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Hiatus Disease: prevention is better than cure?
Hiatus Disease is one of the biggest causes of blog death although there is a great deal of contention regarding the best course of treatment. Personally I think it’s more important to address the underlying causes and put them right before they get to become a problem: getting your blogging mojo back is harder than trying to stop losing it in the first place. I’ve been watching a lot of anime recently and I’ve also been packing in a fair amount of overtime at work (I have a sizeable overdraft and some important things to save up for) so writing the sort of post that appears here is becoming more difficult than ever.
I believe the caption reads “pulling another all-nighter”, which is something I really can’t do any more
It might seem a bit out of the blue to say “I might stop posting on my regular blog,” in the same way that a couple’s divorce is unexpected when they never seemed to row about anything. This isn’t really inspired by other bloggers’ bouts of hiatus disease either as far as I can tell - it’s mostly spurred on by my own reasons. There are of course some sad cases that make me worried though…realising your own mortality I guess. KT, Jeff Lawson and IKnight, three of my favourite bloggers, have experienced burnout and plenty of others have fallen by the wayside too. I’m now at a bit of a crossroads where I need to do something before something disasterous happens to my blogging too.
Reasons to stop
1. The current format is constrictive
I’ve been blogging at TEotW for nigh on two and a half years now, which means there are expectations from both visitors and myself in terms of post length, tone and content. There are things I want to do that don’t fit in with the format of my blog as it stands.
2. I want to blog about other, off-topic, things
Elaboration of reason #1 above. I want to include ‘off topic’ stuff such as non-anime music and Japanese cinema - I’d like to do a J-popular culture site rather than just anime and manga.
3. My archives are getting unmanageable
The number of posts and comments is both difficult to list and if anything goes wrong, a DB of this size would be difficult to back up. The tag cloud is also so large now that I’m worried that it’s difficult for visitors to find anything.
4. Time is in short supply
I need a style of blogging that’s easier to fit around real life things. Part of this is my own fault for trying to watch too much but writing 1000+ word posts with any regularity is so difficult these days I’m worried that the quality of my writing will suffer. I’m not actually sure how I’ve managed for this long because I’m feeling run-down in a lot of areas, and blogging is one of them.
Reasons to continue
1. I’m in 9rules
It took a long time to get up to the standard to qualify, and of course they only accept established blogs with a certain regularity of posting. I’d have to wait for months before a new blog is eligible, which would be a real shame considering how overjoyed I was in being accepted.
2. Visitors will have to update their feedreaders
I place a lot of value on good accessibility and navigation. I don’t know how many people are subscribed to my RSS feed but they’ll all have to update. I’d feel a bit bad about that and I’m not sure if even Feedburner offer a merging service to keep a new and old blog on the same feed.
3. I’ve come so far already
I’ve had one of my posts quoted in an anime-on-line advertising newsletter e-mail and the Eve no Jikan page on Crunchyroll links to me now. It’s done wonders for my e-ego (e-go?), but this is all probably down to the fact that search engines favour established sites that have been around for ages, rather than newer ones.
4. I have a reputation to maintain
While my blog has never been one of the most popular ones, I seem to have acquired a cult following of sorts with a small but loyal group of regular visitors and commenters who I value very highly. When so many blogs, both old and new, are falling victime to Hiatus Disease I feel like I’m one of a proud minority who have been able to overcome the odds and keep posting with relative regularity for an extended period of time.
The mission statement
Wordpress 2.7 will arrive in the next few days which means we’ll have a shinier and more efficient interface to blog with; if there’s a time for starting a blog from a software/installation point of view, now might be the time to do it. I was planning on a new layout for the winter anyway, but the idea of an even more fundamental change to my blogging has snowballed in recent weeks. Rest assured though that even if I take a few weeks’ break from posting anything, writing is a compulsion as well as recreation for me so I probably couldn’t stop writing for good, even if I wanted to.
The current state of things gives me a potential solution: when 2.7 hits the ‘net I’ll make a start on an alternative blog without any links elsewhere to find my feet and figure out where to go with it. It’ll be a shame to leave this one when I’m so close to the 500 posts landmark and I hate to think a post like this comes over like some sort of attempt at attention-seeking dorama but with any luck it’ll all work out for the best. Watch this space.
Posted on December 6th, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
We spoke on GTalk about this, but for the record - I’ll be reading regardless of what you decide on. I hope the break gives you some perspective and you find your way out of the burnout apathy. Just know lots of people enjoy your writing and you’ll be missed. :3
Higes last blog post..C-Bombs and Modified Vespas [Detroit Metal City and Michiko to Hatchin]
Posted on December 6th, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
I enjoy your writing and you’ll be missed.
Posted on December 6th, 2008 @ 11:05 pm
Oh… Why is it that I’m not so worried? Perhaps this is because the idea of The End of the World being on hiatus is just too horrible, hahaha. Or is it because last time you told me that you felt burned out, you were still writing very good postings?
No, seriously. I would understand if you feel like you have to stop for a bit, and here’s hoping you would soon feel like resuming blogging again.
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 12:42 am
From a quick glance at your archives, you’ve been averaging more than 8 new posts a month! I haven’t managed more than 4 in a month since March, so, I definitely didn’t see your hiatus coming, alas, I’m sure it’s all for the best!
This whole blogging rigmarole can become draining after a while, especially after a few years of hard graft. We can change so much over time without even noticing it and suddenly find ourselves struggling within a system/manifesto/idea that was conceived years previous, like an old pair of shoes! In many ways, it’s fascinating watching a blogger evolve over time, as I think we all hit this crisis point sooner or later, but rather than give up, I hope you strive to continue, because the results are always interesting when a writer’s grasp of the ‘rules’ begins to disintegrate.
I’ve known you long enough now to not really have to say this at all, but I’ll be reading your stuff, regardless what you decide to do. An investment in a blog is, for me at least, an investment in the person that writes it.
bateszis last blog post..Casshern Sins: You looked as if you were dancing
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 5:16 am
This may actually be one of my favourite anime blogs: You write thoughtful articles and your recommendations have always been on the money for me. Still, I can imagine the amount of effort going into this, so if you decided to take a breather I think it would be more than understandable.
Change and progression are a part of almost everything in life, so perhaps this alternative blog may indeed be the solution for you.
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 5:50 am
I’m always a little surprised when a blogger announces doubts and then feels the need to explain themselves, as if they owe us something even though they’ve been giving us stuff for free.
I can understand the feeling that you shouldn’t quit because you have a readership or you’re on 9rules, and you’ve always been gracious to your readers, but it’s not as if you’re charging a fee. You owe us nothing. Nothing is required of you and I hope nothing has been demanded. If you need time off to recharge and reorganize; don’t let us stop you. If you add non-anime stuff, that’s cool. It’s your blog.
As Bateszi pointed out, things change over time. If you feel constricted by the current setup by all means change it. Some of us might like the changes, some might not, but I seriously doubt that any of us will stop following, and you might attract some new followers!
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 6:15 am
Hey, no reason is reason enough. Glad to hear you know how to take it easy!
This post was much appreciated, in any case–at least there’s none of that silent death we’ve had from many a blogger. You go ahead and do what you have to do to get that fire burning again (I highly suggest delving into visual novels, particularly F/sn).
You’ve put all of us to shame with your substantial and regular posts, so you deserve that break all the more. Is that blog what I think it is? Hmm. Anyway, see you around on GTalk. Gone but not forgotten.
Owen Ss last blog post..Fate/stay night, Unlimited Blade Works Route
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 6:56 am
Don’t be gone too long. Keep in touch (the email address I use to comment with is also my GTalk) and don’t be like the Megaroad-01 okay. I don’t want to be Bilrer holding on to a Concretebadger locket for ages.
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 7:27 am
As others have stated, I’ll always read anything you happen to write, regardless of what the subject is.
That said, my policy (as I’m sure you know), has always been that if ever blogging becomes a burden to the point that’s it is no longer enjoyable for me, I simply don’t post. While going on indefinite hiatus like I’ve ended up doing is definitely not the most ideal solution, you shouldn’t try to overextend yourself out of some sense of obligation.
In any case, there’s nothing at all wrong with switching up your posting style (i.e. - shorter, easier posts) or broadening your focus. I, for one, happen to enjoy blogs that frequently branch out to other topics and have a wider range of content and discussion.
0rions last blog post..Happy 1 Year Anniversary Epic Win!
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 8:11 am
Long time lurker, first time poster here.
I’ve been reading your blog since I first found it through your Dennou Coil posts and started shoving links to them in people’s faces to convince them they should watch it because I am not nearly articulate enough to do the show justice so I let you do my work for me. There is no doubt in my mind your blog is my favorite anime blog. Your writing is always so thoughtful yet has an approachable and easy to digest style that I like.
I’ll be sad to see this place go and I’ll be happy to read every and anything you post in the future.
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
If you wanna write about “tangential” stuff, join a team blog that has considerable leeway for that kind of stuff. It (1) saves you the “trouble” of starting your own, (2) gives you an instantaneous readership, both of the host blog and your own dedicated entourage, (3) creates more traffic between your home blog and team blog positions, which can possibly (4) establish a greater readership at both blogs.
If you want to go a bit insane, then (1) delete your blog, (2) join over 9000 team blogs, (3) write a short note in GR shared notes for every post you write linking to it and tag each note as “centralized feed”, (5) whore that feed as best you can, (an optional 6) reputation? wuts dat?
But yeah, good luck with your blogging endeavors! These past few months I’ve seen a few people burn out, but we all hope they’ll return soon…like..uh…a Saiyan that’s his strongest after he recovers from a mortal wound?
ps. I was joking about the 2nd paragraph, the first paragraph is a serious suggestion. Ask Riex? Maybe a deadline nazi will spur those creative juices or something.
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
You can always break the rules! Change is always welcome, especially if it means a turning point in your blogging career(?). Always great to see bloggers who are evolving to cope with the hiatus/burnout disease
Oh and your quality posts make bloggers like me fall into shameee XD
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
[...] of anything to write.”[1] It seems though that this sputtering creativity can be caused by harsh constrictions.[2] I can’t speak for the limitations each blogger imposes upon him or herself, though I can [...]
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 9:17 pm
Personally, I think the most important thing is that any kind of ‘Blogging like this is something you should enjoy, so first and foremost you need to find a style that’s fun, and that you think will continue to be fun. If that means changing away from what you’re doing right now or even moving domains/site then so be it, and to Hell with anyone who argues otherwise. If you stop ‘Blogging entirely though, we’ll all gang up, come round your house and kill you, so be warned.
When I made the sudden and impulsive decision to start an anime ‘Blog earlier this year, I tried to go for something that almost certainly wouldn’t burn me out, which is why I decided to stick with largely short posts that were my “fire and forget” opinions on whatever I’d just watched - They typically don’t take long to write, are completely ad libbed so don’t take any preparation time, and I deliberately moved away from the “OMG image captures of every frame of the episode!” style of episodic posting to concentrate on text alone with a single image to keep it simple. That way any impact on my time or state of mental health of my musings are kept to a minimum, and I haven’t once thought “Oh God I have to write about series X tonight”. Yet. Of course, nobody reads the thing, but who cares?
Anyway, to close out this overly long comment, you have a great ‘Blog now, so I’m 100% confident that whatever you end up with will be at least equally as good, and that all your regular readers will carry on visiting regardless. As long as you’re doing what you enjoy, the rest will follow.
Hannerss last blog post..Full Metal Alchemist - S2 teaser trailer
Posted on December 7th, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
Well, Martin I’m sorry to hear that you might be coming down with a case of blogging burnout and might go on hiatus, but you have to do whats best for your life.
If your going to go on hiatus let me offer a little advice to you. As a fan of anime for almost thirty years I have been involved in almost all aspects of anime culture and my biggest regret was not saving my previous work. During the mid to late 90’s I owned and operated a bulletin board dedicated to anime and VHS anime fansub distribution, it contained a lot of reference articles written about anime and it’s history, symbolism, and so forth. But around 2000 I got so tired of the developing anime flame wars that are so common today that I just killed the whole thing, didn’t save a damn thing. Now jump forward almost 8 years when I started my blog and how I now wished I had saved the articles so I could have converted them to blog format to post. So if you do stop blogging save a backup of you material because you never know how you might feel years later.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck and success in your future endeavors, and (Ki o Tsukete)
Chriss last blog post..Clannad ~After Story~ 10 review; So, begins the first day of the rest of your life.
Posted on December 8th, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Aagh, with this the old days truly are over! Still, as long as you’re around in some way, shape or form, it’s best to do what you want than slog away and turn your hobby into a chore.
Anyway, on a similar note I am not actually dead, but there is no way I can post the way I used to- I haven’t even watched anything from the autumn season!
Karuras last blog post..Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Posted on December 8th, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
*gasps* OK, epic reply coming up guys. A huge thank-you for your support and advice here - I certainly have no intention of vanishing without trace but I was planning on a couple of weeks’ break over christmas/new year after getting the next few posts online anyway. What happens here after that I’m not sure - I want to shake things up and diversify a bit to keep the spark alive, but I’m not sure how best to go about it.
@Hige: your advice over on GTalk was really helpful - I’m at least glad you’re still around, even in ’slow blogging’ mode (your blog’s even older than mine, don’t forget!)
@buster_machine: thanks. I recognise you as a regular commenter too so cheers for your input over the years!
@Sasa: no need to be worried, but expect a bit of a slow-down in posts. I still enjoy it, but my current approach is pretty draining.
@bateszi: as with Hige and Sasa, we go back a long way in internet terms so thanks for your advice! It does feel like I’m stuck in a bit of a rut so I’m waiting for the inspiration for a change of direction to come. I guess I fell into a certain style of blogging without realising, and it’s only now beginning to tell on me. Weird, but there you go. The ‘old pair of shoes’ is a good analogy I think.
@Wildcard: duly noted. I can’t stress how rewarding it is when people benefit from recommendations and long-term effort that goes into this. Your regular input has not gone unnoticed!
@Owen S: it’s probably not the project you’re thinking of (which is currently awaiting a cosensus, no rush but I hope it works out some day). Hope to see you on GTalk before uni claims your soul again!
@Ghostlighting: again, I’ll try to stay in touch via GTalk - rest assured that as long as you guys still keep blogging I’ll at least lurk in your comments threads!
@Orion: Good to see you’re still alive! You’re dead on with your current philosophy - as sorely missed as your posts are, it’s preferable to the idea that you’re not enjoying what you do. Hopefully other people will be as welcoming with the ‘diversify’ idea…
@tungwene: an ‘unsung hero of site traffic stats’ is more accurate than ‘lurker’ but it’s a bit of a mouthful! Denno Coil brings back some good memories and I’m glad you enjoyed my posts about it. Thanks for speaking up and announcing your presence!
@lelangir: I contribute to Nakama Britannica on occasion and still do regular(ish) DVD reviews for AUKN so I’ve had a bit of experience in the team blogging thing, but it’s nice to have a personal space to air my views without worrying about breaking anythng or saying something out of turn that might affect the other writers. It’s a slightly different experience that has its own benefits though, so it’s something to consider in the future I think.
@usagijen: I think a change for me is long overdue. I feel like I’ve been around forever but it’s great to see new faces because you guys are so often a source for inspiration. I love the community spirit we have here, honestly.
@Hanners: don’t worry, I read your blog fairly regularly! An ad-libbed, off-the-bat approach is the exact opposite to what I do currently so maybe doing that every now and then might be a refreshing change (Twitter and my MAL blog are quite fun in that sense).
@Chris: what a traumatic experience! I make a point of backing everything up whenever I do a Wordpress upgrade, just in case. Database disasters can happen but my backup file is now getting a bit unweildy; I’d hate to lose it but maybe a fresh start is the best solution.
@Karura: there really aren’t many of the old crowd posting much any more these days, are there? All the more reason to find a way to bouce back I guess. I miss your regular updates but I know how real life can get in the way…
Posted on December 8th, 2008 @ 11:43 pm
Everyone else has already said most of what I said, so I’ll just say good luck and have fun with it. I’ll be reading whatever comes out.
TheBigNs last blog post..Some Macross F Vocal Collection Nyan Tama: Blown Away By Love Power
Posted on December 11th, 2008 @ 5:57 am
I go through phases so there will be some time where I ask myself: “why the hell are you blogging?” and then there will be times when I’m really into it. Well, apparently those of higher intelligence are more likely to get bored of things easily. And do you play electric guitar? ‘Cos I need to know if you have to learn classical guitar before taking on the electric one.
blissmos last blog post..Ar Tonelico 2: My January 20th 2009 Is Open.
Posted on December 11th, 2008 @ 11:11 pm
@TheBigN: again, thanks for your support! Rest assured that something is in the works as I type…
@blissmo: my enthusiasm ebbs and flows too, which is why I usually have one or two drafts saved in reserve. I don’t think you need to learn classical guitar to play electric - I personally found classical really hard but then, electric suits what music I like to play. I think I might have to ‘unlearn’ some techniques like power chords and playing with a pick if I wanted to learn classical now!
Posted on December 12th, 2008 @ 1:34 am
i’ll be reading until the end