I am not in the business but, am one that does spend a lot of time on the internet (during my free time). Things keep changing. Not all for the better. I am glad that I do not "need" a blog.
I am curious to experience where all this might be heading towards? I like having Social Media, even though it can become addicting. I just spend too much time on it.
It's not the ice cream, it's craving and we satisfy the craving for a reason inside of us. Same with social media or tech addiction. So it's very possible to find ways to tone it down, to dull it out, which I have done better on some days, worse on others (tech not ice cream). Balance, knowing when you've had enough, not having it after a certain time each night, etc. I'm trying different ways currently so I can enjoy more my day-to-day life again while still having fun online and being here for all of you and my family and friends who are also online.
I hear you! I feel the same. I started blogging in 2006 and it's incredible to see where the tech is now. Horrifying, in many ways! But my community feels just as lovely as it did back then and i think that's the bit that matters - the People ❤️ So i'll keep showing up for my peeps and keep trying to reinvent the wheel :-)
Yes same, if my community wasn't here I'd be gone by now - I only keep going for these kind and wonderful people and all of my fantastic friends I've made through my career which largely started digitally. I think this is why I stay on track with teaching my courses and collecting my peeps there - it's quiet and cozy and we can share without outside eyes - and it feels safe and secure as a course isn't public - only to those who paid. For me, my blog, Substack (though I battle with it) and my courses have been my one saving recipe for staying online for 20 years and making it work no matter what. Maybe that's what you also find helpful, the teaching aspect - the special campfire around your classes?
omg yes, absolutely. Tending to our cosy campfires makes being online something i still enjoy! Because we cultivate safe spaces and yes, they're private, which we all benefit from ❤️ It amazes me that I'm still doing this after all these years - back in January 2009 when i created my first course I thought it would be a one-off 🤣
Hi sweetie - What are you up to these days after you sold your blog? Are you doing a new business or are you mostly online for the connection and not for biz necessity?
After I sold, I took some time off and then I helped a tech startup get off the ground and then took another little break.
I took a role Oct 2023 with a startup as cofounder - it’s called TRAME Paris (https://trameparis.com). It’s all the things I love: tech, craft, design, art :) I’m really loving it. ❤️
Oh my god, I still remember the day when you featured my first little business on your blog in like 2009? I was sitting on my couch with my tiny laptop, BlackBerry in hand, telling my friends I could absolutely NOT go get coffee today of all days, because I was elated! I felt famous that day! Lol!
I miss that era beyond belief! So much possibility! So much excitement connecting with new, like-minded people!
Sometimes I just imagine we’re still back in those times and I stop trying to curate anything about my online presence, even if it’s just to experience a little glimmer of nostalgia and freedom. I don’t think we have to keep playing by the rules. It is difficult though. Especially when you can’t get the algorithm to even push your content, just because your post doesn’t fit into some kind of box they define.
I’m about to sell my second business, and I’ll be letting go of my audience that I’ve built with it, so the fear of starting over as a “nobody” in a way, is so terrifying, but also freeing.
(Sorry for the novel 😂 I’ve loved your blog and thoughts all these years, and you still totally get what we’re all feeling!)
I feel similar. In fact, I started with Substack, didn't really feel it was right for me and just kind of let it go with the intent to come back later. I didn't attempt to get readers or followers, I didn't feel at "home". Now that I have a book about to be published, I was thinking I should get back on the horse and start riding, I had some thoughts to share about the whole process, but still....
I feel a bit melancholy about the old days of Instagram, with artist friends popping up to show what they had created and it seemed more heartfelt. Now I am bombarded with ads and sleek videos and gurus telling me how I should eat and how I should live and think. I've started going all day without even looking at it.
I agree, I'm ready for something, not necessarily better but different.
Amen! I started in 1995 with rubber stamps and morphed to collage and then abstract acrylics. I mostly work in watercolor now but I always seem to try new things. That's what keeps it interesting. I agree completely about all the changes - some good but a lot not so good. I'm quoting (can't remember who) - "The more sophisticated communication becomes, the less we communicate." Can't talk on the phone - just text? And people complain about loneliness? We've done it to ourselves.
Yes all of what you said is so true. Also something my husband says a lot - "Limitation fosters creativity". When you have more you do less. When you have less, you do more. I was reading an article yesterday, I think it was in the New York Times, about how people who are fashion victims and own all the latest are usually the most boring to look at vs. the people who have less or buy vintage, H&M and some of the lux stuff - or all vintage or second hand stuff - whatever the mix - and they are the most amazing to look at. It's not much different with tech.
I'm right there with you, Holly. I've thought similar things so many times! You were the very first blog I ever read and your site felt like a happy home. And then I came up with my own blog, Simply Hue, and it became a passion along with my photography. I miss those days, too, and wish I had some profound idea to retrieve those simpler, creative, community-centered times. I have a feeling that you'll come up with something and "lead the troop". I would love to come along! 💗💗💗
I first joined social media in 1993. Back then, in Vienna/Austria, there was the BlackBox. A whole new world opened up to me. I connected with people I never would have met otherwise. We organized RL (real-life) meetups to get to know each other in person. I found that time incredibly enriching, fun, creative, and horizon-expanding. But then, slowly at first and then more rapidly, the internet began to change. It became ruthlessly commercialized and politicized. We all see the result. The long-term effects—also on our brains—cannot yet be fully understood.
I will write my master's thesis on this topic. Less social media is more. With selected small online communities. In my opinion, the solution lies in becoming smaller and more personal again. With plenty of time offline.
Yes the future is more community-oriented for sure especially as people are drained and tired of Meta and these massive social worlds where you cannot escape ALL sorts of information flying at you in one 5 minute span. The first year on Instagram was beautiful - all photographers and very visually oriented people. After that, it was hotels, celebrities, restaurants, resorts, massive fashion brands, interiors brands, magazines, newspapers, the super famous, special groups who want to push their ideas, politicians, religious groups, porn stars, film stars, musicians - the whole entire world of people showed up there within a few years ready to crowd into what was, a space for photographers and visual people. Now, you go on Instagram and you see it all - you see things you never wanted to see sometimes. You are exposed to things that conflict with your own moral standards, things you can't un-see. It's strange and messy. It can also be inspiring in moments. But more and more, it's just draining and I mostly forward memes to my girlfriends, save a few homes or designers I like, and look at cat or dog videos with my son. But there's got to be more. That's not really the best use of my time - or anyone else's. LOL
LOVE this post!! You are so right on with everything you've written here. I keep starting and re-starting but find that Insta and FB are just not my vibe anymore. Wish I could find a kinder, gentler place where I don't have to be perfect or share perfect photos - just connect with kind, peaceful souls
I'm going into my third year on Substack and I still can't seem to find my groove. I've watched as it's become another version of Instagram (albeit better in many ways). It's the same old trolling for likes, playing the game to go "viral", etc. I chuckle at how there are people on Substack who post about getting off of social media (IG,FB) but are still doing the same things on Substack they did there! What I've been called to more and more is to create in-person community. However, I'm finding it hard to win back people's desire to get off their phones and out of their houses to go to a gathering in person!! We've become self conscious and more introvert as we've hid behind our screens for the last four years. It's far too easy to scroll and then fall in bed exhausted from the screen time over stimulation. We have to break this cycle somehow, but I'm not sure what the answer is yet.
Yes in-person is tricky here too. I recently tried to start a meet up here but it got complicated and uncomfortable so I pulled out and decided to put it on hold for a bit. I find my online courses are the best space for me to be with quality people, with our live zoom sessions, which feels close to in-person and quite nice, and in the class we are not on social - but still together, so I will teach another class soon so I can escape social a bit and gather with incredible women again in this way.
Design journalist here. I’ve had blogs, am on Insta, and am having a blast writing on Substack after so many years of not being excited by content. I don’t have any idea at this point who my reader is beyond people who like home designs and spaces/places in general. Is it possible to rethink what might feel like fun to you? Has writing for so long for Decor8 that the whole think doesn’t spark here? I just discovered you and your voice feels close like blogs once did. I think people will crave people-led curation more and more with AI coming. I know I will.
I hear you! And I miss the days of blogging where I can find interesting things to see and learn from. I started reading your blog since the beginning and loved it. Always loved how you communicated with us, your point of view, and the people you showcased on your blog. It felt like I knew you personally just from reading your blogposts!
I totally agree! Though I abstained from social for to many reasons when it first came out, I picked it up in the last 5 years and my pocket book was grateful, my creativity not so much. I hope you stick around here…I like what you described from before, and would love to see you create it here.
I miss Google Reader so nicely curating and organizing the RSS feeds/blogs I chose myself -often from blogrolls (!!!) nonetheless. I loved that posts came from the authors' own sites, that they could control and fully own. I hate how monetizing is so hard for online writers. I know Substack tries to intercede in many ways, but I can't get into it, as a reader or as a writer. The brogliarchy is absolutely making me think big changes are in the wind, in so many ways. I'll be curious to see how things sort out. I feel we're all about to turn a few corners, like it or not. And yes, high fives to following you since your BOS/NH days! =)
I miss the days without social media.
I can't imagine life without it but I don't want it to evolve into what it seems to be heading towards...
Hello there Holly,
yes, I hear you. Loud and clearly.
I am not in the business but, am one that does spend a lot of time on the internet (during my free time). Things keep changing. Not all for the better. I am glad that I do not "need" a blog.
I am curious to experience where all this might be heading towards? I like having Social Media, even though it can become addicting. I just spend too much time on it.
It's not the ice cream, it's craving and we satisfy the craving for a reason inside of us. Same with social media or tech addiction. So it's very possible to find ways to tone it down, to dull it out, which I have done better on some days, worse on others (tech not ice cream). Balance, knowing when you've had enough, not having it after a certain time each night, etc. I'm trying different ways currently so I can enjoy more my day-to-day life again while still having fun online and being here for all of you and my family and friends who are also online.
I hear you! I feel the same. I started blogging in 2006 and it's incredible to see where the tech is now. Horrifying, in many ways! But my community feels just as lovely as it did back then and i think that's the bit that matters - the People ❤️ So i'll keep showing up for my peeps and keep trying to reinvent the wheel :-)
Yes same, if my community wasn't here I'd be gone by now - I only keep going for these kind and wonderful people and all of my fantastic friends I've made through my career which largely started digitally. I think this is why I stay on track with teaching my courses and collecting my peeps there - it's quiet and cozy and we can share without outside eyes - and it feels safe and secure as a course isn't public - only to those who paid. For me, my blog, Substack (though I battle with it) and my courses have been my one saving recipe for staying online for 20 years and making it work no matter what. Maybe that's what you also find helpful, the teaching aspect - the special campfire around your classes?
omg yes, absolutely. Tending to our cosy campfires makes being online something i still enjoy! Because we cultivate safe spaces and yes, they're private, which we all benefit from ❤️ It amazes me that I'm still doing this after all these years - back in January 2009 when i created my first course I thought it would be a one-off 🤣
same, girl, same. i have been spending less time on it and I feel better.
Hi sweetie - What are you up to these days after you sold your blog? Are you doing a new business or are you mostly online for the connection and not for biz necessity?
After I sold, I took some time off and then I helped a tech startup get off the ground and then took another little break.
I took a role Oct 2023 with a startup as cofounder - it’s called TRAME Paris (https://trameparis.com). It’s all the things I love: tech, craft, design, art :) I’m really loving it. ❤️
Oh my god, I still remember the day when you featured my first little business on your blog in like 2009? I was sitting on my couch with my tiny laptop, BlackBerry in hand, telling my friends I could absolutely NOT go get coffee today of all days, because I was elated! I felt famous that day! Lol!
I miss that era beyond belief! So much possibility! So much excitement connecting with new, like-minded people!
Sometimes I just imagine we’re still back in those times and I stop trying to curate anything about my online presence, even if it’s just to experience a little glimmer of nostalgia and freedom. I don’t think we have to keep playing by the rules. It is difficult though. Especially when you can’t get the algorithm to even push your content, just because your post doesn’t fit into some kind of box they define.
I’m about to sell my second business, and I’ll be letting go of my audience that I’ve built with it, so the fear of starting over as a “nobody” in a way, is so terrifying, but also freeing.
(Sorry for the novel 😂 I’ve loved your blog and thoughts all these years, and you still totally get what we’re all feeling!)
What is your second business, I'm curious, would love to know more.
Gosh I remember that your blog was one of the first I ever read. 20 years…..
You hadn’t moved to Germany and I followed along your house hunting. Well done on still being relevant today. I admire you.
Oh thank you so much! :)
I feel similar. In fact, I started with Substack, didn't really feel it was right for me and just kind of let it go with the intent to come back later. I didn't attempt to get readers or followers, I didn't feel at "home". Now that I have a book about to be published, I was thinking I should get back on the horse and start riding, I had some thoughts to share about the whole process, but still....
I feel a bit melancholy about the old days of Instagram, with artist friends popping up to show what they had created and it seemed more heartfelt. Now I am bombarded with ads and sleek videos and gurus telling me how I should eat and how I should live and think. I've started going all day without even looking at it.
I agree, I'm ready for something, not necessarily better but different.
So true!
Amen! I started in 1995 with rubber stamps and morphed to collage and then abstract acrylics. I mostly work in watercolor now but I always seem to try new things. That's what keeps it interesting. I agree completely about all the changes - some good but a lot not so good. I'm quoting (can't remember who) - "The more sophisticated communication becomes, the less we communicate." Can't talk on the phone - just text? And people complain about loneliness? We've done it to ourselves.
Yes all of what you said is so true. Also something my husband says a lot - "Limitation fosters creativity". When you have more you do less. When you have less, you do more. I was reading an article yesterday, I think it was in the New York Times, about how people who are fashion victims and own all the latest are usually the most boring to look at vs. the people who have less or buy vintage, H&M and some of the lux stuff - or all vintage or second hand stuff - whatever the mix - and they are the most amazing to look at. It's not much different with tech.
I'm right there with you, Holly. I've thought similar things so many times! You were the very first blog I ever read and your site felt like a happy home. And then I came up with my own blog, Simply Hue, and it became a passion along with my photography. I miss those days, too, and wish I had some profound idea to retrieve those simpler, creative, community-centered times. I have a feeling that you'll come up with something and "lead the troop". I would love to come along! 💗💗💗
I remember YOU and Simply Hue so well! And yes, I'm working on a new idea, or two, let's see....
Hi Holly,
you’re speaking straight from my heart.
I first joined social media in 1993. Back then, in Vienna/Austria, there was the BlackBox. A whole new world opened up to me. I connected with people I never would have met otherwise. We organized RL (real-life) meetups to get to know each other in person. I found that time incredibly enriching, fun, creative, and horizon-expanding. But then, slowly at first and then more rapidly, the internet began to change. It became ruthlessly commercialized and politicized. We all see the result. The long-term effects—also on our brains—cannot yet be fully understood.
I will write my master's thesis on this topic. Less social media is more. With selected small online communities. In my opinion, the solution lies in becoming smaller and more personal again. With plenty of time offline.
Yes the future is more community-oriented for sure especially as people are drained and tired of Meta and these massive social worlds where you cannot escape ALL sorts of information flying at you in one 5 minute span. The first year on Instagram was beautiful - all photographers and very visually oriented people. After that, it was hotels, celebrities, restaurants, resorts, massive fashion brands, interiors brands, magazines, newspapers, the super famous, special groups who want to push their ideas, politicians, religious groups, porn stars, film stars, musicians - the whole entire world of people showed up there within a few years ready to crowd into what was, a space for photographers and visual people. Now, you go on Instagram and you see it all - you see things you never wanted to see sometimes. You are exposed to things that conflict with your own moral standards, things you can't un-see. It's strange and messy. It can also be inspiring in moments. But more and more, it's just draining and I mostly forward memes to my girlfriends, save a few homes or designers I like, and look at cat or dog videos with my son. But there's got to be more. That's not really the best use of my time - or anyone else's. LOL
LOVE this post!! You are so right on with everything you've written here. I keep starting and re-starting but find that Insta and FB are just not my vibe anymore. Wish I could find a kinder, gentler place where I don't have to be perfect or share perfect photos - just connect with kind, peaceful souls
Maybe do that on Substack? I see very few perfect photos here.
I'm going into my third year on Substack and I still can't seem to find my groove. I've watched as it's become another version of Instagram (albeit better in many ways). It's the same old trolling for likes, playing the game to go "viral", etc. I chuckle at how there are people on Substack who post about getting off of social media (IG,FB) but are still doing the same things on Substack they did there! What I've been called to more and more is to create in-person community. However, I'm finding it hard to win back people's desire to get off their phones and out of their houses to go to a gathering in person!! We've become self conscious and more introvert as we've hid behind our screens for the last four years. It's far too easy to scroll and then fall in bed exhausted from the screen time over stimulation. We have to break this cycle somehow, but I'm not sure what the answer is yet.
Yes in-person is tricky here too. I recently tried to start a meet up here but it got complicated and uncomfortable so I pulled out and decided to put it on hold for a bit. I find my online courses are the best space for me to be with quality people, with our live zoom sessions, which feels close to in-person and quite nice, and in the class we are not on social - but still together, so I will teach another class soon so I can escape social a bit and gather with incredible women again in this way.
Design journalist here. I’ve had blogs, am on Insta, and am having a blast writing on Substack after so many years of not being excited by content. I don’t have any idea at this point who my reader is beyond people who like home designs and spaces/places in general. Is it possible to rethink what might feel like fun to you? Has writing for so long for Decor8 that the whole think doesn’t spark here? I just discovered you and your voice feels close like blogs once did. I think people will crave people-led curation more and more with AI coming. I know I will.
I hear you! And I miss the days of blogging where I can find interesting things to see and learn from. I started reading your blog since the beginning and loved it. Always loved how you communicated with us, your point of view, and the people you showcased on your blog. It felt like I knew you personally just from reading your blogposts!
I totally agree! Though I abstained from social for to many reasons when it first came out, I picked it up in the last 5 years and my pocket book was grateful, my creativity not so much. I hope you stick around here…I like what you described from before, and would love to see you create it here.
I miss Google Reader so nicely curating and organizing the RSS feeds/blogs I chose myself -often from blogrolls (!!!) nonetheless. I loved that posts came from the authors' own sites, that they could control and fully own. I hate how monetizing is so hard for online writers. I know Substack tries to intercede in many ways, but I can't get into it, as a reader or as a writer. The brogliarchy is absolutely making me think big changes are in the wind, in so many ways. I'll be curious to see how things sort out. I feel we're all about to turn a few corners, like it or not. And yes, high fives to following you since your BOS/NH days! =)