The recent deaths of three popular writers is causing something of a rethink in the blogosphere
Blogging may be bad for your health
/v3-uk/news/1998391/blogging-bad-health
07 Apr 2008, Iain Thomson , V3
Some of the blogging community are worried that blogging for a living could be bad for your health.
The constant need to publish new and exciting facts is putting stress on successful bloggers, and the recent deaths from heart attacks of three popular writers is causing something of a rethink in the industry.
"I haven't died yet," Michael Arrington, founder and co-editor of TechCrunch, told The New York Times.
"At some point, I'll have a nervous breakdown and be admitted to hospital, or something else will happen. This is not sustainable."
Arrington claimed that he has gained 30 pounds and developed a severe sleeping disorder over the past three years as a result of his job.
Two other technology bloggers, Russell Shaw, 60, and Marc Orchant, 50, have died of heart failures. While blogging has not been directly linked to their deaths, the stress of churning out thousands of words a day may have been a factor.
"There is no time ever, including when you're sleeping, when you're not worried about missing a story," said Arrington.
"Wouldn't it be great if we said that no blogger or journalist could write a story between 8pm Pacific time and dawn? Then we could all take a break. But that's never going to happen."
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Do you agree?
everything in balance....
I think that this stress they are referring to applies to all levels.. Blogging is the same as any other publishing, such as making a TV show or writing a weekly column in a newspaper. It would be silly to say that all of the above activities are dangerous to one's health.. Of course, we have to take everything in moderation.
Sameer
Posted by Sameer Alibhai, 07 Apr 2008
This is idiotic article
This is idiotic and absurd. Maybe today there really wasn't anything important to write so you pulled this out of your, er, wherever?
Posted by ronman, 07 Apr 2008
Stress is a fact for every journalist, no matter the medium.
Agreed that it takes effort to remain healthy and work in a research and writing field, but I think it's a bit much to say blogging unhealthy. For professional writers, there's always the concern of missing the next big thing, but, it's personal choice and planning that keeps one health. You've got to push away from the computer for a bit and do something, like biking or walking, to relieve the stress. If missing out on some key info is that much of a concern, buy a smart phone or PDA, and read while you walk.
Posted by Carlie Lawson, 07 Apr 2008