Over the past month or so I was becoming increasingly irritated and discouraged by blogging. It seemed like every new blog I found was obsessed with the same thing, more "followers" which is fine I totally understand if you are a "for pay" blog. Also keep in mind there are plenty of genuine people out there(I've found a few) but I found myself trying to emulate these people's blogs, and when I stopped and thought about it, i dont really like some of these people...but I was trying to play the game.
I've been keeping an online journal since I was 16. Livejournal was new, "blog" was definitely not a cool word, and people gave me shit about sharing my life with strangers...I talked to Ed about it and realized I liked blogging back then because I was doing it for me. I didn't know who read it, but I was doing it to keep a record for me and Ed to go back and look through. Of course I love connecting with people and hearing what you have to say, but my blog is not about numbers. So no more schedules, no more links, no more buttons and definitely no more advertising! There are many blogs that I love to read but I dont want to make a list that would exclude anyone or have anyone hang around me that was just commenting in hopes of getting more visits to their blog. Most importantly less focus on my blog and more focus on my work. Hopefully this makes sense :)
Now, onto more change!
I'm changing the name of my shop and blog D: Oh my goodness, it's scary! I tried once to change my shop name a couple years ago but then I chickened out. I know that a lot of people like Danielleorama but I don't love having my name in the title. What gave me the final push to do it was my .net expired and i didn't have the login to renew it...so i thought ok fresh start! I brainstormed for a few days on words that I liked and one day before I got out of bed I was thinking what is something about me that will not change, a word that I feel speaks about me.."cute". I absolutely love cute things, to be surrounded by them and make them, then I tried to think of a word that would sort of juxtapose it, and all of a sudden "Theory of Cute" popped into my head. I was blown away when i saw the domain wasn't taken. I quickly bought it, made a new etsy shop, and ordered some new labels for plush. I feel like this change is exactly what i need to start 2012.
It's going to be very scary starting over after acquiring 483 hard earned sales and 100% positive feedback! I've almost chickened out a few times but as I was laying in bed last night I promised myself I'd do it, just jump!
So there you have it, welcome to my new blog...I'm still working on stock for the shop. I feel great and super motivated to get to work!
I've been keeping an online journal since I was 16. Livejournal was new, "blog" was definitely not a cool word, and people gave me shit about sharing my life with strangers...I talked to Ed about it and realized I liked blogging back then because I was doing it for me. I didn't know who read it, but I was doing it to keep a record for me and Ed to go back and look through. Of course I love connecting with people and hearing what you have to say, but my blog is not about numbers. So no more schedules, no more links, no more buttons and definitely no more advertising! There are many blogs that I love to read but I dont want to make a list that would exclude anyone or have anyone hang around me that was just commenting in hopes of getting more visits to their blog. Most importantly less focus on my blog and more focus on my work. Hopefully this makes sense :)
Now, onto more change!
I'm changing the name of my shop and blog D: Oh my goodness, it's scary! I tried once to change my shop name a couple years ago but then I chickened out. I know that a lot of people like Danielleorama but I don't love having my name in the title. What gave me the final push to do it was my .net expired and i didn't have the login to renew it...so i thought ok fresh start! I brainstormed for a few days on words that I liked and one day before I got out of bed I was thinking what is something about me that will not change, a word that I feel speaks about me.."cute". I absolutely love cute things, to be surrounded by them and make them, then I tried to think of a word that would sort of juxtapose it, and all of a sudden "Theory of Cute" popped into my head. I was blown away when i saw the domain wasn't taken. I quickly bought it, made a new etsy shop, and ordered some new labels for plush. I feel like this change is exactly what i need to start 2012.
It's going to be very scary starting over after acquiring 483 hard earned sales and 100% positive feedback! I've almost chickened out a few times but as I was laying in bed last night I promised myself I'd do it, just jump!
So there you have it, welcome to my new blog...I'm still working on stock for the shop. I feel great and super motivated to get to work!
18 comments:
"The rewards of the journey outweigh the risks of leaving the harbor."
i like the new name!
i struggle with the same thing with my blog. i just like keeping it, and looking back over it, but i loved live journal because it was so easy to connect with others and read their blog too. So I keep trying to figure out how to get people to stop by and see what i'm doing, without paying for ads. because i'm not interested in sponsors or anything.
I still like Danielle Dick :) justttttttt kidding. I like Theory of Cute. It's cute.
I had the same thoughts about blogging a while ago. I also came from LiveJoural when a blog was all about sharing your life. I've struggled with how blogs have evolved. Sure I want followers, but I don't want the pressure of ads, product reviews, sponsors and all that.
So kudos to you! And congrats on the new name: )
I like the new name! I agree you can tell that some people are just trying to get followers and others are just copying other peoples blogging style. It's always better to find your own voice since no one else can do you quite like you. Good luck!
If anyone knew the mathematical equation of cuteness, it would be you. Great name, and good for you!
Elpoo
Cheers to a New Year and a New Blog Name!!!!
I think it's a wonderful little change! If it makes you happy, then that is absolutely what matters. :) I can't wait to see what you create and write about.
Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline
I respect these awesome changes. I have been thinking about doing something similar with having a fresh start, but am not quite sure yet. I know I just weeded down my "blogs to read" list by quite a bit today and am attempting to spend less time reading other peoples blogs and more time on my own creative pursuits. Anyway, you are awesome, always.
-Sara-
Wow!thank you all SO much for your kind words! It definitely makes me feel extra good about my decision, and it's nice to know I'm not the only one that feels this way<3
love the new name, thanks for sharing your thoughts xxxx
Fantastic way to start off a new year! :D I often worry the same way with my photos on Flickr, "Oh how many views do I have now? Any comments???" When I should be thinking, "Why should it matter?! Enjoy what you do and kick butt!" :D
I like the new name. Starting over will be quite an adventure. I think you got to the place you're at because of your talent. Not because of networking/'followers'. Therefore I think it'll be an easy climb back up for you ^_^. I wish you the best!
On a side tangent my thoughts on what blogging has become really resonates with yours. Heck I started writing online for myself back in diaryland days...in like middle school. Back when they just started and the servers went down every weekend -_-. When I started 'blogging' as an adult I really tried advertising/networking and haven't made a buck lol or gained a huge readership. However last year I decided it didn't matter. It wasn't about blogging 'success' it was about expressing myself and bragging about crap I made/did ^_^. No one every comments so it doesn't matter. Analytics tells me they're reading though and that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
Btw, I have your blog subscribed to my reader so I read it a lot even though I don't comment. Just wanted you to know I enjoy the things you share w/ the www ^_^.
I found you when I searched for plushie owls (making one for a friend) and somehow found myself on your flickr images. Looked up your name "Danielleorama" and wham, here I am. :D Loved your post and your approach, I think it's one people should keep in mind when they're trying to blog. I imagine blogging solely for "others" would get exhausting.
Anyway! Commenting to say all that, and also to say you should change the names of your other things (i.e. flickr haha) cuz it's how I ended up here. =) Now I'm off to look at your shop because I too love cute things! :3
Theory of Cute!! Awesome name! I love it, and I think it is a perfect name for the blog/shop. I know it's. Of about the followers, but you are stuck with me ;)
Toni xo
Ooops! I mean *not about the followers.
Danielle!
We're best friends, you just don't know it yet.
I saw the premier of "Indie Game: The Movie" yesterday with my Indie Dev husband at Sundance, and of course...loved it! Okay, adored it. I'll bore you with my story later...but basically I was feelin' all your emotions as the wife of a game developer. Everything on the line, sacrificing your relationship...AHH! I'm not the only one looking at my husband's back all day!!
SO yeah. You're awesome. Let's have a craft jam together sometime. While the men go to GDC, we can craft our hearts out.
Sound good? Okay.
Your future best friend,
Emily :0)
EmilyandTyHenrie.blogspot.com
PS. I am digging "Theory of Cute". Yay for change!
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