It's the 3 year anniversary of The Pouting Pensioner. Yay.
Just yay. For I seem to have lost my "!". Don't get me wrong , it's still on my keyboard but I've felt deflated here of late, like I've lost my posting exclamation mark, but metaphorically.
First, let me take you back to 2016.
First outfit pic posted 29 January 2016 (see sidebar link).
My latest pic, posted 26 January 2019.
I like to think that my day-to-day style has improved over these three years, and that was the key driver to setting up this blog, after all.
And getting my style mojo back over this time has been a blast.
But now I find myself at a blogging crossroads.
And I know I'm not unique, for how many times have I read of other bloggers losing their mojo, taking a sabbatical or stopping blogging all together?
Which direction do I take?
Monetizing the blog would allow me to invest in a more secure and bespoke whizzy site and creatively increase traffic, but it's not for me for several reasons.
So I'll be trying things differently in subject matter and regularity in the coming weeks to see what works for me, and for you, so your feedback will be most welcome.
The stand-alone joys of creating good copy and making fun friendships through comments are not enough, as over time I need to feel that I'm upping my game to keep my personal motivation and momentum going. This blog needs to bring me joy.
But I need to know that my blog brings you joy too, for I don't want you doing a Marie Kondo job on me. (Ooh, I almost felt an "!" moment then ...)
So yes, I'm at a blogging crossroads. Which way do I go?
I have some ideas. TP's given me his suggestions; one was to post more scenic stuff so I can do that now ...
The sea whipped up after Saturday night's gales.
Perhaps you could help me with some feedback on the bits of my blog you have enjoyed (and even those not so much) since you started popping in?
I thank you in advance for helping finding Mary's "!" mojo.
A la perchoine,
Mary x.
Congrats on your blogaversary! :) I think it's natural to have moments where we loose our motivation a little with a blog - especially having it for a few years! A little change sounds good, after all we are every-changing so it makes sense if our blogs do too! :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you had a nice start to the week :) The weekday wear linkup is live on my blog, I'd love you to join! :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Mary. I love to read your blog because you tell a story so well. I always just look forward to seeing what you've been getting up to and reading about you life in general. You have your own style and flair so why would you want to change that at all? You don't need to.I look forward to reading what you come up with next xx
ReplyDeletePs. You haven't shared a beauty post with us readers for some time xx
ReplyDeleteOh precious Mary!!!! (check out the exclamation marks) You and I are truly blogging twins. I'm so sorry you feel like you've lost your mojo, but I have to also say I think that is totally normal! Ask any blogger and if she's being honest, she'll tell you that she's feels the same from time to time. Somedays, I just don't feel it. Somedays, there's no inspiration. Somedays, I really think about stopping...and then someone like yourself comments and lifts me up. You may not see it, but you have grown in the last 3 years. Heck in the last 3 months you've been killing Instagram. If you need some time to reevaluate, then take it and let yourself enjoy. Our blogs should bring us joy, not angst. Love you to pieces sweet lady!!! XOXO OH...and...HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!❤️
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your Blogaversary. I love receiving your posts. Please carry on as you are. I started my little blog like you not to make money but as a hobby in retirement. I now find myself looking forward to and reading peoples posts. Also this has opened up a whole new world of friends. Love - Jill x
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I hope I did not influence you. Please don't stop blogging. I would like to suggest that you keep posting even if you take a little break from "fashion." All of us love the pictures of your beautiful area and the lovely places you visit. AND you are funny and witty and entertaining. :-) I don't want to "lose you." Instagram is great, but your personality just comes out in your blog. I vote to keep it up, even if you take a little break. Do as I say, not as I do ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow, you and Lisa have the same special day! Listen friend, you do you but there is such a place for fabulous women like you on the internet. Try monetizing and see if that doesn't spark your interest. Sharing fashion and lifestyle is such a great way to connect with others but maybe you are feeling the pull to do Instagram? You have been killin' it there lately while I am just the opposite, I just can't seem to find my mojo!
ReplyDeleteHugs my friend!
xo,
Kellyann
Congratulations on your blogoversary, Mary!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly where you are coming from and have asked the same question of myself and on my blog. You wonder if people aren't becoming bored by reading the same things you post about it; because let's face it, few of us live exciting lives! And I am glad not to! Yet, surprisingly people do enjoy reading about the mundane things we do regularly; our outfit decisions; triumphs and mistakes as well our occasional holidays/outings/family and other functions.
I'm not interested in making money from my blog or providing free advertising for companies, either. It also seems to me that lots of previous bloggers are now moving over to Instagram. I don't like it; it's too visually oriented and I like to read about other people's lives which IG can only provide in a very limited way.
So, from my perspective I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog, learning about your outfit choices and buys and learning about your lovely island. Keep on keeping on, I say!!
PS - Just a thought; I found reducing my blogging helps retain my interest. I started out posting weekly but now only do once a fortnight and it suits me better.
xxxxx
Hi Mary, congratulations on your blogaversary.
ReplyDeleteYou’ve been given some great advice here from some lovely ladies and I agree with them all, I think if I was losing my ! I would start reducing the number of times a week I post. Please keep the daily Instagram posts, I like them, due to our time difference they are the first I see in the mornings.
I would miss seeing your daily outfits, your style is similar to mine and you give me inspiration. I loved the posts you did on your outdoor area last year, how's the grape vine going? I also loved the photos of your house decorations at Christmas time, would love to see more of your gorgeous home, what you eat, where you shop, some of your local streets (I always enjoy seeing the restaurants you go to). You live in such an interesting location, I would love to know more about it.
I think most people are just interested in ‘lifestyle’ and it doesn’t have to be glamorous or over the top just the genuine things you do in a day (or over a few days)
I and a lot of others would miss you if you stopped blogging, I’m not a blogger but admire people like you who can blog!
Happy Blog-a-versary, Mary. I've been there too, feeling a dip in motivation. I don't have any sage advice, except change can be good. The hard part is deciding what and how to change:)
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations on your 3 year blogging anniversary. Amazing how time has flown by (and you were having fun!).
ReplyDeleteOh dear...'bloggers block has reared its ugly head. Totally understandable', especially if you do it at the rate that you post the blogs. I agree with Veronica Cooke above who now only posts once a month. I can also imagine that in the wardrobe department you must have 'exhausted' combi options? Perhaps taking it easy for a while is an option, seeing as you also keep yourself busy with Pinterest and Instagram. Take a step back and I'm sure that motivation will return. If not, so be it. You have so many other things that keep you busy enough... As I may have mentioned before, I love your style of writing and there are sooooo many other subjects to write about; beautiful Guernsey being one of them. Maybe just for the time being? Sending you a big hug with a little bit of inspiration. xx