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So we finished the year at just under 80% of our fund-raising goal. For the same amount we have set the last three years
What does this mean? Based on the comments we got with some donations, what we’re saying is still relevant and helpful. The issue is blogging is an ancient platform with a rapidly shrinking user base. We’ve been aware of this for a while, and have seen indications our reach was shrinking. Based on this, we’re not surprised we failed to raise the money we were seeking.
So what does this mean for the blogs? Putting a great deal of time into a dying format seems unwise. But at the same time, we feel a commitment to those of you still here.
At this point, we’re praying and thinking. We know people are looking for audio or video, and to reach younger folks, we will have to move that direction. We’ve had some encouraging results turning parts of The Marriage Bed site into interview style podcasts. We have a lot of ideas, and I suspect there will be some trial and error.
There will still be some blogging, along with whatever new things we do. We’re also looking into an AI answer system that will make our thousands of past posts more accessible. We’re not in a hurry. I expect you will see changes in March.
And what does this mean for us financially? Fortunately, it’s not a disaster. The marriage coaching we’re doing is picking up, and should take care of us.
We covet your prayers as we make changes!
Image Credit: © Paul H Byerly
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I’m disappointed to hear this — both that you didn’t reach your giving goal, and that you think a move away from blogging is indicated. Speaking only for myself, blogs are a super-convenient and accessible format, while audio and video are demanding and time-consuming. But you have to go whether the potential audience is, so I’ll find a way to survive!
@ Mike Taylor – It was a hard decision that is a lot longer in the making than I have indicated. A big part of it is our desire to reach younger folks. We know our message resonates with them, but we are not providing a format popular with them.
I share your view of blogs vs audio.
I’ve been looking at tools that build a transcript from audio, and they are getting very good. So that may allow us to do both for most of our content.
I do agree: your work is important, and it has most leverage when it reaches younger people — those only recently married, who have decades of good or bad marriage ahead of them. If, to reach them, you have to make the experience a bit worse for 30-year veterans like me, that’s a trade-off that you should embrace! (And ignore my whining :-) )