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Can you be all "blogged- out" about real estate ?

My idea for real estate blogging is to provide answers to real estate questions that consumers are asking when buying and selling their homes.

My best writing happens when it comes from passion. All of a sudden I find myself in a lull. Could there be a case of being blogged out? I don’t mean running out of the ideas about what to write – I have these for another year and more. It’s just the passion needs the fuel and I may be running low on that one.

When I started blogging on Active rain, the fuel was the learning, then it was the ability to write interesting and engaging posts, then it was developing relationships, and then it was giving back to the community. In addition and behind it all one thing remained unchanged – real estate is my business and I need my blogging to fit in with my business strategy, i.e. I need to make money.

Some may say, you have only been at it for three months, what do you expect? May be it’s the thinking about the expectations that is tagging at my passion. May be I should just forget the passion thing and do the MLS charts with headings for different cities and other posts with lots of links and key words?

As I think of my goals, plans and budget of time and money for next year – I seem to be blogged out. I hope that tomorrow my passion will be back, reconciled with my plans for 2008.

Did you ever have a case of a “blog –out” and what is the prognosis for such a condition? Does it last only a few days? I am looking for honest answers, as I am brave and can take it.:) I also need some cheer.

Posted by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert on 11/19/2007 08:42 PM

Comments (59)

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59 Comments on Can you be all "blogged- out" about real estate ?

NOV

2007

I suppose one can run out of steam on anything! It will come again, don't worry! Happy Holidays!

FAINA - I think you are doing a great job. Keep up the good work! Don't sweat the small stuff. I have found that if I write whatever I want to, then real estate stories and ideas creep up on me and hit me all of a sudden. I am expecting Active Rain to be a good-sized part of my business plan for next year and beyond. You are doing just fine.

Enjoy a long Thanksgiving holiday, the passion will come back but a break is nice. You can't fake passion, but you can rekindle it with a little break.

Its very easy to get blogged out .... take a breath and revisit later. It a diagnosis commonly referred to as "writers block"

Prognosis - you'll be fine!

It is great that you are trying to build your career. That is what the majority of people that give part of their day to participate on this forum are interested in. Better to have writers block that some of the "Jerry Springer" blogs that show up here. A great idea will come and you will be off and writing again.

Faina - Your posts have been so deep and well thought out. I can't believe the pace you have kept. It's okay to have a lull. YOU ARE HUMAN!

I have really enjoyed your writing. YOU ARE VERY GOOD AT THIS. I think that a bit of a breather is all you need. Thanksgiving is here and the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. Take the time you need to recharge. Go out and play!

I'm going camping and will have to be away a bit. I'll be back and hope to see that you are feeling fine and got the break you needed. Let's have some fun!

Hi Faina,

We've all been there and it's not serious. You need to just take a break and come back refreshed. Nothing to worry about. You've been doing really great and I'm sure you'll be back in no time!

Warm Regards,

Lisa Hammerstein

Faina,

I run in spurts, and have to write when I feel inspired to do so.

I can go from "Blogged Out" to "Full Blog Ahead" in a matter of minutes.

Can't explain it, so I ride the wave!

Hang in there.

If blogging for business, focus on Localism with local information. Comment to Agents for networking value.

Faina, I think with anything creative you go through ups and downs. I am new to blogging, but I've been writing for a while. I've found periods where I feel totally burned out, then out of nowhere inspiration hits and I'm rolling again. The key is to keep putting the effort in, and the results will follow.

I'm going to say two controversial things...

Skip it. Take some time off. Relax, recharge, and come back stronger... hopefully.

Blog for points. It will keep you in the habit, and since you have the subjects, you can do it.

Sometimes we hit a rough patch. We have to either go through the motions, or we need to just step back and look at the big picture. Just in case you didn't know, I have quit blogging here a few times... I just caught back up again. At least it is better for me than smoking... and that is something that I never did.

When you can't think of anything to write, just take a little break and relax. It's important to recharge your batteries from time to time. You'll come back full of passion and ready to go!

Faina, (what a great name you have!)

Yep, most of us have there there more than once. I've read so many great posts, I think "what could I contribute?" So many of my posts have transitioned to localism, sharing my communities. Then every now and then (yet not all that often) I get a burst of energy a think of something to share.

Kelly -it's not lack of things to write about. As I said, my head is full of those -I have extras to give away. For me it's a question of getting the passion back into my writing, or skip the passion -it's business after all, or not do it. I will have it all sorted out probably by tomorrow.:) Thanks for your confidence in me -it rally cheered me up.

Bennet - thanks for being the first to offer hope and holiday wishes. Happy Holidays to you to. I hope to recover in short order.

Keith - I am taking your word for it. You will have to come back and check in a while. Thanks.

Jason -it's not the ideas, I run low on, it's the passion. May be I did too many contests with the heavy emotional things to deal with. I was thrilled to be on AR - it was all excitement and passion. May be it should be more like a "regular job"? I will ponder. I would say your business plan makes sense -if you make money -it's almost a no-brainer -stay the course. Thanks for the cheer when it's needed.

Elaine -what would I do without you? You have the words that make me feel better already. Have fun camping. it was snowing today here. Thanks for the shoulder, friend.

Lisa -thanks friend. You have been always here to support me, just like now. I am glad our paths crossed on the Cyber highway and not on NJ Turnpike -we could have missed each other:).

Mike - good sound advice. I may use it -it's just hard to give the fun part up. Thanks for your comment.

Peter - I am low on passion more then on inspiration. That I get even in the low times. As to where to be putting the effort -this is the question that I really need to sort out. Thanks.

Desiree - I knew there has to be an ER doc here somewhere. Thanks for the optimistic prognosis. I like docs who give them- the truth thing is highly overrated.:)

Vicky - I like the "Jerry Springer" analogy -is that when they have an all out on the posts? I've got ideas, just need to recover the momentum. Thanks for your comment.

Faina-Ok, I'm here now :) Yep, been there done that.....and true it's not the ideas, but as I said when you put so much emotional energy into things it is indeed tiring. See all the comments above, we all understand. Now that you have had 3 months of full steam ahead, maybe it's time to slow down a tich, and enjoy the ride. If it gets too much skip a day or so.......you just might find yourself wanting to come back in to see what's going on here, after you Post for Business in Localism of course :) :)

Tip for the Mood: Don't write any Posts that might get any comments during this time, you just might have to answer us :) :)

OK Now Step back and enjoy the Holidays....you'll be fine.

Lynda - do you still need ideas? Just let me know. Of course you can contribute - everyone can. If you are contributing to your bank account by your Localism posts -that may be the best contributions of all and the best motivator. Thanks.

Kathy -of course i can't go to sleep without answering you. I am taking your advise - I can't even comment on other blogs without energy, passion and things to say -that are more then "nice post". Today I just read and that's it . OK may be I left just 10+ comments :) thanks for making your way here in a jiffy.

I'm with Jason on this, Faina. Maybe if you toss the list of projected topics to the side for a week or two, and merely write whatever pops into your mind, you'll rediscover that passion. I, personally, don't have planned writing times or pieces. If an idea strikes me, I'll sit down and blog. Or if I'm in the mood to write, but I have no idea about what, I'll just flip open the laptop and see what happens. Be spontaneous. If it becomes too much of a job or a chore, it will seem more of a burden than a gift. Another thing you could try is to cut back on comments to other blogs until your energy returns. I know you want to reciprocate comments, and be a good citizen, but the constant need to comment can tug at you after a while, too. If you find yourself in a temporary burn-out phase, scale back your activities to include only those things that you are excited to do. Eventually, the need to become more active and fully engaged will return. We all go through peaks and valleys. You'll find your way through.

Paul - my last comment of the day, I promise. May be I did not make it clear: it's not that I have some big master plan for posts all scheduled out for the year. I don't. In fact , like you, I don't know what I will write about - until I write. What I meant about ideas -is that I have so many. Almost anything I look at can be a post idea. The low point is in passion, energy, excitement. Could it be money? Or the thought of using my time "more productively" to make money? Or simply too much blogging? BTW -on the comments thing - I comment when I want to, not because I have to. Thanks for your comment. I am sure it was because you wanted to, not had to, right?:)

Faina.... I agree with Jason and Paul. I have only started to read your stuff, but I can truly see the passion. And that is what you want the consumer to see, as you once mentioned yourself. I have been on this site for 13 1/2 months now. I have been burnt out about 3 times... take a few weeks off and come back strong. My business from here actually picked up after my last mini vaca.

Ideas will come.... Jason Crouch is a good example because he is always thinking of how he can use his daily life and make it into a blog. May it be when he is at a restaurant with his wife, his kids artistic creations, and so many other things. There is so much that you can write about and actually tie into real estate.... you'll be fine. If you love what you do, the passion will never leave. You just need some 'me' time from time to time. At least I do and I finally realized this a month ago. I feel refreshed... see you around the 'Rain'.

NOV

2007

Lane -blogging just for points is not something I did. I just don't write that way. Writing for business is different, may be one does not need passion for that, just the key words. I shall see. Thanks.

Jeff - I must have not made it clear -it's not about lack of ideas for writing. I have plenty of those. I was low on passion, which is what drove my writing. Lack of passion and money -is not a good combination.:) On a more serious note, I need to understand better how and if blogging will help my business aside from learning, fun and great new relationships. That may be a good enough reason to continue, I will decide. The year end examination - that is what most likely is bringing in the lull.

Faina, you are doing great... blogged out ? Sometimes, but I am one of those that doesn't post 10 times a week, either. I post when I have something to say or am passionate about or information to get out. I don't sit around and think, what can I blog on next. I am also reading lots of blogs out in the blogasphere and they are helpful too.

Faina, Faina, Faina.... stressing? ;o( If you read my first sentence, I did understand that it was your lacking passion for writing that was making it hard for you. I truly understand that, because I have both passion for what I do as a loan officer and for writing blogs. I was trying to help you possibly see some other avenues of blogging, which might bring back some of that passion. Changing it up some a little.

In regards to blogging helping your business. I am not an expert on this. I know it helped some obtain business quickly. I did receive a little activity for the first 8 months, but it was just in the last 4 months that I was able to close deals and see a lot of activity. It can sometimes be a hit or miss, but at the same time, also how you go after clients on here and possibly setting up another blog site. I think this can help also. We can talk about it later. I have some ideas. Maybe if you can make it to the AR gathering in December. Another thing to look at is BloggersConnect for at least the main day, Wednesday, which is January 9th.

Missy - I need passion and understanding for my objective for blogging. Otherwise I can't be clear in my mind if I am succeeding. Success is the best motivator for me. If my objective is generating business, I have to ask myself the tough questions, such as -is it happening?. Thanks.

Hi Faina,
I find that I have up and down times in my blogging and I think that is probably normal. You were on fire for those 3 months, I think it is very understandable that you are having a little lull. Just stick with it and you'll be back stronger than ever. Give yourself permission to take a break, Faina.

aha....I see you came back this morning :) :) A reason to blog...and understanding the success. Well that's a hard one. In one respect you dealt with some heavy emotional stuff, and that's not quantifiable.....you shared a few hours (well actually many) and that's not quantifiable either. All the understanding you have given to others with your Alternative Post/View on the Holidays....nope you can't measure that either, nor what you might have received yourself.

When we write with passion we never know how this might be taken, who might have needed those words, who might have never thought of that concept, nor who might have just a little more compassion for someone or something.........it is not measured the same as "I sold a house." And this is where you have to look within yourself......if you can't measure compassion does it have less value? Does being compassionate help you with your business, or personal life?

Anyway, just wanted to see if you came back this morning :) :) You will find your balance, what's important to you, even if you are doing something that is so out of character from that old Corporate Image :)

I know you have touched me with your Posts, and that isn't so easy to do :) :)

Cynthia - you have a way to put things that make sense. I don't usually take breaks. This would be a new idea to try:). Thanks so much for your kindness.

Kathy -I will never leave in the middle of the project, just like I wouldn't leave without answering all the comments. Why would I be asking busy people to read my stuff and not come back to answer them? Well, you know what I think about that.

Kathy, you have a unique talent to see all the way from another coast into my old Corporate self. I used to get payed a lot to tell the corporate big shots to measure their business goals. I trying to take my own prescription.

Then I read your words "I know you have touched me with your Posts, and that isn't so easy to do". My first reaction - I am speechless. My second reaction -there goes my measuring plan out the door.:)

Thanks for being coming back.You will hear from me real soon.

Faina, I can only echo what many of the others have said. Blog burn out for me is temporary in most cases and oftentimes when I sit down to write it will just come. A good friend of mine on here says to write when I have something to say---I love her approach!

Carole - it's not a question if I can write, I always can. It's more about first, the passion of writing and commenting and second, looking at my business goals for blogging. I already wrote another post. So, we shall see. Thanks.

Faina-Is it the passion of writing or what you are writing about that you are questioning? I ask that, because you have truly blessed my life, as I mentioned in your beautiful post about your sweet Mom and without doubt you have blessed many others. Sometimes it's what we're writing about that can spark that passion. You write very well from your heart and I'll leave it at that.

Have a wonderful night my friend!

Faina- You go through that stage and you will get out of it. Look at the great post you wrote after this one! WOW! You are a good writer. Keep your blogging in a variety of posts. When you get bored of one type of subject, change it up and blog about something else, let your heart be your guide! IT will not fail you. Katerina

Hi Faina - A couple of ideas that might help ... First, shut off your PC, grab a notepad and pen and find a spot outdoors (a park, a sidewalk cafe, etc.). The fresh air and change of scenery are bound to ignite a little passion! And don't forget to snap a few photos for Localism, too.

Second, once you're back online (after enjoying Thanksgiving), start looking up some of your potential topics in Google Blog Search and see what others are saying. Eventually you'll find yourself strongly agreeing or disagreeing with them, maybe seeing things from a new perspective, and the posts will write themselves. Good luck!!

Julie, you are just too sweet and kind. I started blogging as a way to grow my business. I have to be honest with myself in answering if I achieved this objective. I know I achieved many other important things, such as meeting a wonderful person like you. The question of getting business results still remains and is weighing down my usual passion for writing. I will need to have a clear answer to the question -what is the purpose for my writing?

Katerina - this too shall pass. I certainly got another burst of energy for another post. I don't think I have a preplanned topic, something hits me and I write. Usually I write from the heart, I just need to reconcile that with my business objectives. Thanks for the cheer, friend.

John -you probably never hit the low mark, how else could you get the 200K+ points?:) You also somehow figured out that I always strongly agree or disagree:) I already wrote another post, so my "condition" is probably not that serious. Thanks for the great advice.

NOV

2007

Faina, My ideas come and go. Sometimes I have several ideas and sometimes I am totally blank! Happy Thanksgiving!

Roberta -mine is not the case of running out of ides. It's asking myself -what is the goal of my blogging and am I achieving this goal? I may not like the answer and that's what's causing the lull. I already wrote another post after this one, so I shall see. I am also looking into having another blog again focusing on my business objective. Happy Thanksgiving!

Faina, I enjoy your posts. I would not worry about " Bloggers Block." I am sure you will come up with some great ideas after Thanks Giving. Happy Thanks Giving.

Faina, Surfers can wait all day for the perfect wave and go home with splinters. Take the path less traveled. You'll make less and live more. Besides, those folks will come to you. That's what excellence does -- it works like a magnet. Happy Holidays.

The answer is absolutely yes. I am having enough trouble just writing this.

Ok Backing up a truckload of Cheer!!!!!!!!!!!!! If your heart isn't into blogging then don't. Its easy to get caught up in all the junk. Step back and take a break, whether you think you can or not, you may need one. Best wishes...

I believe that I have a case of it now. I love what I do & I quite like to blog. But, I really don't want to write something that is what someone else just wrote about. Besides, who would want to read it. I'm sorry, and this may upset some, but I also do not want to reread what has been written. I hope that I've accomplished that. Today, I was finally able to write something. It was bothering me that I hadn't written something with decent content for several days. It will come to you as will the business. Enjoy your holiday!

Andrew -yes, I may be impatient. Did you mean I should I work harder to achieve "excellence"? Thanks for your comment. Happy Thanksgivings!

Trey - you can cry on my shoulder, it's OK, plus everyone here says "it too shall pass". Thanks for your honest answer.

Mike - I am taking a break of sorts. I am not sure if it's the heart or what, but I will sort it out for sure. I just need to ask about the roses. I can't figure out if they came from your comment or Mark's. Women like to know who send them flowers (even the photo ones). Thanks.

Marc - I hope it wasn't contagious. When you say you don't want to "re-read what has been written" I am not sure how you mean. How could somebody have written what you want to say? Even if it's the same topic, wouldn't your post be different? In any event, I am glad you recovered. Don't be bothered by skipping a few days -I don't think there is punishment for it:)

I have to ask you the same question as I asked Mike about the roses. They are in between both of yours comments. That's very cute, and I would like to know which comment they belong to.:) Thanks for your comment.

Gita -I have ideas, I was kind of questioning the purpose of my writing as it relates to developing business through blogging.

Thanks for such supportive and kind words. Happy Thanksgivings!

NOV

2007

Faina - I think you misunderstood my point. The point was that blogging needs to be a habit for some of us. Just like working out or eating right. If we step away from it, we begin to break the habit. In order to keep from breaking the habit, sometimes the motivation needs to change.

I know for me, there have been a few times in the last couple of months that I just had to go through the motions. They passed. But, would I have fought my way through it if I had stepped back and taken a break? I don't know. I know that there are a lot of things that I have done that were for my betterment, but when I took a break I never went back...

I don't want you to step away from blogging too far. You are too good.

Lane -you said "I don't want you to step away from blogging too far. You are too good." That's the best thing I have heard today. Thank you.

In fact I did not step away. I am in that sense like you, I am ususally not the one to take a break. When I was in graduate school, I had a very difficult pregnancy and had to stay in bed. Many people said "take an academic time off, come back, when the baby is born". I toughed it out and had a baby and a degree. I don't think i would've done it, if I stepped away.

I do need to understand the reason for bllogging and if I am accomplishing my business objectives, or blogging for fun, relationships and learning.

NOV

2007

Hi Faina! Thanks so much for your comments yesterday on my post. As for being blogged out, I noticed that I too have been feeling some pain lately because I am in a brutal competition for the #1 spot for my city and the guy in front posts really lame content...which fuels my fire even more. I have had to pull my own reigns several times because I think to myself I need to post post post. He will for sure have 10 posts this week and average about no comments on them but I refuse to allow the quality of my posts suffer for it. Take a breath keep it in perspective cuz it's already there! :) Hugs! :)

Shannon - passionate writing requires, guess what- passion. Writing according to plan for me is not very exciting and I can't produce just stuff.

Thanks for hugs. And check your friendship request on cre8buzz. I wasn't sure what's up with that?:)

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