Comments on: Blogging During a Personal or Family Crisis

By: Mark McCullagh

Mark McCullagh — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:20:01 +0000

@ Shamelle - those are good questions to consider. For some bloggers, depending upon the situation, maintaining your work habits can be good "therapy."

By: Shamelle @ Enhance Life

Shamelle @ Enhance Life — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 06:13:28 +0000

I think it all depends on the type of crisis and the blogger

Questions, questions….
Does the crisis take away your time?
Does blogging make you feel guilty at a time of crisis?
Does blogging keep you occupied and not let you think of the crisis?
Does blogging help you get through the crisis?

I had a friend who's father passed away. She kept on blogging daily. When I asked her about it she said that writing about it helps her deal with reality.

By: Mark McCullagh

Mark McCullagh — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:23:16 +0000

@ Hawksdomain - thank you. That is very kind.

By: Hawksdomain

Hawksdomain — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:08:54 +0000

Mark

I fully agree with Caroline. If you feel you have a good enough relationship with your audience, let your feelings out, if that is what you wish.

I will pray for you and your family, especially Patti.

Hawksdomain

By: Mark McCullagh

Mark McCullagh — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:55:50 +0000

@ Caroline - blogging IS about developing a personal relationship with your readers. Good point. And I definitely enjoy the sense of community among bloggers. Thanks so much for sharing!

By: Caroline Melberg

Caroline Melberg — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:45:30 +0000

Hi Mark,

This is a thought-provoking question. My belief is that as bloggers, our responsibility is to build a relationship with our audience, so including the occasional personal story - both the good times and the tough times - is great. It's great for your audience, to help them know you're "real" (hey, we all go through tough times) and great for you as the blogger because the community of bloggers is so extremely supportive.

I say - post about it! Will keep Patti and your family in my prayers.

Caroline

By: Mark McCullagh

Mark McCullagh — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:14:29 +0000

@ Walt - thank you for your prayers

@ Terry - sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing, I found your words inspiring. It is important to have distractions so that you don't get paralyzed by dwelling on things. Having hope is so wonderful!

@ Misha - thank you for your prayers as well.

By: Misha

Misha — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:30:25 +0000

Mark,

I don't know. I did not have such situations while online.

I will just pray for Patti to get better…

By: Terry Heath

Terry Heath — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:05:52 +0000

Mark,

My own sister passed away two weeks ago, unexpectedly at age 45. At the same time, my dad has been in treatment for prostrate cancer. My parents are 77 and 82 and I've needed to help hold things together, driving dad to appointments and things.

It's stressful, of course, but blogging has helped provide some distraction. Since my blog projects are so new, they have also provided hope and the feeling everything isn't really falling apart.

By: Walt Goshert

Walt Goshert — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:57:39 +0000

Mark,

Everyone deals with personal crisis differently.

How we deal with these life issues is the measure of our life.

My thoughts and prayers are with your sister Patti, your parents, you, and your family.

Walt