Sitting by my bedroom window earlier this evening, I couldn't help but reflect on the fact that nearly 12 years have passed since I hit the publish button on my very first post, marking the beginning of my blogging journey at lennezulkiflly.com back in 2015.
A lot has happened since then. Some days, though, I can't shake the feeling that my creative spark isn't as bright as it used to be. It's like I've misplaced my blogging mojo somewhere.
And, oh boy, when was the last time I did a sponsored post? That thought hit me too.
It got me thinking, is anyone still out there blogging just for the fun of it? Does 'blogging for fun' still hold its own in today's world? Curious to know if others feel the same way. Is anyone else wondering if it's still relevant to blog just for the joy of it?
A lot of bloggers back then started their blogs because they had something cool to share online. That's what got me into blogging seriously. I enjoy sharing stuff I've put together on my own platform. Whether it's blogging tips, beauty reviews, or whatever, it just feels awesome. When my own experiences can help someone even a little bit, it makes me really happy. I think that's a big reason why many people start blogging, aside from making money.
Maybe my skincare tips aren't groundbreaking, but if they can help someone feel a bit better by trying them out, that's all I want. My goal has always been to help others be the best version of themselves, whatever that means for them.
As we kick off 2021, I've already hit a bunch of rough patches. Lately, it seems like folks are more into chasing the cash than sharing genuine experiences. I get it, times are tough, but where did that spirit of "Hey, let me share what I've learned this week" go?
Now it feels like everyone's just in it for the paycheck.
No judgment here—I'm just coming at this from a positive place. It's kind of a bummer when people dive into digital content solely for the money without any real passion, without pouring their heart into it, or without ever enjoying blogging just for fun. Life's not always fair, huh?
Obviously, doing something for fun is super subjective. To me, just because a blog doesn't make money, doesn't mean it's not a lot of work. And when a blog does make money, doesn't mean one can suck the fun out of 'blogging as a hobby.'
I've been on both sides – blogging just for kicks and trying to make a buck. Right now, I'm doing a bit of both, but my main goal is always having a blast.
Man, I'm not exactly sure where this blog post is headed, but maybe someone out there can vibe with it? Perhaps it sparks a connection or inspires someone to share their thoughts. I really hope the whole blogging-for-fun thing never goes out of style.
I'm still blogging for fun! I don't care about sponsored post, or ads. Ada, ada. Takda, share pasal lain. And personally, suka baca honest review + real experience dari post sponsored.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Mai! I just love to read everything on my feed and I guess it has come to the point where I think sponsored posts take all the cake.
DeleteI am still blogging for fun! I don't worry about DA, or anything like that. If I get a sponsored post I know its because the brand love my content and thats what matters to me!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.emilyclareskinner.com
I know I'm not alone in this! I love all your contents though. I'm pretty sure you've put a ton of effort. You really inspired me right now, girl! xx
DeleteI still found blogging relevant. To have a hobby I still love so much after 6 years and to see how much my content has improved over the years is something I'm super grateful for. Also, I always to target my content for the every day makeup gal even though a lot of the comments we see do come from bloggers.
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
I second this! I'm a huge fan of your reviews xx
DeleteI'm still blogging for fun too! I stopped caring about DAs and traffic a long time ago. Occasionally, I still get gifted items which I am grateful for, but I don't ever want to associate blogging with stress. All I care about is my creativity fire. Great post, thanks for covering this topic :) x
ReplyDeleteMari | www.dazedmari.com
Sometimes I can get sooo disheartened trying to improve my DA but no good news at all after been putting a lot of effort. That's why this blog post popped up hehe. Thank you for reading! xx
DeleteI've been blogging for almost 10 years now. Both me and my blog have gone through some phases where I fell out of love with it, but then fell in love with it again. I think blogging should always be enjoyable and of course sponsored posts and making money is good too, but loving it is the most important!
ReplyDeleteEileen | yesmissy.com
Sooo true! That's one thing though, I think it really shows when you're in love with what you write and post xx
DeleteI feel this post so much! I started blogging at 15 thinking nothing would come out of it but just . . . really LOVING writing and design and wanting a space to share those passions. I still blog for the love of it - making money is fabulous (especially as making money means *hopefully* I could do this as my job) but it's such a time commitment and labour of love that you HAVE to enjoy it. I think you can definitely tell when someone is just "get rich quick" blogging, but to be fair... if you can get it, it's such a good gig (especially with how rough our economies are at the moment) so it makes me a little sad, but I completely understand it. I hope the rest of 2021 brings you bigger blessings and more ups! xx
ReplyDeletemia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com
Thanks Mia! I agree with you. I have hardly any followers, I don't get much requests from brands to collab and it doesn't really matter to me anymore. I enjoy writing and if I can get some coins out of my writing that's a plus, right xx
DeleteI'm still blogging for fun :) xx
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
Good for you, girl! I can see that in all of your contents xx
DeleteI feel like many people start their blog for money or free stuff! But I find it you don't enjoy it you wont keep up with it! And when I'm truly in love with blogging its when I see my biggest growth!
ReplyDeleteKatie | katieemmabeauty.com
OMG yesss! Without any drive or passion, the content may look a little different over time. Never stop blogging, love! xx
DeleteI blog for fun and definitely think it's still relevant! I like the freedom that comes with it x
ReplyDeleteYesss queen! I can see it in every single one of your posts xx
DeleteStill relevant for me! Sometimes I get money sometimes I don't but it's a hobby that I'm willing to invest my time and money
ReplyDeleteLove your posts! I think if you create a great content, you might end up with a little coin but even if it's not, you've still created a great content to share with people, right? xx
DeleteI think sometimes I get a bit disheartened mainly on the social media platform side of it, but I still really enjoy writing my blog and if I don't, I take a break for a week or so until I want to get back into it xx
ReplyDeletewww.iridescentplaces.com
That's my method too. I take a break for a few days and then come back when I feel better xx
DeleteHi Lenne , I don't know if you still remember me , but I am quite impressed you still actively blogging till these days. Argh you make me fall in love back with blogging environment. I miss blogwalking actually but i think it is quite difficult to do that now since no more chatbox like before because i love chatbox so much.
ReplyDeleteHi Anys!! I'm so happy to see you! Yes, I enjoy writing so much I couldn't quit and this blog is entirely for my experiences and memories to keep. Some bloggers still do have it though but it's been ages and I think people are fine without it now. You can just comment hehe. Chatbox was such a phase though :D
DeleteSame here, I blog for fun and trying my luck at getting some kind of reward from doing this. It's been a long, enjoyable hobby since my school years but now I want to post not just for fun but to build my writing portfolio (and land a job from that). And I have to agree with you on your other point as well, blogging just for the sake of money especially blogs that transformed from a balanced personal-lifestyle space to purely reviews. It's good to keep a good balanced between those two without chasing our existing readers away and to maintain our passion to blog on whatever we're passionate about. To each his/her own. Thank you for this post!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good attitude to have, Wani! xx
DeleteI would definitely still blog if I never earned anything - it's just an added bonus to me! It's very important for this to be enjoyable for me, because it's a hobby
ReplyDeleteJasmine xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
It's sooo true! Sometimes I can get so overwhelmed by bloggers that constantly put up sponsored posts, like, wow I can never do that haha! So here's me, blogging just so I can write, meet new bloggers and have a chit chat with them :D
DeleteI've been trying to blog since 2017 but I was inconsistent that's why my blog never grew. But after reading your post Im now inspired to write more for fun. Even if it doesn't generate any money, its okay. My only goal is to never lose my passion in writing my personal stories and sharing the things I know. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAwww that's so true. It's always okay to blog for yourself, for your own peace and most importantly for fun! I hope you never stop writing and sharing your experience even if people said blogging is not a thing anymore or no one's reading your blog. Keep blogging! I'm sending you all the good vibes xx
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