Maybe blogs are dead. Maybe just Blogger Blogs, or the ones that don't have a million stupid pop-up ads are dead. Maybe just craft blogs?
Yesterday, I was looking for crochet patterns. There were a million free patterns out there, with links you can find on Pinterest or Ravelry, etc. But every link to every blog is so full of spam and pop-ups and cookies infecting my computer, I just quit the search. (And maybe I'll just buy a crochet book, because it's just not worth all the spam.) Is there a way to do a search for ad-free blogs?
Yes, my own blog has been sadly neglected. I used to think of it as a sort of web-page hub for my folk art business. It can still function that way, and maybe should, but it seems nobody goes to blogs anymore. Do they? Everyone wants to use Facebook--which is great, but have you noticed the increasing ads on Facebook? All the "sponsored" posts that show up in the feed whether you want them or not? Between that and the blog ads, it makes me want to avoid the computer altogether. Pinterest is just as bad--all the silly "video" style pins that make me dizzy.
And, the whine fest is done.
Here's the thing...I've been trying to figure out whether to keep this blog. I will never be one of those who allows ads on my blog, because that's just a low-class way to operate. But unless I post regularly, there's nothing new to read here, either, right? When I was an Air Force instructor, I used to tell my studii that not using the right tools the right way is like sweeping the floor with your hands with the broom propped in the corner. I should take my own advice. I've had this blog for over ten years, and it's still a viable option. One that will remain an ad-free place for people who visit.
So here's me, coming up with a plan to write. Daily is a bit ambitious, given that I haven't posted in almost three months. But I can do weekly. Even if I'm not currently making dolls, I'm always making something. Lately, it's been floor plan design, dog training, painting, and sorting fabric for future curtains--not sure if any of that is blog-worthy, but what the hell--it's my blog, right? The main thing is photos. I will need to get more dedicated to before and afters, or works in progress pictures.
For my own edification, and as a substitute for Facebook as a social outlet, I plan to find other blogs to follow--but ONLY the ones that don't allow ads on their sites. (And maybe there's a kernel of weekly blog post ideas here--a feature of ad-free blogs!)
One ad-free blog I recommend highly is Josh Becker's "Becoming Minimalist". I discovered it this summer, at a time when decluttering, streamlining, and simplifying my life was so necessary. Following Mr. Becker's concept of minimalism helped me create a more calm, centered, peaceful home. (And I can clean my entire house--"nosy-company" ready--in less than three hours.)
Y'all have a lovely Wednesday, and I'll see you next week.
As a P.S.: Gypsy graduated from her Intermediate Level training class this last Sunday. Our dog may be a little psycho, but she's a genius psycho. Now, on to Advanced Level!
