My Feedback On Your Feedback

Thanks to all those who took the time to contribute such insightful comments on my previous post. They really helped me to crystallize my thoughts about where and how to move forward. Thanks also to those who contributed to the Tip Jar. Frankly, I'd rather have a few hundred devoted readers who contribute comments and occasional tips than thousands who consider Shutterfinger just another free read. (If anyone reading this feels insulted, don't. I'm not pointing fingers, you're not obliged to self-identify as a freeloader, and in any event I don't feel as if I'm entitled to your devotion. I've got to earn it.)

Anyway, my take-aways from this week of reflection are as follows:

1. I'm going to move ahead with my plan to move Shutterfinger to a different platform. It will save me money in the long run, I'll have more flexibility, and the blog will look a lot better. Ironically, visual appeal is purely a personal preference. Most people read blogs in RSS readers these days and never see all the elegant typography and design themes anyway.
2. I may use Shutterfinger to sell e-books. I'm currently working on an "Insider's Guide to the Pentax K-5." Others are in the works. If you're interested, let me know.
3. I won't use Shutterfinger as the primary means of marketing my photographs. The market for my photos is not necessarily the same as the audience for my blog posts. That said, if I'm offering photos for sale or mounting an exhibition you'll be among the first to know.
4. The frequency of my posts will stay pretty much the same for now. Even if I had dozens of affiliate ads, the meager income they would generate wouldn't make it worth my while to post more often. If my readership grows, it grows. If it shows a rapid decline, then maybe that's my sign it's time to move on.

That's it. Tomorrow keep your eyes open for Part 1 of my available-light shootout between the Pentax K-5 and Nikon D7000. I don't do this sort of thing often, but I had fun doing it and hope you'll have fun reading it.

Comments

[Nikhil Ramkarran]

Most blogs that I track in Google Reader I visit when something new is posted. I'm not sure how the commerce works but I always assumed that number of viewers makes it more attractive. I basically just use the reader to track when new stuff is published.

Secondly, I am always uncomfortable with the idea of tips as I never know what is appropriate (also, paypal keeps shutting me out of my account). I am much more likely to buy something from you, even if it is something that I don't consider crucial. Like that Pentax guide, I don't have a K5 but I am very likely to buy that.

Finally, I think the stuff you write transcends the interface in which it is presented, but I'd still like to see some cool web design to go with it :)

[Syed]

Agree with all four of your points, and I wish you all the best. If you have an E-Book on digital printing in the works, I would be quite interested in it. Self printing isn't something I do often and is a subject I would love to learn more about. My feeble attempts many years ago with an Epson 1290 discouraged me and I have not touched the printer since.

[James Beinke]

Hi Gordon,
I'm one who has not tipped. Retired on fixed income. Just want you to know that your blog is inspirational and always worth reading. I shoot a Canon G12, but have been messing with iPhone - fun.

I would buy an e-book about iPhone photography.

Regards,
James Beinke

[Ruby]

Definitely interested in your K5 guide, as I plan to get one very soon. Also, I enjoy all the elegant typography, setting type having been a job of mine decades ago.

[hemlock]

Thank you for your wonderful blog, I will definitely look forward to your ebooks and good luck with the new site.

[Joe Dasbach]

I look forward to your Insider's Guide to the Pentax K-5.
My K-5 is such fun to use and carry — a delightful camera with neat lenses and ergonomics. Your insights would make it even better.

Cordially,
Joe Dasbach

[Ravi]

Hey Gordon, I don't tip or anything but you could (much to the annoyance of many I assume) make the rss feeds show a portion of the post, making more readers come to the site.

I would definitely buy a good ebook on digital printing as mentioned above, especially from you as I've read about some of your printing posts :)

Although, I'd suggest making it available not only in pdf but epub so it can render nicely on my ereader :)

[MikeW]

Gordon, I love your blog in its present form, as I no doubt will when you change format. I find it very motivating and I will be getting your K-5 ebook.