Why?
Why should you read this?
That’s what I’m trying to figure out, and I’m trying really hard not to be a pill about it.
“You just did a survey! What more do you want?!”
That’s a good question. Here are the facts:
- My blog is about to change a bit, because I’m (finally) making the jump the WordPress. More on that later.
- I need to decide if I’m going to have sponsors. Would it bug you if I did? Be honest, because we are not in a good place financially and that’s the main reason that I’m considering sponsors.
- Most of all, I’m discerning how to make the best use of my time, because my time is your time and in the end, it’s all His.
In other words, does God want me to be a blogger?
Or should I focus my efforts on, say, cleaning my home? ‘Cause I could no doubt have an amazing yard sale, if only I’d label and table all that extra stuff.
(Sounds pretty daunting.)
(I think I’d rather blog.)
So these are my thoughts, tossed (in humility) toward you. Please leave a comment or, if you prefer, send an email: mom4life[at]comcast[dot]net.
Please keep blogging! Your blog is so honest, inspirational, funny. It is a shot in the arm to others. A way of reaching out. Garage sales are about things. Your blog is about life!
*I* needed a shot in the arm, dear Faith, so thank you for taking the time to comment! I've been up since 1:30 thinking and praying…
Blog and don't worry or feel guilty about sponsors…do what's best for you and your sanity š and for your family and when you did all with HIM guiding you…your readers will be there š
The guilt factor is certainly there, Kacky, along with the fear of you thinking I'm "selling out."
I hope you decide to keep blogging.
I love to blog, Christine, so the odds are good! : )
Please keep blogging. Your blog is different and wonderful! We are not in a good place financially either an it is tough. Will pray for you! Laura in KS
Unemployment is rough, period. God has always provided, in amazingly beautiful and generous ways, but it can be demoralizing, especially for one's spouse.
Yes…demoralizing is the word. It is so painful to feel the pain he feels about not being able to provide the way he desparately wants to. My beautiful husband brought me to Catholism and now we talk about his struggles with keeping his faith, which terrifies me. We are both tired from many years of worry. All is not horrible, though, and we have much to be thankful for. There is a lot of love in our marriage and home – thank you, God, for that love!! I see that kind of love in your posts and love your honesty. I wouldn't mind if you added sponsors at all and would trust your reviews! Laura
Laura, we have more in common than I think you may know. Please let's keep one another's husbands in prayer today.
Definitely will do that, Margaret. Thank you. You have made me feel like I am not alone. God bless you.
In my husband's fifth year of unemployment and it is terrible for him, for our marriage. Please do that ads – I don't think anyone minds. And if you enjoy writing, please keep blogging. We all love your honesty and Catholic focus.
Oh gosh I sincerely hope you keep blogging and go ahead with sponsors! I so love your blog!
Shannon, you are always so very sweet. ā„
As long as your sponsors are selling things that you trust/believe in/recommend, I have no problem with seeing sponsorship ads on your blog. Why not make some money? I regularly click on affiliate links on blogs I trust. Yours would be no different. Keep blogging! Nikki
So…no ads for bikinis or Bratz dolls? ; )
I wouldn't mind sponsors at all! š
I've been reading your blog for nearly six years (what?!) and I can honestly say that you are one of the few bloggers who have never let me down.
You aren't perfect, your house isn't always clean, your kids are sometimes crazy and you share that with us. When I first started reading your blog, I was a young mother with three kids three and under with one on the way, I was hardly holding my head above water and you let me know that I wasn't alone.
All that to say, thank you, and please keep blogging and get paid to do it if you can! š
Oh my goodness, please don't hesitate to have sponsors! I wouldn't care in the least. Mommies can make money too! And I don't think you would be selling out at all.
…. And I love it when I see a new post from you. ;0) – Jennifer
I wouldn't mind ads so long as they weren't offensive or noisy or popups. But I would miss your blog if you stopped. It's one of only a few that I still read after seeing the need to cut back. God bless!
^^Ditto. Those darn pop-ups, drive me crazy. It is like playing whack-a-mole to get them to leave the screen so I can read what I came to read. BUT, if that is the price I must pay to read YOUR blog…I will gladly do it!
So yes, do what you need to do, and I hope you continue to put your voice out there. It is needed. š
Praying today for you and your family! (Oh and I am super excited about possibly seeing you this week. I think we are going to the same get-together, but I am not sure. But someone told me you might be there. Yeah!!)
Please don't stop blogging, Margaret!!!! You are so honest – such a breath of fresh air. We all struggle with our private crosses. If having sponsors would in any way help make yours more bearable, then by all means go that route. We all will trust the choices you make!
The best blogs are sponsored. Go for it. You are clearly at that point. Keep writing what brought you to this point not what you think everyone wants to read. It seems to me, if you focus on creating a blog
to everyone s liking, you'll just create a job for
yourself and loose the passion that brought
everyone to follow you in the first place.
Your family is endearing, your humor is delightful, your faith is honest and strong, and your pix, lovely.
Margaret, you ask this question so often, that I think you already know the answer. We love you, to be sure, but maybe it's time to step back without guilt for a season. Your kids are growing older, and older children are more demanding of our time. Something has to give, and this is probably it. Don't quit blogging if it gives you any measure of joy. Do quit blogging if it's one more thing on your to-do list. Or – best of both worlds here – write what you want when you want without worrying about what a bunch of people on the internet think. And clean your house anyway. It's easier to write in a tidy space. š
You are a great writer! However, I enjoy seeing pictures best..especially of those cute little boys! I also want to know your heart when your first born leaves for college.
Sorry, autocorrect put an expletive in my last comment so I deleted it.
Keep blogging, please! Ads do not bother me and if you can make a little extra income, go for it!
Go ahead with good heart regarding the sponsors. It's wonderful if a woman can bring in an income from her blogging. Some do sell out, but I can't imagine you ever doing that. As for what you write – don't underestimate how funny you can be. I always enjoy your amusing anecdotes.
Your blog is unique. It is real. It makes me smile when I need it and makes me reflect and pray when I need that. As far as monetizing goes…if I like a blog I read it. I really don't care about whether or not the author is receiving money for it. Unemployment is challenging on so many levels. If doing something you love can bring in some extra cash…BONUS! Also, there is always work to do. Always. But we moms need to remember to take care of ourselves. If this helps you do that then continue – it helps a lot of us š
I love your blog! Please keep going. I admire your honest, humble, Catholic spirit!
You sound like me, except you always ask your readers what they think, and I don't. I figure its between me and God. I'm not sure what His answer is, so maybe I should ask my readers. š If I have any! Personally, blogging gets pushed to the back burner because of other things going on in my life, and I don't have nearly the number of kids at home, anymore, as you do! If it's important to you, energizes you, and can also benefit the family, then it's a good thing. I'll keep reading if you keep writing, but I'll totally understand if you don't!
I don't have time to read all the comments….but my comment is:
THIS? THE DAY BEFORE THE BLOGGER PARTY?
It's a sign.
Tomorrow, being with so many wonderful bloggers, is a sign dear Mags.
If I asked this question, there would be crickets….so I don't ask. š
No crickets, it would be, Jamie of COURSE continue to blog, of COURSE add sponsors if it helps your family. NEVER EVER stop sharing and inspiring catholic mamas, and just mamas in general!!!
KEEP BLOGGING!!!! š You are the first blog I ever read and you have opened my world to so many things!! I'm the mom who came up to you at the homeschooling conference and was trying to tell you how cool you were but was having a hard time getting it out. :)/And don't worry about sponsors…. you need to take care of your family!
You seem to problem solve aloud and over time it is apparent that you want the dialogue too. To be heard and to share that we are not alone in what we strive for is friendship. Its your blog – no apologies – add the ads and address the topics that needle you. Own it. Do it. Trust.
Margaret, you have put your heart and soul into this blog for so many years. That also means you have put a lot of time into it. I think you should receive some compensation for that. Just by asking your readers their opinion, this is clearly something you will be very careful with. Your writing and photography are good, you have a loyal following, and like so many others have already said, you are real and honest. Adding some ads and sponsorships won't change that. Go for it!
Does God want you to be a blogger? Hmm, my guess is yes. You inspire me with every post to be a better mom and wife and I appreciate that tremendously. Oh and I would not mind the ads one bit.
I love your blog – even when life gets crazier than usual, yours is one of very few that I try to follow. Your honesty, humor, and faith are a breath of fresh air. I wouldn't mind ads at all. Your interest in your readers' opinions is so thoughtful, but ultimately, your conservations with God will help you in determining His will. (And, selfishly, it seems like all of us hope that His will coincides with our hopes that you continue š
Keep blogging, inspiring and praising God. If you can bring in a little money while doing it, go for it š
here is my bloggy…crossing fingers you post a couple pictures of the party! http://wwwendlessways.blogspot.com/