Crossroads. Damnit.
I started viewing the controversial “American Blogger” documentary.
Quick note: I “get” how the documentary may be seen as controversial – it’s just a very, tiny snapshot of the entire blogging-sphere. But it’s not without thought, love, beauty. It’s one person’s vision. His point of view, which can very well be biased due to the fact that his daily experience with blogging includes his wife – her blog, her blogroll, etcetera and so forth. He goes into how memories were captured and shared across a multitude of mediums for decades. And it continues to do so in the form of blogging. That might have been a better premise as opposed to using the term “American Blogger”, but I digress… I don’t mind his title, trailer or video.
As I listened to the stories of these fantastic ladies, I started to think about my personal journeys. Past, present, future. What I’m choosing to share with the community on this blog. And that’s exactly it – I’m choosing to share snapshots. Not the whole enchilada. I took a moment’s pause. This made me think about authenticity.
Questions popped up:
Am I portraying my tiny corner of the world in the proper light?
Is there a right or wrong way to share with your readers?
Is this an “all or nothing” medium?
In the end, these answers are not black and white.
The bravery and selflessness of these women is consuming, thought-provoking and curious. However, when is it too much? Melissa from Dear Baby said it right – she keeps some of those special, private moments just for her family and off the blog. A healthy awareness and balance.
But I believe that sometimes it is through the blogging that we create those special experiences as well as have a platform to share our story.
In the words of Chelsey from The Paper Mama, “Just do it. You gotta just do it. You don’t need to go into it knowing what you will blog about but just start it.”
I may not be there yet, existing inside my cushy comfort zone for just a little while longer with my tot and hubs, but I know this much is true – the documentary opened my eyes to an honest, open community that is not just living life but experiencing life. Being real and living with intention is the purpose.
Did you get a chance to view “American Blogger”? I would love to know your thoughts – good, bad, indifferent. This documentary really has me thinking…
xo.
Melissa Faye
May 1, 2014I liked the documentary and I too was motivated to think about my own life and blogging journey. There is so much I don’t share, but for the sake of being human, I like to share intimate thoughts and feelings because it helps me to feel connected to my readers. I blog because I enjoy it, and although many of these bloggers are full-time, I often feel like I would struggle much more with balancing life and blog if I were to blog full time. I was really excited to see the bloggers living life day to day and having a somewhat “messy” house. It did crack me up to see them take pictures of their dinner before their family ate. Life of a blogger, I guess, haha.
annehnert
May 2, 2014I agree. I think I would find the balance more difficult as well. It’s nice to know, though, that some did say they set rigid schedules, because it’s so true that this doesn’t ever turn off. We could work forever… 🙂 The picture taking was so surreal for me too! I mean, we all take pictures and we know what goes into it sometimes, but to actually be an outsider and peaking into another blogger’s routine is exciting yet awkward.