My initial reaction is that it cannot possibly be two years since I started Fates On Fire. Wow, that time went by lightning fast. My second reaction is that, unlike last year’s 1st Annual Report, there unfortunately is no dazzling interview and professional photos by the astonishingly brilliant, J.A. Jourer. This year, you’re stuck with only my unstructured, ramble-riffic musings and snaps from last year’s shoot. In any event, it’s a celebration, so let’s get this party started!
[CUE INTRO MUSIC: “ACE OF SPADES” BY MOTORHEAD]
As anyone who reads personal finance blogs with any regularity knows, it is tres en vogue in these sorts of ‘blog anniversary’ articles to shamelessly bust out a bunch of meaningless stats or shove a Google Analytics dashboard in the reader’s face and then rabbit on whilst dissecting each sliver of bullshit data. Sorry, but yawn. As I’ve stated before, this variety of quantitative oversharing does nothing but invoke disquieting images of a bunch of dudes desperately huddled in a locker room with a ruler trying to find out who’s got the 10.5″. So, as is my custom, we’ll do something a bit less inelegant and take a closer look at what I have learned and what I most treasure as a result of this thing that is Fates On Fire.
OF THINGS LEARNED
After two years, I have largely proven my initial prediction that the very premise of my project would be perceived as somewhat esoteric and niche. I am entirely content with this. As many comments have validated, there is value to we ‘FIRE Aethernauts’ out here in the post-FI space reporting back our findings, irrespective of whether they may be intriguing or banal. Nevertheless, I remain convinced that most folks view Fates the same way I first viewed legendary guitarist Andy Gill (RIP) playing in his band, Gang of Four. That being, “Holy shit, this guy is playing a totally different song than the rest of the band.” It wasn’t really a different song, just simply a different way of playing, a divergence from or iteration on the norm. Of course, I just proved my own point using that very metaphor.
I’ve mockingly referred to myself as “the Nick Cave of the FIRE space” and all silliness aside, I have begun to see what amounts to some fashion of parallel. Specifically, I’m out here, for better or worse, doing my own thing, my own way. Sure, sometimes it’s tough, but I trust its idiosyncratic nature does have some appeal. I know that because it continues to grow at a glacially slow, but steadfastly consistent pace.
I’ve also learned it is possible to attract readers with zero promotion. Would I recommend this method to those who want to start a blog? Nope, not by a long shot. However, it’s worked well thus far, but I’ve been exceedingly fortunate. More importantly, it seems to have enticed those who are, at least to me, more dedicated and involved and that has been the most rewarding and invigorating aspect of the endeavor. I’ve toyed with the experiment of promoting posts of different types just to see if, and to what degree, paid promotion can actually work, so maybe sometime. In the meantime, I’ll stick to my current approach (or lack thereof).
Another lesson I’ve learned, by way of an observation, is realizing that publishing articles twice a month is a solid balance and cadence for what I am attempting to achieve, which amounts to simply telling the story of one person’s post-early retirement/financial independence journey. It’s an attempt to answer the question, “So now what? What would I risk and who could I become.” I view each article as one sentence or paragraph that is being told in real-time as a larger narrative unfolds.
The serendipitous benefit of this original schedule is that publishing at a weekly (or greater) pace, seems unsustainable on a long term basis, though I deeply respect and admire those who can do that. Sadly, 2020 saw many a personal finance writer either decrease their publishing frequency or vanish altogether. I’m also personally disappointed by the seeming trend of writers closing up shop altogether once they hit their FI goals. Those are invaluable perspectives and insights and vastly underrepresented in my opinion.
This past year also revealed a few new truths. One is that once I finally settled the consistent publishing schedule of every-other Wednesday and the advance calendaring of my articles, the process of writing and managing Fates On Fire has become significantly easier. This is likely obvious, but it took me a while to wrap my head, or rather my behavior, around it.
I’ve never done an exhaustive evaluation of my site’s data on Google Analytics because I don’t particularly care. However, I look at the truncated weekly stats on the default WordPress app on my phone. I know readership and engagement spikes when I publish followed by a deleterious downward trend until I do so again. I also know that articles focused on books or music don’t get nearly the action as those that deal with personal finance-y topics. Huge revelations, I know. Obvious changes need to be made for one focused on growing page views, but not so much for one attempting to tell an authentic story with a modicum of integrity.
The other thing I’ve learned, particularly over the past year, is that my love of, and passion for, writing has detonated. To the point where I cannot envision ever not continuing with Fates, even if wonderful people ceased stopping by to read altogether. Its also fueled my fiction writing, and coming off the heels of some successes last year, I’m particularly motivated. In fact, earnest work on the “Rock ‘N Roll Zero” book has formally commenced. Writing has always been an enjoyable, albeit sporadic, pursuit, but has now become a central part of my life and of me.
OF THINGS TREASURED
Those who read last year’s 1st Annual Report may recall how my principal lament was that I had not dedicated enough time to befriend other like-minded writers and that the social aspects of writing on the internet were important to me. Since then, I’ve made a good deal of effort on this front and with very rewarding results. There’s a lot of great personal finance writers out there and I feel like I’ve finally found my tribe of sorts. Since I have an annoying tendency to reduce most things to a music analog, I feel like I’m part of a scene with other cool kids doing their own unique thing while also being loosely connected in an ephemeral, but very real way (if that makes any sense).
So, to Freddy Smidlap, SavvyHistory, AccidentalFire, MyQuietFi, AlongTheCamelRide, HappilyDisengaged, BrewingFire, Retirement Manifesto, FulltimeFinance, and all the rest, I thank you so much for your constant support and camaraderie. I deeply appreciate what you do, how you do it, and keeping the bar so goddamned high, it makes me sweat hard to try to get close. And while it’s all virtual, the interaction and friendliness means a lot, particularly these days when any form of socialization is scarce. It is truly an honor.
I also treasure those who have, for some unknown reason, kindly and generously chosen to feature some of my articles this past year, as well as those who have outright mentioned me in individual interviews, most notably PersonalFinanceBlogs, CampFireFinance, YourMoneyBlueprint, Dr. FIRE, as well as “Katie Camel” & “Q-FI.” You’re my heroes and I owe you a colossal debt of gratitude.
Okay, typing that felt like a bit of an awards speech, but, in case you’ve not guessed, I really enjoy and treasure the social aspects of writing on the internet. Aside from being a part of a cool scene, I have to state for the record that I really, really like comments. For me, and others, its such a great way to get fantastic feedback, ideas, opinions, counter-perspectives and just to have some semblance or approximation of a conversation with another human. While I don’t get excited about user numbers or page views, I do get really excited by comments. So for those who have left them, I thank you. If you’re reading this and have never commented, do me a favor and leave one (and for anyone else you may happen to read). It will assuredly make my day.
On that note, I guess this officially wraps up our 2nd Annual Report. Overall, there’s been solid organic growth that’s generated large returns on net happiness, increased partnerships, and sector diversification (topics like books, music, cats, country living). Not bad at all as the corporate board of directors would likely opine.
As for me? It would be an understatement to say that, to this point, Fates On Fire has been a wondrous and amazing adventure. When I launched the site on Valentine’s day 2019, I could never have imagined any of this. By simply attempting to “explore the magic of FI,” it seems that I have created a curious machine of sorts that, itself, spins its own magic into my little world. This magic has helped me to grow and develop – intellectually, socially, and introspectively. In short, it has allowed me to become a somewhat better and more actualized person. Most important of all is to acknowledge that this magic only exists exclusively and entirely because of you. You, the reader, who, of course, is the most magical thing of all of this. And to you, I am profoundly grateful. Thanks for reading and I hope you continue to swing by as the story of Fates On Fire continues to unfold.
[CUE CLOSING MUSIC: “PAPA WON’T LEAVE YOU HENRY” BY NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS]
GIVE IT TO ME, BABY!
As stated above, it’s been a great journey and thank you for reading. This time around, I’d really like to have you chime in with any thoughts. Which ideas, articles, aspects (really anything here) made you read initially and/or made you swing by another time? Feedback is, indeed, a gift, so give it to me, baby!
Love your perspective here. I’ve gone a similar route with promotion (or lack thereof) because it just isn’t something that I’m interested in spending time on, regardless of the obvious benefits to traffic. I don’t like doing it, so I don’t do it. Simple enough! I go back and forth between really taking an enjoyment out of blogging, and on the flip side wanting to scrap the project altogether. But it has helped me organize some thoughts that I would otherwise be annoying acquaintances with, and for that alone I must forge ahead. Always enjoy reading your stuff and look forward to more–at a reasonably paced writing schedule!
Hey IF and thanks much for the comment. Yeah, investing all that time pimping and promoting seems like a job to me and a very tedious, unpleasant one at that. I really enjoy running the site and writing and glad I originally set the 2x per month schedule. It’s a good cadence for me and keeps it enjoyable and exciting on my end.
I’m grateful you enjoy reading and hope I keep it engaging enough for you to keep wanting to pop in.
Great wrap up bud and thanks as always for a shout out. This one made me smile as I read it because I was thinking back to when I first discovered you. I believe I had my first feature in PFB a few months into writing (not even knowing what it was at the time) and you commented so I checked you out and it was game on after that – So Cal executive that flies all the time, moves from So Cal to Washington wilderness and is a rockstar… there were too many similarities to list. You even knew where Priest Lake was… hahaha.
I relate to everything you summed up in your second year. I’ve never cared about growth and it’s the comments that really make you happy. And in regards to my blog, I have you to thank. I think if you look over the first year of my writing you were the only one that commented on almost every post. But it only takes that one person you know is reading, to keep you motivated on down days to keep experimenting and putting yourself out there.
Thanks for all of the support and great advice you’ve given me. As I’ve already stated before, love your writing and deep poetic style. For selfish reasons, I’d want more posts, but I understand how we all find our groove and what works for us. Who knows, I might even slow down soon. All we can do is write while we can.
Out of many superb posts, probably “ROCK STARDOM IS MY 401(K) – HOW TO GET RICH WITH MUSIC” is my favorite to date. Nothing else out there like it.
Keep up the great writing and can’t wait to read more!
Thanks a zillion for the kind words, sir! I feel the same about your writing as well and always delighted to support!
Glad you enjoy “Rock Stardom.” That’s one of my all-time faves as well so it’s nice to hear that you dig it since I never got a lot of feedback on it.
“a bunch of dudes desperately huddled in a locker room with a ruler trying to find out who’s got the 10.5″”
I would measure mine in freedom inches and theirs in french inches. If you’re going to play you gotta play to win.
As for which ideas/articles/aspects I’ve only just started working my way through your back catalogue, so we’ll have to take a rain check on the first two and touch on the aspects.
Your articles are clearly not written for search engines, which is awesome. As you touched on there’s a price to pay for that when it comes to growth. That being said if you play the long game (which it seems like you clearly are) then it’s definitely not insurmountable. I’ve been a bit of a case study enthusiast over the last few years (massive paralysis by analysis and used case studies a “research” crutch) and there are lots of examples of blogs that chugged along slowly with a gradual increase in viewership and then hit that tipping point and become an “overnight success”. That’s the most attractive aspect I’ve noticed, fwiw.
Here’s to year #3!
Tag
Hey Tag and thanks for the comment. I won’t lie that I worked hard to shoehorn that Black Flag “Who’s Got the 10.5”? reference in there. Anyway, glad you like reading some of the articles and hope you continue to enjoy.
Also, thanks for the indirect referral on the Chris Voss “Never Split the Difference” book. I got it after reading your review and it was fantastic!
Thanks for the shout-out, Mr Fate! It was very unexpected, but most appreciated.
It’s good to hear that you’ll be continuing with the blog for the foreseeable future. I only discovered it recently, but it has quickly become a favourite. You have a great writing voice, so long may it continue!
Apparently, according to my browsing history, the first article I read of yours was your 2020 book awards. So it wasn’t even finance-related. I guess you never can tell what articles will stand out to a reader! That article alerted me to Mark Lanegan’s memoir, which I must pick up at some point. I haven’t listened to his stuff recently, but loved his stint with QOTSA and some of his early solo albums.
Hey Doc and thanks for the comment. Thanks as well for featuring my article recently. I really appreciate it. I’m stoked you found me from the Book Awards article. You made my day! Glad you enjoy overall as well and hope you continue to do so.
Yeah, definitely check out the Lanegan book – it’s dark, brutal but very compelling and worth the read!
I appreciate the finance parts of your blog but I think I get just as much if not more by reading about your life because I think it gives a more complete picture of how you got where you are and why it was possible. So thank you and congrats on another year
Hey W.T. Thanks so much for leaving a comment – greatly appreciated. Grateful you like both the finance and non-finance stuff. I’ll keep at it and I hope you continue to read and enjoy!
Congrats dude and good luck with that new band!!
Merci Dave and thanks for the well wishing on the music project. Needless to say, you’ll be a permanent fixture on the guest list. 🤘
Congrats on your two years of blogging. I can see how setting a publishing schedule can help out immensely. This is something I’ve yet to do with my blogging, just because this is the one thing in my life not regimented (yet), and I’m worried another deadline in my life would become another stone to carry.
Thanks for the shout out! I appreciate your blog. As I’ve said before, I think your take is essential to the community. Keep it up
Hey Noel. I love your writing so it’s a please to give credit where it’s due. Yeah, I struggled with pinning down a publishing schedule and planning articles for about a year and a half, but once I got it, it definitely helped.
hey, mr. fate. thanks for the kind words about your readers. i think we have a lot of overlap in our loyal audiences and i will take quality over quantity any time. i really agree that comradery in this space really makes it all worthwhile. you just know you could sit down to a beer of a coffee with these people and it would be easy, fun, and enlightening.
what initially kept me coming back here was the credibility of someone who has done stuff that interests me. it lends a lot of street cred that you had a rock n’ roller life, a corporate life, and now an early retired life. those are real results put forth with a tone i can surely support. keep on rockin’ it.
Thanks much Freddy for the nice words – it means a lot and back at ya. It really is pretty cool to have engaged readers and friendly personal finance writers like you all.
Aw, thanks for the shout out! And thanks for doing what you do! You contribute a unique and entertaining voice that’s much needed in this space. Like you, writing a blog helps with writing fiction, though I find my interest in writing fiction supersedes my interest in blogging these days. I think it all ebbs and flows. Anyway, looking forward to more posts for as long as you’re willing to write them.
Hey Katie – you’re quite welcome for the shout out and thanks for the kind words. I’ll keep at it and hope you do as well! Hope you’re not getting clobbered by the Winter storm!