I hope you all had a happy and merry holiday season. I know I did.
As a new year approaches I find myself pondering the direction of this blog. I’ve never been big on New Year’s celebrations, even less enamored of resolutions, but a new year does symbolize a new beginning, a turning of the calendar back to day one in a sense.
When something isn’t working, it’s the epitome of foolishness to keep doing things the same way. Much of what I’ve been doing here isn’t working, so it’s time to overhaul this site. Either that or retire it, and I’m not ready to do that. Maybe even a new paint job is in order — I’ve been using this same theme for almost two years now. A new look might be good. Mostly I’m cleaning out those things that haven’t been working, or don’t add to my purposes here, and keeping those elements that I think do contribute. The result will hopefully be a leaner and cleaner blog. Maybe meaner too — I’m tired of being such a nice guy…
What do I want this blog to be known for? Really only two things… thought-provoking and challenging ideas about photography and about living life as a creative visual artist. Those thoughts may be controversial at times, they will be opinionated all of the time, and I make no claims that what I say is right for anybody but me. And…
I want it to be known for it’s photography. Photography that is honest, original, and unique.
If I take this blog back to what I first envisioned for it, If I can come close to living up to my expectations here, then maybe photomontana.net will grow to be a worthwhile part of the photography scene.
I’ll see you after the calendar turns, and may 2012 treat you well.
pj
I’m glad you aren’t considering retiring the blog, pj. I don’t stop by as often as I might but it would be shame were it to be gone.
I think your two listed goals are what a photography blog should be about…good photography and challenging ideas. I’m looking forward to seeing the overhaul and being challenged..
Best for the New Year, pj.
No, retiring it isn’t in the cards, but it’s easy to get sidetracked once in awhile, and the best thing to do is pull back a bit and get things back on track.
Thanks for your thoughts Steve. Your visits are appreciated, and you’re always welcome. All the best to you too.
I’m going through the same thought process with my original site. Sort of spooky that you appear to be going in the same direction! I wish you the best of luck with it. My issue is with my original site name. When people would look at my card and see PhotoAbuse they would get a funny look on their face. It was one of those things that a photographer would get but not others. I haven’t really narrowed down what direction I’m going but there’s no hurry. I do have a theme picked out though if that counts for anything!
Thanks Jeff. I imagine everyone who does this goes through the same thing occasionally. I think it’s good to step back now and then and take an objective look at where you’re going.
Best of luck with yours too — I think you have a solid site, and I look forward to seeing where you go with it.
Here’s hoping the new year treats you well.
Glad to hear you’e going to keep this blog going!!! I enjoy your thought provoking nudges and of course your photography.
I hope you have an awesome 2012, I’m very much looking forward to what you come up with.
I had a similar pause for reflection earlier this year on my little slice of the web when I realized that I was often times just posting to post stuff. I felt my quality of work slipped and as a result, I will post like a madman if I’ve got GOOD stuff. Mediocre stuff won’t cut it any more…. I guess I let the pressure of feeling like I always have to have something current get to me.
Anyway, stick to your guns!!!
Thanks, man.
It’s easy enough to get into that mindset that says you have to post just to get something up. Sometimes it’s better to cut back a little bit and do fewer but stronger posts. I agree — mediocre stuff won’t cut it. Some will no doubt slip in though… but that’s one good thing about blogs. Posts have a short shelf life. The weaker ones will roll off the bottom of the page soon enough. That’s of course not meant to encourage lazy posting.
Hope ’12 is good to you, and I’ll keep watching to see what kind of work you’re up to too.
Like the others, I’m also glad you aren’t considering retiring your blog–I think you’re doing a good job of living up to your stated goals, but I can also understand and sympathize if it isn’t working for you.
Looking forward to seeing where things go in 2012…I hope its a prosperous year for you!
Greg
No retiring the blogs. I think they have more potential than any so-called regular job does anymore.
Besides… I’ve tried so many things that don’t work that I’m bound to hit it right sooner or later. Process of elimination…