Monday, August 10, 2009

Hi--it's me. :) New rules...

Hey everyone.

I am back. Hopefully back for good now.

I am sorry it's been a rough summer. I could excuse my life away, but it doesn't take away from the fact that things have been really down here..and down out there too with many of you. I am aware. And it breaks my heart. I wish things could be better for everyone...in an instant.

But, we're here to talk about this blog. So let's all take a deep breath and start over fresh, deal?

Over the past few weeks I have been trying and trying to figure out how to make this blog good for everyone. I have listened to suggestions (some that I found quite hurtful), reworked things, shuffled here and there...and still, no matter what I did, there was STILL someone who wasn't happy.

I have come to the conclusion that ultimately, this is my blog. This is my baby...you know? And if I can't make everyone happy, I should at least make myself happy.

SO, FROM NOW ON...NEW RULES.

Yes, new rules.

We're going back to the roots of this challenge.

24 HOURS. You take the picture. You post. You leave comments for people. You encourage and help each other to be better photographers. You inspire...you feel inspired.

That's what this blog was supposed to be about.

And busy or not, I feel like we need to stay true to the integrity of this blog. Get your mission, submit your picture by the next day.

Period.

Another change?

We are going to stop voting.

I know this will probably ruffle a lot of feathers...I understand that. It is something I have debated over for months now. And ultimately I think that it will be good to put it to rest.

WHY???? I know you are probably dying to know the answer to that one.

Here's my logic.

I have seen a pattern lately where comments on pictures are so scarce, and then all of a sudden when it comes to voting, people pop in and leave their opinions. I am always so surprised because it seems to me that those thoughts and comments would be really helpful if applied to their actual post. I cannot tell you how many people have said how much they WANTED to receive HELP with their photography...CC... ya know? But yet they often hear nothing from anyone.

And that's where I think we need to get back to.
--HELPING each other improve
--ENCOURAGING through words and comments
--GETTING TO KNOW each other by making others posts matter to US.

That's it. That's how I see it. And that's how I think it should be right now.

I am SO glad to have so many wonderful people be a part of this blog. I really hope I can refocus my attentions to meeting each of you and learning something from you. I know, no matter what our level of photography, that we each do have something to share.

Be ready for a new challenge...it's coming tomorrow...just a heads up. :)

15 comments:

B-Blogit said...

you go girl, i couldnt agree more, though I too am guilty of not giving CC when it has been asked for :(

We are ready for the challenge give it to us! You can also keep checking your facebook too cus I will post reminders there again not and keep up with it this time! Cus we all know we have time for facebook ;)

Katy said...

I am totally and utterly super duper cool with all the shakeup... thanks for being so patient with me and my flakiness (sounds like a gnarly skin issue, huh?)but i'll re-RE-commit and do better!!! I spit swear on it!

Breezi@ Not Your Average Fairytale said...

I am standing up and cheering right now... :)

Good rules.

Charlotte said...

:0)

B-Blogit said...

Katy spit swear eww! LOL!

Mindy said...

Rachel, I am so proud of you that I'm applauding! I love it... every bit. I completely agree with you on the voting thing, and the CC, and will be thrilled to see the blog return to its roots. :)

George and Teri said...

Me to.

hotmama03 said...

YAY an end to voting and more comments. I try to comment on most-i will call it my challenge to comment on all :)
i am so stoked for the 24 being back in play. it gave me excitment to know i only had a short window to take my best shot.
SO YAY once again, thank you rachel for sticking it out!!!

Rachel Holloway said...

Whew! Thank you everyone, so far, for your comments. In a sense, I was afraid to say it how I felt it because I didn't want to step on toes...but I guess sometimes you just have to do what you've gotta do. :)

It's nice to know there are some of you behind me!! So THANK YOU!

Shelby said...

Glad your going back to your roots and taking the reins!
Viva M24!

Melanie said...

Amen & Thank you!

Thank you for all of your hard work. I know things have been tough, and you're right. This is YOUR baby, and you'll never make EVERYONE happy; Especially if you yourself aren't.

This is after all "Mission 24"...not 48...not 7 days.

I also like the focus on CC and HELPING each other improve, rather than being discouraged that we don't measure up to even be given a comment, let alone "win" a challenge.

I'm back in this thing!

Thank you.

Janelle said...

While voting can be fun, I whole-heartedly agree with your reasons for nixing it. I really hope we can get back to commenting and giving thoughtful feedback to each other.

Way to take the blog by the horns!

Shanda Call said...

sounds great. i admire you for even trying to keep up with this and make people happy. I don't think I'd have it in me. I hope this new school year brings us back more!

Lindy Lue said...

i too, spit swear. lol...

hope things improve at home, i understand in some ways...busy, chaos ugh

i really enjoy this blog, i know i have said it before that i work like crazy during the summers but i sure try to get on this all the time! i really enjoy looking at everyones work!

thanks rach ~ lindy

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