I’m flattered to be mentioned in AJ Schnack’s recent post, Wither the Doc Blog Cabal? It means that someone is reading and wondering where I am. Let me see… I just recently finished an article for an upcoming Documentary issue and I’ve been consulting on a new blog project with the Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program, in addition to my day job with the Austin Film Society and my regular contributions to Tribeca Film Institute’s Resources blog. On a personal note, I went home for the holidays and took a break from my online life. I’m sad to say that my dog Jasmine passed away while I was traveling – she was 12 years old and she was with me her whole life. She was a good friend and I’m sad that she is gone.

I think that it has come up here and there, but it is important for blog readers to note that the economics of blogging are not on the blogger’s side. I’ve been very fortunate to land other gigs based on the work I do. I feel confident that I wouldn’t have my fingers in so many pies now if I hadn’t started writing here. Some bloggers are lucky to land sponsors and advertisers as well. And while getting a free press pass to a festival is a nice perk, for most of the writers I know, the cost of travel and lodging to a festival is barely offset by the money earned covering the fest. Most folks need other means of making a living. I know filmmakers are no stranger to this sad song so I won’t cry you a river on this one, but I guess I’m not surprised that bloggers come and go. I agree with AJ, it’s depressing.

Anytime you can, you should click on ads on blog sites and offer tips when there are options to do so on websites you like. And as for me, I’ll be at Sundance from January 20th to the 25th checking out films, taking pics and blogging. I’ll be manning the Austin Film Society outreach table on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 10 – 2 PM in the Filmmakers Lodge – stop by and say hello!