I wanted to take a few moments to clarify where this blog is going. This post is more for my veteran readers who may wonder why Somewhat Crunchy is currently so different than it was when they first started reading. But it's also for my newbie readers (Hi!) that may want to know a little more about where we're headed.
This is becoming more of a "Me" blog - a hobby blog some may call it. I am so over worrying about subscribers, or page views or my Alexa rank. The more I've tried to make this a rock-star blog, the more frustrated and burned out I've become. Why?
Because it didn't start that way.
When I first started blogging it was for fun, a creative outlet, then I found that I really like the business side of blogging (even if I'm not that good at it). And since I liked the business side, I tried to make it work here. And it didn't work for me - I kind of lost my voice. And I was all over the place.
So what does this mean for you? It means you'll be reading more about what's important to me - like faith, homeschooling and parenting. It also means you'll be seeing me participate in less link-ups. I'm not here to chase down new readers. I'll also be doing less product reviews and giveaways. My sidebars will be changing soon too - I'll be removing my affiliate links. And I'll be sharing more about blogs, bloggers, campaigns and activities I love.
I just want this to be my space. Is that selfish? I hope not.
It doesn't mean that I won't do link-ups, reviews and giveaways; it just means that I'll be doing them on my time, in my way. I hope you'll stick around for the journey.
Don't worry, I have plenty to keep me busy with the business side of blogging so I'll still get my "fix'. I have The 2:1 Conference which you'll be hearing LOTS more about, as well as a new savings blog I hope to unveil next month - I can hardly wait to tell you about that!
So that's it - that's what's been going on around here! :-)
I've been rethinking the direction (or lack thereof) that my blog has been taking. I participated in a lot of linky things to try and boost readership, but I feel like I was just writing fluff. I lost my voice in there somewhere, and I ended up feeling burned out. My blog has been very quiet lately, and I'm ready to get back to it - but on my own terms!
ReplyDeleteAmen and amen. I have found myself going through the same type of mind journey. I have decided the same thing. Being around big money bloggers at Relevant 10 sort of put me off kilter with me just writing in the manner in which I started out. Though I am headed to go to Relevant 11, I am finally set on how I want MY blog to be because it is MY blog.
ReplyDeleteI f ind it funny that the same people that tell you to be yourself on your blog are the same ones who shout about not having music players and that they will unfollow someone for it..... um... isn't it MY blog? I'm keeping my music because it is important to me... if they don't like it, feel free to never come back or learn to use the volume control/mute button on the computer.
I think you'll find that you have to do less reader-chasing if you just post what you like. I know I prefer to read someone who is writing what she wants, rather than trying to sell me something, even if it's just a free subscription to her blog. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI like this direction. :)
ReplyDeleteTotally get this! I thought about how nice it would be to make a profit from blogging. Then, I realized I wouldn't just blog. I enjoy reading your blog and look forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting and familiar to me. I had been trying to figure out ways to make my blog "bigger," perhaps profitable - and whenever I did that, I found I couldn't think of anything to write about and just stopped. No posts = no readers! It took away the fun of blogging. You're staying in my reader!
ReplyDeleteI'm all for your direction. Who wants to read a blog that isn't about the person writing it? :) We look forward to whatever spews forth in the coming weeks, months, and years. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat explanation! I know that sometimes it can be hard to decide that "now" is the time to make this kind of decision. I'm looking forward to reading your upcoming posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Amanda - though you may come to regret that last statement! LOL j/k :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree - it's nice to have people that understand. It would be nice but it totally doesn't jive with this being a personal/hobby blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chantelle! ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI think you may be right Cindy - I always knew you were brilliant! :)
ReplyDeleteRight!! That strikes a chord (<--see what I did there LOL) with me because one of the first things I did was remove my music.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Iknow what you mean. There are some linkys I love like the Weekly Wrap Up, then others I just like, and others still I just particpated in to see if I could find new readers. Even if my post fits the linky it's too much work t submit my link, comment and link back to them if I don't love the link-up.
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl!
ReplyDelete*Thanks sista-friend! High five! :)
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Sounds like a good plan to me! The direction you're going is just what my favorite bloggers do.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Cheryl! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! I have had these same thoughts lately. As a matter of fact, I have a back log of reviews I need to do. I just don't enjoy them. I need to remember why I started blogging in the first place. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the business side but then suddenly there are so many reviews, giveaways, link ups and whatnot lined up that your heads spins, ya know?
ReplyDeleteI'm new to blogging so I haven't experienced a burnout or anything, but I appreciate you putting things in perspective! I do understand how you feel though.....before I became a homeschool Mom I was a photographer. Turning something I loved into a business quickly killed the joy I had behind the camera and it turned into a chore. It wasn't fun anymore. After the birth of my second child and the decision to homeschool, I chucked my photography career and never looked back! So I completely get where you are......do what you have to do to get your joy back in blogging. Doesn't it feel great to be free? =)
ReplyDeleteGood points. Love the new look of your blog, though I also liked your old one. This has a nice clean feel to it. I like posts when I feel like a person is being honest about what they're learning about, dealing, or struggling with. Certainly there are bloggers who are very successful and I don't begrudge them their success but Id rather have good blog friendships with a few people than have very little relationship with a lot of people. One of the things I enjoy about blogging is connecting with other people and the give and take of sharing our lives online. Some things are interesting because its well or creatively written. Somethings are interesting because I've gotten to know them and care about what's going on in their lives.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is so much more fun when we let go of all the stuff that is dragging our writing down!
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