There was a time when blogging was a thing and bloggers were a hit. They were the kings and queens of content, of reliable, trustworthy source for good to great travel tips, recipes, and even relationship advise. Until they became too entitled for their standing in the society, for bloggers have demanded freebies after freebies, that small businesses are losing more than they’re gaining from the blogging industry.
Once upon a time, we were once a blogger too. Although it was brief, we experienced the privileges of being a blogger in the city of pines. We were offered meals, snacks, dessert, drinks, event access–all for the price of a hefty 500-1000 word article stating the great time we had and how delicious all the food that was offered to us were. Until we noticed that as blogging was blooming, so is the request for loot bags and freebies and not-really-authentic content. And the community, who’s supposed to be supportive and inclusive of all niches, has started to become toxic. I felt like I have lost my purpose, that’s why I left and searched for another journey.
I was reminded of blogging because of the vloggers who visited us lately. Not meaning to eavesdrop, but as I listened to their conversation, it reminded me of how I was before: energetic, enthusiastic about the things I blog about, and excited. The only difference is, I was alone, and I was doing it with words, not with video content. I dare not. I am not meant for the camera.
I miss that version of me sometimes. The one who is so eager to share a not-so-long article about a cafe, an event, or personalities. At the time, speed, accuracy, and quality matters the most. The first to post about the latest news or trend or new cafe, wins. The first to gain access to a space, an event, or a person, wins. The most online badges you own, the more trust you earn from people. The competition was tight, and bloggers were hungry for content. I admit. I was one of them.
But all those are long gone. Business owners have started to doubt bloggers, and the events grew lesser and lesser each month. The blogging community has become a jungle–with predators and such.
Looking at the vloggers, I wonder. Will I be able to pull off a blog post about coffee shops again? Will I be able to write freely and confidently as I did before?
And of course, if you’re going to ask where my blog posts are, it’s all gone. So don’t bother. I mean, apart from the ones I post here, it’s gone away with the wind. If you don’t update a blog post, your article gets tossed away. But maybe. Just maybe. I’ll write something. Again.
