Just a few quick notes about what’s going on.
Life Update
I’m back in California!! It seems like I’m flying so much lately.
I’m not sure exactly how long I’ll stay in the US this time, but I’ll take the time to relax and enjoy the quiet suburbia. Of course, there’s still a lot of stuff I need to be doing in the next few months. Nevertheless, things seem to pass just a little slower here.
Other/ Guest Writers
On a related note, my time in the city has been so busy that I just could not post very regularly. Even once a week has been a struggle. I think I will have more free time soon, so things should pick up.
In any case, I’ve been thinking about something for a while now: opening the blog up to other writers. It would really help me to keep update frequency consistent. Further, there’s a vibrant community in the comments and there are some wonderful, intelligent people here that this might not be such a bad idea.
However, here are some other considerations. I’m kind of (definitely) a control freak, so I’ve been really hesitant about this. There are also a few other small things that kind of give me pause on this idea.
Thoughts?
Recommendations
In other blog related news, I’ve made a new page!
It’s a page for recommendations. Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of good recommendations for various anime, either past classics or for the current season, visual novels, manga, games, music, and yuri stuff via comments, emails, and tweets. A lot of these are really good, and I think it’d be great to share them. It also gives a place to help keep these recommendations together.
Anyway, please take a look at it, and help add more stuff to that page!
Cheers!
Yi~
![Blue Friend [Yuri Manga]](https://i0.wp.com/lh3.ggpht.com/_c3hWUvy__P4/TODtxeH57fI/AAAAAAAABRM/Jrn29X5gz0U/Blue-Friend-yuri-manga-cover-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200)
Listless Ink 
It all comes down whether or not you can be less of a control freak with the guest writer, Yi. It could be a good thing for your blog (which is popular either way) though.
Yea. I have no experience running team blogs or being a part of a team blog, so if I do start trying to get new writers, I hope I don’t become the pain-in-the-ass “boss.”
But agreed, this could be a good thing!
I’ve always wanted to go to California. I’ve heard it’s a nice place. Anyway, I’m glad things are going well for you, and I wouldn’t stress yourself too much over getting new writers. As kluxorious said, your blog is already popular as is. But it is your blog, so do what you want! ^_^
California is a nice place indeed! I really love it here.
Anyway, very good point about getting new writers. I shouldn’t put too many stressful thoughts on this. I may just put things on the table and see how things roll.
Glad to know that you’ve finally had the time for some well-deserved R&R. Wishing you the best of luck at whatever you’ll be doing back there. ^^
Thank you! I really needed this R&R (I assume that’s rest and relax).
Good luck building your own community Yi-san.
Not really my community, but just hoping to get more people to interact with each other. ^ ^
Anyway, thanks for the good wishes!
Congrats on getting a job Yi! I salute your charms and skills.
Thanks! It’s not a job job. More like just to pass time and get some small income.
Also, you should get a Twitter!
Enjoy your time in California. ^^
I sure will! Because honestly, I don’t know how long I’ll stay. May be two months; may be 8 years. It’s a weird and complicated situation.
Welcome back~~~ I like the guest writter idea, how about asking pple who want to participate to write an artical for you in order to judge their abilities? Or maybe opening an email to let guests mail posts to you for judgement and publishing on this blog if you deem them worthy? In any case, good luck with the idea and enjoy some time for yourself =D
That’s a good suggestion. And you bring up some really important nuances that I’ve forgotten about.
For right now, I think I’m only thinking about guest writers. Running a team blog seems like sooo much work, organization, and coordination. I’m not sure if I want to worry about that. It seems kind of too much to have an application process for guest writers. Also, cutting people is usually a hard thing.
“enjoy some time for yourself =D”
That’s the most important!
Welcome back! Good luck with all the guests you might bring over! Enjoy hehehe
Thanks! It’s really good to be back in familiarity and in the same time zone as some people.
As for guest writing, I’m still trying to work out how to get it working, but nothing definite as of yet.
I hope things get better and you get that free time. I do not think you should feel obligated to post regularly. You are a busy person, and the same goes for many other bloggers. You post whenever you can ^^
If you still feel you want to bring on some guest writers I am sure anyone you ask would be honored to write for your site. I think if you do something like that you should approach the individual with a topic to cover and let them go from there.
That way you could keep the control of your site and content on it, but also allow other ideas and opinions to flow in as well. Of course the topics might have to be general prompts so that the guest would be able to write an intelligent well researched article and something that comes from the heart so to speak.
I hope things go well in your decision making. It will be interesting if you bring any guests to the site ^^
Yea I shouldn’t need to feel obligated, but it’s hard not to. I think at this point, it has become a habit and a thing I really want to keep going. So I try to avoid hiatuses and mini-breaks from happening too often.
Have a topic in mind. That does allow me to sort of set the direction and have some modicum of control. I’ll definitely keep this in mind when this things gets rolling (if it ever does).
Anyway, thanks for the support!!
Have guest writers do yaoi/BL posts to even things out!
:O!
but that would ruin the nice and yuri atmosphere that is kinda unique of this blog…
@Shin: You know what? That’s not a bad idea at all.
@SilentSerenata: Are you interested? Feel free to contact me. ^ ^
@Ristlin: I’ll still keep posting yuri stuff. Don’t worry~
That is an interesting concept. You just have to even it out for sure… A Y for a Y XD
Haha yea.
Omg!! I’m happy when you fly a lot back and forth, cause it always cause extremely gorgeous artwork to turn up in this site!!
PS: kiding 😛
Haha, it’s probably because these relatively non-specific posts let me choose whatever images to complement the words.
Forgot to add a request. If possible I’d like this pictures in very high definition to use them as wallpapers. Please?
I don’t own the rights to any of the artworks. I just find them and use them. They can be found on various imageboards, and they are tagged with the artist names here.
Anyway, I’ve made things easier and just uploaded them so you don’t have to scour the web for them. ^ ^
http://yfrog.com/h40vb4j
http://yfrog.com/h6pur6j
http://yfrog.com/hs0uqlj
So much thank!
You know, there’s a user in my home forum too who goes on shitting Touhou like hell. He labels it as fapping material for lolicons just because there are lots of erotic fan art. I think Zun could have done something to him in his preceding life. Who knows, maybe he was a tree and he pissed on its roots or something…
Haha. To be fair, there are a lot of mature doujinshi and fan art of Touhou. Also, ZUN’s original designs as well as many derivative works are super loli.
Still, Touhou is certainly not just for lolicons to pleasure themselves to.
I’ve been one of your readers for quite sometime now, and I think I’ll still be regardless of your decision. At the end of the day, I guess what matters is you’re happy with your choice.
Aww thank you! ^ ^ That gives me a lot more confidence in trying out some stuff I want to try.
Hi Yi,
Glad to see ya back in action!!!! And BTW, if you need someone to guest write, I am definately willing to help you out!!!! Just let me know what I need to do.
Keep up the excellent work.
Andrew 🙂
I’ve been in action when I was in Taiwan, just not at the same pace, but yea, it’s good to be back.
Anyway, I’m not in need right now, but I’m open to people if they do want to write something here. My email is always open. ^ ^
Thanks and cheers!
Hiya andrew. The proper way to spell ‘definately’ is: definitely. X)
Have fun in America and stay safe! 🙂
Thanks. I’ll try to have some fun, but it’s just life. ^ ^
Ah life… Remember, if life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. Smile and the world smiles with you. 🙂
So poetic! I’ll remember that. ^ ^
It’s not frequency that counts I guess. It’s the way your write and your insights that I appreciate. It’s unique. But I understand why you would want to ensure update frequency consistency though.
Anyways, I was going to suggest you reading an article written by the blogger who’s interested to write in this blog or you would like for him/her to write on this blog but Ristlin beat me to it. >.<
Good luck, Yi! =)
While content quality is prime, I think consistency and post rate are really important as well. Updating regularly keeps the blog relevant on search engines and in people’s minds. More importantly, if I get in the habit of taking hiatuses, the blog will soon wither away as I get lazier and lazier.
That’s a good suggestion about additional writers, and once I’m ready, I’ll start getting things rolling.
Take care. ^ ^
Oh in California *how nice =D*
Enjoy your stay, I hope the weather is good there at the moment.
Quest writers sounds cool when can find the right person for that, but it could end in a bad way, if people get into an argument about something.
It’s a bit colder than I would’ve liked, but otherwise, the weather’s not too bad.
As for guest writers, it is indeed pretty hard to find the right people for this who would be interested, but I hope there are some around.
I prefer the idea of having a guest writing rather than having another writer permanently. As hoshiko mention up there, it’s the way you write and how you sometimes focus on more niche stuff that makes your blog stand out. I don’t think you should have to force yourself to write once a week or whatnot.. You’ll end up burning out and taking the hiatus that you dread so much.. People will keep on coming back here regardless, cos its an awesome blog…^^
=)
“it’s the way you write and how you sometimes focus on more niche stuff that makes your blog stand out.”
That’s yet another consideration I have to think more about, especially this blog seems to be a bit more personal than some others.
“You’ll end up burning out and taking the hiatus that you dread so much.. People will keep on coming back here regardless, cos its an awesome blog…^^”
That’s really comforting to know! ^ ^ Thanks.
Heeeey, Yi.
The guest writer idea sounds like it could be a lot of work, but also pretty interesting.
Enjoy California.
Also (from your twitter), I’ve liked Adele’s version of Long Song for a while.
Ah, that’s me, (Swordwind) above. Issues with the old email.
Yea… I’m thinking of just keeping it to guest writing for now, since it seems like it’d be a lot of work to coordinate permanent additional writers.
Anyway, I really like Cali. Or rather, I’m just so comfortable here.
Adele is lovely, right?
p.s. I like your new avatar. Very cute and classy. ^ ^
Makes sense to me.
I’m glad you’re somewhere you like.
I think so.
And you’re too nice, Yi~
I’ll write for you if you write for me. 🙂
No ideas yet, but let’s just get it on the table for now.
You were definitely on my mind when I was thinking about guest writers. I’ll hold you to that!
Let’s email each other some time. I’ll have to step up my writing though for your blog. ^ ^
Hmm… I’m curious what your circumstances are for this return to Cali. Not knowing how long you’re staying seems kinda … what’s the word? Stressful? Anxious? It makes it difficult to feel comfortable ^^;
I’ve always been curious about writing for another blog and having someone else write on my blog… But I never get around to it since I’m too busy with my own and I’m somewhat controlling on my blog, lol. Still I’m curious what kind of things would this guest writer would have to write?
Yea, things are pretty complicated with my life. But whose life isn’t?
The uncertainty is really kind of stressful. I can’t really commit to anything, and being constantly in transition is…
Anyway, I’m mostly looking for commentaries on anime, but it’s really up to the writer. I’m fine with mostly anything. If you’re interested, feel free to email me. ^ ^
WHOO!! GO CALIFORNIA~~~!!! That is all ^^
Cali!! ^ ^
Back to California?! Relax yourself & enjoy your stay ^^
I think I will~
I hope things go well for you in California. Wish I was there right now, or at least anywhere warmer than England. I need a suntan already!
Opening up the blog to others sounds a nice idea, but I suppose it depends on your reasoning for doing so. I don’t think you need to worry about the amount of articles you put out; your output seems fairly high to me, plus posts still seem to attract commenters weeks after being written. I sure theres more to your idea it than just that, but still, don’t feel you need to have to increase your blogging for our sakes alone. As long as the quality is high, then people will access the site. 😛
If you do decide to add guest writers, then I’d suggest picking like-minded people, that would fit in well with the sites ethic; ie. warm and friendly posts/comments on lighter/beautiful anime, and possibly yuri for the fans of that genre. Branching out into to many different areas could well destroy the unique vibe of the site. I wouldn’t say the site would become souless or anything, but theres so many multi-blogger sites out there, that most just don’t stand out against the others. Ok, I’m probably getting a bit ahead of myself now; as long as any changes are in moderation and keep in line with your general philosophy for running the site, then things will probably work out fine. Good luck in your search!
You should definitely visit Cali some time! I don’t think I could live in England long term. I cannot stand cold weather.
To be honest, as much keeping a high output is for the sake of the regular readers, I’m also doing it for search engines and various feeds in order to have a constantly influx of new readers. Recently, I’m finding it’s getting harder and harder to keep up with the pace I’d like. So this will hopefully help if it works out.
Now you’ve on another major point that gives me pause. Ideally I want the site to keep in line with the overall feel of this blog. The niche factor is one reason I think this blog has had its mild success, and I don’t want to compromise that. However, I don’t want to be too controlling wither. It’s a hard balance that I can’t judge well.
I actually have a few people in mind, but whether they’d want to guest write is another question. Also, it’d be hard to turn down writers that I don’t think is quite for this blog.
“Ok, I’m probably getting a bit ahead of myself now”
No definitely not. ^ ^ You’ve given me lots more to think about.
There are so many things to consider, even just for guest writing instead of permanent addition.
What part of California are you in? I’m in the LA area so if you’re close by we should meet up one day. If you have the time that is ^^,,,
I’m in the bay area, but we should if you ever come up or if I go down. ^ ^
Whether you post once or twice a week- it’s fine coz we’ll be coming back anyway. And the most important thing is that you get your rest. =)
As for the guest writer thing, I think it should be someone you’re comfortable to work with so as to prevent any conflicts from happening.
That’s really nice to hear. Thanks for the support!
I think I’m pretty comfortable with most people, although I can be kind of a jerk sometimes. Need to watch myself.
Glad to see you’re back
in black.About the bloggers thing, I suppose it’s good to try and let go sometimes. I mean ,I’m kind of a control freak too so I really felt it hard to enroll new authors, but it seems to be worth it in the end.
It’s great to be back!
Once things get rolling, hopefully it all will be worth the risks.
p.s. AoA seems to be working wonderfully with all your lovely writers.
I’ve thought about opening my blog to other writers before too. My decision in the end was to keep it to myself because I like to look back at things and say “I did all of that starting from scratch and without any help”.
“My decision in the end was to keep it to myself because I like to look back at things and say “I did all of that starting from scratch and without any help”.”
That is indeed very very impressive. Now I’m having second thoughts again! *brings out my controlling and possessive side~*
I love you YI…your awesome!! Please email i’d like to discuss some ideas and plans for making money from your site 🙂
Aww thank you!!
You can contact me directly from the contact page. I’d love to hear what you have in mind. ^ ^
Sorry I’m late to this Yi, but glad you got back safe. The guest writer idea sounds exciting and, as others have said, if you get to work with like-minded folks, then I’m sure you’ll both/ all have fun. You’d also put that little bit of extra energy into things, which is always fun. In short: your site certainly doesn’t need a massive overhaul, but it might be nice for you to have that extra breathing space, without you feeling like you need to be updating more regularly.
Ahh don’t worry about it. Always good to hear kind words from you. ^ ^
I think you hit the nail on the head. I need some extra breathing space… Hopefully I can find the balance between adding new writers and retaining individuality. A hard balance no doubt.
Happy eastern, :). Had no time to post any replies, anyway here comes one. I still think makeing chat box would been cool. And it’s pretty nice that u will have some more time, don’t overwork yourself have some good lazy time aswell, and enjoy life.^^
“and there are some wonderful, intelligent people here” – dont flatter us to much it might have bad effect on our selfestimation:P. But it doesnt change a fact that am pretty, to extend of a sin. And about opening blog to other people i would been really careful, it might be good idea, but still its your blog, and it might go wrong in worst case, anyway u wont have a control of current level. It’s a bit give and take.^^ K i am back on chat box again i will try to help u with this one if u want to make that but its up to u Yi^^.
I thou of saying smt about eastern here but got lazy and deceided to go sleep, got to wake in 4 h.
Happy belated Easter! ^ ^ (Sorry for the later reply. :()
I’m still working out the chat box. Blogging on wordpress.com’s free hosting puts a lot of limitations on the integration of different things. I’m definitely trying things out though. I’ll try to have one soon.
You deserve the flattery, hun. ^ ^
A good lazy time sounds lovely! Hopefully I’ll get to enjoy more of that in the future.
“still its your blog, and it might go wrong in worst case, anyway u wont have a control of current level.”
Very good point… All these things are making me even more hesitant to make the leap.
Anyway, hope you’re having a relaxing time!
About chat, try that: http://chatango.com/ it should be posible to add it, if not we could go and make channel on irc. Back in Cracow atlast^^
The thing with wordpress.com is that it doesn’t allow users to add java scripts except for a few things, so chatango won’t work with it. I think the only chatbox that can work is meebo’s chatbox. Even then, I still need to find a place for it to fit and still make the blog look OK.
I’m really open to having an irc channel though, but I have no idea how to use irc and stuffs.
Cracow? I had no idea you were from Poland. That’s nice. ^ ^
http://webchat.quakenet.org/ its web irc just make a nick and choose channel name and its ready, we can use it as chat^^. Yeah i am from Poland, thou i was in Ireland, England, German, Slovakia, USA(New Jersey and florida and Washington). So quite a lot countries i have seen. Still i want to go to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and some other Asian countries. ANyway i dont feel like going to africa^^.
Ahh icic. It’s a bit inelegant I think, but I’ll make one until I figure out what to do with chatboxes.
http://webchat.quakenet.org/?channels=listless_chat&uio=d4
I’ll leave it on for a while, and if people want to chat with me or each other, feel free to join. I can’t keep my laptop on all the time though so…
Anyway, there are a lot of places I’d love to visit too, Poland being one of them. ^ ^
I don’t think I could have guest writers, I’m too controlling. I think I’d rather just only update my blog once every other week or so than have help. You should do whatever makes you happiest though, after all having the point of a blog is to have fun imo
That’s a very true. I should just be more comfortable with whatever pace I can go at instead of stressing out about all this. I think for now, I’ll just let things flow. See what happens.
Even though this comes in pretty late, I’m glad that you could get some rest in the midst of your busy schedules. You really reminded me that I’ve not been updating my blog at all. I find it hard to keep up with the pace especially with my project going closed beta now. And I do need some rests too. About the guest writer, I guess nothing beats your own work and inputs. 🙂
“About the guest writer, I guess nothing beats your own work and inputs.”
Definitely! There is some possessive pride in knowing that I wrote all the posts on here.
Anyway, take care and have a good rest. ^ ^
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i really like Katahane ❤
Me too, Lant. Me too. ^ ^