Archive for ‘Site news’

February 16th, 2012

The only constant is change

by Kevin Holtsberry

Yes, I have changed the theme on this website for the gazillionth time.  Without boring you with the details, my life has changed yet again in a significant way and in a way that will likely mean even less time for books and book reviews.

To be honest I am not really sure how much time I will have to read and post.  But I changed the theme because I think a simpler and less image focused blog is much more likely to reflect my actual focus and time – and thus the content that will appear here. I might post short reaction to books I have read. I might post more short posts with ideas or quotes. But I think this layout works well and will suite me for the time being.

I appreciate all of the folks who have been regular readers of this site and the kind folks who leave comments in particular.  Of course, I appreciate the web surfers who drop in and read particular reviews or posts too.  Hard to believe I have been doing this as long as I have.  Not sure what the future holds exactly but thought I would give you an update to go along with the different look.

Thanks.

Tags:
December 6th, 2011

Writers Block? Why not change your blog theme …

by Kevin Holtsberry

If you check this blog regularly, first, God Bless You, and second you probably noticed I changed the theme yet again. I am a theme addict, I admit it. I am always on the quest for the perfect theme (and of course what this entails changes with my moods and ideas). For some reason the last few days I just haven’t felt up to posting reviews and so this is what I occupied my time with.

There was just something about the layout of the last theme that wasn’t quite right. This one allows for more customization and I like the overall style better.

Let me know what you think and I will return to blogging reviews shortly.

October 21st, 2011

Niche blogging this ain’t

by Kevin Holtsberry
Statistical meaning of The Long Tail

Image via Wikipedia

Excuse the colloquial and inartful title, but it seems to capture my perspective on this subject.

And what exactly is the subject here? Well, my inability to stick to any particular genre or subject or age group, etc.  It seems to me that basic strategy when it comes to building an audience online is know your audience and give them what they want. Pick what you know, or want to know, and cover it well.  Unfortunately for me, I seem unable to do either. Heck, I can’t even settle on a theme or design for this blog for very long.

(I take that back. My audience is Google and I give them what they want by leaving these review for them to find in their searches. My strategy is bet the house on the long tail …)

But the more specific point I wish to make is that if any one is reading this blog on a regular basis – as opposed to surfing in from search engines (when you have a book report due or when you are looking for reviews in preparation for writing your own, trying to decide whether to read said book, or look for reactions to a book you just read) – then I want to warn you about the book reviews headed your way in the days and weeks to come.

You might already have noted that there has been a higher ratio of non-fiction of late and with a spiritual or theological flavor. This will continue. I am not really sure why but I have gotten onto a theological kick of late and so have been reading books in that realm. I have both more time on my hands and less information to process these days so non-fiction is something I am able to read more of. Right now it’s theology and spirituality but there is sure to be history, culture and politics thrown in as well.

And since I review fiction faster than I do non, I end up with a large backlog of non-fiction books to post on. I tend to post these then as I am able and am in the mood. So in reducing this backlog, I will be foisting more reviews that touch on theology and Christianity.

But as soon as those who enjoy such reviews get comfortable, I am sure I will switch back to reading young adult fantasy or literary fiction or some other genre or focus. But to be fair, the title of the blog is Collected Miscellany. Eclecticism and unpredictability is the name of the game around here.

Hence the title of this post …

October 20th, 2011

Cha, Cha, Cha … Changes

by Kevin Holtsberry

Yes, I am playing around with the theme here yet again. Thanks for your patience.

Tags:
August 10th, 2011

The danger of following your site stats

by Kevin Holtsberry

On a semi-regularly basis something weird happens and my visits drop off a cliff. I have never been able to figure out why but this is a graphic representation:

 

Which then causes this …