Time for the Privilege Report To The Board, in which I show a few numbers, and discuss issues of strategic concern. I’ve done this before, through the years, in an effort to stay transparent. This time it’s particularly important, if only to my mental health, because the season of Buy It All has arrived. If you think shopping malls are early on the Christmas bandwagon, you should see what blogger email inboxes look like.
Yikes.
So I wanted to talk stats, money in particular, and let you know how I’m thinking I’ll approach the balance of Thought, Soul and Stuff, in the weeks to come.
The Statistics of Privilege
- Since February of this year, when last we spoke, page views/month have dropped 30%, from ~93,000 to ~65,000
- Unique visitors/month have dropped 20%, from ~26,000 to ~21,000
- 60% repeat visitors remains constant
- Subscribers (including email, Blogger, Feedly, Bloglovin’.): Up 9% from 2750 to 3000
- Total posts: ~1275, published Saturday, usually Tuesday, and usually Thursday. BTW, I came down with a bug this week, in case anyone noticed the absence of a second post. I always assume it doesn’t register, you’re busy people, but I still try to hold myself to the schedule.
Strategic Issues
- Why the drop in page views and unique visitors? I broadened my focus, as you know, and I assume that those who came just for the clothes, departed. I am also less often included in weekly links roundups on style blogs, which also leads fewer page views. Same for unique visitors. Now, as I eyeball my analytics, it appears that the drop in page views has leveled off. We’ll see.
- Why the increase in subscribers? Hard to say, but appreciated.
- By the way, do I mind the declines? I would always prefer to show an increase. It’s a point of pride, and a sign that I’m doing something right. However, I don’t regret the decision to broaden focus. Not an iota. It was either shift or quit, so here we are. I will try to get better at house and garden writing and photography. Thanks for hanging around.
Monetization – 2014 earnings to date
- Affiliate links (RewardStyle, Linkshare, Amazon): ~$2200
- Brand marketing (Uncommon Goods, Readers.com): $400
- Ads (Beladora, Shopstyle, Sovrn): $675
Strategic Issues
I now see which posts drive earnings. I suppose I could do more of them, and make more money. But right now I balance, very carefully, the pleasures of writing and the pleasures of cash.
You might wonder, given the pretty small totals, why monetize at all? It’s a fair amount of extra work, copying the affiliate links, dealing with advertisers, etc. Point taken. Here’s the thing. Money earned is a metric. It’s a sign of impact, and writing is a solitary occupation. Your comments, and your purchases, are signs of what my brilliant psychoanalyst brother would call my “agency,” as well as the feedback loop we extroverts need to keep going.
Besides, in my retirement I confess to a new appreciation for even pretty small totals. Transparency.
The Road To Christmas
Here’s what I’m thinking. I simply can’t go into All Gift Guides All The Time. I’d have to self-immolate. But neither do I want to avoid the whole process. So I plan to write a couple of gift guides – virtual presents I’d give had I all the money in the world – a couple of entertaining and decorating posts, and maybe one CyberMonday roundup. No maximizing of income, as my monetization partners urge, but no virtuous minimalism either. The middle way.
One more thing that comes to mind. If there are any posts you’d particularly like to see from me in the next 6 weeks, let me know, either in the comments below or at my blog email, skyepeale (at) yahoo(dot) com. And if you would be so kind, please keep the discussion positive, focusing on what we Do want vs. what we Don’t. Maybe I’ll do a kvetching post later in the year, if nerves get frayed and wallets overheat. For now, let’s expect the best.
Have a good weekend.
134 Responses
I appreciate the broadening of your blog and think you should keep on doing what you are doing. I especially love the travel posts and what you are doing with your family. I love your writing!
@Jane, Thank you. Now I need to travel a little more – which sounds wonderful, in fact.
As Jane said, “Keep doing what you’re doing!” After all, it’s YOUR blog. (I know, readership required, but still…). And thank you for your transparency. You put yourself out there, and that’s why I read it.
I’d love to see a gift guide for the guys in your life. But without the traditional, “Here’s a tie, a nice men’s cologne, or a flask for him to sneak in to work, blah blah…” I have NO idea what to get the guy who has everything, so maybe high-low, according to interests?!? Just a thought.
@Mamavalveeta03, I can do guys, or at least specific types. I struggle with Guys in the abstract, but in reality, there’s always something good.
I really appreciate the transparency of your blog post, although you are certainly under no obligation to do so. Sorry about your bug, had one here last week, and it seemed like it wouldn’t go away. I did notice your lack of a Thursday post, but just figured you were busy.
@kathy, Thank you. I have to be transparent, or I don’t feel I have earned the right to do as I please. Bug is still around, but not so hard hit that I couldn’t do a Saturday post. Glad you are recovered.
I too think you should just keep on doing what you’re doing. Follow your heart. You write so well, it’s always enjoyable to read.
“Besides, in my retirement I confess to a new appreciation for even pretty small totals. Transparency.”
I especially like this line. Retirement changes things in ways you never dreamed. That’s a big Ha Ha.
@Laura Lewis, So happy to make you laugh!
Hope you are feeling better.
On the positive side, maybe the drop is because more readers are working and don’t have enough time? Your transparency is admdirable.
Would love to see a post on California style decorating and entertaining for the holidays — from a real person’s perspecive rather than the styled photo shoots and articles in the shelter mags. I’ve always been in a cold climate for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Can’t imagine these holidays in the sun.
@Linda Pakravan, A California Christmas/Thanksgiving. OK. How to create that holiday feeling, even when it’s still blue and sunny.
I never thought of you as a Fashion Blogger, always a Life style guru. I would love to read about how Christmas and the holdiays were in those grand old days with your parents or grandparents. I’m now reading “Outrageous Fortune: Growing up at Leeds Castle. It’s very enjoyable with a delightful view of living the Downton Abbey life. Thought you could put in your views of that kind of life in miniature.
@Sandra Sallin, You are so cute! I can’t claim guru, only opinionated:). And I can tell stories of Christmas Past. Highly unDownton, but High WASP all the same.
As far as Christmas gift posts, how about the ‘affordable gifts I’d love to receive’ post? I’ve been buying Christmas gifts for girlfriends for 25 years, and I’m seriously out of ideas.
@Susan, You bet. These are great ideas.
@Susan,
I like this idea too, with the emphasis on “affordable.”
I don’t think that you are alone in having a decline in page views. Blogging does not seem to attract people like it once did when it was newer and when more readers were leaving commentary. In fact, I have seen posts, including one of my own a while back, that asks the question, “where have all the bloggers gone?”
I think one of the problems is that some blogs have only one topic of interest, and bloggers sometimes have a group of friends they have made through blogging, and they only respond to them. If new bloggers don’t get something in return for their interest, they will lose interest. If a blog only shows photos of running activities, post after post, people will also lose interest, unless commenters are the “friends” who get the attention from the bloggers.
I enjoy your blog and appreciate that you have diversified. I have also diversified my small blog, but perhaps I need to do more of that if I continue to blog.
I think you are a great blogger, and I enjoy the fact that you respond to most of your comments and don’t cater to a clique. I think that everything cycles, and right now, blogging is in a bit of a down cycle. It may pick up again, but perhaps not with the intensity it once had. Keep doing what you’re doing. I think your blog is one of the best!
@E. Jane, Thank you so much. I have had other suggestions, on Facebook for example, that it’s a trend, not just me. Makes sense. And I used to only reply to comments which seemed to require a response, when I was working, but it seems that now I can give of my time in place of having new designer duds to show;).
Whatever you decide to do/write about and however you choose to approach it, I’ve been enjoying it every step of the way. Keep up the great work!
@Donna, Thank you so much.
You got me hooked only recently, but that’s because I lost touch for nearly 40 years. Keep the transparency and – well I love travel- there is my preference
@Victoria, You are a world-class traveler, from what I’ve seen since we caught up!
I’m eagerly anticipating your gift guides in whatever form they take! Maybe organized by the style archetypes and their male equivalents? I’d love to see some of your favorite gifts over the years, both given and received.
@Claire, I do think the Style Archetypes need a little holiday airing!
I don’t think you are alone in the decline of page views. Keep on doing what you are doing Lisa. I don’t always comment, but I do read each post. E Jane probably summed it up best.
Sam
@Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen, I read all your posts too. Let’s both keep on keeping on.
You are indeed doing something right, mostly because you continue to write well. I will read whatever you write on whatever topic you choose. I am glad to have contributed to the monetization of your blog (the gorgeous cabochon ring from Beladora). As for holiday topics, how about suggestions for gifts for our adult children?
@MJ, Sigh, that ring! I remember another reader was complaining that it had been snatched from under her fingers:). Thank you.
I enjoy your blog and appreciate your excellent writing. Love the lifestyle, gardening, decor, travel and style posts. Thank you for sharing your wedding with us. Beautiful! Keep up the good work!
Sarah
@Sarah J., Thank you!
What truly interests me at this time of the year, especially with my half Jewish/Half Wasp family, is alternatives to high priced holiday gift giving which I see as a growing trend. The recent recession probably accelerated this, but I don’t think this is only about income. While i understand that this won’t fund your blog, it might be of greater interest.
@Ellen, My family, which by now is extremely multi-cultural, as well as multi-generational, has made some definite shifts around gift-giving too.
I love your broadened focus. I particularly enjoy your “decorating dilemma” posts. (P.S. if, in choosing the red for your door if you choose from one of the Heritage Colour ranges, you can’t go far wrong. That way you will never end up with a strident door. Picking outdoor colours are hard, on the one hand, they need to be more saturated to show up under the bright outdoor sun, and on the other, colours “magnify” as the area expands, so what looked perfect on a chip looks over the top on your door. So Heritage Colours.
@Emma, Decorating Dilemmas! Solved by Heritage! Seems like that’s a great umbrella for that entire category of posts here:).
If you decide to do any gift posts, I would love to see your list of not-so-expensive indulgences / stocking gifts for our friends and family who are minimalists at heart, don’t want to add more “stuff” to their homes, but love luxuries. I’ve found amazing $20 cashmere bed socks as a start, but what else would you recommend?
@kopi-susu, Oh yes. Small or consumable luxuries. Services and experience fall into the same category.
You’re an extrovert? Huh.
I come for your writing as much as the topics, and because I find your perspective interesting. I read every post but comment seldom because I’m lazy without an actual keyboard to type on. Keep writing about whatever it makes you happy to write about.
@Cathy, No obligation to comment. Reading is a gift. Yes, an extrovert in my working process. For relaxation, an introvert. So this blogging thing, with comments, works pretty well:).
Hello Lisa, I can easily understand why your subscribers have increased lately. Your posts this year have been among your best, a fresh and often amusing take on so many interesting topics. I have bookmarked and saved more of your articles than ever before. No specific requests, but I’ll be looking forward to that kvetching post.
–Jim
@Parnassus, Thank you so much! I appreciate your thoughtful presence.
I would love to have those kinds of stats on my blog! Even if they are not all increasing it shows that your voice is heard and your words are read. The new focus of the blog seems like a natural one given that you are newly retired and have more time to focus on your home. Just keep on evolving as you see fit.
If you do plan a gift guide how about a high low one so those of us who are on a pension/reduced income can have options?
I would love to see more pictures of your projects and a tour of your mother’s home would be a delight…I saw snippets of it in a previous post and it looked like it could be in Town and Country magazine.
Hope that you are feeling better.
@Bungalow Hostess, Thank you. I seem to be getting better today. And thank you also for your ideas. I might be able to do another post on Mom’s place, in the New Year. Reduced income, well, that’s me:).
Sorry to hear about the bug, and hope you’re feeling better. I’d always much rather read a blog that feels like it’s written by a real person rather than an SEO engine. Your real, human voice comes through every time.
@déjà pseu, Your voice comes through as well. In fact, you manage so extremely well to balance the commercial and the inspired – I think because for you it’s all wholly authentic. You know how much I admire you and your blog. Lead on.
Holiday decorating, entertaining, dressing for holiday/new year parties, travel, gift guides. I love giving an experience, as opposed to “stuff”. (Probably the best gift I ever gave was tickets to tour Winterthur at Christmas. My mother had wanted to go when we lived in the Philadelphia area, but timing never worked out. One year, we were “close enough” just after Christmas, and I arranged with my father for the three of us to take a side trip and do the tour.) Family holiday traditions and the challenge of making new traditions with your adult children and new marriage. Second Sandra’s request for a post about high WASP Christmas past. Finally, I know nothing about blogging statistics, but enjoy the blogs I follow.
@DocP, Gifts that have been experiences – yes. Especially with a parent and child, or anyone who so loves time spent. Thanks for reading all these years, Doc.
I think one of the interesting things about your blog is the curation. Tasteful gifts for those who don’t want to spend all their money on gifts would be appreciated.
I’m sure as you develop the new areas you set out to explore 6 months ago that you’ll rebuild your readership. My sense is that some of your new areas haven’t quite fallen into a grove that expands your brand yet.
@RoseAG, I hope you’re right. I do know I’m learning how to take new photos, pose new questions, and so on. Thanks for hanging in there.
Would love to read funny,sweet waspy childhood holiday stories and traditions.Tree ornaments,food,drinks and crazy relatives.China,recipies,decor all through the eyes of a waspy little girl. Your story of your family in your unique dry wit. Also old photos of you and loved ones. Keep up the great writing.
@Lori, Thank you. Ah, the china:). When you’re little you just don’t know it’s any different from anything else.
My numbers are a very small fraction of yours, but I really appreciate your transparency and willingness to share stats. What I’ve found this year is a levelling off (at around 10,000 a month total visits) after several years of fairly steady increases. At times, this can be a bit discouraging, especially because I feel some personal sadness around the shifts I see in blogging and its communities in general. But like you, I’ve got some selfish reasons to keep going (I enjoy writing for its own sake and I enjoy the friendships in their various forms). I hope you feel better soon — I’ve been doing some sympathetic sneezing way up the Coast, and trying to shake a stubborn sinus thing. Take care.
@Frances/Materfamilias, Thanks. I will say that I think starting the blog when I wasn’t working meant that I kicked it off with full intent, doing a blog bootcamp, reading up on how to grow readership, etc. I think that had an impact, and I remain grateful for the results of my newbie blundering and persistence. It does allow me now to test new waters in good company. But it was pretty much circumstances vs. pure skill – I had the time and a lot of energy to give.
I love your blog not only because of shared interests, but because you write beautifully. I especially love your posts on family – you’re able to express in words exactly what I’m feeling but am unable to articulate.
@Leslie, xoxoxox.
Just a thought- subscribers by email don’t count as pageviews do they? Also people who read by rss feed definitely don’t show up in the count. Scalzi’s blog “whatever” has had some blog posts about blog metrics and how certain readers are left out of the count.
@Sally, Yes, I’m never quite sure. I think the email subscribers as it’s set up now have to click through. The RSS/Bloglovin people do not.
I love to see your blog stats, even though it can be a bit depressing to look at one’s own much, much smaller numbers. But, hey….it’s not a competition. You write so well and I like that, for you, quality writing is a priority.
As you know my own blog is a bit of a mish mash. Pretty much half of my posts are about fashion in some way; the other half are about books, travel, or just things that strike my fancy or raise my ire. I am often struck that the posts I write about jeans or tee shirts are usually the most popular, while ones that are actually closer to my heart like the stories behind family treasures or favourite books are read by many fewer people. But looking at it another way, these are the ones that trigger a phone call from my mum to say that she loved my post even if it made her a bit sad or a FB message from my niece to say that she never knew that story about her grandfather. At those times numbers seem very unimportant.
@Sue B @highheelsinthewilderness.blogspot.ca, Just remember how very long I’ve been at this! You’re doing great. And yes, if it is good for your family, the numbers matter way less.
Love your blog. It is one of only two that I read.
I like the idea of inexpensive gifts. Fantasy is fun, reality need not be expensive to be thoughtful.
Count me in among those who want you to keep on doing what you’re doing.
@Mary Anne, <3.
I love your style of writing, your honesty and wide range of topics you are covering. It’s all been said, but it’s your authenticity that shines through. I love your fashion posts, and at just a decade younger you’ve shown me how to be more ‘fierce’.
I saw the post where you said that you were ill, so attributed the lack of the second post to that. With 5 kids you learn to read between the lines….probably too much!
From my perspective I really enjoyed your High WASP history and analysis posts. Coming from Australia, this really is a differnt world. I do realise however, that some of the posts and comments took there toll.
Just keep doing what you do best, and thank you!
Meg
@Meg, Thank you, ever so much, as my father might say:).
Just keep writing about what’s on your mind and I’ll read it. Of all things you say,what I most enjoy is your sense of humor. I would appreciate your advice on how to get thru the holidays on a super tight budget.
@anne scott-putney, I suspect that me trying to get through this holiday season on a retired budget will be funny without much effort;).
Just back to say after doing some blog reading, I noticed on Garance Dore’s (French fashion blogger) outfit edits, your exact turquoise earrings! We saw it here first!
@Meg, Successful objet de desir spotting, booyah!
Hello Lisa, I so appreciate the honesty of your voice, and your wisdom on all of your subjects, but especially on managing one’s self – be that image, confidence, career, expectations. . .
Also your sense of fun whilst maintaining your wasp values.
A post on keeping everyone happy/accepting you can’t would be wonderful in the lead up to the festive period.
Thank you
@Fran, Thank you very much. I think self-management is the key to wisdom – it’s wise of you to notice that thread.
Can I request some posts on your home area of California please . You write so well of the places you visit on holiday & having visited California , I know it is beautiful with a rich history . Perhaps you think that fellow Californians would not find it interesting , but with your quirky eye & particular style of writing it would be special . Plus those of us scattered around the world would learn more about the beauties ( & even perhaps the uglies ?) of the USA .
@Wendy, Happy to oblige. I once took some photos, preparing for a post on visiting Silicon Valley, and never did it. I don’t even remember why. My neck of the woods has lots of places to see, so it’ll probably be a series of posts.
I will read whatever you choose to write about because your sense of humor is spot on. As to topics, how about one on getting thru the holidays elegantly and on a tight budget.
@anne scott-putney, :). You bet.
Dear Lisa, I’ve been quietly, appreciatively reading your blog for a few months – I’m not usually a commenter, at least not online. I enjoy the range of subject matter you write about, but, really, you write so well, i would read the blog however wide or narrow your focus. (Unless you ever write about golf. We all have our limits.) My favourite things have been your frank and fascinating pieces on High Wasp culture, and your approach to matters of style: subtle, and kept in perspective. Your report to the board is fascinating and enlightening for one who doesnt blog. In my view there is a point at which the level of obvious promotion in a blog (I refer to style blogs) raises questions about the sincerity of the writing. You are a very safe distance from that point. Your thoughts on how to host and how to receive hospitality at Christmas would be interesting to me. Keep well. Rachel
@Rachel, Thank you, and welcome. Commenting is strictly optional. And I promise never, ever to write about golf, unless to wax nostalgic about the whispered sound of golf announces from 1960s era televisions.
I read everything you write Lisa. Every single word. I especially love your comments about growing up in a family of privilege It fascinates me.
I would also enjoy suggestions about Christmas gifts. How about luxe gifts for less. Stocking stuffings for our families and friends. I think most of us are not into extravagance.
Susan D. Dallas
@Susan, You are so very kind. Thank you.
This is really interesting, You’re an overly skilled blogger.
I have joined your feed and stay up for looking for
extra of your greeat post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks
@bowling strikes turkey, I had to leave a spam comment on here, just for fun:)
Also wanted to add that I think the fragmentation of social media is contributing to the dropoff in stats. I get much more interaction and responses on my FB page than on the blog itself most of the time.
@déjà pseu, Yes, I like it when I find readers on Twitter to chat with. I don’t do a blog Facebook page, for no particular reason, but I am sure you are right on the overall impact.
I don’t often comment, but I would like you to know how much I appreciate your blog. It’s a pleasure to read, both for clothes and attention to other matters. Keep on, please!
Also want to say that Une Femme, Hostess, La Duchesse, and Mater are also quite enjoyable!
@Maggie, Thank you. Yes they are indeed! From this thread you might want to try High Heels in the Wilderness, and Birdy Begins?
Ohmigosh, thank you Maggie! Love being part of that little grouping you’ve made — and I second Lisa’s rec. of Sue at HHintheWilderness.
Perhaps your changing readership numbers have to do with a market segmentation issue: total numbers may have fallen, but loyal followers have increased. To me that points to you capturing a smaller but more niche segment that truly values your unique voice in the blog-o-sphere.
In general it does seem that blog readership numbers are going down, while the importance of social media (especially visual platforms like Pinterest and Instagram) is growing.
I for one think you’re a great writer and would read almost anything you had to say, even if it was about socks or something boring like that! :)
Since you are taking requests for future posts: I especially love your use cases, posts about career, and everything with Polyvore! Would also like to hear more about your knowledge of user experience, women in tech and starting your own business. And your thoughtful writings on parenting, anthropology of WASPS and current events are just wonderful.
@Danielle, Thank you. I will make sure not to give up on career advising. Doing those posts feels really good – I always loved mentoring people.
Always more career advice, please. And life advice, in general… For the younger sort who read. My own mother passed away when I was quite young and as I finish out my 20s and steam right towards my 30s, you’re something of a gentle voice of reason and experience that I really have come to rely on.
@Dallas, I am honored. And still and always sorry for your loss.
Facinating stuff, thanks for sharing and musing.
As you know, I’ve been a loyal reader for years and as others have mentioned, will continue to read whatever you write (unless it’s about golf and even then I’d give it a go!).
I really don’t find any use for gift guides because a) I live in a different country and don’t want to ship internationally b) they normally feature quite expensive things and c) they never ever feature things that I’d actually buy a friend or family member. I quite like looking at products, but only in an abstract, I’m not really going to buy that sort of way.
I’ve really valued the tiny dribbles of career-related wisdom (I know that’s not where you are in your life right now, but I feel like I’d love a couple of hours to sit down over coffee and pick your brains!).
Generally I’m a big one for ‘write what you want to write’. The received wisdom is to stick to one theme, but I’m stubbornly reserving the right to flick about with my blog too! (In a much smaller way.)
@Eleanorjane, Flicking about forever! Thank you so much for being a long time reader. I value your participation and your feedback very much.
Really like this report to the board and your transparency Lisa! I tend to enjoy everything you write about, but as far as posts leading up to Christmas what are your thoughts on experiences given rather than material gifts? The sheer amount of stuff that most people own is overwhelming and I’m not sure how much happiness it brings (I’m in the process of de-cluttering our home of the last 10 years while we renovate, oh boy what a job). This year we are taking our kids skiing for a week at Christmas in place of gifts, there will be a few small things like chocolates and socks but I’d like to make this a tradition for them, time together outdoors in lieu of gifts… seems doable now that they are in their 20’s and the youngest a teenager now.
Hope you are feeling completely better by now.xo
@DaniBP, Thank you! Still not recovered, but chicken soup is helping:). I like the idea of a ski trip, but confess that I’d be compelled to have stockings with teeny ski related presents. I love to unwrap, you see. Lots of mileage in lip balm…
If subscribers have gone up that would contribute a small amount to the outrageous and visitors going down would it not?
@sheryl, Yes – although I can’t quite parse the “outrageous” which I assume is a typo:).
I would love to hear about your Christmases as a child. How did your family celebrate. And what part did privilege play in those celebrations. Did you do things differently for your children at Christmastime–or did you follow the traditions of your family?
@Susan, My parents never ever told me about Christmas traditions. I am not sure they even existed back then, in the way we know them now. We made them, to be sure, in our little family in California.
When I retired, I longed for feedback. Feedback always helped align me in a better direction. Now, I rely more on lists. Still, I miss the feedback.
I would like to see a post on dinner table topics at the Holidays. We have a diverse but smart family and it seems like we should elevate our dinner conversations beyond what the dog did and what the priest said. As hostess, I could use some tips and pointers to encourage guests to linger and discuss.
@Theresa, I rely on lists too;). Dinner topics. Huh. I will have to think about how we come up with those. We’re such a family of talkers, I’ve never examined the source of subjects before!
I am grateful for your insightful writing and expert eye. Such free-spirited, personal expression is consistent with the community aspect of early blogging, and has lately been messed with (not by you!)
There is nothing wrong with making money by writing; however, making money by creating a delivery vehicle for ads is odious to me and I no longer read such blogs.
I publish no ads, accept no free swag, turn down regular solicitations to “work with” companies and rarely even look at my stats. It’s my joint.
@Duchesse, You, my dear, are a lighthouse on the sea.
@Duchesse, I totally agree with Lisa here.
@Duchesse,
I stopped following a number of blogs I used to enjoy as soon as the blog became ‘a delivery vehicle for ads’. I still read this blog because the recommendations feel genuine – not the blogger’s attempt to maximise income. Keep writing!
I love your blog and would read anything you choose to write about… That said, I’ve been reading for several years, and I do have to say that I miss the style archetypes you used to write about more often. I like the idea that another poster had about doing gifts for the archetypes. I grew up as an Episcopalian in the deep south and always got such a kick out of reading your commentary on the archetypes. It was like spending time with familiar old friends.
I also really enjoy your posts on motherhood. Even when I was ambivalent about becoming a mother myself (I currently have a 7 week old, so not ambivalent anymore!), your posts about motherhood stand out to me as being particularly beautiful and touching.
Thanks for all the hard work, heart, and authenticity you put into this blog. It’s one I keep coming back to because of that.
@Sarah, Thank you so much. All right, Archetypes, get ready for your return! (I’m telling them to get up off the chaise longue and start plotting. The Sturdy Gal of course was already up and about;).
I’m a very regular reader, first time commenter. I appreciate how you write and your dry wit … and I LOVE how you think. Great example: Recent post on reactions to Renee Zellweger plastic surgery. Introverted me is usually exhausted at end of work day and reading your blog is like having a good, smart friend at the moment I need one. Thank you for all the time, energy, creativity and thoughtfulness you expend on behalf of all your readers! Picture us all bowing in unison.
@Karla, Ah, no, I bow to you in thanks for your time! If my must talk gene can be of service to introverts, perhaps that’s my karmic job in the universe. xox.
I don’t subscribe because I want to control inbox creep, but I do read and enjoy regularly. I’d love to see a list of gifts for ones secretary and reportees
@Naomi, Ah, I think the question of gifts for direct reports, or really anyone in the workplace, does warrant a post. Thanks for the idea.
You are stuck with me until the end! While my comments may have dropped now that I am working full-time, please know that I’m always reading and so happy you’re still here. You have great integrity, Lisa — one of your many good qualities I admire.
@Dawn, I’m so lucky! Hope work goes well!
You’re doing quite well considering the major changes that you instituted this year … here’s to an even better 2015!
@Stacey, Thank you. I clink virtual glasses with you and say “Cheers!”
I love reading your posts…please don’t change! I’ve switched from subscription to Bloglovin’…and among my many subscriptions, I find your posts are always worth the read (coming from a 44yr old financial analyst at a hedge fund). Clever, clear and entertaining. Keep up the great work.
@Erika, Thank you very much. Hedge fund. Hedge fund! The words have become an incantation in this day and age, don’t you think? I hope you love your work – I bet it can be just fascinating.
I enjoy your blog mainly because of the smart writing. I like that your focus has expanded beyond fashion. Thank you for your well thought out posts. You can count me as a loyal follower.
@Pat Meiser, Thank you very much. This support has surprised and heartened me. If that’s a verb;).
What’s always amazing to me is not only are your post so well written and thoughtful,but the comments your readers leave are also so interesting.
It is the only blog I read comment after comment.
And that’s a big commitment because you’ve got a salon going on here.
Change is good.
xo j
@flwjane, As do you, Jane. I agree – the commenters here are so generous with their expertise, opinions, and thinking. It’s a pleasure to be in this company.
I spent so long reading through the archives, where it mostly seemed pointless to be commenting on an old post that having the ability to comment on a current post often left me tongue-tied (or at least the finger-typing version of such).
Also google and cookies and other internet stuff stopped me from commenting on various blogs for a while, with no visible rhyme nor reason, often swallowing comments I had not thought to copy before hitting post. Now seems resolved, mostly.
I agree that a useful post would be low-cost gifts, whether experiential or more objectified, however I also love to peruse the gorgeous items you find when cost is of no consideration. They may never be on my purchase list, but I can analyse (sorry if that’s a z in the US) their properties to try for my own low-cost version. Joy is joy, whether my own or shared virtually.
I’ve always tended to believe I am not much chop at decorating, so reading your posts and the comments has been enlightening and educational. I’m growing to believe that it is perhaps as much a state of mind as is personal style and self-confidence, so lead on dear Lisa and readers.
As with almost all of your readers though, I would read most anything you wrote, for the composition, thoughts and sincerity of the writing – never forgetting the view into a world I’ve never known. Which means, you still have carte blanche, in my humble opinion.
Perhaps a post on some summer (for Meg, myself and other “Southerners) or holiday (for the Northern Hemisphere) reading, both new and classics, would be interesting to peruse. Maybe Prof. C or other family members could consider adding to your suggestions?
@WA_side, I’m honored that you read my archives. Yes to some posts on holiday/summer reading, and I wonder if Prof C. might opine on the 10 Classics of English LIterature to give at Christmas. I don’t know where he would be glad to become they call a Listsicle, or not!:). And I think I have to do a post on what I’d give my family had I all the money in the world. Because then it’s the spirit vs. the object alone.
Thank you for the transparency especially when some blogs may just the extended arm of advertising. I come for your writing (I also enjoy reading your father’s writing too.) If you have time to diverge from traditional women’s topics I’d like to hear more about the water situation in Northern California and see some pictures of wild plants in your area. Interviews with local artists could also be neat.
@Sara, I take away from this that I can add California to my topics. Which I would love to do. And will pass on to my beloved father the enjoyment of his writing. xox.
I ALWAYS come to a blog for the writing ~ never purchase anything!
Good! Especially because that means the purchase component doesn’t keep readers like you away!
I love everything you write about – even if it doesn’t pertain to me exactly because your style is such a joy to read! I love that you try new things (how could anybody not like that?). Though I’ve been a steadfast reader since I found you, I really enjoy the branching out this last year. Truly, Lisa, in all modesty, I love everything you say. :)(:
Thank you, in all gratitude:).
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your recent comment. I find your stats interesting as from what I hear from many bloggers, the numbers are lower. I have some thoughts on this that I can share privately sometime. One thing I have never done is to monetize. As my blog is being redesigned I’m seriously thinking of doing this. I’ve put so much equity, shall we say, into props and photography equipment, I think it’s time to buy mama a new pair of shoes. :)
Oh I think mama DESERVES those shoes;). Also, when you monetize from your expertise, you serve your readers. If I saw an ad for a cookie sheet on your site, I’d breath a sigh of relief and say, “OK, this I can trust.”
Read your blog all the time because you write so well on any topic you choose. Don’t comment a lot but I just subscribed by email, don’t know why I hadn’t done that before.
Thank you very very much.
Late to the lovefest, but wanted to let you know how helpful it is to peek behind the curtain of a successful blogger. Thanks and keep up the most excellent work!
@Kathryn, My pleasure, and thank you!
I would like to see a picture of Significant Husband! ;)
@Patsy, Ha! Not happening, my friend, not happening. At least no online. xoxoxox.
@Patsy, I thought I would sneak it in at the end……
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