Mostly as I write a post I get a feeling of de-ja-vue. Have I written about this before? After fifteen years or so of blogging I think it’s expected. Isn’t it?
My latest exploration was participating in Blogchatter’s Half Marathon 2026 where participant bloggers were clubbed in three groups. We had to write 7 posts and read/comment on 10 different posts of co participants in the same group. I had expected enthusiastic engagement but what I found was mostly the bloggers (young blood) were too busy in their day to day schedule to find time to post.
Another thing that I found odd was the readers would leave a comment without liking the post. Though it’s not compulsory. But usually it is instinctive to press the like button as a token of appreciation or endorsement. Isn’t it? Otherwise, it will seem the reader is just adhering to the format of the Half Marathon and nothing else. Also, very few have replied back to the comments I left. Some posts were really interesting and informative. But as there is no effort towards building and engaging with a community these go unnoticed. Unless and until there is a healthy discussion on a write-up how to know that it has actually been read ?
Seemingly, the Half Marathon was not in true spirit of blogging. And that makes me wonder what motivates each of us to blog. Do tell me about it in the comments.
***
Elsewhere, the Ganapati Visarjan has started. Remember Ganesh Chaturthi was on the 14th of September? The idol is kept at home a stipulated number of days and then led in a procession for immersion. Bigger idols are carried in trucks or tempos. Every evening my flat literally rocks with the high decibel of music by the mobile DJ on the vehicle carrying the idol. Our Block faces a busy arterial road. However, on a normal day not a single sound of traffic movement filters in. So, you can imagine the level at which these DJs are playing the music. What is the Administration doing to prevent this noise pollution? Practically nothing on the pretext that they don’t want to hurt religious sentiments. But is this religion or worship?
For me worship is silence, gratitude and prayers. What about yours ?
***
I am back to physiotherapy because of persistent stiffness in neck and shoulder. Would be therefore taking breaks off and on from posting. But will continue reading you all though slowly.
Festival greetings to you all my dear friends.
God bless you all.
I like engaging, and I dislike when I comment and there’s no reply. You’re right. I don’t know if they read it or they’re just being ungrateful for a simple gesture that is sharing my ample time to them.
I always respond to any comments to show that I so appreciate them.
Yes, so noisy there as Iba shared this with me, too. Sounds too much, long festivals frustrates me, too. Just like the loud karaoke of my neighbors. 😁
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You are absolutely correct Hazel. Blogging does not only means writing and uploading a post but so much more. A genuine and sincere bonding with people across the globe is so much more rewarding. It’s not exactly instant gratification as in other networking sites. It’s like coming to know like-minded people.
Religious festivals have devolved into noisy affairs robbing them of their solemnity and sacredness.
I love to engage with you Hazel. It is always an interesting and thoughtful exchange.
God bless.
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The genuine friendship and connection we get here are the most rewarding thing! Same feelings, gc –love exchanging thoughts with you. God bless you too!
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And feel better soon, gc
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Thank you so much Hazel. More happiness to you.
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And to you too. You’re welcome, gc
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I don’t belong to any group like your Half Marathon one, but I do regard all my blogging friends as important. Consequently I spend the early morning hours, like now, communicating with them: commenting, liking, reading their comments, and responding. I am fortunate to be spending my retirement years free of noise pollution. Have a good day, and keep well, Geeta
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It’s not an exclusive group. Blogchatter is a blog directory which throws up creative challenges to promote blogging. I think every country has its own sites like that.
I have also made it a habit to engage on WP on a daily basis.
You are lucky to live in a noise free zone.
Thank you very much Derrrick 🙏
Appreciate and look up to you always.
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Good Morning ,Di
I believe Geeta Di we should only push the like button and leave a comment when we have read the post,not for the sake of getting ‘like for a like’ and ‘comment for a comment’
Blogging half marathon would have been more interesting if all participants would have actively engaged not only in posting but in replying to the comments.
Regarding the ‘religious noise pollution’ I don’t think God needs us to shout at the top of our voice,He knows what is in our hearts even if we don’t say a word.It is recorded in history that when Prophet Muhammad (PBOH) woke up for mid-night or pre-dawn prayers ,he took utmost care not to disturb his family with the slightest sound of creaking door and now we have mics and loud speakers in mosques.
Get well soon Geeta Di.
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Good morning Nusrat!
I don’t press the like button unless and until I have read the post. I comment regularly but at times on certain posts I feel I am not competent to give comments.
I expected robust participation in the Half Marathon but it was wasted efforts on my part at least. As it is I have got such a vibrant group on WP.
I fully agree with you. God does not need us to announce our presence nor does He require us to praise him over the loudspeakers.
God is everywhere in every being. When will we realise that ?
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Maybe politics has taken over the genuine religious feelings.
Your posts and comments, both are insightful,Di
Half Marathon wasn’t up to your expectations,but I read and enjoyed all the posts.
Keep writing,Di
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Thank you very much Nusrat. I would have written those posts irrespective of the Half Marathon.
And I cannot agree with you more about politics taking over genuine religious feelings.
Have a good day and happy posting
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Have a good day,Di
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An interesting piece raising good questions about blogging. It has taken me a while to get into a rhythm of blogging that I’m happy with. My main motivation now links with having published my debut children’s book. I’m always grateful when people take the time to comment on my blogs; it’s pleasing to have that connection though I think it takes time to build.
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Yes, Liz, it takes time to build that rapport but once built it’s very, very rewarding
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A warm, thoughtful post. Wishing you a smooth recovery from physiotherapy — take your time, your readers will be here. Ganapati Bappa Morya!
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Thank you very much Indrajit. That’s heartening. May the Lord bless you and your family 🙏
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I started my first website because I was learning to code with HTML and it was practice for me. I think I turned to blogging in 2008 as a way to simply express myself and share my ideas and my creations. It’s a fun way to start my day, as well. 🙂
I hope your physiotherapy goes well and that you find some relief.
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I think the greatest motivation is the urge to share and when readers engage with you it’s the biggest impetus.
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You’re right that there is no fun in participating in a challenge when people don’t post, respond to comments and and not interested.
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Yes, Sadje. So true. It does not seem worth it.
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Yes, it’s sad that some people are making effort, while others are lackadaisical
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True, dear friend
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👍🏼
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Ganpati Bappa Morya.
Take care Geetaji.
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Thank you Rupali
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Blogging for me began as writing out my thoughts. It’s been twenty years now. 🙂
I hate the noise pollution that is part of our festivals and worship.
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Such an insightful and honest reflection! 👏 After 15 years, a bit of déjà vu is definitely a badge of honor in the blogging world! It’s disappointing when challenges lack true community engagement—commenting without genuine reading or replying really misses the heart of blogging. Also completely agree on worship; true devotion brings peace and quiet, not high-decibel noise pollution.
Wishing you a very speedy recovery with your physiotherapy—please take good care and rest up! Warm festival greetings and God bless you too! 🙏✨💫
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Safiaji, welcome to my blog. Your comment is full of empathy and understanding which stole my heart. Thank you very much. Keep coming back.
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I agree with you. Although I created this blog about five years ago and was on a sabbatical until recently, I cannot help think about repetition-of ideas, of something I may have said in the past and I completely get the sense of deja vu! As far as I am concerned, I love to put my comments on posts that really resonated with me, or leave a like to appreciate what the writer put so much effort into penning-I think it is justified and is in the spirit of blogging.
And regarding festivities, I hear you. Every evening seems like Diwali now with the loud music and firecrackers and as person who sleeps by 8.30 to 9, it gets all the more annoying as they begin just then!
Wishing you a speedy recovery 🙂
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Blogging is a support building exercise. It is enjoyable as long as you are able to communicate with like minded people. I don’t press the like button without reading a post. I comment likewise.
Diwali is a festival I don’t much enjoy. The noise and pollution invariably makes me sick. When will we learn to celebrate without bothering others ?
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