I know that when reading a blog I generally don’t want to hear about its inner workings. How often people write, their thought process about topics, oof, some part of me needs to suspend disbelief and expect magic. With that acknowledgement, I’m going to go right ahead and turn on the klieg lights. Imagine a clank and whirr as they illuminate. Greasepaint in evidence. Sorry in advance. Although you guys are probably nicer than I and will forgive.
OK. So. Going forward I’ll be blogging on Saturdays only. That doesn’t mean I will only write the kind of posts Saturdays have most often produced. I’ll keep up the full range of topics – but only once a week.
However, traditionally I do not monetize Saturdays. So, in addition to the calendar change, no more affiliate links in posts. I’ve got one more shopping piece in the works, about dressing up over 60, but subsequent posts will be non-commercial. I might add the ads back to the sidebar, and keep updating shopping widgets on the About page, but no more “Links may generate commissions” at the bottom of the new posts.
If you are interested in next level of detail and motive, well, thank you. Maybe this degree of deconstruction is useful if you’re also retired, and also sorting out how to make the best of it.
- I have come to realize that I am wired to need a big project.
- The blog or a job or both have been my big projects for the past eight and a half years.
- But I’ve never been willing to push the blog to become as successful, by general blog parameters, as I would have needed to get the full satisfaction of A BIG PROJECT.
- This is wholly my doing. I have insisted on my slightly quirky perspective. I have insisted on writing about stuff that thrilled me – style was a convenient hook. However, I’m retired now; I’m not the sort to dress dramatically absent drama; therefore I don’t often find clothes thrilling. Fun, just not thrilling.
- I had thought I’d move to writing short posts about politics. Little did I know just how crazy things were going to get. Little did I know that the best minds and the best writers of our generation would respond. Makes sense, of course, but who am I to opine when Garrison Keillor is out there?
- So I am going to attempt a piece of long-form writing. I am not at all sure I will finish. I doubt my own capabilities but I’m going to try anyway.
- Therefore, I need to clear out some space and time.
- Hence, one post a week.
- Hence, giving up monetization, which takes a lot to implement and seduces me into checking on how it’s going. And, a detail but important, provides short term pleasure that can distract from long term goals.
- I am framing the foregone rewards, of your frequent comments and small dollars, as rent I am paying to an internal landlord of imagination.
I hasten to add, I’m all for monetized writing. I love Sue and Grechen and others, as you know. I am so happy Janet has started linking, she’s a talent. And I’m sure other Sue and Leslie could monetize if they wanted to, and I’d applaud them if they did. Although of course I support them if they don’t.
Monetization is just a distraction. For me. And I’m going to need focus. I always want to jump up, to check off, to cut to the proverbial chase. I’d like to learn patience.
I also hasten to add, I’m not going away and I don’t want to go away. Just trying something that I’d regret if I didn’t.
Have a good weekend. Best of wishes to all in Irma’s path, may she turn in the least damaging direction possible and may all of you stay safe.
78 Responses
Yes! Congratulations on this step and good thinking.
I’ll look forward to your long form piece.
And the link for the political pieces again please?
@RuthMcCall, Thank you! And my couple of political pieces have been posted here. https://medium.com/@AmidPrivilege/what-if-only-those-who-suffered-could-vote-2024634d0626
You know how completely I relate to and applaud every word here. And if not now. . . .
@frances, Yes! You inspire me. I even feel a frisson of friendly competition, as I am in awe of how you’ve dived right in as I skirt the edges of the pool. I am in no way as productive and disciplined as you, so I have to do a lot of preparation and habit-building and planning if I am to persevere. If not now, indeed.
Good for you! Hope you’ll report a bit on how it goes, as I too am wrestling with what works for me in youngish retirement. A first direction proved not quite right, though not awful, now I’m happily engaged though thrashing around a bit on a different project. (We’ll see…) So I’m selfishly interested in your perspective, and optimistic that your talents, honesty, and life experience are well suited to your next project. Love your voice and angle on things. Good luck.
@Wendy, Thank you! And I will report, as soon as I have any data to indicate how it’s going! And good luck on your new project. I have to get thrashing…
Oh, heavens yes – monetization played a huge role in the death of my blogging mojo. My blog had taken on the role of a second, very poorly paying, full-time job. Life’s too short for that.
Good luck on the long-term writing project; do I smell novel in the air?
@Jan, I still miss your blog! And, we shall see what’s in the air;).
I’m with you. Retirement needs a big project. Good luck with the “long form” writing. And please pull the curtain back every once in a while to let us know how it’s going.You know, the whole process thing. I’m so interested in that. And I think lots of people are.
Thanks for the mention. Still considering the idea of monetization. If only as a form of applause:) But worried it might just make blogging all consuming and I find it pretty consuming as it is.
@Sue Burpee, Curtain pulling promised. And what a good way to put it, monetization as a form of applause:). Because that’s exactly how it felt to me.
I think it’s good to reaccess and redefine as the years pass. I know I have different priorities now than I did 8 years ago. As always, I will look forward to Saturday mornings!
@Susan L, Thank you. And good to know that I’m not the only one redefining priorities as the years pass.
Exciting news. Wonderful idea. Your capabilities are excellent, you are free to create whatever you wish with them, and I’m excited to see any result you choose to put out into the world. As a fellow requirer of A BIG PROJECT who has had a weird run of big project impeding less than stellar luck, I understand your desire. I understand, and I wish you well. Also? Each Saturday morning I look forward to seeing your newest blog post pop up in my email as this one did as I was sipping coffee and reading my morning emails. It’s September. I’m picturing you at a desk with sharpened pencils of a fetching style, alluring empty notebooks, and all the other rich accoutrements of writing, actually probably replaced by your laptop in your lap on your sofa, but I like picturing you in an old school creative way. Good luck as you begin your new adventure. I’m handing you a bag lunch for your first day. xo.
@Katherine C. James, I so hope your lucky recovers, any day now, if not already. I think I’ll be using a combo of pens, yellow pads, note cards, and a laptop. I have ideas about where this will happen, but, I will report if and when they come true! Thank you for the bag lunch. Just what I needed.
Not that it matters, but I’m thrilled you’ve given up the affiliated links. The blogs that are monetized make me squeamish and less likely to read (but I realize I’m in the minority).
@Drew, Glad to be of service:).
Bless you , Bless you. Follow your dreams.
@Lee Ann, Thank you!
Lisa,
Wonderful to keep changing, growing and learning. I applaud you because you are the reason I got to know that certain newsletters I was reading were about commissions. I actually had no idea because most don’t honestly state it as you did. Thank you for that. I really appreciate your transparency and your great writing! Mary Kay
@Mary Kay, Thank you for the kind words. I am sorry that some in the “influence world” aren’t scrupulous. I know the people I follow and think of as part of my community are incredibly careful about being transparent.
I’m looking forward to your new direction. I never felt that your blog was monetized for the sake of monetization (is that even a word?)
It’s interesting you point this out now just as I’m becoming less and less interested in so many of the blogs I currently follow, as they’ve become more and more monetized. It’s the voice of the blogger I’m interested in hearing. I’m happy to oblige and click on links to clothing, accessories and beauty when it furthers the story and feels personal. But when it appears that a blogger is simply posting links to monetize her blog she’s lost me.
@Leslie K, I didn’t start monetizing until I’d been writing for several years, so, now, that wasn’t the primary goal. It was fun while it lasted, but, I’m happy to think about just writing for a while. Thank you for reading, and for your presence in the comments here.
I enjoy anything you write, Lisa. Go for it!
@Shawn Marie, Thank you so much:).
Best of luck in your endeavors! I have enjoyed your musings over the years.
Thank you. :)
@Elizabeth, And thank you:).
Ooh, this is going to be good!
Side question: Are you volunteering in the classroom this year?
@Cathy, Glad you feel that way;). And I have put my name in, called the teacher I’ve worked with, let her know I’m ready, but this year unless she picks up the offer I’ll just see where it goes. Last year I pressed. This year I’m leaving space for this project.
I got started reading your blog for over 60 fashion ideas and you’ve been so inspiring. I never minded the monitization because it seemed obvious sharing ideas was much more important to you. Yesterday I thought of you as I tried on clothes for an upcoming reunion weekend at West Point! I had bought a sequin bomber jacket like your mother in law got for you and I was wondering what pants are dressy enough for evening ware? I have Eileen Fisher slacks but I am between sizes and the larger ones are too sloppy. I enjoy all of your writings and look forward to your big project. I will miss all the new brands you have exposed me to, however. You wear things with such grace.
@Denise, Ah yes, as the temps drop I can wear that jacket again! With the butterfly blouse? And I think a pair of black pants is perfect, just make sure they fit, that the proportions are right for you with the jacket, and wear a show that shows a little skin, I think:).
Well. Life changes and our needs evolve. I loved your gardening, family and household posts. As someone who has no interest in fashion, can’t say that will be a problem for me. I look forward to your Saturday posts and it will be fun to see what comes up.
As far as monetization, well for those who do, go for it.
I have a feeling any project you start will be a successful one. Carry on, dear Lisa.
@MaryAnne, I can only hope you are right about my capacity to finish this project, and I am very touched that you call me dear Lisa. xoxox
It’s definitely better to be deliberate about these things. It’s hard to attain your dreams when you haven’t figured out exactly what they are. It sounds to me like you’re figuring that out. I do enjoy your style posts quite a lot so I hope that you will pop up with that now and then. I’m not a huge online shopper thanks to a combination of an empty nest and like of browsing around in stores so you probably never made any money from me anyway.
@Roseag, Your readership is priceless. I am finding it odd but reassuring to be deliberate – it’s not my usual mode.
I will look forward to your weekly installments as much as I have looked forward to your every installment. Best of luck with your new project. Love.
@Linda, Thank you so much. xoxoxox.
It is great to follow your dreams-best of luck!
Looking forward to your Saturday posts-so happy that you’ll write them too!
Dottoressa
@dottoressa, Thank you:).
BIG PROJECT, let’s do this.
@lauren, I feel like I’m through the looking glass already. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you for these years of reading your always interesting, intelligent, light and deep, serious and ironic, sharp and moving, wise and crazy posts. Your point of view has been my window on the other side of the ocean, and often a window to see more clearly into my soul. It has been a pleasure and will keep being a pleasure, just a little more decanted now, therefore a bit more precious. All the best for your big project. Big hug from an Italian in UK
@Carla, Such an eloquent comment and so kind. I am surprised but please to hear that some of my posts have been crazy. I think I aspire to crazy, in a good way, as do all the Sturdy Gals of this world. Thank you.
I will miss reading you more often, but I look forward to hearing from you on Saturdays. Most of all, I look forward to your Big Project.
@MJ, Thank you. I will try not to disappoint. I’ll do my best.
Love the background!! And that you are making space for more writing. Are you still at Medium? Looking forward to the ch-ch-ch-changes!
@JB, I do not know if I will still write at Medium. Just figuring out what I have time and energy for. A Whole New World, to jump from Bowie to Disney;).
Good luck with the BIG project. You have the time to devote to writing and you have lots of support so there’s nothing stopping you now!
I am not sure how to monetize or whether it would even be worth it…I am still amazed that I managed to get the blog going as I am so a tech challenged.
It’s great seeing Janet back blogging and I think Sue is amazing, actually both the Sue’s blogs are fun to read…I am off to see Gretchen’s post…she’s new to me.
Enjoy your weekend…we have rain here today and its wonderful…I hope it helps with all the forest fires burning in the Pacific Northwest.
@Bungalow Hostess, Sorry to be so late in replying. Blogging really requires way more love of writing and a strong voice than it does technology, so, I am not surprised you’ve done what you done:).
I am always eager to read what you have to say so I am looking forward to reading your Big Project. Good for you! And the very best of luck! I’m also glad that you will continue to blog on Saturdays.
@Jane, Thank you:).
It’s thrilling to refocus and I am so excited for you, you know I think you are tremendously talented writer! Wishing you the creative flow and that pure feeling of just being immersed in writing.
That feeling can be difficult to achieve on a blog, the nature of a blog can be a bit mind-scattering. So I get you.
Looking forward to Saturday mornings :) xx
@DaniBP, Thanks so much. The encouraging words mean a lot. I will probably come back and reread this on those mornings when I stall. xox.
I read your blog on Sundays as a weekend treat…so glad that you will continue to share your thoughts. I look forward to reading whatever you choose to write. I’m sure that it will be incisive and interesting, regardless of the subject or length.
@Nancy, Thank you very much. I want to explore some of the themes we’ve talked about here, but in a wholly different mode.
Exciting post. Like you, I’m hardwired for big projects, but also somewhat of a procrastinator, or easily distracted. I applaud you making space for whatever project you have in mind. Will look forward to your Saturday posts.
@Kathy, Thanks. It just occurred to me, also a procrastinator, that maybe the delaying is part of the big project hard-wiring? Maybe it is, I can only, hope, necessary? Not a sign of any kind of weakness which is what I worry about with myself? Hmm. You seem very productive to me, so perhaps it’s also a lot about self-expectations.
Congratulations on your new direction. One final fashion question: What color shoes DO you wear with navy?
@Pamela, Ha! Good question. Today I say kelly green. Tomorrow it might be cognac. On Friday, black. For the Saturday night gala, navy blue and crystal;), accented by multi-colored jewelry…
Yay. SImply yay.
@Mary, Unquestionably I have to reply with, “A simple thank you will suffice.” ;). <3
Thank you for the “in Irma’s path” well wishes, we are indeed stationed in a mandatory evacuation refuge, feeling anxious. But I did see a certain social media query of yours which caused an immediate OH GLORY YES SHE’S READY TO GET STARTED! Thrilled to see this announcement confirming my suspicion, so now you shall inspire the rest of us to get on w/ that big project of our own. GO YOU! xo
@Flo, And I do so hope nothing terrible or even unnerving happened to you in Irma? And I figured someone would spot my social media query – I should have known it would be you! xoxo
@Flo, How would I have otherwise known to watch ‘Greenleaf’ if I hadn’t checked on your T account, this sudsy series is a wonderful post-hurricane wind down after so much drawn up angst. We walked out our door knowing our house would be blown out into the marsh, but returned jubilant to see it still standing! Now, the cleanup.
So glad you like Greenleaf and even, way, super glad that your house is OK. Good luck with the cleanup. I imagine it’s quite a task.
@Flo, I got into the habit of taking the full LPC loop back in your blog’s earlier years when you posted links to T and P in the header of this page; and in the header of your P page, you attached the icon/link to FB. Your voice is a rich/sane/literate/joyful internet resource, so for my own enrichment, I lingered then and now over the full LPC generous loop of riches! I cannot WAIT for what you’ve got to say next on this current project…
Such a very sustaining thing to say. xoxox. Maybe some day in real life.
I can’t figure out how to reply to your reply, which may be an intentional design element included to avoid an endless comment Droste effect, but I wanted to say your creative tools of choice sound wonderful. Gray lined writing pads of recycled paper, Uni-Ball roller ball pens, and white 3 x 5 cards are all part of my personal project arsenal. Add a Stabilo Boss highlighter, one each Uni-Ball roller ball in green, red, and blue for edits, a pack of 3 x 3 size canary yellow recyclable Post-its, and actual pencil or two, and I’m ready. Just the thought of setting it up makes me smile. As I told Chandra Greer, a lovely woman on Twitter and Facebook who owns the stationary store Greer Chicago in (of course) Chicago, I loved to play office before I knew how to write. The actual writing part is icing on the cake. Thank you regarding an improvement in my luck. A friend told me today she wants the gray cloud over me to move on. I’m hoping for the same soonest and doing all I can to hasten the day.
@Katherine C. James, Your tools are infinitely more attractive than mine. I got cheapo notecards from Staples, in two sizes, and I use an old gel pen from I know not where. Gay cloud begone! Maybe it’s time for me to go back to my teen witch days and cast a spell.
I just want to add my name to the above chorus of “You go, girl!” emanating from all your readers and admirers. You’re an engaging writer with an interesting take on the world, and it will be fun to follow you wherever your “Big Project” takes you.
Please keep us posted – and more than that, have a good time! We’re all rooting for you …
@Victoire, Thank you very much. You were my first story-teller, of course, and you made them up as you went along. I will try to call on your young self’s imagination, and remember the lawn where I think we sat. xoxox.
Like the rest, I look forward to seeing the direction you head with your Saturday morning posts Lisa. Will you write them on the day or prepare during the week? I have been completely off the blogging trail these past months, possibly years and as much as I think maybe it is time to let go…I can’t seem to do so. I have accepted my lot in this blogging world and will write and share with the few that hang in there. I admire you for juggling so much and can understand why you decided to walk away from monetization. Seems to me like it would be a full time job in itself! I admire the women who make it work but I also know how time consuming it can be to do so….a full time job and only worth your while if you just love it, no matter the time and money. I like your fashion posts…always curious to see what’s new. We have a similar style…it makes all the difference. Wishing you well with your next steps…looking forward to your Saturday edition..in all it’s words. xxx
@Jeanne Henriques, I’m sticking to my practice of writing them the morning of. Phew! Today’s was hard work. I’m going to let myself do any visual stuff during the week though, snap an outfit photo, do a room shot, draw a picture, make a collage etc, during the week. The visual stuff now feels like pure fun, like a creative break, and I think it might prove helpful in this new effort I’m making.
Good for you, Lisa! You strike me as a very thoughtful and deliberate BIG PROJECT doer and clearing out the space for it is a great start.
And now I can keep up with your blog ;)
And look forward to your long form writing :)
@Patsy, Extra benefit! No longer will I outpace my readers! And I am being deliberate because I am scared I won’t finish and I want to finish.
One of us! One of us!
Welcome to the longform world and good luck.
(And apologies to be late in noticing this. Had a little longform project of my own to deal with this week.)
@maryn, Thank you for the welcome committee. And reiterated congrats on your book launch. It’s next in my reading queue, I’m really looking forward to it.
Writing is a big commitment so finding the right balance is key. I find writing about topics that interest me greatly are the most satisfying. Writing deeply about day-to-day happenings can also be reflective and useful as well. I’m sure you will find the balance that works for you.
@Susan, Such a big commitment. I’m very curious, anxious, and also content, to see how this goes. Thank you.
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