It’s been a tough year. When this whole pandemic business began, I thought “Wow, I’ll really be able to catch up on my backlog! I’ll have SO much time to write!” Well…I’ve definitely had a lot of time. The writing didn’t really happen.
Like many folks this year, I’ve found myself with a bad case of pandemic brain. I’ve been worse at getting back to friends, I’ve found myself getting more distracted, and it’s been really hard to sit down and write a long, detailed blog post about a bus route that a lot of people rely on. I think I’ve come to the conclusion that despite using work as an excuse (although I really have been quite busy on that front too), my real issue is that my brain has just been mushy, and forming cohesive sentences that will be seen by a bunch of people is not something it’s often capable of – that’s certainly been reflective in my post frequency this past year. Instead, I usually find myself socializing, watching YouTube videos, or playing games in my spare time (have you heard of NIMBY Rails? it’s SO good).
It’s hard to grapple with this feeling that I’m neglecting the blog. After all, I attribute so much of where I am now to its success, including job opportunities and even the school I’m at. Maybe that’s short-selling myself – I mean, I wrote the thing – but it’s also hard not to view the blog’s success as a lucky break for which I was just along for the ride. Either way, to neglect it feels like I’m neglecting my child. In writing this blog, I’ve tried to strike a balance between being extremely detail-oriented and thorough in my reviews, while also keeping things funny and entertaining. The fear of not being able to strike that balance makes it even harder to get writing inspiration.
Honestly, something I’ve been a lot more enthusiastic about is making more videos. I know I haven’t delivered on that front either, but I have lots of ideas that I’m excited about. I’ve even got one video that’s filmed and in the beginning stages of editing! Making videos is a totally different experience from blogging: I don’t have to worry about penning the exact right words to critique a bus route without offending those who ride it, and instead it’s just me being (hopefully) entertaining and doing something fun, often with friends.
I know this may feel like a change. I’ve been struggling to get into a blog-writing groove for practically the entire pandemic, though, and it feels cathartic to finally realize what’s been wrong and get it down on paper. I really want to make content in some form, and if that happens to be primarily videos for now, I think that’s better than trying to force myself to do something I’m not enthusiastic about and can’t give justice to. I can’t give a definite timeline on when print posts will come back (heck, writing this has made me itch a little bit to write a real review) or how often I’ll end up doing videos, but I really appreciate each and every one of you for sticking with me, even when I’ve been quiet. Writing this blog has been a journey (I literally just realized that we hit the eight-year mark in January), and while I don’t want this journey to end, it might look different moving forward – but I’m excited about all the possibilities for the future!
I’ve got a couple of submissions in the pipeline if you’re looking for filler content!
Oof, I think someone else sent me a guest post too that I haven’t checked! I’ve been really off the ball – pester me if you’ve got stuff!
No matter how long you will be gone for, myself and many others will still be reading your blog, and watching your videos. We will always be here for you, and we understand that these times have been tough, and it’s okay to take a break. Keep up the good work. 🙂
Thank you so much. Your kind words mean a lot!
I don’t mean to piggyback off of the other comments, but I just want to let you know that we hope you understand that we all completely get it. There is nothing wrong with a break, and especially in these unprecedented (gosh darn it I’m really starting to hate that word) times there is nothing to feel ashamed, neglectful, or indebted to anyone about in terms of this blog. We love your blog, but we also understand the fact that behind it is a person (with cooler glasses than mine), who needs some space and time. And change is cool. My transit fix may come in any form at sporadic intervals, and none of that matters. Anyway, the point is, take it easy and we’re all here for you.
Thank you so much, Daniel. I really appreciate it (and thank you for the glasses compliment! 😉 )
I hope this will post as I’ve had difficulty posting here lately…
Good to see you are still ok. Let’s hope the T finally gives up on their Forging Behind proposals!
Thanks Karl! It’s looking like we’re going to get some cuts soon but hopefully they’re only temporary…
My hunch on why my post in that other thread never went through might have been its length. So next time, I’ll need to split it into two posts.
Always great to hear from you Miles!
Things evolve, and that can be a good thing.
Looking forward to whatever you produce in the future.
Thanks a lot John! That means a lot.
I totally understand, but thanks for the recommendation of of Nimby rails. I will now make my pandemic brain even bigger! Thank you!
Of course! It’s a great game!
Miles, one thing I’d LOVE to see in the future are more video reviews! If you decide to revisit stations for re-reviews, please do them as videos in addition to text posts!
Miles, please make a Discord! It’s a much better way to interact with your fans, and you can share a wider variety of content there!
When I end up with some free time I can try to set one up!