It’s challenging to realize it’s late October. In contrast with the photo above, coastal Maine (USA) has had temperatures near 80F. The big holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s) will soon be here, and I’m not even close to being prepared for them.
Of course, 2024 has been a whirlwind of changes, especially online and in related technology.
GOOGLE CHANGES THE GAME?
Google is leaning into their own AI answers to questions and topics entered into the search engine.
So far that means less traffic to websites, including mine.
After all, why would anyone keep looking for answers, if it seems like Google’s AI told them what they wanted to know? (Rhetorical question, but also highlights how search engines can effectively mute websites, and most people won’t care.)
Will people switch to DuckDuckGo, etc? Or, will they go to Perplexity, where they at least see links to the sources used for AI answers?
Or maybe YouTube is the answer.
I’m not sure. I’m hoping for a resurgence of personal websites. But, realistically, for most people, time and focus can seem in scarce supply. AI may be the short-term answer.
If the answer is to switch content to podcasts, videos, and YouTube, well, that’s going to take more time, focus, and a fresh plan of action.
For me, that’s something to look at in 2025.
BOOKS AND WEBSITES
I was trying to complete one more book for Halloween since my books are most popular at this time of year. However, with just a few chapters written and a two-inch, overflowing stack of printouts filled with reference materials, that’s not going to happen.
Also, I was trying to restore the Mandela Effect website and update it and moderate comments again. In the month that it’s been back online, traffic has been minimal, and most of the comments have been by Vivek, a long-time friend.
Maybe that’s a topic – or at least a website/archive – that’s past its prime. Comments are closed again, though you can read all past comments.
SOCIAL MEDIA?
Seeing more weird Facebook decisions, I no longer feel that being banned from the site is personal or even makes sense. Either their management is making odd choices, or their AI isn’t as astute as it should be… or both.
I’ve started a Substack, to see how I like it – and if friends will find and follow me there – but, for now, it’s not high on my priority list. I’ll take a fresh look at it after the holidays.
NEXT…
Now, I’m taking a break, at least until 2025. In the U.S., in addition to having a typically busy year, I’m feeling the same election fatigue many others are.
For me, the answer is to step back for a month or two or more and pursue my favorite hobbies and interests, which happen to include researching history related to “haunted” places.
I’m also fascinated by Graham Hancock’s history series on Netflix. SO much related research makes sense.
With other interests singing a siren song, I’d already announced that I’m semi-retired… from topics I’m best-known for, anyway.
- The Mandela Effect will remain online, but I’m not actively updating or maintaining it.
- As time (and mood) permits, I’d like to turn more of my ghost-related research papers and website articles into topic-specific books.
But… I have the feeling I want to pursue other interests, and I’m not sure which of them will emerge as the topic du année.
It might be artistic photography at haunted sites. Or, it might be trekking to quirky historical and archaeological sites, with or without ghosts.
Or… I’m not sure yet.
Meanwhile, I’m wishing you a wonderful holiday season. Stay tuned for updates in 2025.