Wednesday, November 04, 2009
I’ve been working on an idea on how to get the number of my posts down to at least to two a day. Honestly, I’d like to see one a day. As it stands now, I have four posts published Monday – Friday and three to four on Saturday and Sunday. J. Kaye’s Book Blog currently has a daily post for each day of the week.
If you take a daily event post, add a new book arrival post, a review post, and a giveaway post that’s four a day. When it comes to books, I am really repeating much of the information. Here's what I mean.
On Monday, I add my thoughts to whatever book I am reading or have completed; and then on Thursday, I announce my favorite book or books of the week. By the time a review is posted, you pretty much know how I feel. So what I am proposing is to eliminate two posts – the review post and the new arrival posts. It’s a radical step, I know, but hear me out.
I’m currently posting reviews to Amazon. When I do, I tweet about them and include a link to the review. Instead of posting these reviews here also, I can use the Monday and Thursday post to link to the review I posted on Amazon. If you’ve noticed, I already do that on the It’s Monday! What are you reading? post. Click here for an example.
I’d like to use Twitter and Facebook more to my advantage in 2010. As mentioned, I already use it as a way to announce when a review is posted on Amazon. I’d also like to chat more about books on Twitter. In a previous post, I mentioned having a Read-Along/Giveaway combo.
None of these changes can go into effect until after the last review book is completed. Steve is really helping to get me through the pile, which I really appreciate. If he keeps up this speed, all books should be completed by the end of December. That’s good, because I plan on taking a new direction.
In 2010, I will be moving away from being a book review blog and more into book chat. I’ll be eliminating author interviews and author guest posts. You’ll see a decline in the massive giveaways that were so popular in 2009. Don’t get me wrong, there will be giveaways. There will be just be a lot less.
Another huge change will be the books accepted for review. In October, I cut back dramatically. In 2010, it will be even more. With the exception of the Vine Program, the books accepted for review will be a rarity. I don’t feel bad about this because there are so many great bloggers out there begging for review books. The referral list I send to authors, promotional companies, and publishers is over seventeen pages. If you aren't familiar with this list, click here.
To some, this might seem like a suicidal move and it might, but you know me. When I’ve used up all the fun out of something, it’s time to move on. Review policies, the FCC, book reviewing, and planned promoting, have grown old. It’s become more of a job. And if it were my job, like with money, I guess it would be fine. It isn’t.
With the new year, I plan to slow down a bit. Read at a slower pace and get back to enjoying the journey. I’d like to connect more with the book blogging community. That was one of my goals at the beginning of 2009 that was never accomplished.
Yes, I know this will be a radical change – a book blogger who doesn’t post book reviews. It’s insane, but with the FCC shaking things up and my attitude towards a new change, I think the timing is perfect. Besides, books for review have taken over. I’ve missed out on many of the books I would have like to read in 2009. The spontaneity of reading is gone and I want that back.
97 comments:
No matter what you decide to do, I will still be a fan of your blog! I refresh my page all the time to see what you have posted, and you need to do what you feel is right for you. It is sad when you start out doing something fun and then you feel like it is a chore. I let my craft blog go because of that. When it comes to reading what you want, remember the famous line from American Wedding movie, FOCUS!FOCUS!FOCUS! Focus on what you enjoy!
LOL @ Amy J - Book Addict - In 2010, there will be way less posts. I've been unhappy for a while, but didn't know what direction to take, if that makes sense. I couldn't change things until I knew where I wanted to go. I didn't want to give up book blogging. I love blogging and books, so it was a matter of figuring out that it was that I loved about it and focus on that. I agree with your "FOCUS!FOCUS!FOCUS!" It made me laugh.
I agree. I have even cut back on accepting books to review. IN the last 4 months, I have only had time to read books for review and all the books I WANT to read have sat there. That has taken some of the fun out of reading for me too. I can imagine with your huge pile it must be awful!!! And, I would love to be able to talk about a specific book not just read your review or enter a giveaway. Whatever makes you happy will be great cause it will show your energy and enthusiasm. If it doesn't make you happy, don't do it!!!!
ccqdesigns - I also plan for a weekly feature of books that didn't really do it for me. Ones that I couldn't finish for whatever reason. I am a moody reader and many times, this is a big part of why I can't finish a book. I'd like to explore that more.
ccqdesigns - Maybe I should reread my comments. That first sentence "I also plan for a weekly feature of books that didn't really do it for me." didn't even make sense.
I plan to have another weekly feature. It's for books that didn't really do it for me.
I am a moody reader too. I just cannot read certain books at certain times. Just have to put them away and come back later, or maybe never. If I am down and depressed, can't read depressing books.
I can understand you wanting to cut down the # of posts. 4 a day is a lot, not to mention all of the tweeting, amazon....
I will be sad not to see the reviews posted here.
I am very discriminating in the books that I will accept for review. Basically only ones that I am really interested in, and that I would seek out even if it weren't for review. I enjoy the authors that I love too much to give them up for reviewing books just because I can.
Hope 2010 we be a happy reading year for you!
Booklover1335 - the reviews will be linked to Amazon on the Monday post. Click on the link for an example. For those who really want to read my more detailed thoughts can click on that.
I think you're going to see changes next year on *a lot* of book blogs. A lot of us, me included, are cutting down on or eliminating ARCs, challenges, memes, etc. It will be fun to see people going more their own way!
Lezlie
Good for you J. Kaye! I was starting to feel like and inadequate book blogger by only posting one review a week, but then I figured that I like the pace that I read a book, and I don't feel that I should have to read any faster. I currently post something once a day-maybe twice on the day that I do a book review and that suits me just fine. If I post something on the weekend that's a bonus, because I don't usually do so. I'm sure I will still plan on visiting your blog on a regular basis. Good luck with the changes.
J Kaye I will still follow your blog as well. I to am one of those that have found myself refreshing often for new posts. Yours is one of the first book blogs I stumbled upon in this new adventure and one I have continued to enjoy.
I agree with you though if your not enjoying something you need to figure out a new way so I totally understand.
Hope 2010 brings about a happier reading experience for you hon.
Huggers
Lezlie - Are you serious? I thought it was just me. I haven't even had time to visit to see what's going on outside of my little world. Bums me out too.
Jo-Jo - No! You shouldn't feel that way. I know there are readers who put me to shame when it comes to the amount they are reading, but I want 2010 to be more exploration of my own doing. Before I have relied on others to do it for me.
GFDesignz - and I am sooooo glad you did! :)
You should do whatever makes blogging enjoyable to you. I have become more selective of the books I review because I have so many of my own books waiting to be read. I really want to get to those books too. Best of luck with all of these changes!
I think this change will be good, especially if you're feeling burnt out. Between all the books I buy and get from the library, if I never receied another review copy again, I'd still have plenty to read.
The Amazon Vine program has always interested me. How do you get into it?
I like all the stuff you post about besides reviews, so sounds good to me. When blogging becomes a CHORE and a DRAG, then it's not fun for anyone. You're already quite generous with your referral list, too.
Do what makes you happy! Real life is not a popularity contest - it's doing what's right.
Oh I like these changes! I definitely like more book discussion and less giveaways. Mainly because my tbr is mammoth so I'm not as interested in the giveaways.
I can't wait to see what the first readalong will be. That's my favorite part of the changes :)
J. Kaye ~ Nope. Not just you. When many of us started out, we kind of "followed the leader", and did what others did and tried to build a following. Speaking for myself, now that people have kind of gotten to know me and my tastes, I feel like I'm ready to just read and talk about whatever interests me and hopefully it will be interesting to others, too. I'm ready to sink or swim based on my own weird choices. LOL!
Lezlie
dolleygurl - I don't have a pile of books waiting really, but I do have an extensive wish list...lol.
Plus, I'd like the freedom to get a book I like and read it right then.
Melanie - they send an invite through email. My guess is I got one because I was posting reviews there.
L. Diane Wolfe - thanks! The referral list is what causes me to make this leap guilt-free. ;)
Bella - Since I don't save books, I'll continue to pass those on to others. There just won't be any more promotional giveaways. That will end completely.
Lezlie - I can see that with a lot of the newcomers. It's hard to branch out when you really don't have a direction. I've never been the best at following, but I do study others.
You have me excited to see the new 2010 changes in others....and I will have the time next year. :)
Good for you, J. Kaye. I think it's a great idea. I don't post nearly as often as you do, but I do understand the pressure you can feel sometimes.
That sounds like a great change. I, for one, usually just read what I want and review it when I'm done. Of course, I don't get that many review books. Well, good luck and I look forward to your changes.
I say - it`s your blog, do what you want to do. I mentioned a long time ago that if I had to read and do all the reviews you do that it would feel too much like school. I think this might be a positive change.
As for the `didn`t do it for you` post - I kind of like that idea. I`d like to know why certain books didn`t work for you (I know of at least 2 that I won from you that you didn`t particularly enjoy). and the idea of having more of a discussion is definitely appealing.
I`m looking forward to the changes. And since I`m going back to work in the new year, I won`t have as much time to catch up on all the blogs I`m following so fewer posts works for me too :)
I'm glad others are thinking of going their own way too. It has gotten a little boring with everyone doing the same meme. Frankly, most of those I don't even read, just scroll right past them. The one I really scroll past (please don't anyone hit me!) is the one that says what you read the past month. Very long list of everything you planned on reading, did read and plan on reading next month. Sorry, don't care. Tell me what you thought about what you read, how it changed you, what you learned, how what you learned changed what you were planning on reading, but a list means nothing. Sorry, that is my rant for the day. I'll go back in my hole for the day.
I completely understand! I've found that this year I read 1/3 of the books I used to read and can count on one hand the ones I loved. I would rather discuss good books and be more social so I love the direction you are going.
That is a radical change! But I completely support what you plan to do with your blog. I think blogging chould be fun and enjoyable, and if its more like a job, you should definitely change it.
I can see how so many posts a day can be overwhelming, and since you do have a few a week that express similar ideas, such as your thoughts on the same books, it would be a good idea to bring it down to one post.
I've got to say, I'm pretty excited about the new changes that are going to take place, because I know I'll still enjoy visiting your blog on a daily basis, and I love the way it has changed and evolved in the short time that I have been a follower.
You do what you need to do, and we will all support your changes 110%.
I'm thinking of cutting back too, but I'm kinda playing a wait and see game. The new FTC ruling, has made me really stop and think..."do I really want more hassles in my life?" I want blogging to be fun, and not a chore, or something that causes me to worry all the time!
I think you should blog however you'd like too. I still plan on coming by. I like the folks here just as much as your posts. =)
I do understand getting so many ARC's you have to put books you want on hold. I myself am learning to pick and choose what I want to review, trying to find a happy balance.
I am signed up as a follower of this blog, and am sure I will continue, no matter what changes you make.
Good for you for designing a plan that will be more harmonious for you.
Like you, I adore reading, and wouldn't want it to become a chore.
So I will keep on reading your blog and listening to what you have to say.
Follow your bliss, dear.
If you think you can get rid of me that easily, lady, you are sorely mistaken! I like the direction. I think reading at your own pace is a good think. I like chatting with you. It should be fun for you too! I mean we get lots of fun from reading you. i think i like talking to you in fb better as speech doesn't have to so restricted.
i like the idea of talking about a book you couldn't get thru! and hear what movtivates someone else to go to the end. all in a conversational way...as in no slamming.
J. Kaye, it's your blog, and you should do it however you want! If it doesn't work out, you can always change it back! I'll miss having your reviews right in the posts, but that is only me...I guess more hopping over to Amazon will be in my future. You know, I really should post my reviews on Amazon. Do you post your exact same reviews on Amazon as you (formerly) did on your blog or do you change them at all?
Most people avoid change - you seem to thrive on it. Good luck!
When I first started book blogging I remember asking you when do you sleep.
I also remember a post stating that you were going to cut back. That was 5 months ago.
Since your Friday night post which is the last time I've read my google reader completely you have done a total of 23 posts. My goodness - I ask again when do you sleep?
I know I will have your blog in my google reader and at the top of my list to read blogs as long as you post even 1 per month.....or less.
Life's too short not to enjoy or to take care of yourself. :)
Oops I forgot to click to follow up email comment thingy :)
And I'm very happy to hear that I'm not the only moody reader out there!
Sometimes we need a new direction, more power to you for making that decision. When it's not spontaneous anymore then it's probably not as much fun either.
PS I'll still be here!
Sounds like you have a great plan for reinvigorating the spontaneity in your reading again. I'm a regular reader of your blog even though I am remiss in making comments...that is one of my resolutions for 2010...be better about commenting and not just lurking!
LOVE the idea of talking about books you couldn't get thru. I just commented in your other post about how it fascinates me when people have such different opinions of books. I think I'm the only one in the world who didn't absolutely love The Poisonwood Bible, Eat Pray Love, and Olive Kitteridge.
And I'm all for reading for the enjoyment of it. I was *this close* to agreeing to do reviews for a publisher who emailed me. Not after reading THIS post!
Getting back to enjoying the journey, sounds like a good move to me. Whatever you do, I will be around for a chat :-)
Good luck with your Radical Changes. I hope you once again enjoy your blogging and books. I don't blame you for cutting back on your reviews for publishers. I considered joining your referral list but thought about how i read. I just choose whatever book appeals to me at that moment. HAVING to read a book would suck the joy out of reading it.
Looking forward to book chat!
I say GO FOR IT! Enjoy yourself.
I love your ideas. Less posts, more opportunity to share what you want in a format that encourages interaction. Excited to be a part of your journey! I can only read so many reviews - often of the same book - before my eyes glaze over. I can only imagine the challenge involved in having to write them all.
Vasilly - Not only that, but I feel empowered, like I am taking back control.
Andrea - I use to do that a long time ago. ;) That's where I am heading, but the book reviewing here is a bit much, especially after the Monday & Thursday post.
Pam - Then it will be good timing...lol! You will have less time to read and I won't be posting as much. ;)
ccqdesigns - No kidding. It's gotten to be so freakin' generic. That said, I am so not stopping my weekly posts. ;) I love the Monday post as it gets my reads down for the week. Wednesday is Your Thoughts and very useful. Love to highlight my favorite book on Thursday and Friday is my way of giving back. Saturday is Nona's picks and Sunday is the top commenters post. If I add a post about the books I didn't finish and the reason, I think that's enough...maybe more than some folks want. :)
Icedream - I'll be curious if I read more or less. I know that I'll be going through more books.
miss cindy :) - I think the word would be monotonous instead of overwhelming. I've just grown bored, ya know?
Neas Nuttiness - I tried cutting back and that didn't work. Amazon limits me to four books a month and I get to pick. I can deal with that.
Zia - For some reason, I never could find that balance. It will take me stopping completely.
Terra - I do! I want to enjoy the fun again...lol!
HODGEPODGESPV - Yes! I like chatting more about what I read.
J.T. Oldfield - yes, what I post here is what I post on Amazon. There is no difference.
bermudaonion - Thank you!
Shellie (Layers of Thought) - you sort of made the point I was trying to make in the comments above. I don't have the ability to find balance here, so stopping the review books is the only solution.
Pam - Nope! I think there are a lot of us out there. ;)
Alaine - Queen of Happy Endings - and for me, it's not spontaneous anymore. It was when I began, but now it's time to move on. Let the newer bloggers take over...lol.
Kathleen - Me too! I have all but stopped and would like to get back to commenting on blogs.
Lynne - I think it will be a nice alternative to the favorite book of the week.
Teddyree - The chat stuff is gonna be fun!
Sharon - Oh no, not really cutting back. It's more like stopping. ;)
The Bumbles - LOLOL! That's it exactly!
CCQ - I don't know why but I like reading everyone's lists of books. I guess it's the ADD in me :) I just like to do a quick glance at the blog, see if there are any books I've seen or heard about or already read. I'm a "list" person, though, so that's probably why.
It may seem radical now, but I bet it will be an almost relief when you start actually doing it.
I do have to say I got an email through your referral list today. It said you were closing your book blog and I immediately panicked. I stopped reading the email and came over here to see what was going on. I can't tell you was a relief it was to see you weren't closing your blog, just taking it in a new diretion :)
I know I'll be watching your blog no matter what! :) It's important for you to enjoy what you're doing, and a hobby should never feel like a job! I'm glad to see you're changing directions before you just get tired of it. I think you'll be happier and you'll enjoy the books even more!
"And if it were my job, like with money, I guess it would be fine. It isn’t."
Yes, almost 3 yrs later I still haven't found a way to make money at this blogging thing.
I haven't been accepting a lot of review copies lately but I am enjoying my library more. There's a freedom in that.
Lynne - I like to keep a list of books I read for the year...could be why I love the 100+ challenge so much.
Page (One Book At A Time) - ROTFL! Well, I guess from their point of view I am closing up shop. I won't be promoting for anyone. I'll have all the control which is why I couldn't work with some of the people out there. With the new changes, I'll be less inclined to be politically correct, not that I ever was. But let's just say that I won't have any nagging feelings when I post my feelings. That kind of freedom is seriously awesome.
kay - Infinite Shelf - and it has. Don't get me wrong. I've loved it and won't change a thing, but it's grown old. I look at some of these review places and it freaks me out that they are doing the same thing year after year after year.
Chris - that's another thing. I haven't been able to support my library like I've wanted to. The kids picked up the slack, but still, I miss it. I will really enjoy getting back to that!
I agree, that you don't need to post like 4 times a day. I think your arrival posts aren't really needed and think it's a good idea to eliminate some of your posts. However, I really do enjoy reading people's reviews of books they read. I won't ever be going to amazon to read your reviews, nor do I use twitter, so depending on the way the blog goes, I may stop reading. But, change is good, so good luck to you.
pinkflipflops - Thanks for letting me know how you feel. Do what you feel is right. I won't change my mind even if it does cost me lots of viewers. I've never been one to play it safe and I really love being that way.
Good for you. Take back the reading! :)
LOL @ Chris! Do you know when I was typing this up, I thought about you and Jeanne at Necromancy Never Pays? I could visually see you two giving me the thumbs-up. :) I really view the two of you as out-of-the-box thinkers. You two have set a great example for other book bloggers!
Aw, I am honored!! :)
I say if that's what you want to do, then do it.
Whatever makes your life easier!
Spontaneity is what makes reading so much fun! Getting through and reviewing books definitely shouldn't become a chore. So I fully support any blog changes that make reading more fun for you again :)
NOOOO! J.Kaye don't leave us :(
Chris - :)
Vicki - I am not sure if I am shooting for easier, but I am aiming for fun. My kids think I have way too much of it. ;)
alitareads - I agree and I think this positive will uplift. One thing I noticed. If you look under the blog's title, you'll see "Where Reading Takes Priority." I think I've failed at that and made book reviewing a priority. So I guess you could say I am putting the priority back where it was intended to be.
I Heart Book Gossip - Where in the heck did you get that idea from? I'm not going any where...at least not in 2010. ;)
I'm sorry you've been unhappy. Following your bliss is always a good idea.
I am saddened (because I feel like I just found your blog in recent months and love popping in constantly) and excited for you at the same time (a new adventure!) No matter what I will still be popping in. :)
I'll still be visiting you J.Kaye for book chat! I can so appreciate that you need to make changes! I have been constantly amazed at how much you do! And as I mentioned on a comment last week I too am planning to cut back on the review books so that I can free up time to read just for me! Here's cheering for you to get done by December so you can make the changes as you want! =)
Although I think I am pretty much saying the same thing as everyone else, I'm leaving my thoughts too, just because.
For me, I began my blog because I love books. Not for other people. The fact that anyone actually wants to read my blog is beyond me. I get the feeling you are kind of the same way.
If it isn't fun, then it isn't worth doing for free!
I love the idea of book chats. Almost like an online book club. I like your daily standard posts. I can click on a link if I want to read your review. But, like you said, you pretty much tell us what you are thinking before you post your review.
Okay, so I think thats my opinion all summed up.
Wow, those are some drastic changes but they sound like good ones. I never knew how you did all you did on your blog. Plus I know you mentioned at one point you wanted to spend more time writing. So hopefully these changes help with that.
Can't wait to see how the changes turn out.
Well I have been in a bit of a fix here becasue of the number of posts on your blog! God! I seem to never am able to comment as much as i want...
I think lesening the number of posts is good... coz it scares me :)
But i still read you on my reader and i skip all giveaway posts and read all the wassup on Mondays, your favorite and reviews!
I think all us women folk get into the mode of trying to keep up and do as much as the other women. It's in our DNA. We just can't stop and smell the roses! Who would do the dishes if we did? Well, let the dishes stay in the sink.
This is why I don't blog. I love reading books, commenting, surfing, but I do not want to be tied down and feel responsible to HAVE to do something every day. And I am so glad that you, J. Kaye are stepping back and finding your balance to do just what makes you happy and gives you time in your life for the other things you want to do. It is all too easy for us to let something become an obsession.
Hi J.Kaye,
I agree with you you have to do what you enjoy. Reading is fun for us all and it should be that way with blogging as well. You are doing the right thing.
Good for you - knowing what you want to do. Blogging can get overwhelming at times and it's great that you make your blog grow with you and stay cutting edge. I think you will succeed no matter what you do with the blog because you are doing what you want to do and that is the main thing that matters.
Thanks so much for your referral list - I have gotten numerous books from the referrals and have really enjoyed meeting some new authors through their books.
J. Kaye-
I think that your blog will be great with the changes. Like most of us, you do the blog for you to have fun, as an outlet of sort. I think moving to a discussion format would be great and I would enjoy. Also, cutting down on posts isn't a bad thing, especially if what is in its place is more what makes you happy!
You are making changes that are right for YOU. That's what matters. We'll be interested in reading whatever you post. I hope you enjoy the process of reading again!
You need to do what makes you happy, J.Kaye. When it isn't fun anymore, it is definitely time for a change.
Looking forward to book talk w/ you in 2010!
Some of your goals mirror my goals, but I can no way compare myself to you. In the blogger world, you do so much for other bloggers. In whatever way you scale back you will be missed.
Some of your goals mirror my goals, but I can no way compare myself to you. In the blogger world, you do so much for other bloggers. In whatever way you scale back you will be missed.
Sounds like have a nice plan for yourself/your blog.
One of the things that drew me into book blogging was the community/chatting about books aspect. So, I think it is cool that you are moving towards that direction (although, I do love your blog already. *smile*)
I have decided to allow myself the room to not post about every book I read. I love memes but here again, I have given myself the room to not feel that i have to post to memes weekly because some weeks are way too busy for me. So, I hear ya on the need to make some changes.
I wish you the best in 2010. I hope you will be pleased with your new blog plans.
As ever J.Kaye, Happy Reading!!
I so agree with what you are doing. I hate when the joy of reading becomes a chore. I feel you cannot give a well thought out review as all the books start to meld together. I say "GO J GO J GO J" I WILL STILL BE HERE TO READ YOUR BLOG AND WILL JOIN YOU ON TWITTER!
Val
lastnerve2000@gmail.com
StephanieD - LOL! Thank you!
Sheila (Bookjourney) - Trust me, I'll wear you out before January. :)
MarthaE - I really think the new changes will make the blog more appealing and interactive.
Jenn M. - Yes, that's the exact reason I began. I also found that blogging was a creative outlet as well as something to ground me. I am also a if-it-feels-good-do-it sort of a person. Blogging has carried me on some fun rides. Book tours rocked for a while and then grew old. Book reviewing was the same. Now it's time to get that spark back. ;)
Debbie's World of Books - I think it will have a positive impact on others outside of just me. I could be wrong, but I think viewers will actually like the new change...well, most will.
Veens - Yes, I think more viewers feel as you do. Four posts a day is a bit excessive.
ccqdesigns - Well, I will be removing myself out of that loop. When the details of this new change began to form, I felt massive relief.
emeraldfire - Thank you so very much for saying that!
Crystal - AWESOME about the referral list update. You should be getting a Sony eReader offer coming your way too.
Momma Hunt - And sometimes I think we lose sight of who we are really doing this for. Like CCQ mentioned about the competitiveness, it's so easy to get caught up in it.
hcmurdoch - Wow! Thank you! That totally made my day!!
The Book Resort - I'm really excited about this new change.
Tea - My feeling is that maybe I do a little too much. It's time for me to take a step back and allow others to step forward.
Deanna/ibeeeg - Yes, same here and I feel like I've moved away from the reason I began book blogging. I never meant to become a book review blog/site, but that's exactly what I've become.
lastnerve - From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Kaye,
You do what keeps you happy, that's all you can do. Maybe now I can keep up with YOU!! And now maybe you can eat and sleep. :-)
J, I could not agree with you more, and I don't receive anywhere near as many review books as you do. When you don't enjoy something anymore it's time to change. This is your hobby not your job.
Bravo Chicka! Bravo!
good luck with all the changes! I personally decided it wasn't in my best interest to accept so many reviews and cut back a lot this year, with plans to do so even more next year. I can go months without accepting one, and I'm fine with that. I've been able to read more of what I really want to read and that makes me happy.
You do post a lot--I can see where it might start to feel like work rather than fun, and that's no good. I can't wait to see how your blog develops next year. :)
Sounds of hands clapping - I applaud you J. Kaye.
Bill and Lorie Shewbridge - Eating has never been an issue. Maybe I can get some exercise in...lol.
Jenny Girl - That's it exactly!
Kris - for some reason, I can't get that moderation thing down. It's all or nothing for me. And that's a total bummer at times.
heidenkind - Yes, it's gotten to be a drag.
Luanne - I'm ready. Finally! (lol)
Cheers to you!!! I'm still working on catching up on all that I have missed, so I'm replying a little late to this one. Oh well!! Just the same, I will be sticking around! I'm always up for book chat and know that this is always a place to get some good chat in! I'm making some similar changes in the new year, no longer accepting books for review, but enjoying the books I want to read, when I want to read them. You said it . . . spontaneity!! That's exactly what I've been missing!
Can we find each other on Facebook? I'll send you a DM on Twitter with my name in it. I would love to chat books with you in an off-blog manner :-)
Tif - Love your changes too!
Aarti - This is the place to connect. I've been too spread out over the last year.
This is the second time I've been on your blog in basically a day. I love to read and enjoy your projects and book reviews. Even if you were to change the way you blog or the amount of blogs you post, I would still come back to your site because it interests me. You are one of the best book blogs I've found yet, so kudos to you.
I will continue to follow your site no matter how it changes. I love the challenges. I too have had to make some decisions. I was beginning to review so many books that I was backlogged and that in turn affected the amount of writing I completed. I think as we come to the new year we need to refresh. I support you 100 %
Scarlet - wow! And thank you!
Sandra Stiles - I think this new way will help me to get more focused on books and reading.
Thanks!! :)
I don't blame you for wanting to make changes. Above all things, it should be fun to do. That's why I only review books I want to, when I want to, and don't go asking for massive numbers. And I like the freedom of being able to post about a comic book series one day, and link to silly book games another day, or whatever else I like.
So have a good time! And enjoy your reading!
Phyl at Bookishgal - Sadly, I wanted to review them all. :(
(I can't believe I still haven't followed you yet? That seems to happen with a lot of awesome blogs, haha.) Anyways, wow, seems like a huge change. I think your blog is awesome the way it is now, so I can't really complain. It's definitely different and interesting, so I'll keep my eyes open and watch for future updates! And, definitely, go for what you love. :)
Here, here. The fun, it was gone, that was my mojo. It's starting to come back though because I'm reading what I want, not what I have to. I get it. Thank you for saying it so much better than I could have.
Jenn (Books At Midnight) - For me, this really is a huge change. I'm normally all over the place. This new change will give me focus.
The Brain Lair (KB) - Yes, I think many of us didn't get into book blogging for free review books. We're doing it for a different reason. Some like me, went all OC when then offers started coming in. Once it became a job, the fun sort of evaporated...lol. Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't trade the experience, but now it's time to get back to the reason I started this thing. ;)
I am so with you on the reviews becoming a job! I like to help out struggling authors or self-published people but it became too much.
Jenny Girl - Yes, but I did help for the first two and a half years. That will have to be enough.
One of the things that I love about reading is that it can be on MY terms and I can read a book that takes me where I need it to take me instead of the other way around. THAT is why I'm not a book blogger. I'm an occasional blogger who loves book and everything to do with them.
Hopefully you enjoy this new change of pace.
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