Ever since I had the meeting with the internet social media chap, I seem to have lost my art of writing the blog. I feel like invisible expectations have been placed upon me and that my every word is being monitored by AI, word searches, bots, things I don’t understand on the big inter-super-highway (as my aged neighbour used to call it).
I hate this. My ability to write basic English, to describe my life and to enjoy writing this blog has vanished overnight. And, worst of all, I was told my Blog has to be 350 words long if I want to be found on internet searches, which then instantly gave me mental block for my writing (I had always stuck to being 300 or under as I didn’t want to bore).
What I did before seemed to work fine – albeit, I wanted more readers, hence the meeting – but I have been left with the feeling there is a giant AI bot looking over my shoulder who I have to please at all costs and I don’t like that.
I need to think about a way forward with this because I don’t feel that my blog will be very genuine or be part of the real me if I have to please an invisible Master.
Gah and *** sigh ***. I have always hated homework.
(in my head this all makes perfect sense and I can still take photos of autumn in Shetland, so please enjoy them).
I was happy being a Luddite, I realise this now.
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AI scares me too! I so enjoy your blog and would hate to lose you! I am a Luddite as well!
We should form a Luddite group and march!
I love your pictures. no need for a lot of words. Honestly don’t stress.
Thank you. I do stress, though. xx
As a fellow Luddite, albeit one who tried to Be On The Internet for a while – ignore everything that fellow said and continue to be yourself. Honestly, it’s the only way to maintain your sanity and your integrity in the digital world of today.
I always read your posts via email but will click through from now on if that helps with metrics and whatnot.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and your gorgeous animal friends — Shetland feels like it ought to be immune to AI….*sigh*
I think integrity is exactly the word I was trying to find. Thank you x
Dear Frances,
The pictures are beautiful…..but…..don’t listen to the “experts.” Write what you want whatever the length. Please write what you see and what you feel and what makes you laugh. Wite it the way you want it. To hell with anything else. Share what you want to share. I am sure people will enjoy it.
To hell, indeed xx
If writing a blog is being a Luddite, then I am one too. I much refer good blogs like yours: fabulous photos, interesting stories, not too long, compared to all the other ways people communicate online these days. It feels more genuine. Maybe we are just Women of a Certain Age, which isn’t a bad thing either. It’s challenging for me to embrace new tech and AI and filter through instant information, but still stay grounded in a regular, ordinary life. Please keep writing the way you do, I know I’m not the only one who thoroughly enjoys it and looks forward to it daily. Your blog is a treasure!
Thank you, Celeste. You get it.
I don’t do marching but I can walk solidly for hours . . . please can I join the Luddite gang?
Rhetorical question, who told you that you “ought” to have more blog readers? Is it because advertisers or sponsors insist on a certain number of page views, or just “because” we are all meant to be chasing bigger, better, more, more, more? We’re in a strange place if someone, somewhere insists you write more words just to please an algorithm.
Personally, I would be delighted if you wrote more, but that’s just because I love reading about your world and the animals . . . but I would hate you to lose your love of daily blogging and constantly be wondering what “they” think of your latest post. Who the heck are “they” anyway??
I don’t write for money. I get no money for writing and I don’t advertise. Maybe the odd link but that’s it.
Please keep doing exactly what you’re doing, which is rescuing not only ponies and sheep but people, including me!
Always x
Always a fan, no matter what you post, it’s a bright light in an often dismal world. You are so appreciated!
Shetland light in a sometimes dismal world, I like that.
I absolutely agree with you that AI is a massive problem for us in life nowadays but your blog is lovely, so ignore the ignoramus AI! Just imagine you are a not to be messed with sumo writer of exquisite haikus and you are the boss of your own blog. Well, you don’t have to imagine the last bit of that sentence because IT IS TRUE!
I’m sorry the blessed thing is trying to inhibit you. Take no notice and be content with the readership you have because we are here out of genuine appreciation for what you do. I am so happy that we are distant cousins who would not have come across each other at all if it weren’t for the internet – so it’s not all bad.
Thank you for all you do, both for your animals and for us the readers, x
Thank you Judith. One of the benefits was finding a distant cousin! x
I don’t see a need to change a thing; I enjoy all your posts!
Thank you x
My DH and I love your daily blog. It seems AI wants to command everything. Please keep doing what you’re doing. It gives us a glimpse of your Shetland a place on my bucket list. Amazed at what you do with your many creatures in all kinds of weather. Please don’t stop!
I will keep going. I just need to work out how to get back my mojo.
Gosh I hope you don’t change too much. Really. Your blog is my favorite. Ponies, horses, sheep, dogs, cat, humans. Sky, wind, fields, buckets. A place where I’ll never be that I visit every day. Oh my. – Scotland. Tis a fer piece from Arizona! You all give me hope. Thank you!
I wonder how many miles – now goes off to find out……
“The distance between the Shetland Islands and Arizona is approximately 5,000 miles, with specific measurements varying based on the exact starting and ending points. For example, the distance between Phoenix, Arizona, and the Shetland Islands is around 4,970 miles”
Wow!
So that’s just about right. I live in arid Scottsdale just a few miles to the east. My ancestors moved here from England in 1877, but time has not dispelled my genetic, inherent need to be in the rolling hills of green. Tis a strange fate to be stuck here in the land of prickly pear cactus! So glad you have green!
I read your blog every day. I don’t read many as most are not realistic and about acquiring more stuff. In so many ways I find technology has made things more difficult, not easier. I guess I among the luddites
You and me both x
First of all, I hope the TMJ is calming down, but knowing TMJ that seems not to be the case, at all, ever. Maybe jaw/ nerve problems are better there than here; I really hope. Second, I understand that those that blog want to increase readership; if a person commits to an undertaking like this, a growing audience would be a goal. And I am sure that your consultant knows his stuff & probably there are files of statistics on blogging, AI & blogging, blogging for the masses, blogging for increased revenue, blogging on blogging, yada, yada, yada. However, your blog is just that ‘your blog.’ Your blog shares your life, your family, acquaintances, your community, & an absolutely amazing group of four & two foot fuzzy & feathered group of fellow Shetlanders. Your writing is animated & engaging. Your photos are wonderful. This blog that you have created is unique.
Your level of commitment is amazing. My husband blogs when he feels an urge to share. He probably is in a different place than you because Bill has definite views on AI, but he would no more consider being AI tracked than entering politics. What you share defies any cyber metrics. I would hazard a guess that we who read your blog daily would be really disappointed if you would change your approach. It was Bill who found your blog for me to read & Bill is professionally entrenched in the world of computers & looks for what is an approach of fresh air. I say, forget AI blogging patterns & concentrate on getting the TMJ under control & continue your Shetland journey which through your eyes & words we are on vicariously. Sorry, must I think much of AI is internet poo picking & outright plagiarism.
Thank you and you aren’t wrong.
Absolutely seconding Beth’s comment. If you don’t need more readers to make money, just do what you like. People will find you who will appreciate you.
(secretly, sometimes I think no is reading this!)
I too am a happy Luddite – no Smart (tracking me the time) phone for ME! As for the word length – screw AI. After all they are doing is stealing contact from real people. And your blogs are perfect as is.
I will keep trying. x
I agree with everyone above. I live in the US and your blogs are the highlight of my day.
Thank you. X
I agree with all that has been said by the others. You be you; you are the reason we all ‘visit Shetland’ every day. Every morning, coffee in hand, I read your blog. Your voice is genuine, not contrived to meet some standards set by AI or ‘blogging experts.’ I enjoy reading about all the animals and birds and seeing photos of them, of beautiful scenery, and especially the wild flowers. I commiserate with you about poo picking in the rain, though I only pick up after two German Shepherds, so really no comparison. Please, keep writing and telling us about your day, your thoughts, etc. I hope you get your writing mojo back soon. Also I hope the TMJ is less painful today. I sympathize because I have it too, though less severely.
Never AI. I must keep my integrity at all times. Though I did Google Lambie and the AI results were hysterical!
Frances, your blog is just enough! I look at it every evening, usually just before bed. It’s a perfect way to end the day (apart from the very occasional tragedies). Your photographs bring joy. Please don’t change. xx
I shall not change. Decided.
Pleased to read this!
Hi Frances: I have been 40 yrs in IT and still working, but my work does not actively involve AI though the company I work for is encouraging people to use it for certain tasks. I get asked by non-work friends if I use AI, but really, with the type of support work I do, if someone is having an application problem or a data problem, we don’t have a bot trained to track down the issue. Is it bad data (yep had that recently) or is it network shenanigans (haha inside joke, we have a bunch of ‘safe’ words we use when we would rather say words inappropriate for work hhehehehehehe) or did the user shoot themselves in both feet? Or is something else going on. Honestly IT support can be a whack-a-mole job some days 🙂
Anyway, I enjoy your pictures, your stories, your critters and all the other little bits of your life. LOVE the pictures of the flora and new names. Living on the other side of the Atlantic, your world provides some insight into another little realm. If anything I would encourage you to AVOID being pigeon-holed by metrics etc. You Do You.
At this point it sounds like the bot is trying to train us rather than the other way around. Be an outlier on the bell curve. That’s what keeps us human, that little bit of unpredictability.
Perfect advice. Thank you x
Hello there from way down under
I’m a reader who reads via her WordPress reader so maybe I should click through and then you’ll know I’ve visited. You’re my early morning, cup of tea in hand read…..wondering how you manage to be so committed to the life you lead….so very different to mine.
Just tell it as it is – poo picking and all!
So tempted to say it is a pile of shit!
As a widow here in east central Wisconsin USA I enjoy your blog. I like knowing I’m not alone in sometimes obsessing over the health, behavior or whatever of my critters, currently 1 dog, 2 pigs, 6 chickens, 1 duck, 2 horses and 1 mini donkey, and often second guessing myself. I enjoy your photos and find your landscape beautiful though I’m afraid I’d really miss trees.. There are a lot of trees here. I’m 72 and delighted to realize I really no longer give a rat’s a…, er behind what anyone else thinks. I suggest you develop that attitude, it’s wonderfully freeing.
Yup, I need to free up my mind.
Frances, I will emphatically reiterate all the comments that tell you how much they enjoy your blog and not to change. You have been my daily relief from the ills of life for many years now and would hate to see you lose the contentment it may bring to you.
But I did notice you are now replying to every comment. Is that what they told you to do? I suppose they recommended that to help connect with your readers. However, I can imagine it takes a lot of energy and time to come up with a response for each follower.
This may be part of your anxiety and feeling of loss of freedom and joy with the blog. That obligation alone creates a dependency and a tug at your independence.
So, please don’t feel you have to say something to everyone who posts. Me included. 🙂
You are absolutely right. I was told to reply to everyone and every comment so I am trying to. But I WANTED to reply to you!
Me three!
Whilst it is always lovely to read replies you make to comments IT IS NOT NECESSARY.
One of the good things about Australia is that the Luddites found guilty as charged were sent to prison here. Our gain, UK’s loss (likewise the Tolpuddle Martyrs, my other heroes). I’m told I should embrace AI for its benefits to mankind: I’m more inclined to take it by the neck and drop it off the edge for its destruction of honest good photography. Francis I agree you shouldn’t feel compelled to reply to every comment and don’t be bulldozed into doing so – but – Autumn photos, magic, and who is that stony-faced person with the amazing head-dress??
Can’t add anything to all of the above. Just know that your blog is the best way to start a day, so lovely no matter what. Thank you for being you, and sharing your life.
And yeah, don’t feel pressured into responding to all the comments. You already spend time writing the blog.
Another Arizonan here, in Tucson, which probably hits the 5000 mile mark. I’ve read all the wonderful comments and wholeheartedly agree with them!
I wonder if it would work to compose a 150 word paragraph that you can paste into every blog to satisfy the counters, and we loyal readers would learn to skip past it.
I like that idea.
I love your pictures. You have a wonderful eye for composition and the natural beauty found in Shetland. I hope your current “issues” don’t keep you from posting. Your blog is one of the first things I look for in the morning.
Gosh Frances, I love your blog just the way you write it and I love all your pictures too. AI is a bunch of crap….don’t let it freak you out. Please keep doing what you have always done so well. You are soooo good at it!
My conclusion too.
We love you blog! Don’t fret about what the marketing pundits say.