bigstock-Speech-bubble-composed-from-m-36361579My blog has been floating around in cyber space for many years now.  From time to time, I have thought about closing the comments on my posts.  I  noticed that many other bloggers were doing it and wondered if it was a wise decision.

After all, the comment section was supposed to be a space for discussion and sharing thoughts, right?

That may have been the way it was back in the day but it seems like people are commenting less and less – and the qualities of the comments are not as robust as they used to be.  

Often, even with Askimet installed, I was moderating obnoxious spam comments – or dealing with people who were (obviously) using the comment section as a “marketing strategy” or as a way to manipulate me into a free reading.   Luckily, I’ve had very few trolls but, once in a blue moon, I’ve had some ne’er do wells trying to lay some shade or create battles with others in the comments.  

How was this contributing to the conversation?  It wasn’t.  

Ironically, I was getting more solid feedback and meaningful discussions OFF my blog – on Twitter, Facebook and private emails.

The comment section became more and more irrelevant.  

It stopped feeling right.

Even with all those signs, I waffled.  I asked out loud  on a few occasions as to whether I should close it down or not.  Some bloggers said yes.  A few said no.

And then I read this post by The Rock And Roll Bride.  And this one by Paul Jarvis.   And the final nail in my comment section coffin came after reading this post by Reality TC.

Done and done.

I closed ‘em this week and am moving on.  Will I change my mind?  Perhaps.  But for now, I’m happy with my decision and ready to shift my focus from moderating comments to real, meaningful discussions with no agendas.

If you want to chat with me about this post, tarot or ramen noodles, find me on Twitter.  I’m always there.  

ramen

Speaking of ramen, we have a new noodle house close to our hood.  We’ve been all fawny over Tochi.  Sooooo good with this polar vortex crud we’re getting here!  If you’re in Milwaukee, this is your new must visit food spot!  And yes, that is a pic of some of the ramen goodness they are serving up over there.  

Other stuff:

I wasted a ton of time over at Do I Offend? this week.  This site has all kinds of icky sexist ads from the “good old days”.   I cannot believe they used to recommend Lysol for douching!  OMG!

Lego, on the other hand, was thinking smart about girls back in 1981.  Since that time, they’ve gone all pink and gross.  Memo to toy companies: many girls do not like pink!  (I never liked super girly crap when I was a kid – my goal was to get a chemistry set but my parents refused because they assumed I would blow something up.)

Ever want to get in the head of a cat and tear up a house?  Catlateral Damage is a new game that lets you do just that. 

18 Things We Should Have Been Taught as Teenagers – smart stuff from Brianna Wiest.  Hey, it’s never too late, right?

I’m kinda obsessed with caftans.  MAKE has guide for creating a no-sew one!  My Mrs. Roper life may begin any day now!

In really big news: Joe Manganiello may open a strip club.  No word on whether he’ll be actually stripping.  

I can never get enough Pocky Sticks

Digging this photography book:  Find It in Everything by Drew Barrymore.  Barrymore shares photos of hearts-shaped objects she has stumbled across over the years.  Adorable!

Speaking of photography, Catherine Just has just launched In Plain Sight again.  This ecourse takes you through 30 day photography ritual that gets you seeing the sacred in every moment.  I’ve taken this course before and I highly recommend it!

Want to be a better friend to your cat?  Check out Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet by John Bradshaw.  

The Soulful Proprietor Retreat still has a few spots left.  If you have a heart centered or mystical business, you don’t want to miss this event!  

Big props to my fab dentist and orthodontist.  I had some major dental work done this year and it’s looking fly (and almost done).  Dr. Dewan and Dr. Olson have been godsends to me.  My grill thanks them both very much.  If you are in Milwaukee, these are the guys to see about your mouth. 

What I’m Grateful For:

Solid support from a few trusted peers

The mini cupcake 

Sponsors for my retreat

A warm parka

The best dentist + orthodontist in the world

 

Soundtrack for 1/25/14:  “Worst Behavior” by Drake.  ‘Cause I’m obsessing over Drake lately.

Stay fly, playas! 

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2014

 images from stock photography and my own collection

 

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