Some changes are coming to a2eatwrite.
I am happy and proud to announce that I'm going to be the lead food blogger for annarbor.com, the new electronic entity that will replace the Ann Arbor News when its print edition folds on July 26th (although it will still appear in print form on Thursdays and Sundays - I know... that doesn't quite make sense, but it's all in the name of moving onward and upward).
I'm excited because I've wanted to do more exploration in the field of online media and because any gig that is professional in terms of food writing is, well, very exciting to me.
This blog, however, has always been a mix of things - food blog, yes, in some ways, but certainly also a blog that has covered writing/books topics, politics, and sometimes just plain silliness.
The best part of blogging for me? Meeting all of you.
So, I'd like to ask a couple of questions as I ponder what all this is going to mean. (BTW... annarbor.com isn't really live yet, which is why I haven't posted the link).
1. I only link the blog to the paper - I will be producing 3 - 5 pieces on food and food-related topics each week, but I only link the posts that are food related, so I could leave a2eatwrite intact. BUT...
I could also split it off - food and non-food. I've always had a mix of readers. I have folks who show up predominantly on Wednesdays, and folks who show up predominantly on other days, and folks who show up almost every post.
Is it clearer to split off the other topics, or to keep the blog whole in terms of ease of using RSS feeds, etc.?
2. 3 - 5 posts on food. I'm thinking less is more. I finally updated my blogrolls, and as you can see, I read a lot of blogs. I know that in general, I'm more tempted by fewer posts than every day posts - it gives me something to look forward to. I also, though, don't think there should be any "rules" about posting - it should be up to the individual blogger. What do YOU think about this? What are your preferences?
I guess that's it for now. I hate to impose on you, but I figured you're the experts on what you like/don't like about this blog. Please feel free to write me privately about this, if you prefer - jenshaines at gmail dot com.
I want to thank Jenn, of The Leftover Queen, who already gave me some invaluable input on these topics.
And so begins the adventure...
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44 comments:
Jen, this is so exciting! I am going to be a beer/food blogger, too :)
I like the idea of splitting off into food and non-food because I like some of your non-food stuff. Just be prepared for new readers who will undoubtedly come to your blog, disagree with some of the politics, and have a shit fit. That kind of stuff drives me crazy (which is why I stay away from politics), but you can probably handle it :)
Looking forward to working with you!
I think for simplicity and to save you time...stick to one site. Nothing wrong with attracting an array of readers to your diverse interests.
One site would probably be easiest on you - and easier for the rest of us as well. :)
~*
Patti, I'm always prepared for folks coming on and disagreeing - that's part of the fun of (and challenge of) blogging.
Ed - me, too!
Peter - I really appreciate your advice and perspective and I think I'm leaning in this direction.
Chani, that was my gut, too. Thanks so much for giving me your input.
Congratulations!
And do whatever you want. I read any time you post, so I'll be around regardless.
congrats! this is an exciting opportunity for you! it would be sad to see you end this one though. especailly as i just found you recently. i think there is health in the mix between food related blogs and sloce of life pieces. it allows us to get to know the person behind the food. of course this can be done in one post as well. love to read stories and then find we have been given a "taste" of your life in a recipe as well. have to get T to make the recipes as i am not that great in the kitchen.
as far as posting...i post once a day. i realise there will be some that do not read every post and that it could get overwelming to some. i try to keep my mix of topics different so each one may hit a certain group of people. as you know they usually revolve around my family.
congrats again. look forward to continuing to read, no matter what direction you choose!
Lilac - thanks so much!
Brian - I'll be keeping this blog - I was just trying to figure out whether or not to split it.
Patti - I forgot to say congrats to you - partly because I did on FB already and partly because I think I needed some caffeine - my apologies!
I agree to keep it to one site :) Congrats on your new role!
I visit your blog whenever there is a new post and I think one site does all that you want it to do.
If someone doesn't want to read the topic for the day, they can always come back for the next topic.
Congrats on the new writing job.
Thanks so much, City Girl!
Dru - good point. BTW... I just took Marianne's test and I ended up in Brooklyn, too - despite having grown up on the Upper West Side. Weird. I've always had an affinity for Brooklyn, though.
That's so great!
I don't mind reading a blog with different topics...
Cheers,
Rosa
Congrats. Sounds like an exciting new adventure.
Congrats, Jen! Sounds like an excellent opportunity.
I tend to skip your food posts (as I'm sure you've noticed), but mostly because I'm a small person and if you're not making it for dinner for ME, then forget it!
But you do whatever is best - just keep us posted on where to find you.
This is exciting news! Congratulations!
(And like everyone else here, I'd advise/prefer one site -- Good luck!)
Rosa - one of the things I like about your blog is the variety of topics.
Thanks, Emily!
April - I'm going to keep it set here. And that was my point - I know different folks read different things, and that's just fine.
Thanks for the input, Anno - most seem to be leaning that way.
What a great opportunity, to get paid for what you love to do!
Good luck with that!
Thanks so much, Jenn!
How super exciting!!
My vote is for you to keep it all together - I like reading everything you write, even though I never comment.
Also, I think the local love fridays are awesome.
Thanks so much, Thalia's Child! I am so happy I asked everyone because the answer has certainly been clear.
wow, congratulations! That is such cool news!!! Yihaaa :)..The Ann Arbor News will grow!!
As of my preferences? I love this blog because of you: your food, your love of local businesses, the books, ... I love the mixture, variety of topics.
but as you said: a blog is the freedom of the writer. If the writer is bound by too many rules, it'll be too restrictive.
So just keep doing what you love, as long as we can keep in touch (how's skype by the way? still dead?)
Goofball, I think the consensus is to keep it as one blog. Thanks so much for your input. And yes, skype is still dead because I just have too much work. Sigh.
Ben - thanks so much for the feedback. I've really appreciated everyone's input.
So, so cool! I am thrilled for you! I am late to the party, so take this for what it's worth.
Do you ever look at John Scalzi's blog? "Whatever" is his main blog, but he also has a gig writing once a week for AMC. Whenever one of his AMC posts is up, he puts up a short notice on Whatever and keeps comments for that post closed. That way, anyone clicking over to AMC has only one option for commenting. It is a system that certainly works well for him.
There is a real concensus here and I think that you need to do what YOU want because we will all continue to follow you whatever you choose.
What a fabulous opportunity for you Jen...a real testament to how good you are in so many ways!!! Congrats.
Congrats! :)
congrats! i agree, one site is easier. i like reading about different stuff, not just food. and if people don't like it, they can just skip over certain posts =)
Luisa - what an interesting idea! The thing is, that what I'll actually be doing is uploading A2eatwrite posts, rather than "writing" for annarbor.com, so I think it will be okay, but that's certainly a possible option.
Hotmama - thanks so much for the support! Your kind words are greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Keri!
Good point, Twins (I'm not sure which of you commented) - thanks so much for your input - I greatly appreciate it.
First, Congratulations! This sounds like a wonderful opportunity and one that you will certainly do well with.
I personally think that you should post whatever you like. Daily posts are really tough. I agree that fewer is better sometimes. But I'll be here regardless of whatever you decide :)
Thanks so much, Momisodes. I won't ever be doing the daily thing - I know my limits. ;-) I appreciate your perspective, though, especially as I think you carried that off brilliantly, but I know it took a real toll on you.
Holy freaking cool, lady!!! That's so exciting. Congratulations.
As for advice, I have none to share. I'll be here whatever you decide. I'm SO excited for your new gig!!!
Congrats Jenn, how exciting!!! I would also agree that it would be much easier for you to stick to one blog.
How exciting! Congratulations!
Brillig - thanks so much! And thanks for the kind words.
Ivy - again, thanks for your input - this is really helpful.
Thanks, Betsy!
Oh, this is so exciting! Congrats! I will read but, of course, not comprehend (through my own failings) anything you write about cooking. ;-)
And speaking as someone with two blogs? You seriously want only one. Trust me on this.
Thanks, Charity - you certainly have a clear perspective on this, and your input is greatly appreciated (as it always is)!
I started coming to your blog mainly for the food. But I keep coming back because I enjoy all of your topics! But I think it is too hard to maintain 2 blogs, so keeping this one, may be the easiest for you!
I look forward to seeing it all evolve, and it was great chatting with you the other day! :)
Jen, I'm so excited for you. There's nothing like the thrill of writing. Even though blogging originally started out as an online journal for most people, it's apparent that the experience has grown to greater proportions. BUT, since blogging is still a very personal way of expressing yourself, I strongly believe that anything goes, even in food writing. All experiences in our lives affect how we think about food, how we cook or bake and how we eat. So, go for it. Speak your mind, be adventurous and do let me know when you're online. Best of luck. :)
Jenn - Again, my thanks for your help, and it was such fun to chat - I agree!
Teresa - Thank you so much for the encouragement. BTW... I found out about your blog via a link from Jenn - I love the networking of the food blogging world!
Yay for you! That is so exciting.
Whatever you choose to write, I will want to read. I love what you do here.
What an exciting project! I think you should keep the mixture of topics on the same single site. I focus more on your food articles but I love when I find another post that is not food related that interests me.
Thanks so much, Virtual - I really appreciate the kind words.
Maggie, again, thanks for the input - I definitely think that will be the choice.
Congrats Jen!
I will read whatever you write about. you have a way with words.
x
A
How wonderful! Congratulations!
I'm with all those who say whatever you think is fine; I've also thought about splitting mine, but for me, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to keep up with several, so I keep a mix. Works for me, but as I said, whatever you choose will be perfect :)
Thanks for the kind words, NYC!
Michelle - I'm with you... I've been feeling much easier having made the decision. Thanks so much for your input!
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