NICU Parent Support Blog: Blogging without Obligation

I loved the concept of "Blogging without Obligation" when I stumbled across it and knew it would be something I would adopt for the NICU Parent Support Blog. The concept was developed by graphic + mixed media artist and sometimes blogger, Tiffini Elektra of the tartx website.

She came up with the concept of BWO after "coming across what seemed to be the 4000th or so post on someone’s blog starting with 'I’m sorry I haven’t posted in awhile'" and decided it was time to "rethink what makes a good blog and the expectations that have come to be part of it."

Blogging Without Obligation means you blog:

• Because you shouldn't have to look at your blog like it is a treadmill.

• Because its okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine.

• Because its okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing.

• Because sometimes less is more.

• Because only blogging when you feel truly inspired keeps up the integrity of your blog.

• Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone.

• Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be "bloggable".

• Because if you blog without obligation you will naturally keep your blog around longer, because it won't be a chore. Plus, just think you will be doing your part to eradicate post pollution. One post at a time...

As has Journey of Hearts, the NICU Parent Support Blog has also been a labor of love, another site from which I do not earn an income. This blog is primarily a hobby. It has been created as a resource and a way to provide information for other NICU Parents to help them through their NICU adventures rather than blogging with daily updates.

I hope that you find the blog postings here useful as I continue to add information and resources that would have been helpful for us during our NICU stay.