That includes mediocre blogs, like this one. I've said from the beginning that I would never let this blog sit for weeks, months, or even years at a time — like so many others I've seen — without being updated with fresh content. I've never understood that: How does a blogger expect to attract a loyal readership and retain interest when those readers have no reason to visit regularly? More to the point, how does a blogger expect readers to even know when a new post is published, if it's only done irregularly and rarely? I vowed to shut down this blog long before that happened.
Those of you who visit this site regularly — and I'm thankful for each one of you, more than words can describe — probably notice that this is my first post in a week. Frankly, I've had an ambivalent attitude toward this blog since the beginning of the new year. I have no explanation for that, other than my perception that readership has declined recently and the content I've offered has seemed uninspiring, recycled, and generally lackluster at best. I see little value in maintaining a forum that fails to generate dialogue among readers — and certainly I do feel as though I've failed on that front as of late. My posts usually seem to miss the mark on one side or the other — either they're too intellectually deep and emotion-laden, or they're long on words but short on substance. I take full responsibility for both. I can't expect to generate dialogue among readers if the content doesn't facilitate it.
My decision, therefore, is to take a hiatus from this blog. It's too soon to make a determination on whether to shut it down entirely — I may at some point feel inspired again — but I do feel it's important to let everyone know that I plan to take a break, as opposed to simply letting the site grow stale. I obviously don't know how long the hiatus will be, but it will last until I feel as though I can again write content that's worth the time to read.
Again, I thank everyone who visits this site and leaves an occasional comment. My appreciation and best regards go to all of you.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
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9 comments:
Now for the obligatory cries from your fans not to leave us. Don't leave us Pete. We love your blog. On a serious note, if you tracked your blog with google analytics, you could see that you probably do get a lot of traffic even if the comments aren't numerous.
A big ditto to what Axe said, Pete: We love your blog. Also, I must object to your self-assessment -- and could compose a lengthy essay doing so -- but will limit my focus to your first sentence & simply state that, in my opinion, Evergreenspeak, is unequivocally not mediocre!
That said, I of course support your decision to take a hiatus. In the meantime, let me know if you ever wanna talk Google Analytics as I happen to be a bit obsessed with it!
This makes me really sad--it's been a great way to keep up with your life and thoughts without the constraints of a phone call. I've tried to rarely leave a comment because, heck, I am your mom, and that puts a damper on things. But I really hate to see you stop writing like this
I'm really sad. I visited your blog regularly and was often challenged by what you wrote. Mediocre is definitely not the word I would apply to your postings. I'll miss benefitting from your often unique take on important issues.
Stosh in Illinois
Thanks, everyone, for your affirming comments. I actually do use Google Analytics and have seen that the number of daily visitors is higher than the number of comments usually left. My concern is not having content compelling enough to merit more than 0-2 comments per post. I'm afraid I've lost my ability to generate interest and discussion (if I ever had said ability). Or maybe I'm just in a funk.
In any case, it's 12:35 am local time, so my thought process isn't very clear right now. But I do sincerly appreciate everyone who reads this blog and those who have left comments from time to time. Again, to those who posted on this one in particular, thank you for your kind and affirming words. They make a huge difference.
Pete, I really am sad to read you'll be taking a break. I've always enjoyed reading your take on current events - sometimes you ARE my source of news while I'm abroad. :) Needless to say, I'll miss reading your blog, but I'll keep an eye out for when inspiration hits again. :)
Pete... I've always enjoyed your blog. It sounds like a break may be in order though. I don't want you writing a blog just for a bunch of readers - especially if you yourself are not inspired by the content.
It's new times, new administration, new economic reality, new web-reality - maybe the blog just needs a makeover after you figure out what you want from it.
Or... maybe you want to shut it down for good. Either way, I've appreciated your contributions and thanks for sharing yourself with us.
Ditto!!!
Pete!! Don't leavest your blogest! As one of the sporadic bloggers of which you speak ;) i say that your blog is surely not mediocre and always brings a smile to my face when reading! a hiatus may be acceptable...but i think our cries of protest should warrant some continuance!
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