Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Morning After...


I can't lie, reading all of the awesome comments from friends and readers made saying goodbye a little harder - but knowing that I was able to connect with so many like-minded folks via the magical land of blogging in such a short time, reassures me that letting it go now doesn't necessarily mean that all of the time and energy that went into, now means absolutely nothing. I know it sounds crazy, but that was the hardest part about it, thinking... wow you've worked so so hard on growing the site, increasing readership, coming up with unique features and you're just going to let it go just like that??! Then I realized that I was holding on to it for the wrong reasons.

I spent a good amount of time working on HH, mostly finding unique products and new artists that appealed to me AND that haven't been plastered on other blogs. After crunching the numbers, the amount of money I was receiving from advertising wasn't enough to justify the amount of time I spent working on the site. Yes, I could've revved up marketing and pumped money in from savings, perhaps hire a few contributors to increase content to increase page views - ultimately acquiring more advertisers... hmmm it all started to sound way too familiar. Hey wait up, wasn't this the world that I left three years ago?? Somehow I came full circle, masked by more favorable variables like "handmade" and "indie" - but this route was headed straight back to what I was running away from three years ago.

It's so easy to revert back to what we're used to doing right? For me, it's the web. Websites, Photoshop, online content, page views, unique visitors... in a strange way, I find comfort in these terms. It's no surprise that I jumped at the first opportunity to get reacquainted with these old pals so quickly. My goal for the next few months is to force myself to grow & learn outside my "happy place" and to stop hiding behind what I find comfort in!!

7 comments:

Cindy said...

i don't know why, but i just feel like you're going to have some sort of brick and mortar shop at some point. i can imagine it. if you do, it will be magic, although whatever you do will be, too.

hh was not for naught. everything we do that teaches us new things has a purpose and it nurtured the wunderlust in you, which has opened up new doors.

i'm excited for you!

alexkeller said...

i need to get out more from behind my laptop - thanks

Amanda Nicole said...

It's so very true! I found myself getting caught up in increasing readership on my blog a little while bag, watching the numbers on my Google Analytics page rise and fall softly. But then I remembered why I starting blogging in the first place: I wanted a new form of relaxation, exploration, and creativity, and really, that's what I should be focusing on.

I'm glad you're carving out a happy medium for yourself :)

LOLAFALK said...

Congrats on following your gut and doing what's best for you - most people aren't able to recognize this like you did - and that's why they end up in careers they despise. Be proud of the success of HH - and just don't quit Lifeflix ( because I'll miss your gorgeous food photography!)
:)

Melissa de la Fuente said...

I am so happy for you hunnie, pursuing what makes you happy, though not necessarily safe. You know I am behind you 100%.
xo
Melis
ps this photograph is so pretty....

nichole said...

Having read through this and your farewell, I am certain of one thing: you are on the right track!

I am excited to see what you do next!

Amy said...

I'm going to miss HH. I don't think I have the words to describe what's on my mind at the moment, but I am so, so glad that you still have Lifeflix so I can still stalk you! :)

Big hugs dear Marichelle, and I can't wait to hear more of your new adventure!