Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
Blogging is seeming so 2008 lately, isn’t it? Vlogging (video-blogging, Mom) is where it’s at these days. Everyone is hopping on the vlog bandwagon. They’re vlogging about husbands and kids and friendships. They’re vlogging about breastfeeding and childbirth and sex. They’re vlogging about everything. But I’m not. And I won’t be.
What I love about blogging is that I can do it at two o’clock in the morning and nobody needs to know that my hair hasn’t been washed in three days. The five pounds I’ve recently gained thanks to too many Cadbury Eggs can remain unseen and you can all envision me in skinny jeans and cashmere sweaters rather than my impressive collection of black yoga pants and old college sweatshirts.
I enjoy connecting here through words alone. It’s what separates my real life friends from my blog friends. Just sitting on my couch watching someone speak without getting a word in edge-wise? Hello? I’m married, thank you very much. I can get that live and in person.
And how about the disappointment? Once you’ve been reading for a while and built a blogger up, it’s so sad to have that image shattered. I’d hate to do that to my readers. You know Delilah, that cheezy radio host? Well, my impression of her was shot to hell when I saw an interview with the Amazon woman herself. She was far from what I had imagined and “Love Songs and Dedications” haven’t quite been the same since. To quote the fabulous Valerie Cherish of HBO’s short lived The Comeback, I don’t need to see that!
I’ve learned the hard way never to say never where my blog is concerned. It’s far too easy to be proven wrong, but I just don’t see the vlog thing happening here. Or, at least not until I have a kick ass wardrobe, lose 20 pounds and can stand the way my recorded voice sounds. So, yeah… pretty much never. And you can quote me on that.
{ 55 comments… read them below or add one }
I loved this post. I totally agree about the blogging. I can’t stand myself on camera either. Keep up the good work I have enjoyed your blog:)
Jodee’s last blog post..Hugh Jackman, Twitter and Maddie Spohr
Totally agree! I think it would be so weird… I think the biggest reason most of us blog is because we love to write. Whether we are good at it or not doesn’t matter; it’s just what we love to do. And yes, we can do it looking all messy and stuff. I love to read, too. I’m glad you feel this way! Because your blog rocks! Even though I’m sure you’d be fabulous vlogging, too! :)
Loukia’s last blog post..What do you want for Mother’s Day?
Yea, I don’t quite know about the vlogging yet either. I always have this wild hair, I’m in my jammies, or in my work uniform. It’s hard for me to blog when I look somewhat decent. That’s why I haven’t even Skype’d or video chatted with my friends online either.
Julie @ Angry Julie Monday’s last blog post..San Clemente Carnival
Oh, just once.
Come on, everyone’s doing it.
What, are you afraid? Bok, bok.
Take your time. Make sure you’re ready. It’ll be worth the wait.
Marinka’s last blog post..Things That Go Through My Mind As I’m Reading Ulysses
I had never even heard of Vlog before.
I totally agree – there is something special about connecting with words. For that reason, I sometimes will snail mail friends.
And you totally hit home the point – I did NOT realize Delila was such an Amazon! Yeah, I don’t want my image of “Scary Mommy” shattered – of course, you blog in skinny jeans and cashmere sweaters! I certainly do!
T Rex Mom’s last blog post..Outside Playtime
Love this post. All the reasons I won’t be vlogging too. By the way, your blog is looking hot! :)
SquiggleMum’s last blog post..On the Go!
I think you should do it periodically, but not all the time. I participated int eh first Chick Chat and it was fun, but I wouldn;t do it every week for sure… Something about the written word is far more powerful than video. It’s why the book is always better than the movie. But it IS fun to color outside the lines and show a different side… every once in awhile!
KathyB!’s last blog post..Reduce, reuse, recycle
Oh, I am sooooo with you on this.
Those that vlog… that’s great. For them.
I hate the way I look if photographs, fercryinoutloud… why on earth would I want to be on (in?) video?!
Shannon’s last blog post..Wanna Swap?
Sounds like you were stealing clothes from my wardrobe!
You won’t catch me VLOGing either. Besides…. editing is some much easier in type form.
Christina’s last blog post..CLEANING OUT THE CLUTTER
I pretty much need to be wasted to be filmed.
I’m a writer, not an actress.
Also, fuck, you just reminded me that I forgot to stock up on Cadbury eggs. Perhaps that is the greatest testament to how bad this month has sucked.
Maria’s last blog post..Girl Talk Thursday – Romance Novels
HAHA Sitting on the couch not getting a word in edgewise cause you are married…
HAHAHAHAHA
Love it!! I agree, I prefer reading too. The occasional video post could be fun – but occasionally! Don’t stop writing, you are far too good – yoga pants and all!
ViolinMama’s last blog post..Small Successes and Thankful Thursday
I am right there with you sister! Those folks are out of their gord :)
Missy’s last blog post..The (not so) Great Adventures of Missy.
i’m doing the next chick chat – i hope i don’t disappoint anyone!
scrappysue’s last blog post..you know you’re living in the 21st century when…
Did someone say Cadbury eggs? I came right over.
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
Stesha’s last blog post..Fabulous Finds: When Structure Meets Chaos
The husband’s into that 12 seconds thing on twitter and thinks I should start up too. There is no way he’ll get me on film, pretty much for the same reasons as you’ve said.
I’ve noticed the same trend. Nothing personal to any of those budding thespians, but you can’t scan a video post.
Yes, I’m going to stand proud and admit that I scan posts. Sometimes. Come on. We all do it especially if we have 100 blogs or more in our Google Reader.
When compelled I head on over and comment, as evidenced by this here reply. But I don’t care for the video posts and I rarely watch them. Same goes for the audio posts.
I have a short attention span and three small children. Time is at a minimum.
No audio/visual posts for me. Or from me.
Carry on.
cardiogirl’s last blog post..The book of questions, Volume 39
Amen!
Okay, what the hell did she look like? You have me totally curious now. And I am thinking about the vlog thing. I am sure I will see myself and change my mind, but ya never know…maybe I can take Delilah’s place. Oh, wait, my voice is far from soothing. Maybe screechy with a twang would make you realx? I am dying to see you in person though and hear your voice!!!!!
jill’s last blog post..Maybe I Should Have Home-Schooled
I completely agree with you. I sound like a 13 year old not to mention that I can’t even stand watching myself talk, let alone making anyone else do it…..except my husband, he HAS to watch me talk. :)
Futureblackmail’s last blog post..REMARKABLY IMAGINATIVE BUT NOT A NOSE PICKER
Vlogging is in right now but you have to invest on a video cam to be able to do that. I guess that it would take me a long time before I can do vlogging.
Palabuzz’s last blog post..Marian Rivera as the new Darna
Sometimes I just want people to hear what I am saying since what I say may be better heard rather than read. Right now I do not have the computing power to do a vlog, but what I may do instead is record me reading my poetry and having you hear it as I would recite it.
Christopher (AKA: CaJoh)’s last blog post..F2: Fallen Star
I am so with you on this one. I can’t STAND myself on camera. So yeah, no vlogs for me either.
Robin’s last blog post..The Handmade’s Tale: Deirdre Ryan Fine Art Photography
I’ve spent my life avoiding video cameras TYVM and will continue to do so!
Oh, Delilah………….I really get the expression “You’ve got a face for radio” now!!
Tami’s last blog post..An Oldie But A Goodie
I don’t get the vlogging either. I mean, I’ve posted some videos but they’re basically of my children being silly.
If I did a video blog this would mean I’d have to actually brush my hair and step out of my PJs. That just wouldn’t fly with me. So I’ll stick to blogging.
Amber’s last blog post..And..I’m Back
I had no idea what Delilah looked like…and totally not what i pictured either. I listen to her and was surprised recently to hear her say that she has been divorced several times. I was like…hello…you dole out love advice like it is water but have been divorced several times.
And whether you blog or vlog…i will listen either way. And besides, I already know what you look like :-) but love how you try to pass off sweat pants as yoga pants. I do the same thing too though…haha.
So I have my Monday Vlogs you know, but I must admit…. it is much less convenient. Actually it is very inconvenient. I was worried too about shattering my awesome blog image, but it turns out my followers like me even more now! So I don’t know how long I will keep the vlog thing up, but it def has it’s advantages. ahem, No typing. ha. I guess typing can be better and more private in most way compared to vloging.
I am totally with you. No vlogging for me either.
As always, I love your blog, but seriously, now I can’t get that stupid Delilah jingle out of my head AND there’s a scary picture! LOL
I’ve tagged you for an award! Come on over to my site to pick it up!
Julie’s last blog post..I Got An Award! YEA!
I find that nothing and I mean nothing compares to the gift of prose!
Laurie Beggin’s last blog post..INSPIRATIONAL BLOG
awwww Delilah! Love her! hehe.
I have not ventured into vlogging yet (although I did take video for my husband for a vlog of his). I think it’s a fun way to get to know other bloggers, but it’s totally not necessary. Don’t give in to pressure if you don’t want to. ;)
Kelly Deneen’s last blog post..Photostory Friday: Delia’s first banquet
Wow, I always wondered what Delilah looked like!
I don’t think I could ever do vlogs either. I don’t look good typing at 2am either, and sheesh, i only wish i could look sexy after not washing my hair for 3 days. Sigh.
Danielle-lee’s last blog post..Music Lover Monday on Friday, because I have something planned for Monday
I,too, was wondering about vlogging, deciding I probably didn’t need to add a video to my fan page But you changed my mind.
What are we women, chicken?!
What’s the big deal if we aren’t dressed to the nines? Is that what our readers expect? Would someone stop reading your because, heaven forbid, you sounded like- gasp- yourself, accent and all? If my readers are so fickle and fair-weather, good riddance, I say. Shoo…
Gwen B is right, I think. Readers will see me and appreciate my boldness for getting out the Flip camera and making a totally amateurish welcome video for them.
I don’t mean to rant or scold, mainly I’m talking myself into it. After all, I like to follow the advice of Eleanor Roosevelt, a woman who knew how to hold her head high.
Do something that scares you everyday
Thanks for the chat.
Fun=Love
Dina
@CuriousDina’s last blog post..20 Romantic Films to Spark Your Marriage
I’ll be the first to admit that I hate looking at myself on camera, but I have been experimenting with the VLOGing recently. It’s something different, which is what I have to do to maintain my excitement about my blog. I’ve only done it twice and it’s not a regular thing, but I do enjoy it. My feedback is sparse and I’m guessing people don’t really care for it, but sometimes it just has to be about me. I just hope my regulars keep coming back.
Angie’s last blog post..Friday’s Foto Finish Fiesta
They had me at “the camera adds ten pounds.” Mr. Demille? I will NEVER be ready for my closeup…
Kate Coveny Hood’s last blog post..Jack Black in An Orange Jumpsuit…So Yummy, So Yummy…
@jill, click the link to see Delilah. Get ready.
@CuriousDina, you may have just talked me into it. You all will have Dina to blame if I get hooked.
And Colby, shut up. They are totally yoga pants even if I’ve never dreamed of doing yoga in them. Shove it.
I’m with you. I LOVE to read posts., not watch them. I’m not much into vlogging………unless it’s really funny. I just plain don’t want to watch someone talk…….although I’m not totally opposed to it. :) Maybe we can have a break out of the vlogging closet day.
angie’s last blog post..Jumping in with JumpStart-Week 3
I just don’t have the time. Writing is so much easier. video, editing, compressing, ugh.
Anyway, to upload that would be a nightmare (spelling) for us in South Africa, bandwidth is just so expensive and limited and slow. Not worthwhile.
BTW 31 Day Challenge good to see you there.
Robert Bravery’s last blog post..Is outbound linking worthwhile? Does it add to PageRank?
I agree, no need to vlog! It’s hard to skim, and WAY hard to create – I would have no idea where to start on editing, and without knowing how to edit I won’t even start….
On the other hand there are some free online applications I’ve heard about out there that allow sound recordings to be put together with slides/photos. Those, I will check out.
Found your blog through the 30 Days BBB program – love it! Great design, too.
Now I’m going to check out Delilah…
MadelineJ’s last blog post..Naples, Italy’s most Italian city
I don’t even know what to think about vlogging. Sometimes I’m game. Sometimes I’m not. Can we say FICKLE?
But I do think that it’s very important to know what you like for your own blog and stick with it. If that’s writing, then write on. I’ll keep reading. I read online much more than I watch video anyway!
I was given a video camera in exchange for my agreeing to vlog…and *ahem* I’m a vlogging slacker. I’m always waitimg for when I have hair and makeup done and nice clothes on and it’s quiet. Yea, that like…never happens.
Tiffany’s last blog post..Protect Your Bed With Aller-Ease; GIVEAWAY!
@Cardiogirl— you are SO right. That’s perhaps the best point against vlogging. Everybody skims, whether they admit it or not!
I thought about vloging, but then I thought that I have enough trouble attracting readers without showing them what I actually look like…
Bec’s last blog post..She’s bilingual…sort of
I will never listen to delilah in the same way again…are you sure that woman is her??? She is so not how I pictured her! No “vlogging” for me…I hate the way my voice sounds on camera! I don’t even have the nerve to post a picture of myself on my blog let alone a movie! :)
I’m still taking pictures of myself to come up with a decent one that I would post. At least your pic on the sidebar looks pretty good :)
katy’s last blog post..Readers’ ideas for fun and exercise for the family
Bloo or Vlog????
I am a US Blogger’s last blog post..Review: QuickOffice iPhone App
No vlogging here either. I started blogging to try to improve my writing skills.
Also, I have all kinds of weird facial expressions and elaborate hand gestures. I really don’t need them immortalized so I can obsess over how squinty my eyes or how big my gums are.
Keely’s last blog post..I’d probably be a better conspiracy theorist if I wasn’t so weird: Friday Fill-Ins
I’m totally with you woman. And I don’t really want to see vlogs. I like the images I have floating around in my brain…about how everyone looks and sounds. It’s like reading a book and then seeing the movie and thinking…NO THAT’S NOT THE CHARACTER I LOVE. Some things are just better left to the imagination.
nikkicrumpet’s last blog post..~♥~ I WISH WEDNESDAY ~♥~
Vlogging was much scarier before I did it. That’s not to say I’m itching to do it again for say… oh, another year or ten. Dark lighting, Miss America pancake make-up, 300 takes, waiting til your alone in the house so your husband doesn’t make faces while you’re talking and your kids don’t running screaming between you and the camera… all in all, it’s more time consuming and stressful than typing and photoshopping a pic.
Ryan Ashley Scott’s last blog post..Dear Dad: About Mother’s Day?
I echo some of the sentiment. I don’t have the time and it’s not as much about others not wanting to see me, it’s about me not wanting to see me.
BTW, I just realized that somewhere a couple of months ago ‘baseball post’ I lost your feed. Took me this long to figure it out. I am going to try to get it back.
James’s last blog post..Think Out Loud Sunday
I personally prefer reading a blog than watching a video blog. There’s just something about it that I connect better with than by watching a video. And sometimes, it feels like you can let out more if you know that the people reading won’t know who is behind the words.
I hear ya! My yoga pants are nice today. All crisp and fresh and brand spanking new! I look GLAMOROUS for sure!
Life with Kaishon’s last blog post..Now Accepting Applications for Ugly Friends! Apply Today!
That is EXACTLY what I pictured Delilah to look like. I hate that lady!
Pretty much never for me too… nobody wants to see this!!!
cristin’s last blog post..At least I have pictures of this one…
Geez. If I vlogged, I might have to shower before 3 PM every day.
Jeannie’s last blog post..Brown Showers Brings Trained Bowels
i tried to vlog. i wrote a post about it. but i can’t. for a couple of reasons…
i hate how i sound on video.
and i couldn’t figure out why the horrible sounding thing wouldn’t upload onto my blog. which made me think…someone is telling me something. so i’m just going to stick to blogging with hopes that, even if it goes out of style, it’ll make a comeback.