This time of year is the most difficult for me when it comes to blogging. I want to be outside, and since I'm not about to sit in the pool with my netbook in order to blog on a daily basis, I find myself playing catchup on Fridays and Saturdays, which isn't the way I want to do things.
Some of you may be sitting there thinking dire thoughts after reading the post title. What good things are coming to an end? The weekly link round-ups? No! Lord, she's not talking about putting an end to the blog, is she? Absolutely not!
After almost four years of weekly Scene of the Blog posts, I've come to the decision that I'm retiring this feature. It wasn't easy arriving at this conclusion; it's a feature I've enjoyed doing. I love seeing where other folks in the book blogging community read and do their own blogging. I've made connections with people all around the world, and I've seen how very similar we are through our love of books.
What hasn't been fun for the past year is trying to find participants. I think I've said this before, but it bears repeating. I send out invitations every single week. Of those invitations, I may get replies to 30%. Although almost all the replies are to say that they'd like to participate, I'm very lucky if I actually get photos and write-ups from 30% of those saying yes. As you can see, the percentages are rather dismal, but I'm not here to lay blame on anyone. You cannot predict what's going to happen in your life, and when things begin to happen-- whether good or bad-- a Scene of the Blog invitation is going to fall further and further down the list of priorities-- and rightfully so.
What I am saying is that I've become tired of spending all this time sending out invitations with very little return. I'd really like to spend that time doing something new. So... I have two book bloggers scheduled, and once they've been featured, Scene of the Blog is going to ride off into the sunset. If anyone sends me anything after that, I may do a special, but I'm not even certain of that.
It's been a fantastic run-- one that I've had great fun with, and one that I'm very proud of-- but sometimes it's best to bid a fond farewell and go on to new ventures. That said, I'd best round up what few links I've found this past week!
I know many of us need to thin out our bookshelves, but we're not quite sure of what to do with the books we're willing to say goodbye to. What better way to make room for new books than to donate books to needy libraries? There are several programs for you to check out to see which one is best for you.
Want to find out which new words the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary recently added to its pages?
Facebook begins testing brand new advertising for news feeds.
I wish I had this kind of mind: upcycling bookends into a floating bookshelf.
Scared you, did I? Sorry 'bout that!
I think everyone will be startled by your title. I really enjoyed Scene of the Blog but understand the need to let it go.
I'm glad. I have to say that I'm looking forward to having the time to try out different things.
Never say never, but I do think that the only reason why this entire blog would ride off into the sunset would be when *I* do.
Since I'm new to your blog and blogging, I can enjoy those archives though! I love your weekly round-ups and links.
Cathy, Your wonderful feature about other blogs does seem to have run its course. Your time can be much better used reading and writing reviews. Having said that, I will miss the feature.
You would think that I've just given myself more time to read and write reviews, but I'm thinking a bit further afield than that. We shall see!
week and so enjoy reading about reading bloggers or blogging readers.
Sorry this has become a chore rather than a pleasure for you.
Perhaps some bloggers will catch your eye in the future for a "Once in a While Scene of the Blog."
I'm sorry you'll miss the feature, and I hope that you understand my reasons for making the decision.
I'm glad the links are staying!
I'm glad you enjoyed the feature, Bernadette, and I want to thank you (and most of those who've left comments on this post) for participating. I also want to thank you for your continuing support of my blog. You folks are great!
You pretty much had my thought process there, down to the worry about the link round-up posts and you blogging! I'm glad you're not giving those up! :) I think it's completely understandable wanting to wrap up the series though. I had no idea how much work it would be to host a guest post series until I start my Best & Worst posts. Getting people to respond is half the battle, then there's sending out reminders and follow-up emails, etc.(which you so obviously understand). I figure I'll run my series until the posts peter out. So far I'm at a year, and I'm just seeing where it goes.
I wish you continued success with your feature, Alyce. No one knows how much work is involved until they do something like this themselves!
What, you don't like being a secretary, nagging people for something they should have sent you anyway, or keeping up on the mundane of things that should have been more fun?!?!? Geez, it sounds like work to me. (Yep, it sounds like teaching too!) But, I will be selfish for a moment, it has been so fun to read. I have loved being exposed to new bloggers round the world, having a more personal look-at in this electronic age, and finding connections to most. Thanks for hanging in there with it even when it got past the "fun" stage.
Now on to more fun...yep, I think I see your wheels turning. Is there a twinkle in your eye???
Thanks for all the links too...you continue to keep me connected. Love it.
Thanks for your shout-out to my site. I just found & enjoyed scene of the blog but understand your decision to let go. It's a lot of work no doubt. I will keep reading Kittling!