Please take a deep breath and consider the following:
Constantly thinking about your next blog post could be one of the signs of a blogging addiction.
Being unable to observe any interesting event anywhere without turning it into a blog post in your mind could likewise be a tell tale sign.
And, dreaming about blogging is a strong indication that you have crossed the line.
So, are you ready to take the Bloggers’ Pledge?
Or, do you have just one more post that you have to publish before you do?
12 Step Recovery Program For Blogging Addicts
- I will have a cup of coffee or tea in the morning and read my PAPER newspaper like I used to, before the blog.
- I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing.
- I will get dressed before noon.
- I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking of the blog.
- I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are internet-deprived.
- I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the internet and resist the urge to ask them what they think I should blog about next.
- I will read a book… if I still remember how.
- I will listen to those around me about their needs and stop telling them to turn the TV down so I can hear my lastfm music.
- I will not be tempted during TV commercials to check for email or to check my blog stats.
- I will try and get out of the house at least once a week and socialize with people who do not blog, if it is necessary or not.
- I will remember that my bank is not forgiving if I forget to balance my checkbook because I was too busy blogging for adsense pennies.
- Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime… and that the blog will always be there tomorrow! Source
Postscript: When you start vehemently denying to yourself that you do any of these, it probably is worse than you think… ;-) Hat tip to shefaly




















ellaella
April 28, 2008
That’s hilarious! Especially funny is #4, although in my case, dinner and the blog are intertwined. I have no excuses if I avoid cleaning the house or doing laundry. :)
Pentad
April 28, 2008
Brilliant! Brilliant, and stumbled.
timethief
April 28, 2008
@ellaella,
I’m so glad it made you laugh. I had fun doing it uo and laughing at myself.
P.S. I’m missing you big time. Please register at Blog Catalog so we can be in closer contact. I guarantee that you will not regret it. :)
timethief
April 28, 2008
@Pentad
Thanks so much for the stumble Tamera. You just made my day. :D
onebagnation
April 28, 2008
You must be spying on me . . .
onebagnation
April 28, 2008
I can’t resist, even though I should be reading a book, or brushing my teeth, or caring for my child: how do you register a wordpress blog at Blog Catalog? i’m pretty low-tech, so perhaps it’s beyond my capabilities at this point.
timethief
April 28, 2008
@onebagnation
It’s very easy. You complete the form at the submit your site link (see below) and wait for an email. Your blog will usually be reviewed and accepted within a couple of days.
** No Solely Commercial or Pornographic Material
* RSS feeds or individual blog articles/entries will not be accepted into the directory.
Submit your site link http://www.blogcatalog.com/account.add.php
Directory link http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory
Discussions link http://www.blogcatalog.com/discuss
Teck
April 29, 2008
:lol: your post had me laughing so hard I spit my water out of my mouth.. :lol
Steve Rebooted
April 29, 2008
The one thing which resonates is dreaming about blogging. I have done that and thought it was strange LOL
Nards
April 29, 2008
This is absolutely priceless!! – Thanks for the laugh – Nards
Shefaly
April 29, 2008
Timethief – Hilarious post and I can already think of a post-script.
When you start vehemently denying to yourself that you do any of these, it probably is worse than you think… ;-)
Well-deserved post on WP homepage!
timethief
April 29, 2008
@Teck, Steve Rebooted and Nards,
Thanks for your comments and your support. I’m going to be injecting some light hearted posts into this blog but first I thought I’d tackle the “addiction” aspect.
timethief
April 29, 2008
@shefaly
Your post script is right on. I’m going to edit and include it with a link back to your blog. Thanks for sharing it. On the wordpress[dot]com front page, eh? Well, I guess I’d better take another screenshot. ;)
Jennifer
April 29, 2008
Are you suggesting that I have a problem?
Because I don’t. I can stop blogging at any time, whenever I want.
;)
Dr. Nicole Sundene
April 29, 2008
Wow scary stuff!! I mean the fact that I have to stop doing it…LOL :D
timethief
April 29, 2008
@Jennifer
Problem what problem? Pledge- who you? :D
timethief
April 29, 2008
DocNicole
Our attachments and our aversions are the most scary thing about us humans by far. So, would you like a job at the registration table with the pledges? The workload is bound to be light as thus far hundreds have hit on the post and none have been inclined to take the pledge. Sheesh … I wonder why, eh? ;)
CuriousC
April 29, 2008
(Saw this on WP Dash…) and I just want to add that #10 is easy since I don’t know a living real human who blogs besides me (and my bloggy friends. but they/you aren’t ‘real’, right?!)
naysway
April 29, 2008
I’m afraid to take a vacation from my job for fear it will nurture my addic… er, I mean, extra-curricular activity. See! I don’t have a problem. And who needs sleep?! Sleep is overrated. C’mon. Look at the pretty blog colors. (oooooooohhhhhh)
timethief
April 29, 2008
@CuriousC
{sniggger} ;)
timethief
April 29, 2008
@naysway
SSShhh ….. (I’m not ready to take the pledge yet). I considered going to one of those computer camps and taking only a pen and notebook in my dreams but came to my senses when I broke out in a sweat. I thought “I need a lightbook” crossed through my mind and suddenly I felt like shouting … YES! :P
Shefaly
April 29, 2008
@ Timethief: Thanks :-)
timethief
April 30, 2008
@Shefaly
You’re welcome. :)
Damien
April 30, 2008
Great list. Finding and maintaining blogging inspiration is a tough job sometimes. I think your list is a good strategy.
Mark Stoneman
May 1, 2008
These measures are a bit drastic, aren’t they? I suppose you also want me to take my eyes off the screen and fingers off the keyboard when my wife is talking to me? ;)
timethief
May 1, 2008
@Damien,
Readers who leave comments are also inspiring. Thanks for
commenting. :)
timethief
May 1, 2008
@Mark
Yes, I do think that one ought to take their eyes of the screen and fingers off the keyboard from time to time but it’s so darn hard to do. Strategically speaking it does make sense to take these mini-breaks when others in relationship with us are communicating with us. ;)
gafarmwoman
May 1, 2008
I do believe that is me you are talking about.lol…. I enjoyed reading your articles and plan on returning soon.
Thanks for the adding me at blogcatalog.
Rebecca
May 1, 2008
I’m not ready yet! LOL
timethief
May 1, 2008
@gafarmwoman
I’m glad that you found the post in the blog to be interesting. I hope you find them to be informative too. And, I’m glad we are BC friends. :)
timethief
May 1, 2008
@Rebecca
Ha! Ha! Ha! Well, that makes a whole lot of us who simply aren’t ready to pledge. Best wishes. :)
rampantheart
May 12, 2008
ROTFL!
timethief
May 12, 2008
You addict you … me too lol :P
Nomadic
May 22, 2008
Hey, Timethief! I have eventually explored this site and I am thrilled to discover that I have Blogitis. Seriously – I have added a link on my site, I am impressed by your endless ability to offer advice and support – thanks. Cx
timethief
May 22, 2008
Thanks for the link. Somehow I thought you would be more interested in linking to my personal blog. :)
mudge
May 22, 2008
Book? What’s a book? Seriously guilty on all charges, your honor. If I believed in 12-step programs, I’d sign up soonest!
timethief
May 22, 2008
I had fun with this post while laughing at myself. I have no intention of taking any pledge — I’m wired and loving every minute of it. ;)
Damien
July 9, 2008
It is funny. Because blogging is writing and so much more, it can easily sap your time away. However, I have friends who are artists and they often never leave the house , sleep til noon etc. when working on a project. To me it’s goals, if you have them you can justify most that stuff.
timethief
July 10, 2008
@Riley,
Goals are important to me as well. I hope you enjoyed this fun post.
Kat
August 24, 2008
I loved this….and how true it is….
I am already too far gone for this….
I can’t take the pledge. :(
timethief
August 24, 2008
Neither can I am. I’m too far gone.
witchwoman
August 24, 2008
Apparently I am already doomed lol, great post, ty!
timethief
August 24, 2008
@witchwoman
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. :)
MadMadMargo
January 11, 2009
Jeeeez, dress before noon? But, I love my Tinkerbell pajama pants, they put me in the mood to create.
Great post, TT. Stumbled.
timethief
January 12, 2009
@MadMadMargo
It was a fun post. Thanks :)