Getting Rid Of The “Other Stuff”

 

When I’m writing, I enter a whole other dimension. I know it sounds goofy but that’s the only way I can describe it. It’s like I’m in a zone all by myself with pen and paper or keyboard and fingers and it feels good. I rarely know what’s coming unless I stick to an outline which is difficult for me because I find it tedious and boring. I prefer what is called stream of consciousness writing because I’m completely in that zone and everything is flowing. It’s feels like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing what God created me to do. The only drawback to this method is I can’t write or type as fast as the thoughts come.  But other than that – it’s all good.

When I started this blog, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I figured I would write what was in my heart and on my mind. People would miraculously find it, read it and maybe even like it enough to come back or subscribe to my feed. I understood it would take time, energy and effort to build a following and I was prepared for that. I looked forward to connecting with other bloggers, joining a few communities and submitting my blog to directories. I was not however prepared for the massive amount of time I would be spending on what I call the “Other Stuff’.

“Other Stuff” is my umbrella term for anything that is not directly related to actually writing or reading a post. Stuff like, Tweeting, Face-booking, Blog-frogging, Google plus-ing, Klouting, Stumbling, and Digging. Let’s not forget Connect me and Triberr.

I have been giving all of these time killers too much of my time because I bought into the notion that they mattered somehow. As far as I’m concerned they’ve all had a chance to show them selves useful and I’m just not seeing any value in some of them. So far, this is what I’ve come up with. Keep in mind these are just my personal observations and opinions. Yours may be different, but that’s the beauty of being unique individuals.

Twitter – Love it. I’ve come across some amazing blogs and individuals there.

Triberr – Loved it before I had to manually keep up with the streams. Now I like it a-lot. It’s great for getting your post titles in front of a large number of eyeballs with minimal effort. I might even start loving it again.

Stumbling and Digging are okay – as in I’ve not gained one reader from either of them. Now I Stumble or Digg a post here and there, mostly if the author requests it.

Facebook – Love it. Always have and probably always will.

Google Plus – Like it so far – I might even learn to love it. I’m really just getting started with it so I’ll let you know.

Klout – waste of time. My Klout or lack of it has done nothing for me or any one else I know. I think I’ll drop it. If having klout has done anything for you please let me know.

Connect.me – totally useless, stuck in beta since March waste of time. If you disagree please enlighten me as to what, if any benefit this one serves. I want to be fair. I’m sure I’ll drop it.

Blog Frog – I haven’t given this one enough time to give a fair assessment. So I’ll hold off on an opinion until I have.

That’s all for now.

Be Blessed!