So, Readers, What do You Want?

It's been a hectic few weeks for me.  I can definitely understand how difficult it can be for bloggers who work full-time jobs (where they can't write) and/or have children.  Just by adding 20 more hours to my work week, I am amazed by how hard it is to keep up with what I want to write about.

This time has provided me with some extra time to think about where I am headed with this site.  The comment about being arrogant, crass, and full of myself has also got me thinking.

This site is, of course, primarily about food.  However, I am constantly receiving emails from people who want to know where to work/shop/have cheap dates/take visitors/impress their friends, etc.  I get a lot of email from people who are relocating to Columbus and would like advice on where to live.  I always get lots of emails thanking me for my event listings, and whenever I neglect them, folks get irritated.

This just contributes to my already enlarged head.

Just kidding, but it does sometimes cause me to stray away from the topic at hand, because I feel there is a need for a "lifestyle" niche here in Columbus.  One reader even suggested I have a (non food) shopping guide to look out for cute clothes & furniture and let my readers know about it.

I don't want to stretch myself too thin, but the truth is, sometimes I see that there is no end to the things I could write about if I only had the time.  Every time I try to start a sidebar blog, I find that I just don't have enough time to keep it updated.  But, my thought now is, perhaps I could start a sidebar which is a combination of lifestyle/events, and also perhaps feeds from other pertinent sites. 

I guess the bottom line is, what do you want, as readers? 

My second question is, how much would you hate me if I began accepting advertising?  My ads would be primarily local, locally-owned business which may or may not have to do with food.  I do not think I would accept general restaurant advertising, however I would accept adverts regarding specific events and from restaurant associations, such as Columbus Independents.  I hate flash ads and popups, so there would be none of that nonsense.  Adds would be small and on the sidebar; they might look something like the links I have on the bottom left (such as the North Market badge), only nice people would pay a small fee to have their badge there.  The primary goal here is not to generate tons of revenue (although if blogging were my job, you would have new things to read 3 times a day and I would be even plumper than I already am), the goal is to make enough extra income that I could do 2-4 solid restaurant reviews a month; perhaps 2 small, maybe ethnic spots and also 1-2 nicer restaurants.

As a writer, I have been gifted with lots of ideas, and I rarely suffer from writer's block.  It is usually time and finances (and a general embarassment that I sometimes eat boiled spaghetti with butter and salt when I'm feeling extra lazy or tired) that keep me from writing as much as I would like.  Also, with Husband studying hard for his sommelier test, and generally being stressed in general, we are more likely to go to comfortable spots where we are regulars and close to home than going far away. 

I'm just taking some time to think and regroup and get a feel for why you read this website and what you would like to see in the future. 

You comments, even the mean ones, are welcomed and encouraged.

Comments

[Amber]

During the years I've been reading your blog, three passions (besides Husband) that have come across are writing, food and buying locally/Columbus. I'd recommend if someone wants to know where the best places are to work, live, etc. that they can get that from your forums.

The ads you've described are fine (I deplore pop-ups) and if they allow you some extra income to enjoy a nice dinner or buy some new things that's hunky dory with me. :)

[Mike]

Of course do what you want -- it's your blog, after all. But since you asked, I'm much more interested in the food-related content, especially seeing the simple, elegant preparations you give to... well, pretty much everything, frankly.

[Dave]

ps, If you go with ads, I'd get a professionally done 3 column design created to accommodate common size banners. It'll be expensive but worth it. They can do qa on all different platforms and OSs so the alignment on sidebars is perfect. I think it makes a difference. Ads can be done well. Maggie Mason is a big writer on the web and her site mightygoods.com was done perfectly clean. Lots of ads, but content still looks good.

There, I'm done.

[Dave]

That's hilarious someone called you arrogant. Loons.

Ads are tough, anyone with lots of traffic would be tempted. Slippery slope though. Postsecret.com is the highest traffic ad-free site (maybe ever) and he's rich because of site-related popularity (public speaking engagements, etc). Dooce.com put ads on and never stopped. Kind of like someone who couldn't stop tattooing themself. Now, she's probably rich, but her site looks like shit, and puts up stupid posts about crap she likes that are thinly-veiled product endorsements. It's awful and she's a gifted writer.

But, best part of a blog is you're the boss.

[Trader Joseph]

Ads: Hells yes, especially if they stay local and/or food specific. Blogging is hard work, and you deserve to get something out of it.

Non-food blogging: Thats what twitter is for. A sidebar of recent tweets might be nice. that being said, you can blog about whatever the hell you want. Thats what a blog is about. I think your brain is food-focused enough that i don't worry about you going too far off topic. I go to Columbus Underground is for all the other stuff.

[Jane]

Charles - you're outnumbered. Perhaps you should spend time on another blog that is to your liking. Lisa, you were one of the first people I read who used the word "snarky" and I love it! Sometimes you are snarky - who gives a crap? I love when you are confident and self-promoting because, hey, who else will stick up for you, who else knows your loves and talents like you? I love your blog. I love that you write about whatever you want to -- you made me so excited to move here from Maine, and I am enjoying so many of the things you've written about!!! You are my cultural ambassador to Columbus and Clintonville. Keep it up. And local ads would be great for learning about local products and services where we could keep our dollars circulating locally. I think you should have a celebration this summer - a potluck or something -- for all of your readers to come celebrate Restaurant Widow's awesomeness. We love you, Lisa!!!

[Bear]

I have lived many places in the US, and one characteristic of Midwesterners that I find appealing is their self-effacing nature.

That trait beomes very UNappealing, however, when it extends to an insistence that other people be self-effacing as well, to the point of being self-erasing. Claiming the right to demand such behavior of others is actually far from self-effacing -- indeed, it's more than a little arrogant.

All of which is a typically oblique, Midwestern way of suggesting that Charles stick it in his ear.

[Drew]

Don't sweat the small stuff, Lisa... you're doing fine. Anyone with your public profile is going to take some flak, it's just the nature of the beast. Bear in mind that, generally speaking, people are more likely to comment if something isn't to their liking than if it is... and that for every complaint there are probably 20 people who found something useful from the same content and found no reason to say so.

Personally, I prefer the food related content. That's not because the other stuff isn't written well, just because food related items are what I've habituated myself to coming here for.

But that's just my opinion... keep doing what you do in the way that makes you happy!

Oh, and ads- I have no problem with them, particularly if they allow you to do more reviews.

[Trying Traditional]

Wow, Lisa, you'd think the way a few sour notes are singing that you are trying to stop your other jobs cold turkey and write your food blog as your main source of income...forever to be one of the top food bloggers in the world! Who knew? I bet you didn't even know that was your plan.

Seriously people, this is a local blog that covers mainly food related items. Blogs take time and unfortunately for many people time is money. As a waitress I fully understand the summer tip slump. As a blogger I fully understand the time involved, time that could be spent with family, working, or for one's self.

Ignore the attitude Lisa, if there is something you want in life, sometimes you have to fight for it. Removing yourself from your writing would take half your content out...not something most of your readers would like. Keep doing your blog how you love it. When your heart isn't in it, the content will show it.

Being honest in explaining why you think you would be a good, perhaps best, candidate for covering an event is not self-centered. I see a woman who is not afraid to say that she sees herself covering a niche and doing it well enough that she's comfortable saying she's at the top for her area (not the world or anything outlandish like that.) That is, after all, the reason we all come and read. You offer the best "foodie" news for the area!

Let the bad stuff slide, some people just have to make issue with small things and read drama into every word.

[tammy]

We're going to ignore that last one, right?

[Charles]

"I can't deny that I think I would be a good person - if not the best person currently writing about food - to cover this event for the residents of the city of Columbus."

That sentence is the reason you are not the best person currently writing about food, locally or otherwise. Remove yourself from your writing. Read David Lebovitz [http://www.davidlebovitz.com/]. The guy has a book and his pic in a sidebar, and the rest is folksy, modest food-related content that is a blast to read. I read your blog and I see a six hundred word screed about a comment that, if grouchy, was completely spot-on re: your self-centeredness. Enough is enough.

[Errando]

I have been reading the blog for a while (the first post I ever read was about long gone Network restaurant three years ago), and I cannot recall anything crass or arrogant. Just an enjoyable and useful read. I particularly like the restaurant reviews, the CSA information, the once active quest for the best burger in Ohio, and the list of events for the weekend. I have to confess that I am not a great fan of cute clothes blogs. I cannot imagine any problem with ads as long as they are not overly invasive. Keep it up!

[Chris (@ Fabulously in the City)]

I've read your blog for about a year now, and I honestly really like how you have it. If you became more of a restaurant reviewer, you'd end up being like the rest of the bloggers out there!

I enjoy your weekend review segments, and I REALLY don't think you should switch to clothes and furniture suggestions. :-)

As far as ads go, sure! Bring them on! Since you mentioned they wouldn't be pop-up ads, then it all sounds good to me :-)

[AmyD]

i'd love it if you accepted ads, as i would purchase one!

[Lois]

Forget the plain boiled spaghetti. Here’s something fast and tasty for when life gets to be too much: Throw some olive oil & butter into a small skillet. At the proper times, add some sliced almonds and minced garlic until they brown; but don’t let them burn. Meanwhile boil up some water for angel hair pasta -- which will finish quickly. Drain the pasta & pour the other stuff on top. Add some salt & pepper. Voila! Tasty, crunchy comfort food in less than five minutes. Just remember to keep sliced almonds on hand (little packages are available in Giant Eagle’s produce department). There will be a couple dirty pans and that colander, but you can deal with them tomorrow.

Oh, golly, please don’t let this blog become a job. You’re not getting paid for it. Do whatever you have to do to keep on writing for pleasure -- yours and ours. And please don’t pay attention to cheap criticism. It usually comes from jerks who would never have the guts, commitment, and energy to do what you’re doing as a service of love, on your own time. Your site is awesome and apparently a whole lot of people out here are depending on you for savvy information. THANK YOU !!!!!

[dcandohio]

Accept ads if that allows you to do what you do. Your focus on food is much appreciated and much needed here in Columbus. I'm afraid that if you get into decorating and boutique advice we're not going to get all those gorgeous market reports and informative restaurant reviews. Thanks for your contribution to the Columbus food community.

[Husband]

There seems to be a consensus that adds aren't a bad thing! It might provide an oppurtunity to do both restaurant reviews and "other" things. It gets my vote too!

[punky brewster]

I love the market reports. Accept the ads if it means you can do more of what you love for a living! You're a fun, informative read. Keep it up!

[RSAgirl]

I love your site. And a few ads wouldn't bother me in the least. You need to do what makes you happy as corny as that sounds. I read your blog because I love to cook and I love that you know so much about food. So refresh, regroup, rethink etc etc and do what you enjoy. Lisa (my name too).

[Charise]

Ads are OK by me, as long as they are unobtrusive. And keeping them local is a great idea.

Also, I like seeing some of the non-food local content as well. I agree with "F" above that you fill a niche between pure food blogger and total Columbus blogger; focusing mostly on cooking and restaurants with the occasional foray into other local things - events, issues, etc., would be good.

BUT, I think you should do what you like best, what you think you have the time and energy to commit to.

[Mandy]

I find this site to be an inspiration.

Restaurant Widow is your creative outlet, and we (the readers) are just lucky enough to view your ideas through the small window of an internet browser.

In whatever direction you choose, ads or otherwise, we are with you!

[stephanie]

I know I will read your entries about local food/restaurants more than other entries but I don't need to read an entry a day... if your entries pertain to me once a week I'll still be an avid reader.

I don't mind ads as long as the advertising isn't swaying your opinions.

[Bear]

"I guess the bottom line is, what do you want, as readers?"

I disagree.

The bottom line, Lisa, is, what do YOU want?

We've got your back, whatever it is.

[Rachel]

Oh, and I just put a tip in the jar. I'm forgetful so it's not likely I'll do it again if you don't remind me. If you offered a 'support the widow' monthly service (like $5/mo or $2/mo) I would subscribe. PayPal can do this for you I'm pretty sure.

[Tammy]

I think "joe v" makes a good point. write about what you want to write about it. part of what makes you so popular is the voice, the genuninely enthusiastic voice, of the wrtier. I would worry about you spreading yourself too thin and being too many things to too many people. I think you write about food PLENTY to keep your status as food blogger. Yes, I too had noticed an increase of requests for sponsorship and i did hope it wouldn't become a trend, but I don't think it's a big deal.

Keep it up, Lisa! You've done an amazing thing...

Tammy