My blog has fallen into quite the rough patch, and I have been trying to think about how to relaunch it in a sustainable (not in that recycling sense, but in the “can I keep up” sense) way. I changed the theme. I made myself try to write something every day, which lasted a less than a week in the always thrilling college hockey off-season.
The answer didn’t come to me until I attended TWTRCON 2010 on Monday. I was asked why I was there and what I did several times that day by my fellow attendees, and I would explain, “Well, I work in higher education, where I try to manage communications and technology amongst my other duties, and am a freelance sportswriter at night.”
After the third time of this description, it hit me. …On Being a Sports Girl doesn’t reflect who I am anymore. I have a value beyond sports (well, I always did, but I don’t have to hang my hat solely on sports anymore.) Not only am I a sports buff, but a social media lover, someone who believes in the power of higher education, and everyone’s older sister. If my blog reflected me, then it would be much easier to write, promote and otherwise be passionate about again.
Once I made that consious decision, the ideas came flowing back. I could write about x, y, or z! I jotted down ideas through the entire bus ride home. Despite my exhaustion from traveling and the fact that I haven’t slept in a week thanks to the globe’s worst ever sinus infection, I was determined to get back to the computer and write. But first, I would have to change the title of my blog.
I know I’ll miss the title …On Being a Sports Girl. I may even wake up tomorrow morning and think I’ve made a rash decision, a misguided branding mistake, a loss of the online identity I’ve had since 2003 (yes, it’s been that long.) However, I’m no longer that 21 year old who writes about the “Hallmark Lackluster Quarterback Ornament Collection” and looking at grad schools. I’m now married, way older than 21, engage way too many people on Twitter, and love me some lacrosse.
So look forward to much more content in the future – still sports related when needed, but much more well-rounded. For those who need the sports writing fixes, I’ll still always link to my pieces from around the web.
What do you think of this change? Do you think I’m totally insane? Let me know.
Do what you got to do….You are always there for me when I need help!
Mazel tov! I’ve added your refreshed blog to the trusty Google Reader. Looking forward to it 🙂
Thanks Brian and Georgy! I appreciate your support!
Kat: No need to change the name of the blog. At one point, albeit early in our existence, someone suggested we change the name of our site because it doesn’t fully describe who and what we are, but in fact, it does. When people go to your site, or blog, then your writing will allow the identity of Being a Sports girl and what it means. I’d hate to see you fee that you need to change the name just because your thoughts have changed. A blog is about who you are, and how you grow through time. I’ve got a “couple” years on you, believe me, your passion for sports comes through when we talk, and you should be proud of that. Keep going, keep writing, it is the key to your inner soul!