The dictionary defines the word conundrum as such: a confusing and difficult problem or question.
It seems that as I approach a new season I’m wondering what to do about this blog. Again?
I love writing, even if I’m maybe not so very good at it. I LOVE getting emails and comments from all of you and feeling like we have a little community of somewhat like minded women here. Though in reality, the comments and emails have slowed down to the point where I feel like I’m talking to myself most of the time.
What else is new? I do that in real life too!
I love learning something new and sharing with you. I don’t mind sharing my hopes and dreams with the world – even when they are a total flop. Maybe my lessons will be your lessons before you make expensive or frustrating mistakes? Maybe knowing that you aren’t alone in disappointment and joy helps you?
Here is the kicker.
It costs about $75 a month just to keep the blog up and running. No new content, no maintenance of old posts or bad links, no tools to promote it. No craft supplies, DIY supplies or food for recipes. Just the basic expense of keeping the lights on.
I have ads that earn maybe a $.01 per set of eyeballs and every now and then someone will click on an affiliate link and I’ll earn maybe $.05 from that.
In order to make this a PROFITABLE blog I’d basically be setting myself up for another part to full-time job. On top of my PT job teaching art, FT running a farm and then basic home duties and volunteer work. This chick just doesn’t have time for that.
THEN we get into branding, promoting, creating stellar content etc.
So right now it’s a kind of expensive (on my budget anyway) hobby.
ON THE OTHER HAND.
I have TEN YEARS worth of content here. That’s hundreds of Pinterest Pins that would end up going nowhere if I shut it down. Lots of craft ideas that seem to be fairly popular depending on the season. And TONS of senseless rambling that some women find comforting.
I simply can’t walk away from that. Not that I need my ego stroked but simply because there is lots of blood, sweat and tears (oh, the tears!) in this thing you may or may not be reading right now.
I have also enjoyed wonderful opportunities that I’d not have had if it weren’t for this blog. I’ve got to travel a bit and meet incredible people. Also, I’ve met all of you!
I know there are profitable blogs out there. Blogs of women who show other women how to blog. BIG, HUGE, amazingly beautiful and inspiring home decor blogs. Blogs of women who also sell items – which I keep saying I’m going to do but haven’t as of yet. Again, ANOTHER FT job!
But this little ol’ blog isn’t one of them. *sigh*
What would YOU do? Keep going because it’s a hobby you enjoy or cut ties and find something else to fill your time?
I read all your posts and always enjoy and learn from them. But, I very seldom comment on your blog or any other that I read. My husband and I used to have an antique booth and also sell at craft shows. We finally realized that buying, creating, and selling was our whole life, so we quit and have no regrets. Now, I create for pleasure, he goes fishing, and we garden. We are less stressed and have more money. Guess I am trying to say, even though you enjoy writing the blog if it is causing you stress and/or financial problems it may be time to let it go. Maybe you can take your love for writing in another direction, but you should certainly do what is best for you and your family. I would really miss your blog, but wish you the best in whatever you decide.
Hi Janet,
Yeah, sometimes you have to know when to call it quits. I’m glad to hear you have no regrets.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that everything I love doing doesn’t have to be a business.
Less stress and more money is always a good outcome! 🙂
Vicki
I have been reading your post since you were doing the craft show stuff. Thought I had lost contact (even as a lurker) with your posts. I am very glad to have found you again and I love reading anything you have to say. If you find you have to find another way, please let us know so we can stay in touch.
I’m glad you found me too Barbara! How are you?
Vicki xoxo
No words of wisdom from me :-). I enjoy your blog very much and identify with a bunch of posts. I would be sad to see it close down but you should chose ways to spend your time that makes your heart sing as there are enough “musts” in life…and ya can’t ignore the impact on the purse. Selfishly, I hope you find a way to keep rolling and it work well for you. Thanks for the hard work you put in.
Such a hard decision to make, and really, I have nothing to add to the mix. I do enjoy your blog, but I am inconsistent in my support. 🙁 I know it is a hard choice, and will still follow you in whatever method you choose to continue to share.
Inconsistent is better than non-existent.
Couldn’t help it. It rhymed. 🙂
So glad you stopped by.
xoxo V