Who am I? (A blog in crisis)
November 21, 2008 — phantomcityLast year I was brought onto an online art community as an editor, finding resource links and developing web 2.0 marketing strategies. Shortly after I was asked to start writing articles ‘like i had on ninaalvarez.net’, where i’d waxed philosophical about the wonders of web 2.0 for small businesses. I did this for three months: poured my heart and soul into it, but at the end of the summer, there was a problem. I didn’t know what to write and my boss thought the tone was too personal. I was only doing what I’d learned was correct for Web 2.0. I was searching my mind for ideas constantly and looking only to myself to provide information. I felt weird about offering information I’d gleaned elsewhere, although, in retrospect, almost no one can write a blog solely from personal experience.
Between my block and our difference of opinion over style, we parted ways. But we’d been a good team for the most part and a couple weeks later we got back together and now are restructuring the blog the way he wants it. It’s fine. It’s his company and he pays me.
I still find great value in the excercise of writing ezine-like posts. But I also still believe there is value in doing things the way I was doing them, so I’ve transferred all the old posts over here and will continue, on my own time, to speak to artists from my heart. I don’t get paid for this. I have no editor, no boss, no restrictions and that’s exactly the sort of outlet I need. It’ll also make for more dynamic posts that hopefully you will enjoy and return to more than once.
I will also be creating my own podcast. I invite those listeners who enjoyed the Artspan podcast I created to listen to my podcast. I’ll let you know as soon as the first episode is up.
I am planning artist interviews, important tips, candid advice, and ongoing encouragement. I see the current economy as challenge to approach spiritually, as any challenge is. There is so much to be gained when we are forced to simplify and see more clearly and then give ourselves permission to share our vision.
