I recently took a hiatus from blogging.  There were several excuses reasons for this pause including a new job that took up a whole lotta time, nothing on my mind worth writing about, and boredom with all of the photos I’d been taking.  I needed some time to refocus and rejuvenate and in doing so I’ve learned a few things that I think are worth sharing.  They’re all pretty simple and I know I’ve come across some similar thoughts while perusing other blogs, but sometimes you just have to figure things out for yourself.  The hard way.

1. A new post every day may keep your site current, but the quality may suffer if sufficient time isn’t dedicated to it.  I found that I didn’t have enough time every day and so my posts were becoming more random and disorganized.  Solution: Only post when inspired.  You’ll be more satisfied.
2. I needed more focus in general.  Taking photos on a regular basis is great and all to stay in practice, but having a point to it is what makes it worthwhile.  That, in effect, will give your blog more focus and you’ll develop a niche.  The niche is what appeals to people who are interested in that niche.  Solution: I’m still figuring this one out, but I think I’m getting there.  More to come on that…
3. No one is commenting.  No one is emailing.  Is anyone even coming to your fucking site?  Solution: Engage your readers.  Yesterday I asked them to help me out in choosing photos for an alumni show. Guess what?  I got more than 1 comment.  Solution 2: Shamelessly self promote.  Tell your friends on facebook that you’re having a contest on your blog.
4. The whole purpose of my blog is really just another outlet to get my photos out there.  But if no one is coming to see them, then it’s not really working.  Solution: Give away prints in a contest.  To get people to participate in your contest, see Solution 2 to question number 3.

The photo above?  Taken in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn over the weekend when I went to the Gowanus Harvest Festival that was actually pretty lame, but that’s neither here nor there.  Anyway, the kids in the background here are so chill.  Just skateboarding and hanging out with their dad.  Life is good.