I've been struggling a bit recently with my online identity. Now that I'm a parent, I have less time to devote to blogging (especially as a WAHM with infant twins). I have always maintained that I blog for myself and my family, as a digital journal so to speak. If I'm being honest with myself though, I know I also blog for my readers. I find that my efforts are more purposeful and focused when I know it is for mass consumption. My mantra has always been that if it ever felt like work I would stop, and thankfully it has remained a joyous creative outlet. As my three year blog anniversary approaches (in may), I find myself at a crossroads…I feel I either need to quit or take things to another level. After much deliberation, I'm happy to report I have chosen the latter. Making it a reality will take some time, but the decision is made.
Making that choice comes with a price though, and not just the dollar bill kind. It means that my life is lived with a lens almost always by my side, blog ideas constantly taking up headspace, time spent in front of the computer, and social media outlets continually updated. All of these things are not necessarily negative…everything in moderation, as they say. But as many of you know all too well, it's a slippery slope-unplugging and savoring the analog pleasures in life is easier said than done. It is so much more evident when you have children, in my opinion. Even at such a young age (six months), they have noticed when I'm staring at my iPhone or laptop, and I've caught myself doing it at times when I should be fully present as a mother. Bring on the mommy guilt!
After the guilt subsides, the search for justification begins. Why do I blog? It's a question many of us ask ourselves or struggle with at some point. I've now joined the ranks of those who are driven to examine the hours they dedicate to this passion. Many come to the conclusion that monetizing justifies the effort and time. I'm not there yet, but it has been weighing on me. So far I have proudly flown the "ad free" flag, mostly because I don't like clutter, but also because I haven't been in a position to make that choice. I'm so curious of why some choose to accept sponsors, and am wondering if it would make me feel better about the time I spend here, outside of my family life. What made you decide to grow your blog, and did you choose to monetize it? I would love your thoughts, and thank you, as always, for joining me here.
photography by courtney apple…styling by moi
Hi Susan!
You should know that your honesty is appreciated. I’m sure many, including myself, have had these same thoughts. Have you ever heard of ALT Design Summit? It’s a design blogger conference held in SLC. I’ve been wanting to go for years, but I have a 9-5 that I must wake-up to every morning!! That said, blogging can be really hard to manage. I’m amazed at all the WAHM’s out there who find time to do it regularly (Go, you!). Anyway, I’m currently reading through the “Pre ALT Links” here, http://www.altitudesummit.com/blog/2013/1/22/pre-alt-links.html. The conference is over now, but I always find the recaps and conference prep very motivational. I thought you may appreciate them too. :)
Personally, one of the many things I adore about your blog is the fact that it IS ad free and voided of clutter. It allows the main focus to be on your content, which ultimately is what blogging is all about, right? :)
Hi Jessica, thanks so much for your thoughts! Yes I have been wanting to go to Alt for years now, but life gets in the way (good things of course). I may be able to get to the NYC one next year, we’ll see. Thanks for the recap links, I need to check those out.
Absolutely Noelani, thank you so much for saying so. I am so very reluctant to change that!
I agree with Noelani! I think you have to evaluate where you want the site to go. I think you could pursue creative, digital projects, perhaps with other websites, that serve as a source for revenue, without having to change your own space. Ultimately, you have to do what is right for YOU – play with the site, it’s yours! Throw different types of content at us, we’re ready! And you shouldn’t feel badly for these feelings.
I find it unbearably disconcerting that I have difficulty remembering what it felt like to walk this earth without some sort of device on my person. I wouldn’t go so far as to say social media/the digital realm is our generation’s albatross, as it has provided so many opportunities and introduced us to so many different people (toi et moi!) but its utility is often overshadowed by its dangers. live your life and if your camera happens to be nearby, capture the moment. But don’t live for the blog!
Well said Lindsey, as always…and no, I certainly don’t and would never live for my blog. My camera is almost always by my side anyway, but you know the temptations I am speaking of. I appreciate your support so much, and am so thankful for this forum, as we never would have met, like you said. I really like the idea of pursuing revenue elsewhere (besides my biz)…gets my mind going for sure!
I can only imagine what it’s like to juggle the world of blogging while being a parent, but I definitely relate to struggling with how much to devote to an online creative space! Wishing you the best with your new direction.
I love your openness.
It’s such a tough topic isn’t it? Money, blogging and family. It’s like you can only justify the blogging in this equation if it’s supporting your life financially. How about if it’s supporting you emotionally? Doesn’t that count?
Anyway, I’ve been thinking of doing shared links on my own blog for a while now. For free. With other bloggers, then I can see how my space looks and readers react to the sidebar of images. Then, as a slow burn, maybe one day accept sponsorship. But only with companies that I am head over heels in love with. Nothing less.
I actually think it would be selfish of me as a regular reader to dictate whether or not I believe you should advertise on your site. To be honest, I love your content. And so anything you choose to do on here to support you & your beautiful family has my backing. 100%.