A whole year. A whole year! Honestly, I didn’t think I’d make it this long. I’m a chronic project-starter, but not always a project-finisher. I’m exceptionally proud of myself for having kept this thing up and running and even– dare I say it– successful. Here’s what I learned in my first year of sex blogging.
Publishing Schedules Are Nice… But Not Necessary
I like the idea of publishing schedules, and for a while when I started, I posted twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, without fail.
And then like… life happened. I hit a low period, I got busy, I got sick, I traveled. And while those bloggers who have enough of a backlog to keep that sort of schedule up, I don’t always have that same backlog, and I’ve learned not to get all tied up about it. Schedules are more for my own planning sometimes, and if I miss a post for a few weeks, the world won’t fall down around me.
It’s More Responsibility Than I Thought!
Before I started blogging, I was woefully unaware of the whole community of sex-positive bloggers that I’ve found myself in. I didn’t realize that along with blogging along happily in my bubble meant also being on the lookout for companies doing shitty things, and calling them out. I can call companies out; I live in a liberal area, my family knows about my blog, and I’m not incredibly worried about backlash at my day job. Other people don’t have those same benefits, and often it’s safer for them to stay quiet when companies or people start acting up.
Call out culture has some flaws that I won’t get into here, but I do think it’s important to raise a flag when you see something discriminatory happening. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s left me with a bigger sense of responsibility for my whole brand, and I’m incredibly grateful for that responsibility. It’s really helped me be more aware and compassionate.
Get Payment Up Front
This is something from the more practical side of blogging, but still important! I didn’t really take into account that people can be… shifty. And ghost on you– and your payment. Insisting on up front payment has been difficult, and I don’t really enjoy doing it. (#PeoplePleaser) But I’ve seen too many of my friends get screwed out of money, and after having it happen to me too, I just want to avoid the whole thing and get paid up front. Companies, don’t be shitty! Pay your authors!
It’s been a great year. I’ve met so many wonderful people, I keep learning and trying new things, and I couldn’t be more grateful for a place to talk about how asexuality and sex toys can coexist. Here’s to another year!