
If you are on this page, you are most likely already familiar with what a blog is. But if you still aren’t sure, let me clarify it for you. A blog is a website (or portion of one) that crazy people put together to overcome boredom or justify their opinions. Blogging is for crazy people. Now, you’re probably wondering if that means that I am crazy and the obvious answer to that is yes. You see, there is a spectrum of craziness which determines how mentally stable the writer is, often paired with equally paired readers. While there is quite a significant amount of research which suggests that writing is a great outlet, a form of therapy and even a way to blow off some steam, it is only after joining this unique world that I started to experience a few unexpected side effects first hand.
Hi everyone, my name is Michelle and I’m an addict. I’m not sure what I’m addicted to yet, maybe addiction in itself, if that is even a thing. Hold on – before you get upset and turn away, let me qualify that statement. I am by no means taking away from people with serious medical and emotional conditions, however, my psychiatrist and I have identified that I have a very addictive personality. I do not smoke or do any recreational drugs, it’s not that kind of addiction. The thing is, when I find something that makes me feel good or something that I “need”, I will find myself obsessing over it.
Blogging has been a great outlet and medium for personal growth. But I have noticed a few things creeping up that may potentially be present in many others’ behaviour. If you are a blogger and simply enjoy the community it brings, read this anyway and let’s exchange experiences.
1. When blogging, you will become obsessed with the stats

Determination becomes obsession and then it becomes all that matters
Jeremy Irvine
When I first started blogging, I was living in a daze. I had it in my mind that my daughter would one day grow up and read all about our adventures together and reminisce of the wonderful times. A huge motivating factor for actually choosing to record each stage in her life was losing my mother when I was only fourteen years. Not having any tangible things to remember her by fuelled my determination to leave a paper trail for my daughter’s memories. Fast forward a few months and my motivation is still my daughter. What I’m embarrassed to admit, though, is that I have gotten a little too acquainted with the “stats” page that WordPress has so beautifully crafted.
I’ve seen this as a common theme on a few other blogs as well, so the message is clear; no matter how well you know that the blogging journey takes time and effort to grow into something successful, you will constantly check to see how many views, new follows, likes and comments came through overnight. Heck, if you are anything like me, you will keep refreshing the page every few minutes! Let me say that again if you are still in denial; it doesn’t matter how little you care about who is reading and what they think, you will get obsessed with the numbers.
2. Blogging will become your life
This is a touchy one to write about because I am personally in denial. My husband said to me the other day that if someone had me at gunpoint I would most likely ask them to wait for a second while I blogged about it. The very same day my friend said something similar. Ok, it’s one of two things; either they spoke to each other and arranged the unnecessary intervention or it’s true. Let’s go with option! Jokes aside, I’ve seen several blogs that almost appear to be personal diaries. This often makes me wonder if the authors are just enjoying sharing their lives or are stuck in the same universe as I am.
What I have realised in this very short period of time is that when you first start blogging, no one is really interested in your experiences or what you have to say unless it is somewhat relevant to their existing needs. It certainly does not matter that you had a cheese sandwich for breakfast or that you drank three glasses of wine last weekend. I am by no means discouraging the various personal blogs that I actually enjoy reading. My point is that it might be worth a little more to just live those moments instead of blogging about them.
3. You will live two separate lives

Contrary to popular belief, I know what I am doing.
Tony Stark
Take this with a pinch of salt because I am neither a guru nor have I been around that long. What I can tell you from my personal experience is that in the blogging world, you will be someone completely different from who you are in your private/professional life. I work in a white collar industry, constantly surrounded by ‘number whisperers’ and incredible critical thinkers. Why is this relevant? Well firstly, I would never bring up ‘7 weird things that happen when you become a mom‘ or go on about how I am ‘breaking the cycle of eating disorders‘ in the office setting for obvious reasons. Very few of you have met the professional ‘Michelle’. The majority of you know Shelly – the relaxed, quirky and silly young mom that loves to write. That persona (the real me) presents itself when I am lost in the blogging universe.
I am a firm believer that it takes an incredible amount of creativity to continuously pour out one’s heart, but I also appreciate that not all writers are weed-smoking, music-singing hippies that spend the day staring at the invisible stars. For some, blogging is a career. For others it is either a hobby or the start of a new career. Unless you are a writer yourself, it is nearly impossible to understand the need (or patience) to produce literary art. With that in mind, can you truly be the same person in both settings?
4. Your screen time will go up… dramatically
I really wish I was that blogger who logged on, wrote a masterpiece in five minutes and then went about her day. Unfortunately, it does not work that way. Writing a post requires the brainstorming, writing, editing, proof reading, picture selection, posting promoting and follow up. Can all of that be done in an hour? Sure, if you really do not want to engage with your readers or respond to the wonderful comments. Realistically, it could take a couple of hours out of each day! The beauty of becoming a blogger, especially on WordPress, is that you are exposed to a community of like minded individuals who you can learn from, collaborate with and befriend.
Something you will see nearly every blogger mention is that you need to engage with others if you wish to grow your blog and your perspective. I personally only post twice a week since my job takes out ten to eleven hours of my day and I need to make sure I get my CrossFit fix four times a week. On top of that, my husband and toddler need me to be present emotionally. They automatically get a few hours of quality time during which the only ‘electronic’ device I use is the living room TV for family movie time. That being said, I spend nearly two hours a day on WordPress reading other blogs, researching and speaking to other bloggers. Yes, yes, my day has about thirty hours.
5. You will be tested emotionally through backlash or lack of response

A hater’s job is to hate you, and they stay on their job 24/7. So, if you’re expecting them to clock out, and leave you alone think again.
Sonya Parker
I’m throwing this one in here even though I personally have been lucky enough not to have experienced it. You’re putting your brilliant ideas and opinions out on the internet for everyone to see. And because you’re so awesome so the whole world will receive it with open arms right? Wrong. I personally have held back from commenting on others’ posts when I totally disagree with their views. But I have seen a few less-than-friendly comments being thrown around. I’m sure a lot of bloggers just delete the hate comments so that no one else has to see it. I would – but that doesn’t take from the fact that it happens!
If you are a softie like me and don’t do too well with nasty comments, this space really isn’t for you. If you need validation to make you feel good about yourself, this space really isn’t for you. And if you need instant fame in the form of a huge following by the time the rooster crows, this space really isn’t for you. Well, I suppose it is all relative depending on the topics you choose to cover. Anything that challenges the reader will definitely stir the waters!
The list does go on, but we will end it here to avoid dampening any new writers’ aspirations. That being said, I want you to take one key message from this post. Ready? Whether you are just starting out, have been blogging for a while or are in an open relationship with your writing, it can get messy.
These are all so relatable! I’m not that obsessed with stats these days but for like the first three years I kept refreshing and checking if I got any more views like every two minutes lol. I have also gotten quite a bit of hate this year- not too much just a few horrible comments from a couple of people- and it was difficult but at the end of the day I think it made me stronger.
Haha I would be so surprised if after 6 years you still checked every time! As for the hate comments, forget them. They even sat down to read your stuff so that should tell you something ain’t lining up! 😪
Lol I just think of it as now that I’m getting haters I must be doing something right!
Surprisingly I don’t check the stats that much or promote my blog posts elsewhere. I can totally relate to the need to connect with other bloggers and engage with them, which takes up a large portion of my day. I’m not disciplined enough to write weekly blog posts because I’m lazy, but it’s something that I hope to improve upon.
I’ve had a couple of trolls but it was minor and they weren’t necessarily hate comments on my blog posts, but on comments I made on other bloggers’ blog posts. The saddest thing is seeing bloggers leave because of bullies and trolls.
I can relate to the point you made about stats and numbers. Its so easy to become obsessed with them! I try to remind myself whey i started and usually that brings me back down to earth again!
hahahaha – you are so spot on! and your #2, my family and friends always yell out, “is this going to be a blog/!” when something happens. they are usually right !
Yep Beth, join the bloggers anonymous association. I think you should be the leader! 😛😂
haaahaaaa
This is relatable!! I will be honest, I am obsessed with stats at the moment, I always want as many people as possible to read/comment/like my blog so I do check it every hour or so whenever I publish a blog! It’s something I certainly aim to let go of this obsession after a while 🙂
Hey this is so true. I am just new to blogging. It’s been just three months but i am sometimes really obsessed with my stats. Haha. The 4th one is also so true. 😂🥰😊
3 months too? We are blogging twins 😀
Haha yesss☺️. YAAAY. Cool you are blogging twin from now on 😝☺️.
I have been relatively lucky in regards to upsetting or angrying anyone. Once I did and not only was there a comment on the post but also not one but 2 feedback comments. One trashing me and the other apologizing for calling my poetry schoolyard like. Now I scanned the first one and snorted with derision because my life my poems and what you think matters not. There is a follow/unfollow button for a reason. Second feedback was the apology one with a little snark thrown in. Which lead to my poem about trolls and how truthfully they do not piss me off….more I am dying laughing and about to share your idiocy for the world (or my small portion of it) to read. At least have decency to leave me a real name if you want to slam my work. Stats are something that I was into in the beginning and when there was a dip I would wonder what I was doing wrong. But it goes in cycles. Numbers tend to be lower during the summer months even with Covid I am noticing. I began writing for myself and I still do. I enjoy sharing my poetry and writing with those who like it. Chase not for the chased shall run instead beckon with tasty tidbits of life and fun. Sorry just made that up. Have an amazing day Shelly. 🙂
Jay you always put a smile on my face! So much wisdom behind that screen eh? It’s sad that people waste their time posting things that aren’t nice, rather don’t say anything at all! As for the stats, I do think this is every rookie’s issue~ once you’ve been around the block a bit it should just die down 😊
Not really lol almost four years later and I check. First thing in morning. Stats and check comments for spam or misplaced comments and the feedback. My spam comments in last two years have pretty much been nil
😅 you just took away all of my hope for “normalcy”
Ah normalcy is so boring. Writers are not normal. And any who try to tell you different are on the run from the Book Mob. We are the dreamers world creators wordsmith and the list goes on. Normal is well……😂😂😂😂😂😋😋😋
I like that 😂 if only we could grab a coffee in real life. I love your spirit!
I would love to too. Virtual coffee is the way these days! And thank you. I am above all else a work in progress and happiness is a relatively new experience for me (happiness with self and acceptance) I don’t know where I was going to end that. I am a WIP and loving it. Who I am today and who I was there years ago at this time are on opposite ends of the spectrum. And this me is the greatest me I have ever met. And the ones to come. Lol see weird I am talking about my future self as selves melding into one. Ok stopping now before I write a whole blog in your comments
Lol not so sure wisdom Tember would beg to differ about that. Smart mouth yes smart mom well…….🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
This is spot on and completely true down to the last “jot and tittle” for my own experience. Quite fun to read and you are really an excellent writer, so I am very glad you have “two lives” in which to express your “different selves” and that you have chosen to share this wonderful blogging one with all of us. Happy Whatever Day today is — Jane
First off, from now on I will call you Michelle lol! 🤪 Why is this so true?! With regards to stats, I love seeing when I get views from other parts of the world besides Canada. I’m like yay my blog is reaching someone from India or UK or Jamaica or Cameroon! It feels awesome!🙈🤷🏻♀️
Haha you can definitely call me Michelle, but that’s reserved for the people who I want to distance emotionally 😛 Jokes jokes (maybe 😉 ) but yeah you’re so right Krisna, seeing that your writing is touching all parts of the world is such a satisfying and humbling feeling!
Lol!! Jokes aside I’m really glad you wrote this post. It’s so relatable in so many respects especially for a new blogger like me. For example, this morning I decided I won’t touch WP all day but here I am responding to comments at 11:30pm. Can’t even last 24 hours lol!
These are so on point. I was just thinking today how blogging can get addictive and no matter how high the stats go you will still want more.
Right? I’m kinda hoping that it goes away with time… but for now, c’est la vie!
I am definitely guilty of refreshing the page every minute to check the stats!
Welcome to the bloggers anonymous group. Everyone is welcome 😛
Yes I can definitely relate to some of these! The one about the starts and the screen time especially. The screen time is a little concerning for me. I see so many people wiring about digital detoxing and I think I need more of that, but it’s hard when you blog! I need to figure out how best to do that. Thanks so much for this!
Great post! I’m pretty new to blogging and basically I’ve no idea what one doing Hahahaha
This is totally relatable Shelly, when I first started out my stats used to be a factor of me having a bad day or good day. However, I tend to care less and focus more on the writing part nowadays.
Ah so there is hope!!! You just made my day 😅
Haha
As a fellow blogger, this is so relatable! I couldn’t agree more with #1.. I have found myself too to be obsessed with stats on all the mediums I am using to promote the blog. Sometimes it gets very overwhelming and you need a break from it all. Hopefully #5 does not happen. Internet is filled with trolls though. Let’s hope for the best!
Thanks for reading Nishtha! Trolls will be there no matter what but I guess the true test of character comes when dealing with such! Good luck 💖
It’s so good to know that I’m not the only one who has a different Blog Persona than Real Life Persona! I mean… I am pretty true to life on my blog, but I think I tend to be much more reserved in real life. Someone even called me Even Keeled the other day! That is NOT me! And if you read my blog you will know that in about five seconds! But I guess I hide the anxieties and All Capsness pretty well in person?
Hahaha yeah I think it’s generally the case for most of us~ and it’s not being a different person per se, it’s just voicing a part of who we are! It’s definitely not appropriate or logical to act the same in all settings 😅 well at least that’s what I tel myself. You do come across as ‘even keeled’ though 😊 you AREN’T that put together?
This is so relatable! I was never obsessed with stats until they started to go up! Now I am checking all the time. I find time gets away from me when I work on my blog. There’s always something to do. Thanks for a great post.
Yeah agreed! Time just flies by when doing things you love though 😊so glad you can relate!
I love this! It’s good to know its not just me. Number 4 is something I really struggle with. I’m thinking stick to blogging time on the laptop and just try manage my insta time a little bit better as I go… I’m v. new to blogging! Thanks for posting x
Thanks for reading Georgie 😊 I’m new at this too but have already fallen into the black hole. I’ll steal your tip and try stick with set hours too 🙈 PS your blog is awesome! You don’t seem like a newbie at all!
Aww thank you so much 🖤🖤
I am guilty of everything you mentioned here! Due to starting my blog in lockdown, I had all the time in the world to work on it. Now things are getting back to normal I am spending way less time blogging and I feel guilty for it when I know I shouldn’t!
Amber – The Unpredicted Page
Hahaha what’s the guilt about though? Like where does this evil monster come from? I think we all have one of those! I completely understand the “starting my blog in lockdown” situation because I do not have a clue how to keep this up once I have to get back to the real world! If you figure it out, please share the secret!
Very good content! I can relate to just about everything you listed on this post. LOL!
Stats things is so right😂I remember when I started my blog 6months ago I was so obsessed and their times I could be depressed as I only had 5followers , I almost gave up but with time I came to understand that it’s a process and it will take time
Exactly! Do you blog as a hobby or full time? By the way, I’ll check your blog out in a bit 😊
Please, where is the lie in this? 😂
My friends now say, “What I’m about to tell you, promise me you won’t blog about it”, and I’m like, is it that bad? 😂
Hahahah thanks for reading! Just don’t lose your friends over your blog please!
Oh man!! I completely agree with all of them. 😅😛
Hahah welcome to the club!
Oh Lord, I wish these points weren’t all relatable lol. Thankfully, the WordPress community is more loving and supportive than anything else.. I love it on this platform. 🙂
Hahahah you are not alone! I love it too for that reason 😊
This is so accurate!!! Especially #1!! The stats drive me crazy…I start to compare myself to other bloggers and ask myself what am I doing wrong…as if my 2-month should have blown up. I need to stay focused on my own (digital) paper.
Don’t worry, it’s unhealthy but very common 😅 I’ve been at it for 8 months now and still struggle with the stats! Keep running your own race though. It’s supposed to be fun and comparing yourself to other bloggers will take the fun out of it!
this is very true!! One thing I don’t like about blogging is that I have to spend more time online on my phone. I don’t like that as it takes me away from the here and now. What I need to learn is how to juggle both of my two lives — blogging one and non blogging one
I need to learn that too! I don’t have a set blogging time, maybe it’s time we both established that?
Absolutely!! We should do a collab post on managing social media time and usage 😉
Done! Dropping you a DM now 🤩
Awesome!! 🙂
Yup I have to say I’ve experienced ALL of these especially the blog stats one lol
Hahaha welcome to the club! 😂
Oh yes! Blogging addict here, too! We need to start our own support group – BAA (Blogging Addicts Anonymous). I’m definitely always checking my stats and my screen time is way up, but it’s more productive than Candy Crush! I have been lucky to not have experienced the hate comments.
Omg yes! I’d love to be a part of BAA 😊
You’re smack on with the candy crush bit. Since blogging, I can finally justify my screen time too 😂
Yet again another pertinent post! I laughed a few times reading this because I’m definitely addicted to blogging. And I keep checking my stats! 😀
I was more obsessed with stat at the beginning used to refresh every hour. Nowadays both my screen time and stat checking frequency has reduced.
Absolutely relatable
Although I keep checking on my stats page every now and then, I keep reminding myself why I started blogging and stats weren’t part of the plan. ….
Two personalities – absolutely
Am naturally a laid back typa person but my blog brought a different version of who I am and I must admit – I love the lady behind the screen more because she’s more real, relaxed and vocal
I have missed reading your posts! I was TOTALLY guilty of #1 on your list for a little while. Then I said to myself “Amy you’re blogging in order to share your story. Not to impress anyone.” So then I stopped focusing on stats.
love this post Shelly and writing and blogging but the screen time is brutal💖💖