I dove in headfirst into a deep, wide, expansive pool that I had never really even laid eyes on before, and before I barely figured out how to cut and paste a picture to the right spot in my post in HTML-mode, I was swimming vigorously alongside the pros trying to figure out what a meme was and I was considering whether or not I should start using a vibrator just so I could write about it.
The diving in was cool and all but before I knew it, I felt a certain drowning feeling. And I was having trouble figuring out what it was. When I took the time to really contemplate this sensation of being pulled under, I started to realize that one of the problems I was having was that I had lost sight of why I even started this scene in the first place.
I had always imagined it to be more of a community site. I never really intended it to be about me but that's what it started to become. And I wouldn't trade the way it all started because I really think I needed to find my footing out here - my voice. And although I have a long way to go, I do finally feel much more comfortable being well, me.
But over the last month or two, there were enough signs that told me it was time to evolve. Time to dive in again and try to make MWOB closer to what my original vision was. And that means not one voice, but many.
So here we are. A new regime. Nine women who have made a commitment (yes, chicas, you have made a commitment to me) to write with the MWOB mission in mind. (If you want to read more about the mission, you can click on our brand new "Our Mission" tab.) I feel strongly about the possibility of real community here on this site and these friends, both old and brand spankin' new, are helping me to create that sense of "We are all on this mother journey together." And I am so damn thankful.
A couple logistical things - we've dropped the blogspot. Out, out damn blogspot. We're all bonafide now - so www.momswithoutblogs.com is all you need.
We're launching our own version of a blogroll called our "Affiliate Program." The basic deal is that if you are a blog who supports our mission and you're interested in sporting a "I Support Moms WIthout Blogs" badge on your site, we will happily reciprocate by posting a badge/button/link under the "Our Affiliates" tab. This way readers will know that if your blog is listed, you are MWOB friendly. And you won't scare us with your intimidating recipes and ambitious field trips. (Details will be up later in the week so check back under the Affiliates Tab.)
We're still hosting the "Spotlight Interview Series" and you can read about that under the "Join MWOB" tab. I am the one who will be conducting the interviews and now I will have more time to actually do them which I'm psyched about because I love conversing. I really do. My fave. Really.
The new regime is listed over there in the sidebar and under the new "Who is MWOB" tab. Click around and get to know them and then come back and get familiar with their voices because really they have some good shit to say. And they're funny. And strange. And thoughtful. And smart. And most importantly, they are real.
If you're a regular, I hope you keep reading. MWOB will still be what you have always loved... and more.
If you're new, I hope you find something here that strikes a chord in you. And it inspires you to stick around.
If you need to move on to other blogs, God knows I get that too. We're all finding our way out here hoping to connect with the voices that resonate within our souls. But we'll be around for a while so come on over whenever you're feeling in the mood.
So eyes wide open this time and jumping in again....but this time I can see the water.
Chapter Two has begun....it's gonna be a good one. I can just feel it.
Yay! Looking forward to Chapter Two!
ReplyDeleteVery excited to be a part of the new regime!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to be here!!I even brought my water wings.
ReplyDelete(and how cool are you (we :-) with the .com?!)
Genius.
Very nice changes Lee! And a dot com too? Wow...MWOBs is going places...or is it are going places.
ReplyDeleteWhatevs.
Can somebody lend me some anti-itch cream?
Looking good, Lee - you've become a cyber-genius in just a few short months - I'm impressed! I still don't understand it all, but I'm down with the community feel - it can be a lonely lonely world...
ReplyDeletecool! Annie sent me...I am a lil bit confused(but I stay that way) off to click and read
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful Lee - I'm so happy for you! I will totally support Mom's without Blogs! Can't wait for a little badgie and to see how things evolve!
ReplyDeleteLove ya!
You have rounded up some great women to go along on this journey with you. I have been feeling a little unsettled in my blogging lately. I'm not sure of its direction or purpose also.
ReplyDeleteI am excited about what MWOB has coming our way.
I have loved this blog from the very first post I read. I'm sure that no matter what changes I will still love it. It helps to know that I'm not the only mom out there with "issues"... but seriously, thanks for being here in the blogosphere
ReplyDeleteIm excited for you, sweetie...hope you like your new format, and knowing the talent you've assembled, you guys should be a big hit!!
ReplyDeleteJay
sounds like exciting things are ahead...i can't wait.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteI am here with that crazy cookie lady!!! If there's an initiation, make it be everyone has to clean my house. That will make sure they are serious about their commitment!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh WOW! I LOVE the new look - so sleak and SEXY (yes I said it).
ReplyDeleteI would love your badge too :)
Congrats. Can't believe I'm actually part of chapter two.
ReplyDeleteYou did good my friend.
this is gonna be good.....
ReplyDeleteHa- I am ALL about the mission! I can't take any more crafts and wonderkids and baked goods and moms who sleep three hours a night because of their numerous saving-the-world duties...give me my eight hours of sleep baby!
ReplyDeleteDo you discriminate towards NON-moms-WITH-blogs? Because I'd love to sport your badge and be an affiliate!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations ladies; I can't wait!
I stopped by from Annie from cookies. This should be interesting.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff going on over here. I can't wait to see what's next.
ReplyDeleteLove the mission...And I thought all Super Mama's took naps and slacked well most of the time, lol! :) Can't wait to see what is next!
ReplyDeleteI love the new look... so excited to be a part of things. Here's to supermoms everywhere!!
ReplyDeleteThis is SUCH a great idea!!!! Love, love, love it!
ReplyDeleteWooo Hoooo! I'm jumping in with you and love being here. This is such a good idea and I'm living everything about it. So rock on and I'll come along.
ReplyDeletefun times :) so glad i found ya!
ReplyDeleteps- your gyno plate inspired my post today :)
Love the new updated look! & love that we will be hearing from more MWOB or even some w/!
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT