I've been thinking about this for a while - and you can find out more about my reasons after the jump - but for now, I'm going to put That Figures on an indefinite hiatus.
As regular readers have probably noticed, the posting quota around here has been pretty light for the last few weeks. Put simply, I'm just not enjoying this blog any more. Whether it's due to the lack of anything to really blog about (most of the toy lines I collect have either been cancelled or are now - for some utterly baffling reason - nigh-on impossible to find at retail) or the fact that after doing this for so many years the novelty has worn off, I don't know. Whatever the reasons, I'm simply not having as much fun researching and reviewing toys in the way I used to a year or so ago.
It's also become increasingly disappointing over the last year or so that the site's audience numbers have stagnated and, without sounding mercenary about it, the amount of time I invest in running the blog simply doesn't give a big enough return in terms of the interest it generates. I know it's not all about numbers but it's also somewhat disheartening to be what feels like an unheard voice in the wilderness (and no, this isn't a sympathy post either!)
I'd like to give a shout out to the many, many people I've ''met'' during my time running this blog, too many to mention but you all know who you are, and to everybody that's supported That Figures over the last few years. It's been great chatting to fellow collectors and to toy creators around the world and if there's one thing I'm going to miss about running the blog, it's the conversations, feedback and toy-related funkiness.
My plan is to keep the site as it is right now and, maybe, a few months down the line I may feel the urge to return and pick up where I left off. From the blog stats it's pretty obvious that the site keeps ticking over with a fairly constant number of visitors (regardless of whether I post anything or not) so we'll see how that pans out.
In the meantime, I've been working on a new project - one utterly unrelated to toy collecting - that I plan on updating sporadically, as and when I'm inspired to do so, but if you'd like to read my attempts at comedy (some of which isn't suitable for children or the easily offended), then feel free to check out my satirical TV guide, Dfinite.
Thanks and Happy Toy Hunting!
- Iok
Dang sorry to see you go i really enjoy your blog but you have to do whats best for you Kev and maybe a break from it is the perfect thing you need. Still got a fan here Kev remember that buddy and take care.
ReplyDeleteThanks John. The blog isn't going anywhere for now. I'm just putting it all in storage until - if - the day comes when I feel like returning to it. And I know it sounds like I feel low or disheartened but I'm really not. It's just time to take a break without worrying about when (or even if) I'll come back to That Figures. And that feels good!
DeleteSorry to see this site come to a halt. It's been a daily stop for me for at least a year (probably longer, I can't remember when I stumbled across the blog originally). I guess I'll have time now to go through all your older posts that I never got around to reading. Good luck with your new endeavor.
ReplyDeleteThanks Clark. Yeah, I think at last count there were about 4000 posts, so I'm sure you'll find *something* of interest. And as I said, it may not be THE END. More like THE PAUSE. Hopefully a break - and better yet, some actual toy lines to collect - will change my attitude a way down the line. But until then, thanks for the support, visits and feedback!
DeleteHey mate - hope you get the spark back for it but i know what it's like when you're not feeling something. I'll keep checking in and thanks for sharing my stuff over the past year!
ReplyDeleteCheers! Maybe a new year will bring a new firing of my interest. We'll certainly see!
DeleteI've been so busy getting new stuff out, I haven't been by in a while. Sadly I would be one of those dwindling numbers :(
ReplyDeleteHopefully this isn't the end. I need to get out more often... and by out, I mean visiting spots like this and having a good read.
No worries. I was actually thinking the other day that I can't even remember the last time I bought any toys. There's just nothing out there now - or if there is, I can't find anything...
DeleteAs I said, I may come back later down the line. We'll just have to see...
You are on my blogroll list. I just noticed you haven't posted in awhile. Hope things are well.
ReplyDeleteAll is fine, thanks! That Figures may return in the future but for now I'm just taking a break. :)
Delete