I really didn't know what to expect. But as you can see to the right, of the 1,772 readers who had responded by Thursday morning, about two-thirds said it was somewhat important or very important that I continue writing the essay.
So I'll try my best to write regularly. Knowing so many readers enjoy what I write makes me feel good, and honored.
I had hoped to put some extra time into tending to business matters, because, frankly, it's a lot more challenging to publish online today than it was even five years ago. There's also much more competition.
As I said before, half of you are reading on a tablet or smart phone now, and that has had a big impact in our revenue. I won't go into details, because it would take too much space and would probably be boring.
I also want to devote more time to our video projects in the small TV-like studio we've built. We are working on about four different shows, all short and on different subjects related to RVing. I'm very excited about a new game show, which will be sort of like a TV game show except only a couple of minutes long. There will be great prizes that RVers will find fun or useful.
Instead of writing more here I decided to sit down in front of a video camera and explain to you a little more about what is going on with me and RVtravel.com. You can just click the video below to play. There is nothing fancy about this, just me talking to a camera, rambling a lot. So if you have a little time on your hands and would like to learn a bit more about RVtravel.com and what goes on behind the scenes, then please click the video. I try to explain some things that I've had trouble expressing in the 500 words available in the opening essay of the Saturday newsletter.
P.S. If you would like to become a voluntary subscriber to RVtravel.com you can do by clicking here. I mentioned this in the video.
I really enjoyed watching your video. It helped me totally understand why you are going in the direction you are going. The fact that you are able to recognize the changes needed in order to keep RV-travel.com as an on going business comes through to me loud and clear. Keep up the good work, but first and foremost do what feels right for YOU!
ReplyDeleteChuck, that was definitely long and a tiny bit rambling - - but eminently listenable and I was glad you put the time into it. It's great to hear your history, and the history of rvtravel. I too have found a spectacular traveling companion, and I'm extremely happy for you having found yours.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the video. Clarity is always a good companion to have. By all means do what you feel is best and we'll be here reading away. My many thanks for the input you and your work/blog/site has provided as I began my return to the rv world.
ReplyDeleteAustin
I have subscribed since 2006 and enjoyed every issue! I've also seen the many changes in culture, technology, etc. in these past 10 years, and know that you are now 10 years older. I see the problems with which you are dealing!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great publication that is providing a wonderful service to the RV industry and its enthusiasts. Whether you or a guest writes the editorial is probably less important than whether the publication continues. I would hate to see it disappear.
Your newsletter addresses mostly the technical (how to) and useful issues surrounding the lifestyle. Your editorial usually centers on the lifestyle of RVing, and I think whether you write it or someone else, that should stay the same.
So far you have dealt with all of the changes in an admirable way. You've found new ways, new things, etc. while being forced to abandon some of the old ways. In other words, you are finding ways to cope with the changes. It is my hope that you'll continue to do this for the benefit of those who love to RV, like myself.
The BOTTOM LINE: if you publish it, they will come!
-Lee Lewis, Clovis, CA (Fresno County)
As a fellow writer and not an RVer at all...I read Out West and RV Travel for your narrative. This video helped me see your point of view and reminded me that all things change. I recall Out West with a fondness similar to your memories of childhood travel and, perhaps, had become a bit curmudgeonly about the guest editorials. I strive not to be a grumpy old lady but had slipped that direction. So now I will enjoy the stories other people tell, find the occasional fleck of gold ore when you write, and see the whole venture with new eyes. Thanks for spending your life telling your stories. Best to you and yours, Chuck.
ReplyDeleteChuck, thanks for the posting and the video. I've done a little writing, so I know making publishable work is not as simple as sitting down and letting it pour out. Thanks for the long, clear video about your business. You didn't ramble enough to bother me, and you made great points.
ReplyDeleteRVing has indeed changed, but is more diverse now than it looks from a KOA viewpoint. KOA itself is one reason. That is an enormous chain, but some of us insist on not paying their price for their product. Solar power and other developments have improved boondocking. Ultra-lights and toy haulers each have developed niches, and non-RV camping (tenting) seems to be doing well in my very unscientific study. In some ways, (specifically ultra-lights and tenting), the US is counter-trending toward a more European approach. Interesting stories continue.
Chuck, thank you so much for what you do for 'us RV'ers'!
ReplyDeleteIt was 2 years ago that we discovered you and what actually helped us make the move to full timing. We are getting ready after those 2 years to hit the road at the end of February...finally! All your blogs, all your video's have helped up to get to this point.
We appreciate you very much and hope someday to meet you on the road!
Tom and Lori
Ramble on Chuck, I'm right there with you! We're about the same ag and I grew up in RV's with my folks going out every chance they got using the two week vacation and weekends. Times have changed in parks in a big way. For one thing, it seems people build smudge pots instead of fires so nobody can open an RV window without getting smoked out. Great if you have a lung disease, but I know that's not their problem. We try to adjust and we don't want to quit traveling, but we really try to avoid popular times.
ReplyDeleteAs far as writing, do what you need to do to stay motivated/satisfied. Until this year I wrote a monthly column in four remote control hobby magazines and it got to be too much like work. I've scaled back to two magazines and feel like I'm on vacation :-) Times have changed here too as you can guess with all the negative press for "drones" and mostly due to idiots doing stupid things. See? I'm a geezer too :-) I liked your comments about the print industry and advertisors. I do product reviews and it's a delicate balance to be truthful and not irritate a big advertiser...sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but candidness has gotten me this far.
Keep up the good work, fill in with guests if you want. I enjoy your newsletter and know the people you use are knowledgeable folks. Breathe and enjoy, time is too short.
Chuck, you do know that people learn from others experiences? So, it is fine by me that you make negative observations sometimes. If we only relay positives to others, then we are not being honest with them. Regarding your recent comments about smoke in the campground you were staying at right next to your camper, I can relate to that. I almost moved from a KOA campground in the middle of the night because the campground was in a valley in the mountains, the air was still and the smoke penetrated our camper almost like it was on fire. The windows were not open. I seriously couldn't breathe. I stepped out to catch my breathe and I almost panicked because it was worse. My husband took wet towels and waved them in the air of the camper to absorb the smoke. It helped some. It saved the night after a long haul to get there. I see no need for campfires unless they are in a central area away from campers. People are so jittery these days that they don't sit still for any amount of time anyway to enjoy the fires. Others' time has to be ruined for the lack of consideration.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I sense that you are in a state of burnout. So, my response to your poll last week has now changed. A much as I love to hear from you in the articles you have written, I am now saying, GO and enjoy the time you have on this earth while you are still in good health. Go to the places you've always wanted to visit. I know what it is like to have to stay put to handle responsibilities at home. Maybe you can write something every other month or so about your latest venture. All the best to you!