Happy 2018 everybody.
Well, based on everything I saw in the news, 2017 sucked. But as far as my personal life is concerned, it was a pretty good year. I moved far away from my hometown, I got my first job, and I turned 21.
But on New Year’s Eve, I started to do a little bit of thinking about this very blog.
I started this blog almost six years ago. I was a lot younger, and my writing has evolved a lot over the years. I’m happy that I started the blog, as it helped improve not only my writing but also my sense of discipline.
But I noticed that, despite doing this blog for 6 years, I don’t really have that many followers. It hasn’t really gone anywhere, despite all the work I’ve put into it.
Recently, my life has been very busy, and this blog is starting to feel like one more thing that has to be done. And I don’t even feel like I’m doing this for anybody.
Long story short, I am seriously considering ending the blog.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I will continue to watch movies and predict the Oscars, but on my own time. And I’ll likely tweet about it. It’s even possible that I might end up writing for a more prolific site at some point in time. But for the time being, it seems pointless to continue doing this blog if nobody is reading.
I don’t want anybody to think I’m doing this because I’m depressed or anything. I just have a lot going on in my life right now. In addition to the job, I also have two personal projects, I’m working on. One is a fan-fiction that I’m putting a lot of heart and soul into. (See it here.) The other is a more long term project – an independent video game. I’m currently in the pre-development phase, but if this gets done, it will truly be something special.
I want to know your thoughts in the comments. If I get a vocal outcry, then I’ll keep writing the blog. But If the comments support my decision. (Or if there are no comments at all.) Then this may very well be my last post.
For those of you who have stuck with me for a long period of time, thank you very much.
CONMAN AT THE MOVIES 
Connor,
First, congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished in 2017 and will accomplish in the future! You are a very creative and motivated individual and I am happy to see you stepping out and embracing life! Success is for the taking!
I am one of the silent readers of your blog and I have to say that I have enjoyed the reviews, even if I haven’t replied. In some cases, they have encouraged me to see a movie that I wouldn’t have thought about. So do know that you have made a difference–at least in my cinema life.
But I also recognize reality–and the constant struggle to find time to do things you love amid the demands of everyday life. And it seems that you have much going on. Life is too short to have “voluntary commitments” that don’t feed your soul. Additionally, all things have a lifespan, a sad reality we must accept in all facets of our lives. This blog fed a particular need for you in a specific period of your life–and that is great. But you have matured, moved on, developed new interests and skills, and are taking on new responsibilities and commitments. This will mean–no, actually, it requires–you to do exactly what you are doing: Keep on in your life what is beneficial and life-giving and letting go of what is not.
I will be sad to see the blog end, but I certainly understand the reasons–and support the reasons. If your decision is to devote more time to new ventures and new opportunities, I am happy for you. And, I suppose, I will find my movie reviews elsewhere. I may not trust fully the evaluation of a stranger, but it will do. I would rather be one of a chorus of supporters cheering you on to success in endeavors of your choosing than holding you to an aspiration of the past. I wish you only the best as you launch your adult life!
And thank you for this blog! I am sending you best wishes for the very best in 2018 and beyond!!
Barbara Crawford
Jyväskylä, Finland
I, for one love reading ur thought and you always enlighten me quite early in the year as to what oscar films to keep an eye out for.
I will truly miss your posts, but I understand your decision.
I came to the realization a long time ago that my blog in general should be for me and if people stop by and comment, then great but if not, I’m still ok with it.
Good luck with whatever you choose Con!
If it helps, maybe think about ways to restructure your blog or outreach to connect with more people. I know it’s not always that simple but sometimes one good idea is all it takes. I will say this: if you do go, you will be missed. It’ll be sad to see you go but you have to do what’s best for you. Good luck and I wish you the best!
I will certainly miss you. Personally I have found the best way to get people to engage with your blog is to engage with theirs… but it really should never feel like a chore… and if it is does then maybe it is time to move on.
Okay, so I’ve had some time to think it over, and I don’t think I’m going to get rid of this blog entirely. I think I want to change the blog significantly, but I’m not sure how exactly I want it to look. I will be publishing a post on the eve of the Oscar nominations with some predictions, as well as a taste of what the ‘changed’ blog might look like.