At the same time, over 60,000 new blogs are created every single day. Of course, not all of them contain content immediately. Most that start with high hopes don't last 30 days. Still more are maintained for a time and then stop adding fresh content. But, at least 145 million blogs are out there covering every interest and niche.
There are some areas that have more bloggers than can ever be supported or read. Starting a new blog about blogging, or SEO optimization, financial planning and investments, or being a mommy is probably a waste of time. These niches are covered a mile wide and a mile deep. Sure, you may attract some readers, maybe even thousands, but breaking into the top ranks of Google or making any real money are fantasies.
Retirement Blogging
How about retirement? According to several sources the top 10 most influential blogs about retirement are financially oriented. If you type in Satisfying Retirement I am happy that this blog has 8 of the top 10 listings. It is also on the first page for the search team, Retirement Lifestyle. All that is good, but hasn't translated to much in the way of advertising support because without a financial focus this blog is on a side channel of the retirement river.
As other bloggers have noted, keeping a blog up-to-date with fresh content, responding to comments, and using social media to keep the "brand" in front of people takes a chunk out of each day. When a fresh post has to be researched, written, re-written, and proofed 3 or 4 hours can easily vanish.
One of the retirement bloggers I mentioned stopped writing because she and her husband had decided they wanted to do more together, instead of spending hours apart, each in front of his and her computer. The blog had become something that was keeping the two of them apart, so it had to stop.
Coming up with fresh ideas is a constant chore. After all, there is only so much anyone can write about any one topic. Even the biggies repeat content on a regular basis, albeit with a different title. But, the 10 ways to optimize a blog can only be written about so many times before there is nothing new left to say.
What about this blog?
So, with all that said, what about this blog? I will have been at it for two years in June. I have written well over a quarter of a million words. The number of visitors has just passed 200,000. That sounds like a lot until one realizes some of the biggest blogs achieve more than that in a month.
Advertising support has been very slow to develop. At the moment it is enough to pay for the photos I download, the yearly cost of the domain name, and an occasional treat like the Kindle Fire. But, with a narrow niche like non-financial retirement, I am fighting for a small part of the advertising pie.
So, What Will I Do?
There are days I want to stop writing so much and only post something fresh every week or so. There are times when I am stumped about what to write. There are periods when I am frustrated there isn't a bit more advertising support.
Then there are days when the e-mail in-box is full of new comments to something posted a day earlier. There are e-mails that thank me for discussing a subject important to the e-mail writer. There are those times when someone thanks me for having a positive attitude in a world that seems to thrive on negativity.
So, I am not ready to close my door and say, enough is enough. I am not ready to quit what I have come to find is an important part of my day and my routine. Sure, at times this is a chore and not much fun. But, until that becomes the dominant feeling I'm going to keep writing. I don't know when I will say to myself that I have accomplished what I set out to do in June, 2010. But, I'm pretty sure I will know when that happens. And, when it does you will be one of the first to know.
So, assuming you'd like to help me keep plugging away, here is how you can help me:
- tell me what you want to read about the most.
- What post subjects do you enjoy the most?
- What would you like me to stop writing so much about?
- What do you keep waiting for me to address but I haven't yet, and you are getting tired of waiting?
Oh, and if you own a business or service that would benefit from helping to sponsor the leading non-financial retirement blog, I'd love to hear from you.
Is that too direct?
did we lose All Door Considered and Living Richly in Retirement? ronaldjJ
ReplyDeleteI missed Living Richly in Retirement's exit message. Did she leave one? I hope all is well with her?
DeleteShe and her husband decided to spend more time with each other rather than in front of separate computers. I believe she maintains a few other blogs, but the retirement one was sacrificed for the greater good.
DeleteAll Doors Considered closed down a week or so ago, but the second one was not Living Richly in Retirement...Barb continues to blog...on 3 different blogs! Another blogger with a very similar blog name did quit the same day Morrison did for the reasons noted above. She was in the non-financial retirement category but I can't find the name any more because it has been removed from the Internet.
DeleteBut...never fear...FrugalTexasgal, Barb, is still Living Richly in Retirement..... and blogging.
Very interesting post, Bob. You're so right that blogging does take up time and effort, mostly with little return. The people out there making money are mostly teaching others how to make money too, or else they have some sort of financial advice.
ReplyDeleteMy blog has been going since Sept, 2008 and I know at times it is difficult to find things to write about. I've developed a niche in boomer and senior health issues and alternative remedies, etc, but there isn't much income associated it it. I have a health website and a knitting blog which make far more than the boomer lifestyle blog.
Still, my blog is self-supporting and I have developed a sense of responsibility to my readers which keeps me going. I have to admit, I don't post as much as I once did, mainly because we're trying to get our house ready to sell to downsize. Another reason too is that I'm trying to develop a life away from the computer! I used to find myself sitting in front of the computer, letting time go by, when I could have been using my time in a better way for my own personal growth.
I can certainly relate if someone wants to use their time in another way than blogging.
Heavens, Joan, how do you find the time and energy to maintain three blogs?
DeleteThe word "responsibility" is a good one. I feel that pull, too. In this particular niche I believe I have something valuable to share. I'm a little surprised that the number of visitors hasn't translated into a bit more advertising support, but such is life.
Over time I may think about cutting back from three to two fresh posts a week. I've just added a major new time commitment to my prison volunteer work that may force me to make a blogging reduction. We'll see.
I know some bloggers have enlisted "guest" bloggers to contribute now and then or even on a weekly basis on topics directly or indirectly related to the blog. Perhaps an expert on senior medical issues, or elder law, senior housing, etc... How you would find them however, I don't know! Maybe you could have a day a week to write about something entirely different from blogging. You seem to enjoy writing and it must be hard to tie every thought you have to retirement. However, if your goal is to make money that probably wouldn't fly.
ReplyDeleteI frankly don't know how you bloggers do it...but I'm sure glad you do!
Just a thought.
Finding guest posting is not really a problem. I get several requests a week to run someone else's article. The problem is quality. Frankly, the writing of those submissions isn't very good. I spend almost as much time editing and cleaning up the writing as I would just doing it myself. Maybe finding real experts instead of those who just want to include a link to a commercial site would improve the quality of submissions!
DeleteWriting about subjects other than retirement on occasion...I'll have to think about that. That may be an interesting angle. Thanks for the suggestions and kind thoughts, Jane.
Bob have you looked at Christian Personal Finance? I bet you could find some quality articles there to post.
DeleteI have, Sue, but not for quite awhile. I'll make a note to go there to see if something strikes my eye. Thanks for the idea.
DeleteOoops, I hit the publish button too soon. I meant to say - Maybe you could have a day a week to write about something other than "retirement". As for your bulleted list:
ReplyDelete*I would like to read more about the psychological side of retirement and less of the financial.
*As a nonblogger I get bored reading about the process of "blogging", however I understand that most of your readers are bloggers themselves so that is very relevant to them.
I have taken up enough space here so I will leave with the hope you can find some new inspiration and keep on writing. I look forward to your blog posts and wish you well!
Thanks, Jane. Good thoughts. Thanks for taking the time add more thoughts.
DeleteI love my blog. I don't make any money on ads or anything like that. I think I do get some customers for my beads though. I only have 106 followers. But I feel like I know most of them as we all comment on one anothers blog regularly.
ReplyDeleteI write when I have something to say. Usually about once a week. It is usually about my bead work but occasionally I get off topic about this or that. I don't get political or religious. I draw the line there but I do talk about things going on in my life especially if it interferes with my beads and jewelry work.
I have no plans to stop. There are some blogs on retirement living that I stopped following. They just weren't that interesting or relevant. So far I have kept yours and "Sixty Five What Now." You are both great writers and always (or almost always) post about things I find interesting and important.
I think when people have no more to say to the world then they should stop. People will stop following them anyway.
So carry on please...............
Isn't the real trick to know when one hasn't anything more to add to the discussion but is still writing out of habit and ego?
DeleteThanks, Roberta. It is an interesting world we both spend time in.
I blog for the friendship...I never got into the advertising..(almost!), so I don't have the obligation to blog...
ReplyDeleteI like all of your posts Bob. It's kind of like looking into the future for me...:)!
Carry on as you have, but make sure you are spending time with your precious wife! :)!
Yes, not only my wife, but our brand new puppy! (post with pictures coming soon).
DeleteAS long as I cover my expenses I realize I'm in a niche that might not attract a lot of advertisers; I am OK with that. I don't ever want to have to write a certain way or compromise my independence just to generate a little extra spending money.
Oh, congrats on the new puppy! Look forward to photos. :-)
DeleteNow that's something I'd like to see LOTS of posts about, the new puppy. I know I am not the only retiree that continues to struggle with the decision of if and when to add a canine companion to the retirement mix.
DeleteWe struggled with the decision for well over a year, and then spent another 5 months finding the one we wanted. Two days in and I'm still sane. I'll have something ready to go (with pictures) in a few days.
DeleteIt has already affected our lives...we are skipping an Australian wine tasting event tonight and cutting short a visit to the Scottsdale Art Festival this weekend because it is too soon to leave her alone. We have to carefully coordinate our schedules over the next several weeks so someone is always here. But, hopefully she will be able to be left alone for a few hours at a time within the next month or so.
I'm anxious to see what happens when we take her on a road trip. That will be worth at least a post or two.
Oh my gosh, that's awesome! BUT, you are right, it will change your freedom a bit....I very rarely want to leave my "boy" alone, so we tend to stick around the house. I'm planning a trip to visit my daughter in FL, but only if I have someone home with him! Can't wait to see the pics!
DeleteA post with pictures goes up Tuesday. So far, so good. Out of 10 "bathroom breaks" a day, 8 make it outside. Not bad for only 4 days. And, at less than 4 pounds, her piddles are quite small!
DeleteA great truthful post, and yes, I can relate in so many ways, especially the hours I spend at my computer. Please consider podcasting. I am interviewing The Podcast Guy tomorrow in the U.K. He's an expert on this and I'd love for you to spread the news to others and to ask me your question, so I can ask Dave, The Podcast Guy something new and fresh. Thanks Bob, and keep blogging. We're all working so hard at this together.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Except for knowing what a podcast is I don't know anything about how it works to build an audience. My question would be a very basic one: how does a podcast help build a blog?
DeleteI'll look forward to the interview.
Forgot to say you need to come over here to write your question down for me.
ReplyDeletehttp://soniamarsh.com/2012/03/a-gutsy-way-to-grab-more-readers.html
'
Ok...will do.
DeleteBob, Your blog is one of my favorite ones. Yes, there is a lot of blogs out there but some just all sound the same to me. Yours is unique in the way that you write. It is not boring and covers many subjects that are interesting and easy to read. Keep blogging. I have not suggestions for you because you cover it all!
ReplyDeleteWell, Ann, you've made my afternoon...thank you. I'll go through periods when I get a burst of ideas that I think readers may find interesting. Then, for 5-6 days my brain is like the desert I live in. Luckily, I tend to have 10 days of blogs written and scheduled ahead of time!
DeleteIf there ever is a subject that comes to mind, please drop me a note. I may be deep into a dry spell and will embrace your idea with open arms.
I started my blog primarily because I just wanted to document my thoughts as I transitioned for full time employment to retirement, and learning about this thing called "blogging" was intriguing at the time. Picking up followers I didn't know was an unexpected turn of events, but never, ever my goal going in. I actually went screaming down the hallway in nervous excitement to my husband the first time I discovered I had a follower that wasn't related to me!
ReplyDeleteI blog primarily because I really enjoy the creative process of gathering my thoughts and putting together a snapshot of my life, which I hope my daughters will cherish in the years to come. Even if no one ever looked at my blog again I would continue to do it for the creative outlet it provides.
If just the joy I take in living my life comes through, I'll be satisfied.
Bob, I've enjoyed your wisdom for some months now, and would enjoy having you share more about what you do as you move through your day. I really do enjoy reading about how people are living their lives in a way that provides them with meaning and satisfaction, joy, or just quiet happiness.
Tamara: I have to add that I really enjoy reading your blog too. Even though I'm entering my 5th year of retirement, I love reading the thoughts of the new retiree. It reminds me to look at it with fresh eyes and appreciate things I have come to take for granted.
DeleteI've had a few requests for a recap of a typical day of mine. I will do that soon, but probably expand it a bit to cover a full week. I don't have a typical day so I think would be better to give folks a look at a longer period. The challenge will be to make it interesting and helpful rather than just a self-indulgent look at the life of Bob.
DeleteBlogger offers the opportunity to gather previous posts and have them put together in a nicely bound book. I like that idea for permanency and to let others in the family see what I was up to. I haven't pursued that yet, but your comment makes me think I should move forward.
Your hubby retires in May, doesn't he? You guys all set to be with each other 24/7?
He does! And yes, more than ready to have him 24/7. He's my best friend and the wisest person I know. He's completely intrigued to hear of your prison ministry by the way, as he has spent time looking into doing something like this himself in the past. I must admit it makes me very nervous, so hearing more about your experiences would be tremendous. (And hope by now you have a sense of how much you'd be missed if you stop blogging! (And you too Syd!))
DeleteI will have another post about prison ministry sometime in the next week or so. I am beginning regular monthly visits to a prison about 3 hours from Phoenix as well as twice a month visits to a prison just over an hour away. I really feel called to put my faith into action and give these fellows something they lack: basic human respect and a sense they can become productive members of society again. The organization I work with has a nearly 80% success rate in keeping men and women in their program from going back to jail. That is worth all the driving and time if I can help in some way to make that happen.
DeleteI'd love to talk with your husband about this at some point. We can exchange e-mails and I'll be glad to talk with him on the phone if he thinks that's appropriate.
Is there another living richly in retirement? I know I changed my name. Personally, I continue to blog and have expanded to three blogs (one for quilting and one for my errand business), but I blog when I feel like it. I dont worry about how many people read it, really keep track of visits or much of anything else. I was sorry to see Morrison go, I dont know who the other person is
ReplyDeleteYES, Yes, Yes......Barb (former frugal Texas gal) is alive and well and blogging. Her blog remains permanently embedded on my blog roll.
DeleteThere was another blog that quit the same week as Morrison with a name almost identical to yours, Barb. I can't find it at the moment but as I noted above she said she wanted to spend more time with her husband and less with the computer.
Thought I should add, as Tamara well nows, for whatever reason her blog will not allow me to comment, even as an anonomous person....havent figured out why, but I do read her all the time
ReplyDeleteThis year will be retirement year for my husband and me. I have enjoyed reading your blog, but haven't made time yet to go back and ready the historical pieces.
ReplyDeletePlease know that even though I may not "Reply" that I feel more settled knowing that there are many others out there in the same situations as well as resources to help answer the questions that are in our heads and will certainly come up in the future.
We are in Canada, and hoping to spend some time in your beautiful Phoenix area, as I know many other Canadian and US retirees enjoy. I'm sure if I looked back in your prior posts you probably mention people retiring to sunny climates.
That would certainly be of interest to me. Perhaps you have made friends with some of us 'snowbirds from the north' and could share their view of wintering in the USA, maintaining 2 homes, or renting, or RV'ing, etc. Highlights of the good and bad, pitfalls to avoid, etc.
As you may have guessed, we haven't decided exactly what our plans are for Winter 2012/13. So without having to sell our home here, the easiest will be to rent, possibly in various areas, and that may help us to decide what we want for the future.
In any event, I am sad to hear that the bloggers who have stopped also removed all their content. I guess that is to be expected since they would have to pay for hosting etc. But such a loss of information!
Thank you Bob for forging ahead. I may not post often, but I am listening.
Lesley
Glad you are here! Since the national average is only 1% of blog readers leave comments, you are part of the 99% we keep reading about!
DeleteThere are a lot of Canadians in Arizona in the winter time. Housing prices have dropped so much that now is a good time to buy a condo or space at a manufactured home park that has winter-time rentals.
I would certainly encourage renting for the first few times down here. There are several options for housing, as well as several sections of the Phoenix area that are each quite different. You'd be best served by checking them out before making a major commitment.
Barb, at the Retire in Style Blog (listed on the right hand sidebar) lives in a rental unit in Tucson in the winter and in Portland in the summer. She would be a good person to begin making contact with.
The idea of snowbird problems and positives would be an interesting post. Let me do some research and put on my thinking cap and see what I can come up with.
Bob, You might want to head over to Barbara on zerotosixtandbeyond. I told her about you and she has a great post about "How do you handle flux" retirement issues. http://zeroto60andbeyond.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sonia. I will certainly follow your suggestion.
DeleteHi Bob. My this has been some active discussions. Its amazing to me how one little thought can stir so much activity. I wish I could figure out a formula for that and patent it :) As you can see from all these comments you are very much appreciated for the words and thought you give us. Don't ever stop blogging.
ReplyDeleteHere are some ideas for posts I would like to see:
1)Travel destinations -- sometimes when I get the travel itch nothing seems to come to mind to scratch it. It would be nice to see some ideas in this area
2)My Time, Our Time - Byt this I mean how do you occasionally separate from your better half and do things on your own. How do you determine when to do that and how do you do it. I struggle with this sometimes.
3)Out of your comfort zone -- I love hearing stories about doing things that did not feel comfortable the first time around. Your prison ministries blogs are very inspiring to me. Do more in this area
That's it for now. Of course you will hear from me again as I also enjoy hearing from you on my blog.
All three ideas are excellent. In fact, I have taken a major step forward in the prison ministry area...ironically one of the reasons I have had to look closely at blogging because what I have agreed to do will take a few large chunks out of my month. I will certainly write about what is happening in this area and how I attempt to keep things in balance.
DeleteBTW, I just watched a documentary on Netflix called "Lord, Save us From Your Followers." It was powerful and moving. I think you would enjoy it. It reduced me to tears and helped strengthen my conviction that what I do with prisoners is meaningful and necessary.
I like RJ's suggestions.
DeleteI've already started working on all three. I like his suggestions, too.
DeleteYour blog gives readers much to think about when it comes to considering a retirement lifestyle. I don't know how you manage publishing a new post 7 days a week.
ReplyDeleteAs a boomer travel blogger, I sympathize with the demands that blogging places on your life, especially if it is a business for you. I started my blog in May 2008 as a platform for my freelance writing business. However, the blog took on a life of its own. One thing many small business owners fail to do (and blogging is a business) is to predict how the business (or blog) will look several years down the road or what will happen if the business becomes successful. Is it something you can sustain? Is it something that you want to be doing at 70, 75 even 80? I ask myself that question when too many hours behind the computer affects my fitness and time with my husband.
About retiring to Tucson - that's where I live, although my husband and I are currently relocating to Montana full time. Two years ago, I could have used a post on how to determine if owning two homes is right for me. Ha!
Keep up the great work.
First, I just clicked over to your blog and said, "I know that spot!" In fact, about 12 years ago my daughters, wife, and I went scuba diving in Kealakekua Bay. We rented a house on the hillside just above that bay and were blessed to see it every day for a week. On the dive trip we went down almost 75 feet. I still remember the beauty and absolute majesty of that part of the Big Island.
DeleteI really don't think of the blog as a business. But, I always try to make whatever I am involved in the best it can be, so I mentally treat the blog as if it were a major source of income. That means constantly trying new things, learning new things, and pushing myself. The net result is a lot of time spent on something that is really just a hobby and outlet for my need to write. I must constantly remind myself to not get too wrapped up in it all. I have too many other balls in the air that I don't want to drop.
Tucson to Montana...that will be quite an adjustment.
Your experience at Kealakekua Bay sounds awesome. Renting a home close by really gave you a chance to get to know the area.
DeleteYou are doing a great job of walking the blogging tightrope.
Whew! For a minute there, I thought you were announcing the end of your blog!! Glad that isn't the case. I really enjoy your blog. Now I am looking forward to puppy pictures and adventures.
ReplyDeleteI don't blog to make money. Mostly just to air some of my thoughts. Some days it is about aging, sometimes politics, often about birding trips and life on our 4 acres. Rather eclectic -- like me, a hodgepodge.
The puppy has been rather amazing so far after less than 48 hours. She has already figured out the doggie door and to go into her crate when she is ready to sleep. Otherwise she naps right at our feet or plays and cuddles. I'll have a post with pictures up either Monday or Tuesday.
DeleteNo, I'm going anywhere for now. I just have to figure out the best balance between blogging and the other activities and passions in my very busy and satisfying retirement! I don't want blogging to be a chore. It has to stay fun and rewarding to be worth it. So far, so good.
Yes you are absolutely true. Now a days people stopping or totally deactivating the blog. As per my experience reason is not time alone but also from WordPress and Blogger side also. Because I have seen blogs are automatically deleted or deactivated without any reason. This is really a great slap to the creator. Quite informative post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBob, I read this a few days ago and I've been thinking about why I choose to read different blogs. There are a multitude of financial blogs for retirement and I honestly don't read any of them on a regular basis. That information is definitely out there, everywhere, and so much of it is contradictory.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been reading your blog for long and can't remember exactly how I found it. Maybe from The Simple Dollar or The Bold Life? Not sure, but when I found it I really enjoyed it and spent time reading back through your archives.
Your blog appeals to me because it addresses life in retirement. Not just how you pay for it but how you spend it. It's not that I'm not concerned about the financial issues in retirement, but that I am even more concerned about the psychological changes and the relationship changes. I'm interested in reading about the way that aging and retirement changes us, both the good and the bad.
For instance, I've wanted a dog for years and the thought of getting one in retirement appeals to me, but I'm also concerned about the same things that you have voiced, the time commitment and traveling issues. I'm looking forward to see how your new dog fits into your life.
I've also used some of the resources you shared on health matters in a post from a couple weeks ago. It's handy to have links that go to quality sites, there is just so much information out there. And some of it is really "out there!"
I can certainly understand that a daily blog would take up a lot of time and it's a shame you haven't attracted more advertisers. If you were to go down to a few posts a week I don't think you would lose any readers.
Good luck and thank you for your willingness to share so much information with us.
CindyP.
Thank you. Cindy. You have highlighted what I hope folks who visit here get in exchange for their time: a view of what retirement can be like..both the good and the not-so-good. I also love it when people will leave a new idea or viewpoint that stirs deeper discussion. All of us can learn from each other...and I'm the very first one in line for extra tutoring!
DeleteGoing from a fresh post every 2 days to every 3 days is a possibility, but not now.
I appreciate you, too, and love reading through your blog. I am interested in the lifestyle and relationship blogs and I like to see time management ideas. Pretty much all the types of things you write about. I'm glad you list resources for us to reference so that we can research an idea further. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm never sure if the links to other web sites are helpful, but several comments including yours, Jan, tell me they are good. So, I will continue. Based on a suggestion from Barb at the Retire in Style Blog, I have made a change so if you are using Internet Explorer clicking on a link opens another window so you don't actually leave this site.
DeleteTime management is an area I should be able to explore a bit more.
I was worried you were giving us the big farewell post, Bob. Happily, that's not the case. I think I stumbled onto your blog from the Money Magazine article and I visit every day and hop to other sites from your blog list. I will admit to seeing that the extremely negative blogger was hanging it up.
ReplyDeleteIt was only recently that I understood blogging was often a money-making proposition, rather than a hobby, after following Get Rich Slowly sporadically since it started. The other craft blogs I follow are labors of love.
We are nearing retirement and would like to be rain birds, escaping from Seattle, to Phoenix or Tucson for the winter months so I enjoy any posts that relate to that in any way, no matter how loosely. I enjoy the relationshiparticles and everyday finances.
This will probably post as anonymous as I can't figure out how to get my name to appear--lol.
Denise
You did figure it out, Denise! Rainbirds...that's good. My wife and I would like to spend our summers in Portland but that will wait until our grandkids are older.
DeleteI don't figure this non-financial retirement niche is going to ever generate more income than just enough to pay what it costs to produce. Frankly, that's fine. If I were writing for the money my content could be affected in a way I might not like.
Several folks have asked for more on maintaining two homes. I'll look into that and see what I can find that might help.
I'd jump on the two home bandwagon. We are considering a second home (small apartment) by our daighter's family.
ReplyDeleteI'd also love a guest post from your wife on her photography.
As far as blogs... It seems many women blog for an outlet. Menseem to be business minded. Many more men have owned blogs that have been bought in my experience.
Keep up the good work Bob!
OK..the two home post it is. I'll get busy.
DeleteBetty is about to start re-finishing the front door area (with a little help from me). That will be a post of two!
Her photography? Great idea. Will do.
I read the Economist and Fortune magazines, but also Good Housekeeping and Better Homes and Gardens. I'm either well-rounded or weird.
Bob,
ReplyDelete50 comments is pretty good confirmation that you provide value. What I like is your perspective on life and your experimentation. It's what I'm trying to do. How can you make getting older an adventure and keep going when all the parts don't work quite the way you remember.
I've learned some things as an ultasettantini in Venice. The good news is you can still do it. You just have to make some new rules.
OK, I've googled the word, ultasettantini, and get nothing. What does it mean? And, how was your vacation in Venice?
DeleteI write about making life an adventure, but I'd like to actually live a bit more adventurously. Maybe that's a good topic. Thanks, Ralph.
All I can say is my heart was in my throat as I scanned quickly, fearing that I would find the dreaded words that you were stopping. Whew, what a relief. Don't scare me like that! I can't even think straight about what you should write about because I got so upset! I'm happy to read anything you write. I even read your posts that are not directly relevant to my life because I just like to see what you have to say about...well, anything.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, no pressure now! Seriously, Galen, that will keep me
Deletegoing when I am completely out of ideas! I've had several very good suggestions for posts in all these comments so I should be recharged for well into the future.
I have noted before, and I'll say it again: the greatest readers in the world find their way to this blog. Like Joan noted in her comment, I feel a sense of responsibility that keeps me going even when it is more of chore than a joy. Importantly, that feeling of it all being work doesn't happen very often.
Galen, you are a true friend and I appreciate you.
Don't stop. I recently joined the crowd here and find it quite enjoyable. I'm on verge or leaping and find your content to be revealing and enlightening. You have a lot to give and it's obvious I'm not the only one who thinks so....
ReplyDeleteWhen I hit a creative wall (and I will) I'll re-read the comments on this post to hang in there. Thanks, Allan. I've enjoyed your comments and having you be part of this family of readers.
DeleteDon't know if I can add anything radically new, but I'm very thankful you weren't signing off your blog!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy most everything you write about. Good writing is so enjoyable to read and makes me think. Sometimes just "living" for me is caught up in the mundane chores of life so it's nice to have an intellectual site to visit and expand my horizons.
Thank you for such a nice compliment, Susan. No, I'm not going anywhere. There are too many nice people to interact with and things to learn about retirement!
DeleteBob, I have noted the demise of Morrison's blog, also. I miss her quirky point of view and would truly be sad to see your blog go. What can we do to entice you to stay?
ReplyDeleteMy DH is retiring early in May and we avidly read your blog for a sense of what a good retirement looks like. We have your book and reading that. I know that it is a huge commitment to blog frequently, we would appreciate anything that you can continue to do.
Your writing is marvelous and your insights always appreciated. Your mention of your "hobby" of prison ministry caused us to start thinking outside of our usual comfort box. We are signing on to be first responders with American Red Cross when DH retires.
Thank you for all you do for the online community. It is appreciated!
Don't worry, Glo. I'm not following Morrison into the sunset. There will be a time when I will move on to something else, or maybe even another blogging subject. But, that time is not now.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased that you are looking into an involvement outside of your comfort box. It is so important that we give of our time and talents, whatever they may be. Actually, I have added a new level of commitment to the prison ministry that starts on Tuesday. Sometime in the next week or so I'll write about what is happening.
Thank you for being a blog reader, reading the book, and being a part of our merry band of retirees..future and present!
You stick around! I'm new to your blog and am looking forward to perusing your posts. I just turned 50 and am still working away, but a girl can dream!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoyed your insight and contributions at All Doors Considered. I didn't realize Morrison was pulling the plug - did she even say farewell? I just went to the link one day and ::poof:: nothing! I was shocked, and admit I am still in withdrawal.
You know, if you need a break now and then, you should network with other bloggers or retirees and have them contribute guest posts. Please forgive if you've done that already, I haven't had time yet to persue the archives.
Congrats on your new puppy! She is just adorable. Yees, they are pretty much terminal toddlers. You really do have to adjust your life when you have a puppy, or even a dog. I prefer shelter dogs myself. Either way, I find animals truly enrich my life.
Hi, Deb. I'm not going anywhere. I still enjoy it too much.
DeleteYes, Morrison did mention that she was writing a blog for her new job and decided that was enough. Within a few hours the blog was gone.
Our first real test with the puppy will be Wednesday morning and Thursday evening when Betty and I have to be out of the house for about 90 minutes each time for meetings.
Hello Bob, You were honest and direct in conveying the frustration that sometimes besets content generators and Blog writers. You did the right thing by honestly questioning readers for opinions and ideas for content. Even though I'm a new follower of your Blog, here's a suggestion: I know you're based out of Arizona and don't know the extent of travel resources you have at your disposal, but perhaps a series of trips and corresponding reviews of the Nation's top retirement destinations or regions would begin to foster content to write about. Another option: develop a team of contributive writers to help author this series from the top retirement markets. If this sparks your imagination and you ever find yourself in the Carolina Lowcountry let us know and we'll show you some Southern hospitality in the coastal town of Habersham. Good luck with your future blogging!
ReplyDeleteThose are some great ideas. I especially like the concept of having writers who know a particular retirement area share details of that location as a future home. As long as the submissions are honest assessments and don't turn into PR pieces, that could be a great service. For example, any piece about the communities around Phoenix better talk about surviving 110 degrees in the summer!
DeleteI clicked on your link and found it quite attractive. Habersham looks beautiful. Thanks for your comment and ideas.