is blogging still blogging?

This weekend I noticed a new trend in blogging.

Giveaways and Link ups.

What happened to good ol' fashion story telling?

I get that I haven't blogged in months. I get that trends happen in social networking. I get that I'm usually the last one to figure out the latest trend.

#callmeold

So, the giveaways and link ups could have been happening for far longer than I know. I'm just over them.

I'm all for a fun on a blog. However, I'd much rather read what is happening in the life of a person and I fear blogging has moved away from that trend. I want read a blog because it has something to add to my life. Humor. Insight. Super cute pictures of kids of people I know in real life. Ya know...all the reasons I started blogging.

The give aways and link ups don't cut it for me. In fact, I end up blowing right past a blog with these items until I find one that has a story. And pictures. Funny random pictures.

I know I don't have to follow blogs that do the giveaways and link ups. I get that. Maybe it is time to search for new blogs...blogs that are written by women more like me and less like the 20/30something range. But I truly like and am entertained by many of those blogs, too...

It just seems like the face of blogging has changed. Has anyone else noticed?