So I have a quick favor to ask.
I’m trying to get the readership of this blog up to the level it was when I took my hiatus, and then some, but it’s been tough so far. A lot of people who used to read the blog don’t know I’m back and posting, and of course a lot of people don’t know about the blog at all. And so my posts aren’t getting the traction that I know they could.
And, to be frank, unless I’m able to get readership up to the level it was at before, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep the blog going long term. I’m going to give it some time, of course, but at some point I’ll have to decide whether or not the blog is going to remain viable for me.
So I’m wondering: if you get something out of my work on this blog, could you spread the word about it?
If you know someone who used to read the blog, let them know I’m back. If you know people who don’t know about the blog but who might like it, let them know it exists. If you’re active on social media, share some of my posts from the blog, either by using the helpful buttons at the bottom of each post or by sharing my social media postings about them. (Unfortunately, Elon’s enshittification of what was Twitter has limited my ability to publicize the blog on social media; I’m still building up an audience on Bluesky and Mastodon.)
I really think that there’s a much wider audience out there that would enjoy (if that’s the word for it) recent posts like MAGA is having a racist meltdown over a statue of an overweight black woman in Times Square, The “woke left” made right-wingers hate black people and embrace Harvey Weinstein, the Free Press declares, and Why men get furious at women who say they prefer the “dad bod.”
And if you want to help in a more direct way, and can afford it, please donate here with a credit card or PayPal account, or on Venmo, whether it’s a few bucks or something more. I truly appreciate every donation!
I rely on donations in part so I can keep this blog ad free–which liberates you all from the annoyance that is advertising and gives me the opportunity to cover topics that advertisers don’t like. Also that means I don’t have to chase traffic for traffic’s sake or seek out “hate clicks.” I can concentrate on doing posts that matter to readers who appreciate the blog. I just know that there are more people out there who would appreciate it.
If you’re tight on money or not on social media, I have a few other suggestions on ways to support the blog here, if you’re interested. Commenting on my posts is always good! Not only do I learn a lot from your comments but it also helps foster a sense of community around the blog.
I’m thankful for any help you can give me! Ultimately, you folks are the people who make this blog possible, and I’m grateful to have you as readers and supporters.
You can always reach me directly at dfutrelle at gmail.com if you have thoughts about this or anything else, or if you have a good tip for a post.
Thanks!
David
PS: If you’re a writer feeling stuck, or if you need writing advice or brainstorming help, it turns out I’m a writing coach as well as a writer. For more details, see here. A half-hour phone or Zoom consultation is free!
Just thought I’d plug that too.
eh, I’m a bit of a lurker anywhere I go tbh but posted three links fwiw! Thank you for making whtm what it is 🙂
TikTok might be a good bet. Political commentary cam get a lot of traction (especially of its funny!) And it’s basically the only social media platform without a aggressively unfriendly algorithm in terms of reaching people organically.
Give it time. Bytedance are just waiting for enough users to be locked in by network externalities, then you can bet they’ll jump on the enshittification bandwagon.
As for the OP, interesting timing: I namedropped WHTM on a trans discord yesterday.
As far as reclaiming older site participants are concerned, I did mention Crip Dyke and Yutolia back when the long hiatus ended (but before you went on another, much shorter hiatus). Crip Dyke is now back, obviously (not my doing, unless someone else messaged her based on my mentions). Yutolia I’ve seen on Fundies Say The Darndest Things, but as an occasional lurker I don’t have an account and don’t post there, and it felt wrong to create one just to DM someone. I have no clue where anyone else is.
Pharyngula of Freethought Blogs recently gave this site a signal boost, though it doesn’t seem to have done much, at least in terms of active posters. No idea about lurkers, obviously. I don’t have a platform of my own to spread the word, but if I did, I would be hesitant to do so due to my internet safety paranoia (I prefer to remain as anonymous as possible and would rather that my various online identities were extremely difficult to link to each other).
This might be off-topic but Trump is now taking in “Afrikaner refugees” from South Africa who do not require refugee status, they are either just economic migrants who are falsely claiming refugee status or they are white nationalists who long for the apartheid days. Either way, most white South Africans are not interested in Trump’s “offer” and he’s doing while at the same time also denying entry of people who really do require refugee status, like people from Sudan.
First, congrats on the reopening. I have been lurking off and on, didn’t feel like interacting or that I had anything relevant to say.
Would like to recommend this site to people, but off the top of my head I can’t think of anyone who would actually contribute. In the past people have always gone “Oh, that sounds interesting, I’ll have to check it out” in the polite tone that says “Yeah, no, not gonna bother”.
@Jono Yeah, It’s just a publicity stunt, and best of all, the same people who who whine we don’t vet the usual immigrants enough are endorsing these people who got rammed through in literal weeks. (The brown ones usually spend a year and a half to two years fighting the red tape and proving themselves to get in)