Did you miss me?
For the first time since I started New South Essays in March 2011 I have hit a wall. Failing to post an essay three out of the last four weeks, I’ve succumbed to inertia, and it threatens my blogging endeavor.
In addition to my absence from the blogosphere, I also have to admit that the quality of recent posts is suffering. The greater percentage of posts have been “misses” rather than “hits.” Like all bloggers, I track my statistics compulsively, and unsurprisingly, my readership has waned at about the same time as the quality of my content began to decline. Changing my posting day after 18 months from Friday to Saturday probably didn’t help either.
A little more than two years into New South Essays, I am failing to fulfill the two basic requirements of blogging: quality content and consistent posting. The culprit? Time and energy.
The time I previously spent writing on Saturday mornings is now split between weekly planning for the Cub Scout den I lead and getting in a long run as I vainly attempt to defy aging and fool myself into thinking I can still someday qualify for the Boston Marathon. Something has to give, and lately it’s been the blog.
My energy level is still high, but it is focused in another direction. I started a new job at Georgia Tech back in the fall, and this new challenge has turned my creative energies toward learning a large and complex organization, managing a different staff and strategizing about a unique set of audiences and messages. It has been a fascinating and invigorating journey of discovery.
But when it comes to my blog, I am bereft of what I need in order to produce good content. I am a creature of habit, craving routine to channel my creativity. When my routine breaks down or shifts, it takes me a little time to come up with a new approach to compensate.
I hope you’ll stick with me as I find new footing and a new routine. I also ask that you contribute by letting me know what you are interested in, what you are seeing in the New South or what topics you would like for me to address.
Remember, this isn’t just one-way communication. Enter the dialogue. You can e-mail me at lanceelliottwallace@gmail.com or just leave a comment below.
You’ve been great to stick with me so far, and I aim to make it worth the trouble.
New South Essays 
I’m afraid your stats mean that in the new south, people are more willing to use their employers’ time rather than their own for reading blogs. What does this have to say about work ethic in the new south?!?! Multi-tasking? Distraction? Knowledge work? Efficiency? Effectiveness? Priorities?
That’s a good point, Scott. I know I tend to start my day with checking media mentions and any new posts on the Fast Company, personal branding and PR blogs that I follow. I try to save the personal blogs for the weekend, but I may have peeked at them once or twice at the office.
Lance, with a cub scout den, family, new job, running, and aspects of daily life, you are an extremely busy man. Little time for reflection, meditation, pleasurable reading, adult conversation. Blessings on you.
Thanks, Allen. Please tell me it does get easier at some point… please!
Feeling your pain.
I really enjoy your posts. You seem to be able to find something meaningful to say even when it’s very short snippets. I need some of that talent.
Thank you Lance! Talent is yours.