February 25, 2007 12:01 AM

Time for another semi-annual existential crisis

Every now and then I find myself wondering whether or not continuing here at TPRS is worthwhile. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the writing or the opinionizing; it’s more the question of “Is anyone actually paying attention?” Readership here at the Official Progressive Weblog of the Texas Gulf Coast © is down 50% from this time last year. Don’t get me wrong; I know that TPRS has always been an obscure little outpost in the blosphere, but after almost 5 1/2 years, readership here is actually declining. I’m not quite sure of what to make of this phenomenon, but it does concern me. I find myself wondering if anyone really cares about the issues I’m writing about, or whether TPRS just frankly isn’t nearly as good as I like to think it is.

I don’t know the answers, but things are feeling a bit stale ‘round these parts. I feel the need to make some changes. While I have some ideas rattling around in my skull, I’d like to throw the floor open to all y’all. What do you think? Are there things I could/should be doing differently? What sorts of things do you think I could/should be doing to attract more readers? Am I once again urinating into a stiff breeze for no good reason? I’ve never wanted this to be a mediocre blog, and I’m wondering if that isn’t exactly what’s happening here? Or perhaps I’m worrying about nothing. Who knows?

I’m a little too wrapped up in this to have any real perspective, which is why I need your input. No idea is off limits…well, except for suggesting that I post videos on YouTube of me playing Russian Roulette while naked. Trust me; those videos are safely under lock and key.

I will admit that I’m thinking about making some changes. TPRS has had the same look since July, 2002, and while there’s nothing wrong with it, sometimes you need a change. I’d leave the layout alone, but I am thinking of changing the picture on the masthead. The one below is my current favorite, but I’m also open to suggestions or submissions from readers….

I’m also considering the possibility of changing the name of TPRS. I have a current favorite, and it may be one that I ultimately use. As with the masthead picture, I’m also open to suggestions.

I have no plans to hang up my keyboard, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that sometimes this all feels a bit stale. Perhaps the precipitous drop in readership is a reflection of that. I don’t know; I can only guess. Any writer worth the title will admit to being terribly insecure and in need of constant validation. I’m no different, so a 50% drop in readership is something that hits home. I don’t know what it means; it may not be a comment on the quality of TPRS…or it might be exactly that. I don’t pretend to have the answers, but I feel the need to change…something. That’s where y’all come in. I’m looking for answers, suggestions, gripes- anything that I might be able to use to make TPRS a better, more interesting, and more relevant place. Keep it clean, but feel free to speak your mind. I won’t be offended- honest.

I’m going to leave this post at the top for at least a few days to see what y’all have to say. Stay tuned; someday soon, TPRS may look very different. Or it may not. I may get through my latest existential crisis of confidence unscathed and keep on keeping on. Or I may want to tear the whole thing up and start over (not likely, but…?). Most likely, I’ll end up somewhere in the middle, but who knows? What I do know is that I don’t want to keep doing what I have been simply because that’s what I know. To me, being comfortable equates to being complacent…and I hate complacency.

Something’s got to give. I just don’t know what. That’s why I’m asking for your help. Thank you….

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This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on February 25, 2007 12:01 AM.

Who knew she'd be victimized by so many lies & so much incompetence? was the previous entry in this blog.

Ohmigod!! What about the children?? is the next entry in this blog.

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