I 'd like your ideas, thoughts, opinions. Let's talk!

Yken Teruya - McDonald's Bag

There’s been a funny thing happening in the blogosphere in the last six weeks or so. It is a phenomenon I’ve seen discussed briefly from time to time, but around August, I noticed more and more people were talking about it; and now it seems to have steamrolled.

“It” being “honesty” in blogging.

The bloggers talking about it seem to feel an odd kind of peer pressure as a result of *other* bloggers, whom they feel:

1.    Produce more work and/or completed projects than they ever could;

2.    Produce better work than they ever could;

3.    Have more professional looking photographs than they do;

4.    Have prettier homes/neater and/or nicer homes;

5.    Have an aspirational lifestyle that they can’t match;

6.    Insert your particular “envy” here.  (I'll add as they come in)

       a) Have a book coming out/are going on a book tour;
       b) Have been /are going to the BIG quilt shows, or Quilt Market or the like;
     c) Seem to have an inexhaustible source of income for purchasing the "in" fabrics, going to workshops and retreats, etc.

So, what does all that have to do with me?  Well, let me start by saying that I'm not feeling some weird kind of pressure to be more accessible as a result of (entirely fictitious) “life envy”; but those ongoing discussions about blog lifestyle / blogging styles *have* got me thinking about this whole blogging thing – what its purpose is, for both you and I.

The fact is, I’m a bit bored by myself, and I’ve been wondering how I could change my blog in a way that would make it more interesting for me as well as you. (ETA) This doesn't mean I'm going to blog to please my readers; and I know this blog is mine and rest assured, will reflect my point of view - but I'm curious about what kinds of things people like to read about on blogs. 

So I have the following questions:

1.   Do you like to read about the life stuff? 

2.   Do you like to see/hear about other non art or quilt related sewing?

3.   Do you want to see the things that inspire the work? (Which run the gamut from other artists, news articles, clothing, rugs, or ??????)

4.   Do you want to hear more about the thinking process and/or inspiration that drives the work? (Be warned, I start thinking about the finished pieces months before I ever start sketching, let alone pick up a piece of fabric!)

5.   Do you want to see those sketches?

6.  Do you want to see the notes?

7.   Is there something else you want to read about? (but not gardening or learning Spanish as was jokingly suggested below!)

I may not take all of your suggestion(s), but things aren't going to stay the same and I do want to hear from you –your opinion does matter!  So, given your druthers, what would YOU like to see here?
Kit 120



P.S.  Although  I feel like I have always “kept it real” on my blog, perhaps it needs to be said:

My life is that of a middle class, middle-aged wife and mother. I have a full-time day job, a Beloved Spouse who ought to be regularly assured of that title, young adult children, fur babies and a home to jointly take care of.  I have real life stuff that takes up space in my heart, mind and body, finances always need to be kept in mind when purchasing things for my artwork, my house is never as clean as it should be, and at least half the time, I subsist on cheese and crackers and BSP has to forage for meals because I am too immersed in my work to cook.

Oh sure, it *sounds* all romantic on Facebook when I say we had a cheese flight and a glass of wine for dinner, but it’s only because I want to race back to the studio! (Really, it's BSP who suffers most because of my 30-40 hour work weeks in the studio!)

Kit Lang

26 comments:

  1. you forget: everyone else is working on a book or going on a book tour or going to one of those big fabulous quilt shows....except for me.
    I like seeing process, ideas, ideas gone wrong and why, and the finished product. blogging should be fun and voluntary, not to generate business. at least that's my opinion. I don't have a book to flog....yet.

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  2. Anonymous25.9.12

    I would like to know what inspired a piece in a few short sentences. I would love to see some notes and definitely sketches. Personally I don't feel more than just the teeniest bit of envy for the life or blogs of others. Instead I love the inspiration that gets me movin' each day and helps to spark my own creative fire.

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  3. Interesting that you post this, because I feel the same pressure, have the same concerns... my envy being that it's very difficult for me to afford "designer quilt fabric", let alone trips to retreats and conferences, shows and such... I often wonder if anyone can truly make money sewing, let alone even support their hobby. I do believe that most bloggers are honest, but I sometimes wonder what else in their lives is "slipping" (besides a home cooked meal). I honestly like your blog just the way it is... I like that you're different, and don't use designer fabric, and that it's very artistic. Frankly, I cringe every time a blogger shows pictures of their kids on their blog. I think it kind-of is an invasion of their kids' privacy, but I think I'm in the minority there... I blog to enjoy my art/hobby with other like-minded people. I also lost an entire family's written and photographic history in Hurricane Katrina, so I like that some of "me" is out there, "safe" from fire and flood. Plus, I enjoy it. I've almost always kept a journal, except when my kids were young (no time). Do what you want, not what others want, because you won't be able to keep up momentum if it's all for everyone else, ya know... My $0.02...

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  4. There was recent post about not getting the dimensions of a piece right and having to start over. real process stuff..now THAT's real the life of an artist. But I also enjoy reading about the mundane things in a person's life..if it informs you, it informs your art and so to your readers. Do you read Daintytime? On it's own the title would have driven me away but her work, her trials and triumphs and the generosity of the sharing makes it a pleasure to come back to with each new post. My own blog has been getting a little pinched up and stale lately..need to open the windows and doors of my world.

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  5. I agree with both Brenda and Gypsea. I grow weary of reading about book tours, who was 'there' at events, large and small, and the ever-popular business generating comments. I have no issues with business generating, and I wish them well, but it would be nice if one did so on a business-based blog. One could reference readers to their business-based blog, but I would prefer to be inspired. I have cut down on my blog surfing considerably and check in on a few favorites. I am also not too keen about looking at 25 photos taken on one's vacation. I enjoy your blog and am a firm believer that one should take the route one is most comfortable with. Do what pleases you. You do keep it real, which is why I am a regular visitor. Thank you for sharing.

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  6. Kit, I love your quilts and your life, but never ever feel envious as I always keep in mind that blogging is a virtual world with just partial views on someones life. I love reading how the designprocess takes place, and what the final results are, even if it is months / years later. And even if they are not what you want, as it can prevent me from making the same mistake. The wisdom of crowds helps us all to get further. I love quilttrip-stories as it makes me a fellow-visitor, by sharing the pictures. And I love to improve my english, which is still necessary. So, please write what you like, because that what will keep you going and me a gratefull reader, often with a big smile on my face on the other side of the world, how unique is that?

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  7. Anonymous25.9.12

    Kit, I enjoy peeking in at your inspiration, watching your process, seeing sketches, and seeing what makes you tick. I feel priviliged to share what ever part of your life you care to share. I know that sharing ideas sparks creativity that can explode in all directions and inform our world. Bottom line, share what you feel comfortable and safe sharing with us and we will each take from it that piece which nourishes our creative life.
    Kat

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  8. Oh heavens.....good discussion and one I've heard before. Here's my take about how I am and will treat my own blog and blogging time reading others.....

    The day I feel pressured about having to write something specific on my blog....is the day that I hope I will retire. And if I tire of reading a blog that I had followed....then I'll move onto another. I love to write and luckly have had a lot of opportunities to do that for monetary reimbursement. Writing my blog is more for me than others.......and it's not about how many followers I have or others have. Blogging has really and truly helped me to acknowledge and enjoy the little things in my daily life that otherwise would have past me by. It helps keep my mind organized as I document the pieces I plan to share in a post. (So when I forget how I did something....all I have to do is go back to my blog diary!)

    So Kit.....feel free to express yourself anyway you please......if someone isn't interested in a specific subject you might chose they can hit the delete button that day or they may read on and learn something......


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  9. Mary I think you misunderstood what I was asking. :) I just want your opinions on what you'd "like" to see here - as I said, I may not take your suggestions.

    I'm just bored and want to spice up my blog a bit!

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  10. Kit, I understand that you are wanting to find out from your readers what *they* want to see on your blog. But, I keep coming back to the thought that this *is your blog*. If your blog is non-commercial, in order for it to be "successful" (whatever that may mean), YOU need to be interested in doing it. If you are engaged and interested in your topics, that enthusiasm will come through. Like-minded readers will be attracted to it, specifically because of your enthusiasm.

    What if it turned out that the majority of commenters said that they really, really, really were interested in gardening or learning a foreign language. Would you then start blogging about those topics, even if *you* had no interest in them at all?

    I think the bottom line for blogs is that the blogger needs to be true to what THEY want to talk about. Anything else will come across as false. So, I think if you want to spice up your blog, then spice it up with what YOU want to talk about, which might be something totally new and irrelevant and unrelated to anything you've talked about previously. :-)

    Now, if your blog *is* a commercial endeavor then, of course, you need to cater to your customers because if your customers aren't reading and supporting your business, it's going to fail.

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  11. Hello Kit,
    My $.02. I like to read about other's design process. I find it quite interesting, especially how someone can take a thought/idea and then follow that idea through the creation process. Sometimes things do not turn out how you think or even plan, and that is interesting as well.

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  12. We may be twins separated at birth ;-) Full time day job, etc... I have no time lately for quilting (a relative newbie - I made my first quilt 2 years ago). So far I've only patterns other people have created (though I always choose my own fabrics) with the exception of one baby quilt. I would LOVE to hear about the creation/design process from start to finish so I could learn to create some of my own. I also enjoy hearing about everyday non-quilting life - I think it helps us all stay grounded. Thank you :-)

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  13. Really good discussion Kit. I don't know if there are any really easy answers. Just as there are many different philosophies on child rearing for example there are different blogging philosophies. I believe we just need to choose what we the blogger are most comfortable with.

    Another thing we need to remember as an online community we are all at different seasons in our lives. At this stage in my life I can afford to buy the fabric and sewing machines I want but it was not always that way. Since my children have moved away I also have more time...again that was not always the case. The whole comparison thing is sort of counterproductive, I think.

    Back to your question of what I like to see included in a blog. I love hearing about what inspires a quilter and I love when they share their process. If you sprinkle in a little about your life...it let's us get to know each other a little better.

    Go with what you are comfortable with and you can't go wrong.

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  14. Good points raised Kit.............I feel Id probably like you if we met for a natter, so am happy to read and see whatever kicks your mind into gear. Even if its a rant about the price of petrol lol
    But I have found it interesting reading your points of view and seeing how you then turn them into pieces of meaningful work.

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  15. I love it all. the mundane little life bits, the struggles with art vs daily needs. I find that most of us share in having to deal with all of it. Getting perspective on how you and others handle it can only help. I also have ideas swimming around long before I commit to them on paper or fabric so it would be fantastic to see your early sketches and the evolution to final piece. Being a wife mom and grandmother working a full time job with a house that is really rarely neat and clean and squeezing in time for the muse can be a big challenge! So I do love reading those whose lives have calmed down and can do the book, class, travel etc. In short, I am easy to please and just enjoy where your at in the moment. Life is way too short to feel envy!! So just do what ever moves you and I for one will enjoy the ride.

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  16. My oldest son always says" if it ain't broke , don't fix it".
    I think your blog is unique, interesting, inspirational and tells more than enough to keep me following. I'd like to keep on seeing your progression (the process) of making your pieces. In other words, there's no need for change.

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  17. Just lurking via "Quilting Blogs" and thought I'd chime in. It's great to see what others are doing via their books and other things, but I hate to read it over and over every day via blogs. Giveaways are getting old and so is blog hopping from one site to another for me. I like places like "Quilter Blogs" as it's one place to see what others are doing.

    By all means put whatever you want in your blog, quilting or otherwise. I love to see people's thoughts and challenges as they work through a quilt. Sometimes they are the perfect solutions to what I was trying to figure out with a quilt. I get inspiration to try new things or seeing new patterns. I think the only thing I don't like are long posts when they could be split up.

    Hope that helps from a stranger just lurking through.

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  18. I'm glad you like my blog, Carol - but there is a need for change - because I need it! So I'll be tinkering never the less.:)

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  19. Hi Kit! An interesting and thought provoking post always makes me stop and consider what I feel about the topic! Personally, I'd love to see how the stages of your ideas play out. As much as you are willing to share. Thanks for asking for input from your readers!

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  20. I have been away, and just catching up on my blog reading here, so my comments are a little late!! (and sorry....I did post some pictures of my adventure LOL!! but it was a really amazing adventure!!) I do agree with you, though, that I prefer not to see tons of pictures of kids/pets/scenery, but do like a little personal sharing to feel more connected.

    I love your blog. I love how creative and imaginative you are. I like that you discuss your thought process, new techniques and even your mistakes. We all learn from mistakes! I find your work truly moving and meaningful....which is very unlike the quilting I do, just making pretty things for fun...which is great! You are a real inspiration, and I love watching your creations come to life. Please keep sharing your creative world with us ! :)

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  21. Anonymous27.9.12

    Kit, I like hearing about your daily life and things happening in the world and your art expressings the happenings.{don't know it I said that right} Personally, I love coming to your blog and seeing a reflection of me. I would like see how you start with something, the process more and the finished project.You are extremely creative and an inspiration to me. I've only done handquilting in the past and this form of "quilting art" is really new to me.I don't know how to do any of these techniques and would love more of seeing the process. Blessings, CLeta

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  22. you got it Cleta! :) Thank you for taking the time to add your thoughts. :)

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  23. On a bad day I do get blog envy, about the size of someone's studio, the opportunities they have, the wonderful skills - but if I am in a better mood generally I find all that stuff inspirational.
    I set out to make my blog non-commercial, but as I have had more opportunities it does at times get a bit pushy. I had hundreds of comments when I did a blog roll give away, but non of those was as valued as the genuine one off comment as your recent one.
    Just keep doing your own thing!

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  24. Wow, what a discussion you've started over here ... as I'm right now in the process of thinking about my own blog, I can and will add my opinion ;-))
    First and most important: I want to see and read YOU. Your unique way of seeing the world and transforming it to art. The occasional glimpses of your private life feel like the occasional treat in between to me (and yes, I love treats !!!). BUT: the main course is your art. And I would love to read more about the process that takes place before you even take that first piece of fabric in your hands. So if you would not mind to make that internal discussion public - I guess your readers would be happy to read about it ;-))

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  25. Every blog is so different and first and foremost I like feeling the personality of the artist in their blog. I initially follow a blog because I like their work. What keeps me with a blog is being able to learn more about them and their life and the processes of their work. I like knowing what they are experimenting on and how they made a piece come to pass. I guess I'm just a stalker at heart. ;)

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  26. I'm a bit late, but I wanted to respond. I've spent tonight catching up since America Now - Walking While Black (too much going on here--not art related). Your blog is one of my inspirations and I love it as it is. Just seeing your work would be an inspiration, but I really appreciate your process sharing. I read blogs for inspiration and how-to's and you get A+ for both. You have to blog as you see fit, but I hope you continue with process. I can't think if anything else now that I would like to see here. Personal info is nice as long as your focus remains your art. It's nice to get to "know" someone with whom I share a passion. But all the "perfect" stuff--perfect family, perfect house, only perfect art, etc--is the kind of thing I either skip over or stop reading the blog for.

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