Blog reading: fun relaxation or necessary evil?

by

I love the potential of a blank comment box.

 

Last week at Fitbloggin (I cannot believe its been a week! Is it reunion time yet?) I overheard many conversations which went something like this:

DUDE! I love your blog! I dont comment a lot because I read from my phone whenever I can but when I can read it I love it.

Or

I suck. Im so overwhelmed by my goggle reader I’ve started just deleting everything. Im sorry I havent read your blog in a while. Whats happening with you?

Or

You have a blog? Whats the name again? I wanna start reading you.  Ill add you to my reader!

Or

Does anyone read our blogs—or do we just all read each others?

 

Last week at Fitbloggin I was asked by many people:

How do you read so many blogs and make the time to comment more than just “Great post!!!”?  Aren’t you overwhelmed? Im overwhelmed.

Quite frankly Im not—and the only reason why is, as with all things in my life, Ive drawn my boundaries with Sharpie & I have a few secrets.

Today I’m here to share my secrets.

The method to the madness way approach blog reading and maintain it as something I both look forward to and do not get overwhelmed by.

  • I dont have a Google reader.  Im still not sure how to create one and add blogs to it. Please to not enlighten me. I dont have any kind of reader.  From all I can tell/hear on Twitter said reader is nothing but a source of frazzlenessment/pressure & creates a feeling of  “I SUCK” when it’s full.
  • I have a routine & rarely deviate from it. OK so I’m a highly routinized misfit–but I find it helps me juggle work and motherhood better. I get up, meditate (always. my first appointment of the day is with myself & my G-d.), grab coffee and spend some time with all of you.  I let my day take shape through reading about how your lives are shaping up (literally & figuratively).
  • I pick a blog, start reading, & click around from there. Ive been asked repeatedly if I have a schedule and read certain blogs on specific days.  I long to be that organized in my LIFE let alone my blog reading! I start with a random a blog, click on comments or a blog-roll link and read, read, read.  I like it that way as Im always discovering new bloggers in the process.
  • When the coffee is done—the blog reading is done. OK, so Im not a fast coffee drinker, but you get the point.  I tend to sip & read for about 45 minutes each morning.  Some days more.  Other days, when life gets crazy earlier than planned, less.
  • I do my best and Ive decided that is enough. Of course I see people tweeting/FBing new posts and am wholly intrigued.  Yes, I feel a twinge when people tweet their new posts at me and ask my thoughts.  I’ve decided, however, what I can do, enjoy (see bullet below as well) and be present while reading is time spent in the morning.  Anything I miss I bookmark and read the next day.  It’s the best I can do with the myriad roles I play and, for me, it is enough.
  • I really, really enjoy it. I love following your journeys.  I adore cheering you on.  Im  honored when I can lend a hand & type a sentence or 10 which may help yank you out of a slump.  I selfishly steal your motivation during the mornings mine is lacking.  I never comment on a blog in hopes you come here &  leave a comment in return (the ole blogTIT fer blogTAT scenario.  though I do love me some TAT…). I fear if I attempted to read every.single.post. or filled my every.spare.moment. with blog reading Id lose that feeling.  I’d be really, really sad to lose that feeling.

I chatted with a bunch of Fitfluential ambassadors last weekend and a number of them pointed out to me it seems I tend to read the same blogs repeatedly.

They asked if I felt “guilty” I repeatedly miss posts of ambassadors who published later in the day and insinuated it wasnt “fair” I tend to read the same grouping frequently.

I shared with them what I’ve explained above & elaborated I feel ZERO GUILT.

Blog reading for me is like fitness:

I do the best I can each day & git back up the next and do it again.  Does it matter what the perfect workout approach to blog reading is? It does not.  What matters is Ive found a workout way to blog read which works for me & which I happily sustain.

And, as always, that’s just how I see it.

  • Do you have a Google reader & find it to be a lifesaver?
  • Do you graze on posts throughout the day & find that approach works best?
  • Do you long for this post to be over so you can click away! click away! & get to another blog already?!
  • Do you think it’s just us bloggers reading each other?

Please to hit us up in the comments below.

 

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Comments

  2. I don’t blog either, but sometimes feel too many of my friends blog and I can’t catch up reading!!!!

  3. I use bloglovin to read blogs but just cleared it because I needed to get rid of that overwhelming feeling. I like your morning blog reading approach and I have a feeling my family will too – my nose has been buried in the phone/computer way too much lately!

  4. It is interesting to me that only one of us who have commented this morning BLOG!
    I can blog or I can read.
    Not both.

    • Thank you Terrie, I thought I was the only one who felt this way! It’s funny though, I think it’s definitely a gender thing because I don’t notice many men who beat themselves up if they don’t comment as often as they blog.

      I feel tremendously guilty over not visiting/commenting enough, but not enough to do more of it. I visit a few old blog friends every so often but that’s about it.

      Miz, you are such a role model of supportive commenting that I can’t believe anyone would try to make you feel guilty for not spending your entire freakin’ day doing it!

  5. I do have google reader, and I like it for organizing my favorite blogs. I DO NOT feel guilty if it fills up. I either spend a bit more time catching up (I love reading them), or delete the pile up and start from there. no big deal. It’s worth not getting stressed about it just to continue to be inspired and impressed by my fellow bloggers!

  6. I block out my days so I always dedicate a chunk of time to blog reading and a chunk of time to blogging. The amount depends on if I’m working a 15 hour day or a 5 hour day. Life doesn’t stop just because people write awesome stuff unfortunately. I don’t have a reader of any sorts- they seem confusing- I just click through blogs until my time ends!

  7. I find it hard to find the time to comment, but I love your routine.
    I am now wondering if I take the plunge and stop using google reader – I just like it as a place to star posts I have enjoyed and know I will find useful in the future. But then I think I must miss so many other good blogs and posts, but because I’m not subscribed.
    Like you said it is finding your enough place (if that makes sense).
    Excellent post that has got me thinking of a better way to use my blog reading time 🙂

  8. I get most of my blog reading done in the morning, but I’m lucky in that my days are not so busy (most of the time) so I can read throughout, if I choose. However, there’s a point when you have to stop reading blogs and start living your day; I try to keep that in mind.

    As for comments, just when I think I “know” everyone who reads my blog, I’ll get a comment from a new person, not necessarily a blogger, either! 🙂

  9. I’m actually kind of like you. I click around. I have a great blogroll and I start there and then just see where it takes me. Blog reading is perfect for me right now because I don’t have the time to sit and get involved in a novel. When I have time to read, I have time to read a few posts.

    And commenting from my phone stinks, so I don’t do it.

    I just do what I can.

  10. I really end up overwhelmed.
    Too many blogs to read and I get stressed out if I don’t read no one will read mine.
    It is enough to make me stop blogging 🙁

  11. I do have a Google reader and I like it because I have some blogs that I follow religously and I wouldn’t want to miss a post. But when time allows I also check out random blogs. Some days I get to more blogs than others and that’s ok. Usually I just click on one that has a post that interests me and see where that takes me. I have enough stresses in my life, I try not to let blogging be one of them.

  12. I do have my favorites when it comes to blogs I read. That being said, I will read anything that interests me.

    Google reader? Huh? lol I don’t use it…I don’t think!

    I enjoy reading blogs, it’s fun! Plus, if I didn’t, I don’t think I would have ever met you! (Well, virtually at least!)

    One day Miz. One Day. I hope.

    Thanks for always being YOU in everything you DO.

  13. You’ve got to have a routine that works for YOU. It appears that you do. I do have a reader – it does get full and overwhelming. That’s when I scan for my favorite blogs – read those and then delete the rest. I feel guilty – but I don’t know why I do.

  14. Great post! And as if you’re ‘only’ seeing morning posts – given the way you click around, you would see posts that were created at different times – regardless of the time you read them!

    Given the number of people who have told me that they and their friends read my blog in real life, and the occasional unexpected comment that comes from someone who has HAD to be reading awhile, I think our online fitness community is just very vocal – bloggers are the only people who know how much it means to get a comment. Non-bloggers have less reason to leave a mark.

  15. love this post. i am like you and mainly do my blog reading in the morning. sometimes i try to catch a few at lunch or in the evening, but mornings are my blog time. today i am actually not blogging and just trying to read some. i can’t read everything – just not possible. i do use google reader, but those i mainly skim and rarely comment.

  18. I like my Google Reader but I don’t get overwhelmed by it like it’s a “to do” list. My reader only has blogs that I truly enjoy and I love finding a new post ready for reading when I have 5-10 minutes to read. Still, if I don’t have time to comment, or read the post on my phone, I don’t worry about it.

    I tried the tit for tat commenting and realized it took too much time and felt forced. Lots of great blogs out there but reading blogs that don’t really speak to me just in hopes of boosting my own blog’s readership seemed too fake. I can’t do fake.

  19. I loathe Google Reader. I use NetNewsWire to follow sites I want to keep up with and I feel no guilt at all that it’s full of unread links. I love to read (blogs, books, whatever) but there are only so many hours in the day. I have a blog, but I have no rules–or even guidelines–about how often I post. I’m all about doing what I can when I can.

  20. I have gReader and just use it to get a quick look at what is going on – if I read a blog post I click to the site and finish the post there. Then I go to Facebook and look around for blog links there. If I like a post I will comment, if not I have added a pageview.

    I also subscribe to certain blogs by email and read those ones everyday.

    I have it so that Facebook sends emails from certain groups when new entries are made and I can click on the links from the email to read a blog post if I want. So I get to look at more than just the top of the list of posts .

    I think the RSS readers do cut down on page views and people commenting on blogs. However, readers do make the morning faster for me.

    It can be overwhelming but I don’t get upset if I don’t read a post, I just do what I can :-).

  21. I read blogs the same way you do. I don’t use google reader. I just blog hop. I do think that people who leave comments are mostly bloggers (at least for me) I do think other people read, but maybe not as much? I spend about an hour in the morning reading blogs while i have breakfast and have coffee (like u) and then maybe will pop in on some others during lunch.

  22. I like your approach to this, probably b/c mine is similar. I tend to devote my blog reading to days, however, rather than a particular time of day. My rules–no reading on the weekends–that’s family time. Monday I hit up the motherlode of blogs b/c everyone has something to say on a Monday, no? Then I spend some time each day devoted to reading others, but there are days when I miss and like you, I have no guilt. We do what we can do.

    Finally–I think sadly that yes, most of my readers are other bloggers. My friends read it too, but they aren’t commenters.

  24. Interesting timing on this one, Miz, as usual!

    I like my Google Reader b/c it helps me catch up. I actually want to add more blogs to it because there are so many more that I read/want to read and I forget where they are.

    I read a few blogs in the morning and more at night. On weekends I try to catch up, so I may be the person giving you pages views on Saturday/Sunday.

    I have a few non-blogger friends who read my blog, but I think most of my readers are bloggers – and that’s fine with me because they are awesome!

  25. I used to feel guilty, but with our crazy family/homeschool/goatwalking/vegetable growing schedule I’ve let go of that. I read what I can, when I can. Like you, I enjoy it (but read much less than you, lol). And…as a result I don’t have a ton of bloggers routinely reading my blog, and that’s OK. I get a lot of google search. It works out.
    I think one thing we all need to do is forgive each other…we’re busy, it’s OK. I may not read your blog every day, but I may stalk you on twitter, or facebook, or instagram…It’s community, not tit for tat.

  26. Really? I’m not the only one who avoids google reader? 🙂 I have a system that works for me, too… generally I take a chunk of my daughter’s nap time to catch up on as many blogs as I can, and when I’m done, I’m done. Like you, the relationships are meaningful and I love reading and hearing what’s going on with everyone. I also absolutely agree- at the end of that time, no guilt! We can’t do it all.

  28. I do use google reader, but I’ve stopped feeling guilt/pressure from it. At this point it just throws a bunch of blogs I like in one place, and I can go through and read what I want. I have some that I read no matter what, and the rest of it depends on my mood, time constraints, or who I feel like catching up with. I know I don’t comment enough, so there’s no guilt if they don’t even know that I am or am not reading. And when I get overwhelmed? Mark all as read!

  30. Good post! I read blogs when I eat, so I spend about an hour a day in total reading. It is time consuming to keep up with everyone but I’ve cut back in recent times because it was just taking over my life. I can’t comment on everyone’s blogs all the time! I’m trying to spend more time reading books as opposed to blogs.

  32. Great post! I love reading everyone else’s blogs and seeing what they are all up to! I do have a google reader and definitely feel overwhelmed at times with so many great posts to read! I love your coffee trick! Once it’s done blog reading is done! I’m going to have to remember that one!

  35. I love catching up with my blogging friends by reading their blogs. I have a reader and it’s not a source of frustration for me – I’ve reduced the number of blogs I subscribe to so that it’s manageable. I meet new bloggers by clicking on links in others’ posts.

  36. I’m glad you brought this up! I used to feel super anxious when I wasn’t able to read and comment on EVERY blog. I have a Google Reader and when it would fill up to 20, 30, 40+ blog posts, I would feel so overwhelmed, so now I just follow your approach and really only read the blogs that I enjoy (like yours!) and I don’t feel too guilty. I’m not going to waste my time reading a blog that I just can’t really connect with and who, admittedly, may irritate me because I feel that they don’t show their true selves and sugar-coat everything. I do take my time to read new blogs though, because who knows? I may actually like them a lot and add them to my daily blog reads. 🙂

  37. Well, i have some i follow because i really like them. Others i drop in on.

    My method is to read, do a chore or something around the house, comment, do something else. All day, back and forth.

    What i get to, i get to. What i don’t, i don’t. Life’s like that.

  38. Miz, I am constantly struggling with this! When I first started blogging, I would spend hours kin the morning reading blogs, and exploring. I was also posting on my own blog so much more.

    These days, things got busier, and sometimes I don’t read until I go to bed, and honestly not at all, because by that time, I have a hard time even keeping my eyes open.

    I have Google Reader, but DO NOT LIKE it. I do feel overwhelmed when I go in and see how many posts I have not read. IT IS too much pressure.

    Another thing, Facebook. Since I created my Facebook account which is strictly linked to my healthy lifestyle and my blog, I find that I’m reading everyone’s posts and not as much blogging.

    This bothers me though. I enjoy the blogging. I’m going to try to focus more on that now. It’s what I LOVE!

  39. Guilt must be gender related. I rarely blog anymore, but love lurking. Never feel guilt not commenting as most have ways to see who/where there visitors are/from.

  40. I have no idea how to do Google Reader or RRS or is it RSS feed. 😉 I LOVE THIS!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!

    I often feel guilty when I don’t get to reading certain blogs or forget or miss. The ones that let me subscribe by email, I get to my inbox but if I can’t, sometimes I just forget to go there…

    Like you, I do what I can but I guess I still feel bad sometimes & now with trying to cut back.. well, I am just going to have to learn to just not get stressed about it & hope people understand.

    BTW, I drink my coffee hotter than hot so I go thru a pot in your 45 minutes of one cup! 😉 Course I water mine down big time!

  41. I was going to write a break up letter to Google reader for that very reason. You are so wise and I adore you more and more. If that’s possible?

  42. I think that I need to break up with Google Reader for exactly the reasons you state. I gives me much guilt and anxiety because it is full full and I feel like I’m neglecting friends. I’m still trying to figure out a routine that works for me with blog reading. I definitely don’t want it to be a burden. I do most of my readind in the morning over breakfast or coffee because, let’s face it, I would rather do that instead of my work. But if I catch a tweet during the day that intrigues me, I will email it to myself so that I can read later (but that’s brings a whole other sort of anxiety of the full-inbox sort). But I do what I can.

    BTW – my husband is convinced that it’s just bloggers reading bloggers.

  43. I use Google reader, also to divide my favorite ones (the ones I want to read everyday) and “the others”. But I use Google reader also as a news feeder.

    I usually read my fav blogs during work. Every time I have a little break I read one. I don’t read blogs during the weekend, I stopped doing that a couple of months ago and I like that very much.

    Blog reading should be fun and you do it because you are interested. If you feel obligated to read a blog, you should stop immediately.

  44. I truly enjoy catching up with other bloggers but have to be mindful of my time. At one point, having a lot of unread posts in my Google reader was cause for stress, but like most everything in life, “consistent” doesn’t mean perfect 24/7, it means “most of the time.” So I do what I can and what feels right to me. I comment mindfully or not at all.

  45. This is great!!! I struggle with keeping up with everyone’s blogs so much, because usually I get so busy I forget, then days and weeks go by and I’m like, ‘CRAP!’ But I like you’re routine thingy! Totally going to try that!

  46. It really is all in the attitude, isn’t it? We can choose to be overwhelmed or not. I love reading blogs and have my favorites but also enjoy finding new treasures too. I’m like you. I have a schedule, do what I can, mindfully comment and don’t feel guilty about what I can’t do.
    PS what’s a reader? I subscribe to blogs via email!

  47. You say you’re not that organized in your blog reading, but that sounds pretty organized to me! I have a few that I check in on regularly, but otherwise I just click through from what I see on Twitter.

    And I do think there’s a lot more than just us bloggers reading. I’m always surprised when coworkers or non-blog-friends mention blogs that I read/bloggers that I know!

  48. Love this. I sit down in the morning with my coffee to blog read too. When it’s time to get the kids up and get the day going, I rarely get back to the computer to comment. I use Google Reader on my phone to read/skim lots of blogs on the go during the day. But I also organize them on my Reader – I have a folder for those that I want to comment on and the rest I just read. Many times I comment in chunks when I catch up every few days on my favorites.

    I do notice that lots of my comments are from bloggers – but I love that, we’re an awesome bunch.

  50. I’m the same way as you, I wake up and read as many as I can in the morning over breakfast, then I go on with my day. When I get home at night I read some more, write my own blog post, and go to bed. I LOVE learning about bloggers and getting insight into their life and getting motivation from them, it really is inspiring! I like being able to be inspired on my own time, not with a google reader yelling at me. ;p

  51. goodness who did you have this conversation with 🙂

    I have much the same pattern as you I read and click around, then I check in with some of my favorites…some days I read more and other days less. I am trying to be better about commenting each time I read because I know how good it feels to get a comment.

  54. I have gone through phases of extreme guilt over not reading more blogs and leaving comments. Sometimes I only have time to cook, photograph,write posts and maintain my blog. There is little time left for reading other posts and commenting. I don’t have a reading schedule, I do have Google Reader but it’s so out of hand right now and I never really figured out how to organize it.

    From Google Analytics I know that only a small group of people who read my blog actually take the time to leave a comment. That sometimes bothers me because if I do read a post I feel like I should leave a comment. Again guilt!

    I need to let it go and be more like you. I like your no quilt attitude and approach to posting, commenting and well life in general!

  55. I have/had a Google Reader. There are some 300 subscriptions on it. It became unmanageable, and things came to a head for me when Google announced that iGoogle would be discontinued. I realized I’d NEVER go to my Google reader once that Google home page was deleted, so I started moving things back to MyYahoo. When I did that, I realized I DIDN’T want to have a page of 300 feeds. And I started sorting.

    Eventually I subscribed to feeds through my email, and I’ve got 12 blogs listed there. Two of them are on “trial” with me, and I may delete them.

    Now I do click around more… people who comment, featured posts on BlogHer, links other people recommend.

    Do I feel guilty? Sometimes. I get over it. I wasn’t keeping things straight when I was reading 300 blogs, so missing a few posts or having to go back because I’ve lost track isn’t really any different.

    The fact is, there’s just TOO MUCH OUT THERE to even try to absorb it all. Sure, you’re going to miss some great stuff, but hopefully you can get some of it… and you can go crazy sorting through it all.

    For me, it’s about finding blogs that are CONSISTENTLY informative, or interesting to me personally, or that I have an emotional investment in, and letting go of those that don’t keep me informed, inspired, or involved.

  56. WOW this is a lot of comments! I am lucky to get one or two! I LOVE the Google Blog reader and do a lot of reading on my phone when I have a spare moment or two. I read first-thing in the morning too, with coffee 🙂

    Some blogs seem to invite lots of comments (yours); others, not (mine!). I will meet people at races who say they read my blog and it sort of freaks me out. I get a few hundred reads a day, so I know they are out there, but it’s still weird in person!!

  57. I really like your method. It’s been hard for me to come up with a good method since having X. Right now I mostly read while on my phone and star the ones I want to share or comment on later — and sometimes I don’t have time to go back (which is usually the case), but I’m reading them and doing my best. I sometimes have that “am I going to miss something” feeling, but I think I need to relax on that a bit! Thanks for your perspective!

  60. I’m like you with my coffee and blog readings.. I love blogs but I’m also a read, click on a link or comment and move on to the next one. And wow, I can feel SO overwhelmed by everything!!! You got a great blog going on here!! Good for you!!

  61. I do use google reader and have it pretty well organized. There are blogs that I just glance over in reader or hit ‘mark as read’ automatically because they are work related or whatever. I don’t always comment because that can be a stressor sometimes. Also, I HATE captcha codes on blogs because if I’m on my phone reading they are a PITA. I’m on multiple times a day and on occasion do try to delete blogs from reader that are no longer relevant (or of people who rarely post) and add new blogs as I find them. If someone comments on one of my posts, I make it a point to get over to their blog and repay the comment love. It’s the main reason I installed intense debate.

    I think your method is great. It works for you and that’s what’s most important.

  62. Well I just spent more time reading comments than I ever have in my life because I was curious as to the response on this subject. I have a Google Reader w/ over 100 blogs that read daily by scrolling through quickly and stopping if I see something of particular interest each morning for about 30 min. Then, I click on some new ones on Twitter or that I see linked so I make sure I’m not missing out on new blogs I might like. Also, I think there are a TON of readers out there that we never know about who don’t blog. It IS time consuming but this community has uplifted me so much and it’s worth it to me.

  63. I think each blog tends to get a group of fans that comment with the occasional transiet that visits.

    I read several blogs. I will comment on most of them, but every time. Some I read like watching a train wreck and do not comment because the truth hurts and what’s the point anyway when they are beyond help.

  64. I’ve been reading and commenting (and, of course, posting) less and less and less over the past months. But I still love my google reader and can’t imagine blog reading without it. I just heard today something about feedburner ending and have no idea how that will impact my subscriptions to other blogs or, if I ever post again, subscribers to MY blog!

  65. I do have a google reader set up, but I find the more I befriend bloggers via the interwebs, the less I use it.

    I also set aside the time to read blogs, and like you it is usually the same time everyday. Although I do use the favorite button on twitter like crazy when I see something that sounds appealing. I have a few blogs that I read regularly, but I usually look at the title or tags and see if it is appealing to my interests. I don’t have guilt because that takes the fun out of blog reading.

  66. I use google reader and I admit sometimes it makes me frustrated. I’ve gotten better/more relaxed about not having to comment on everything, I read a lot more than I comment. Blogging can feel like a second full-time job sometimes, so I’m always striving to find that right balance.

  68. I wish I had more time for blog reading/commenting, but I can’t even always find the time to write posts for my own blog. I think it’s hard for me because my son is still young (2.5) and I stay home with him. I just don’t have the time to sit down on the computer and comment on blogs. I try to read when I can and I usually do that from my phone where commenting is a pain in the butt. One day I will find a way to be a better blogger and blog reader and commenter!

  69. I have a blog reader (NOT Google) that I’ve used for years. When I worked for BlogHer it was a near requirements.

    Now? With many bloggers posting not every day, and posting at different times, I only use it to be informed that there is something new to read.

    Sometimes I click through and read. Sometimes I save it for a better day. I cannot imagine any post that is SO timely and SO important that I.MUST.READ.IT.RIGHT.AWAY. Makes for crazy time.

    I think many bloggers find like-minded, like-lifed bloggers and read only them. (most don’t read me. Even if I write well). I read a WIDE assortment of blogs (Marc Cuban, Mobi, Jane Epperson, Yarn Harlot, and some fitness bloggers!) and always go for good writing over topic.

  70. I honestly love your approach. I do have a reader, and right now there are 120 un-read posts and it is kind of overwhelming! Not going to lie. However, a lot of times I just skim blogs, and a lot of times I read a do not comment. I don’t really feel guilty because come on, I’m only human and do not have the time to catch up on 120 blog posts in one day. I would have no life. I usually just let it ride and read them when I get to them.

  71. I have the reader, which I like because I can skim through and read those that interest me. I set certain times of the day where I allow myself a break from work and clear out the reader. It’s a nice break. I am guilty of reading many blogs, but not commenting on them all the time. I would rather not just buzz by with just a “looking great!” comment (although I have done that on occasion). My commenting depends on how much time I have.

    What I find very interesting is that you do see the same groups of people commenting on the same blog – mine as well. I have gotten emails from people who said they were too shy to comment on the blog because they didn’t want to interrupt the ‘regulars’ – isn’t that funny?

  72. Sometimes I feel like you are in my head. Just yesterday I was wondering if anyone other than other bloggers read my blog =) LOL.
    I used google reader for a while but found that I was getting so upset when I saw the #s increasing of unread blogs. So I don’t use it anymore.
    There are a handful of “must-reads” for me each day that I hit up…and then another bunch that I try to every few days…
    But I’m with you – I love following the journey of life of so many people – everyone has their own book and I enjoy coming back each day for a new page or chapter =)

  73. you nailed it on the head with this one!!
    what people said about reading and commenting is so true, as we have discussions about it all the time.
    we use google reader but we also use facebook a lot to follow and click on blogs that we want to support and comment. we are still trying to find a routine that works, some days we dont comment till late at night, if we are good during the day, and if we are really bad we comment days later haha

  74. I had a reader, but then it got overwhelming. I now follow people on twitter and if they link their posts, I scan their posts and comment if I feel inclined. I only have so much time to dedicate, so I’m sure I’m missing out on some amazing stuff, but c’est la vie.

  75. I read blogs like I watch tv shows. I pick one or two and try to focus on those. When I do more than that I just get overwhelmed. So I pick a few I like and just read the last few posts. I use the reader in my blogger account so I don’t feel any pressure I just read what is at the top.

    I try to post on blogs I like because I want to start a conversation with people.
    I’m also trying to start my own blog and it’s a way to be a part of the community.

    I agree that the key to ease when it comes to reading blogs or anything else is to work with what is in front of you. Just deal with what is present and let everything else be what it is.

    If you want to read my blog great, but if it causes you more stress, please don’t. My goal is to help people be more balanced not more stressed out.

    Be Well
    Gentoku
    dharmatrainer.blogspot.com

  76. I am a true lover of blogs! I consider reading them to be just like catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee. I DO NOT stress over my reader. I will miss some, but honestly, I can’t read everything every day! I can’t even find the time to post every day. I will skim older posts if I have time later, but for the most part, I try to catch up and comment when I can.

  77. I love, love, love reading other blogs. I just started blogging my own weight loss journey hoping to get some accountability and it seems to be working for me so far. I’m not really sure how the whole Blog-World works yet so I’m figuring it out as I go. I don’t blog daily, but think I should and feel like I’m dropping the ball by only doing it once or twice a week. I like that you don’t stress over it!

  78. I use Google reader and have my feeds neatly organized by topic and interest level. Some blogs are everyday (or every post) blogs; some are when I have extra time or the feed has something that interests me. I also like the reader because I can mark interesting posts that I don’t have time to do more than scan and come back to them later, during that extra time. Or when I don’t want to mow the lawn.

    As for not commenting or reading as frequently as I’d like, I call upon the blogging golden rule: Forgive me for not commenting on your (royal) every post as I forgive you (royal) for not commenting on mine. We all have lives after all. If not, we should go out and get one! 🙂

  80. I had a Google reader. There were about 50-100 blogs showing up in it a day, I barely sleep as it is, overwhelming, adios Google Reader. Now I blog at night after I get home from work. I am still trying to learn how to balance it all as some days I will get sucked in, read blogs for 2-3 hours, then not sleep, whoops.

  81. Both. There are people I LOVE to read, then there are people I feel obligated to read and I can’t break the cycle. Sometimes I read people who are popular just to follow other people’s conversations about them! LoL. I do enjoy reading them all though and maybe if I can’t comment I can at least retweet enjoyable posts to share with others? I want to do that more often

  82. I do use google reader, but I when I add blogs I try to put them in a specific folder. One folder is marked always. That one is a very small group and I read pretty much 100% of those posts. I don’t always comment, but I always read. That small group is generally made up of people I know in person or have some strong connection with. Everyone else is in folders that I use for skimming titles. I read what interests me, then empty the folder. This actually allows me a ton of variety in the blogs I read.

    I read after my boys are in bed and the house is ready for the next day, so how much time I have is directly related to how late that is and how tired I am. I also read a post or two here and there throughout the day if I find myself with a few minutes to spare. Commenting is a wildcard. Totally depends on my mood and if the blog has made me think of something I want to say (obviously you’ve hit both of those here LOL). And the more stressed I am by my life, the less I comment.

  83. Here are my thoughts after a crazy day at work:
    1. You are awesome. (No elaboration needed!)
    2. I have a reader but I never use it because the clutter gives me the hives.
    3. If I don’t do something in the morning before I leave for work, it won’t get done. Once the husband and daughter (and myriad canine and feline inhabitants of the house) are around, it’s all about them, always.
    4. I am so lazy that I now just subscribe to my favorite blogs – like yours! – via email. Coffee, Pug on treadmill, and blog reading all at once!
    5. Did I mention that you’re awesome? (My Pug thinks so, too!)

  84. I do not have a reader, I don’t like them. I prefer email subscriptions. I have one hour to devote to reading/commenting (most days). I read things that catch my eye and move on. If I don’t have something to say, I don’t. Then I delete the posts I don’t get to or it will be overwhelming.

  85. I have to admit Miz, that I do think it’s basically bloggers reading other bloggers.

    I’m currently trying to ‘grow’ my blogs but have to ask myself why. If I’m honest I write for me (cos I love writing and it enables me to express myself in a way I wouldn’t otherwise) but I guess I like it if my blogs speak to other people.

    I follow (via Google Reader) a LOT of blogs (divided into: health and fitness; writing and blogging; and general faves). There are over 100 blogs in there and so my unread posts often reach 50+ and I’m one of those who get stressed. I feel an obligation to read others’ posts, but know they wouldn’t expect this of me, as I don’t expect this of other bloggers!

    I do get a bit frustrated if bloggers I follow and comment on NEVER appear to read mine, but again, need to remind myself why I blog.

    I think you’re awesome at sharing the love – not just via commenting, but by being supportive and sharing the love. Role models are important and I love the balance you apply to your life.

    Deb

  86. I have a google reader, and I actually really like it. I used email subscriptions for a year and a half, but I feel more organized with the reader. I have mine broken into folders (fitness, nutrition, etc) and that helps me feel ok. I read for a set amount of time in the morning, occasionally during my lunch break, and again in the later evening. Of course this changes if I’m exceptionally busy. Blog reading is usually very relaxing for me, but I’ve realized that I can’t read every blog every day, and I only comment if I feel like I have something else to say besides “great post” or something like that.

  87. I have Google Reader and am trying to get into the habit of using it. The ones that pop out at me for whatever reason (content, or the writer, etc…) ill open it up in a seperate tab and read it eventually. It’s still easy to get overwhelmed though. :/

  88. I just love blog reading. It has been such a positive in my life. Blog reading kick started my 50 lb. weight loss, it got me to see that I’m not alone in my post abused child world, makes me see possibilities I would never have thought of on my own (and I’m actually pretty darn creative) and is just a whole lot of fun!
    I do pretty much the same as you- when breakfast is done, the blog reading is done. If I get another chance to ‘sneak a peak’ later in the day, I might…
    And I only have a limited number of blogs I read, but I occasionally find other stuff by following up on a comment. Then I might just add that person’s blog to my list if their stuff is super cool. 😉

  89. Whoa. Over 90 comments. That is a lot.

    I don’t have a google reader or whatever it’s called. My good friend Marathon Lar does, and she’s a dedicated reader. I don’t know how she does it. My method is similar to yours, I just kind of randomly choose blogs to check. Except, I am subscribed to a few blogs that I particularly like and am notified when they post. Also, I have a blog FB page which I LOVE, because I only follow other running blogs/products on it. When I’m signed into FB as runfundone, I get this amazing newsfeed of running inspiration and blogs to read. Meanwhile, my regular blog newsfeed is all my friends and family. I love being able to choose to just see running content, or just see non-running content!

  90. I have Google Reader and have everything categorized there by blog type, i.e. weight loss, fitness, healthy cooking, etc. I feel no guilt if I don’t get to every blog every day because it would simply be impossible as I juggle the responsibilities of managing a department at work, being a full-time student, and making time for working out. I get to blog reading/commenting when I can. That said, I have a handful of blogs that are “must reads” for me, so I have them in a “Daily Reads” folder in Google Reader and always try to get to at least those blogs on a daily basis. I admit I’ve been really remiss in commenting on blogs, but I’m trying to rectify that. I know just how much I appreciate comments left on my blog, so I need to return the favor to other bloggers. 🙂

  91. Oh Miz.
    I am so overwhemed but the number of blogs to read so I feel anyone would even read MINE I stopped blogging :/

  92. I have changed how I approach blog reading so much! I do have a reader but have just a few in there – like 10 blogs. Those are ones that I tend to read daily because they’re ones of those I consider close friends. Then, I just click around to others from different places – my blog’s comments, other blogs, links that catch my eye on Twitter/Facebook. I read for the amount of time I have and then move on with my day. Works wonders.

  93. I might have google reader, but I don’t pay attention to it. I have a couple blogs that I read regularly, but the rest of the time, I usually use downtime at work & click on links from Twitter or FB on my phone. I’m a new blogger & actually a new blog reader. I love reading them & typically learn some great info from each one. Thank you all! 🙂

  94. I wake up a half hour early every morning just to catch up on news and blogs. I have about 50 blogs bookmarked (yes, I still bookmark) that I open and check for new posts every morning.

    As a blogger, I do notice that the only people who comment on my blog are other bloggers. I’m not sure if that necessarily means all my readers are bloggers, but I tend to feel that in my own little blogging world, we all just read each other.

  95. Ha! I found this as I was catching up on my Reader! Yes, sometimes it is a pain, especially when I have a few busy days and suddenly there are 100 unread posts. I admit I skim through until something intrigues me.

    I am a whenever I have a moment kind of blog reader. I will click through to commenters blogs, the ol’ tit for tat. I will, usually later in the day scroll through the Fitfluential and Sweat Pink link love and click on what interests me.

    It does sometimes feel we (bloggers) only read each others posts, but every now and then I get a comment that says otherwise, especially when I’ve touched someone personally. I think that other bloggers are more apt to comment, but there are other people out there reading.

    And thank you, Miz, for letting us in on your secret. I have wondered too, how you “get around so much.” Now I know 🙂

  96. I’m a reader girl and I have mine set up by folders: Fashion Bloggers, FitBloggers, Latina Bloggers, etc. I read what I want on any given day. I use the “mark as read” all the time because let’s face it I’m not going to read everything from everyone I follow. No guilt at all.

    Some days I skip the reader all together and just chat on twitter and read random stuff.

    Its really about what works for you.

  99. I like my Reader. I might not be able to get through every post, but I do at least scroll though each and stop and actually read ones that I find most interesting to me at the given time – depending on how much time I actually do have. I like staying updated on people’s recipes that they post if I know they always post some awesome things, same with fitness workouts and stuff like that – I don’t feel guilty when it fills up, I do feel overwhelmed sometimes but that’s when I just scroll down and just don’t read it all. It’s easy for me to have it all in one place though to get back to.

  100. I’d like, no, LOVE to have time to read blogs all day every day, but just don’t have time. Until today, I hadn’t even made time to take time to myself. But if you read my latest blog entries, you’ll note that my life has a sudden and very serious medical situation that cannot be ignored. So all 3 of us in this family need to get as healthy as possible, and if that means blogging again, and reading other blogs, so be it.

    Gotta try, right?

    Vee at http://veegettinghealthy.blogspot.com

  101. I have a google reader but I’m constantly pruning it. I used to get major social media anxiety for not reading. But now I know I just can’t. Instead, if it’s not important enough for me to click on the blog and read it instead of mark as read I delete after a few months.

    Also I prefer looking at things my twitter and facebook friends recommend. They know me and I trust them to read those posts.

  102. Interesting post! I use Google Reader but I never get overwhelmed by it- I use it as a way of organization, because honestly, my bookmark is already overtaken by school and work- blogging (and reading blogs) is its own separate escape for me, and I want to keep it that way. So I, like you, will sit down with my google reader in the morning, and then throughout the day, whenever I need a break, pop in and see who has posted anything new. The only thing I dislike about my system is the definitive lack of discovering new blogs. Most of the blogs I follow come from #fitblog or something similar, and I rarely discover new blogs through another avenue. I suppose if I were reading more comments and landing on more actual pages I’d do that… so maybe it’s worth a shot! 🙂 Thanks for your post.

  103. I was SO wondering that this morning! Are we ALL really the only ones reading our blogs?! Except *maybe* close friends and family? Holy smokes.

    I have a reader. Its beyond full. Its probably been that way for years. I can’t keep up. EVER.

    BUT I do graze on posts during the day and read and read often trying to comment where I can. But I try not to comment if I think my response doesn’t have any meat to it. (Its also really easy to end up in a bloggy black hole where 5 hours have passed by)

    For example, I have been reading your blog since WAY back, I’ve commented once or twice, but usually I take all the goodness away. Now as a blogger I understand how important it is to engage, if not to just let you know I care about what you wrote and its important to me.

    I do feel horrible sometimes when I find a blog I love and completely forget about it. Ugh.

  105. I thought I was the only one that didn’t have a google reader! I don’t want one, either. I enjoy clicking around and reading. I have some blogs that I visit more often than others, but I never feel like I have to, and that keeps it fun for me and let’s me balance blogs with motherhood and myself.

  107. omg I NEEDED this post. I have so little time for blog reading in my schedule and it often feel guilty for not being able to get to everyones blog who gets to mine. This was only amplified at fitbloggin. I literally just finished updating my google reader a few minutes ago and I already feel overwhelmed. I think I am just going to set a routine for myself. I pack a lunch everyday and when I am done eating I usually have nothing to do other than play around on Instagram or Twitter, I think these 40 min will be my read time and I will just pick randomly from my reader.

    Anyways I MISS YOU already! Hopefully next time we meet we can do a meal or something!

    Alan

  108. Thanks for this post! I actually don’t use Google Reader and don’t subscribe to any blogs. I have hundreds of blogs bookmarked in my web browser and I kind of just pick and choose where to click on any given day. I also like to see what’s buzzing on twitter and facebook and will check something out if it piques my interest. I like it this way, but as a newbie blogger, I’m still figuring things out and have wondered, “Am I doing this the “right” or most efficient way?” “Should I do the whole Google Reader thing?” It’s helpful for me to know that a blogger with a whole lot more experience than I do also kind of just does her own thing :). Thanks!

  109. I also don’t use a reader. If I really love a blog, I’ll subscribe to it via email. If that is an option, the chances that I come back are slim, unless I’m clicking around and find you again. I try to read every post of my most favorite blogs, but only when they come to me via email. If I’m too busy one day, I don’t sweat it. I like how twitter was described to me once – it’s like a cocktail party. You can’t hear every conversation, you are only there for part of the night in one particular part of the room. I think the same goes for blogging, in a way. In another way, if you miss out on your favorite newscast in a day, you aren’t likely to stress about it and want to go back… you don’t feel guilty if you don’t listen to all of the other newscasts… LIke you said, you need to do what’s right for you and what you enjoy.

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