Truth is, I don't know. I think the simple fact is that I like to write. Not that many people read my blog. I see the stats. Not many people PIN stories from my blog, but there are more than I thought. I won't moneytize my blog. Not many people make money from blogging. Few can quit their day jobs only too blog.
I started this blog to promote my beads and my Etsy store. Life on the web, of course, has been turned upside down since Etsy blatantly allowed resellers to sell their "handmade" products made in other countries and shipped here for sales on Etsy, even though Etsy still denies this ever happened.
I'm not sure what happened since they have gone public. I image that the importers are still making a lot of money for themselves and for Etsy. I know that Etsy appreciates this. My Etsy store has become almost non-existent.
I've added a lot of polymer clay items to my store. There is not a lot of appreciation for polymer clay, but I wish there were. I'm thinking of handmade tools for the store, but I haven't gotten there yet.
So much to see and do.
Wrist surgery makes it difficult for me to turn a mandrel, so I haven't been making glass beads. Facebook has some wonderful venues for selling glass beads, but so little for clay. Yes, Whine! Whine! Whine! Not really, just the facts.
So, why am I still blogging? I don't know. I like to write. The blog is mine so I can say anything I want on this blog. Do you blog? Why do you blog? Maybe I'll find some incentive by listening to you. I don't think I can answer that question right now. Hmmmmmmmm!
Sometimes I don't post much, but I still really enjoy my blog. It motivates me to be creative. It makes me reflect and think. It's a comforting support network. It's fun to see what all these artsy/beady people in every corner of the world are doing. I would never try to make money off my blog because FOR ME that would taint it. I'm sure someone has studied blog burnout. If I put a huge amount of effort out, and felt like I got nothing back in return, I would stop. To blog, or not to blog - it's a very personal question. You have a lot of followers, people obviously read your blog. Don't give up quite yet. Maybe if you take some time and find something you feel excited about you can change gears a little and fall back in love (with your blog, silly).
ReplyDeleteI for one am glad that you blog. I enjoy reading your posts and I love the pics. I guess that I should start commenting more.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same as you about blogging only you have ALOT more viewers that I do. lol ! Still, like you, I enjoy writing. At one time, I wanted to write books or poems or something. Those were dreams of long ago. sigh. Anyway, keep on bloggin'. It's fun, it's relaxing and you do get to say what YOU want on YOUR blog. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for your wrist - if you want to continue to make glass beads, get an EMS. I've had 3 wrist surgeries and believe me, the EMS really helps ! I NEVER could of made beads without one and I've been doing just that for over ten years (on and off for 10 years that is) now.
Thanks, for the kind words, everyone!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, what is an EMS?
EMS - Electric Mandrel Spinner by Bearfoot Art. Here's a link to the website http://www.bearfootart.com/category_144/Tools.htm If they don't have any there, they do sell them now at other glass related websites. I just don't know where. I bought one of Scott's first 10 spinners on Ebay back when. lol ! He's come a LONG way since. :)
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, it's been a life saver. If you have hand, wrist or arm issues, this is the way to go if you want to continue making beads. Are you a member of LE ? They do sell them there in the Garage Sale room occasionally. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my EMS. :)
Thanks, Debbie!
ReplyDelete