Is this thing on?
Hello?
Helllllloooooooo??
I know you’ve all gone home. You’ve deleted my feed from your readers, dropped me from your blogrolls, I know. It’s been a month since I closed the curtains on this space. I feel like I’m standing up on the stage, the audience long gone, my voice a lonely echo in the rafters, scraps of a once-lovely set shredded at my feet. Glitter on my cheek.
Just me and my voice here, now.
It’s funny, I feel a sick sort of freedom. I can say anything I want, and no one will hear.
FUCK!
Hmm. That doesn’t really make a difference, I said that all the time here. How about this?
I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU THINK OF ME!
Whew!
Feels kinda good. Even if it isn’t true.
*******
This whole little breakdown I seem to be experiencing right this second started with tonight’s email from my friend, Amanda. She was letting me know that one of my old posts would be featured on the recently-launched BlogNosh Magazine tomorrow, and didn’t we have a bit of a conundrum here, what with my having shut down and all. I’d almost forgotten, we’d talked about this, the awesome new online magazine that showcased bloggers’ forgotten archives. Could you re-open the blog for a day, maybe two? she wanted to know, exes and o’s and some other such nonsense, I don’t know, I love her, she had me at “fiddledy fuck”. At first, it felt like just another loss, another sad consequence of my poor blog’s untimely demise.
Then my heart started to race. Literally, race.
*******
Truth telling time: I miss blogging. I miss it very much. But that doesn’t mean I know what I want.
See, so many people in my real life think it’s a waste of time. Some are friends, some are family, some are actually writers who are out there making it, and their voices resonate the soundest, they say come on, don’t give it away for free, don’t waste your time, your energy, your skill. Blogging is fake.
Are they right? I can’t ask you guys, you’re biased. You’re bloggers. To you, this is exactly where we all should be. To you, something special is happening out here.
And I’m not saying I disagree.
I keep reading about the death of newspapers, of magazines, of my field, the drying up, the washing out. My gut tells me there is something to this online community, this forum, that maybe my future lies not in the traditional journalism, but in a hybrid of sorts.
(Would you still read if I moved to a new spot? If I posted ads? Would you hate me?)I don’t know what I want. I don’t know what this is. I told Amanda I would re-open the blog for a couple days, welcome any new BlogNosh readers with something more than a blank, protected screen, but I don’t know beyond that. I’m still hashing it all out in my mind. I’m still explaining myself away and then second-guessing what I’ve said. This is not a come back. I don’t know what it is. A public proclamation, maybe? Perhaps an entreaty. Perhaps it’s just a bunch of smoke and mirrors, I don’t know.
Maybe it’s one last stolen ride.
*******
After I got Amanda’s email tonight, I thought my heart might leap right from my body (much like my liver’s been doing lately, a kind of conscientious objector, but that’s another story.) I literally could. not. wait. to log in to my blog. I was shaking with the want, the need, the innate desire to feel my fingers fly once again, to bellow my thoughts out into the cybersphere!
And here is the last secret, whispered in to my cyber-pillow, with no one left to hear: For too long, I let the opinions of a handful of people cloud my experience here. Each word, every post, I thought of them first. Each time I hit “publish” I thought, now they will have further proof that I’m an idiot. It was horribly paralytic.
Tonight, even if it’s just this one time, I’m not going to let that happen. I refuse to polish this post, to get worked up over how you’ll perceive me. I’m starting to understand that it’s all about you anyway, not me. The things you think you hate, the ugly you think you see in me, is really about your own chipped, rusty veneer. I may not always remember to believe that but deep in my gut I know it’s true. I know it’s true.
(I’m pretty sure this is not the post that Amanda envisioned.)
It’s certainly not what I envisioned for myself. This entire evening — the email, the racing heart, the confessions, the truth — it’s all taken me by surprise.
The bottom line is — ohmygod I honestly think this is the real bottom line — this is where I want to be. Even if it takes away from my “real” writing. Even if some people I walk among look down on me. Even if I go broke. Even if I get hate mail. Even if the finished product sucks more often than not.
I want to blog.
Okay?
Fine.
Dammit.
distracted spunk says:
*cheers* I’d tackle hug you, but you have two adorable daughters that you need to be able to take care of. So maybe another time.
And Maggie? Your words, “unpolished” or polished, they still resonate. Blogging is a strange phenomenon, and in some ways, I think more people are getting their news from blogging than anything else.
It’s definitely something to watch in the next few years. Welcome back! Even if it’s just for a day or two.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Maria says:
HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
DaisyJo says:
I’m still here.
It’s never a waste of time to do something you enjoy. My boyfriend is a great example; he’s not a great guitar player or singer, but what he lacks in talent, he makes up for in enthusiasm. Lucky for you, you’re good at this, whether you polish or not, and this is one time when you should do what feels good.
Are you really going to let them tell you what to do?
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Maria says:
Ok- now that I’ve gotten that out, I must tell you- my heart skipped in my chest when I saw you highlighted in my reader.
Do you see the effect you have one me? *sigh*
It’s like my long dead puppy from my childhood has come back to life, whole and adorable.
That was a very awful and morbid analogy, wasn’t it?
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Missives From Suburbia (Deb) says:
Nice to meet you. Can’t wait to catch up, especially since you’re going to be around for a while it sounds like.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Coast Rat says:
Your liver is going to leap from your chest? Oh, boy… let me get my lawn chair set up and a diet coke in one hand and my Nikon in the other, and let her fly!
Seriously, what the hell difference do those other non-believers make to anything, anyway? (Does this make sense…!???)
Who really cares what they think about us blogging anyway? That’s what I am trying to say. This is relief, release and expression to US, it’s ART even, and that is what is really important, at least in my mind. Yes, most of us do this for others, for you, to share some kind of passion we have of what is important to us, with others – you. Whether others like what we write or not, is not important. Us doing it, saying it, sharing it, IS what is important. I think you already know that, though, because that is why your writing is so beautiful and strikes a cord with others who read what you write; they, we, recognise that in you.
Hope your visit with Bobbie was nice. You are important to her and her life, for the rest of her life, you add important meaning to her daily life, having you as her friend. I’m proud and feel humble to be in that little circle in her life, too.
Made it home yesterday OK, from Gulfport, to Madison, vis Dallas. And really enjoying visiting with my family! I have missed them so much!
Take care, lovely; nice to see you here! Come on out to Boscobel on Aug. 2nd or 3rd, for the civil war battle (at 1:00pm Sat., and 1:30pm on Sunday), the kids will love it! So will Dave!
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Velma says:
I feel badly for you since this is so scary, but I feel damn skippy for me, because… DAMMIT! Maggie…
(yay!)
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Kat says:
What a treat to log onto my computer after a scary as hell flight home from New Orleans today (damn hurricane!) to be able to open your blog, Maggie! You have no idea.
Ok, I’m NOT a blogger so I’m going to answer some of your questions. Because I’m really NOT a blogger…I blog, but I don’t have a lot of time for it, nor am I a writer.
Maybe people in your “real life” say it’s a waste of time to blog, but honestly, I don’t know where that comes from. Is it really a waste of time for a writer to blog? It’s writing. It touches people. It makes them laugh, it makes them cry, it moves them and that’s real. I know the impulse of a LOT of “real life” people is to dismiss online life and community as “not real”, but that isn’t true anymore.
I love to read blogs, good blogs, because I simply love to read. I read actual books and magazines more than anything else, but I love the interactivity of blogs. A favorite blogger writes something I love, and I can comment on it, connect in some way with the person who wrote it, how cool is that? To me it’s amazing and I love it.
I will never fall out of love with real books, but blogging is a whole different world and I’ll probably love it as much as I love books for the rest of my life. So I hope that the bloggers I love (and you will notice that my blogroll is pretty slim, Maggie) will keep writing because people like me, who aren’t writers but READERS and lovers of writing, love blogs, too. They are not a waste of time.
Yes, I would read your blog if you had ads on it or if you moved again, and no I wouldn’t hate you.
Blog on, Maggie!
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Tina says:
Hey, you, welcome back! You’ve been missed!
Tell me, what is “real” writing anyway? I’ve freelanced for years for print and online pubs and the blog is the place I can write whatever I want to, whatever I feel, whatever matters to me at the moment. To me, that is REAL. And liberating. And the heck with what anyone else thinks or says…
Stick around. You’re loved.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
MsMVNJ says:
MAGGIE!!!!!
I have missed your blog, your insights, your humor, the pathos of your words. Whatever you decide, I support, but damn, girl, I’ve missed what you’ve had to say.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 pm
washwords says:
crazy mccrazyton, i knew you’d come back. I’m glad. I do respect the reasons you left but… there’s gotta be another way maggie, there’s just gotta be cause…. we can’t lose ya! mwaaah. huggles muggles.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
jen says:
that Amanda is good people. i am glad you are back.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Deb on the Rocks says:
This is why feed readers rock.
Come and go as you need. It’s a brave new world.
Dammit, yeah, glad you’re here today. Blog Nosh is way cool. Rock it.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
sizzle says:
Thank fucking gawd you are back. Do any of us really know what we want? I thought I was blogging to find out…
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Natalie says:
OMG Maggie, do you know how fucking fast my mouse clicked on Google reader when I saw this post?
PLEASE DON’T EVER LEAVE US AGAIN.
Seriously, who cares what “they” think (okay, maybe you should care a little), but if this is what makes you happy, so be it. (I’m a selfish beotch, I know this.)
Look at it as spring training. The games are a lot cheaper to get into, but the only thing it does to the end result is to improve it.
Does that make any sense whatsoever?
I hope so, because it is A VERY VALID POINT.
I think every single blogger asks themselves these questions. You know I struggle with my own anonymity and whether I want to keep it or not. The bottom line is that I know a few people stealthily visit my blog and I don’t care. I don’t care if they don’t approve of what I put out there because it is mostly about ME and I have control of ME. Okay, I do care, but the thought of not having my sounding board feels worse than knowing they are reading.
Okay, stepping back now. Just wanted to give you my BIG TWO CENTS. I am glad to see you back.
Is it obvious?
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Bluestreak says:
Thanks for coming back. As a new blogger, I haven´t begun to feel that the blog is sucking creativity away from other areas, because for me it´s an unexplored creative outlet, and besides, who am I kidding, I´m not a writer in “real life” like many of you are. I can see it happening though and can also see why people would advise against blogging so that you can put your heart and soul into the bill paying writing. But is creativity really zero sum? It can´t be.
Stay? Say yes.
July 24th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Gin says:
You’re still in my reader-feeder. So don’t *fucking* worry!! Keep on a bloggin’.
It’s all in good humor, like the ice cream…
July 24th, 2008 at 1:57 am
Amanda says:
Maggie, you call the shots, you set the terms. Say, “fiddledy fuck” a little bit more. It’s your space.
You are an incredible writer, online or on paper, polished or not.
Thanks, darlin’!
July 24th, 2008 at 5:01 am
Tracy says:
I’m glad to find you.
July 24th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Lara says:
We WANT you to blog, dammit.
Which is why I never deleted you from my blogroll. I didn’t want to risk missing you when you came back.
And, please… don’t polish your posts too much. It makes me look bad! hehe
July 24th, 2008 at 5:55 am
mamatulip says:
MAGGIE!
Yes, I would still read you if you moved to a new spot and posted ads. No, I would not hate you.
I love this post, I get what you’re saying and have thought your beautiful, raw, unedited thoughts myself as well. Be here, in your own space, however you want to be. This isn’t taking away from your “real” writing, it’s just adding a different component to your already amazing talent.
July 24th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Jenny, Bloggess says:
You’re back!
I don’t care if you move to a new spot or post ads or write backward…just never leave again. Blogoslavakia is a lonely place without you.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Tasses says:
Saw the Blog Nosh post (old news to me – read that a long time ago!) and jumped straight here wondering if you’d pop back onto the radar. Yip!
I fight the pull-the-plug demon after every post. At least you’ve got some freelance work. What about us wannabes? What about those of us who live in fear of exposing our true selves? Those who waste time doing anything else to keep from having a measure of success?
So, so very glad that you are back, my mentor.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants says:
Here via The Bloggess.
So thrilled to find you. Wonderful voice.
Ads? I love ads. Bread and butter baby!
July 24th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Veronica says:
Welcome back!!!
July 24th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Kelley says:
Missed you sweetie. Like baaaaaad.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Her Bad Mother says:
Welcome back, dammit.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Rock and Roll Mama says:
Yeah Maggie Damnit! I don’t know you’re old stuff (newbie girl here) so I don’t know what happened, BUT NOW I WANT TO READ YOU! SO hustle up and write puhleeze. Mmmmkay. Thanks.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Crystal D says:
Yep, still here. Good try, but some of us will just wait you out.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Summer says:
There are a million things that someone else are going to think are wastes of time. Screw ‘em. It’s your time.
July 24th, 2008 at 7:00 am
kateanon says:
New here – I could have written much of that post. If you stay and continue – I’ll be here reading, which I know, isn’t that exciting – but you have a rapt audience, from what I can see.
July 24th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Xbox4NappyRash says:
Scully AND Maggie back?
Lucifer must be feeling a draft down there now.
Welcome back, marry me?
July 24th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Kritta says:
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!1!!!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
July 24th, 2008 at 7:10 am
furiousball says:
See to me, I appreciate unpolished words just as much as erm…. polished words. What matters to me is the intention and love behind them and I get that from reading you. Ergo, please write mo.
July 24th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Betsey says:
When I clicked my reader and you popped up, I sat here staring, blinking – thinking it would go away.
And then it didn’t.
That? Made me happy. I hope it made you happy too.
July 24th, 2008 at 7:46 am
tysdaddy says:
Girlfriend! What a treat . . .
July 24th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Miss Britt says:
Is it weird that I want to weep with joy right now at seeing this?
July 24th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Susan says:
Couldn’t be happier to see you back! I will read whatever, wherever you decide to write!
July 24th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Houston says:
Never mind what anyone else thinks. Do what you love.
I blog to try to hone my writing skills (?). Sometimes I make people laugh, often I make them yawn.
I amuse myself, therefore I continue.
I am glad to see you. I will be back.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Kate says:
I know I’ve already seen that post featured in BlogNosh today – but I can’t remember when…. I was definitely reminded how much I enjoyed it, and todays “come back” post was really inspiring.
I don’t have much time for this blogging thing, and I’m not a professional writer – so I rarely know what I’m doing or where it is going. This makes me feel better.
Look forward to reading more.
-Kate
July 24th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Maria says:
Occasional Maggie is better than none at all. Please make a sporadic comeback. It feels so good to read you once more.
It’s good to see you!
July 24th, 2008 at 8:42 am
mr nice guy says:
i go through the same mental kung fu often. i also decided, fuck it, i want to blog — because the best publisher in the world is oneself. also, the real, real bottom line? all writing is real writing.
actually that’s not even true — way too many hacks get paid to write, handsomely at that. that doesn’t make them real writers. you are a real writer. even if you never see a penny or a comment or, for that matter, a reader for your efforts.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:00 am
manager mom says:
All I can say is whoo hoo! I’m glad you’re back.
And shit. has anyone ever truly unplugged from a blog addiction? Is it even possible?
July 24th, 2008 at 9:12 am
gretakiki says:
You’re still in my reader. Dammit.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Karen says:
Just found you and added you to my blog reader -love your voice!
July 24th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Lea says:
I fucking love you and I’ve fucking missed you blogging, but I’ll fucking love you no matter what.
Hey, when we gonna get together again, maybe sans kids with the addition of a bottle of wine? I have a couple due mid-August, but then a break, so you, me, and a few bottles of wine need to plan a date.
Oh, and I have a website – leawolf.com.
How slick is that?
July 24th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Meg Casey says:
Welcome back beautiful, fabulous, honest and wonderful Maggie. I have missed you
July 24th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Gypsy says:
Huzzah!!
Do you feel like an Amazon now? Because I kind of do for you. Or maybe Helen Reddy, with all her roaring?
I don’t know. I’m just glad you’re back, and it’s made me all a-flutter and not able to string words together. Stay for a while? Please?
July 24th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Jess says:
Welcome back!!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Jenny, Crash Test Mommy says:
I for one am thrilled to see you writing in this space again, Maggie. Unconditionally thrilled.
And Blog Nosh is a great impetus. I’m not biased or anything though.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Karen MEG (Pomtini) says:
MAGGIEEEEEEE!!!!
Thanks for coming back, seriously. Missed you!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Maggie says:
Well I’m late this party. And I just checked in with you like a day or two ago.
I am deeeeeeeelighted to see you back here again.
Now, I’m not making money writing so I may not have much cred here, but I am writing a novel that I hope to make money with and I find blogging inspires me, urges me to get the flow going that sort of thing. Maybe it’s all about individual effect. If it works for you to be here, then no one has a right to berate it. If it doesn’t then those of us who selfishly want you here will have to deal with it.
And I don’t know who in the heck sees ugly in you, but they’re just looney.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Robin~PENSIEVE says:
Blog Nosh made me visit…
Glad she did
.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:49 am
TheMama says:
Never deleted you! You were one of the first blogs I read.
I’m glad you’re back.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Mrs. Kitty says:
Whoa… whoa….whoa! Your back??!! I’m so happy. You were one of my favorites.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Captain Steve says:
I saw the Friends’ share post, and I read it, and went, wait. She’s gone. Don’t get your hopes up. But they were anyways, because I love having my soul crushed. Then I scrolled down, holding my breath. . . and it was there! YOU were there! And I clicked and read and got chills! I hope you’re back, we’ve missed you.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
flutter says:
well now, looky there.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Fannie says:
I was glad to see you pop up in my reader. And what is this “polish” you speak of. Pftt, over rated.
July 24th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Mo says:
Yay! I was happy to see your twitter about blogging again. I hope you’re back for a while!
July 24th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Kelly says:
Just adding my voice to those other relieved ones out there. I’m glad you’re back, hope you stay, and that’s that. Okay?
July 24th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
merlotmom says:
I checked you out via the Bloggess. Shit, girl, you are popular! I’ve had the same questions about blogging and it taking away from my “real” writing, but I love it, and I’ve decided I’m going to have to find a way to turn blogging into my “real” writing. I’ll share the answer if I find one – will you share???
Nice to meet you. I’m going to read your BlogNosh post now.
July 24th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Duck of Happiness says:
Your empty stage has 61 commenters?? I’d hate to see it when the house is full.
I’m glad you’re back! Your blog went on lock-down before I had the chance to read your goodbye post and I had to ask Gypsy what was happening! Horrors! I totally panicked.
And to make it worse, only the FIRST TWO sentences of your goodbye post showed up on my feed reader. Two sentences that led to a poignant goodbye I couldn’t get to. They were taunting me. Mocking me. Saying things like ‘yes, your butt looks fat in these jeans’.
Whew, you’re back.
July 24th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Shamelessly Sassy aka Assy says:
so glad you’re back.
July 24th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
magpie says:
Oh hi!!! Delighted to see you. Missed you.
July 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Maggie, dammit says:
HOLY SHIT.
So.
Not only are you still in the theater, but you gave me my highest traffic day ever. EVER.
This is to say nothing of the amazing emails and twitters.
If I had any ambivalence while writing this post, it’s gone now. Poof.
I’m going to look into my own hosting, and a site that looks just how I want, and I’m going to keep blogging. I don’t know how long these things take but I’m actively pursuing it right now. If you’ve got advice/recommendations for hosts and/or design, please let me know.
Thank you. I want to french every single one of you.
July 24th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Lea says:
we’ll figure out what is it is we’re doing here eventually.
Good to see your words on my screen again.
July 24th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Top Posts « WordPress.com says:
[...] Is this thing on? Hello? Helllllloooooooo?? I know you’ve all gone home. You’ve deleted my feed from your readers, dropped me [...] [...]
July 24th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
QT says:
Well, well, well…..:)
July 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Marilyn says:
WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!
I feel much better now.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Clayjack says:
Well!
I was checking my reader today and saw Okay, Fine, Dammit in bold. Bold? How’s that possible? Is there really a new post, or is it some sort of software glitch? Nope. There’s a real post. And the site is live again.
I’m glad you checked in to let me know what’s on your mind (I know you write just for me – it’s okay to tell all your other readers now). I see this blogging thing as a much larger, much less organized version of American Idol, where really talented people without the connections, formal training or opportunity have an equal shot at becoming popular. (Dare I say fabulously wealthy and famous?)
The field is much more broad than a “real” writing gig, but it seems like there are far fewer constraints, and your destiny is completely in your own hands. Plus, as I understand it, more than a few bloggers have landed book deals because of their blogs.
So, yeah. Put up ads. All the cool kids are doing it. Some of the rich ones, too.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
daddymolson says:
So I’ve been gone for a while. Did I miss anything?
July 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
we_be_toys says:
WTF? When the hell did you get back? It’s uncanny, because I was thinking of you, missing you like crazy today.
You be and say anything you want babe – it’s all jiggy with me. I’m jazzed you’re on the show again!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
just beth says:
It is AWESOME to hear from you.
xo
b.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Jamie says:
Nice. You are SO inspiring. Thank you.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:54 am
marnie says:
welcome back – I kept checking periodically to see if you relented and said ok fine damnit, I’m back.
July 25th, 2008 at 6:54 am
c.a. Marks says:
Eh. Sometimes ya just gotta take a fucking break.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Debbie says:
YEAH! I took a hiatus for a while because I was so worried about that one, small group of people who were projecting their crap onto me. Or that I worried were projecting their crap onto me. They never commented, but in real life I felt the tension.
Anyways, GOOD POST. Perfect post.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Candance says:
You came back! YAY!! I don’t know whether blogging is real writing or not. There are only about 20 people that read my blog on purpose and don’t find it by googling things like “pictures of mommies in panties” but it is the one place where I can just be me and, when I’m all sad and lonely living out here with David, without my friends and family, getting comments from the people who read my blog and reading what my “bloggity” friends write makes my day a little brighter, so I don’t care if other people or successful writers think it’s real or not. It makes me feel good. If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad. And, bring on the ads, Gal. Everyone has them. I’ve made a whopping $2.93 with the Google Adsense. You could totally blow that out of the water!!
I hope you hang out for a while because I really have missed reading your stuff!!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Scott says:
Shit! Just when I moved from the point of visiting your grave on a daily basis, an aberration of Maggie appears! What a joy! What a gift! What a damn pleasure! Welcome back from the dead, Maggie. I would have never found out except I read your comment on Erika’s blog and said, “WTF? Every time I go to her blog it tells me she’s closed.” Oh happy day! Thank you, Jesus! Praise the Lord! Alleluia! Amen!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Chanda says:
Heyeee!!! Im so glad to see you back! I’ve missed this place, and the words you leave here to either brighten a dreary day, make me think deep thoughts that make my head hurt, or touch my heart and make me want to cry. Bottom line, I’ve missed you!
I never knew the angst that goes into blogging until I started blogging, and I am a mere gnat on the surface of the blog pond you so gracefully swim through. The push and pull between wanting to write truthfully, but not wanting to expose your soul to the nay sayers and trolls, or even just people who know you in real life is enough to squash anyone’s inspiration.
I guess what Im trying to say (badly) is don’t let anyone take away from the fact that you are a talented writer regardless of where you choose to write. If here is where your muse likes to belly up to the bar, who are they to poo-poo it? Throw those adds up there, those who love you will love you regardless of what’s on the side of the page. Do what you want to do.
Go with your gut, she’s that ballsy bitch who lives in the tough neighborhood, and she knows you the best.
*big ol virtual hug*.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Asthmagirl says:
It’s nice to see you again, Dammit!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Musing says:
It’s one of the hardest, loneliest, bravest things you can do…to reach down into your gut and find out what you really want.
But when you find it, do it. Do it with all you’ve got.
July 25th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
krista says:
i get you. i really do. i’ve stopped commenting on people’s blogs i don’t know because i feel like i’m walking into a circle of friends in the middle of the schoolyard only to realize i’m the girl they were making fun of the whole time. that smile. the awkward silence. and i really thought i was over all that twelve year old crap. clearly not.
but here i am, commenting to someone i don’t know. because you. have. read. my. mind.
and you spoke it better than me.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
In the Trenches of Mommyhood says:
I always follow Amanda’s lead. And wow. Hope there’s more to come!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
shell says:
oh, miss maggie. i’m so glad you’re back. you’re one of my most favorite bloggers, thought i don’t often comment, i love reading your words. i was so sad the day you closed your blog, but totally understood. life has a crazy way of working itself into funny little places. i hope everything is okay in your neck of the woods.
xoxo
July 25th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Monkey's Momma says:
Maggie, From one blogger to another: Just write! Do it for you, and not for anyone else. If you are happy, then so what?
Hope you stick around. You have talent!
July 26th, 2008 at 6:56 am
andi says:
Just catching up on my reader. So happy you’re back! I’d squee if I didn’t think you’d slap me for it, dammit.
July 26th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Dad says:
It must be kismet. You’re back and Packers training camp opens tomorrow!Oh the irony. Love, Dad
July 26th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Jeremy says:
Read, write, move to a new space, post ads, do it all. You will have readers no matter what. Check out my lame excuse for a blog…
I have ads and I suck at writing and I still have a couple (literally) of regular readers. So someone with your talent will surely build a following. Besides you have the support of some powerful people in blogland. That is how I was led here and this is my first time to visit.
Do not give up…keep your dream alive. With patience and perseverance you can get anything that you want.
July 26th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
arizaphale says:
Maggie, Maggie Maggie. I am just catching up on all this drama as I missed your ‘farewell’ post through, well fuck me, through REAL LIFE!!! I had to be briefed by CDV,( Professor Booty, A Free Man, whatever he is calling himself these days)….
If you want my opinion (and I’m not sure why you should) the worst thing about your blog is the 89-102 comments I have to plough through to get the full conversation!!!!!!
I’m off to read the next installment. Oh, and most of the people in my life assure me blogging is a waste of time too, when they’re not asking why I haven’t posted recently (I did mention real life didn’t I?).
July 26th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
David says:
Write for you! You have a wonderful amazing witty voice which I love to read.
July 27th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
A Free Man says:
Delighted to see you back, Maggie!
July 27th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Kristen says:
A big welcome back to you. What a great post…. it encompasses a lot of things that many of us feel. Thanks for putting it out there!
July 28th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Ryan says:
Oy, Magpie, I knew you’d be back: there’s just too much fucking fun to be had.
In regards to blogging itself, my unrequested opinion is this: you’re handing out FREE entertainment to an appreciative audience; you can do & say anything you like without regard for what anyone thinks, and you of all people know how delightfully freeing that is. If the tank’s empty, fill it up with life & live to write another day/week/month/year, but if it’s full, spill, baby, spill.
So glad to see your back.
[No apostrophe necessary - I'm referencing your staggering audience and my spot in behind as I watch you run away into the sun]
Much love & kisses, my dear.
Ry
July 28th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Elisa says:
You know what. I seriously hope you won’t listen to all those buzz-killers who tell you not to blog. I think anything you enjoy doing is NOT a waste of time. So if you miss, it, if you want to do it, if you are having a good time and making friends, then why lower the curtain?
I just found your blog toda, but I can tell you that yes, I would still read if you moved to a new spot and if you put ads – I come for the writing, not the graphics of the location.
So blog, don’t blog… whatever you do, make sure it’s your decision and noone else’s. And as cheesy as it sounds, this calls for the famous line… follow your bliss
P.S. oh, and thank you for passing by and dropping your comments? I hope you enjoyed your visit
July 28th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
kristen says:
glad. you. are. back. xo
July 28th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Debbie says:
Well shit, you must be in everyone’s reader, like mine. I just happened to ignore it yesterday. Then this morning, I looked and said “she’s back”!! Hot damn, and I came, and all I can say is WOW.
You have followers girl….carry on! Can’t you blog and write?
July 29th, 2008 at 4:58 am
that girl says:
MAGGIIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You’re back dammit! I missed you.
July 29th, 2008 at 11:40 am
noble pig says:
OMG woman…yes it took me a while but I deleted the feed..took you off the roll..(do you know how long it takes to re-do the roll? Like hours for it to be alphabetical) figured you were gone. Funny though somehow I knew, somehow, you’d be back at some point…not this quick…but I’m glad you are.
And polishing a post, it’s nice but hard…I hit publish…fall asleep..wake up the next day and correct all the errors…and it’s always okay…people still come back!
Love ya.
July 29th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Pamela says:
Your heart jumped through your throat? I was just reading comments on today’s BHJ and saw yours, and came over just because I missed you. AND THERE YOU WERE!!!! All blogging and whatnot.
I have had a truly horrible, shit-filled day, and next to the bag of Doritos and five smokes I just had, this is the best thing EVER!!!! Actually, it’s better than the smokes. You’re not a carcinogen, right?
So glad you’re back, even if it’s only for a little.
July 29th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
motherbumper says:
that nice dammit, really nice.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:56 am
Jen @ blissfullycaffeinated says:
Look, you don’t know me. So feel free to tell me to eff off or just ignore this completely (not hard, since it’s like number 1345 in the list of comments).
I’ve lurked around your blog a little and it’s really great. Which makes me wonder why you would give it up. When it sounds to me like you don’t really want to.
Why do you give a s*%t what other people think? And why can’t this writing feed into or compliment your other writing? Why does it have to be one or the other? And you have a large audience here that would obviously read whatever you are writing, on a blog or a printed page, why would you give that up?
Sorry…Maybe I’ve got the wrong end of stick. Just, please don’t quit because of what other people think. We come here to read what you think. Plaster this place with ads, no one will mind.
Remember the words of the immortal Jon Bon Jovi, “It’s my life!” Or your life…whatever, you know what I mean, right?.
Anyway, best of luck in all of your endeavors, whatever they may be.
July 31st, 2008 at 10:02 am
netta P says:
WOOO! i’m glad you’re back. i’ve never even been a reader before, but right on sistah! i am so feeling the wave you are riding right now. fuck the nay sayers – write you for us, cause we think you’re hella awesome. i only needed one of your posts to figure that out.
i got here from kirtsy!!
July 31st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Jill says:
I’m so glad you’re back…. I’ve missed reading you.
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:36 am