It could be the turning of yet another season, or maybe it’s because my entire world has changed this year. Maybe it’s just this summer bug I’m fighting, but lately I’ve found myself especially reflective. And since it’s officially Get Out The Bonzai month, I figured it was the perfect time to share some of my thoughts. Afterall, I’ve always said that my role here is just to facilitate discussion. My goal is to create community and a safe space for growth. And the way to accomplish that is to be as honest and forthright as possible, yes?
It’s sometimes difficult to balance this blog, which is my passion, with other aspects of my life – namely earning income. It goes without saying that my family comes first, and mothering/partnering will be my number one priority. If only this blog could always be number two!
In the past I’ve been open about my ambition to monetize BA. It’s not my driving purpose here (of course), but I sure wouldn’t shy away from it. Every dollar required to live my life is time taken away from this space. If BA could do a bit to earn its keep, that would change a lot. And becoming a mommy has made my time more precious than ever. Sometimes I find myself asking a very difficult question: is blogging like this really sustainable for me?
I firmly believe in NPR (National Public Radio), PBS (the Public Broadcasting Service), and CSAs (community supported agrigulture), which is why I’ve been operating under a model I call USB – User Supported Blogging. That means that I’ve eschewed advertising dollars and instead relied on contributions from my readers (via my wishlist and the tip jar → ). I am so incredibly grateful for every gift I’ve received, but the undeniable truth is that donations won’t really bridge that financial gap.
Right now I work for my $crilla and I blog for love, and those two investments become competing factions in the ”War On Sayward’s Time”. And since family always come first, and since the sad truth is I do *need* to make money, in the end it’s the blog that suffers.
My ultimate dream is to someday marry my income obligations to that which brings me true joy. In other words, I’d love Bonzai Aphrodite to become lucrative, so that I could channel all of my extra energy right here. I have such Big Dreams and Grand Plans (yes capitals!) for this project, if only I could devote the time!
I’m not trying to get rich. I don’t make much money right now and I don’t need that much to maintain my lifestyle. But, well, a girl’s gotta eat. (And this girl’s gotta eat organic!) Life costs money, and I do need some.
So here’s where I would love some input. I’m decidedly disinterested in hosting advertisements, but I have been considering ’sponsorship’. Essentially, featuring a company whose product and ethics I can completely get behind.
Do you see a distinction between advertisers and sponsors? Do you think allowing sponsorship would compromise the integrity of the site? (Or conversely, would you appreciate being exposed to responsible, green businesses?)
I’ve also considered other avenues of income via BA, such as selling quality merchandise like tees and totes. (Which, personally, I think could be so fun!) How would you feel if I offered BA-inspired garments and goodies? Would you be interested in buying them, or do you feel like our relationship would change if I were “selling something”?
My integrity is more important to me than anything. I always want you to trust that I’m operating above board and in honor of the principles I advocate. So I put it to you, my readers, my community, my ’shareholders’ – what do you think?
This meeting is now called to order . . .
Oi oi! First things first I must give a giant THANK YOU to Melissa K, who was kind enough to drop a little something in my tip jar last week. Thank you so much lady! Everything you guys donate goes directly towards Bonzai-related ventures, to help me make the site even bigger and even better! So thanks for helping to make this all possible, Melissa!
And now, happy weekend!!! It’s time to get our chillax on, and as always, here on Bonzai it’s time for comments, critiques, thoughts, support, and suggestions.
So lay it on me! Let me have it! What are you up to this weekend? What’s your current obsession? Tell me three random things that make you happy today! (mine = half caf latte, a very clean house, Waits discovering how to make splashes in the bath) And here on Bonzai, what do you want to see more of? (the food? the farm? the fashion?)
As usual, the Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all weekend, so if you’ve got an idea or a question or you just want to introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’, you can stop back by any time. This is your community, so get involved and have your say!
I’ll be away all weekend, even *gasp!* without internet. It’ll be great to come back to all your comments! Shasta county, here we come! Woo-hoo!
Have the bestest weekend!
“Fuck it Dude, let’s go bowling.”
Oi oi there! Hello!!! We’re finally experiencing some real summer weather here, and I’m looking forward to a hot and sunny fun weekend! As always here on Bonzai, it’s time for comments, critiques, thoughts, support, and suggestions.
What’s on your mind? What’s got your goat? And what’s cranking your gears these days? Fill me in on what’s filling up your brain! And let me know what you’re wanting here, on Bonzai!
As usual, the Friday Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all . . . well . . . week. See, I’ve been pushing myself really hard lately, and so I’ve made an executive decision – to take a holiday! So I’m unplugging for the next full week. I’ll be back on Monday, 23 August. In the meantime don’t forget your monthly mission. And make sure to have some fun!
I know Waits and I will. We may even do some bowling . . .
“The Big Latch On”
This morning Waits and I joined a huge group of women in The Big Latch On, an attempt to break the world record for simultaneous nursing. It was so friggin wonderful! Yay for positive and empowered public breastfeeding!
So hello there! Welcome to the weekend! Firstly and with much gratitude I want to say THANK YOU to Kristen, who was so sweet to drop a little something in my tip jar this week. Thanks lady – the support really means so much to me. =)
And now, it’s time for comments, critiques, thoughts, support, and suggestions. So what’s up guys? What’s on your minds? Tell me tell me everything!
As usual, the Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all weekend, so if you’ve got an idea or a question or you just want to introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’, you can stop back by any time. This is your community, so get involved and have your say!
As an aside: Over the past few months I’ve recieved a number of Facebook friends requests to my personal page. But my deal with Facebook is ‘real life only’. I figure I’m public in enough places all over the whole damn internets (like hello? that’s my ta ta hanging out up there ^^), so Facebook is my one place to stay in touch with face-to-face friends. And yes, I do see the ultimate irony in making Facebook my one private place, haha. Anyway, if I didn’t accept your friends request PLEASE DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY! I love you guys! Come join the Bonzai Facebook page! Okay, hope y’all understand.
Now have a fantabulous weekend!
This is becoming a regular thing – the ‘Weekly Waits’! =D
Hello there, and happy weekend!!! It’s time to sit back and relax, and as always, it’s time for comments, critiques, thoughts, support, and suggestions.
So don’t hold back! Let me have it! I want to know what’s on your mind, what’s got you going, and what’s been exercising your big ol’ brain! What are you doing to become the kind of person you want to be? And here on Bonzai, what are you most interested in?!
As usual, the Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all weekend, so if you’ve got an idea or a question or you just want to introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’, you can stop back by any time. This is your community, so get involved and have your say!
Enjoy another spectacular summer weekend! This one is especially dear to me, as it’s my 2-year Veganniversary! I’m celebrating all weekend, with good foods and good animal-love time, and picnics and friends, and I’m ‘un-baking’ a big RAW cake! I’ll tell you more next week . . .