Nineteen Days And Counting: Coming Soon To A Blog Near You

When I started this blog, it was pretty much a letter to my friends and family- the people on my email distribution list- to update them on the craziness that is my life. I chose a blog because I sometimes get all wrapped up in myself and forget to connect with my loved ones. Plus I HATE being on the phone but I love to write. It seemed only natural to use this newfangled thing called a "blog" to keep everyone in the loop.

Now, however, it seems that perfect strangers visit here, and it's been this way for a good couple of months now. While I'm totally flattered that anyone besides those who know me would take the time to read my crazy rants, it also made me a bit nervous, the world being what it is, and I wondered if I would need to censor myself.

I mean, of course I didn't- I'm nothing if not brutally honest- but for a second there I had to think twice about what I was posting. Like, what if a future employer read this, especially the posts where I admit to many a drunken and drug-induced crazy night?

Then I began to think, after years and years of reading Dooce.com, my blog idol, is it possible for me to make money off of this blog? Can I even attempt to do what she does? And be successful?

I won't know until I try, right?

So here's what's what: I'm still not 100% sure if I want everybody and MY momma reading this here blog; I'm pretty sure my elder family members would line up to whoop my ass if they knew about half the stuff I put up here. But I mean, it's a public site, so who's to say they aren't already lurking, right?

And I'm not sure how much more of an audience I would be able to attract because frankly, I'm not changing up my format or writing style to accommodate anyone except the 17 people on my distribution list who have been reading these posts since the very beginning (new folks, you know I love you like Dominicans love platanos, but I have to stay true to my original posse).

But I have the opportunity to participate in a blogging conference this summer, and know some people who can help me upgrade my page design and layout, as well as get me some advertisers (if my page views are appealing), so I'd be a fool not to take this chance. It could mean the difference between going crazy at a 9-5 and living my dream-- working from home in my PJs.

And this would also help me FINALLY launch that magazine I keep threatening to launch. And finish my personal writing projects.

Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself, and these are all a ways off and dependent on a fickle online audience. But I'm going to go for it. And if it doesn't work out, well, I'll always have my 17 subscribers and new blog friends. And that would be okay, too.

So if you notice some layout changes here over the next few months do not be alarmed. It's just me trying to do me for once!

*smooches...nervous but satisfied with my decision*
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please note that this will NOT affect my content; you will still be able to come here and read my unique brand of realness as usual. I'm still Jaded and nothing will ever change that.

unless of course I meet and marry John Cusack. then my life will be complete. ;)