Have a wonderful time at the conference, and thank you for taking the time to connect with your readers!!
Love,
Diana
Amy says
Thank you, Diana! This help tremendously!
Heather Proffitt says
I absolutely love your blog. And it means so much to me that it comes to my email. This way if I don’t have time to do anything else at least I can make time to check my emails and read the ones most important to me. I look forward to yours every day. Thank you so much for sharing your life and your knowledge with us.
Amy says
Thank you so much, Heather!
Clarissa says
I don’t mind posts as often as every day, as long as they are good quality, insightful, helpful, encouraging, or relevant to my life.
I like them coming to my inbox.
Facebook.
Yours, because you are real, write lovely and honestly, offer hope for the large, Christian, and homeschooling family… and I can relate to you on so many levels (lost a child, etc.). I also read The Modest Mom by Caroline and enjoy her Modest Monday posts and lifestyle posts. Raising Soldiers 4 Christ by Laura is another blog I enjoy for the modesty and real life posts.
As a blogger, this post has made me think… I have forgotten what it is like to be the “reader” and have gotten so caught up in the “do this and that to be a pro blogger”. Wow, blogging is hard work! I want to write real, wholesome posts, but have felt like nobody is interested in what I have to say. On the other hand, I know that the salesy posts are a huge turn off (for myself, even, on my own blog!). I am so desperately desiring to earn an income to help with our finances, that I am trying “everything”… but I should focus on writing high quality, real content, and just know that if it is the Lord’s will, my blog will grow. I am going to rethink my blogging style and get back to my roots of writing from my heart. Thanks, Amy!
Amy says
You are welcome, Clarissa! If you build an audience based on who you are as a writer and a person, when you do have something “salesy” that you are passionate about, that will come across and people will be more apt to buy because they trust you. Just don’t lose sight of what you believe in and who you are!
DJ says
Yes, I like e-mail delivery. “You” come to “me” and I remember to read (and benefit from it); if I have to remember to come to the blog, it usually doesn’t end up happening. When you do post (however often that may be), I have the leisure to read when I get to it (though it may be a month later). 🙂
I don’t really interact with bloggers on social media; if I feel that there is something I simply must say, I go to the blog.
Favorite blogs: Yours (obviously), as you are 13-14 years ahead of me on this motherhood journey, I find your insights and wisdom helpful in keeping my end goals in sight. 🙂
I also like to read http://mamagab.net and http://growinguptriplets.com
These ladies are more on the same leg of the journey as I am, and I find the honesty and humility refreshing and encouraging.
And for fun I like to read Stacy’s down-to-earth, humorous comments on life and recipes over at http://www.stacymakescents.com (She just always makes me laugh.) 🙂
Amy says
Thank you for reading! And yes, Stacy makes me laugh too. 😉
Amanda yandell says
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog?
At least two, but it I also realize that you have many children!
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly?
I only read blogs that I have subscribed to that come through my inbox 🙂
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
Instagram — I loathe Facebook haha 😉 and I like Pinterest, but since they’ve changed Pinterest with adding all the “posts you might like” I hardly ever get on anymore!
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
This one! Modest mom, keepers of the home, nursery of the nation. —- I love big families and homemaking (obviously hehehe!!!)
Amy says
I complained to Pinterest the other day about that same thing! They told me I could go to this link – http://www.pinterest.com/following/ – and see everything in my feed, but it still irritates me! 😉
Amy Kelley says
I like to read blogs and receive encouragement from them or tips. But, I feel overwhelmed sometimes. Too many posts per week wear me out. 2-3 per week is enough, maybe boardering on too much. I love Sally Clarkson, but her blog posts are daily and I just can’t keep up. I read through feedly app. I prefer more personal posts. I guess it also depends on why I read the blog. I do like reading random blogs from Pinterest.
Fav. Blogs
Ann voscamp for her pics, but again I read very randomly. I love to see ordinary things framed in a beautiful way. Encouraging me to have a better eye for the beauty around me in normal life.
Large families on purpose, great tips
Money saving mom, only read the personal posts for encouragement, real authentic person who is trying to live for the Lord.
Your blog for tips, personal posts on how you are doing.
The Modest mom, for encouragement and tips.
That’s about all I really keep up with.
Amy says
Thank you for sharing! I appreciate it so much!
Brooke says
1. I enjoy reading mommas blogs…it helps me feel sane! So a couple a week!
2. Inbox def. otherwise it doesn’t get read. I don’t have time to go from blog site to blog site seeing if they are updated.
3. This way, maybe fb
4. All things large family : )
We have 3 little ones but we would love to have more!
Amy says
Thank you, Brooke!
Anna Mary says
1) I like 1-2 posts per week but doesn’t really matter. I read what I can.
2) I prefer to read from my email inbox or watch a video on YouTube. I don’t have time to randomly check blogs.
3) I only use Google+. I find it to be a more positive atmosphere than Facebook.
4) My favorite blogs are Always Learning, Large Family Mothering and of course Raising Arrows. I read a blog for biblical wisdom, and practical advice on homemaking and homeschooling. Any by practical I mean affordable, doable (is that even a word?), not just to look good on Pinterest.
What I love about Raising Arrows is the sincerity behind the words. I do enjoy your blog, but I applaud you for putting you family first. They are the most important.
Amy says
Doable has to be a word…I use it all the time! lol Thank you for reading Raising Arrows, Anna Mary!
Tara says
1. I only want to hear from a blog once or twice a month. Much more than that and it’s too much.
2. I like getting it to my email.
3. The only thing I use is Facebook. I don’t really like Facebook, but it is somewhat convenient and is the only way I have contact with a few people, so I keep it (for now).
4. I really only follow a few special blogs that pertain to my life. I don’t have time for more. Two pertain to gentle parenting and are mainstream, and a couple are family-oriented and religious in nature, which I love.
Amy says
Thank you for sharing, Tara!
Josi says
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog?
How you do yours is perfect for me.
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly?
I get yours in my inbox but I’ve actually never signed up for any others. It would be too much for me to have a whole bunch.
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
Um, this is it…..I type a comment to you in this little box! Remember, Laura Ingalls had better technology than me!
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
Yours is the only blog I consistently follow (please don’t let that creep you out! ha!). I refer to the Pioneer Woman quite frequently because I love her recipes. I used to follow about a dozen home decorating blogs but I too got tired of the “perfection” aspect of them. I still check in with a few, probably once a month for any good pictures. I love me some good before and after pics, but I don’t usually read their posts. I have found that I get a lot from your readers and their comments. I am more likely to read some of the blogs of your own readers. The funny thing is that I do not have a large family (but I love them) and I am beyond the baby years but I am both challenged and encouraged here in my relationship with Jesus, my husband and kids and with my homeschooling. I always love when you post about your curriculum & when your readers do as well. I consider your blog a ministry. I appreciate you busy women who do it because you are creating community and fellowship, connecting people even amongst the internet. I just told my mom the other day that I wished she could have had this because it would have been such a life-line in the midst of very difficult years in her life when she was so alone. Thank you Amy 🙂
Josi says
Wow, that was too long. Sorry!…..exactly why I don’t do a blog. I’d have to name it “Blah Blah Blah Blog”!! Ha!
Amy says
Not creeped out at all! lol I do believe I have the best readers around – they are all so helpful!
Lisa says
I enjoy reading your posts, whenever you post them! Three a week is a good number, but honestly that’s just me picking a number out of the air. When something happens in life (like your sweet new bBy), I’d expect to see NO posts for a while. So it depends.
I much prefer blog posts in my email where I don’t have to click through. I only subscribe to a few blogs, and those are the ones I stay current on reading. I rarely have time to randomly check blogs.
I don’t have FB or Twitter or Pinterest, so commenting is the only way I interact.
I read a couple of large family blogs, a living naturally one, one from another family with an Angelman child, and a farming naturally type one. I like blogs that I can relate to on some level–whether homeschooling, Christian living, large family, etc.
I enjoy the honesty of your blog and following what’s going on with your family. Keep up the good work!
Renee says
I’ve enjoyed your posts over the last year and appreciate a veteran homeschool moms honesty about how it can be rough times and great times. I also appreciate you being open about your faith and how and what God has done for your family.
For your questions:
1. Honestly maybe one a week to me is more than plenty. I know blogs take work and I know the people behind them have lives to live.
2.I do like getting the email notification of a new post, since I will likely forget to look back at the blog for a while unless I see it in my inbox and then I can preview it and decide if I want to read it or not.
3. I pretty much not a social media person and that is one reason why i have held myself back from starting up a little business, I just don’t get it and don’t care to notify people 20 different ways about an update. So on the actual blog is typically where I will comment or communicate with the blogger.
4. I enjoy the homeschool blogs, and DIY/craft blogs. my recent new craft favorite is “I always choose the thimble.” The blog is simple/clean, only uses black and white for the background and then nicely taken pictures that add a pop of color, not over done you know. and then the instructions are crystal clear. She doesn’t post tons but to me it is more than enough and enough to get a person started on an idea .
I don’t think you should let your blog take over your life and your worries. I think if anything it should be a little added bonus for you, especially a hard working mom, homeschooling, and leading your children in the ways God calls, have it be more like a digital scrap book to look back and go “that was fun when we did…” Not sure if that’s the way it works in the blogosphere.
Please know you are appreciated by your reader and thank you for your time and effort into this blog
Amy says
Thank you so much for you input and for reading, Renee!
Teena says
1. One or two a week.
2. I prefer to get an e-mail.
3. I only have e-mail.
4. My favorites are:
Kelly the Kitchen Kop
Andrea Dekker
Simple Homeschool
Little House Living
and of course this one 🙂
I have gravitated towards blogs that relate to my interests: Living a Christian life, healthy clean eating, staying clutter free and frugal and homeschooling. The one thing I love about all the blogs listed above is that there is so much real-life, helpful information not only from the authors of the blogs but also from all the reader comments.
I
Katherine H. says
I love your blog!!! I appreciate, first and foremost, your honesty. Your recent post about your older blog posts is the perfect example. I trust your advice for large families and homeschooling because you are willing to say “I messed up” or “here’s what doesn’t work for us.” I also love your variety, some serious topics, some fun ones. Thank you for the keurig post!! I love my keurig. For these reasons, and because your life is Christ centered, this is the only blog I read. I Love that your posts come to my inbox, because as a homeschooling mom expecting #5, I have zero time to surf the internet. I do look at older posts occasionally, like when I was desperate for some guidance in the laundry room. As for number of posts per week, I would say keep them coming!! As long as they are authentic, not generated just to post something. Your posts always seem genuine to me, which makes them enjoyable. I do not use social media frequently because of the noise and negativity, so I can not answer that question. However, a homeschool magazine I used to view on Facebook hosted discussion sessions, where they would have question and answer times or designated homeschooling topics. If you ever feel led to do something like that, let us know! I would love to have a chance to “chat”with you as would many other readers, I’m sure. Thanks so much for your blog. I read your posts with my cup of keurig coffee every morning one arrives in my inbox. Great way to start the day. 🙂
Amy says
Thank you so much, Katherine! By the way, were the homeschool discussions on Facebook?
Cecilia says
Hi Amy. I pared my blog reading way down, but yours is still one I stay subscribed to, because your posts are relevant to my life and we seem to believe similarly. My life is so busy though that I would almost never remember to check the blog, or make the time to do so if I didn’t get the posts as an e-mail. ;-P I think about 2 per week are good for me. I don’t do FB or anything else other than e-mail, so that would be the way I would communicate with you. I follow Raising Olives, The Duggar Blog, and Stacy Makes Cents for similar reasons as the above. 🙂
Amy says
Thank you!
Ellie says
1-2 posts a week are nice and I’ve enjoyed your variety of homeschool insights, homemaking tips, real life things and how the Lord is teaching you.
Definitely needs tone sent to my email if I’m going to take a look at it.
Facebook is the only social media I use and even with just that I need to limit my time as my real life is so full so I would say email is the main platform for following blogs for me.
You and Heidi St John are the only blogs I follow. No time for much else- although I loved your post on podcasts as I have listened to some while cleaning. Thank you for making my life easier since I don’t have the time to search the web for current info on all the topics a mom of many would be interested in.
Amy says
Thank you for sharing, Ellie!
Tara says
Your’s is one of the few bogs I read any more. I am tired of all the advertisements and just looking for encouragement. Encouragement can come in many forms: here’s what works for our family, here is what doesn’t, here is what God is teaching me, this is what I’m struggling with, etc. I appreciate your honesty, Grace and candor. I don’t need the promise of a perfect method or guilt for not being perfect.
I do not like posts to come through my email. I try to keep that as uncluttered as possible. It’s easiest for me to see updates via Facebook. I mostly just check your blog a couple times a week.
Amy says
Thank you, Tara!
Tiffany says
Hi Amy! Here’s my input to your questions:
1) I realize that bloggers are real people who don’t live their lives (I hope!) in front of their computer screen. So I don’t have a post per week expectation. Whatever fits the rhythm of their life is fine with me.
2) I like getting posts to my inbox and I do that via Bloglovin.
3) Honestly until a few days ago, you were the first blogger that I interacted with on Facebook (by leaving a comment on your page)
4) The blogs I read consistently are: Raising Arrows, Confessions of a Homeschooler, Blogelina & The Blog Maven. I find the bloggers on these sites to be relatable and the content to be relevant to my interests (large family life, homeschooling, & blogging to name a few).
shiloh says
I really like this post as I am trying to get my blog up to date as well.
Natalie says
1) 2-3 per week and I get really excited when I know which day they’re going to come out!
2) I only have time to read what comes to my inbox
3) Pinterest
4) http://www.priorityministries.com/christian-womens-blog/ and http://www.doorposts.com/blog/
I recently unsubscribed from 2 mailing lists because they never actually sent out blog entries – only marketing advertisements. I really appreciate that you mention promotions only once in a blog post, and then stick a link to them in your footer (in case I’m still interested later).
[ps. your 12 days of christmas link is still in the email footer]
Amy says
Natalie – LOL – I need to be more on top of what is in my feed footer, but oy! it’s one more thing! Thank you for reminding me!
Gwen says
I prefer 1 to 2 posts a week maximum. I signed up to loads of extra blogs last year due to being lured in by freebies for email sign up and ending up not being able to read them all. I found I was just reading the handful of blogs that really fitted my ‘core’ interests and deleting the rest because my inbox was overflowing, so now I have unsubscribed from most of them.
I usually read blogs from my inbox as it saves time, but will click through to their page if there is a helpful link or something particularly interests me.
I am not signed up to any social network so far other than Pinterest, so that is currently the only way I interact with blogs ‘socially’.
My favourite blogs are Raising Arrows 🙂 , The Modest Mom, Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth, Sheri Graham, and Large Family Mothering. I like them because they are genuine, they speak about things that are relevant to me as a Christian homeschooling mum, and I can learn from and by encouraged by them.
Shame the 2:1 conference is a bit far for me to travel!!
Amy says
Thank you for sharing! I had never heard of Strangers and Pilgrims…looking that up!
Bev says
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog?
As long it is quality, I don’t care about the quantity
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly?
I read through Feedly
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
I don’t use social media
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
I enjoy yours of course, then Generation Cedar, Always Learning, Little House Living, Small Things, Our Busy Homeschool, Training 6 Hearts 4 Him, and many more – I love reading blogs! I have over 300 in my Feedly – although I don’t read that many a day, it only updates when new blog posts because available and I sort through and pick what I want to read and mark the rest as read. I read these blogs because they have quality content and pertain to my life (mother, homeschooling, God, etc.)
Leslie Loftis says
I concur with your thoughts on blogging in general, and because I never mastered ping backs, FYI, I linked to this post here: http://www.anamericanhousewifeintexas.com/a-few-housekeeping-matters/
As for questions:
1) How many posts per week do you like to see on a blog?
I never managed rhythm, and don’t expect it in others. Ends up being contrived, and after years of blogging and reading, contrived posts stick out.
2) Do you like posts coming to your inbox or are you more apt to read randomly?
I made twitter lists. Slightly more organized than random reading but my inbox got away from me when I started homeschooling.
3) On which social media platform are you most likely to interact with a blogger?
Twitter or blog comments.
4) What are some of your favorite blogs and why?
I like collections, like Medium where I can sort by topic.