I haven’t written on this blog in quite some time. I also haven’t written for any of my clients in a while either. Is it writer’s block? Too busy and have no time to write? Uninterested?
I wish it were one of those. They are mostly quantifiable with solid fixes. Writer’s block is an easy one. Sit, schedule a time, butt in the seat, and peck away. Basically forcing myself to write.
No time? I would just need to adhere to a stricter time schedule. Again, another discipline issue.
Have I lost interest? Well, that’s a complicated one that can be looked at from a variety of angles. However, to keep things simple, I would still like to write… something.
So what is it?
An existential writing issue
I’ve given it a bit of thought, but not too much. Overthinking can be an S.O.B.
I’m nearly convinced that I don’t have anything to contribute. I don’t have anything to add to the conversation.
The web is oversaturated (big understatement!) with content. There is nothing I can write that isn’t a simple search away resulting from millions of resources. Some are credible and some are created solely for clickbait purposes. Either way, the consumer does little to substantiate sources. Popularity and viral content rules. It does not matter for one millisecond what I think, do, or say. It doesn’t matter how cited my sources are or how thorough my research is. Audiences click on what they click on. That’s it.
I can’t justifiably add to the noise. No matter how “good” my work is, I cannot with good conscience play the internet game and sell shallow, colorful junk food to my audience.
It’s overwhelming, to say the least. What do I have to offer that’s unique? What can I say that’s helpful to others? What on earth can I say, teach, or write that hasn’t been said already a million times over?
Staying open-ended and open-minded
At the risk of droning on and on, I’ll end this post with an open mind. I won’t shut this blog down or announce some grand decision to formally quit. I’ll simply keep brainstorming, thinking of new ideas, and maybe even write my short and simple thoughts like this very post.
Maybe not thinking so “meta’ is the solution. To treat this space as my very own “notes to self.” Maybe I need to think smaller.
Time will tell. Thanks for reading.
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Brad Borland 
Fair thoughts, Brad. I don’t think there’s ever been a writer that didn’t face a block, slump, or wrestle with self-doubt and the like. Also, I’m in the same boat, really. I acknowledge the fact there’s nothing I can really say to “add to the convo” online. But I don’t worry about making noise since anyone can easily mute me, and most don’t listen in the first place. So I’m not really writing to be heard. I write to think, and I think to write. Yet it’s also true that even a person finds an audience of one, that’s all it takes. One person to listen, one to interact with, one who will share similar thoughts and feelings. It takes just one person to help someone know they’re not alone.
Related: maybe I’m not supposed to like “like” buttons. But I do. I’ve written about that before and might do it again, just to process my thoughts.
Take care!
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I’ve concluded that I will write to think mostly. I’m confident that it will evolve into a track over time, but I won’t force it. I also like the “like” button!
Thanks for stopping by!
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