Splotchy: What is your blog?

GetKristiLove: It was this, but I archived it: Two Minutes in the Box

S: When and why did you start blogging?

GKL: I started blogging in January, 2006 Mostly because my sister (VikkiTikkiTavi) was blogging and talking a lot about it. She probably said something like, “Kristi, you don’t have a blog yet?!” I have always copied my sister since I was young because she’s older and wiser, so I figured what the hell. 

S: Did you stop blogging?

GKL: Yes

S: When did you stop blogging?

GKL: I think sometime in 2010 or 2011.

S: What were any factors that contributed to stopping?

GKL: Several people in our “blog circle” stopped posting blogs and moved on to Facebook, so I followed suit. I guess I am a follower…? Another factor was that era was the height of my career, and it became too hard in my high-stress technical surroundings to switch gears and write something creative or funny on my lunch break anymore. I wasn’t going to go home from work and sit on a computer either because I played sports every night. One last factor is I got married. No, it’s a good thing, but I wasn’t a single gal putting the ho in hockey with funny or interesting stories to tell in that realm anymore, so my brand was diminished. I did continue to read blogs for a while, even if I wasn’t posting, but so many people stopped.

S: Do you ever miss it?

GKL: I do miss blogging, mostly reading blogs and keeping up with the people I’ve met in that way. 

S: Do you think you’ll ever pick it up again?  Why or why not?

GKL: I always thought I would pick up blogging again and be more active in social media in general after retirement… but it’s been three years and still no. I’m not sure why, although I think it’s mostly because I am still very active, even more so during the day now since I don’t work. I’m outside a lot and not in front of a computer, which is another good thing. 

But it would be nice to write and read blogs again. I probably will someday. I think.

S: How do you feel about social media? Does it give you the same feelings as blogging? Why or why not?

GKL: There are negatives and positives to all the social media platforms, and people can choose what suits them best. I don’t like to be in places where people dish out hate. I like Instagram and that’s about it. It seems less angsty. It’s not at all the same feelings as blogging because I don’t write much, or read much, by design. I used to share some thoughts on Facebook, but not anymore. That was what was cool about blogging within a circle, and before there was so much trolling. I actually “knew” people that read my stuff and trusted them to be respectful and not to throw shade, even if they didn’t agree with my opinion. Times have changed. I have over 400 friends on Facebook for example, there’s no way I’m going to share anything with that big of a group. It’s not the place for me.

The underlying answer is that when I blogged, I was hoping someone would read it and give insight, support, or laugh. When they did, it was a great feeling. On Instagram or Facebook, I’m not looking for any kind of feedback really. Maybe just like my photo every now and then, okay?

S: How do you feel about the state of the Internet in general?  This is a very broad question, so feel free how to answer as you see fit.

GKL: The good thing about the internet is stupid people can use it. The bad thing about the internet is stupid people can use it. But seriously, again, there’s negatives and positives. For me, there’s mostly positives because I use the internet to my benefit and I shield out what I don’t want. I think we have gotten to the point where most people know not to believe something just because you read it on the internet, but I feel it takes a certain level of education beyond that to inform people how identity theft, scams, and data theft happens so please be careful out there!

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Thank so much, Kristi! It was lovely to hear your answers.