Lockdown: The Blog Explosion

~ beetleypete

There have been lots of things online about what people are doing to take their minds off the pandemic crisis, and having to stay at home. Some have taken up Art, others cooking or exercising, and many are creating funny video clips using platforms like Tik-Tok.

But a growing number of people have started a blog. Whether it is something they always wanted to do, or the idea appeared in their minds like a light-bulb moment, new blogs are arriving in their hundreds on a daily basis. In the last few weeks, I have had around 40 new followers who have only just started their own blog. And that’s just me.

Many of those blogs have taken the form of ‘Coronavirus Diaries’, which is understandable. They will one day be of huge importance to future historians. Many other blogs are centred around fiction and poetry, as people make use of the extra free time to express themselves at long last. Some of the blogs have little content, often just one or two posts, or some photos. Those bloggers will either learn how to manage blogging better, or might just give up on the idea.

However, some of them have wonderful writing, with the sense that the blogger has always wanted to write, and finally has the opportunity to do so. Others have spoken about inner turmoil, fears, hopes, aspirations, love, and family.

Seeing all these new bloggers cheers me greatly, and I hope that most of them continue to blog when this is finally all over.

Meanwhile, I say “Welcome” to all of you starting your blogging journey.

53 thoughts on “Lockdown: The Blog Explosion”

  2. Wow! I thought I was the only one who just started a blog in the lockdown. I write blogs about animals. My parents are doctors and have to work hard. Do you think I should write a blog about them and their experiences of Corona virus?

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    1. It might be an idea to record your own family’s experience of this unusual year. I am sure you might want to look back on it .
      If you want to find many new blogs about Covid-19, or posts by long-term bloggers about it, just search in your reader for ‘Coronavirus’, ‘Covid-19’, and ‘Lockdown’.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  4. I’ve always wanted to write a book and ended up blogging but I’m loving it. It’s another feeling sharing your thoughts and feelings about life in general or getting inspired by some of the amazing bloggers out there. You are one of them Pete. I really like reading your post😊

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    1. Thanks, Sanjana. Why not serialise that book as chapters in blog posts? That will give you some idea if people want to read it, and save you the hassle of publishing and marketing. 🙂
      Later on, you can compile all those chapters into a book.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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        1. My previous serial was in 35 chapters, and could easily be compiled into a novella. If you look at the comments in later episodes, you can see that many readers suggested it be made into a book. I think you should start there. 🙂 I also published it as a 35,000+ word complete story. All it would need is editing, proofreading, and a cover. 🙂

          Runs In The Family: The Complete Story

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          1. Thank you so much for your advice and suggestions. Feeling good about it now. I am going to read through your story from beginning to end to get some inspiration and will start on it. I love reading and have huge collection of books. Every time I think of writing, I chicken out hehe. But I really want to write a book and your suggestions are really encouraging. Thank you so much Pete😊

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  7. I have had a number of new follows too, Pete, but I only investigate a new follower if they comment a few times on my posts and actually engage. I have to many wonderful people I follow to chase up on all the new starters who often give up quickly. I have noticed that some of the long-term bloggers have disappeared lately. Some of my regular people have stopped lately. Luckily, most of us core bloggers are still there.

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    1. I always thank new followers by commenting on one of their posts, if they have any. But I never follow them until my current follower number drops below 112. However, I was inspired to follow ‘just one more’. Someone who has just started out, and seems to be a very genuine blogger. It’s easy for me to do that, but I appreciate many others are much busier than I am.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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      1. You are amazing, Pete – even with your regular posts, the mass of comments made here, your incredible fiction, and still you find time to welcome new followers in that way. I struggle to just keep up with my emails – 200 per day – and my own website comments’ plus my writing. My backlog – filed – has grown during Covid-19 as the emails increase. However, I congratulate you – and all those who are discovering blogging and writing.

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        1. Thanks, Roland. I have less emails than you, maybe 100 a day, and most of those are notifications of blog posts, so need no reply. Outisde of blogging, and my dog, I have little else to do. But I always try to encourage new bloggers. When I started out in 2012, hardly anyone did that, and I resolved to try my best to be someone who did.
          Best wishes, Pete.

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  14. I have always enjoyed emptying my head onto a blog Pete. It is nice when you strike up a conversation online too, a sense of blogging community. Whether many stay around, I hope so, but their story will be read for many a year to come. Bob

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        1. I think he bases his opinons on a lifetime of study and practice. I generally agree with chuq because of my Socialist background, and my dislike of Imperialism, Israel, and pointless wars. But that doesn’t stop me following blogs like yours, or other blogs about gardening, photography,and mental illness. It is the mix and diversity I enjoy, GP old friend! 🙂
          I respect everyone’s opinions, even if I would not always agree with them.
          Best wishes, Pete.

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  19. Blogging has always been a great comfort to me. I enjoy reading blogs , there is so much to learn and there is the sameness in our lives. Posting in Slice of Life has helped me to maintain something like a diary and I really enjoy it. Take care.

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