Why Am I Doing This?

It's probably a question that many bloggers ask themselves from time to time.

After a few months of thinking about this, I'm asking the question publicly.....

Should the Sedshed continue on in 2009 or should I pull the plug after two and a half years of blogging?

As I said, I've been thinking about this for months now, probably as far back as September so it isn't a brief moment of frustration. I'm just wondering whether it's worth me having a blog. I mean, the point of this blog is to generate discussion, encourage, debate, inspire and provide an outlet for me where I can interact with others.

But for months, nothing much has been happening. I try to ask questions and I still get no feedback (yes, the comments debate AGAIN). I know a few people lurk on my blog but never comment yet I don't exactly know how many or who. A few people who read this blog in the beginning seem to have fallen away which indicates to me that they have lost interest in what I write. Some blogs I really enjoy are either no more or irregular as the bloggers have either faced big life changes or just lost interest.

I don't know if it's worth keeping going for possibly only a handful of readers (my stats seem to indicate this is the case). I'm annoyed with myself for thinking this way because I really dislike the numbers game and have always believed that if this blog helps ONE person then it's worth it. But now I'm really questioning that thought. I think it's partly because I'm writing a book and I struggle with the 'writing for the market' mentality. I don't believe in compromising my creativity but if nobody seems to enjoy what you're writing, then it makes you question whether you're any good. Writers need feedback. I don't want a book there that nobody reads. Same as I don't want a blog that nobody reads otherwise why would I put it on the net? I might as well just have a paper diary.

When I voiced these thoughts to Duncan, he asked, "Do you enjoy blogging?". To that I replied, "Yes!". I love blogging, I really do and part of me would be very sad if it were to end now. I would lose so much but would the blogosphere lose anything by my departure? The honest answer is: probably not.

I've been trying to find more blogs to read (not that I don't enjoy the ones I currently read) and interact more but I don't just choose blogs to read for the sake of it. They must grab me in some way otherwise it's just sympathy commenting and I'm sure none of us like that.

So I'm going to have a poll to settle things once and for all. To those who are out there, I need you to vote. Do you want the Sedshed to continue? Or would you like me to write about something in particular? Does what I write interest you even in some small way? If so, then please vote anonymously on the poll. I will probably need around 10 'yes' votes to be convinced to keep going (and I'd appreciate it if everyone only voted once). You have six days, people. SIX days. I will continue to blog until I know the verdict.

I am grateful for those who regularly visit and comment on my blog. It has been great 'meeting' you all.

Part of me is scared silly by how this poll might turn out.