Hello Readers,
I have come to a crossroads with this blog…
The other day, I noticed a $1,500 charge on my bank card from my blog hosting site. Normally I pay about $350 for 3 years of hosting, or about $120 a year. The jump to $500 a year seemed like a mistake. I immediately got on a chat with a customer service representative, and it was explained to me that the plan I have always had allowed for 20 GB of space. Over the years – and I’ve had the blog since 2017 – they have allowed me more and more space over time without charge, and I am now at 173 GB – almost 9 times the space that is allowed within the plan I’ve had all along! Data storage is a big deal, and they have formulated new tiers of space, so my account was put into a new plan that costs $1,500 for 3 years and allows for up to 200 GB of space.
With over 10,000 photos and 1,000 posts, my options aside from paying $500 a year are to remove a massive amount of material, move to a completely different space with a completely different look and different spatial options, or let the blog go.
The only options that seem to make sense are to either keep the blog as it is and pay the money or let it go. I am pulled to do the latter, but I thought I’d ask your advice regarding the former.
What would you do if you were me? I don’t love the idea of soliciting for money. On the other hand, I’ve been told by many people that they would give because they enjoy following the blog. Others have advised that I seek out grants that apply to historical documents or money that is available through the Chamber of Commerce.
I love that this blog has remained unmonetized – a sacred space far from advertising. I have lovingly maintained it for almost 9 years because I love Orcas Island, I love this community, I love the stunning beauty, I love documenting the daily amazingness all around us, and I love having a place to write anytime I want to. I receive nothing but joy, I do not use it for trades, and I would love for it to remain a place in the aether if I can find a way to keep it.
Do you have any ideas you’d like to share with me? I value your thoughts. Please comment below or connect with me directly at edeekulper@gmail.com.
Thank you immensely.
Sincerely,
Edee
Edee, I love your writing and photography.
Usually I don’t revisit old posts, but I always enjoy the new posts. Would it be a cost-effective option to just maintain the latest post and stop storing the old ones?
Just thinking outside the box…I hope you find a solution!
It would be a real loss to the community if you were to let this blog go!! You do such a fabulous job of photo Journaling so many events and seasons on Orcas And alerting us to many events going on we wouldn’t hear a out otherwise! Surely there must be monetary resources available to help with such an increase in price for you!
I love seeing your blog posts, and hope you continue!
(To be honest, I think the island should be giving you a grant or something for the wonderful way you share your community with the world!)
To the hosting issue, text and images don’t take much space, so I’m wondering if the data space overloaded when you started hosting video interviews. Videos are huge in comparison.
Maybe you could let YouTube host your videos and link to them through the blog? Just a thought…
Anyway, I hope Orcas realizes the great work you have done for your town, and that you get some help!
Hi – that seems exorbitant
Have you considered switching to Substack ?
We could crowd source the $1500.
Do you know how to do that?
Edee~I feel your missives are important because they illustrate the beautiful web of small island living. How important the ordinary everyday is and occasionally the extraordinary.
I would consider asking for a donation on a timely basis you feel comfortable with, à la NPR style. People can Venmo your business. I also feel you should ask for money from any historical sourcing. For those who doubt your impact tell them to look up Lake Wobegon. ^_*
There is an additional item: your contribution deserves monetary recognition. There is an energy exchange which fortifies the community when this baton passes back and forth.
You’re worth it love,
Sally | My Inner Lighthouse
Heya! It would be a shame to lose this blog.
I emailed you— happy to dig into it with you. My WordPress skills are a little dusty, but I’m sure we can get to the bottom of things and get the bill WAY WAY down.
We live full-time on the island (near Eastsound) and I am largely retired…
Love your blog! See if you can reduce space used, store the videos elsewhere with a link. I would give $$ to the cause, yet it would take a few “Mary’s ” to make that option work. Love you!