So Short It's A Sentence

It's impossible to offer an opinion online without offending someone. And I want you to like me, I want everyone to like me (I probably need to work on this) so I have tried over the years to file down some of my edges. Whenever possible I limit my observations to noting that kittens are cute or the sun, it is sunny. It's safer that way. So I know as I type this that someone is going to identify with it and feel annoyed and I am sorry. Really I am. But...

I have never understood the point of writing a personal blog and withholding information from it. I mean really big major things, like "We abruptly moved to Rome last month after Carl's bail hearing" or "I haven't wanted to say anything but I'm seven months pregnant." I might choose not to mention that Steve - maddened by pain apparently - punched a hole in the kitchen wall last night after accidentally kicking the edge of the open dishwasher door but only because I don't want you to think he's a sociopath. Besides it's not relevant to the general scheme of things. It can be left out of the Clif Notes, if you see what I mean. But, by and large, I try to keep you posted on the things that matter to me. After all, this is my blog. What else is there to write about?

So it has been killing me that I have been unable for the past month to tell you this: REDBOOK laid me off, let me go, released me from our monthly agreement and I am heartbroken. HEARTBROKEN, my god. I got an email at the end of January asking for a phone call and I thought "Hmmm, that's not good" and sure enough it wasn't. They were very nice about it but, you know, freelance budgets or lack thereof and no bail-out in sight for the downtrodden journalist whose only area of expertise is herself.

Anyway, I wrote my last post at REDBOOK today. I knew it was too good to last. Who in their right minds would continue to pay me to piffle for any period of time? Still, I loved that I had a job and it was all mine and I really worked hard to meet my obligations there. And now it's over. So I cried this afternoon. That is all. 

Comments

[Susan]

Julia,
Delurking to say that it is Redbook's loss. You and I have nothing in common -- I'm probably the age of your mother, never had infertility problems, and my children are long gone from the nest. However, I click on your blog every day, sometimes more than once, and feel a wave of excitement when I see a new entry has been posted. It's as though I've been given a new chapter of the best book ever. You are one of the most entertaining writers I've ever read, and I sing your praises to all who will listen! No more Redbook for me.

[kata]

Well I'm crushed.

I loved your pieces at Redbook - it was double the pleasure: I could read something here, and then read something there! Your writing was pretty much the only reason I ever looked at the Redbook site. Because it's light years better than anything else there. I know that sounds kinda harsh to the other bloggers - sorry.

On the other hand: maybe now you'll write twice as much here! The Redbook site often broke in my browser, and I could never manage to register to comment there. Your site seems to work much better in both these areas.

I second the notion re: ads. Like maybe even via Blogher. You've got credentials, girl! And traffic! You might just make a little bit of money.

[tzena]

As another commenter noted, I was also able to guess the author of the REDBOOK's posts just by the wording of the title. There's no great mastery involved in this. I happen to be a foreign speaker of this language and consider my ability to stay on the outside track of the insider's track a gift. Your writing feeds my infatuation with the English language. It transcends the mundane tone of the wide, oh so narrow web. It invariably makes me giggle in this Muriel Spark manner. And who can ignore a good giggle? REDBOOK, that's who. Not wise, lads. So not wise.

[Lisa S.]

Boooo. I was so excited to get to read TWO Julia blogs. Their loss, I say! Sorry about the financial loss for you too. Can you put ads here? We won't be mad. Well, most of us. I won't, anyway.

I have no reason to return to their site. It is completely useless now. I agree with others here, that you are the best writer in the blogosphere. I would buy 10 copies of your book! *hugs*

[Tess]

Well I have no reason to return to the Redbook site now; it is dead to me. They really did make the wrong decision. I agree with others, that your writing is the best in the blogosphere. I would buy 10 of your books! *hugs*

[cyanocitta]

I'm Yet Another Lurker who only went to Redbook to read your column. Who knew there were so many of us?

And when you publish a book I will buy two copies. Really.

[Cee]

I'm so sorry. Keep writing, dude. Maybe the Redbook (excuse me, REDBOOK) people were bitter that you were so much more popular than the other mom.

[Sarah]

That is bad news. I loved the guarantee double dose of Julia. I am glad we get to keep you here - if we, your adoring audience, were willing to wade through the crazy Redbook setup (seriously, what was up with their web layout? Was it accidental?) then I think you could splash us with a few ads on this site. Because writing this good should be compensated,.

And hugs for the (justifiably) hurt feelings. I once wiggled out of a freelance job that was a bad fit and that hurt. If it had been the other way round...yeah, right here with you crying.

[Lisa]

Can I say this without sounding like a crazy fan? I started reading blogs, oh, probably four years ago, and yours was one of the first I started reading. You are my favorite blogger. There, I said it. You are a fantastic writer, and I'm a professional writer so I know what I'm talking about. The world needs you to write -- where is your novel? I know it is in there. I can sense it since you love to read novels so much. When the babies go off to school, write a novel, I will be the first in line to buy it. And of course I'll keep reading here!

[Liz]

Your talents will be missed on the web pages of Redbook. Only reason I go there is to see how else you can make me laugh, see what your craigslist roomates are doing now so I know what to expect from mine and make sure Patrick is keeping you on your toes (but obviously not Steve's toes).

[Melanie]

I too only read the Redbook stuff for your writings. Now that you are gone, I will happily delete the obnoxious thing from my reader.

I think I will email Redbook. I agree wholeheartedly with Carla - none of the other bloggers are interesting in the least. I really try to read the other Mom blogger (not bad, but not interesting) and the other infertility bloggers (can I just say that I am somewhat bitter over the last one? Twins on her first shot of clomid! I mean, good for her and all, but they went from two infertiles down to one and some advice from some Dr who thinks he's God's gift to infertiles. And then the one infertile they had left... well, she only had one cycle of being infertile before she had twins. And good for her. I wanted my first cycle to work too. But its not too interesting to read about on an infertility blog, you know?)

Anyway, I think I will email them so that they know how disappointed I am with their blogging staff and how they have made a serious mistake letting you go.

Maybe another magazine would like to scoop you up, now that Redbook has stupidly let you go? I know that Parents.com has bloggers...

[LaFawne]

I shall not be reading Redbook any more. I stumbled across your blog from A Little Bit Pregnant and have not missed a post since.

I love your particular style of writing and adore the funny stories (and pics) of your daily life. You have such a wonderful way with words, we need more like you!

Please say you will keep writing here....please please please!!

[Lara]

I'm sorry--I'm sure it must sting. Redbook was very very lucky to have you--you're a wonderful writer and you brought me to their site--even though I've never found anything else there to keep me interested. Not everyone has your gift with the words.

[Anna Gough]

I'm so sorry about the job. Losing a job - particularly one you love - hurts, and it's ok to recognise that and have a wee cry. And wine. And chocolate.

[A]

Julia, I've been following your writing since the beginning. Our lives are quite different (I am a medical student in a long distance relationship, so I try not to think about my ticking biological clock!) but I always look forward to your writing--more than anything else I read online, in fact. I am so sorry to hear about this setback. I can only imagine what it meant to be sought out, published, and paid for your writing. I certainly consider your work to be of value, in all senses.

[Toni]

I was angry when I read that REDBOOK had said that you were no longer needed. And I wanted to write that I was DONE with REDBOOK. Hell, I'm going to start writing redbook instead of all caps. But filling out their stupid form has been a tale of futility for me.

Either way, I'm done reading them and I'm SO SORRY that you lost your job (and the hole in your wall). Perhaps a REAL magazine will realize what they are missing out on and snap you up now!

[June]

serious serious über-fools. they are in for one ghost-town of a mom moment. you are an incredible, talented, deeply funny and endearing writer and... i have nothing nice to say on the other side, so... digging their own grave. still, so sorry, julia! i hope someone else snatches you up right quick! (i'm sorry if my lack of caps is annoying; nursing-typing as usual.)

[bean]

How bizarre - your writing is gold, GOLD! Maybe your readers should all get together and pay you. somehow. Can you set up a link that will extract a few dollars from my account each time I read a post? Ask Julie - she's IT, yeah?

[Debby]

I have been reading you for a few years and only read Redbook to continue reading you.

Keep blogging, PLEASE? My first thought when I read the Redbook post was, God, I hope she's not going to stop blogging.

Your writing is fantastic. When you wrote that post about Patrick playing school with you? "Inside voice, please", I thought I'd die laughing. He is priceless, that one, and reading about the emerging personalities of the twins is fascinating.

[kma]

Wha? Seriously? But you are the only aspect of Redbook that has wit, humor, intellect, insight and poignancy all in one. No offense to the others, of course, but seriously - this is less opinion than it is empirical fact. I can always tell whether an entry is yours by the title of the post alone. I'm sure someone will snatch you up quickly but, until then, I hope you'll post twice as often here!

[Denise]

Is there any wonder that Redbook has no money to pay you? Their web site was specifically designed to drive traffic away from it. Screaming. In droves. I can't tell you how many times I registered to comment on your posts, but the site wouldn't let me through. Good riddance, and I hope you find another, better gig.

[CA]

That is ABSURD you were the best thing on their site. You are an amazing, beautiful, talented writer, you are gorgeous and enchanting and I want you to be my personal friend in real life, and your children are the stuff of my currently-pregnant dreams. That is so lame.

I'm sorry you're hurt, I'm sure you just feel like your world closed in a little bit. But you know what? You are so, SO talented. I am SURE you can get another paying online gig if that is what you want.

And I have to admit I'm glad we don't have to deal with the buggy, annoying redbook site anymore.

[alyssa]

julia, i was a magazine writer/editor for 17 years and nowadays, even though i've moved to being an artist fulltime, finding freelance work in my original field is non-existent. and i need that work because nobody is buying art!

there are lots of places offering 2 cents a word; i used to get paid $2 a word. i was an executive editor at one of redbook's competitors and i can't find a job in publishing as a janitor.

i know you're really sad, but this has nothing to do with you. as someone who's had to make those calls like you one you received, it sucks all around.

[Jen]

I know this sounds like a bad break-up line, but I mean it wholeheartedly and sincerely: you were too good for them.

As others have said, I have no doubt that the magazine staff were kind people, but your writing always made me feel sorry for the other writers because you were leagues apart.

When I was first struggling with infertility, and I found the Magic Portal that led me to you and Julie and others, I thought, "well, this infertility crap can't be ALL bad if it means learning about women like these."

I think it would be worthwhile to look into blog ads, or other paid writing opportunities. I have no doubt that this gig was just a small step in preparation for even better things. Best of luck.

[Leslie in Toronto]

I was gonna say something, but the very first comment summed it up nicely. Thanks Katie :)

I am, however, hopelessly addicted to this blog and will read as long as you keep writing.

[Mary]

I already took the Redbook blog off my reader when I read your post over there. I'm sure the other blogger is a wonderful person, but she's so boring to read, so i always skipped her entries. It seems odd that they would get rid of their interesting blogger who actually got comments rather than the one who didn't seem to get any comments.

[m]

Just wanted to add myself to the list of people saying you were the only thing taking me over yonder. This is very much their loss. Maybe if they fixed their buggy website they would get more revenue. Eh, I'll take your writing wherever I can get it, even on a cardboard sign claiming you'll blog for food. (Yikes, can I be more flippant about people's hardships in this really difficult time?)

[cybrbanana]

Total lurker too - but you were the only reason I went to the Redbook site as well. Poop on them! Feed deleted! :)

[Jaz]

Oh! That so sucks!

Have you thought about adding advertising to this blog? You get so many readers, and then you'd be being paid to write this. Just an idea. Google ads, BlogHer, and Project Wonderful are all ideas.

[Elizabeth Kiker]

Thank God my husband isn't the only one with the occasional crazy rage moment -- and thank God there is someone else with an occasionally crazy husband who can write SO MUCH BETTER THAN I CAN who is out here talking to us. I looked forward to your Redbook posts with an-almost-stalker-like intensity, and now what will I do with my down hours at work? WORK? Crazy world. I'm so glad they were there when you needed them, and so sorry it is ending.

[beth]

Oh snap as Joy would say on My Name is Earl.

I was going to rant a minute but well, its not anything more than what has already been pointed out by others. You're the reason people read/commented and heck, you even tried to help promote the other blogger you paired with. I hate that you're losing pay- but hope you'll continue and maybe even find another opportunity to share (with benefits! ;) ).

Thank you for still writing here- your family is great and your writing is wonderful.

[Queenie]

I'm so sorry to hear this. You were the only good thing over on the Redbook blogs--they are foolish to let you go. But I read your last post over there, and learned something that I didn't know--that the blog had come along when you just had another failed cycle and were waffling about what to do about treatment, and the writing helped pay for the treatment that led to the twins. What luck, and what a blessing! I am hoping that what now looks like and unhappy and unfortunate situation again turns itself into another opportunity for you. You deserve that, because you are fabulous.

[SarahB]

Oh Julia, so sorry to hear that! Will head over there one last time to read your post.

[Anna]

Publishing is a disaster right now (I know 'cause I'm in it), and no one is making money off the Web, which is why they cut Julia's salary instead of the other writers (who aren't getting paid extra because they're on staff). Or, at least, most of them are on staff. Can't speak to the diary gals.

Anyway, things are so bad in almost every publishing company that they're cutting any job that isn't absolutely bottom-line critical to getting the magazine out each month.

It sucks, though, Julia, because you're such a good writer. I subscribed to Redbook, actually, just because they were publishing you. Email me if you want any tips on getting published elsewhere. I also have an agent friend who might be able to guide you.

[Regina]

Deleting bookmark to Redbook...don't need it any more.

[azita]

That was a poor decision on their part. You are a gifted and intelligent writer and if I was limited to reading just one blog, it'd be a no-brainer that I'd opt for a (wonderful) steady diet of your writing.

Surely you must have been contacted by a literary agent already - if not, a smart one will have to get in touch w/you right away and you should write a book.

[paula]

Julia, I am going to add my echo to the chorus of others that have said they only went over to REDBOOK to read your entries. Love your writing about infertility, Patrick, and the twins. They made a mistake letting you go. Bake something yummy to drown your sorrows and enjoy a glass of wine.

[Emily]

Another lurker here: I am so sorry, and you too were the only reason I ever went to the Redbook site to read any blogs. Now I am going to tell them so. Meanies.
Seriously, best wishes, and here's raising a glass to the next adventure!

[Laura]

I'm so sorry to hear it. You were so much fun to read there. I'm so glad you still have this blog for us to read, hopefully you'll have the time to write here twice as much!

[Annabelle]

Thanks, PamL. Now I have "Climb E'vry Mountain" going through my head. Heh.
I was so sorry to read your last post over on the other site today. Seeing your blog pop up in my reader makes any day better. I'm glad I can still read you here.

[Celeste]

Sorry to hear you're sad.

I agree with previous posts, I only went to their site to read your writing. I have no desire to read anything else on REDBOOK.

You give a lot of people joy and entertainment with your writing on this blog. Consider it a job well done and a huge success even though no monetary compensation.

[D]

I also work at a magazine--I'm 8.5 months pregnant and after a meeting with the company accountant this week, I've resigned myself to the idea that by the time I am ready to come back to work, the magazine will probably not exist anymore. And I loved it and am sad. Not to make this a me-me-me comment but we know how much this hurts and sucks. We will all faithfully follow you here--you're the best writer in my blog reader!!

[drgretch]

Julia-
I started reading your blog because I have an academically gifted son who is a lot like your Patrick. I followed you to RedBook and now I will just have to do with your blog. Thanks for sharing your feelings and life's experiences. I am sorry for Redbook's loss of a gifted writer and wish you all the best.
Gretchen

[Gillian]

I would be quite happy to pay to read your posts in any way you could set that up. No question. If you find a way, please let us know. And you don't have to write every week. Lord knows I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't have hippogriffs.

[Laurie A]

You'd think that somebody at REDBOOK would have a contact in the publishing industry and would put you in touch with them? I wish I had a contact, I'd facilitate the meet and greet for you because you're.that.fabulous.

Cheer up...that door closed but a window has no doubt opened for a talent such as yourself.

[Jen]

You are the only reason I even read The Mom Moment (is there an echo in here?). All the rest are boring, boring, snore, boring! (hear that REDBOOK?).

And REDBOOK is continuing the blog and replacing you? For shame! They'll certainly miss the following you have there!

I'm sorry you wont be writing there anymore.

[catherino]

I'm really sorry. I've been reading your blog for years - not because I have fertility issues (I don't) but because I have always loved the style of your writing. And the longer I read, the more "attached" I got and the more I rooted for you to get your happy ending. When you got the Redbook gig, I read you there too because I love your writing so much. I suppose if you jotted down your grocery list, I'd read that too ;) So I'm sorry and I'll really miss that other chance to read your writing.

[Elsha]

If the Redbook editors click over here and read these comments they may be rethinking their decision. Add my name to the list of people who only clicked over there to read your posts.

[Jackie]

I commented at redbook too, just so they know what a mistake they made. I'm so sorry to hear about this. I know your blog was the ONLY reason I ever checked over there.