What’ll Keep Me Blogging in 2019?

We’re a few days into the new year, and while weeks, months, and years are arbitrary markers (at least as far as what specific days they encompass), there’s something about the darkness, quietude, and chilly nature of this time of year (at least in the Northern hemisphere), that leads one to some introspection. I’ve already posted a little bit about some of the plans and goals I have for 2019, but I read a post from Karandi at 100 Word Anime that got me thinking more about what things sustain me as a blogger, and I’d like to try my hand at answering the question that she was given: What will keep you blogging in 2019?

I think the obvious first answer to the question is “new anime.” From the beginning, my writing has been focused around examining new anime series as they’re released each season, and on being one of the voices that helps other viewers to hone their personal watch list. While sometimes, by the time I get around to them, the anime series aren’t quite so new anymore, I’m always surprised to learn from other people that they don’t independently keep up on what’s available for them to watch, so I feel like this singular purpose can keep me afloat for a while.

The less-obvious answer would probably be “older anime,” which I know sounds like a joke (don’t these two paragraphs encompass all anime?). What I mean by that is that I’ve been missing digging into older or “classic” series that I like, and on a related note I think I’ve reckoned with the reasons why my “Anime Book Club” tends to trail off after a while. In the past I’ve always expected that other people would want to watch along and directly participate in the book club discussion, and when that doesn’t happen consistently I feel like I’m doing something wrong. The reality is likely that it’s difficult for folks to keep a consistent viewing schedule or to always have something to say, whereas the person assembling the posts (me) has an obligation to stay on top of it. So one thing I’m looking forward to doing in 2019 is just altering the format to a more typical weekly “deep dive” into some anime I like, or even some that I didn’t get a chance to watch but which come recommended. I’m not that great at simulcast reviews (unless I have someone working with me and keeping me on track!) but I am pretty good at analysis, so I’m looking forward to tackling this. Talking about anime that I already know I like is a good motivator for me, so I want to create some more opportunities to do that this year.

What’s become more important to me over the past several months are the other bloggers and commenters I’ve met through this website and on twitter. I’m very gun-shy when it comes to online interactions, because I’ve had some bad ones (I half suspect that Shield Hero review might result in a few, but perhaps I’m just overly-anxious). It’s difficult for me to want to reach out. But over the past year I’ve had the privilege to read so much great anime-related writing from around the web that I’ve definitely become inspired by these other writers to do better for myself and “put myself out there.” I’m hoping that this is a trend that continues this year.

I also continue to blog because I feel like I have certain things to say that don’t get stated often enough. Anime is a fascinating medium, but one which is as vulnerable to humanity’s social blind spots as any other. Because it’s so niche in the West, anime doesn’t receive near the amount of English-language discourse in regards to social issues as many other forms of media, and those are the types of things I like to talk about, so I feel like it’s a worthwhile pursuit. I also want to show people that you can love something while still demanding better from it. It’s a point-of-view that I think is unusual – some writers try to focus mostly on their positive reactions, while others are known for their more sharply critical eye. For me, I fall more towards the former, but with a willingness to dig down into criticism when it’s needed, so I think that balance is one thing that’s always driven me and will continue to motivate me.

Those are all some of my big reasons for blogging, but there’s one final reason that I think is worth mentioning. I’ve always said that, after being in a fandom for a while, many of us come to a crossroads. The choices are to continue along the same path of casual enjoyment, or expand into more active participation, discussion, or content creation. Either of these paths is valid, but when I chose mine I picked the more active route. I wanted to engage with fandom in a new way and share my voice, and that’s been the case ever since.

How about you? If you’re a blogger, or someone who’s interested in starting a blog, what do you think will motivate you this year?