I had an interesting comment on my ‘Pause. Press Play’ blog post the other day:
‘Some of your blogs raise comments and some don’t. Do you know in advance what do and what don’t. One cannot be creative all the time. Do you find you write things because of the commitment or deadline?’
I went away and thought about this and worried that people who read my blog think I just bash out any old post to fill space. I guess it’s a fair point, but believe me, every post is carefully considered. Some posts will appeal or strike a chord with people, some won’t as they’re more directly concerned with my own life, rather than the wider ‘living with MS’ picture.
The ‘Pause. Press Play’ post was an update – I had been off work for three weeks with a haematoma. It also focuses on the wider issue of my current employment. Due to a series of misfortunes, i.e. being stripped of my duties in my previous job and ultimately sacked for having MS, I am between jobs and it’s only thanks to a good friend that I am employed, albeit in an unsuitable job. Rather than be signed off sick, I will fight tooth and nail to stay in employment.
I was highlighting that despite the dire situation, I have brilliant friends and I can still find the humorous side. You have to if you want to live any sort of life with this blasted disease.
I started this blog as a platform for discussion and all comments are welcome – I’ve had my fair share of negative ones and that’s instructive too. Blogging should be two-way process, otherwise, why blog? If you invite comment, you should be prepared to respond to it, hence this post.
In answer to the question, no, I don’t always know which posts will bring the most comments, and I’m often surprised at which ones seem to hit a nerve and are commented on, re-posted on Facebook and re-tweeted. I love the often lively discussion that follow some of my posts and I learn a huge amount from the different viewpoints that come through.
I am grateful for the comment as it allows me to raise some points but as I wrote back, the day I stop having anything to say is the day I stop blogging.
Oooh noooo, don’t stop blogging!!
That sounded a bit panicky :/
I don’t comment all the time but I read every single one and it helps immensely and gets the cogs turning often. It is inspiring for my own blog, I don’t get comments often at all but it is good to get it out.
Sam xx
Hiya Sam!
Thank you for your lovely comment, means a lot. Your blog is fab and I hope things are improving for you?
Blogging has been the absolute best therapy for me since last September. Who knew what lay ahead when I posted my first blog??? The support and insight I’ve had has been brilliant and I love the discussions we all seem to have about certain topics. It’s like having a good old natter with a bunch of best mates.
I am between updating my blog readers as I think google reader is being discontinued, so bear with me! Looking forward to catching up what you’ve been up to.
X
Nooooo dont give up blogging I love to read your blogs and can relate to so many of them. As I keep saying you should publish your blogs in a book I’d deffinatley buy it.
Sue xx
Aw, thank you Sue!
I absolutely love blogging and it definitely keeps me sane.
Was just worried I was beginning to bore people, lol. I like the mix of different posts I do, kind of like an MS round-up.
And thank you as always for your lovely comments.
X
As a reader of your blog I thought I would give you some feedback about my commenting habits;
* I always read your blog when it appears in my inbox
* Sometimes it strikes a chord, sometimes not, but I read it without judgement.
* Sometimes a comment comes to mind and I write it, other times I just move on to the next email.
* Sometimes a comment springs to mind but my cognitive abilities are lacking so I don’t write it.
* Sometimes I want to write a comment but I don’t have time, or I might be in a bad mood or too tired.
* Sometimes I may be all commented out from responding to other blogs I read and need to tear myself away from the computer as I am sick of the sound of my own voice composing comments.
* Sometimes I write a comment, read it back, then decide I am waffling and delete it – a bit like this one, only I am hitting ‘enter’ anyway so you can see what I mean.
Hi Julie!
I love what you’ve written – pretty much exactly how I approach commenting on other blogs, but much better put!
I enjoy every single comment I receive, even the ones that worry me. They make me think, which is always a good thing. Keeps me on my toes!
X
Please, please your blog helps me every day, you remind me that I am human, just because I have MS, and my body feels like it has gone crazy. So person who ever you are, leave stumbling in flats alone. We love you just the way YOU ARE. You are not a BORE. X x.
That is such a nice comment!
I spend such a lot of time on my own (or with the pesky cat), so I kind of need the blog to make sure I don’t go completely stir crazy, lol. And honestly, the discussions are so illuminating and have really made me change my viewpoints on a lot of things.
And you’re right, Tricia, we need to always remind ourselves that we are not solely defined by MS (although it’s such an easy trap to fall in to). We are normal human beings, doing normal things every day, despite MS.
X
Blogging and having discussions is great for the old brain cells. It’s also nice to chat to people from all over the globe and share ideas and thoughts. I was thinking of you today in this hot weather and remembered I’d said I find out about cool vests. I searched this morning and they are made in the US and Australa. I have contacted the company as they give a reduced rate to ms patients and also give 10per cent to MS Society in the US. Will let you know if they gt back to me. Keep on blogging. X
Couldn’t agree more, Anita!
Thanks for looking into the cool vests for me. I really am like a vampire this last week, lurking around my nice, shady cottage, only venturing out first thing or after 4pm. Luckily my tiny backyard is quite shaded, but at least I can get out there and look at the sun without getting too hot, lol. Just heard it’s going to be even hotter tomorrow (sad face). Meh. Plus I’m working all weekend, after not working this week. I’ll be a puddle on the floor!!
x
No – don’t stop the blog
Guess what this is a rant.
Just been to a MS Society meeting at Hatfield, nr London. Got off the train at Hatfield and I was presented with a bridge – how do I get me and 18Kg mobility scooter over the bridge so I can leave the station. A kind passenger asked a member of the station to carry scooter over the bridge. He came and carried and I hobbled behind.
Did the MS Society say a word about the problems for passengers coming from London by train – NO. On a previous occasion when problem was identical they said that all their members travel by car – ahem, slight problem, I am not allowed to drive!!
OK rant over but this might just rumble on.
Hi Patrick,
Blimey, that’s pretty tough. Am surprised they didn’t advise people of this.
My rant of the day is that it has been glorious, but I am stuck inside, peering through the window, waiting til it is cool enough to go outside. Just waiting for my mum to come over for news from ‘Outside’, lol.
X
I’ve ranted on the FB page of MS Society and posted on my own FB page. Now waiting for a reply.
Sorry you can’t go outside. It is glorious. I’m OK providing I don’t get too hot, small problem of Uhthoff’s syndrome (Google it if you don’t know)
Patrick,
I am the Queen of Uhthoff!!! Very first symptom of MS I ever had, lol. Bane of my life.
X
didnt know those specific symptoms had a name, good to know 🙂 i avoid the sun like i am a vampire :p
Hey, we’ll be vampires together!!
x
as long as we dont turn into one of those sparkling vampires :p
Oh, I’d quite like that! Got a bit of a soft spot for Edward Cullen. Sad, I know.
X
lol 🙂
its not sad, not a bad looking guy 🙂
i’d rather have Eric from True Blood tho :p
Never watched that! Am currently slightly obsessed with the Danish actor who plays Hannibal. Scrap that. Very obsessed. He’s gorgeous!! Even if he is a serial killer.
X
mads mikkelsen 🙂
havent seen hannibal yet, probably wait until its on DVD so i can watch it all at once 🙂
Oh you’re in for a treat!! Mads is such a cool name. Much better than ‘Bent’ or ‘Odd’, two very strange but true Norwegian names!
X
please don’t stop blogging! I just found your blog and have been really enjoying it 🙂 for some daft reason i never thought to look for blogs written by people with MS, but from your blog I have found a few that are interesting to read. I like reading your blog because it makes me feel less like an out cast because someone else has been through the same things health waise
i dont always leave comments on blogs in general, i read them but unless the author asks a question, or has something i can contribute to, or in the case of art blogs, encourage, i tend not to leave a comment.
Hi Jennifer!
Thank you so much! I completely agree with you – it’s great to know we’re not alone, even though it feels like that with MS.
This is exactly what I wanted from my blog and I’m so glad it’s working out. And in such a great way!!
X
Ooh art blogs! I hadn’t thought of that. What sort of art and is there one you like that you would recommend to me to start with? I like anything and everything art/crafty. With the heat of the summer coming I’ll be sitting around reading more.
Hi Julie,
This is one for Jennifer Rose to answer!
When I was being crafty though, I found loads of fabulous ideas on Pinterest. So much so that I even invested in a glue gun, lol. I spent many happy hours gluing my fingers together rather than the wreath I was attempting to make. Hey ho.
X
there are so many art blogs, ranging from art showcases to ones full of tutorials. this is a good one http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.co.uk/ and this one is more craft orientated http://jennibelliestudio.blogspot.co.uk/
Pinterest is def. a good place to kill a few hours
I am a Pinterest addict. Love, love love it.
x
Hi Jennifer!
Thank you so much for that. I’m going to check them out too – hopefully find some inspiration to pick up the glue gun again!
X
Adding my cranky voice to the chorus of “please don’t stop blogging” comments!!! That would make me cranky indeed. You are a little spot of sunshine in the blogosphere and even if I respond late (or respond with something inane), your posts always make me smile and want to say SOMETHING.
You guys are making me blush, lol. Your blog is fab too along with the guest appearances by Wee Squeaky (has to be seen to be believed)!
I am currently hiding from that big shiny disc in the sky, meh. Lurking in shadows and feeling very hot and bothered. But got a box of chocolates in the fridge, yay!
x