How Reading Blogs Almost Made Me Sick
July 30, 2008 · Print This Article
**Note: This is the first in a series of roughly seven posts (give or take a couple) on the subject of reading, both why it’s important to read a lot and why it’s important to NOT read a lot. Huh? Just keep up with the series and you’ll see what I mean. I’m going to post some stuff you would fully expect me to write on and some other stuff that may seem like heresy. It’ll be fun. I’m going to enjoy it. Let’s get started…
When I first began reading blogs, as I found ones I enjoyed, I would just memorize the url’s and type them in whenever I wanted to check in with them or, if I couldn’t remember the domain names, I would Google search the blog or author name to find my way back.
It didn’t take long for me to begin bookmarking my favorites in my Explorer and Firefox browsers. That made keeping up with them much easier than before.
Eventually, I think I tried subscribing to some blogs by email for some reason. Not long after that, though, I discovered RSS feed readers, specifically Google Reader. I fell in love with it immediately.
My Love/Hate Relationship with Google Reader
Google Reader allowed me to check all of my favorite blogs in one place at one time and get immediate updates. Whenever I logged in, I could see how many unread posts I had waiting for me, along with a list of headlines from some of the different blogs.
Originally, I began using the RSS reader to save time by being able to access all of my blogs at one time in one place. It saved me time by not having to check each blog via bookmark to see if they had updated or not–the RSS reader would grab me the latest post immediately and if they hadn’t updated, there wouldn’t be anything in there from them. Ostensibly, I would save time by only seeing the posts of the updated blogs.
The good vibes didn’t last long, though. Instead of saving me time, my RSS reader ended up costing me much more time than before. Why?
Because I would check it several (or more) times per day. I would hit refresh updates inside my reader several times while I was using it, so that if I had just finished reading all of the new posts…well, here was a new one to look at.
Also, Google Reader has a “Discover” feature that recommends other blogs you might enjoy, based upon the types of blogs you currently subscribe to.
While that did lead me to find some new and enjoyable blogs, what it really did for me was take up even more time, as my curiosity would lead me to click the discover new blogs button as soon as I had finished reading all of my current subscriptions. Then, I would read some of these new blogs, chasing links to other blogs I found via these new ones…and of course, comment on some of these new blogs. Often, I would add new blogs to my subscriptions.
The Lies I Told Myself and the Problems they Caused
Reading blogs ceased being fun and began feeling more like a job, yet another to-do on my daily (several times daily) task list. I really did start to feel like I had to check my reader.
Also, I would often check it instead of doing more necessary work tasks because it was easier and I would sometimes justify it by thinking, “Hey, I’m staying involved in the ‘conversation’ and some of this information is vital for me to succeed.” Of course, that last part…sigh…too much reading and not enough doing–well, we know where that leads.
One day, a few months ago, it all came to a head.
All of a sudden, I began feeling really tense and jittery, my chest tightening and my head spinning a little. My heart rate went up too. What was going on?
On that afternoon, I realized that I had sat down to check into my Google Reader and just began feeling incredibly overwhelmed by all of the unread posts waiting for me. Being something of a perfectionist, I felt like I HAD to read every one of them AT THAT VERY MOMENT. Skimming and scanning, I still wasn’t able to read them all before I had to go run some errands. I was reading so fast I wasn’t really enjoying any of the posts.
I resolved immediately to change my blog reading habits for the sake of my health, my time, and my work success.
Read my next post to find out exactly what I did so that I could once again enjoy reading my favorite blogs (and stay up with the good information) with no stress, all while gaining much more free time.
Meanwhile, have you had a similar experience? How have you responded if you’ve been overwhelmed by all of the unread posts sitting in your feed reader or email?
Sounds to me like you had some sort of a psychosis. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a new mental disorder on the rise that relates to this issue.
You hear about bloggers dieing from blogging, literally.
What I do, is narrow the field. For example, for blogging I read copyblogger and skelliewag.org. Sure, I could also read DoshDosh, Problogger, and Chrisg, but I don’t see the point. (Though I occasionally take a peak at what they are up to)
Then, I read some other blogs, less prominent, but still value filled.
When I do read blogs, it’s not just for the content. I pay attention to their writing style and format. You can learn so much by seeing how other successful bloggers play the game.
Reading blogs is a great deal of fun. You begin to really develop an affinity for certain blogs. But as you point out, it can get out of hand.
It can make you sick.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..11 Requirements to be a Mad Scientist
I know the feeling (but not nearly as bad as you apparently). My email gets jammed daily, and I always find new websites and/or blogs that are great.
There’s just so much good content available on the web for free. It’s really a matter of picking and choosing; then you can move forward.
Phillip Hines’s last blog post..Are Bloggers Slaves? Newport News, Virginia, Copywriter Suggests Some Are
When I started using Google Reader, I had the same feelings. In the beginning, I was reading only 1 or 2 blogs, and it was fine. I could read the 1 or 2 posts that came up everyday. Then, I noticed the Discover feature.
I added about 3 small blogs, and 3 very popular ones. Everyday, I’d try to read them all. Eventually, there were too many blog posts there, and I ended up spending hours reading them. The next day, I realized there were 200 posts since yesterday…That was when I stopped. I don’t know if it’s still counting, but if it is, the number of unread posts must be over 9000.
Hey Jesse!
I can totally feel you there. I also used to feel like I had to read every post that came up in my reader.
Then, one day, I realized it’s nonsense. Since then, I just read posts that grab my interest, when I have the time to do it. I unsubscribed from some blogs that didn’t offer enough interesting content to me.
Right now, I’ve got a couple weeks’ worth of unread posts in some of my subscriptions. I’ll skim the headlines for interesting stuff when I have some time. And I don’t feel bad about it at all. Because having unread blog posts is no biggy
Vlad Dolezal’s last blog post..Learning Mastery 5 - Back to the Basics
And to think I discovered your site by Google Reader’s recommended blogs! I feel like I am in Catch 22 here. Should I stay or should I go?
Yes, I can identify with you between reading Google reader feeds and allowing my self to get Digg-stracted, a lot remains undone at the end of the day.
I now use Leechblock (Firefox plug in) to block a lot of the sites that were daily distractions out during the day. I don’t know if I am strong enough yet to cut my line to Google reader.
Tim’s last blog post..On the bedside table
Absolutely. I also feel “committed” to reading through my reader’s blog entries, then I feel kind of empty when there’s no more to read. So, naturally, I hit refresh and inevitably there’s a few new entries! It’s a vicious, time-wasting cycle.
I’m begun my own sort of therapy, which involves first and foremost unsub’ing from blogs that I’m really not getting any value from. It’s a work-in-progress.
Also, Twitter has sort of become like that, too. I’ve started to un-follow people who aren’t giving me anything useful to remedy that situation.
Excellent topic, by the way. Looking forward to your next post in the series.
This just makes me want to check out the Discover feature…
Nicole LaMarco’s last blog post..Minimus Sports Aid Kit Review
Stress. It’s a killer, sir.
My feed reader is pretty full because staying on top of other blogs is part of my job. That said, I trim regularly. If someone can’t keep my interest - no matter how big or who they are, then I’m gone.
A shitty headline? Sorry. Buh-bye. A partial feed? Gone. A bad or boring intro? Syanara, baby.
I’m the ultimate content consumer with high expectations and high demands, but think of it this way: do you want to be the guy going through 10 pairs of dollar-store sandals every summer or would you rather have three solid pairs of Nikes?
And just a note to you - I’m over here commenting today for a few reasons:
Out of 300 posts in my reader, your headline was one of 20 or so that interested me.
Out of those 20 posts, your intro made me think, “Hmm, what’s this?” I read the post.
Out of the 10 that I actually read the post, your post was one I enjoyed reading (kudos on the personal story).
Out of the 5 or so that I read and truly enjoyed, yours was one that I could personally relate to.
And here I am. Commenting. Twice.
James Chartrand - Men with Pens’s last blog post..Guest Posting: Finding the Motivation to Write
Wow. More comments than usual on the first day of a post here. I’m a little “overwhelmed” by all the responses. I figured I couldn’t be the only one dealing with this, though. Let’s see:
Bamboo,
“Sounds to me like you had some sort of a psychosis.” Funny. Obsessive-compulsive at times? Maybe.
“You hear about bloggers dieing from blogging, literally.”
Ever since I read those stories, I changed both my blog reading and blog posting habits. I’ve got some stuff on posting frequency in the near future that should really help here. Basically, I think many of us try to do too much, whether it’s reading or writing. We need to chill out.
Phillip,
Yeah, email can be that way too. Very much so.
Y4Kman,
“Everyday, I’d try to read them all. Eventually, there were too many blog posts there, and I ended up spending hours reading them.”
We probably shouldn’t read blogs every day. I know about spending hours reading blogs and commenting on them–not wise.
Vlad,
You are right:
Feeling like we have to read every post that comes up in the reader is indeed nonsense.
And:
“having unread blog posts is no biggy.”
Tim,
Irony often arises in stuff like this–you finding me via Google Reader.
“I now use Leechblock (Firefox plug in) to block a lot of the sites that were daily distractions out during the day. I don’t know if I am strong enough yet to cut my line to Google reader.”
That’s cool that you have taken steps to tie your own hands so you won’t waste time. I cut the line to my Google Reader–my next post will explain how and what I replaced it with.
Scott ,
“I also feel “committed” to reading through my reader’s blog entries, then I feel kind of empty when there’s no more to read. So, naturally, I hit refresh and inevitably there’s a few new entries! It’s a vicious, time-wasting cycle.”
It’s so vicious.
Unsubscribing from low-value blogs is a great first step. I developed a rigorous approach to doing that, a formula if you will, that enabled me to really cut my blogs back down to size. I’ll share that in my next post.
Nicole,
“This just makes me want to check out the Discover feature…”
Go ahead, but you’ve been warned. Ha.
James,
Stress. You’re right. I think we bloggers should address this, especially in light of some of the stories Bamboo referenced. The 24/7 nature of this beast can take us away from proper sleep, proper eating, and regular exercise, as well as just stress us out.
Interesting how you broke down the posts that got your attention today. I’ve got something similar about how I wrote it:
I wrote the headline that way because I’ve really been trying to implement what Brian Clark has been saying for so long.
I wrote the intro that way, because that’s how I like to write.
I wrote the personal stuff because I’ve learned from you how valuable that stuff can be, if done well.
So, James, thanks for contributing (in your own way) to this post and for commenting on it.
It seems a number of people can relate to this one.
The entire conversation boils down to this: Is your life or goal improved by reading (or cutting out) all these blogs?
Knowledge is very important, but if one never sees positive results or puts into action the knowledge that he or she has, it may as well be a total waste of time.
This post can relate to anything, not just blogs. Do you have 20 magazine subscriptions coming to your house? Do you watch every financial report about your investments and feel obligated to do so every day?
Whatever you do too much, find a good balance. That’s what this is really about.
I think it’s time to put things into perspective.
Phillip Hines’s last blog post..Are Bloggers Slaves? Newport News, Virginia, Copywriter Suggests Some Are
Phillip,
“Knowledge is very important, but if one never sees positive results or puts into action the knowledge that he or she has, it may as well be a total waste of time.”
Yes.
nice article, thanks for sharing.
paresh’s last blog post..Soniya got Bronze Medal in World school chess competition.
paresh,
Thanks for the compliment and you’re welcome.
[...] explained in the first post in this series on why it’s important to read a lot and why it’s important to NOT read a lot, I had been [...]
[...] addicted to my Google Reader, and suffering in several ways because of it (physical stress and huge losses of time to name the biggest), I decided to eliminate most of my [...]
…
I have established a hierarchy of individual blogs that I simply mark as read and I move along to the ones I feel I really want/need to read. The more ‘buried’ I am the more I simply mark read. If I have the time I read everything; if not I take no prisoners…
If I miss something that would have changed my life . . .well, life is like that…
…tom…
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…tom…’s last blog post..Hot air and colorful balloons…
…tom,
“If I miss something that would have changed my life . . .well, life is like that…”
Yeah. Very little of what we read will profoundly change our lives.
If we do find something that will, then our time is best spent acting on it rather than searching about for yet more info.
[...] recently shared how reading too many blogs on a daily basis invited stress into my life and robbed me of the initial…, by letting a beneficial hobby turn into a part-time job. After significantly cutting back on the [...]