Travel. Write. Live. Relaunches!
So I blew it. I wanted to develop Travel. Write. Live where I could talk about travel and writing that fell outside of a traditional travel article, something that explored the art of writing and included thoughts about how travel and writing pertained to life, but I blew it.
It was not that I ran out of creativity or topics. Instead, I started worrying about social media and keeping up with the googles. I found myself rushing to get articles done before they were fully fleshed out, because other bloggers were spitting out new content at alarming rates. I found myself spending more time partnering with legions of people trying to keep up with the googles, most of whom ran sites I only felt so-so about, and I strived to be more like them. I worried about competing with large corporations and SEO masters so my little site might be found by the masses, as if I were selling get rich quick schemes or miracle floor-wax. I also became less willing to point out how some of these corporations and organizations are ruining travel, so I might play “the game” with them. Travel. Write. Live. became more like a banal video game than a useful site, or, at least, a site I could be proud of writing. It all became a huge mistake on my part.
Once I figured out the mistake. I stopped maintaining Travel. Write. Live. I needed to step back and regroup, think about what I hoped to accomplish. I have done that. I have some clarity of vision. It has taken eight months to finally write this little article.
During this time I thought about what I wanted to do, how I wanted to rededicate myself to travel writings and life. The answers were easy.
- Never again publish a story that is not completely baked. This might mean fewer stories in the beginning.
- Let knowledgeable experts chime in and help us become better at traveling, writing, and even leading a better life.
- Promote travel, but not always. I love travel, but there are plenty of companies that make the process of doing it terrible. Expect to hear a rant about the TSA in the future.
- Criticize, when necessary.
- Because I intend to explore social issues as it relates to travel, writing and leading a better life, TWL will now become “the No BS Blog about life.”
I know, maybe it does not seem like much, and do not get me wrong; there are still a number of stories that I am proud of presenting on TWL. I just am not willing to publish duds to keep up with the googles. I will take a few more chances.
Excellent decision/thinking – congrats! It is so easy to get caught up in the blogging/social media whirlwind these days – I feel like I’ve managed to keep my travel blog as I want it but I have a fiction writing blog I’ve temporarily abandoned for nearly exactly the same reasons you describe. But write what you want to write – it’s your blog – is a great philosophy.
Hi Amanda,
It did all become so meaningless and defeating to some degree, which is the exact reason I wanted to reevaluate. Thanks for the support.
Sounds like a good direction for the site. I look forward to reading the articles.
I love reading these articles bacuese they’re short but informative.
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Thanks Stephanie,
I should start having something new shortly.
Sounds like a good decision. Good luck – I’ll help spread the word 🙂
Much appreciated Sophie! Hope your travels are going well.
Devin,
I applaud your courage and honesty.
“Promote travel, but not always. I love travel, but there are plenty of companies that make the process of doing it terrible”
I agree. And I really look forward to the new Travel.Live. Write!
Congrats on your relaunch.