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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Presence

It drives my mother crazy, but I've always found that the best time to start a project is in the middle of chaos. What better occasion to take up scrapbooking than when your bedroom floor is covered with clothes? Who's to say that wrapping Christmas presents is a task better suited to a clean table than to a desk scattered with open paint bottles? And really, can you think of a more convenient time to start an online magazine than halfway through NaNoWriMo and college finals?

Ah yes, so the doughnut's finally out of the bag*. This project was originally slated for takeoff on September 1st, but my classes ended up being much more challenging than I'd anticipated, and I had to push it back until I got things under control. A few of my stealthier blog readers started to catch on months ago (looking at you, Whimsy, Alison, fantasyvfacts, Emily, and Lauren), and it's pained me to ignore their inquiries until I was ready for a big reveal... but today is finally the day. You, blog readers, are the very first ones to hear about my new online-magazine-of-sorts-slash-advice-column, Presence.

I decided to start this little sideline writing project after the overwhelming response to my posts on here regarding gay rights, weight loss and body image. I've received an astounding number of messages asking for blogs about certain topics universal to the teenage experience, for more "issue posts," and for other sorts of big-sisterly advice. A few people even suggested that I write a weekly advice column on this blog, and loads of others have asked for recommendations of books, youtube channels, movies, etc. This all really intrigued me, but I couldn't help but wonder... what qualifies me to be anyone's big sister figure? Most of the Hayleylujah Chorus readers are here because of my youtube videos, or fiveawesomegirls, or some connection to me in real life. This blog and its surrounding community is so much fun, and I absolutely never intend to let it go, but maybe it's time for me to also have a satellite project that's more about the readers and less about me.

So, to answer the inevitable questions, the Hayleylujah Chorus is not changing at all. I'm going to keep coming here and being equally obnoxious on my regular sporadic, unpredictable schedule, talking about the same range of things. I'm just branching out into another area, too, with a little less first person and a little more reader interaction. If you're interested in following my new project (although you are under absolutely no obligation and I'll try not to talk about it too much over here, so as not to alienate those who aren't part of it), you can click here to learn more about it. I hope to see some of you other there, maybe, and if not, I'll see you guys around these parts soon!

Chipotle burritos this year: 30
Subscribers: 37,959 (Thanks, Charlie.)

*"Cat" has never made sense to me.

30 comments:

Stefan said...

As with any saying it's steeped in history:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag.html
"One relates to the fraud of substituting a cat for a piglet at markets"

Personally I've always related it to the fact that a cat does not want to be in a bag just as many secretes in fact want to be free. Some secretes can be as hard to hold on to as cats.

Snottlebie said...

Hayley, your awesome levels continue to grow at unprecedented rates.

To quote an Internet meme:

"It's over 9000!"

Ms Rodgers said...

*wanders over to check out the new magazine of sorts!*

Looks great Hayley, my only comment is the poo brown really isn't getting me going :-p maybe something in a nice blue!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE YOU.

Caitlin R. O'Connell said...

I left you a comment on Presence as well, but I think you are seriously awesome for thinking of this and wanting to do this. The world needs more nice, helpful people like you.

*high fives*

Danielle said...

I saw this a while ago on the list of your blogs that's on your profile page. I wondered what it was all about but now we know! Can't wait... even more to read! Yay!

Izzy said...

im saying thank you ahead of time for all of the help will you be giving!

Izzy Brown said...

im saying thank you ahead of time for all of the help you will be giving!

Luna said...

I am SO happy! I saw that blog a few months ago and was like, "Hm... interesting... wonder what that's all about?" and let it slide, but now, ALKSJ DF:LKDSJ :LFK JDSL:FK JDS:LKF JS:LDKF JSDKJ S is all I can say to express my love for this new idea.

Anonymous said...

I saw this the other day and I was intrigued! I will definitely be following it!

Anonymous said...

Ah, this is so cool! This is slightly like what I've want my blog to be, especially since I've realized my blogging focus has changed since I started.

You are such an inspiration! :)

Azucena Paloma Garza Garza said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Azucena Paloma Garza Garza said...

Hayley! For me you are logic itself. Thank you for your wonderful posts. You've made a lot of people realize they are not alone. Among them, me.

Much love :) x x

EJ said...

You have fantastic ideas! I can't wait to see more from this. : )

Gerarda said...

that's such an awesome idea! Look forward to reading it. =)

Madhu said...

i've gone to chipotle countless times now
and never gotten a burrito
EVERYTHING BUT

Jessica said...

P.S. How are the hunger games going?

Nicole said...

I'm so excited to read the new blog!!

Miranda said...

good luck on this new project but remember to take care of yourself since, you know, you are the creator of said projects.
Miranda<3

Christina said...

I am very excited about your new advice blog.

comelygrace said...

Why are you so brilliant?? :)

Cheryl R Hoover said...

You are correct that it drives me crazy the way you operate in the midst of chaos. However, I greatly admire your kooky creative spirit, your maturity and most of all your giving heart. And, I am oh so proud and love you very much!

Lauren Sauer said...

Hahaha, well I'm glad the truth is finally out. At first, I thougt "GREAT, I've finally annoyed Hayley to the point where she's just not acknowledging me anymore...cool story, bro." ;)

Unknown said...

New magazine sounds great Hayley!

Thought you might like this - 100 Harry Potter quotes
http://qtbl.es/9esD0D

Niki. said...

Aw, this is so great. I'm excited! =D.

Alex Dahlberry said...

OH my god. This is exciting. :)

Scott said...

SUCH a fantastic idea! Consider it bookmarked.

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