Mormon Blog Spectrum

Quite a few of my friends on Facebook posted a link to this article http://mobile.salon.com/life/feature/2011/01/15/feminist_obsessed_with_mormon_blogs/index.html and a few other friends emailed it to me. It was written by a self-proclaimed feminist atheist who says she can’t stop reading Mormon housewife blogs. She described a few of the blogs she follows and includes their links (I follow one of these already). The blogs she describes are very familiar to other Mormon bloggers because there are many other blogs just like the ones she talks about. However, this made me think a lot about the different types of Mormon blogs out there. They really don’t all fit in this category she is talking about, I would actually say most do not fit in this category. This has made me spend way too much time thinking about the different Mormon blog categories that do exist. I have broken this down into four categories. This will not include everything but probably the majority and be warned that it includes a lot of generalizations and blanket statements.

1. Artistic, Educated or Self-taught Mormon Wives
These blogs are the main ones discussed in the article. These women are typically college educated and have very real artistic ability. The non-college grads are self-taught which is pretty cool. These really aren't your typical Mormon wives. Many of them majored in something like Print Design in college. They spend much of their time making beautiful, vintage creations that the rest of us would probably buy at an expensive boutique or make a poor attempt to replicate. Also, you will notice these women have expensive cameras and some editing skills. All of their pictures look professional which means they actually know how to use their expensive cameras too. These women tend to be detail oriented, well dressed, classy, yet humorous. Their sense of style is really what sets them apart from the rest of us. They may dress in a unique way that is not typically mainstream but they would know how to redecorate your entire house and wardrobe better than anyone. They have husbands that listen to cool music and children with classic names like Henry. They do talk about their husbands and children on their blogs but it is not the focal point of the blog. They use their blog as an outlet for their vast amounts of creativity and exhibit how they use this creativity in their daily lives.

Phrase to describe this bunch: Artistic hipsters.
A few examples of my friends under this category:
Kenzie Sasser http://www.secretpocketblog.com/   (she has links to tons of others in this category)
Kylee Fackroll http://myyellowballoon.blogspot.com/

2. Family Orientated Record Keeping Mormon Wives
The author of the article never claimed that blog type number one is the only type of Mormon wives blogs out there or that the hipster blogs are the most prevalent. Her only claim was that she is addicted to that type of blog. Most Mormon Wives blogs fall under the family oriented record keeping category. These women are busy moms and wives that work hard to plan fun activities for their kids and lots of playgroups. These women spend most of their time discussing their kids, family outings, family events, and playtime. These women can be overwhelmed with all that is going on around them but are generally positive and happy. You could print their blogs into a book and it would easily make a family journal of their happenings and sometimes feelings. These blogs contain lots of pictures of kids. Some of these women do crafts and are very talented but that is not the focus of their blog. The blog is an outlet to show their daily activities and keep family and friends updated. The majority of my family and friends blogs would fit under this category. I like these blogs. They keep me up to speed on the people I care about.
Phrase to describe this bunch: Moms on the move (I think that is the name of a workout video).
A few examples of my friends under this category: too many examples to share

3. Explorers of Life’s Journey
These blogs focus on wherever life takes you. These women focus on always trying new things, sharing witty stories, travelling to new places, and a lot of self-introspection. A lot of my friends with these blogs are either single or do not have children. They are excited about life and the future. They never seem to have any expectations for the future but just let life take them on a journey. I love reading these blogs. They are so real and can be raw. Not raw in the sense of TMI but raw in the sense that they are letting you in. You almost feel like you are listening to your friend when you are reading it. Their personality and humor are ever present. They hate being showy.
Phrase to describe this bunch: Real life learners and enjoyers
A few examples of my friends under this category:
Hannah Prusso http://hanyon.blogspot.com/
Kirstin Hansen http://kirstinkayhansen.blogspot.com/
Courtney Hansen http://courtneykayhansen.blogspot.com/
Kate Buhler http://kateandgraham.blogspot.com/
Katelin Rowley http://thesummernanny.blogspot.com/

4. I <3 Me (Mom, <3 means heart in case you forgot)
These blogs are always interesting for me to read. I definitely think Seriously So Blessed is based off of this last type more than any other type. This type of blog is what made Tim and I create so many weird blog rules such as no using the word AmAzInG or excessive !!!!. These women use the word “I” a lot. Although there is some introspection, it is at a surface level. They want you to see their lives but they don’t want to let you in. These blogs can sometimes be unrealistic. The wives tend to have lots of highs and lows. Either things are picture perfect or it was the worst day of their life. Some of these wives can come across as immature or self-absorbed at times. Other times they do elaborate posts about their fantastic husbands and children followed by posts about something terrible their children or husband has done. These wives are social. They have lots of friends. They like to make sure their blog emphasizes this. These wives are fun, cute, happy, outgoing, and trendy. Mostly Utah trendy though. I think sometimes enjoy motherhood and sometimes hate it (which is normal from what I hear). Their blogs are an outlet for them and a way for them to have a showcase showdown with other blogs. These aren’t bad blogs, they are just an alternative type from the other two. I must admit that I find these the most amusing and the most annoying at the same time. I have no close friends with these blogs so I don’t end up reading them often.
On a side note, these wives tend have a poor music selection playing in the background.
Phrase to describe this bunch: High School was the best 4 years of my life
A few examples under this category: I refuse to post them for obvious reasons.

5. (Sorry, I added another category) Your husband writes your blog because he thinks he is funny and because he does more crafts than you. Sometimes the wife posts too. The wife wishes she took more pictures.
Example: Tim & Anna Hassell http://hassellplushassell.blogspot.com/