Stuart Smalley allusions aside, I stumbled across this site the other day and it just made me laugh. While I’m somewhat new to the world of blogging, I have definitely noticed that as with any other group dynamic, these people are competitive! I initially thought it would be fun to do some writing, keep in better touch with the people I never call and maybe even pick up some new friends along the way. But within a couple of weeks, I was adding myself to any blog lists I could find – all of which require that you include their “button” on your site. I even looked at other blogs to see if there were any lists I may have missed. Basically, I was whoring out my own little blog just to get more hits.
Where is this desperation coming from? If I didn’t feel the need to scramble for status in high school, then why am I compelled to do so now? As with most things – I chalk it up to my OCD leanings, but what a waste of time. The whole point of this was to be fun, not to be famous. And it’s not like I’m trying to be Dooce (and it’s not like people who don’t read blogs – i.e. most people – even know what Dooce is). So I’m throwing out all of those “widgets” and just keeping a few for sites that I actually visit myself.
I like to read good writing, to be inspired by creativity and to feel connected to something outside of my office job and suburban routines. And I can get all of that without the blog bling overload. I’m going to use resources like my new favorite, AllMediocre to get my fix and maybe some of them will visit me as well. I like what I write – and that’s a good thing since I’m pretty much writing for myself. So I’m taking a stand for mediocrity and sticking with my own kind. No more chasing after the popular girls. I’m picking out my own lunch table, and anyone is invited to join me.
Hooray for All Mediocre. In spite of all the lists I’m on, 99% of my new traffic comes from Meghan’s genius creation.
Great post. Even though I’ve been the benefactor of your popularity quest, I totally agree. I have a hard enough time just writing something halfway funny or meaningful every day, let alone campaigning for blog votes (although who doesn’t love those)! LOL
I support your new effort 100% and will take a look at All Mediocre when I have a few free minutes of non-toddler action!
Yay! Welcome to the group! We’re full of misfits, outcasts, cool kids, dorks, jocks, cheerleaders…it’s a totally random group, which is what makes it fun!
Lord I fell into that too! sigh. I have to say I get quite a deal of traffic from AllMediocre. It’s also one of the only rings I will join so I don’t feel too whorish.
And I only dislike Dooce because I’m wildly jealous of her – the woman supports her entire family off of advertising on her blog – so much so that her husband quit his frickin’ job to be her ad manager! WTFH?!?!?
sigh.
Welcome to All Mediocre, btw.
All Mediocre is awesome. I’ve found so many new blogs that I love, including yours.
Ditto. All mediocre is fun – and we’ve been keeping it pretty real and honest too. Welcome.
Great Post!!
I love to quote Stuart.
Thanks for stopping by my little home on the blogosphere.