SimpleTech drive and Time Machine

I am a new Mac and Time Machine user. I have an external hard drive (a SimpleTech drive) that I am using for my Time Machine backups. When the external HD is plugged in, it is spinning, even when backups are not happening. Is this normal? I have also noticed that the drive continues to spin even when I shut the lid of my MBP and the computer goes to sleep. Shouldn't the drive go to sleep as well? Or is it supposed to continue to spin? Thank you!

Just a personal preference. I don't use TM, so the only timeMy ext HDs are up and running, I'm using them and don't want them to spin down/spin up while I'm doing stuff. Stopping and starting electronic things is what kills them—ever notice that light bulbs only go when turned on? The only thing I sleep are displays. As for laptops, I don't use them.

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