I try not to flood this blog with my self-indulgent thoughts and feelings. Who wants to hear that? Not even me, and I think you just want to look at crafts. But, I’ve been reading Diane Gilliland’s thoughtful posts about the sustainability of free over at CraftyPod and I wanted to share some thoughts and ask about why you read this blog.
As the new year begins, I’m thinking about the direction of this blog. I started The Long Thread over four years ago, partly to promote my embroidery business (now closed) and partly to give me a creative outlet. I won’t get into the psychological motivations for blogging — catharsis, self-affirmation, a desire for community, greed, narcissism, career promotion or something else entirely. It’s different for everyone and I’ll let you draw your own conclusions. I’ve been lucky enough to turn this into a part-time career by writing a book, contributing to publications and soliciting advertisements for the blog. But I’ve reached the point where I need a more full-time job and like everyone else, I need to make money and find fulfillment in my work.
I put a good deal of time into this blog and I’m now realizing that it’s at the expense of other work I could be doing. I’ve been thinking of several possibilities to make things work better for me, and hopefully make you happy too. One is to go full force with the blog, offering loads of free projects while accepting more advertisements. I’d need to hire some help. But my reluctance here is that I might find myself in a business model where you as a reader aren’t sure what’s motivating my posts. Right now I accept ads from independent handmade and craft supply businesses, many run by one person at home, likely with a toddler running around her feet as she fills orders. When I get inquiries from the bigger companies, I recoil. I never write posts for compensation and I never will. So I’m just not sure how to make that option work for me without sacrificing some of the ideals that made me love craft blogs in the first place.
Another option is to start work on another book. But I’m still waiting to see this one on the shelves and see your reaction to it. And this book-writing thing was a major time commitment. I’m not sure if I’m ready to abandon my family again for 6 months. I ate, slept and breathed that book. (Well that sounds kind of gross; I hope you get a clean copy.) But I do have lots more projects that I’m excited to share in a book at some point.
A third option is to pick up work where I can. Promote the blog advertisements more, work on projects for publications, or maybe do some more graphic design work, which I’ve really been enjoying lately. I’d also love to work on fabric design at some point, but it would have to be just the right opportunity.
I would really love to hear from you about why you read this blog, what you’d like to see more of, and maybe what kinds of things you do with the ideas here — make things, watch me make things, buy things, etc.
So there, you got lots of my self-indulgent thoughts today. In fact, I’m feeling a bit nauseated just re-reading this post, but thanks for listening. How much do I owe you?
I don’t mind your adding more ads or whatever. When I think about the blogs I read, I read bloggers that I admire the taste of, but there are some talented bloggers who make amazing things, yet I still don’t bother to follow their blogs.
I like clear pictures, uncluttered layout, an easy-going writing style, not too frequent postings etc. Things such as ads do not bother me. There is only one blog I stopped reading because of promotion and that was just because every post had turned into a promotion and the tone had changed.
Take care and good luck.
Can I be honest? I have a weird attachment to your blog.
I don’t own a sewing machine, never tried knitting; my crafts are more of the glue and paper kind. I don’t even look at many blogs, I should, but my work days are hectic.
But somehow in the midst of printers not printing, email deluges, and the phone ringing I ALWAYS open thelongthread.com newsletter. It reminds me of home and brings me a moment of calm. My grandmother was an embroiderer and my grandfather a tailor, so maybe there is a connection there. I am really inspired at not just the content of your posts, but your involvement of your children, your spic and span layouts, and the humble confessions that time is not always on your side either. The love you put into what you do is very much tangible; this is selfish, but I would hate to see it go.
That being said, I do think you have a very natural tact for graphic design and I hope you consider exploring it further. I wish you fulfillment from your work, and that a balance or integrated solution is not far away. Keep in mind the talent that you have connecting with people, and I hope you can build your career in that direction.
Best of luck to you.
I am probably not a good blog reader, in that I don’t take the time to comment often so you have no way of knowing that I enjoy your blog very much and read every new post. I think I found you originally because of your skirt with shorts project. I’m ALWAYS looking for new ideas for sewing for little girls because I have 2 granddaughters. But I stayed with you and subscribed your posts because I looked at your past work and loved what I saw. I am always excited to see a new post. So I do hope that you will continue to blog and bring us new crafty projects. I just like your style. Ads? Not a problem for me. There is one blog I read that I am becoming very tired of, because every post is promoting, and being compensated by, some business and it’s beginning to sound like a constant string of commercials. I DVR TV so I can fast forward through those so I don’t like my daily doses of crafty goodness sounding like them 🙂 I’m really hoping to see more from you and I am wishing you peace with whatever decision you make!
I am so happy when I see your email. I do click on the ads and on your links. I can’t wait to hold your book in my hands!
I really appreciate you. I am creative and I would hesitate. When I read your blog I know I can do those things, and I do them now. I think it’s great that you are thinking of growing, and with that said I hope that gives you the encouragement to take your craft to yet another step in life! What ever you do please don’t stop blogging!
Here’s my two cents. You have to be happy in whatever you chose to do, or the gift you have been given, will be gone. I honestly don’t know how you manage to put together this wonderful blog, take care of yourself, your family, and support your community the way you do (the school quilt). With that said, you must think about your situation at present, and make decisions accordingly.
Also, I have learned, nothing is forever. You might need to make necessary adjustments now, and find that things have changed and that you can add or subtract from your schedule as you go along. Whatever you chose to do, you will have my prayers and good wishes. As a mother, I will be forever grateful for the kindness you have shown my daughter. God bless, and keep us posted.
i think you’ll just have to follow what your heart wants to do. You’re very fortune you have the option to choose. I would love it (and I think you’re very talented) if you pushed out further with your blog. I can’t wait to see your book, too! I’m sure you would design incredible fabrics as well…so many opportunities, I can see how it would be intimidating (not sure if that’s the right word) to try and pick. Good luck with your decision making. and great set of links to crafty pod’s discussion, very interesting stuff!
I’m a would-be blogger. I keep getting grand ideas about having a blog like this, but, when it comes down to it, it is hard work. Compared to having a full-time job, blogging about something you love is amazing, but when it takes time away from the people you love and the things you love to do, is it worth it? I don’t know, but I guess that’s something that has to be decided. I think if this blog complements and enables you to do what you love, then it is perfect.
Personally, I follow your blog because I love to sew, and you have great tutorials. I don’t mind ads at all–even from big companies. I’m not a big fan of posts for compensation–I think that’s were a blogger’s motives can get questionable. Good luck 🙂
I really do hope you find the best way to do what you do and enjoy it. I absolutely adore your blog and ads don’t bother me as long as the blog is still as sweet and wonderful as it is. The blog post by the craftpod also got me thinking, how can we help each other.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that posts along these lines are appearing on a few of the blogs I’ve followed for a while. (I’ve been mulling over one myself.)These are all blogs that started up 4 or 5 years ago, before Etsy was huge, and when craft blogs seemed to be largely for sharing information, ideas, and patterns, just because it could be done.
I’m very grateful that I’ve had a low-pressure environment in which to practice and learn writing, photography, pattern-making, selling etc. Certainly in the beginning I never thought I was learning useful skills, or that I might be able to earn any money this way. But I think any apprenticeship needs to end, things perhaps need to become more formalised; and strangely enough, the better you become at the blog, the more time it seems to take!
I don’t have any answers, still trying to work all this out myself, but I just wanted to thank you for writing about these issues. More food for thought.
(And I do like your ads. Your blog has such an air of integrity and honesty, such a sense of your taste and style, that I often click through on the ads, trusting that if they’re on your blog, it’ll be something I’ll like. And I’m never disappointed. I think that’s really something that’s worth money to your advertisers.)
I recently added your blog to Google Reader a month or so ago after I “discovered” it through another blog. This will be an echo of what others have said but I, as a current stay-at-home mom who sometimes wonders how she ended up here (13+ years of college education not in use at the moment but somehow the student loans still come due :), truly appreciate the bloggers out there that share a little bit of their lives and work. I think of you as my friends which is somewhat pathetic given that you and the other bloggers I regularly read have no idea I exist but your life touches the life of so many others and that is a beautiful thing.
So, I am a faithful reader of your blog. Personally, I enjoy all the little tidbits that you find for us and the useful projects that I can try. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into finding the cool things for us to enjoy.
Your blog has always been the first website I go to whenever I go online. It’s been a great source of inspiration and ideas for me and I love your tutorials. You always find the most amazing links. However, I understand that you need to find a balance that suits you. I wish you all the best in this.
I am so sorry I missed this post the other day. What a struggle for you! Know that I adore your blog, but I like the idea of financial stability for your family even more. You need to do what works for you.
Here’s a quick idea that just came to mind. One of your strengths is your ability to use your great art eye to match patterns and colors for projects. How do you feel about offering kits for sale to go along with your tutorials? Some crafts are hard to start because of the cost of gathering all the materials. It would be appropriate for you to sell ready made sets for your ideas, right? The tutorials could remain free on the blog, so the spirit of sharing is still there. Sponsorship could come in a discount for the materials for your kits, and those materials could come from the very sponsors you already support, but in a more direct way.
I Know! you have been doing this for awhile – its nice to know even long time bloggers who are published have these thoughts. I think all the stuff you suggested is appropriate…………
Hi sweety! My friend told me about one of your contests a long time ago and since then I’ve been hooked!
I read your blog for inspiration and to see if I’ve missed something out there in the craft world!
I also love to read about your adventures with your family:)
Family comes first, and if the adds are what’s going to help, don’t be ashamed:)
We back you up!
oxoxo
tany
Why do I read your blog? Hmmmm….because it’s one of the most professional, clean, yet still-down-to-earth blogs I’ve seen. Some blogs have a clique-ish feel, but this one does not. Some blogs are just too simple for my experience level. This one feels very Goldilocks – you know, ‘just right’!!!!
Funny thing…when you begin to ask questions, answers will find you. Good luck to you! And thanks for allowing me to be part of this blog. : )
I love your site, your ideas, and your style. I just don’t wast to see you stop blogging! Ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you. If that means more ads, you shouldn’t feel guilty about that.
Again I am rubbish at commenting which isn’t good for the person writing. I came across your blog due to the rocket tutorial, which I made and was great.
I love that you don’t post too often so that I can keep up! I also love your round up posts but they must take up so so so much time!
I wouldn’t mind more adverts or even sponsored posts, but you should do whats best for you.
Look forward to reading your book.
I love this blog and have been reading your posts for about a year and a half. I own a sewing machine (a very generous gift) but don’t know how to use it. I admire people who do and always imagine what I would make if I new how to thread the thing! I come to your blog just to see creative ideas. I do some of the crafts with my daughter. We are going to make the crayon heart valentines this year. ..but I think the thing I love the most is all of the links out to other projects and etsy crafters. I feel like I can trust your taste to introduce me to all the coolest little things on the web!
I love your blog and check if there’s anything new every few days 🙂 Though I’ve never made a comment… I love to sew and craft, so I get lots of inspiration from some of the things you write about, the links you post and your projects. Keep up the great work, but do what work best for you, of course! And thanks, for such a great blog!!!
I just learned of your blog today from the “down to earth” blog. I know that I will be comming to your site regularly. It is well written and full of information.
You need to be true to yourself and your family first and foremost. If you need to have more advertising than do it. If you can’t blog every single day, that’s OK. When a person is happy doing what they love it will come through in your writting. best wishes and happy blogging from a new friennd in Michigan.
your blog always inspires me. i have a couple of businesses on etsy, and sometimes i just want to play and craft for the fun of it and to learn something new. sometimes i just want to discover new tutorials and new shops.
sometimes i just want to see what’s inspiring YOU. i really hope things work out for you! i admire bloggers, i’m sure it is constant work. i’m going to check into your ad info. 🙂 i’d be honored to be a sponsor some month.
It will work out as long as you do what you love. “It” always happens when you are immensing yourself.
One thing I forget to do ( partly because it sounds as if I am begging ) is to ask readers to link back to my blog. Some people don’t think of it but crafters are an immensley tight yet welcoming group and will give credit where it is due.
No pressure- But I wouldnt wait to do another book. I pre-ordered mine,Just by looking at the cover. Crafting books are just as addictive as fabric – Dont forget to use wool 🙂
you brave lady, honesty is often painful. thank you for being so human
you already do far more than i could even think of – i hugely admire you for that and i’m certainly not the only one!
whatever your final decision i hope it works out well for you (I think it will because i think you’re the kind of person who will make it work and make the most of it!)
good luck and thank you again for such a lovely & USEFUL blog ;o)
hugs
I’m only sorry I didn’t find this post sooner. I think about this stuff all the time and though I don’t make any money from my blog I do use it to promote my etsy shop and I have picked up a couple of book commissions through it. I have been blogging for almost five years and still haven’t found the right balance. As my blog readership grew I got more confused about why I was doing it, who was reading it and the competitive nature of blogging was creeping in so I ditched the blog…only to start again under a new blog name a few months later. Now I am really trying to focus on my blog as a record for me of the things I’ve made and am interested in but of course that leaves so many questions unaddressed.
As for your blog, I love it and have read it for many years now. I hope you have decided to continue blogging for now. Accept more advertisements if that is what makes it viable. I think the craft blogging community is undergoing a real change right now, for sure people comment less and seem less involved in the general discussions, quite a few blogs seem to have been abandoned but I really hope yours won’t be one of them.
Sorry for the super long message…apparently I have some thoughts on this issue.
All best wishes,
Josie