Long ago, JoeUser was just this free place to blog.  And it was pointed out many times that "Hey...this was just a sideshow Brad started.  He doesn't need it.  He doesn't have to provide this place.  Be grateful you have a place to blog...be grateful they provide server space for your mental wanderings."

And we were.

But notice what JU is now?  There are some people here (not me) that attract a fairly large audience.  And when that audience arrives here, they see (and maybe click on) lots of google ads (which aren't just there 'because' folks - aka $$$$.)  And they see lots of articles on stuff most of us at JU don't give a shit about (Skinning, yadda yadda)

Those of you attracting audiences are like the guys that stand outside a store yelling for people to come in and see what's for sale.  In other words, we are no longer inviable to Stardock.  We're (some more than others - least of all me) now a commodity.  Has anyone else noticed this shift?

I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this.  I would prefer my blog site to be a separate entity that was solely about people blogging.

An exodus is already in progress, and at first I thought "Bleah...all my stuff is here...I don't want to deal with copying it all, etc..."  But now, I'm really not so sure. 

I never bump articles...but I'm going to bump this one until I hear from the following people (in no particular order)  Those of you who see this first, tell the others in threads of theirs or by private message and encourage them to come here and weigh in.  Do we want a blog site or to be an advertisement draw for someone?  This is a BIG list of people.  Notice I didn't exclude people I've historically disagreed with.  I see this as being beyond something like that.

Little Whip

MasonM

Texas Wahine

Boudica

Forever Serenity

CharlesCS

JustJohn

Leuki

KFC

Lulapilgrim

Jythier

Dr. Guy

Shadesofgrey

InBloom

Zoologist

The Late San Chonino (and siblings which follow)

Bluedev

Cedarbird

Stubbyfinger

RoyLevosh

Tova7

Dynamaso

KellyW

Sodaiho

cactoblasta

ParaTed2k

Gene Nash

And Science knows who else I forgot.  Forgive me if you're a regular...I am not, and thus I may not know you too well.  No slight is intended.  (Or...if you KNOW I know you and I still forgot...just call me addleminded )