Summer, and September changes

The Passage closes today for its annual summer break, July and August, when I head off-line to enjoy our shortest, sunniest season.

Thank you all for the encouragement last week; the Passage will reopen September 8.

Anonymity is so 2008

The anonymous comment option, a feature that sat uneasily with me, is closed. Seven years ago, when the Passage opened, some readers had no social-media account. Today, because of the enormous increase in the use of smart phones, tablets and other devices, an account is standard practice. 

Commenters will be asked to sign in with one of the following: Google, Blogger, LiveJournal, WordPress, TypePad, or AIM.

If you chose the anonymous comment option because you do not wish to be tracked by data analytics companies who sell your personal information, consider use of a secure browser like Epic or Comodo or defend your ever-eroding privacy by the methods described here. And while I'm at it, that's why I don't use Polyvore, whose privacy policy is, to put it tactfully, sub-par.

Anonymity reduces the spirit of community and obviates accountability. Many of you used the anonymous feature but added a name (or username), and I've always appreciated that. But lately, more and more comments have been posted here using complete anonymity. 

If I write a post that deals with a sensitive topic, I will install the anonymous comment capacity for that post.

Another option is to contact me via e-mail (the address is in the right menu bar, under "Welcome"), and indicate whether you would like your comment published or read by only me. 


Blogs are gifts

There is no "right way" to blog. Some bloggers make money (from modest to very considerable amounts) by running ads and accepting commissions from vendors whom they feature. Their writing may be every bit as knowledgable as a fashion magazine's; the difference is that the blogs are free.  

A vast number of bloggers write without financial reward, and others, like the outstanding "Brainpickings", solicit donations. There are various ways to self-publish, and a good case for each model.

I have thought about my intention and values; therefore, the Passage remains ad-free, and declines the offer of merchandise in exchange for reviews—though I will make an exception if Sevan wants to send a "Double Dove" ring!


Come September   


This is the 996th post. Besides shoes, bags, scarves and jewelry, I've written about transgendered persons, snobs, late-life heartbreak, two anthropologists' view of "What Not to Wear" and picky (adult) eaters.

I'm over seven years older than when I began, so am ever more interested in what my friend Catherine calls "artful aging". I'll keep railing against mindless consumption, unfair employment practices and dresses with weensy sleeves.

Santé, sisters!

Thank you for visiting the Passage, where an old-school (and, ever more rapidly, just plain older) feminist juggles social responsibility with having a really good time, in pearls.

A special thank you to the writers and readers who made the Passage a community in the past season: to Kirsten, Cecily, Jude and Dorothy, who contributed posts, and so many others who e-mailed with questions, opinions and photos of jewelry renos.

Mojitos all round and see you in September!  


Comments

Susan said…
Have a wonderful summer. I'll look forward to September when the Passage reopens. Your words are always an enjoyable read.
Madame Là-bas said…
Thank you for your blog. It is one that I look for on Tuesday and Thursday when I wake up. You pose a lot of very good questions about living in a changing world and cause me to stop and think sometimes. It is a great accomplishment to have written 996 posts. I find it easy to write when I am away from home but much more difficult when I return. Not a fashion blog, travel blog or literary blog, Passage des perles seems to "strike a nerve" often with me about this fascinating stage of life. Have a happy summer and see you after Labour Day.
Susan B said…
Duchesse, I'll look forward to your return, and in the meantime have a wonderful summer!
Patricia said…
Have a wonderful summer Duchesse, I look forward to the Passage reopening in September.
materfamilias said…
Hear hear! I'll drink a mojito to what you've said here on blogging, community, and, especially, on Your Blog as a Gift for which I thank you. Yours is a clear, strong, engaged and engaging, sharp, inclusive voice in this community we've somehow built in the last 5 or 10 years. Remarkable, really, considering the platform hadn't even occurred to us as any kind of possibility until we were at least in our 5th decade. Who'd have thought?
Happy summer! See you in the fall.
SusanG said…
I always enjoy reading your thoughtful posts, Duchesse, and will await your autumn return. Enjoy the summer!
LauraH said…
A toast to you, Duchesse. My Tuesdays and Thursdays won't be the same until your return. Enjoy a lovely summer.
Araminta said…
Enjoy your summer, whether in beautiful Montreal or elsewhere. I'm glad that you have decided to continue your thoughtful posts and look forward to your return the Fall. A bientot!
Kristien62 said…
You will be missed as always, Duchesse. But our summers are too short to miss even a minute. Until September....
Francie Newcomb said…
Have a wonderful summer! Thank you again for your fabulous blog and for sharing yourself-- someone I admire.
Sue Nations said…
I am already looking forward to your return. Have a great summer!
Bunny said…
Have a wonderful break. I so enjoy your blog, outlook and musings. Did you ever think you'd write a sentence that included "old school feminist" in its wording?
Marilyn Leslie said…
Bonne vacances.I enjoy your blog.Thank you for the time and talent you you put into it.
Marilyn
diverchic said…
Oh, my darling, I hate that word. September.

Perhaps you will come and see us? Today the lake was a great companion to a hot day. I have a garden full of divine lettuce and arugula and snow peas and other good stuff. I am living in paradise.
emma said…
I'm so glad you decided to continue blogging! Your posts are so thoughtful...I love going back and rereading your posts...(they stick in my mind)...
emma said…
I am so glad you've decided to continue! I look forward to reading your blog...sometimes I reread the archived posts on jewellery...
Travel said…
Thanks for the comment, I look forward to stopping by from time to time.
Duchesse said…
Travel: You are welcome to stop by, and just so you know, this blog is for women over 50. I don;t ask for proof, though ;)

The posts with the most