Changes are hard, aren’t they? First you’ve got to deal with the difficult decision to make changes (assuming you’re in control of them – not being in control is a totally different beast), and then there’s actually going through with them. So I’m here with a little smidgen of a rant, and a bit of a request for opinions on my proposed changes to this blog.
Actually, the changes will be to both of my blogs. I’m trying to figure out how to make my fiction blog look more like an author blog. In doing this, I feel the need to remove the fiction from it that’s not in line with the books I write. So I’ll keep the romance, the horror, the poetry, and some of the humorous stuff, but I’m considering moving things like my Second Seat on the Right series over here and rerunning it for 365 days like I did the first time. Despite the fact that I’ve written 960 pieces of fiction and poetry over there in three years, I’ve had 10 times fewer views than I have here on lindaghill.com with a total so far of 1,675 posts, this one included. All this to say, expect some daily fiction here starting in September. Some of you may have read it before, but it’s been a while. What do you say? Are you up for some funny short fiction?
The second change I’m thinking about is a harder one. It’s to do with the Stream of Consciousness Saturday badge. You see, I change it every year, but this is the first time that the creator of our current badge is still around. Every other time I’ve had to retire a badge, I’ve done it with the knowledge that I wasn’t removing a possible point of exposure to an active blogger. Here are our past badges:
It’s time for a change as was stated when I posted the competition for a new badge last year, but I feel kinda bad for John Holton.
What do you think? Read some fiction? Design a new badge? Why does changing stuff around have to be so hard?
August 7, 2017 at 8:15 pm
It’s so hard running 2 blogs Linda. I’d just keep this one and post your short stories once a week maybe and make a heading on your menu to distinguish between blog subjects. 🙂
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August 6, 2017 at 11:32 pm
I was expecting us to change the badge anyway, so by all means, run the contest and I’ll resubmit this one, and maybe do a new one as well. Compete against meself, what? XD
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August 8, 2017 at 11:53 am
Sorry, John, it’s one entry per person. Always has been. You’re going to have to choose! *gasp* 😉
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August 6, 2017 at 1:09 pm
An author blog is certainly a great idea.
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August 6, 2017 at 10:27 pm
I think so too, but they’re so hard! Right up there with writing a blurb. Hahaha. 🙂 Thanks, Jacqui. 🙂
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August 7, 2017 at 1:06 pm
I know right. Those things are not easy in the least. Just start and keep tweaking it around till you feel comfortable with it 🙂
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August 5, 2017 at 12:39 pm
I’m not here as often as I’d like to be so feel free to ignore my opinions. Firstly these are your blogs Linda so you should tailor them to suit you. Hopefully some of the comments will help you make the decision about what changes you implement but you shouldn’t worry so much about upsetting people. Obviously if your stats go down and you feel the changes haven’t met your aims then you might need to rethink. Secondly, the badge. If it’s been changed on an annual basis and I were its designer I wouldn’t feel bad about moving aside for someone else. In fact I would have thought it would be more sensible for the site link shown on the badge to be yours as that’s where the prompt originates from. As previously suggested a competition might work and John could enter the current and a new badge if he wants to, or not. Change can be good though. It’s easy to get set in our ways and not stray from our comfort zones. Good luck with it all.
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August 6, 2017 at 10:26 pm
Thanks, Wendy. 🙂 What you say makes a lot of sense, regardless how long you’ve been away. Welcome back! 😀
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August 5, 2017 at 7:01 am
Yes to an author blog if that is moving you in the direction you want. If the badge has been a competition in the past than that was known going in. Do what feels right in your gut and for you
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August 6, 2017 at 10:24 pm
Yep, I think I will. Thanks for weighing in! 🙂
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August 5, 2017 at 3:06 am
I would love to read your fiction stories on here Linda. As for the badge, well we all know that you do change it every year and I am sure that John would be expecting another competition this year. Having said that, I do love the badge that John designed. I am sure he would come up with another cracker though this year. Personally, I love seeing the creations that everyone comes up with for the badge! 🙂
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August 6, 2017 at 10:22 pm
I know! The competitions are always so exciting, aren’t they? I hope John will enter a badge this year, whether it be the same one or another. 🙂
Thanks for your interest in my fiction, Judy! 🙂 ❤
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August 7, 2017 at 7:36 am
I am looking forward to it 🙂
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August 4, 2017 at 11:41 pm
Linda, since you have published books, I wholly support an author blog. I’ve done a good bit of research on the topic. I think it would be an important step. Just my two cents.
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August 6, 2017 at 10:18 pm
Yes, I agree it’s important. I’m not finding it easy getting the existing one organized differently though. It’s going to take a while.
Thanks for your two cents, Rosemary! 🙂 ❤
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August 4, 2017 at 10:45 pm
As our old friend Tom says, “Change is different.”
That about sums it up.
I can see John submitting and winning again. =D And, since I’ve always missed the chance before, this could be my year to submit something, too…a fun little skill-building challenge! =D
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August 6, 2017 at 10:16 pm
Yes! I’d love to see what you come up with. Keep an eye out for the announcement. 🙂
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August 6, 2017 at 10:59 pm
I’m wrapping up some loose ends so I can do just that! =D
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August 4, 2017 at 9:39 pm
Yay fiction! Badge contest sounds fun! John might even throw in another badge design and be a two-fer. As in winning two years in a row. Not to be confused with a three-peat. I know nothing about the exposure part though. If it takes that away exposure from the wonderful John then stay the course.
Change is good right? Say right 😂
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August 6, 2017 at 10:11 pm
Right! Hehehe. 😉 😀 ❤
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August 4, 2017 at 8:12 pm
I’m afraid I’m no help to you at all–I started blogging exactly 6 years ago, and since then I’ve had close to 100 blogs…so my response to “change” is never minimal; rather I jump ship and move to a new and hopeful yacht. My methods would be counterproductive for your goals, but I hoped to amuse you a bit 🙂
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August 6, 2017 at 10:09 pm
WOW! And I thought I was bad with my dozen or so. 😛 Love your analogy! Hehe. Thanks for the smile, Jael.
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August 7, 2017 at 12:26 pm
You’re most welcome, Linda 🙂 🙂
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August 4, 2017 at 7:52 pm
I don’t mind the badge and I’m happy with any change you make Linda, as change can be like a breath of fresh air..
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August 6, 2017 at 10:06 pm
It certainly can, Michael. Thanks for your support! 🙂
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August 4, 2017 at 5:24 pm
Funny short fiction sounds good. I like John’s badge. Can’t believe it’s coming up on a year!
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August 6, 2017 at 10:04 pm
Time really flies, doesn’t it?
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August 7, 2017 at 3:50 pm
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom.
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August 4, 2017 at 4:43 pm
Redesigning blogs can be very difficult and time consuming. I have started mine a few times and just couldn’t spend so much time doing it. Agonizing over what goes where is hard too. Good luck!
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August 6, 2017 at 10:00 pm
Ugh, it really is. I’m having such a hard time! Thanks, Tessa! ❤ Nice to see you back!
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August 7, 2017 at 3:40 pm
Thanks!
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August 4, 2017 at 3:08 pm
Yes, the current badge stands out, if you run a competition, John still can put his in for running!
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August 4, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Or maybe he’ll want to design a new one, who knows? 🙂
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August 4, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Did you change your profile? Now I can see your face. That’s nice. Creative people have many new ideas. He may design a new one!
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August 6, 2017 at 9:58 pm
I did finally change my profile picture. It’s been four-and-a-half years – about time! 🙂
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August 6, 2017 at 10:06 pm
Good to SEE you!!
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August 6, 2017 at 10:23 pm
🙂 Thank you, Miriam.
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August 7, 2017 at 12:28 am
Thank you for the prompt, the way you word your the instruction put me at ease. I shouldn’t do anything that makes me work too hard! 🙂
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August 4, 2017 at 6:59 pm
You are so wise miriam!
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August 4, 2017 at 8:22 pm
Thank you!
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August 4, 2017 at 2:36 pm
[ Smiles ] I wish you the best of luck with your planned changes!
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August 4, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Thank you, Renard. 🙂
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August 4, 2017 at 2:48 pm
[ Smiles ] You are most welcome, Linda!
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August 4, 2017 at 2:14 pm
I always enjoyed your fiction so I won’t mind reading it wherever. I love John’s badge and will be sad to see it go. HOWEVER, wouldn’t it be possible to put his design in the running again? Then people can still vote for the same one if they like it so much they begged strangers to vote for it last year. 😉
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August 4, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Haha! Sure, why not? 🙂
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August 4, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Just a thought 😉
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August 4, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Not that you’re biased, or anything. 😉
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August 4, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Totally 😉
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August 4, 2017 at 2:03 pm
I think fiction is a great idea firstly! And with regards to the badge, ask John. As you’ve renewed it each year I can’t see it being a problem… As it’s a regular thing you change xx
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August 4, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Thanks, Ritu. 🙂 And yes, I’m waiting to see what John thinks about the whole thing. 😛
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August 4, 2017 at 2:43 pm
😀
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