An LJ Confession

/ Tracy Abell

When I spend time away from LJ, sometimes it’s hard getting back in the swing of things.  There are days when I skim my Friends page but don’t write any comments because I don’t have time to comment on every journal and want to be “fair,” but then if a couple days go by without me commenting I get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of uncommented posts and I can’t figure out when/where to start commenting again in a way that won’t hurt feelings until more days go by without comments from me.  (And yes, I realize it’s my unique brand of neurosis to worry that anyone on LJ sits around keeping score on which person comments when/where).

Anyone else willing to admit to this kind of LJ Overwhelm?  If so, how do you handle it?

(And if not, please keep the ridicule to a low roar….)

                 

36 thoughts on “An LJ Confession”

  1. I definitely feel that way — when I’m stressed and can’t comment, I’ll often plan not to comment on anyone’s…of course, that’s always when someone posts something that I *have* to respond to *rolls eyes*. So I try hard to just do it first thing in the morning — and most mornings, it’s truly a joy. Then I’ll get on throughout the day (when I’m procrastinating in a chatty mood and comment more so that the next morning’s pages won’t be as full 😉
    I keep up pretty well most weekdays…but the weekends and busy days are often a wash.

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    • You’ve got an organized approach which I’m thinking might be helpful for me in battling the Overwhelm. I realized I often read stuff in the morning when I’m not in the position to take time to comment (getting boys off to school or camp, etc) and then never make it back here. Maybe if I declare no LJ reading unless I’ve got the time? Could I possibly be that disciplined? Ahem.

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  2. I definitely feel that way — when I’m stressed and can’t comment, I’ll often plan not to comment on anyone’s…of course, that’s always when someone posts something that I *have* to respond to *rolls eyes*. So I try hard to just do it first thing in the morning — and most mornings, it’s truly a joy. Then I’ll get on throughout the day (when I’m procrastinating in a chatty mood and comment more so that the next morning’s pages won’t be as full 😉

    I keep up pretty well most weekdays…but the weekends and busy days are often a wash.

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  3. I must be a terrible person. I never worry about being fair. I don’t think anyone cares if I comment. There are a few people I usually feel inclinded to comment if I read their post b/c it always feels like they are talking to me. Other than that, nothing.
    I get really sick of it here sometimes so I try to go away. But then I wonder what’s up with the people I like so I come back. Then I have to read everyone’s post and I realize it is terribly addicting. Have you considered trimming your friends list down a bit? Maybe the size is too overwhelming. I’ve been considering that. I think my real comfort level would be about five people. But that’s true in real life, too.

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    • You crack me up! Thanks so much for this response, Linda. You’ve really put some of my angst in perspective. I mean, what’s the net gain in angsting, anyway? What a waste of energy.
      I admire your spirit!

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  4. I must be a terrible person. I never worry about being fair. I don’t think anyone cares if I comment. There are a few people I usually feel inclinded to comment if I read their post b/c it always feels like they are talking to me. Other than that, nothing.

    I get really sick of it here sometimes so I try to go away. But then I wonder what’s up with the people I like so I come back. Then I have to read everyone’s post and I realize it is terribly addicting. Have you considered trimming your friends list down a bit? Maybe the size is too overwhelming. I’ve been considering that. I think my real comfort level would be about five people. But that’s true in real life, too.

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  5. me too.
    I am a terrible person.
    I do whatever I want to do… sometimes I comment, sometimes not.
    You should do that too.
    Be an evil blogger… do as you wish…. I won’t hold it against you… I will love you more for it!!
    ; )

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    • Definitely, we miss you while you’re away!! While I can’t help but smile when I think, “Well, she’s off hooping or writing or somesuch,” I also send out wishes and hopes that all is well.
      But y’know, if someone has/takes the time to tally everyone’s comments, well….that’s their stuff and not yours.
      That said, in my less-secure moments (and there are many), I hope that I’m not forgotten while I’m away, and I worry when I haven’t heard from absent LJ friends. It’s not just an LJ thing, though. Hi, my name is Melodye and I’m a hovercraft.

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      • Yes, but you’re our hovercraft! And you’re most definitely not forgotten, Melodye.
        I think the fact that I even worry about people tallying comments says an awful lot about me. (Note to self: remember Laura’s revolution!)
        Thank you always for those good thoughts sent my way.

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  6. me too.
    I am a terrible person.
    I do whatever I want to do… sometimes I comment, sometimes not.

    You should do that too.
    Be an evil blogger… do as you wish…. I won’t hold it against you… I will love you more for it!!
    ; )

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    • If you haven’t already read through these comments, Sarah, I highly recommend them. I’m gaining a whole new perspective (and feeling lighter in the process). Guilt-schmuilt!

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  12. I get that way too! Yet, I think we are all stressing about it and very very few of us actually care or take it personally if someone doesn’t comment. I notice when people NEVER comment on mine and I see them everywhere else. That’s about it. (And those people are very rare.)

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  15. Definitely, we miss you while you’re away!! While I can’t help but smile when I think, “Well, she’s off hooping or writing or somesuch,” I also send out wishes and hopes that all is well.

    But y’know, if someone has/takes the time to tally everyone’s comments, well….that’s their stuff and not yours.

    That said, in my less-secure moments (and there are many), I hope that I’m not forgotten while I’m away, and I worry when I haven’t heard from absent LJ friends. It’s not just an LJ thing, though. Hi, my name is Melodye and I’m a hovercraft.

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  16. You crack me up! Thanks so much for this response, Linda. You’ve really put some of my angst in perspective. I mean, what’s the net gain in angsting, anyway? What a waste of energy.

    I admire your spirit!

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  17. Yes, but you’re our hovercraft! And you’re most definitely not forgotten, Melodye.

    I think the fact that I even worry about people tallying comments says an awful lot about me. (Note to self: remember Laura’s revolution!)

    Thank you always for those good thoughts sent my way.

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  18. You are too much, Laurie. One of these days I’m going to drive over the mountains and give you a taste of your own medicine. I’ll track you down by following the cackle.

    (Not to encourage you but this did make me laugh out loud!)

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