A bit of Housekeeping before we get into the festivities:
Phew -- what a whirlwind of festive celebrations accompanied by bibliophile anticipations! I can't believe that 2022 is over already! Also can't believe I'm going to say this:
This will be the second last Best Reads blog post. :-( It's been running over twelve years now but the issues I'm experiencing with blogger just don't make it feasible for me to continue.
- notifications not working
- so many people unable to post comments
- including me! I have to fire up my old dell laptop in order to comment!
- that laptop is on the verge of extinction and the virus protection is coming to an end and I don't want to renew it.
- plus, the way blogger randomly unpublishes 'unsuitable' posts -- both new and old -- is beyond frustrating to deal with.
So, it's just not fun anymore. I'm gutted 'cause I'm fearful of losing twelve years of my reading history and I'm going to miss the camaraderie of fellow book lovers.
HOWEVER
I'm hoping to figure out another platform. I'm no techno geek so that's likely going to take a bit of time to sort out. I checked out a WordPress for Dummies from the library, so there's hope. Also considering starting a Booktube channel. Which ever one seems less fraught with technical angst. lol If you have a preference let me know.
So, I'm taking January off to regroup. In the meantime you can follow my reviews on Good Reads. Kay's Good Reads
I've also started up an instagram account where I'll post what I'm reading and possibly a few giveaways in January. Just created an account and haven't figured out how to share pics etc yet (techno un-nerd, remember?) but I hope to start posting January 1. kavsbestreads instagram
In the mean time, if any of you would be willing to act as a town crier once my new virtual digs are set up and ready to go, I'd appreciate it. I'd just ask you to post a link to the new blog one time from whatever social platform you are on to get the word out. If you'd be willing to do that either leave a comment with your email below or contact me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca
Thank you!!!
And now, before we get to the fun stuff, here's a bit of bibliophile nerdy stats for you:
MOST REQUESTED HISTORICAL FICTION
MOST REQUESTED CONTEMPORARY FICTION
MOST REQUESTED MYSTERY/SUSPENSE
MOST REQUESTED AMISH FICTION
NOW STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO OF
THE NEW YEAR'S EVE GIVEAWAY
WHERE THE WINNER'S ARE
ACTUALLY ANNOUNCED!
OFFICIALLY CLOSING UP THE ENTRIES
AND BEGINNING TO TALLY
SO IT WILL BE AN HOUR OR TWO
I am so sad over you having so many issues, but you have mentioned them before so not a total surprise. I already follow you on Goodreads but I'm going to follow that link you posted too. And I'll look you up on intsagram also. I'm not super techy either but will help you if I can. This feels like the end of an era but we move forward as best we can, right Kav?! I appreciate YOU so much and this blog has been a wonderful connection to other Christian readers and a great fiction resource! Many many thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteHa -- hopefully that's the right link...I don't seem to be able to even do links right. Bwahaha! I'm a lost cause and very techno phobic which is why I've put off delving into Wordpress, but it's time. Sigh. Thanks for your support, Tracey. Maybe in the new digs we can get you a star reproter desk. lol
Deletelol, Kav, I'm all over that, can't seem to help myself anytime I know new bookish things I have to share it.
DeleteSo sorry to see you close this blog. Hopefully you can find a better way to do things. You are the highlight of my day! Especially these reader’s choice weeks!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on goodreads and will try to get you on Instagram. I am not very active on Instagram and find some posts difficult to respond to. But I’ll give it a try.
Best wishes in the Next Year! Blessings!
Ah, thanks, Paula. Instagram seems like it should be simple, but it isn't for me so we'll see..
DeleteI do understand the stress of what you're going through with all these issues. I will certainly help get the word out on your new digs on social media. I need to open an IG acc't, I suppose. Which is something I've hesitated doing for quite some time. (sigh) Will miss this blog, but it's time to end if you're not having fun anymore! Hope we can all catch up together---sooner rather than later. Thanks so much for all the work & fun you've put into this blog!
ReplyDeleteHa, you and me both. (instagram) I really want to keep blogging, I just have to find a free platform for dummies that works. :-)
DeleteI would be happy to help you in any way I can with Instagram and with spreading the word of your new blog platform. I am already following you on Goodreads and now I am following you on Instagram. Your link that you have for Instagram is currently sending everyone to their own profile on Instagram. This is the link they need: www dot instagram dot com/kavsbestreads/
ReplyDeleteP.S. I am SUPER sad you have to leave this blog platform as well!!!
ReplyDeleteBwahahaha -- see? techo non-nerd!!! I can't even get the instagram link right. Sigh. Thanks for the corrected link...I'll add it to a 'this blog is closed' announcement in the next couple of days.
DeleteWow, the end of an era! But on to better in the new year! I just followed your Instagram and would love to help out with your new location, wherever it may be. I love when I come across your reviews on Goodreads!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
Thanks, Heidi! You've pointed me in the direction of so many great authors I never knew about through our GR connection.
DeleteI'm following you on Instagram. Hope you can figure all this out. that's kind of why I stopped blogging. Too many hoops to jump through.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane. Yeah, it seems like if you want an easier blogging experience you have to pay for it.
DeleteHappy New Year 2023, Kav! I am following you on Instagram and Goodreads! I hope to find you wherever these wonderful continuations happen! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Kathlee --- may it be full of wondrous books.
DeleteSo sorry you need to give up your blog here, Kav, but totally understand. Just followed you on Instagram and am already following on Goodreads. Will be happy to share your link when you get all set up. Just let me know. Have so appreciated you here!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cheryl.
DeleteOh my! Most definitely understand, but still sad news. I'm more than happy to help anyway I can, but I also am not up on all the new advances. I'm not on Instagram but happy to promote any way I can.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thanks, Kay -- this blogging for dummies book I got might be at too high a level for me. lol But I will persist. Hopefully we can pick up somewhere else soon.
DeleteHey, I’ve followed you on both Goodreads and Instagram. So sad to see this blog going!😭 It’s definitely been a highlight to my mornings for a long time now. I’m glad to hear that you’re still looking to continue through another outlet though, good luck! I’d totally love to share the word about your new platform on all my social medias, whenever you’re up and running! This place has been awesome for me and I know a lot of the people I interact with on those would love your content as well! Just let me know if, when and how I can help!😉
ReplyDeletejcservantslaveATicloudDOTcom
Ah, thanks so much, Elly. That makes me feel so good. I'm gonna miss this old blog. Hopefully the new one will make more happy memories too.
DeleteWe will definitely all miss your reviews and giveaways, and the interactions with fellow book lovers! I have been following your on Goodreads for a bit now, and just went and followed your new Instagram page,
ReplyDeleteHopefully you can find another blog platform that is user friendly! I'm not much on technology either, so I know it can be daunting.
Patty
Yes, daunting indeed. Thanks for your support, Patty!
DeleteI feel your blogging pain Kav. I always say technology is great... until it's not. :) I will definitely follow you on GR and IG and whatever platform you decide to go to next. I'm active on many of the social media platforms and would be happy to brag about you on them. momrain(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Loraine. I appreciate it.
DeleteI’m so sorry to hear this my book twin but totally understand your difficulties and decision. Praying you can find something easier to navigate. Much love and prayers. Ieliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lucy. Much appreciated...and we definitely need to keep this book twinning going. Onward to the trenches, she says as she picks up the humongous Wordpress manual. Ack!
DeleteKav, got to thinking about your fear of losing your years of reading history when you close the blog down, but did you know you can keep it here and make it visible only to you? I started with a blogger blog years ago, and in the settings under Reader Access, you can select Private to Author and you'll still be able to see your blog but others won't. Just thought I'd pass that along in case that will help. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteHate to see this blog go. I hope you will figure out a way to start a new one. I'm no help there, but I'll spread the news when it's up and running. 😃
ReplyDeleteMbaaij77 at gmail dot com