Timing is everything...


Timing is everything... in photography and in life.

Recently I have been feeling as if I was getting "a bit stale", like I had taken Weekly Photo Tips as far as it could go.

And I did not want to be like the guest who overstayed their welcome or an athlete that played beyond when they should have retired (not that I would over be confused with an athlete, at least not a living one).

Plus, even though I see the stats of our visitors, get the emails and comments, writing this blog still happens in a vacuum. I sit here early in the morning (often still in my jammy pants) writing down my thoughts and putting them online, but sometimes the thoughts do creep in, "are people really reading this, is it really that interesting?".

So I was considering a change and weighing out the options, reducing how often I posted (so that when I did post it would be more relevant and interesting), maybe transitioning into a once a week podcast, or just bringing the blog to an end.

As I was kicking these ideas around a couple things happened that "interrupted" my thought process.

First, Weekly Photo Tips was named one of the "10 Best Photography Blogs" along with folks like Scott Kelby and Joe McNally by the online tech magazine PluggedIn... that's some pretty darn impressive company. They said "The blog is a good mixture of the personal and professional: with good photos to browse". What made me me feel best was that they recognized the "personal" side.

Second, very shortly after this I received a comment from JW Stovall "I discover new and different products and services, that you have checked out. I appreciate that, but what I like the most, is that you are usually very 'upbeat' throughout your posts. This is refreshing, and encourages me to check in often. Thanks!"

These were reaffirming events for me... it made me realize that there are people out there, they do read this, and they do find it interesting.

Thank you!

21 comments:

Ed Macke said...

Scott, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that your blog is not only very helpful from a hints, tips, and general interesting photo goings-ons point of view, but especially from an inspirational one.

Photography involves a lot of technical and equipment issues, as well as artistic challenges. You do a fantastic job of balancing all of those things, plus add in humor and human-ness to it all.

I certainly understand the challenges with doing a frequent blog and nobody would have bad feelings if you changed direction, but certainly don't quit because you don't think your blog isn't read or appreciated... it is!

Anonymous said...

I'm in total agreement with Ed. You cannot end this blog - I JUST FOUND IT! Looking forward to future posts. Thank you so much!

corina said...

Congrats on the mention from PluggedIn! I agree with the above comments, too - I don't always post comments & I'm sure that's the case w/many readers, but that doesn't mean the info isn't valuable!

thom said...

Pleas don't stop. i look for you blog everyday.

half blind said...

Well Scott, I think you know how I feel. But I'll say it again anyway. I always check your blog and find great tips from a great person. And even though I might not find each and every post applicable to me, I try to read them all.

What separates your site from the others is you put your humanness on display. I empathize and relate. This in addition to really great tips makes a site that I want to keep up on, and that's the whole point, isn't it? I'm with you, Scott. Thank you.

Smile Stop Photos said...

Take a few weeks off and come back rejuvenated. It usually helps when I feel "stale".

Mike E said...

I dont' remember exactly how I stumbled upon your site, but it's in my list of favorites and frequently visited. Glad you received some well-deserved recognition. Thanks for doing it.

Dave Updegraff said...

Hi Scott

There are two blogs I read every day. Your blog and Scott Kelby's blog. We are about the same age. You chose photography and life led me to another path. But photography is a huge part of my life.

I guess the two things I like the most about your blog is your personal thoughts and memories and the photography stuff.

I understand the drudgery of writing a daily blog. I write one as well and only have 50 - 70 readers but I do not want to disappoint those readers in any way.

Writing a daily blog for me has kept me energized about my photography.

I've learned from you and enjoy your sense of humor and your humanity. Please don't stop.

Regards,
Dave Updegraff

Marmaduke Scarlet said...

I am a complete novice, but I have found your blog to be a great help to me in trying to learn more about food photography. So keep up the good work! Rachel

Chris Riley said...

Keep up the good work pal!! I count myself as one of the lucky ones that gets to enjoy the blog as well as occasionally stand shoulder to shoulder and push the button together.
Congrats on the overdue recognition.

Pam said...

OK, we met at a camera club which you out grew and kept going: Your blog is a combo and i enjoy reading your posts very much. So keep up the good work!!!

Anonymous said...

Scott
I too read each one of your blogs. I am a nurse who lives on the West Coast & am envious of those who are able to take advantage of offerings you promote. I enjoy reading about new products you try out (wish I could be a tester!) & have occasionally bought something with your recommendation. The personal side is important to me as I feel I can connect & if I ever travel to your part of the US I could simply look you up. Thanks for taking the time in your comfies to write the blog. On my days off I too sit in my comfies & readyour blog. So comfie to comfie...keep it going please.
Kathy Elder

Myles said...

I agree with everyone here that you cannot stop the blog. I enjoy reading. Although not as much as I would like to. However, I just subscribed to get you emails.

Have you ever thought of having guest bloggers in order to give you a little bit of a break?

Ashley Hataway said...

I don't think that I could say anything that hasn't already been said. Scott, you are TERRIFIC!! You have many loyal followers who truly enjoy reading ALL of your posts. Thank you for your wonderful words & photos. And congratulations on the well-deserved Top 10 title!!

Amy said...

I LOVE YOUR BLOG. DON'T STOP!!!!!!!!!

Kim said...

I do enjoy reading your blog. I am new to photography and I am learning so much and your site gives me ideas and leads me to other helpful sites. Continue your good work!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Scott !

...and, you are welcome.

maryann [MF*****Fotos] said...

Yes! Deserving of top 10 status! No pressure to maintain that......
Your fans love you!

Scott said...

Thank you all for taking the time to visit me here, for your kind words, and your encouragement.

I am blushing.

;)

Scott

Anonymous said...

Let me pile on too Scott! I look forward to each and every post that you make. I find your posts useful, as you relate in terms that an entry level or serious hobbyist can understand.

If you decide to take a break (hopefully on a beach with an umbrella drink in one hand/camera in the other), I'll be waiting right here. ;-)

Shawn said...

I just found you (from the PluggedIn article), and I LIKE what I see.

So glad you didn't quit just as I discovered you! =)