Nine more days and we enter a new year.
A good moment for reflection.
To look back at the different events of the past year.
And to look ahead how to use the time of the new year.
One of the subjects flying around in the space of thinking these days is this very blog.
The blog “The life of a pioneering photographer” was started on November 14, 2006.
Until now 776 postings have been published.
The amount of visitors of this blog is rather constant.
Between 140 and 180 per day.
Probably not many readers of the postings realize what an effort it is to have a story every day.
A text that is surprising, interesting and entertaining.
This requires a lot of discipline, creativity, determination and imagination.
At the end of the year 2008 and after 776 stories the question arises why all this effort is in fact made?
Does this blog bring in any money?
Not one penny.
Are there any other benefits?
There are people who respond to the postings.
Partly with comments and partly by sending an e-mail.
Some of the respondents are very nice people who are truly involved.
Of them there are a few.
But there are also people who respond in a negative way.
Sending hate e-mails or throwing their garbage on the blogwriter in a comment that is so awful it cannot always be published.
Typical is that those persons always respond anonymously.
These negative reactions unfortunately outnumber the positive ones.
Therefore, the only benefit of publishing a blog can be found within oneself.
Is it fun, interesting and exciting for the blogwriter?
That in fact is the only valid criteria.
Hence, the question is:
how much fun is it still?
How will life be dropping this daily activity?
Should 2009 become a year ending the blog “The life of a pioneering photographer”?
.
13 comments:
As one of your loyal and fervent blog readers, I'd very much miss your daily talks. You get me thinking about things in ways that I normally don't You are also eccentric enough that I feel almost normal! :)
That said, you must do what every true artist must do and follow your heart. The beauty of your blog is that you can say anything and also try out concepts on people to see if an idea is going to fly. But at the end of the day, you must ask yourself if this blog is an artistic endeavor or "work".
If you choose to stop the daily blogging, I would still prefer to keep communicating with you as a fellow professional photographer-artist. I respect you and your work.
Ken
I have e-mailed anonymously but positively on occasion. I check your blog daily as I have done since the start of the Fuso build. I would be greatly saddened to see your blog disappear because I receive such inspiration from your photos and writings, I sincerely wish I could follow in your footsteps. For now, I will agree with Ken; follow your heart. With best regards, Chris, VA
I also enjoy your blog and will miss it if you decide not to continue posting. Like Ken said you have to do what is best for you. If you close the blog I for one will miss it.
Michel,
I am a daily reader, a loyal and fervent one, and though I don't always agree with your viewpoint, I am inspired by the effort you have made to write interesting, thought provoking entries. I certainly realize how difficult it is to come up with a new idea every day. The everyday entries, however, are anticipated and you do not disappoint!
Do what you want, in the end it is your choice, your time. If you choose to conclue the blog, you will be missed!
Cecily
I read daily and have read daily since being introduced through George's blog. While I don't always agree with some personal beliefs, I do find your writing ang thoughts to be compelling enough to keep coming back daily to see what happens next.
I was introduced to the Gonzales family through George's blog, but now that he is not a visitor there anymore, I enjoy following them through your writings and experiences with them. It is a rare view into how the people of another place live and exist in their environment that is much different from my own.
In the end, you should do what makes you live well prosper, but I, too will miss your blog.
We'll send you a $ 50 cheque to continue.
Chris and Amy.
Hi Michel
I do enjoy your blog. I don't always agree with your point of view, however, it makes me think in different terms. I read you and George & Tioga everyday. I especially like your articles on Mexican life and culture.
Thanks for all your efforts.
Best Wishes
Ted
I certainly have enjoyed following your blog, Michel. Hope that you decide to continue it. I have blogged while traveling also, though not with the regularity and apptitude of yourself. The entries are enjoyable to read later - similar to keeping a journal. Helps me to recall and relive forgotten experiences and events. I plan to blog again when traveling, and hope that you keep yours going also.
John P.
PLEASE, PLEASE dont stop.
I read 3 blogs / George and Tioga, 721 sandwiches, and yours.
Here is what I like about your blog: It challenges my thinking. I do not always agree with you, but you do make me think. I read it every day, and I know it takes time and "fervor" to complete.
One alternative...write your blog every other day.
Go with your heart, but do know that I read and think about your blog.
-Mike
its okay, let people say anything. billions of people on the planet with billions of views. so what? you also have your strong views. so do others. just keep blogging.
we are artists. its great when people disagree. i love criticism and dissent. when people say my book is crap i love it. when they say its great i know it. i wouldnt have settled for less since i have written it.
also the discipline is necessary. i do 2,000 words every single day. without the discipline i will become a useless heap. so whats wrong with discipline?
this is an unusual blog. just keep doing it and after a while get it publihsed as a book. will be great.
cheers to 2009
rajendar menen from bombay, india
Always enjoyed your blog, it's a privilege to have a glimpse at your creativity, your inspiration, and your work. Maybe, as some suggested, do not post daily, only when ideas emerge. If you decide to discontinue your blog, I will miss it, but I do understand the discipline it takes to write daily an interesting and challenging blog.
Michel,
I too will miss your writings if you choose to discontinue your blog. I have read every entry since you first started sharing your life and thoughts with us this way. I do respect the fact that it takes a great deal of time and mental effort to keep your blog so interesting. Granted, sometimes it is of more interest to me personally than other times, but on the whole your outlook on life and the world and your life and work keep your loyal and fervent readers coming back for inspiration. I will never forget the post about the blackbirds of your childhood. For some reason, it touched my soul. I keep going back to read it again.
It is a shame how some people seem driven by negative energy and need to be so critical of what others think. The old adage of "If you don't have something good to say, don't say anything at all" would apply to all who write hateful things to you.
In the long run you must do what is best for you. If you chose to end your blog you will remain in the hearts of those who have grown to care greatly for you through your writings.
Danise
P.S. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
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