To think about the next phase of my blog.
And moving it.
To a new, anonymous blog.
I never thought I would see the day that I’d decide this is what I want to do, but for now, I think it is.
I find that more and more I censor some of what I say, or avoid topics altogether.
And the purpose of this blog is to be transparent with what I’m feeling and experiencing and while the majority of my posts do bare that, not all of them do.
So, in the next month or so (or less, if I can swing it sooner), I’m going to start investigating some options to transition this blog into a new one. With a new name, a new look, and reflecting the “me” I am today.
I think the hardest part is coming up with a new blog name (and knowing I will lose some followers for awhile, but hopefully will build up the new soon enough!), but I have a few good candidates in mind and can’t wait to get started on this new blog journey.
What I will need from you, friends, is to let me know if you would like to follow my new blog, so if you do, just comment here and when the new one is ready, I will email it to you separately, and for now, will continue blogging here as always, until I pull the trigger
I think it’s time.
Don’t you?
(Thanks T and IntrigueMe for prodding me along to go for it)
December 2, 2010 at 11:53 am
I understand why you want to go anonymous – there are things I won’t talk about on my blog because my identity is public.
Please count me in!
December 2, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Right. And when I first started my blog, I wanted it to be more public, but now that I am writing about different things, and so many more people know of it and read it, I feel like this is the right thing right now.
December 2, 2010 at 11:54 am
Well, this is a no brainer. Count me in.
December 2, 2010 at 1:26 pm
December 2, 2010 at 11:58 am
I don’t think you need to change the name. I mean, I think it’s true no matter where you are in your life – it’s always “to be determined” by you. It also can mean to be someone who is determined and your blog totally shows someone who is determined and chooses their own future. If that makes sense.
December 2, 2010 at 1:27 pm
You are right, I don’t need to necessarily, but in order for it to be not easily found, I will change it, at least slightly enough. I think you will like the new one
December 2, 2010 at 12:00 pm
kinda a new reader but would like to con’t!
December 2, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Of course!
December 2, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I would certainly follow. And you know me from my other blog, where I divulged a lot of stuff I can’t share with the world. There are pros and cons to the anonymous thing. I made this new one with the hope that one day I can make it fully public, where my close friends and family know about it. The thing is, it is hard to keep up the anonymous part of it. Something in you really wants those close to you to hear your voice and know what is going on. And seeing how well you have established rapport with your readers, I tend to think you will really miss sharing YOU and inviting THEM into it, if that makes sense.
As I move into this next chapter of my life, where I am sharing my dating experiences, I’m starting to think that I can never take it public in the way that I want to–the way you have here. It is very difficult to find that happy medium. But there is something to be said for having a outlet for things you need to talk about without fear of judgment and negativity from those close to you. My summer experience needed an outlet because it was so personally difficult to deal with. And I still want to bring those posts back into my current blog, but I don’t know how to make them fit. My blog is still so new, and I haven’t completely decided on my narrative voice.
It is a tough call. But I will go along for the ride if you do it.
December 2, 2010 at 1:28 pm
It is a tough call. And I am not marking it private completely, and will tell my friends and family of it. Because you are right, there are some things I DO want to share with them that I do write about. We’ll see how it goes
Will be an adjustment.
December 2, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Wow…I just started to follow you here. As I´m now in a dificult situation with my recent break up and trying to move on, so reading your posts I get more clarity and motivation.
I would like to follow you in your new Blog adventure!!!
December 2, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Thank you for visiting and for reading! I will add you to the list, for sure.
December 2, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Thanks!! I´m writting aswell…is a remedy and a good therapy for breaks ups!
sorry for my english, maybe is not perfect, I´m Spanish
December 2, 2010 at 2:55 pm
That’s great! And your English is fine
December 18, 2010 at 10:03 am
i would also love to keep following!
December 18, 2010 at 2:49 pm
sure thing, I sent you an email.
December 2, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Most definitely want to keep following!
And congrats…I think it’s great!
December 2, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Thank you! I think it will be too. I will add you!
December 2, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Well, duh! Of course I need to know where you go.
December 2, 2010 at 1:34 pm
But of course
December 2, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Hey there Jolene- I think I have only commented once but I do love receiving your blog and would love to keep following…we live surprisingly parallel journeys and I love hearing your take on things as it always gives me another perspective at which to look at my life:)
Jules
December 2, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Hi there! I remember you and your comment! Yes, I will add you, I am glad my journey is helpful for yours!
December 2, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Memememe!!! Goes without saying though, right?
December 2, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Well duh, yes
December 2, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Me, of course!
December 2, 2010 at 1:35 pm
but of course!
December 2, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I’d die without my daily TBD fix… please keep me informed. I’ll even pinky swear to keep your posts and identity completely to myself!!!
December 2, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Aww
thank you, I do appreciate that, and of course I will keep you on the list!
December 2, 2010 at 1:15 pm
oh, i’m so, so there. keep me posted.
i find anonymity gives me the kind of freedom to let loose and say exactly what i want to, how i want to, damn the consequences. maybe you’ll find it as liberating as i do.
December 2, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I think it will feel liberating. I am excited about it, but it feels daunting too. We’ll see how this goes!
December 2, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I would love to follow your new blog. I know what you mean about feeling like you have to censor yourself or can’t talk fully about topics. I ran into that myself. I still keep up my main blog, but I blog more personally on a different blog.
I think it is a great time to transition to another blog. You are in a completely different phase of your life than you were when you started this blog, and your purposes in writing, no doubt, would be different. I applaud your courage to move away from the familiar and start fresh.
Good luck and keep me posted! (I read every day, but rarely have time to actually comment
)
December 2, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Aw, I am so glad you read so often!! I love that. And yes, I am in a completely different place now, so now is a great time to do it!
December 2, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Um… YEAH!
Can’t wait to read more!
December 2, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Thanks for prodding, nicely, but some great, great reasons for doing so!
December 2, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I’m really happy for you! I’ve felt you holding back lately, and that’s just plain unfair. Of course you know I would absolutely love to follow you over! Also, the nice thing about anonymous is that you can still NOT be anonymous in places like facebook.
December 2, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Yea, I know, I have and I don’t like it. It’s not me, and it’s just going to keep being that way if I don’t make the change.
December 2, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Hi Jolene.
I just recently found this blog and have been pouring through the archives – you totally rock!!!
I would hate to miss out on whatever your next adventures are lol. For reals, I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration because I may be on a kinda similar path soon, so it’s always good to know that people *do* make it through. I also want to choose happiness. Do you need my email address to *invite* me to your new blog? I hope I make the cut – I’ve had enough rejection to last me 2 lifetimes LOLOLOL!
December 2, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Aww! Thank you!!! I love that you are reading the older stuff. That’s awesome. So touching. And yes, you can most definitely be added to the new one
December 2, 2010 at 2:12 pm
I hear ya. Been there, done that. Move on, lady. And take me with you!
December 2, 2010 at 2:22 pm
But of course dahling!
December 2, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Please add me to the list! Are you going to go anonymous on Twitter too?
December 2, 2010 at 2:56 pm
will do! I haven’t decided yet on Twitter…hmm.
December 2, 2010 at 4:15 pm
I am soooo happy you are making this choice. I love how you write when you don’t censor yourself and I think you really need to do this for yourself.It is a great step in the right direction and I think this is a good time in your life to make this transition. Of course I want to follow you! Duh! Cause if I can’t, I will make a great stalker:) I am so proud of you friend! xoxo
December 2, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I am mostly a lurker and not much of a commenter, but I would still like to keep following. I am a blogger drop out but still like reading!
December 3, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Absolutely! Thanks!!
December 2, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Would love to follow your new blog when you decide to do it. Count me in.
December 2, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Great minds think a like. Count me in.
December 3, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Hmm..do I have catching up to do on yours??
December 2, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I count on your blog for the inspiration that I need. I’m reading through the past articles and finding all over the place! If possible, I’d love to be able to follow you on your new adventure. And, good luck!
December 3, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Wow, yes, of course!! So sweet.
December 2, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Hi Jolene! I’ve never commented on your blog but I’ve been reading and cheering you on for 6 months now. You are a beautiful writer and I’m so happy for the way your life is heading. Can I please follow you??:)
December 3, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Aww!! That’s so touching…wow. And ues, of course!!
December 2, 2010 at 7:58 pm
please do let me know! i toyed around with starting a new blog and kept up two blogs for a while, because it was so heartbreaking to bring down the old blog, but once i realized how much i loved the new blog, i knew it was the right thing to do!
December 3, 2010 at 3:42 pm
That’s awesome, I’m glad you embraced the new one! I love it!!
December 2, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Ummm…YEAH! I actually have a few blogs. This one is the only one that is anonymous. And I need it deeply and dearly. If you are constantly self-critiquing, no writer can ever improve. And in the case of a blog, I think it is a matter of either feeling ready to be as public as you can or, trying anonymity and seeing if that frees you…Just keep me posted!
December 3, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Of course! And I’m looking forward to the switch, at least for now. A good evolution
December 2, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Please include me! You were one of my original inspirations. I’d hate to lose you!
December 3, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Awww!! You’re so sweet. Thank you!! And of course.
December 2, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Please make sure that I’m added to the list!! I totally understand why you want to go anonymous. My blog was originally that way, but decided to “out” myself when I realized that there were people reading it that I didn’t want (like my ex husband and my ex-friend who he was pseudo-dating for a while. Oh – and did I mention my EX MOTHER IN LAW???? Um….yeah.)
Anyhow, good for you! Do what feels right.
December 3, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Thank you!! Yes, for several reasons, it feels right. May change in the future but for now, I’m excited for it! You’re on the list!!
December 3, 2010 at 12:50 am
If you think it’s time, then it’s time! Count me in! xoxo
December 3, 2010 at 3:32 pm
I do. And you are def on the list!
December 3, 2010 at 1:35 am
+ 1
December 3, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Yay! Of course
December 3, 2010 at 5:21 am
Count me in as someone wanting to know where you’ll be moving to.
December 3, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Of course CBG!
December 3, 2010 at 7:58 am
please count me in!
December 3, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Sure, thanks for visiting!!
December 3, 2010 at 9:41 am
Yes, please let me know, I’d love to follow!
December 3, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Sure, of course!!
December 3, 2010 at 10:56 am
Um hello? Why didn’t you tell little ‘ol meeeee? Your sister of all people! Just kidding. I think it’s a great idea and fully support it. I also think the name should still be kind of similar because it holds such meaning and has so many perspectives, not just divorce-centric, at all.
December 3, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Haha yeah I guess I didn’t really mention it huh? But yes, the name will be a slight variation, still reflect me!
December 3, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I just got my blog up and running … and made it private. So I feel your pain. I hope to keep reading along with you and sharing your journey.
December 3, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Awesome! And yes of course!
December 3, 2010 at 1:43 pm
If I’m allowed…I want to come with!
December 3, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Um duh, of course!! Xo!
December 4, 2010 at 3:18 am
I would love to follow your new one
I know you’ve only heard from me once but I LOVE reading blogs and I love reading your thoughts on life and everything that’s happening. So…count me in too!
December 4, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Aw! Thank you, so glad you enjoy reading and I will definitely add you to the list!
December 4, 2010 at 4:31 am
I have been silently lurking, intently leafing through archives for several months. Because of this blog, I have started an anonymous one of my own (just today). I would be quite honored to continue to witness (or at least read lol) your immensely inspirational journey.
December 4, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Wow, that’s awesome, I will take a look at your blog too! And will keep you posted on my new one when I make it!
December 5, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Jolene,
Thank you so much for sharing as much as you have! Though I haven’t commented before, you have been a source of inspiration and strength for me. I have a very similar past but haven’t made it quite as far as you yet. I can only have hope that I will get through and find what you have had the strength to find in yourself.
I would love to keep up with the new blog, if possible!
Thanks Again!
December 6, 2010 at 9:01 am
wow. So glad to hear from you and hope you are forging your way on your own path. If I can do it, you can do it!! And you are on the list for my new blog when I create it
December 6, 2010 at 4:30 am
I have only been following you for awhile, but enjoy your blog and would love to be able to keep up with you in your new one. There was only one other blog that I followed closely, and that author changed to private suddenly, leaving me out in the cold so I thank you for giving people the opportunity to stay informed. You seem like an awesome person, and I look forward to reading your archives and getting to know you better.
December 6, 2010 at 9:00 am
Aww! Thank you. Of course I will share the info with you once I set it up, glad you have you, and thank you so much for the compliment!!
December 6, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Hi … would love to continue to follow you. Love to read your blog!
December 6, 2010 at 1:46 pm
of course!
December 6, 2010 at 7:51 pm
WOW, this one sure generated a lot of comments
I will miss this blog Jolene! But I will follow the anonymous one if that’s ok!!
December 6, 2010 at 8:14 pm
I guess it did, huh?! Damn. And well hello there! thanks for the visit and yes ma’am!
December 9, 2010 at 11:26 am
Yes! Count me in!
December 9, 2010 at 11:36 am
Of course
December 9, 2010 at 8:09 pm
[...] it will be the first post on my new blog, and I know it’s a ridiculous tease to even mention it here without being able to disclose [...]
December 10, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Okay, not sure how I missed this one… But if you’d let me, I’d love to follow the new one!
December 10, 2010 at 12:56 pm
of course – xo!
December 14, 2010 at 7:27 pm
[...] I’ve taken the plunge and started my new blog and will begin transitioning to that one, from [...]
December 17, 2010 at 11:58 pm
i just found your blog and would love to continue with you on your journey…
December 18, 2010 at 9:16 am
Of course! I’ve seen you commenting on others’ blogs I read, so I’m glad to have you! I must go check yours too!
December 18, 2010 at 8:37 am
Count me in lady! You know where to find me.
December 18, 2010 at 9:16 am
but of course