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!
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
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
Happy summer! See you in the fall.
Marilyn
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.