Where have all the Bloggers gone?

A question I must ask! Whats happened to bloggers and blogging?

Is it a virus? (the flu type I mean) Or is it something more sinister? I know its a problem because I too have started to dry up on postings over the last 3-6 months. I thought it was just the year end wind down. That's not true, I've struggled to get the cogs running again since the new year and its March now! I think I know why. Facebook!

Let me explain what I mean. I started blogging as a social yet creative way of communicating to people. A chance to say things my way, and talk about my experiences good and bad. It also became a scrapbook and diary of my experiences. I admit i'm not the best writer, but I genuinely love the opportunity and find it stimulating. Like many, I have been contacted and pestered to have an account on Facebook Along with its vast array of applications, all of which keep you locked into their world, but don't really use the brain. Social networking sites are good but just don't offer creativity. It started with Friendsreunited, but Facebook seems to have taken over and made it much easier to reacquaint us with old friends and family. All this has just led to me (and maybe all of us) being distracted and caught up in the mundane. I can't help but feel I'm being sucked into something that is imbecilic and moronic, not stimulating at all. I spend time checking out people status and trawling through quizes about senseless things. Why would you or I be interested in what each other is doing every minute of the day? Whats so wrong with my life that I spend it looking at everyone else's life? If I carry on like this I'm concerned that I will become a texting teenager, who has the social skills of a skunk after eating a very hot curry.

I know I know, I sound like an old fart, and maybe thats true, although I hope not. My resolve is to gain back control of my on-line life. Facebook and its friends like Bebo, My Space and that new one called Twitter (surely the name gives us enough of a clue that this is for the brain dead?) have their place, and I am glad to have the opportunity to keep in touch with my nephews and nieces and others. There was an episode of the IT Crowd that parodied the subject with the pretendy site Friendface. My point is this sort of social networking, doesn't need to be a daily thing, and it certainly shouldn't stiffle things that are more interesting. My blog needs my attention again, and i'm going to give it. I realise that so few read it nowadays but that's no longer why I do it. I do it as it's an outlet that refreshes my being and allows me an opportunity or genuine expression. (all very heavy sounding)

Very ranty I know, but stuff it, it mine! Its how I feel, and I think other bloggers will catch my drift. I hope it strengthens your resolve too.

xxx Chux :)