Thursday, October 3, 2013

Happy Blog-day to Me!




It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since Cinematic Catharsis started.  Stemming from a lifelong passion for films, and a desire to keep writing after finishing my master’s degree, I set up this blog as an outlet.  By the same token, I didn’t want it to read like a series of writing exercises or a scholarly discourse on film (any insightful commentary is purely unintentional).  I’ve also avoided boxing myself into a corner by confining my blog to a single niche.  While I’m not allergic to discussing popular films, my primary mission has always been to uncover the little movies that slipped through the cracks, along with a disproportionate number of genre titles (classic and modern horror, sci-fi, and cult films that defy categorization).

Running this one-man show made me realize how difficult it can be, despite good intentions, to keep a steady flow of new posts.  My ambitions haven’t always synched with reality.  The end results are always a compromise between what I’d like to do, and what I can realistically accomplish within a finite amount of time.  Between my regular higher ed job, family obligations, and a fall teaching gig, there’s not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything.  While my recent output has suffered somewhat, I’m still committed to keeping a steady pace.*  This blog has been a welcome escape, my virtual home away from home, and will continue to be so, into the foreseeable future.

* Thanks to coffee, the magic elixir.

As I type this, I’m also working on my first review for Horror Month, one of my personal modern favorites.  This will likely be followed by something that’s probably no one’s favorite, but perhaps I’ve said too much already.  Between this month and next month I’ll also be taking part in four blogathons.  I’ll continue to test my comfort zones and push boundaries with more theme months and new features, along with the return of some old favorites (Japan-uary III). 

While my pageviews might be a drop in the bucket compared to some more established movie blogs, I have witnessed a huge surge compared to my first year.  It’s genuinely heartening to know that someone out there likes what I’m doing.  Thanks so much to those who have endured my cinematic ramblings these past three years, as well as anyone who’s recently discovered this blog.  I hope you’ll stay a while and peruse my reviews.  As always, your comments and suggestions are always welcome (unless you’re a troll).  Stay tuned…

12 comments:

  1. Well Happy Anniversary to you and your blog. I may not visit all the time , but I will try my best to stop by once in a while and say hi. Keep up the great work

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  2. Happy Blog Birthday, Barry! : ) Wishing you many more years of wonderful posts.

    I certainly know what you mean when it comes to running and keeping a blog updated. I'm a victim of not keeping mine fresh as of late. My blog birthday is coming up next week too.

    All the best!
    Page

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    1. Thanks so much, Page, and a happy blog birthday to you as well! The last three years just flew by, so I hope I'll be doing this for a while longer.

      It's definitely been a challenge to maintain a semblance of a schedule. For the most part, I sort of make things up as I go along, but so far, so good.

      Have a great weekend!

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  3. Happy blog birthday! Although I recently discovered this site, I applaud what you're doing and look forward to your future posts.

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    1. Thanks for the kind thoughts. I really appreciate it!

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  4. Just keep doing what you love doing and don't worry about who follows or doesn't. Don't ever just do it for the follows. And yes, coffee is the magic elixir. ;)

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    1. I agree with you 100%. I write about movies and subjects that interest me, not what's trendy. Besides, if it isn't fun to write, why do it?

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  5. Congrats! Continue to be passionate about your blog and your great content. It is indeed a lot of work but it's a rewarding thing to do! Keep up the good work. - Vic

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    1. Why, thank you Vic! I think the key to sticking around is picking movies (good and bad) that I want to write about. Life's too short for middle of the road films.

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  6. Three years is a long time in blog years! Congrats ans happy blog birthday! One of the blogs I've been reading for the longest time now! I'm happy you manage to find time to feed this great read!
    I'm curious on the Horror titles you will be presenting!

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    1. Thanks, Michaël! I think there might be a correlation between blog years and dog years, but seriously, I'm very pleased (and humbled) that you have returned to read my blog month after month.

      Horror Month is off to a bit of a slow start, but it's about to gain momentum very soon!

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