Blogging Causes Insomnia

It’s true.  Blogging is the nasty culprit.  I can’t fall asleep at night because of blogging.

It’s not even MY blog that’s the problem — it’s everyone else’s!

And I’m going to name names because I’m DESPERATE for some sleep.

Alex Whalley kept me up till 3:00 A.M. on Tuesday (Well, by then, it was Wednesday).  He writes killer posts a mile long, he’s got a quick wit I admire, and he’s a genius at doing a play on words.  Just get your ‘ask’ over to his blog and you’ll know what I’m talking about!

I’m convinced.  Theresa Bradley-Banta of BigFishTopDogs never sleeps.  Never.  She cranks out so much content, I can’t keep up.  It’s all good and I want to read it ALL.  You know the Lay’s commercial that touts, “Bet ya can’t eat just one?”  Bet ya can’t make just ONE visit to Theresa’s blog!

Then there’s “Mr. Personality”, Keith Davis, of espeaking. He’s the guiltiest party of all.  He posts a comment on my blog.  I reply.  He comments back.  I reply again.  What’s wrong with that man?  What does he think a blog is?  A conversation?!

I.  Need.  Some.  Sleep.

And I can’t leave out Michelle Shaeffer.  I don’t know if her blogging engine gets revved up after the sun goes down or she gets a second wind after midnight — can’t figure it out.  But she ropes me in every time.  Michelle offers up (the likes of which you’ve never seen) loads of valuable resources and biz-building tips.  Her blog is a doggone magnet!

Ever heard of speedlinking?   Sheila Atwood is the quintessential pro!  But I’m warning you.  If you go over to her blog to see how she does it, you’ll be hooked.  You won’t want to miss those posts — even if you have to catch them in the middle of the night.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I could name about fifty more bloggers, but you get the picture.  These people are the reason I’m suffering from sleep deprivation.

I know what you’re thinking — it’s not their fault.  Yes it is!

*Note* to everyone whose blog I frequent and you know who you are (if you want to cure my insomnia) …

Can you lay low for a while?
Take a vacation, maybe?
Go out on your patio and read a book?
Try Vlogging for a change?
Loan your computer to a starving student?

NO?

Well, how about a compromise?

I’m begging you.
For a while (so I can catch up on my sleep), write SHORTER posts, would ya?!

Anyone else out there glued to your chair reading blog posts at the (butt) crack of dawn?

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  • Personally, I’m all blogged out. I have blogger’s block and when I do sit down in front of my computer I just stare straight ahead blankly. I have a feeling I am not alone!

  • Well, I have to say, Melanie, this is one of the longest lasting blogging posts I have ever read!
    You have made an amazing impact with responses being received so long after the original post date.
    This must mean something.
    Is there a wee book in all of this????
    Happy Poetry Month!
    In Ontario the wind is blowing with almost hurricane strength–in April!!!!!

    • Oh, Patricia — batten down the hatches! Sounds like a fierce wind is a blowin’!

      “Happy Poetry Month” back at ya.

      When I was eleven years old, I published a poem in Ladies Home Journal Magazine. My teachers were so proud. They were the ones who encouraged me to write a poem and submit it for a contest the magazine was hosting. Knowing my mom, she’s still hanging on to that magazine. 🙂

      A wee book in all of this?? Well, I hope there’s a book in me somewhere that’s just waiting to break free! I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I guess that’s what makes blogging so much fun for me.

      Have you written any poetry this month? Drop by again and slip a poem in the comment box. I think my readers would enjoy that. They’re a very diverse bunch.

      Thanks for stopping by again.

  • I understand your ‘pain,’ Melanie. Not being able to sleep because you want to consume good information from amazing bloggers. While I’m not familiar with some of the blogger you mentioned (and will add them to my list) Michelle and Sheila do produce great, actionable, and extremely informative content. Needless to say, you do as well and reading your posts is both fun and informative.

    • Hey Yvonne,

      So happy you found a few new blogging friends here to check out! And when you go and meet up with them, be sure to tell them you’re on my “A-List” in the blogosphere. 🙂

      No question about it … Michelle and Sheila have blogs I’ll be visiting for years to come. They both know how to knock one out of the ball park!

      Isn’t it great, Yvonne, that we all have very different writing and blogging styles and yet that doesn’t make a bit of difference? We stay connected and visit each other’s blogs as often as we can. Referring to the blog challenge group, of course. We formed a very special bond in that first challenge that will never ever be broken. 🙂

      Thanks for your feedback — appreciate you!

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  • “A gorgeous young man. Lots of hair, all his own teeth and a fantastic speaker.”

    Well, no guessing needed. That would have to be YOU, Keith! 🙂

    • Love it mel, absolutely love it.
      Not me, but this could be the man for you.
      Sworn to secrecy but you’ll love this guy.

      Special announcement – this conversation is brought to you by Mel’s threaded comments.
      A Genesis theme production in association with Michelle Shaeffer.
      All rights reserved.
      .

      • Oh, Keith … In the words of Rod Stewart … Have I told you lately that I love you?

        Your ‘special announcement’ made me with a smile and made my day! 🙂

        Okay. If it isn’t YOU, I’m guessing Tom Breeze. No need to tell me if I’m right. I know you’re “sworn to secrecy”. I’ll just sit in suspense until it drives me bonkers, lose a little more sleep, and pace the floors till you hit the big publish button. But don’t concern yourself with any of that. LOL!

  • Hey Keith — child theme “Lifestyle” is awesome.

    You’ve made a good point and I agree — “Genesis Causes Insomnia” would definitely fit the bill. 🙂

    Really enjoyed Kristy’s guest post over at espeaking. She’s a ‘natural’ for videos. Of course, she’s young and gorgeous, too. I don’t care what anyone says, that always helps. LOL

    Listen, Keith, by the time “impromptu” arrives …

    It’s going to be well thought out, meticulously organized, and tight as a drum!! What’s impromptu about THAT?!

    Kidding aside, I’m finding lots of value in the video series you’re doing right now and excited to see who your next video guest expert will be!

    Mel

    • Mel
      ” Of course, she’s young and gorgeous”
      You may think that, I couldn’t possibly comment. LOL

      Next up in the video series?
      A gorgous young man.
      Lots of hair, all his own teeth and a fantastic speaker.
      I won’t spoil the surprise with a name.

      Impromptu is in my head – just got to stop messing with this Genesis thing….

  • Hi Mel
    Thanks for your comment over on easyP.
    Kristy is a fabulous vblogger and I’m sure that she will appreciate your kind words.

    Got a little more on video and then it’s time for the impromptu series.
    Some good stuff planned – you won’t be disappointed.

    BTW – I’ve been messing around with Genesis this aftewrnoon.
    There are some gorgeous child themes with it and they are so fast!

    You may have to change the title of this post from..

    “Blogging Causes Insomnia”
    to…

    “Genesis causes insomnia”

  • Site looks amazing!

    • Thanks, Patricia!

      I’m so grateful to Michelle Shaeffer for creating this miracle. I’m really excited about the changes and I love the way everything looks. 🙂

      If you haven’t had the joy of meeting Michelle, please stop by her blog and say howdy.

      Enjoy your weekend!

  • What a nice twist Melanie! I could add to your list of people who suck me in. That’s why I’m a big fan of my stopwatch. I have to or I’d have no sleep…kind of like you! 🙂

    • Oooh … great idea, Kristen.

      I hadn’t thought of using a stopwatch. Do you time yourself on each blog you visit so you don’t end up hanging around for an eternity? Or do you give yourself an allotted amount of time to read and comment on someone’s post?

      Just curious.

      Sleep well tonight! 🙂

  • Oh yes… bring on those threaded comments.
    They look fab.

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  • Threaded comments and a site makeover.
    Well done Me, looks fantastic.
    Clean and crist with such an easy to follow menu.

    BTW – how spooky is this?
    Last night I bought the Genesis Pro license and this morning I come to your site and there in your footer – ” Genesis Theme Framework by StudioPress”

    I’m setting up a local WordPress install this weekend to start tinkering with Genesis.

    • You and me, Keith — we communicate via Extra Sensory Perception. Not all fellow bloggers can do that, ya know. Let’s face it. We’re special. 🙂

      I’m SO excited for you! The Genesis framework is exceptional. And I’m really pleased you like the changes around here. Coming from you that means a lot. Not being able to set up threaded comments with my previous theme, for one thing, was driving me bazoony!

      All the neat changes and little nuances are thanks to my incredibly brilliant friend, Michelle Shaeffer. If you haven’t connected with her yet, please do: http://michelleshaeffer.com

      Keep me in the loop and let me know how all your ‘tinkering’ goes this weekend. I’ll be thinking about you (but of course you already ‘sensed’ that). LOL

      • Tinkering won’t be with my live site Mel, only on my local install.

        Will definately check out http://michelleshaeffer.com

        We can take today as being your “Genesis”.

        BTW – I often wondered why you didn’t have threaded comment – but was too shy to ask. LOL

        • Too shy to ask?! Well, you’re the rare bird — sixteen other people emailed to ask! 🙂

          Truth is, I appreciate everyone who tried to help and sent along the instructions for how to ‘enable’ threaded comments. My theme simply didn’t support that function. It’s a good feeling to know people care and want to, selflessly, lend a helping hand.

          I’ve said it in the past and I’ll say it again … Bloggers Bond.

          Good! You’re going to introduce yourself to Michelle. She’s going to love getting to know you and vice versa.

  • You’re welcome, Sheila!

    “Addiction” seems to be the word of the day when it comes to the way bloggers feel. It’s a constant temptation to read “just one more” as Danielle mentioned. But after all, there are SO many talented bloggers out there with unique personalities, intriguing posts, and resources and lessons to share! Not such a bad thing to be addicted to. 🙂

  • Melanine,

    You make me laugh….I love coming to your site. It is the perfect way to start my day.

    Blogging is addicting especially when you are on the reading end. I love all the blogs you mentioned. Each one is so different and great in their own right.

    Thanks sweetie.

  • It’s a toss of the dice, a flip of the coin, isn’t it, Helenee?

    Like a lot of other aspects of life, there’s a trade off. You decided to trade a wealth of interesting opinions, information, and ideas for a good night’s sleep. Good choice! 🙂

  • I love being able to connect to such a wealth of interesting opinions, information, ideas, you-name-it!
    I sometimes wish the day had 72 hours – I’m missing great stuff, I’m sure, but I have finally come to prefer a good night sleep to long reading hours, hurray!

  • Good news, Lynn — I’m glad to hear you now have a Twitter VA.

    And I want to wish you the best of success with the training program you’re developing! If getting it completed and out into the marketplace means less time blogging, that’s all right. You’ve got to hit the highest priorities first and there’s only so many hours in a doggone day!

    Happy you felt the energy here and thanks for your kind words.

  • Thanks for making a second trip over here, Patricia. Scientific studies about blogging insomniacs? With all the other crazy things that are studied, why not?! 🙂

    If scientists can study the “Ultrasonic Velocity in Cheddar Cheese as Affected by Temperature”, surely they’d love to study bloggers. LOL

  • Melanie, who knew the impact of a 3 simple words?
    Do you think that scientific studies will be in order?:))

  • Hi Joe,

    I didn’t realize StumbleUpon was so addictive. I don’t venture over there very often so maybe that’s a good thing! 🙂

    Blogging and social media, in general, can turn into real time suckers if you’re not careful. As of late, I’ve settled in to posting twice a week but I want to start creating my own info products soon so I may end up posting only once a week for a while.

    Thanks for stopping by!

  • Melanie you crack me up girl! But you are so true. It seems there are those bloggers, and I did check out Sheila Atwood’s blog, and know what you mean. How do these people keep up with it all.

    Right now I am pulling away a bit from blogging and actually hired a VA to help me keep up with Twitter so I can focus on completing my goal of a training program I am developing.

    So I look like that gal up in the picture of your post most days! Love your posts and the energy your bring to them Melanie!

  • Wow, Keith! Unbelievable.

    I’ve never seen an exchange like the one Arvind initiated with his “Bloggers Make the Best Lovers” post. The comments turned into a lively (and lengthy) conversation in the blink of an eye! Excluding your masterpieces, it’s one of the most cleverly-written posts I’ve seen in a long while. Lots of appeal.

    Arvind almost has me believing a blog is an online dating venue. LOL!

    Thanks for the atmospheric kudos — I keep a close watch on my blog’s barometer. I do my best to make sure the atmospheric pressure doesn’t drop below typical sea-level around here. 🙂

    Break a leg in the blogosphere!
    Mel

  • Goodness I could spend forever reading blogs. I used to be terribly addicted to StumbleUpon and used to spend hours into the morning stumbling sites. Now since I am heavy into blogging and all it entails I feel like you do Melanie. I could eat, sleep and breath blogging 24/7 if they would let me.

  • Sorry Mel
    Can’t lay low for a while.

    I won’t say that I don’t deserve your kind words, because that would be duplication of effort – I have a wife for that.

    If you want to see comments turning into a real conversation, take a look at this post…

    http://www.virginbloggernotes.com/2010/08/25/12-reasons-why-bloggers-make-the-best-lovers/

    Don’t be put off by the title of the post, it is not offensive in any way.
    Last time I looked there were 208 comments!

    When comments turn into a conversation, it’s a pleasure to be involved.
    You may not reach 208 comments Mel but you have created an atmosphere on your blog that encourages comments, fosters interaction and produces great banter.

    Sleep well.

    Keith

  • Patricia, I couldn’t agree with you more about Alex. And I can’t wait to get over to your blog and check out your “insomnia” post!

    I love collaboration. I’m losing sleep and you’ve got the solution. Beautiful! 🙂

    Pretty uncanny we both chose the same topic this week. Maybe we have a special connection through mental telepathy. 🙂

  • Hey Marlee — thanks for coming by!

    Well, since smiling and laughter cause the release of endorphins (mood enhancers and pain relievers) …

    I’m happy to be the source of endorphins flying all over the blogosphere! LOL

    Appreciate the compliment. 🙂

  • Hi Melanie

    My fellow Aussie Alex is the king of the quotes and the headlines isn’t he LOL In fact he wrote the headline for the post I just published.

    Thought I would give him a challenge….what does he know about lavenders??!! Kudos to him. In a couple of minutes he came up trumps with a couple for me to choose from 😉

    And now for the big LOL the post is about INSOMNIA!!! and even gives you tips on how to get some of that sought after sleep.

    Alas….it does not involve any of these fabulously talented bloggers or yourself going on holiday 🙁

    You have made me laugh as much as I laugh at Alex’s posts Melanie. You too are one talented wordsmith.

    Patricia Perth Australia

  • Melanie!
    This post is a crack up! What a creative way to hand out some recognition and entertain the heck out of your reader. Good work here. 🙂

  • There’s a big boat load of people like you, Hajra. Having a short attention span for reading blog posts is not uncommon at all. And that’s the reason most videos are short, too. Personally, I can’t sit through a video online for longer than 5 minutes. That’s my limit. Some of these marketers who produce sales page videos that are 20+ minutes long will NEVER get my business — I can’t sit through a presentation that long!

    Thanks for the compliment and I’m glad you enjoyed this post.

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  • Always happy to provide a few good giggles, Diana!

    Swimming in money is still on my mind, too. So as soon as you figure out how we can do it with blog commenting, count me in! 🙂

    Thanks for joining in the conversation!

  • Thanks a heap, Patricia!

    So glad you found your way here today. As much as I keep hearing blogging cannot be compared to “creative writing” — your comment has proved that theory to be wrong! 🙂

  • (Cue the image of me sticking out my tongue at you.) LOL! LOL!

    Lisbeth, you’re a keeper! You have a way with words that is unsurpassed and a sense of humor I absolutely cherish. I only wish I had half your talent.

    Thanks for taking time to catch this post!

  • You and I need to head straight for the 12-step program, Martha — we’re addicted, for sure! LOL

    And I bet they don’t allow computers at the rehab for bloggers. 🙂

  • I hadn’t thought about THAT, Jennifer. Thanks for flipping the coin over. My posts might be causing sleep deprivation all over the blogosphere!

    So please allow me to publicly apologize to anyone who’s stayed up late to catch this show. 🙂

  • You have amazing intuition, Theresa!

    And you’re right. I was up so late the other night reading blog posts I started to get stupidly “punchy” — giddy, giggly, and beyond (Trust me, you don’t want to know me when I get to that point!) 🙂 When I FINALLY got off to bed about 4:00 A.M., I laid my head down on the pillow thinking, “I’m going to write a post about blogging insomniacs!”

    I loved “You Had Me At Hello” and I left my mark in your comment box. Great topic and feedback!

    P.S. I hope your husband doesn’t think I’m some kind of nut case. 🙂

  • Hi Julie!

    Appreciate your compliment and visit and it warms my heart that you gleaned a little inspiration here. 🙂 Please knock on my door again sometime!

  • This is one of your best posts! I like the twist in the writing. But I do have a “problem” with long blog posts. You see, I get bored easily and to hold my attention for a long posts requires effort (snicker!) I don’t seem to have any issues with long books, but long long blogs require courage on my behalf!

  • Melanie, I just love your posts because I get a good laugh and it’s good stuff 🙂 I am a person who loves my sleep and yes I have not been getting enough since I’ve started blogging. I am glad you feel the same way. Whose fault is it? The other blogs for sure because I am reading and commenting as much as I can. Like you have said, we need to find a way to make money from blog commenting. I’ll keep that thought in mind and if anything comes up, you will be the first to know. I also want to be swimming in money LOL

  • Humorous!
    So many talented bloggers out there–you have taken a creative twist on the blogosphere.:)

  • Oh, Melanie, I can relate and blame many of the same people. 🙂 But, of course, I’d add you to the list, too. So there. (Cue the image of me sticking out my tongue at you.)

  • Hilarious Melanie! So many times, I have “run into” you in the wee hours of reading blogs. I remember one time you even told me to go to bed! LOL It’s an addiction and I think we’ve got it bad 🙂

  • I love your humor! Just think of all the poor peeps that you keep up all night!!

  • Oh Melanie! This was such a fun – and FUNNY – post. You had me laughing out loud about Keith — “Mr. Personality”! You are just too funny. ‘What does he think a blog is?’ LOL! Haha. By the end of your post I was reading it aloud to my husband. Soooo… maybe I WILL take a vacation!

    This was simply delightful. I can picture you saying, “I should write a post about this” the minute it occurred to you were becoming an insomniac over blogging. Don’t you just love those moments?

    Thank you so much for including me. Stop over and read my post You Had Me at Hello. Working on short ones 🙂 That might help. Oh and Keith left you a very nice compliment! I couldn’t agree more with him… you have turned the short sharp post into an art form. Nice work! Thanks for all the laughs!

    ~Theresa

  • Entertaining post Melanie! Loved it! I have to tell you, you may be short on sleep, but you are long in creative writing with a healthy dose of humor. You are an inspiration!

  • Hey Alex,

    I’ve got enough ‘link love’ to span the globe! Spending some of it on you is my pleasure.

    You’re quite welcome for the kudos — well-deserved — and, personally, I love your blog post title! Sounds like a winner to me. 🙂

    See you in the blogosphere!

  • Fabulous blogs and bloggers are like chocolate chip cookies, aren’t they, Danielle? The first one tastes great coming out of the oven and you think … “just one more”. 🙂

    Let’s assume your husband isn’t a blogger. 🙂

  • Hahahaha now that is a great way of sharing the love around – and sorry that my posts are so long. It’s getting me to shut up that’s the trick usually, so I don’t think anything is gonna change soon LOL.

    Thanks so much for the kind words and support Melanie. It’s always nice to be appreciated, but when someone with the eloquence and style that you possess notices it, well then it’s that much sweeter.

    Oh, I just totally thought of an awesome title for a similar themed post.
    I shall call it “How to Blog when you Can’t Stay Awaisjgbaibgaohiudgnboahjjjjjgangnnnnnn”

    not sure if people would get it though (I’m not going to patronize you and explain it to you though 😉 )

    • See, even your answers are long!! 🙂

  • LMAO – at least I am not the only one. I sometimes find myself saying “just one more blog…” about 10 times before my husband says, “Turn off the damn computer and come to bed!”

  • Uh, oh, Melissa. Be careful.

    It’s SO easy to pour yourself into your blog. It’s such a fun activity, don’t you think? And there’s just something about the blogosphere that’s hypnotizing and mesmerizing!

    But sometimes I wish blogging would hypnotize me to sleep. 🙂

  • Oh, no, Michelle!

    The UBC is starting again?! You always get 100+ fabulous bloggers in that challenge. Oh, well. I guess I can prop my eyelids open with toothpicks. 🙂

  • I can agree to the shorter posts thing. My last few were tooooo long! But since the Ultimate Blog Challenge starts in 2 days I can’t promise to lay low. LOL

  • lol! There are a few blogs that pull me in everytime, especially ones in my Niche. But nine times out of ten? It is MY blog that keeps me up at night. Go figure