Oh, the Places You'll Go...

Blogland is a dangerous place, especially for those of us who were behind the door when iron self-control was handed out.

A few weeks back (or it may have been months, so quickly does time fly in this enchanted place), Pomona of Little Cottage Comforts was hosting one of her many generous giveaways. The only requirement for entry was to leave a comment, suggesting a blog the reader thought she might like. "Oh dear," I thought. "I'm already reading some of the blogs she likes. And I'm studiously avoiding the rest, because I spend too much time reading blogs as it is."

It's addictive, you see. (Of course you see. You're reading this, bless you.) So many talented people out there, making beautiful things, taking lovely pictures, writing felicitous phrases, suggesting wonderful books, sharing their creativity with generous abandon. The farther you go the more you find, each more irresistible than the last. And all at your fingertips, all so easily accessible. Just a click of the "follow" button and you've added another delightful blog to the roll, another kindred spirit to your ethereal circle, another small county to your personal map of Blogland.

And the comment sections! What a rich mine of potentially like-minded persons. While leaving your own, you notice the witty remarks of another; your eye is caught by an appealing avatar. You click on the commenter's name and read her profile, and chances are you find yet another fascinating blog you simply can't ignore.

Before you know it, you're spending countless happy hours in Blogland, discovering its many charming vistas, leaving behind such mundane things as housework and menu planning. (Unless you read housework blogs, as several of you seem to be doing, to judge by the pictures of your tidy kitchens and shining sinks.)

For me, the problem is compounded by a small but distinct sense of obligation to the blogs I follow. Having signed on, so to speak, I feel it's only polite to read every post. Being an incorrigible commenter,  I can't merely skim the post and move on. I read carefully, making mental notes as I go, to aid in the composition of a few well-chosen words ("Ha!" you say. "Mrs. M's comments are more like small essays....") a few well-chosen words, I say, which I hope may cheer and encourage the blogger - that wonderful soul who lives half a country or world away but whose mind, on some level, marches with my own. Because I want her to keep writing/making/photographing. I enjoy her work. (Also I know how pleasant it is to receive comments.)

So where does it stop? And how? Knowing my own lack of self-control, I've limited the number of blogs I follow. (This may also be a reflection of my personality and social habits - I'm more of a loner than a gregarious type. Don't let the wordiness fool you.) And I suppose one way to manage my time in Blogland is to comment less copiously and less assiduously. But I do feel that I'm missing out on many a delightful read, many a chance to admire the talents of others, by staying within too small a blogging circle.

So I'm asking you, dear reader, for tips and advice. What obligations, if any, do you feel towards the blogs you follow? And how do you manage your blog-reading time?

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