I finally made the big move with not a little anxiety. After utilizing Blogger for the past four years as my author blog,
(where I have over 1000 followers and 4000 views a month), I'll now
blog on my website, karenjonesgowen.com, (where I have 29 followers and about 100 views a month).
Probably not a smart move. But I have my reasons---
1. Scattered online presence. Facebook, Twitter,
Blogger, website– all the places I connect with people take time, and I need to focus, be less scattered, write more books.
2. I want to write in more depth about my interests
in family, food, relationships, how people deal with issues of time and
money. I’ll post once a month and give it some thought. On Blogger, the trend is to post a lot, comment a lot and attract followers. I’m over
that.
3. Most of my followers here are writers
interested in issues related to book publishing. I’ll still post as
an editor, thus keeping Karen the writer separate from Karen the editor.
Again, less scattered, more focused. Plan on one or two posts a month. Not sure if this is enough to keep an audience but we'll see.
4. I’ve always wanted to write a book of essays on family life. Why not try them out first as blog posts on my website?
5. Following and commenting on Blogger blogs is getting increasingly difficult. 90% of the time when I click on my Reader it says I follow no blogs. Or they simply don't appear. Add to that other issues like captcha and Google + profiles instead of Blogger profiles, and it's just not worth it to me to fight the system with what limited time I have to connect with my online friends.
Catch me on Twitter @KarenGowen. Or stop by the website. I'd love to add your blog link to my sidebar so we can stay in touch. And I've re-opened From the Shadows to the Page, my quiet blog, where I'll post occasionally because it amuses me.
No, it may not be a smart move but I go with my heart and right now, this is
where it’s leading me. *fingers crossed* Wish me luck!
Have you ever made a big change that scared you?
Oh yes - big change is scary. But if it's the right thing for you - then go for it. I hope you write that book. And do give me a nudge when you have a post up - it will be good to keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteAnd - good luck!
Well I will absolutely follow you wherever your heart takes you. I've followed and admired you for years and learnt a lot on the way.
ReplyDeleteDonna, What a very nice thing to say, thank you!
DeleteHi Karen - this is great to read .. as I need to adjust too - so I shall be watching to see how things develop - but will definitely join you on the new blog .. Google+ drives me dilly .. Reader works for me - I've never used the Blogger Dashboard Reader part ...
ReplyDeleteCheers for now .. Hilary
Hilary, I used to love Reader. I'd just scroll down and find recent posts of blogs I follow, click over and read and comment. It would take maybe an hour here and there to keep up. Now I have my hour, I go to Reader-- nothing. So I tried clicking on the profile of people kind enough to leave comments here-- it goes to their Google+ profile instead of their blog. My happy little blogging/commenting routine has instead become a time of frustration and giving up. Like when you would try to leave comments and couldn't do it! I remember how frustrating that was for you. Not sure what changed but I'm glad to see your comment here and not in my spam folder!
Deletecongratulations on making the move! I must drop by and see you! I'm sure it will be a good move. I often think about how much time I waste ging from one networking site to another.
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your website - all these social media outlets could be too crazy sometimes and just having one focused one is probably more sane!!! All the best with your book too!! Take care
ReplyDeletex
You know I'll follow your new blog!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the following no blogs thing on Google Reader. The first time that happened to me I freaked out; I thought I lost all the blogs I was following and I couldn't remember all the titles and URLs. I'm heading over to your website now!
ReplyDeleteI only blog once or twice a month on Blogger and have only increased it to allow for book reviews which I enjoy doing and the occasional book launch for friends or blogfest.
ReplyDeleteReaders will learn your schedule and look for your blog when they show in the Google reader. I'll still hang around. (you may be happier, too, at reducing clutter in your life)
We have to take risks occasionally, it makes life more exciting. I'll also visit your website.
D.G., Yes, I do see it as an organizational move, like clearing out a closet and putting things in their proper order. "The editing posts go here...the thoughtful reflections with pictures go here....the quick funny story goes here....oh yes, here's the whining about book sales, well throw that out, nobody wants that one."
DeleteSo you will be blogging in two places now? Must go visit your website.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, Well actually I've been blogging in 2 places for awhile but it's been scattered. The writer blog, the publisher blog, the author website-- all mixed up together-- gah!
DeleteKaren, good luck with the change, it's always a little scary. I've been meaning to move from blogger from ages but still haven't managed it. *sigh* I'll do it at some point.
ReplyDeleteJai
Jai, Funny how we get comfortable, even when we get these little impressions that it's time for a change. Or at least modifications. I'll still be very much on Blogger here, posting about publishing.
DeleteKaren, Haha, now I'm going to have this song stuck in my head! Only with my awful voice singing it instead of what I'm sure is your very good voice LOL.
ReplyDeletegood luck, see you over at your website:)
ReplyDeleteI hope your transition is effective, Karen. Gutsy thing to do. I hope it works as well as you have planned it to work.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs.
For the type of blog you have, a blog of words, advice, assistance, I think this change will serve you well. I would love to read family stories by you and will follow you wherever you go. All the best.
ReplyDeleteInger, And be prepared for a bit of snark as well once I let out my editor side...
DeleteDear Karen, I've always been somewhat of a risk taker. So often I've made a change and been a little frightened. But for the most part all my changes/risks/decisions have worked out for the best. I say "for the most part" because I'm still not sure of the decision I made to move back to the town where I grew up. I spent thirty-eight years in Minnesota and so the move back to Missouri was a wrench. After three and a half years, I'm still pondering the wisdom of this decision. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteI wish you well in your decision. I know about the longing to write and so your choice to blog less seems truly reasonable to me. Not only reasonable but necessary if you are going to follow your heartwish. Peace.
It's a bit of a risk. I see people close out old blogs and start new ones, starting over again with no followers, and I wonder if they've made a mistake. But it seems most people eventually jump on the new site and follow there too. It will just take some time to get the word out. And the ones who don't follow probably have dropped off Blogger anyway. Half the people on my blog roll don't even blog anymore.
ReplyDeleteSounds like s very smart move to me, and not something you're jumping into without giving it a lot of serious thought. I'm sure it's gonna prove to be a winner for you. Follow your heart... it always knows!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new project, Karen!
ReplyDeleteAfter two divorces change doesn't scare me that much, but still it's intimidating. One thing I've learned is that sometimes adapting and making the transition takes time and patience. You're a pro so I think your results will be good in the end.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Lee, I'm thinking that compared to divorce, a change in blogging patterns is pretty minor.
DeleteI second Arlee. Change can be good, especially if it refreshes you. I've added your web page to my reader and blogroll.
ReplyDeleteThank you, D.G. Hudson. And I have done the same with your Rainforest writing blog.
DeleteGood luck with your new blog. There's something to be said for fewer but more carefully considered posts. I suppose blogging is still in its infancy and will evolve.
ReplyDelete