blogging vs. pinterest or the importance of instant gratification

by Sharon Santoni
People keep telling me that blogs are on their way out, swept aside by the allure of pinterest and tumblr; an instant fix of happiness through pictures only……
Hmmm….

 

We all know that blogging is fun, otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here typing these words, and you wouldn’t have come over to check me out.  But are we getting lazy?  Do we have shorter and shorter attention spans?There are some amazing tumblr blogs, where the author collects fantastic pictures and simply posts them: no text, no opportunity to comment, no interaction.  It seems to me that Tumblr is about a quick fix of instant beauty, while Blogger gives more entertainment and a real chance to interact.   Pinterest seems close to Tumblr, although the board system is very revealing about the author, and of course the source of the pictures is out in public, providing a useful tool to blogs trying to drive new traffic in.

Personally, I love to blog and to interact with my readers.  I love to visit blogs that are well written, they make me think, they make me laugh,  and sometimes they make me cry;  the quality of blogs in our blogosphere is truly impressive.
I pin a little … because I feel I should.  I don’t like everything about Pinterest, and mostly I prefer to file pictures on my computer rather than showing the world what interests me.
I use the facebook page for the blog to give a daily, or thrice daily shot of beauty.  I show pictures with extra appeal, that compliment the blog.
I can only say what I do personally,…..but how are you adapting to the new choices and offers that seem to evolve daily?
 One thing is for sure, in a years time there’ll be something new and we’ll all be scurrying to adapt.   At least it keeps us on our toes!
Bon weekend mes amis!
PS  Thank you for all the input and great comments, also for the emails.  Something that not everybody seems to realise that is kind of fun:  if you have a blog you can find the page that shows exactly what is being pinned from your blog, very interesting to see how readers interact with each post and which are their favourite pics!  🙂

To find your page just enter https://pinterest.com/source/YOUR BLOG ADDRESS/

Have fun!  :)[blank][blank]

 

91 comments

Lore February 25, 2012 - 2:27 pm

I totally agree with you. I love reading blogs, being part of other people's life and thoughts or images. I also love blogging. I find it not only fun but also challenging for myself.

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helen tilston February 25, 2012 - 2:50 pm

I love the personal interaction in blogging.Getting to know the blog and communicating is a warm feeling. Pinterest and tumblr are interesting but not in the same light as a blog.
Have a great weekend Sharon

Helen xx

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La Brocanteuse February 25, 2012 - 2:54 pm

me too..I am too curious and want more info then just the images.
of course the images inspire, but I feel that after a while it is not original anymore and people just keep on pinning and rpinning the same, and there is a lazy element in that.
I realise I would have many more followers should I be active in pinning my images. For now I like my little circle that keeps on coming back..I will be the first to appologize the day I feel different.
have a lovely weekend Sharon
hugs&XX; Colette ~ Afrique du Sud

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Diane February 25, 2012 - 3:08 pm

I think you are so right, Sharon. I don't have a blog, but enjoy reading many. I have met people and learned some wonderful new things because of blogs! I started a pinterest account because of an invite from a friend. I found it fun and useful (I can now put your recipes somewhere and actually find them!) but don't feel there is any real connection there.

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Splenderosa February 25, 2012 - 3:41 pm

My thinking about Pinterest & Tumblr is that it's mostly younger girls who have lots of free time. While I find those places useful for gathering pretty pics sometimes, I must admit I just don't get it. I have so much to do everyday, my blogging is super important to me, adding something like Pinterest or Tumblr just doesn't make sense. Personally, I love the interaction between bloggers too. The others: just another pretty picture.
Love you, Sharon !!

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Donnna February 25, 2012 - 3:44 pm

I love blogs and that is why I look at blogs and have my own. I love to see what other people are seeing. I love to see what interests other people. I am a lover of all things beautiful and people so blogs are perfect in my mind.
Donna
donnaviningblog.com

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Ann February 25, 2012 - 3:47 pm

Interesting that you discuss this at a point in time when Pinterestt is coming under fire. I think its present euphoric state will change a bit as a result of the "laziness" of many who use/abuse it.

I agree- in a year's time we'll continue to be adapting and learning. For me the decision is how many moments of my life do I wish to devote to the Internet.

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Gina February 25, 2012 - 3:57 pm

I enjoy taking photographs and I enjoy the process of learning how to take better shots. I like looking at photographs which were taken by the author of the story. They somehow connect and fit their personalities.
I see that my photos have made it to Pinterest even though I have asked politely for them not to be used.
What I really object to is when Bloggers credit only Pinterest and the original author gets lost somewhere in cyberspace. Gina

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anangloinquebec February 25, 2012 - 4:09 pm

I do admit that I love Pinterest but I find lately that people pin "whatever" with little consideration for the why. I also find that some bloggers are still negligent in sourcing images even though Pinterest could allow them to properly source if used correctly.
I still love a good blog read and Pinterest can never replace that.

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Riet February 25, 2012 - 4:28 pm

I love taking photographs and show them on my blog. I love to visit other bloggers , see their photo's and read what they have to say about it. I have two photo's on pinterest because somebody asked me for my photo's and wanted to pin them. Last week I spent half a day trying to find it. I am still not sure how it works, maybe I will learm some day. :)))

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Red Hen (dette) February 25, 2012 - 4:47 pm

I enjoy blogging- reading and connecting with people from all over the world. But I also love pinterest as a way of visually bookmarking ideas and catorgorising stuff. I actually used pinterest to organise a recent trip to europe, I also store links to activities and online activities for my job as a teacher, then I have a little board sitting there for inspiration when I get a minute to do some of my own art work. I think they are both good in their own way- although I have to admit I can spend too much time flicking through pages repinning pretty things. I used to physically cut pictures from magazines and glue them into a scrap book, I spent a fortune on magazines and couldn't throw them away because I loved their beautiful pictures. Pinterest has saved me from my magazine addiction but has created another!
I love the pictures on this post and I am about to go and browse the rest of your blog now as this was the firt time I stumbled upon your blog.

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The enchanted home February 25, 2012 - 4:50 pm

Interesting subject…for me personally there is no contest. Blogs rule! I love getting to know the people behind them and making personal connections and hearing about their daily trials and tribulations, goals and victories, thats part of what personalizes the whole experience. Pinterest cannot hold a candle and that element (to me) that is so important is missing.
So….while I enjoy pretty pictures as much as anyone else….nothing can take the place of how much fun I have visting all the blogs I love, including yours!

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Lisa February 25, 2012 - 4:57 pm

This story has started a great conversation!
I blog and tumble and pin and tweet!
My blog will always be my "favorite child" though!
I was going to be long here….very long but see,
now you've given me a reason to write!
Think I'll continue the conversation in a post!
One more thing. I'll always visit My French Country Home
whether you have a story to tell or just a photo to share.
It's your blog….and I simply choose to follow.
Have a wonderful weekend.
xo Lisa

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Donna February 25, 2012 - 5:07 pm

I've never seen tumblr but love to see the amazing things people think up on Pinterest. I only wish I had more time to do some of these things! I enjoy seeing others ingenious photos and blogs…which you are right…leads me to follow you! I don't think blogs are on the way out. They are better than reading a book!

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Annette February 25, 2012 - 5:12 pm

I have fun with Pinterest (I've pinned a lot of pics from your blog) but I'm addicted to blogging. I love the interaction and the feeling of belonging to a community, making friends, hearing stories — funny and sad and challenging and triumphant. Blogging on the way out? I hope not! –now I have to try and find you on Pinterest!

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Lost in Provence February 25, 2012 - 5:14 pm

Hi there Sharon. I for one (and I think that I might have already written about this here) am very anti-Pinterest. Here is something that I wrote on the From the Right Bank blog not too long ago:
As the companion of a professional photographer, I have seen our income take a serious dive due to such sites which are an overall part of the devaluation of photography through overt commercialization. They aren’t even called photographs anymore but “images.” As they now seem available to everyone, many companies feel less of a need to buy photographs for commercial use when they can "borrow" them for inhouse use or get them for virtually nothing from amateurs made popular by sites like tumblr and flickr. Not to mention that people don’t seem to have a problem in pinning copyrighted material (yes, it is possible to get them removed but it is a long process), which is equivalent to stealing. Photography does not belong to everyone (unless it has been released under all-rights, royalty-free contract which a photographer has usually been well-paid for), it belongs to the person who has gone to the effort to take the photo itself.

The best of blogs, such as your own, French Essence and Quintessence to name but a few feature content created by the author–and I know that is the reason why they are so popular. Plenty of us have enough taste to select a few appealing photos but to create something out of nothing, let alone something that resonates? That takes true talent.

–Heather.

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Jenny D February 25, 2012 - 5:15 pm

But blogs are where we get our INSPIRATION for pinning to Pinterest! In my life, I realize that I enjoy reading my favorite blogs more than picking up a magazine. Blogs are here to stay.

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Julie Whitmore Pottery February 25, 2012 - 5:23 pm

Blogs have so much depth. Pinning can be inspiring but is like looking at the surface only. Like a beautiful book with no words on the pages.
xx
julie

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Hey There Carole! February 25, 2012 - 5:44 pm

When I look at some of the pins I want more and am disappointed when I click on a pin it's a deadend. Pintrest has a place but I don't think it will replace blogging.

Thanks for blogging… I look forward to your posts.

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Debra February 25, 2012 - 5:54 pm

Sharon, I guess I am living in a cave or, maybe, my life is just a bore. As an artist, I try to keep doing myself, not following. I have no time for facebook, pin, and have not checked out the other site.
What I do love & have a few minutes for are blogs like yours – you share so much about yourself, the culture all around you, mothering, brocantes, decorating. There are only a few blogs that I follow and find as interesting. You are a great communicator, and I thank you for your effort each time you post.
Tech is going to change, but I'm not going to run to chase it.
xo

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rosaria February 25, 2012 - 6:01 pm

I need texture and background to narrate and illustrate pictures and other media. Blogger seems to fit my style.

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Lori E February 25, 2012 - 6:04 pm

I tend to go to Pinterest with a specific goal in mind and fill my head with ideas. Then I leave. I sure hope it never replaces the blog. I don't think it can.
There is no personality in Pinterest. Blogs are brimming with personality and character.

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laney February 25, 2012 - 6:08 pm

…oh my…i certainly hope blogs are not going to disappear… however it would give me more time in my day…for i would never spend much time at pinterset (i am not quite sure even if i spelled that correctly)…blogs are so much more than pictures…because words are so much more than pictures…words define us…words encourage us…words comfort us…words CONNECT us…and that is what is important…the people behind the pictures…blessings laney

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WhiteWhispers2u February 25, 2012 - 6:13 pm

I still love blogging and think I always will.It's more intimate and I enjoy my visits~Cheers Kim

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Rebecca February 25, 2012 - 6:23 pm

Hello
Pictures are nice and I enjoy seeing good images, I think we all do but there is always too much of a good thing… it starts to look the same and becomes boring. Pinterest has a function, I like the fact I can categorize and sort my inspirations but it is not the same animal as blogging. Oh there are those pretty blogs that just post pictures from the internet…bland and no personality which is funny because they seem to be the most popular. I like the blogs that feature a persons soul… you get to know that person and they become a part of your life. That is what is so wonderful about blogging. Thank you for this post, it is thought provoking and isn't that what blogging is about also!
Blessings
Rebecca

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Debbie February 25, 2012 - 6:28 pm

Please don't ever stop blogging! The photos and blog entries of your guest cottage have me saving pennies until the day I can book a reservation!

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Mrs.K loves pink and green February 25, 2012 - 6:51 pm

Give me a good blog to read anyday,over anything else.Even though I don't have a blog,I love to read others. Please,never stop blogging!!I love reading all about you and your adventures! Happy Weekend!!!

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Kim February 25, 2012 - 7:05 pm

I hadn't heard that blogging is out. I love blogging. I enjoy the challenge of documenting my days or writing about my life and memories… I like the challenge of it. And I love visiting blogs (like yours!). I've stopped posting on facebook so much and use my blog as a way for my friends and family to keep up with my life.

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vignette design February 25, 2012 - 7:06 pm

I have been thinking exactly what you posted about today. Pinterest is instant gratification, and until recently I just used it to find an example of what I was writing about or interested in. That said, I don't want everyone to know what my next post will be about just because of my recent pins. I store the photos on my computer too.
Blogging is much more rewarding. I have met wonderful like-minded people like you because of blogging. It takes
so much more effort though to keep a blog up. Pinterest requires no effort at all. It isn't easy coming up with a subject matter, write it (without errors) post photos (hopefully originals taken with our own camera) and make it interesting and readable. Kind of like writing a daily column for a newspaper. I was just thinking about Herb Caen, the San Francisco columnist who wrote daily. What would he say today about blogs!?
Great post Sharon! Have a lovely weekend. ~Delores

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Gail Peterson February 25, 2012 - 7:08 pm

I am with you, I'm just getting into the whole social media… It is overwhelming and I am not a techie so it is hard for me to figure it all out. I have been told it is important to dive in, I have resisted! I love reading the blogs it is a whole world that I didn't know even was out there until someone told me to check one out! I couldn't believe I had no idea!!!
I just started pinterest too.. I am figuring it out as well, interesting I have been pinning on my own since I was a teen, I just didn't have a cool name for it!!
I wonder what the next generation will think of all this.. They will probably refer to all this as "back in the day"!!!
I love your blog and I'm so happy to visit you!
xo,
Gail
casualloveselegance

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Katherine February 25, 2012 - 7:26 pm

I like that blogs have a story and enjoy postings that have a full read. I try to use my own images for my blog, this gives me the opportunity to showcase my photos and interests. I do use vintage inspired images as well, mostly because it's what I'm interested in.
I've recently added a tumblr page to post more pictures I've taken, and I have started to reblog other tumblr images that are along similar themes. But it is still my preference to post my own pictures.
I feel that a lot of pinterest can be repetitive images that show up on many sites – not very unique. I rarely go on pinterest.

Blogs give a great story into the people who write them and I love that it connects me with people all around the world. I'm interested in the people, their lives, their dreams – not just the pretty pictures.
Having said that – I push my laptop under my hubby's nose weekly to show him images that you post about your home…. and then I babble on about your story. LOVE your blog……

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Blondie's Journal February 25, 2012 - 7:41 pm

I absolutely agree with you, Sharon. The content of my posts is pictures and words and I think I have only downloaded a picture once or twice. It's a reason for me to exercise my photography abilities and love for the written word. I haven't tried Pinterest yet, I am afraid it will take up too much of my time. Even if I did, I would always enjoy blogging more.

XO,
Jane

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Delaine February 25, 2012 - 7:47 pm

Well, I just ADORE your blog and would be so disappointed if you ever quit! So, don't! :)) It is just too wonderful! To heck with those that say blogs are on their way out! :))
Merci!!!!

d

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Jeanne @ Collage of Life February 25, 2012 - 7:54 pm

Great post Sharon, so interesting to read everyone's comments. I feel much the same way you do. I think there is much more on the horizon for us to experiment with. In the end, as you say, it depends what we are here for. To make connections, sell a product, tell a story…we all seem to have our own individual inspiration. One thing is for sure, you are mine. 🙂 xx

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Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest February 25, 2012 - 7:56 pm

OK, I am addicted to gorgeous pics and go to Pinterest to get that "instant happy."

But the BEST part of blogs – to me in my humble opinion – is that I get to KNOW the author of the post……she/he shares life, happy times, sad times, beauty, recipes, fun finds, puzzles. questions, give/offer advice…..heavens I find it quote impossible to imagine a picture as replacing it only.

I say there's room for it all, and those who want and need whatever they desire may be find in whatever medium they choose.

But for me, blogging is an awesome way to spend some extra time, and I enjoy it so very much.

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Eliane Zimmermann February 25, 2012 - 8:09 pm

adapting? too much to adapt to, too fast, too many changes, too many choices…

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kerrie of sea cottage February 25, 2012 - 8:11 pm

I blog because It feels more like 'home' for me. I've been blogging 6 yrs. now and though it has changed so much I remain devoted to it. I've never liked FB but do have an account and page for my Seawashed shop. It's funny because I just used the paintbrush photo for my FB page timeline background last week. I don't pin(no interest or time). I find tumblr too impersonal. I do prefer blogs with less words and beautiful photos. I mostly prefer simplicity and quiet and use my blog to try and give gentle beauty. Lovely post!

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Heather L. February 25, 2012 - 8:13 pm

If there were no blogs there would be nothing to pin….sort of. Have really been enjoying your blog!

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Sara February 25, 2012 - 8:16 pm

I use pinterest to point me to new ideas, recipes, makeup tips etc ie: awesome blogs. I use pinterest as an electronic and visual bookmarking system for the amazing links that are all over the internet. Like everyone else as said the blogs are where the content lives and I don't think they're going away any time soon. (how annoying is a pin without a link!?)

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French Heart February 25, 2012 - 9:12 pm

For me, blogging is a gratifying learning experience–and a writing discipline–500 words every day–pared down from what is often a lot of research and slanted to a particular audience. It's a vehicle for staying current in my areas of interest to use for planning future trips and writing projects–and offers easy organizing/storage system for that. It's also 'open-air free' therapy 😉 I still have many daily symptoms from a traumatic brain injury that ended my earlier career….writing builds neuro pathways.

I look forward to using Pinterest….after finish current writing project. Looks like a lot of fun…and my designer background and love of collages will be afforded a new outlet. And like you said–love the community aspects.

Thanks for the thought-provoking post and for your always inspiring, beautiful blog images and words!! 🙂

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Victoria February 25, 2012 - 9:41 pm

I was a late starter as far as Pinterest goes, I joined about a month ago. What I love about it is I can put all the pics of how I want my home to look in one place…as opposed from going back to blogs, not really remembering which blog I saw it on or which post it was. I think they should give you an option of keeping your pins private though because it does lose its source when it gets re-pinned over and over. I think, for those who take gorgeous photo's, water-marking is a good idea or a badge on their blog requesting their pics not be pinned. If blogging goes away there really won't be much to pin!

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Desire Empire February 25, 2012 - 9:58 pm

Interesting today Sharon. I'm not on Pinterest, (no time) but lots of my shots are and it still drives traffic. I would much rather create my own shots and spend the time there than pinning the shots of others.

I agree with you totally.

Have a great weekend
Carolyn xx

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Stacey Snacks February 25, 2012 - 10:46 pm

I am not on Pinterest either, but I just typed in my site and I was shocked to see how many "pins" are from my site!
Wow! I think blogs are here to stay, at least for a while anyway!
Have a great weekend Sharon!

Stacey

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HRH The Duchess of State February 25, 2012 - 11:00 pm

Dahhhling I agree with you, it does appear that most people have shorter & shorter attention spans..however like you I find the interaction in blogs much more interesting. I use pinterest to organize & save images that inspire me but do not follow any pinterest pages of anyone. I use it as my storage space.

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lindaraxa February 25, 2012 - 11:06 pm

As a blogger I can tell you that one of the most rewarding experiences I have had is the friends I have made from all over the world. Some I have met in person others I haven't because of logistics. I don't think this would have been possible through pictures and Pinterest or Tumblr.

I have also found that just as I'm getting to understand and use one app, it looses its allure and another more popular one pops up. I am getting a lot of traffic from Pinterest without doing any pinning myself. I opened an account and quickly lost interest. Maybe I just don't get it but I'll have to take the chance. Great post.

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Magnolia Verandah February 25, 2012 - 11:14 pm

You have opened a can of worms here. I have just been introduced to pinterest by my daughter who is a photographer, she loves the "images" pinterest provides, this seems to be more popular with the "younger generation". it is just a snapshot though as opposed to a blog where someone has taken the time to write something interesting (hopefully). I like to read other peoples blogs instead of magazines there is something so much more real than just popping up pictures.

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Bonnie February 25, 2012 - 11:32 pm

Sharon, Of course the first thing I did was go to your Pinterest boards since you mentioned how you felt about showing the world what you were interested in! Funny, how we are. I have just started Pinterest and have the settings for now "just for me" for the same reasons you stated.

Your writing keeps me coming back as does your interesting and beautiful content. You do so inspire. I can't get enough of France. It draws me and my memories of our three trips there delight me so.

I started blogging three years ago and spend so much time making my own pictures and posting. I enjoy Pinterest posts but far prefer the personal blog such as yours. I agree with everything you said in this post. Your blog is "well written, makes me think,makes me laugh" and takes me to a happy place!

I also got bogged down reading all the comments. Found some new blogs I liked too.

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The Shade Shop, Inc. February 25, 2012 - 11:49 pm

Very insightful indeed! I personally enjoy all means of communication with others and the gratification that comes with each. For me, it is usually based on what I have time for

Blogging and following blogs are at my leisure and pure enjoyment of the post, both word and pictures. Pinterest is more quick, purposeful search and file of information…in the form of photos to reference ideas. Facebook is merely keeping track of others and relaying blog activity. Twitter is about same but I also use it to share my activity that will benefit another business or enterprise.

All forms are there so we might as well use them…for whatever reason. I really don't think Pinterest will replace blogging nor Kindle replace books. There will always be fans of both.

Interesting to analyze though…oh, by the way, I love visiting your blog. Pure enjoyment to me!

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GLENDA CHILDERS February 25, 2012 - 11:54 pm

Words matter to me a lot and images just add to it. So I will always take blogging over pinterest.

Fondly,
Glenda

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Alchamillamolly February 25, 2012 - 11:59 pm

I think blogs are wonderful they are ways of meeting people from different countries, they show you places you want to go, you read about the day to day lives, problems, happiness, tribulations of other women and their families. There are so many talented people out there and we would never have known about them if blogs didnt exist. I wanted to join Pinterest but could not because I don't have ( and do not want) a Facebook page. However I wee enough wonderful images on blogs. I work full time and have an older family I love my home and my family and I don't really have any friends out of work but I feel like I have friends by reading people's blogs. It is a wonderful world out there and @I fell like I can be part of it through blogging.

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Deidre February 26, 2012 - 12:08 am

Keep blogging. I don't blog myself but have a few (becoming less and less) favourites, like your blog, which I love reading every morning while I have my cup of tea. Photographs are beautiful and do tell a story but nothing beats the written word particularly when the writer has a gift for language. Keep typing Sharon. Deidre.

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Sarah February 26, 2012 - 12:10 am

I agree! I like the interaction and exchange with other bloggers. Personally I like to read what others write and for me, creating a post usually involves both. I'm not on Pinterest. I like the idea, but just haven't gone there yet.
I'll keep reading if you'll keep blogging! ~ Sarah

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Jameson February 26, 2012 - 1:06 am

I blog for all the exact same reasons you do. I think blogging helps each of us express a little bit more about ourselves and our interests. I only starting blogging just over a year ago and it has changed my life tremendously and for the better. I have been able to meet some fantastic people and it keeps giving me many opportunities that I can experience and share.
I love your blog by the way, please don't stop what you are doing!

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my french dream February 26, 2012 - 1:19 am

I'm afraid I'm slightly obsessed with pinterest.

I love blogging too and love blogs with lots of lovely pictures. Blogs do win in the end though as they are much more personal and you can make some really good friends along the way.

I love your blog and read it every day – don't ever stop what you're doing.

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Debbie February 26, 2012 - 1:35 am

Keep blogging….I'm not into facebook, twitter or pintrest. Words, getting to know someone, their daily routines. I read your blog every morning, and my daughter says, "oh you're catching up with your friend in France." I love the pictures, your house, your receipes, foods, markets….it's such a neat glimpse into another world quite different from my daily!

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Mary February 26, 2012 - 1:51 am

Thank Heavens there are others who agree with me!
I can look at pictures any day I choose to, but I REALLY like to see the other person's comments and ideas that have been inspired by the photos/pics.
Otherwise, there is no two-way street. I, too, feel I have friends now from other parts of the world.

Thank you for your blog from another francophile!

Mary in Oregon

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Mark D. Ruffner February 26, 2012 - 2:46 am

Sharon, I just have to add my two cents. While a picture may be worth a thousand words, they're not necessarily your words or my words. I visit your site, not just to see interesting images, but to get a sense of another life. And visiting your blog, we do get to look through a window, however far you care to open it. And as you suggest in the words of this posting, one of my great joys in blogging is a sense of community and a networking with people whom I consider to be friends. That reward is far too great for blogging to "die out," and I'm sure it won't. I'd hate to miss out on your thoughts and sharing!

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Boxer February 26, 2012 - 2:55 am

I began blogging in April of 2007 and if anyone had told me that by hitting the "publish" button at that moment I would eventually be connecting myself with a community of people I'd been searching for my entire life, I would have LAUGHED at them. Pinterest is eye candy. Blogging has a soul and I don't like the writing restictions of Facebook/Twitter.

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Rosemary@villabarnes February 26, 2012 - 2:59 am

I like interacting. I've met some wonderful kindred spirits through my blog. I'm a part of several networks, but blogging is my passion.

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Heaven's Walk February 26, 2012 - 3:50 am

Very insightful and interesting post today, Sharon. I blog and I Pin. I love both of them, but blogging has brought so many new friends into my life that pinning hasn't. So I would never give up blogging. I use Pinterest as my photo source for future decorating ideas. 🙂 Hey, and thanks for that link. I checked out what photos people have pinned off Heaven's Walk, and it was interesting and fun! 🙂

xoxo laurie

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Carolina Elizabeth February 26, 2012 - 4:05 am

Beautifully written. Thank you for your wonderful inspirational photos that work so hard to compile. I know how time consuming a blog can be, so I appreciate one that is so perfectly done.

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Amy February 26, 2012 - 5:27 am

I think I'm the only person in the world who has never played with Pinterest. I 100% agree with what you said about loving well-written blogs. Yes, the photos are interesting and do show a person's style, but you don't get to know a person through photos they like. You get them know them through their WORDS. Words will never lose their importance.

Thanks for sharing yours with us!

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Carol February 26, 2012 - 5:36 am

l would find it very sad if there were no longer blogs such as yours to read. l follow a handful of wonderful blogs and on days when my life is perhaps feeling ' blah ' these blogs are my ' pick me up ' a serve of beauty, laughter and sharing..

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The Moerks February 26, 2012 - 6:20 am

Great post Sharon. I still love blogs, I love the details about people and their lives and interests. I enjoy pinterest too and am constantly amazed by how quickly my pins are repinned. It is almost instantaneous. I also like twitter, it is the ultimate in instant gratification. I am yet to venture to facebook. Maybe some time in the future I will.
We bought some little silkies yesterday. I am still chuckling over your village drama with the egg suppliers. I plan to carefully wash and date all my eggs and put them in a pretty basket. You don't get tales like that on pinterest. Have a lovely day. deb

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Anci February 26, 2012 - 7:46 am

The thing about blogs is that you can find wonderful pictures and somehow get to know the people behind them.

XO
Anci

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becky February 26, 2012 - 10:14 am

Totally enjoyed this discussion! thanks for bringing it up, Sharon…I'm on the "waiting list" for Pinterest…pressure to "pin" by my daughter-in-law. Already I can see it will hold little interest for me…but I'll try to remain open… Blogging is where I can create original words and original pictures, a free-to-be-me column. I have no interest in finding and pinning other people's photographs on a bulletin board. As Betty White said about FB…"seems like the biggest waste of time!"

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Deborah February 26, 2012 - 11:43 am

Blogging is defintitely about words and writing for me. When beautiful images are there too, as they are on your blog and many of the blogs written by those who visit and comment here, then we feel we've reached perfection in blog form!

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Elizabeth Eiffel February 26, 2012 - 11:57 am

I gave up my tumblr account and never use my Pinterest account after I started to use blogger!
Bonne semaine

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chateaudelille February 26, 2012 - 2:16 pm

Lately I have been wondering what is happening. It seems some blogs have just stopped and for some the content has lost appeal. I hate to think blogs could disappear as there is so much hard work and when done well is hands down a winner. It does seem a little odd at the moment.Fiona

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Velvet and Linen February 26, 2012 - 4:09 pm

I hope blogs don't disappear! I've made such wonderful friends, and I feel as if I know them and connect with them in a unique way.
I do use interest to organize my pictures. I would like it if I could keep at least some of my images private, especially those images that are for client's who may not want everyone knowing their business (I gave up that privilege a bit when I started Velvet and Linen).
I have enjoyed sharing all of my Patina Farm inspiration on interest. Selfishly, it allows me to see them in all in one place, wonderfully organized, in a pretty way.

I liked reading your opinion as well as those of your readers!

xo
Brooke

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Jeanine February 26, 2012 - 5:55 pm

I have to say that I have been guilty at pinning too much, but I enjoy reading blogs like yours. A good post really does inspire me to think and I feel more connected to the author of the blog. I like reading what the author thinks about different subjects they have posted about. I started a blog a couple of months ago, I haven't been real active in posting projects because of health issues lately, but hope to start to do more with it now that I'm doing a lot better. I hope blogs aren't going out, I would really miss receiving them in my email, I receive your post and look forward to it every time I receive it.

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Jules February 26, 2012 - 7:40 pm

I hope blogging isn't on the way out – I've only just started! Jules

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Lorrie February 26, 2012 - 9:03 pm

Blogging ranks far above Pinterest and Facebook in my estimation. I haven't tried Tumblr and don't plan to. I store my own photos on my computer hard drive not in public. I enjoy the interaction with people that I find through blogging. I use Pinterest as an alternative to bookmarking sites. When I want to make a recipe or sew something that I've seen online, I can go there and find it easier than through bookmarks.

Blogging is about joining a conversation, or starting one. Pinterest is all about me, me, me. Blogging focus me outwards, Pinterest inwards. Balance is needed. A lot of blogging, a little pinning seems to work for me.

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Bumble at home February 26, 2012 - 9:26 pm

could'nt agree more ! I've just started a blog, and I'm loving it – you have been a big influence – huge thank you and hope that you can stop by bumbleathome.blogspot.com and let me know what you think

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Francesca Muir February 26, 2012 - 10:52 pm

I love blogging. I love the passionate community I have become part of – I love their stories and their evocative photos and being part of their world. For me it's travelling vicariously. Pinterest – which I have is purely a visual feast – like reading a magazine. Blogs are like a good book – cerebral, intuitive and one you keep coming back to and hoping you will never reach the last page. Francesca

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Carolina Elizabeth February 27, 2012 - 12:44 am

My blog serves as so many more purposes than just to jot things down. In fact I have a few blogs. One is my personal blog where I show my new paintings and jewelry and share information about other artists. I am also part of a group of painters in Oklahoma, and one that I use to share art ideas as show off my sixth graders art work. They have helped me meet people I wouldn't have other wise. They chronicle my progress and that of my students. They help share artwork. I've learned so much from all three of them along with reading what other bloggers post.

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Grace @ Sense and Simplicity February 27, 2012 - 5:16 am

I had never heard of the idea that Pintrest etc may take over from blogs. I wonder, though, as they are really just a visual medium and blogging is also text and ideas. I can't say I love Pintrest – I find it hard to get very many pictures when I search for things and they are so often the same image over and over. I also don't like how often the pictures do not have a source (or the correct source). An interesting problem – keeps us on our toes, as you said.

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Tafel van Amandine RRCC February 27, 2012 - 10:47 am

I totally agree too ! Very beautiful blog btw !

Grtz,

Régine

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chickory February 27, 2012 - 2:22 pm

interesting post, Sharon. I saw a lot of drop off in blogging when a lot of people went to Facebook which i despise. Ive been blogging in some form or another for 10 years. I dont see blogging and Pinterest as competitors actually. Blogging is an interactive medium that is obviously of a much higher order. I use Pinterest as a creative activity just for myself – i dont care about who follows or doesnt. I do like the "curatorial" aspect of it and enjoy making a visually cohesive board about things I care about. I am not at all interested in getting comments on pins – in fact -when I do – after I have answered or the conversation is over I remove them. Pinterest is indeed what it was intended in the way i use it: a virtual bulletin board of things I want to remember, or inspire me. Ive made a few crafts, ad cooked a few of the recipes. I have to say – on the cooking front it has served me well and allows me to store recipes I want to try neatly in my computer not in my kitchen. I dont twitter or follow twits (hahahaha)

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sadie malion February 27, 2012 - 9:36 pm

Hi Sharon, First I'd like to say I enjoy your blog very much. Then I'd like to say how saddened I was to read some of the above comments. Tumblr has a vast array of "blogs" from Vogue and Kate Spade to the New York Botanical Gardens and many national university departments such as physics. Yes there are teenagers also. There are far more professionals than children. Pinterest is not the only way that photos have been "borrowed", the right click and photo file have been around quite some time. The majority of users are female, with many web designers, homemakers and companies pinning away. The recent news of the military and a political wife being on Pinerest should not be a surprise to anyone. Nor should anything that is posted on the internet showing up as a billboard in another country. Once it's out there it's out there. If someone pins a photo from an archive that is 4 years old and its repined over a thousand times and brings in new "fans" to the blog is that blogger going to reject them due to the source of their contact? Do the bloggers so against other mediums take advertising? Do they have a private blog by invite only that if material is "borrowed" those followers are omitted from viewing? Many bloggers have a blog as a way of making a living, some just have a need to express themselves. The day I read this (and I needed to step away for a while) I had just added 16 blogs to my blogloving account. One was from the USA with thousands of followers, advertising and the pulse of the design world. All the others were from other countries some with only 2 followers. Most with an average of 12. I read over a hundred blogs a day. I look at tumblr, Pinterest and Facebook. Each has there own thing to offer that is different for each user. Change is inevitable. Progress happens. We can embrace it all or not, it's always the individuals choice. We are lucky to have that choice. Let's embrace the beauty we have at our fingertips and try not to criticize what we don't fully have all the facts for. Thank you so much for what you do and how you share your life with others.

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Anonymous February 28, 2012 - 1:37 am

I have fun with pinterest. It has actually introduced me to new blogs because I take the extra step to find the source of the photo. So now I have much more to read, which I love, and probably wouldn't have found without pinterest because I personally don't blog myself. Pinterest is frustrating when the pinner doesn't pin the original source. I think people will get the hang of it more, I feel like its still new. Blogs I don't think could be replaced by pinterest. I must admit, pinterest allows me to save pictures I love and tutorials I want to try, with one click of the button, it allows me to have multiple bulletin boards that take up no space at all.

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Raewyn February 28, 2012 - 9:48 am

I don't believe there is any comparison. I have looked over Pinterest and have seen some amazing stuff but it's not a chat room which is one of the reasons i come home to hear from you. With ALL we have been here recently in Christchurch I would have been so lonely looking there where as blogging onto you I feel there is a person ' at the other end of the phone' and I can dream of living next door to you. It doesnt do it for me scrollong through a mountain of images albeit however well produced they are. You aren't here to be judged just as long as you are here!!! Don't ever go away – how's that for pressure??

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fayettebelle March 23, 2012 - 5:04 am

I adore your very much in depth blog; it's my opportunity to travel vicariously with beauty.

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Buster Solomon May 13, 2022 - 7:11 pm

Yeah, I know that blogging takes too much time. But you are lucky because you obvously haven’t had full system crash! After that I really hate Windows. I wish I used Mac.

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Akane Zaborro May 13, 2022 - 8:47 pm

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United Bronx August 3, 2022 - 5:23 pm

When I was about to start blogging, I was using Notepad++ because Wordpress is on PHP and there is no better PHP editor than this. Bu then I bought Mac and that was a nightmare.

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zanzibarro August 3, 2022 - 6:27 pm

And for Windows it was ok? From what I know, Notepad++ is not a built-in editor, so in any case you must install it. As for Mac, you can read https://setapp.com/how-to/alternative-to-notepad++-for-mac and this article will hopefully help you solve your PHP editor issues for Mac. Tell us later how it goes, ok?

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