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| oldnewgreenredo |
But, like all the fabulous ideas in my life-- I have managed to only become Old and I think in complete need of a Redo!
Blog or not to blog, that is the question.
Do you ever feel like that, overwhelmed and definitely in need of a redo? How about being an unfocused mess---that's what my blog seems to me. Like falling down the rabbit hole.....ever deeper.However, that is me...an unfocused sometimes messy person.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Blogland
What has changed in three years---well, the actual Blog World mostly, not me--for sure.
The vibe is different now. Not as personal, but calculated. Posts are more and more generic, aimed at the largest audience. Buzz themes are for the moment---geared toward advertising. I don't even have to look at my blog reading list to know decluttering, closets and storage are the unwritten themes for this month. Blog sponsors and sponsored posts will be from those categories.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Not here---Everything is old or scrounged for my coffee cabinet. No promotional possibilities here...lol.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Organized drawers from our kitchen remodel...they don't look like this now, lol.
I still love my dividers---possible promotion there.
You've got Mail!
I have watched my primary and social g-mails lists go from full everyday to insignificant, while the promotional section has swelled past 100's each day as everyone jumped on the advertising promotional bandwagon. I can't tell you of how many blogs I have dropped/or blocked emails from, this last year. |
| from my email-page |
So what about the content? Primary mail includes my Etsy shop and paypal--which was 10 of those 21. Seven of the remaining 11 were my own comments to others. Social---is filled with notifications and newsletters, not much better if they are also in Promotions. And hidden in Promotions were some of my favorite blogs, operative word--were my favorites.
How to lose your readers.
How do you lose my interest?---Inundate me with blog posts of how great this ugly (promoted-free) plant looks in my home, regardless if it is to scale, or even close to what a real plant might look like in my locale.Example, cactus in a traditional home in New England, or a Norfolk Pine in the desert.
That post brought to mind the Hans Christan Andersen fairytale of "The Emperor's New Clothes." The King was convinced he looked fabulous by adoring courtiers as he paraded in his 'all together-', until an honest child broke the spell, laughed-pointed, "The King is in his all-together!"
not mine- source- UK phrases
The unwritten RULES.
I do know the rules,---never say anything negative---just say nothing at all.Despite the orange rug promoter having one of the most popular link parties in blogland, I dropped the blogger from my list and said nothing at all until now. Dozens of you are cringing remembering that post and the sell-out! Miraculously the rug disappeared once the bloggers contract with the company was completed only to be replaced I'm sure by something else. I hope the rug was donated to a charity, so something positive could come from it.
"To thine own self be true."
Three years ago, a blogger blogged maybe three times a week. Now popular blogs-post everyday sometimes more---with some sort of BLOG-MASTERBOT, linking/themselves with infinite podcasts, U-tubes, newsletters, updates, pinterest, twitter, blog-loving....and lots of other ways of screaming READ ME, I don't subscribe to.I thought blogging was to enhance a life-style, not become one? I don't begrudge someone wanting to make a dime, but there must be better ways and still keep your 'soul'.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Only a few bloggers---really SHARE---their actual selves or skills on their blog. I gravitate toward those blogs and hope my readers are doing the same.
My own blog posts now have fewer comments and are far between, why? Are my posts---really unread, or irrelevant? Or have I just NOT jumped on the promotional bandwagon to produce those desirable numbers to venture into Ad-arama blog-land. I have long been eligible. Since I'm not planning on doing any sponsored posts or be owned by any major company---should I continue?
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Unnamed Mulch at the bottom of the stairs---? Ad opportunity?
Do I try harder, or fall to the wayside, like dozens of my favorite bloggers? My hopes for 2018....
Hmmmmm...perhaps like-minded bloggers could promote PROMOTIONAL FREE BLOGGER on their site with a logo or something? Maybe we need to start a movement!
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Wouldn't that just be the cake and the frosting for 2018, lol, having to PROMOTE---promotional free blogging.
The below has always been on my blog, perhaps I need to post it at the top? It was a conscious decision, a thoughtful intent.
All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.
All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.
Thanks always for visiting.
I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question.
All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.
Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission.
Sharing at these Ad Free blog parties (I'm going to try and see if this is possible)
Share Your Cup
Share Your Style
Amaze Me Mondays
Sharing at these Ad Free blog parties (I'm going to try and see if this is possible)
Share Your Cup
Share Your Style
Amaze Me Mondays
Sandi
Well, I hope you keep up because I agree with you. I always get a little edgy with sponsored posts, even if the person is upfront about it (better than not being). If I mention something I like it's because I like it (or not) and sponsorship has nothing to do with it. I started blogging 10 years ago -- just celebrated my 10th in December -- and more or less, my blog is the same. It looks a little different (not a lot) and it's sort of all over the map. I love the blogging community and even some of the sponsored posts but you are right about being too commercial in general. I blog for connection and the online friendship of it. I'm glad you do, too, and hope you continue to post in the new year! Happy New Year, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie. Thanks, I really hesitated when I did this post---but, the change over the last year, even, has been fairly dramatic. I perused the blog world for a year or more before I started blogging. Have a Happy New Year, I will post when something seems worth posting, and not because Im on a deadline---grins!
DeleteSandi, I do hope you continue to blog. I've been blogging for almost 7 years and I can't tell you how many of my earlier blog posts never received comments. After almost 5 years of blogging, I decided to take my blog in a different direction and started focusing on DIY, decorating, but with my recipes and lifestyle still thrown in. I switched to WordPress, but then I had to start earning some income to pay for my domain and WordPress. I do run a few ads, and I have a couple of affiliates. As for sponsored posts, I'm very selective and will only do what I feel will truly fit in. I'm constantly getting emails about someone or another wanting to guest post on my blog. That will NEVER happen unless it's a good blogging friend of mine. I've decided there's no way I will ever or even want to compete with any of the top bloggers. I'm 70 years old and I want to enjoy life. For 2018, I'm going to pull back a little on what I blog about and how often. And the social media is totally crazy now. When I first started almost 7 years ago, I only did Pinterest because I loved it for myself. There are times I get discouraged, and I know it's from all the changes that have occurred since I first started. I can't see me stopping entirely, but I can see me slowing it down some. If I find my readership drops, I may have to go back to Blogger so I won't have all the additional expenses. Time will tell!
ReplyDeleteDear Carol. I'm with you, I'm going to be 70...and I just have to assess how my remaining time is spent. Your posts are always natural and informative and definitely sharing a piece of you. I love pinterest---and it's a great way to have fun---quickly. I'm not discouraged...I've been on the counter side of retailing for many years---I know how it works. I'm just getting very selective about what I look at, comment to, or even support. Have a great year, and I will see you in vintage,DIY,land, I'm sure.
DeleteThe other day I found some new to me bloggers who write about what is happening in their lives and it was like talking to my Mother in Law who always talked about what was happening, how it felt to age, what her perceptions were - I was so happy to add new friends. I think keeping true to ones self and sharing what you want to share. I am finding more bloggers who are enriching my memories and thoughts so keep on blogging, love visiting. Love sharing.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2018 New Year Sandi.
Hugs.
Joy
Thanks so much Joy...love that name. Yes, I've added a few new people and dropped a lot. We should all hope to all have a better 2018---. With all the disasters and social challenges, the blogging world is a bit of respite from it all. Hugs, back to you! Sandi
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ReplyDeleteThe above poster appeared to be a Spam source, please don't click on it...the blog hasn't posted since 2015, and i was inundated with Russian hits...!
DeleteThanks for visiting me at Delights of the Heart. I like your thoughts here. The only thing I advertise is my own things and then very little. I keep my post positive because I started the blog to help me focus on the positives of life, for my own sanity. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn. I know it is a slippery slope we have to walk here. Some people have costs involved with their blog---I have time invested, and I simply don't want to waste time---navigating 13 ads, to see 4 pictures on a blog. So sanity ad-free blogging would be lovely, though unrealistic.
DeleteHi there. I am new to your blog, visiting from Share Your Cup, And amstruck by a similar feeling. I have not monetized my blog and turn down all freebies so I can keep my integrity...at least that’s how it seems to me. I do have a website, but the blog is more me...but it is difficult to not give up because things have changed so much. Thanks for sharing your heart...I am with you...no orange rugs....
ReplyDeleteRuth
Ah, Ruth, nice to meet you. Now, I'm just dropping blogs that I had been a reader of for four years. The market place may swing back. Who knows, perhaps it will become fashionable to have a blog without 'interruptions' and foreign fashions totally covering the page that have nothing to do with the content of the blog. Affiliates can be good if posts are informative. But, I've dropped the orange rug (in a traditional home) site, too. Thanks for your thoughts. Sandi
DeleteOh, I hear you!!! What gets me are the blog that are so "ad filled" that the blog takes forever to load. An orange rug?? ew! I am not a trend follower in fact just to opposite. I have blogged off and on for quite a few years. When I had affiliates I felt like I was selling my soul and having to keep up with the latests specials was exhausting. I like all of your treasures/antiques.
ReplyDeleteI am blogging again in hopes of being creative and meeting new people. I am looking at an empty nest in a year and trying to avoid being "bored".
Dear Bloggymom....
DeleteThanks for your comment. Oh, empty nest, lol. Don't change the decor too much. They seem to bounce back. We had beds standing on end for two years when they both flew back to the nest during the last economic downturn.
I hope there might be enough bloggers out there that won't sell there souls, and we eventually just find each other!!..so DIY (except for those 'nest rooms' lol) and blog your heart! I do enjoy DIY tutorials that show how to use a product, good or bad.
That's what I'm going to do, and if I grouse a bit along the way, well, I've reached the old age where I can 'dodder' and be 'eccentric!'
I agree with you, Sandi! I once went to a meeting with a group of bloggers and there was a speaker who made a 6 figure income from blogging, and I thought that that was great for her, but not for me!! I just like to share my recipes and my pretty teacups!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I've done retailing, wholesaling, demo-d art products I really didn't like and shared even more information on those I did. I've been on both sides of buying and selling, creating and purchasing. So, in my retirement this blog will be ad-free. And who doesn't adore a great recipe and a pretty tea-cup, Sandi
DeleteDear Bloggymom....
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Oh, empty nest, lol. Don't change the decor too much. They seem to bounce back. We had beds standing on end for two years when they both flew back to the nest during the last economic downturn.
I hope there might be enough bloggers out there that won't sell there souls, and we eventually just find each other!!..so DIY (except for those 'nest rooms' lol) and blog your heart! I do enjoy DIY tutorials that show how to use a product, good or bad.
That's what I'm going to do, and if I grouse a bit along the way, well, I've reached the old age where I can 'dodder' and be 'eccentric!'
I hope you keep blogging cause I like your style, though I have not visited much due to so much going on. I try to blog at least once a week or every 2 weeks. I just like to archive my tables but my comments have gone down to 50+ to averaging 10 or less now, though I still get a lot of visits when I check stats. Keep blogging! Do it for yourself and not for others. Happy New Year!....Christine
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate that, I know between my two blogs, I do less, but I try and do what feels good and unforced. Yes, there are far fewer comments---but more pins? so I guess someone out there does still peek in. Stats are sort of misleading, when ever I have an influx from Russia, I know I must be a fabulous blogger, wink!
DeleteMy tiny little blog doesn't get enough hits to attract promotional possibilities. HA! The first year that I started blogging, I was approached by some tea companies to review their teas. But I declined as I had more than enough teas in my cupboard to review. Blogging is a hobby for me and I wanna have the freedom to blog whenever I want about whatever I want!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have trouble coming up with a thoughtful comment and I wish that Blogger has a "like" (or other reaction) button that I can click to indicate that I had dropped by!
I know what you mean, I'm only replying when I have the real urge. But, I am not replying at all if I have to weed through 10 ads on a post. We just have to be supportive of each other, and Im seriously thinking of a badge for AD-FREE Blogger...!
DeleteI like what you are saying ,I stared to blog to meet some friends. Some how my last blog got lost do not know how.I think with the advertizing some howIt is also a hobby and to still meet people. I do not know much about the blog itself so want to try and impove it.
ReplyDeleteLaura
Hi, Laura. I notice your blog has disappeared since 2018...sad to see you leave or lose the posts. Hugs, Sandi
DeleteWe all start with certain ideas of what we want to do--! Keep visiting blogs you like and posting on parties. Eventually people will find you! Thanks for visiting, Sandi
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post, Sandi. I have been blogging almost five years, and yes, I see changes. I originally thought I could make some money, until I realized that I'd have to work on my blog 24 hours a day, so there went that. I think my blog is a hodgepodge, and am still thinking five years later "what should it be???" Still don't have the answer. The biggest change I see is fewer comments. I guess part of that is my fault, as I don't faithfully link up to tons of parties every week. For now, I blog to fill a creative need, and of course I treasure the friendships I've made in blogland. If you enjoy it, keep doing it!
ReplyDeleteDear Amy, I totally understand the 'creative void'. And at this stage of my life, not yours you are way younger, I say hodge podge is what a LIFE is. It's sometimes messy, sometimes focused and sometimes you are swallowed up by it. I really enjoy your blog and all your camera trips---they are thoughtful as well as visually more than just interesting. So we may see Blogging morph back again...once people realize drowning each other in ads---really defeats the purpose of being here. Grins, Sandi
ReplyDeleteSandi, the blog world has changed drastically since I first started blogging. I don't worry about keeping up with the Jones. Although, I did finally hire someone to update my blog. I kept thinking I would do it, but never found the time. I blog for fun and the association that I have with other bloggers. Never been big into advertising. Some blogs have so many pop ups. It drives me crazy. I will be very sad to see you go, so I hope your stay! Comments have dropped on mine as well. People are too busy to take the time, I guess. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Dear Jann. I have so missed your posts in the last year...I do wish we could have less ads. It just wasn't what I was interested in. I am fully capable of searching for anything I might need or want to purchase. Now in 2021...the ads have gotten worse. More blogs have landed in the promotional email section. I confess, I look at the post in email...as at least I don't have to deal with ads. Those that bypass that option, I don't look at. Hugs, Sandi
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