January 23, 2014
That said, I’ve got to confess: I’m getting overwhelmed. I’ve tried from the inception of The Vivienne Files to post six days a week as often as I possibly can. This usually meant that I was working at least part of six days a week, and I never minded that.
But recent posts are taking a very long time to compose. For each garment or accessory I show here, I look at at least 1,000 rejects. The images usually have to be cleaned up in some way, and resized. By the time I’ve created the hyperlinks, and drawn some nifty little dividers on the pages, and tweaked everything to my satisfaction – well, you can appreciate the effort. And then it takes me a couple of hours to find the right words to translate what’s going on in my head.
So I’d like to know how you would feel if I posted only five days per week – Tuesday through Saturday. I would then work a five-day work week, and post each day for a post to launch the following morning.
The last thing I want to do is disappoint you. But I also want to keep up the standards that I set for myself, and for you, in my work. What are your feelings?
love,
Janice
Dear Janice, You always delight .Please post as you need. I would rather have you some of the time than not at all because you burnt out from over work .Many, many thanks for your well thought out clear level-headed examples.
My thoughts exactly
Only one day less? Wow, your posts are enough food for thought for the week! Whatever you decide is fine with me and I'm glad you're putting yourself first. This is supposed to have an element of fun:-) Judy
Janice, I can't speak for the others, but as far as I'm concerned, I think you should do what's best for you. I enjoy your blog very much and appreciate all of the hard work it entails. I will be here no matter what your schedule is.
Sam
Janice I think we can all live with one less post a week. Do what you need to do to keep yourself happy and loving your work
You are amazing. You provide this extraordinary gulf to us! I love your posts! But I also appreciate that they don't happen magically. You work at this trade in the quest of perfection and I'm extremely thankful. Tuesday through Saturday it is!
Amen!
By the way, I'm mad for today's artwork. Now that I've reorganized my closet by color, not by type of garment, this painting will inspire me to create outfits from this beautiful jumping off point of inspiration.
Oh, I have to agree! It is really beautiful and has so many of my favorite elements. Heading to the palette generator right now!
Oooh…palette generator? Do share!
Ooooh! Palette generator? Do share!!
Five days a week would be wonderful!
First I want to join Ellen and say that I love the painting!! Of course, post five days…do what you need to do to be joyful and healthy. Your audience is not going anywhere and I doubt that many read every single day….if the joy goes away then you might as well stop. We love your work, Janice, make the change…we will still be here.
Dear Janice, maybe you could post five days a week, and then on the 6th day publish a couple of photos of your readers´ combinations inspired by your blog?
I´m sure there are plenty of women who "copy/paste" your ideas.
What an interesting idea. I've "translated" lots of posts into my own style/colors. What do you use? It would be fascinating to see how others implement these ideas. Is there a way we could do this without creating more work for Janice?
To be honest, I´ve only been following Janice´s blog for a couple of weeks now. I discovered it trying to find a way to incorporate scarves into my wardrobe, and now I´m hooked :)
Reader submissions would be great!
If you post fewer times per week I will be able to read them more fully/calmly and peacefully.
Take your time!!!
thanks for such good work.
You could accept a few "guest bloggers" who agree to post at specific intervals and on topics of interest. Using guest bloggers is a win-win – they get exposure, and you get more time to do other things – like have a life that isn't so deadline-ridden.
I heartily concur with everyone here! Please do what's best for you! We LOVE your post, but more importantly, we want YOU to love them too! What a heartache for all if it became a drudge. As someone else said, we're here for whatever schedule works for you!
Janice, one thing I've wondered about would be taking 2 scarves that you've already done clusters on and showing how they might overlap. Since the major work has already been done, that would probably cut out a lot of time. The two scarves I'm thing of are Hermes Flacons and Hermes Les Cles. That said, please do what you need to do. We will be faithfully reading no matter what!
I read the blog every single day and enjoy it very much ! BUT for me, it is a GIFT from Janice. So I think I have not to require, only accept happily and with gratitude all the marvellous work she is doing for us ! Of coarse five days in a week will be FINE. Thank you so much Janice ! Martine
As all the others are saying – do what you want to do to feel happy – this is your blog. I must admit that if I've been following you on and off, however one of the last posts about the way you organize your thoughts in orfer to build a unified wardrobe (using the Burberry scarf) was very interesting. So yes if more of these posts are in the future even what… 3 posts per week would be great! Julie
Please post at the level you feel comfortable producing the content. If that's 5 days a week or one day a week your posts always contain valuable information. We appreciate what you do and we'll be here to read what you write!
Janice, it would be very ok, even four days a week or every other day, though your postings are the highlight of my day, but we must be grown ups and practice delayed gratification : ) I can appreciate the creativity that goes into each of these, sometimes I just shake my head in disbelief, so the more time you have to perfect your creations, the better! (not that perfection can be improved upon…). Thanks for all you do, it is wise, it is beautiful, it is a jewel we are treated to every day (or every other day ; )
I love what you do and will read it no matter how often or how little you post. Don't let yourself become burned out, balance is key!
I'd like to push a LIKE button for each comment listed here, but most especially Martine-Anonymous at 7:45. If it isn't too dreadfully time-consuming, please continue the thought process behind the items chosen for the wardrobe. It's my new favorite part of your blog. Who am I kidding? Everything posted here is my favorite, including the comments! Deb in Kentucky
Janice, I concur with everyone else. Your blog is also the highlight of my day and the first thing I go to on my computer each day. Do what is best for you! Even if it is only 2 or three times a week, it is a real gift. I have learned so much and I'm so grateful for this. Even on Sundays I come here for inspiration and look over past entries and learn more each time. Are you still writing a book! Oh I hope so!
Janice,
I appreciate the blending of creativity, artistry, and diligence that go into the posts and the creation of wardrobes. By all means, please take whatever time you need to maintain the excellence of your work.
A by-product of your posts is that you show work can be a creative labor of love.
Janice, I totally agree with the others. Each of your posts is a gift and you should only post when you are inspired and happy to do so. In return, we will be grateful and happy to receive them whenever you feel it fits into your life, whatever that frequency is. Don't allow your passion to become drudgery! Thank you for all you do but don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself!
Perfectly stated! I agree completely. I hope Janice reads your post.
Noel
Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. I check in every day, and if there's no new post, I enjoy a re-read of a previous post -they are all so lovely & thought provoking. cheri
I can only add that I love your posts and have always been amazed at all the work that goes into the outfits. Very inspiring. A little less Janice is definately better than no Janice. Take care. Jane in TN
I agree with all above. I love your blog and also–I don't think I've seen this mentioned–your blogroll, where I've discovered many blogs I would not have known about.
Here's a slightly different take (forgive me/don't hate me, etc…really): your write up of your process suggests a certain perfectionism. I love your visuals and wouldn't want that to change (unless too burdensome for you), but perhaps you could look at fewer than 1000 items for each one chosen…That would take a lot of pressure off.
I remember in my early days of teaching, I would read scholarly article after scholarly article, searching for the "one" that would provide the key to Oedipus or whatever. I learned a lot, but almost killed myself!
I agree with all of the above. I have done enough searching online for images to get what you go through each and every day, and quite frankly, I am in awe of your tenacity. I do like the suggestion of every other day: do your traditional post, then either show the items mixed in with a previous posting or elaborate, etc., rather than continuing to work out finding something new every day. Whatever you decide, I will remain your faithful follower.
I am grateful for all the work you put in… It is the highlight of my day. I have learned sooo much from you. Would you be willing to consider other options before reducing number of days posting?
For example, you might consider making less graphic intensive posts? Another option may be to reuse previously used graphics, if possible. You have an amazing archive of work here. You might also want to reintroduce the words of wisdom from your friend Vivienne.
I am honest, six posts are better than five, I do not need each post to have a photo or diverse graphic, just reading your thoughts are fine. That said, if you've already decided on five posts, then I will learn to live with it.
Bookbutterfly
Your blog is so beautifully curated; clearly it takes an enormous effort, not to mention talent. I seriously hope you aren't asking permission to be good to yourself!
Don't we always say "quality over 'quantity?" Whatever it takes to keep you in the right frame of mind for quality sounds right to me.
I agree with the comments above. I'm a newbie reader of a few months, and I'm still trying to re-think my wardrobe and internalize your thought process when I shop. I can't imagine where I would go for inspiration should you discontinue your blog. Yours is the most comprehensive and helpful I've found. Plus, I've FINALLY found several pairs of attractive narrow width shoes, thanks to your links! So please do whatever it takes to allow this to still be fun for you. You probably have no idea how many lives your insight has changed!
Please do what works best for you, getting overwhelmed is not a pleasant feeling. I'ld rather have quality than quantity and will eagerly read your posts on whatever schedule you decide.
This just makes sense. We'd all be disappointed if you stopped posting altogether, but that's what would happen if you were to become burned out. Do what is necessary – we'll still be here.
You definitely deserve two days off a week. Like others have said, I would be heartbroken if you burnt out and quit doing it altogether. 5, 4 or even 3 days a week is great. Just keep doing what you do and enjoy your time off. :)
It's obvious that everyone agrees that five days is plenty. In my opinion, four days of new stuff and one day of "blast from the past" would be great! Truthfully, I only get to look at the blogs on weekdays, so weekends off is what I do, you should too!
That is a very good idea Janet – I have taken time lately to go back over some of the earlier posts by both :"packing" and "colour" (which took a lot of time) and I can appreciate all that you have done Janice over the past couple of years! Would love a "blast from the past" every now and then with perhaps comments re tweaking the post or other new ideas – you would not have to re-write or do new searching – just add some of your excellent comments/advice.
Love both the blog and the comments. Sandra in VERY cold eastern Canada!
I would certainly miss the 6th day, but you need to do what is best for you…Five days a week is much better than having you burn out and not doing any posts. You can tell that we all love your blog and our lives are richer for it!
Dear Janice,
I remember many blog posts ago when I asked just how much time you spend on your blog, and I have not been able to shake a bit of a guilt feeling since. I would be very happy with a M-W-F update. You give me enough ideas and inspiration to fill the rest of the week. And there is enough in the archives when I really don't know what to wear. So, take a breather, and don't burn out.
Love,
Cornelia
MWF=?
Hi Janice, thanks for sharing your thoughts and process with us. I can't even imagine how much work is required to create such a beautiful post everyday, save one measly day off! I am always thrilled when I read and view your work. Yours was the first 'fashion' type blog I ever read and quite frankly the only one I read daily. I have just recently referred your site to friends and relatives struggling with their closet.
That said, finding the balance that works for you is key to maintain the high quality of your work. As I scroll back through prior posts I know there is much there that could be 'recycled' so-to- speak. I need reminders and I am sure I am not alone. Many of your newer readers would like appreciate an older post with maybe a point of emphasis on the collection and/or a tweak to make it suit the current season. A notation that it is a re-post would provide the information required and give you an extra day without so much research.
In conclusion, I think we all need to find a balance in blogging, reading and life. Not an easy task but know this, your work is wonderful and most appreciated. Try some new schedules for yourself. We will all still be here, waiting patiently for your inspiration!
Janice, this is your blog. You need to do what's best for you. If that means cutting down to five, or even three posts a week, then so be it. The inspiration and education you provide here is unlike anything else out there. I think your readers appreciate your gift and don't want to see you burn out. Take care of yourself and the rest will follow.
Alexandra, you put it perfectly!
Janice – REST! (She shouts restfully…) :)
I would be quite sad if we lost you to burn out so do whatever you feel is necessary to keep your voice fresh.
I like the idea of having readers send you pictures that sounds like fun!
You've got a loyal following so relax knowing that we will be here if you post once a week or 5.
Yes, yes and Yes. I occur with those above and all those choosing not to write but are thinking the same. It is your joy in your work as well as your skill and talent that speaks to use. We are addicts who would like to have 2 posts a day but I know I will be very happy with 5 a week. Besides, I really think your talents needs to be recognized financially and that probably means a BOOK. If that is in your gals, then yo need time for that.
Deb from Vancouver
Maintain quality over quantity every time & your blog gets top points for high quality. Please don't burn out! It's still great fun to revisit your previous points as my style and attitude towards clothes evolves. Take care, TP
Janice, I have been with you since the spring of 2012 and will tune in whenever you post. One of my favorite bloggers, Duchesse, from Passage des Perles, posts twice a week and I look forward to every one. As my husband always says to me, "Don't make this a forced march." Enjoy your creativity and blog when inspiration strikes.
Do whatever it takes to keep inspired and those creative ideas coming. I would rather you do 3 posts a week than take a sabbatical due to burnout, because then I would be going through withdrawals!! I so look forward to your entries! Lisa from west coast Canada
I would be grateful even for Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday postings. I love the posts where you write out your thoughts, but picture-only posts are helpful, too.
It is a privilege being able to read your posts. I second everyones' wonderful comments!
Janice, I have no idea how you have managed to post so thoughtfully and so often. Can you seriously be asking for permission to take Mondays off? My goodness, yes. Your posts will be poured over gratefully whenever they arrive.
I agree with the others, your posts are so meaty that tapering down to less often, if that is what you choose, would still offer so much to your readers. I also wonder if changing the type of info you put into each post (the thought-behind-the-design posts as well as pics-only posts) could vary to match your energy level. Or take a break if you need to and come back in a month or so.
Dear Janice
Thank you for all that you do to make the web and my wardrobe a more beautiful place.
SLS
You will delight everyone the same on whatever schedule is best for you. I am so pleased to learn of this artist new to me. That very painting is what I've been trying to reconcile with my style, the brisker and softer halves of me, having that conversation. :D
Vildy
Do whatever you need to – I'll be here no matter what. Your blog has influenced me more than any other, and I think your talent for this is amazing. The Vivienne Files puts more superficial blogs totally in the shade. You have such an eye for beauty and congruence – I'm hoping some of that rubs off on me!
I think that I have mentioned before that I could not understand how you managed your level of output and quality. Find what works for you! Your blog is unique; you will not lose your audience if you cut down on the number of your posts. Three to four times a week is still a high level of output and will keep people regularly checking your site.
Best wishes,
Susan in WA
Wow! What a response to your question, Janice. Obviously, we all love you and your blog and appreciate the time and effort involved every day. Five days a week is still a very generous gift of your time. I look forward to your posts and can hardly wait to turn on the computer each day to read The Vivienne Files. Your archives are terrific also and can be read and re-read on any day you do not post. We all understand the desire to have a five-day work week. Go for it! Thanks to all the ladies who post also, as I have learned from you as well.
You certainly don't need our permission – your generosity in providing these posts everyday has been far beyond the scope of most blogs and certainly far beyond the boundaries of reasonable expectations. That said, I love having your thoughts and insights available 6 days a week, so it will be a little disappointing to have to dial back my addiction.
I really like the idea other commenters above have put forward, that perhaps not every day has to be quite so graphic intensive or offer a brand new take on a topic. I frequently see comments requesting information on topics about which you've posted extensively in the past, which makes me think some of the older material could be recycled. You could also choose to focus on a single outfit on days when time presses or you're just not in the mood, rather than assembling an entire wardrobe. And please don't get me wrong, because I LOVE looking at all the pretty new clothes on your blog every day, but I'm not sure that offering all these new and exciting possibilities is helping me reduce my shopping habit; in fact, it's just the opposite.
Finally – an idea that I've been wanting to ask about – you could explore this idea of the mythical 'tiny but perfect and endlessly versatile' French woman's wardrobe. Using pieces you've already pulled and done all the formatting for, you could explore ways to use just those pieces to create outfits for different seasons, occasions, events, etc. The way a real woman's wardrobe works (or is supposed to). Similar to the common wardrobe, but with the type of high/low mix that defines the European look.
But whatever you want to do is fine by me.
Janice, I have always felt that six Vivienne posts a week is a luxury and a treat, and marveled at how you manage to do it all. Completely agree with all the others (and most especially Gail just above) — this is your blog, you must post on a schedule that suits you. No matter how frequent or how seldom those posts are, they will continue to be a highlight of my day. Thank you!! Joanna from west coast Canada.
I agree with everyone here, your posts are wonderful to me, I would much rather have fewer posts per week than having you burn out and stop posting all together. I am just starting my journey to a more useful and lovely wardrobe and your posts are very inspiring. As most have already said do what makes you happy :)
Janice,
I so look forward to your post each day. You must first think of your work load and how best to handle that. If reducing to 5 days helps, and allows you better balance then do so. However, may I make a suggestion? Many of your posts are quite long and detailed. I believe they could easily be broken into two day's worth of posts–part A and part B. That would selfishly for us allow us to see some new content most days.
I really do appreciate all the work you do here, and have found your ideas very useful for travel wardrobe ideas and for building a full wordrobe that works better together.
Janice, I'm a lurker, and I wanted to chime in. I personally didn't know how you managed to post SIX days a week! You deserve some time off, to recharge. If you burned out, we'd all be disappointed. Your posts are thoughtful, and I have learned so much from your posts, how you put together pieces, and the color combinations are always inspiring. I absolutely loved your 'clean and organize the closet post from sometime earlier this month! All that said, your blog is the first one I check every work-day, and the only one I take time for when I need a break if I can't visit more than one on a particular day.
Wow! What a response you received to your question, Janice. Thank you for all your thoughts and hard work on The Vivienne Files, a wonderful blog and one I look forward to reading each time you post. I agree with all those above who endorse your suggestion to work a five-day week. Go for it! On the other days, I can enjoy reading again many of those terrific posts to be found in your archives on this site. Take care of yourself.
By all means, you should do what you need to do. That said I am always delighted and amazed that you manage to post so often. I adore your work, but it's your work so you should do what suits you! Thank you for all the time and care you put into your posts.
for heaven's sake! Do what it takes to keep you loving what you're doing–burnout isn't good for anyone!
If that's 3x a week, go for it. I read Passage des Perles with great affection and never mind that she posts 2x and week (and takes breaks a couple times a year).
Good lord! I think we've all read blogs were it was quite obvious that the writer was dialing it in, and had lost all passion for the project–usually after years of conforming to their own set schedule. You should post when you are inspired to–we will all be the better for it.
Janice, please post as often – or as seldom! – as you prefer. I learn so much from your vignettes that I am just grateful for you to share what you can when you can. Truthfully, I have no idea how you create so many so quickly – sometimes it takes me a day or two to process the information you give us so much content. I learn from you every time.
I'm a newbie, love your blog and would be happy with whatever frequency you feel you'd like to post.
Honestly, I haven't even been counting days : ) . I'm happy to take/read whatever you're able to give. Your posts are like chocolate truffles, each to be savored and considered, rather than gulped!
Rebecca
Dear Janice, I think we are incredibly lucky to have these marvellous posts and yes, of course, although it's a highlight of the day for me too and, selfishly, I would love to see six posts I week, the last thing I would want is for you to get completely exhausted. So my feeling is that you should do however many or however few posts you feel inspired and comfortable about doing. Actually, I can't imagine how you have managed to keep it up so consistently for so long – I admire you tremendously. Above all, Janice, please take care of yourself. With gratitude. Elizabeth
PS Yes, your thought processes are particularly enlightening and appreciated.
I have read, reread, copy and pasted onto one-note, thought about and applied every one of your postings. I sooooooo appreciate what you do and I can't get enough of it. I miss you on Sundays. However, I fully appreciate what you are gifting us with and understand perfectly what it takes to offer up such thought-provoking content. Dear Janice, be free on Saturdays with all our blessings!!
I appreciate you posting no matter when, we all have a life and of course you need to work out a better time frame for yourself. I am very happy to sit back and wait for your wonderful informative posts.
I love your blog. The intensity of the work must be daunting. You have a fabulous archive. Please use it. Take out the links if necessary since the. Items are probably not available.
If you posted once a week–or once a month!–I'd still be here. Work to live, don't live to work!!
I agree! I love your blog Janice, big hug, Vesna
Another idea would be to unload some of the tasks you would rather not do on someone else. Lots of options really.
A.
Another idea would be to unload some of the tasks you would rather not do. Lots of options really.
A.
Three of your posts each week would satisfy me. I just love watching how you do it and then try to apply the concepts in my life.
If you post once a month, I'll be happy! You do what you think is comfortable for you.
I've recently found your blog and love it. I'm a small size and 50+, recently deciding that I need to dress more like a grow up. Your posts have really changed my approach to dressing and shopping. I look forward to every one. I will check daily and eagerly read every post, no matter what the schedule. Thank you so much!!
I am so thankful that you post at all! Repost some of the old ones on your off days. I go back to the old ones frequently. Or don't. Sincere appreciation for whatever you choose.
Love your posts – no matter how many or how few! I have learned a lot about creating a workable wardrobe that I love from the time you have put into your blog. Thanks!
Cut back to 5 days a week, you need some time to yourself. BTW I'm expecting an in-depth dissertation about Pantone's color of the year. I know ORCHID (bleh) has never been one of your favorite colors, I can't imagine what you'll come!! I'm incredibly proud of your work, my sister is a STAR!!
Janice, I hope you post at a sustainable rate – one that allows you the inspiration and mental space that nourishes your creativity. I would be fine with even two or three posts per week.
I heartily concur with the previous commenters that you should post according to a schedule that best suits your needs. It is obvious that you put a great deal of thought and effort into your posts and have many grateful followers. Just a thought–perhaps you could go to a M-W-F schedule for your more comprehensive posts and on Tu-Th just post a scarf or work of art and solicit your readers' suggestions for how they might build a wardrobe–kind of like a pop quiz!
Five a week still sounds like a huge effort. Your posts will still be much appreciated whether fewer or not. Perhaps regularity is more important than frequency. It needs to be a pleasure for you, not just for your readers. Elle
Janice, I'm in complete agreement with everyone else! I just wanted you to know I am one more encouraged reader! Your blogs are a gift!
I think 3 days a week would be awesome. This is not your full time job and I think it should be fun and not a burden.
No blogger I read posts as often as you do, not even Angie Cox whose profession is fashion styling and who has a staff to help her! Please cut back until you can relax and enjoy life again. You deserve it.
Please take good care of yourself so you don't burn out! One less post a week leaves more time to contemplate the genius of the remaining five :)
I don't even know how long I've had your blog in my subscription list; it has been eye opening revelation to me at times…I look at my closet differently now. But… Dear Heart, do what you need to do! You don't have to ask permission to make your life manageable. You are the one who calls the shots here. Do what keeps you feeling inspired and fulfilled but not stressed and overburdened… and then share with your readers what the new normal is. If we need more inspiration…there's always the archives. ;-) Thanks so much for all the work that you've done and shared!
I have to agree with all of the other comments — you deserve a break! I have wondered how you managed to put up so many awesome posts each and every week. I would rather have fewer posts per week than have you work yourself to death. Take some time and relax!
Janice, I have wondered for some time how you do so much. I agree with everyone else, cut down to 2-3 days a week if necessary to prevent burnout.Take a vacation, (moving your Mom is not a vacation!),use summer reruns,whatever. We want you to stay around!
Take the time you need Janice. I would hate to lose this blog due to burn out! That would be tragic! I appreciate all your efforts immensely and look forward to your posts.We aren't going any where!
I am overwhelmed by keeping up with your posts as I do not like to miss a one. So, yes, please reduce the amount of postings so we can all have time to process the ones you do post. Two to three a week would be wonderful! Even one. Thank you for your wonderful and thorough blog that has helped me and friends keep our packing and wardrobes streamlined.
Janice,
We love your work! We would never want to lose you – please take care of yourself! We would miss you terribly. 5 days can easily be extrapolated into 7 days.
Thank you so much for all you do.
Sue
First, a big Thank You! Your posts are a treat. Thank you for using art to create clothing capsules. Very wonderful! Second, we would all like you to enjoy the work and be refreshed. You certainly don't need our permission. Even once or twice a week would be inspiring.
Yes yes yes yes yes!!! Do whatever you need to do to be able to keep posting even ONCE a week. I value your posts so much, but urge you to think about yourself a bit more. It has always amazed me how much work must go into your posts, and this on top of a paid job and normal life 'stuff'…..
Yes yes yes yes yes!!! Do whatever you need to do to be able to keep posting even ONCE a week. I value your posts so much, but urge you to think about yourself a bit more. It has always amazed me how much work must go into your posts, and this on top of a paid job and normal life 'stuff'…..
Yet another avid reader of The Vivienne Files here. I agree – it is so gracious of you to ask us how we might feel if you posted less than 6 days a week. I would NOT be disappointed if that was the case, and feel strongly that you should post as often as YOU like. Also – jumping off of frugalscholar's comment – I'd like to add that I also really appreciate the posts that don't include as many visuals — which are just as informative and inspiring. I am very grateful to you for sharing your creativity, knowledge, and thoughts on your blog. Thank you.
You are amazing Janice. I'll be here whenever you post. Be kind to yourself and take care.
Kay
I love your posts, and would be delighted with whatever schedule and frequency you choose to present them… As they are entirely your gift to the world, it would be churlish to have expectations, but rather I bow in gratitude to your efforts… please do take whatever time you need, would be much better to have somewhat less frequent posts than to have a burned out Janice. Taking time to rest and refill your creative wellsprings are vital.
Dear Janice,
I am a very loyal reader and would be lost without your thoughts and ideas. Five days a week is fine, especially if it means you will stick with us in the future.
Judy XX
I will read you whatever the schedule you choose. This blog is worth it.
Cristina
Janice, since it is time to reevaluate the blog, the new year is a perfect time. I would like to see articles on lingerie. How to fit a bra, what do wear around the house, your day to day clothing., guest posts from your favorite blogs, more thoughts from Vivienne. Every post does not have to be labor intensive, although your efforts are very much appreciated. I loved the posts about what your reading and listening to, the art exhibits your visiting. No matter if you expand or contract , we will be there. To have such thoughtful intelligence applied to ones life is such a blessings. You have my highest regards. Karen
Please do as you like and we will like it! Your work is awesome. Didn't there used to be 'tip jars' for blogs? Would love you to have one so we could show our appreciation!
I love your blog – don.t burn out! Do what you have to do.
I am happy to view your blog ANY day of the week. It is obvious that you spend a lot of time composing each posting — every item is gorgeous. Thank you for 'hearing us out', you are so kind to consider your readers.
If you need to pull back, do what is best for you and your clan.
The beauty of your blog is that any of your posts that include outfit ideas are timeless. You plant the seeds of ideas for us to glean information and for that I am most thankful for any time you post.
Hugs {{{Janice}}}
I have found that if I don't create boundaries around my time no one else will. You teach us quality over quantity in choosing our wardrobe. Your blog's quality has what has drawn all of us and keeps all of us and inspires all of us and changes and transforms our style. It's the quality we want. The quantity has to fit within your boundaries – that's what living a beautiful life is all about.
Well, lets try that again as my comment appears to be somewhere in cyber space.
Janice, I have found that if I don't create boundaries around my time no one else will.
You have taught us it's the quality not the quantity of our wardrobes. Well, it's the quality of your blog posts that draw us, keep on logging on, inspire us and ultimately influence and transform our style.
Quality goes far in creating a beautiful life. Draw your boundaries, stay true to the quality you desire and have fun doing it.
Janice, fine with me…. totally appreciate the time it takes… we are getting spoilt!
Can I make a suggestion? Post 4 days a week and spend one day just doing the administrative stuff and accounts you need to do to make the blog work. I'm a professional writer and having one set morning just to invoice, market myself and do the accounts makes all the difference. Give yourself breathing room to be creative, and limit the hard stuff (well, it's hard for me…) to a separate day entirely so you don't feel guilty on the other days for not doing it.
Another thing that helps is setting a timer and pulling your posts together in a specific time frame. if you don't do this, you'll burn out fast. When I blogged daily for Brides, I used to interview for 20 minutes, write for 20 minutes, spend 10 minutes on photo manipulation and 5 minutes to post. I also kept a spreadsheet of ideas that was color-coded according to where it was on the scale (idea form, researched, written, posted). I could see at a glance what I needed to do that day, and stick to just that.
Good luck finding the system that works for you!
Great painting! Post as often or infrequently as fits your needs–we'll be here no matter what!
I second much of what is said in terms of appreciation. And, I'm surprised about your asking "would it be alright?" You are providing all this edification as a •gift•. You are in charge, you know your life and other responsibilities- and I'm sure (from what you have written) you have plenty else going on. Hope the replies reassure you so that you can feel more ease, but- no permission needed, IMO.
No one should have to ask for permission for a five-day work week (in fact, I think a four-day work week would do just fine in most cases…), especially when one is doing such a bang-up job! By all means, cut back, you deserve it.
Your posts are eagerly anticipated whenever I can get them! Keep up the standards on whatever schedule is best for you. Many thanks.
Janice, I confess that less might even be helpful! There's so much to digest in each of your inspired and inspiring posts.
Janice, you should absolutely make time for yourself. I would think that the original French Vivienne wouldn't dream of working six days a week and leaving no time for herself. We'll be happy to read what you post whenever you decide to write it.
Until I'm writing you a paycheck, I can't see how I'd be entitled to mind you posting less! And I wholeheartedly second the sentiment that I'd rather have less of you than have none of you at all because you've burned yourself out. How you've kept this schedule (and your standards) up for so long has been a mystery =)
Janice, every one of your posts is a gift and five of them a week would be a privilege. You've changed how I look at clothes and colors (and cost me a couple of very expensive scarves!), and I appreciate your work every time I look at it. At the risk of starting a lively debate, I'd subscribe to your blog if you charged.
Janice, most blogs are at most five days a week! Honestly, your blog provides a little escapism in our daily life so the readers are lucky if you do even a few posts.
Just wondering if you could change the comments section as most people appear as anonymous and it would be more of a community if commenters could put in names and locations without having to reveal too much personal info.
Back on the main topic, enjoy your weekends!
MWF posts are easy for us to remember and yours are so detailed and complete – that many are enough! But you MUST promise that on Sat and Sun you do not even think of clothes – cook, entertain, paint pictures, go for scenic walks, get out of town and hike in a forest, cuddle babies in hospitals, go to anyplace where clothes don't matter. You need to be refreshed and relaxed and then enjoy working on your site on Tues and Thurs. Love and good wishes from Jan-Leanne (Anonymous is the only profile I can understand!)
Janice, I'm so delighted to recently discover your blog. I'm inspired and educated as I study your combinations of colors and clothing articles and you have already made an impact on my daily dress and my travel wardrobe.
I love your posts, they're a high light of my day blog wise. I only wish I lived a life where I could wear every outfit! Ha, dream on….I do appreciate the time, thought and creative effort you put in to every post. As a video/graphics/theatre person I know that the pre production behind the scenes is the biggest part of the show. Please take your time and don't burn out!
I think I've finally figured out how to comment Janice – just had to add your blog to my list of "blogs followed" on the Blogger dashboard (which I haven't used in years, but whatever).
Just to say that I look forward to all of your posts, but would hate for you to feel "forced" to produce for us, your faithful readers. When (if?) you get to the point when you're dreading posting, or dreading the research needed to produce your wonderfully detailed posts, please cut back. I love your writing too much to want to be a burden!
I love your blog and would come even if you did only one post per week. I have spent many happy hours browsing through the archives and perhaps people who still need their daily fix would consider looking through the archives.
Do what is best for you. As others have said, we will still be here.
Janice, I'm a relative newcomer to your blog. After discovering you in November, I've been reading earlier posts, in order, from April 2011. I'm reading posts from June 2012 now, and am learning so much. Thank you!
I'm glad you decided to change the scheduling of your posts – and I understand your dilemma. In 1998, I began to build a website and a blog about a specific legal issue. The site and blog have been enormously successful for over 15 years — we are #1 in our category. Fifteen years is an eternity in Internet time.
I understand your belief that you need to post every day to keep people involved. I think you'll find that you can post less often without losing visitors. You offer quality information, not just quantity (posts for the sake of posting). Most people are willing to wait for quality info they can use.
If you don't take breaks, managing the Viviennefiles blog will be like running a dairy farm or a plant nursery – you can't take a break because you have to milk the cows twice a day or water the seedlings. When you have to do something like this everyday, you are at high risk for burnout.
Post when you can, and when issues come up that your visitors need to know about.
Thank you for all you do, I really enjoy your posts. Please don't feel guilty if you're not posting as often as you have been. Blogging should be when you've got time, not overtaking your life and work to keep them up. Please just do them when you've got the time, whenever that may be and I'm sure we'll all love to receive them and read them then.
Susan from Sydney, Australia
As you are doing a wonderful service, you should post when you want. We appreciate everything.
Janice, please post whenever is best for you!
I might actually benefit from fewer posts, as it would give me a day or two more to mull, appreciate, and incorporate the principles of the last post. As several people have said, each post is food for at least a week.