At first, there were bloggers and advertisers, and all was fine. Then the advertisers notice that bloggers were good at capturing people and traffic. And then thanks to pay per click, we have a bunch of online publishing network and advertising networks that promises bloggers a good income while fulfilling advertisers needs to reach their niche market.
Blogging was once fun. But when some depends their earnings on it, something else will be sacrificed – your time + your health. And I think this is especially true for tech bloggers since they always need to stay alert to catch the next waves.
However, this news from NYTimes couldn’t be more alarming.
Russell Shaw (with ZDNet), a prolific blogger on technology subjects who died at 60 of a heart attack. In December, another tech blogger, Marc Orchant, died at 50 of a massive coronary. A third, Om Malik of GigaOm, 41, survived a heart attack in December. Matt Buchanan of Gizmodo, 22, passed out 4 to 5 times due to exhaustion.
Michael Arrington, the founder and co-editor of TechCrunch, says he has gained 30 pounds in the last three years, developed a severe sleeping disorder and turned his home into an office for him and four employees. [via nytimes]
It’s sarcastic isn’t it? While some tech bloggers made it big and brag how much lifestyle and free time that they have, it seems that some are actually falling into their own trap. Time is still spent in front of a computer + less time to exercise + more money to buy more high tech gadgets (smartphone, video games, blu-ray, TVs, you name it…), and the circle goes on and on.
I think the important point here is that:
- Be careful of what you wish for.
- Don’t fall into your own trap
- Your mind, body and soul ARE your most important asset. Anything else comes next.
- Rest so that you can walk further.
- I’m not talking about bloggers only. Everyone who work long hours and never thought of their health should STOP and THINK.
I’m also sure that there are bloggers/developers out there who had manage their time nicely and leading a balance life. If you are one of them, give yourself a pat on your shoulder please.
Now if you would excuse me, I’m going to do some exercise to train my abs so that I’ll get my six packs ready 🙂
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