Prayers and offerings, Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal. Click photo to view detail.
No, it's not what you think. Today I'm celebrating seven years of blogging: 2,365 posts! That's a lot of words and images. Along the way I've made some wonderful friends. Blogging also reignited my work as a photographer, after years of focusing solely on writing.
Blogging has changed tremendously in the seven years since I began Paris Parfait. Within the past couple of years, I've noticed more and more "copycat" or sponsored articles and less original content - which defeats the whole purpose of blogging, in my view.
I am a rebel: I don't want to follow trends; host gimmicky giveaways or publish someone else's articles promoting a product or event. To me, that's advertising. And the only ads you'll see on my blog are restricted to the sidebar. Those few ads bring in just about enough revenue to cover annual blog-hosting fees.
Readers may come and go, but this space will remain my original work (with the rare exception, i.e. the photo above). I'll continue to tell stories, whether through words, images or both. I'll keep writing about people, places and things that interest me. I'll continue to post my own photographs and voice my opinions on issues that matter.
I'll continue to welcome your comments, exchanges of ideas and constructive criticism. But I won't try to be something I'm not, no matter how an increasingly profit-driven blogosphere may evolve. I believe that in the long run, individuality, creativity and critical thinking always triumph over flash-in-a-pan fads.
Thank you for your loyal readership and support these past seven years. You've made such a positive impact on my life, for which I will be forever grateful. I hope you'll continue to be entertained, informed and/or challenged when visiting here.
Congratulations, Tara! I must have been reading your blog since very near the beginning. And you just reminded me that in a few weeks it will be my 8th blog anniversary, which really blows my mind. How is it possible we've been doing this for THAT long?
Posted by: Lisa, a.k.a. The Bold Soul | 04 February 2013 at 22:30
Congratulations, Tara!
I love you for being you.
I have been amazed at some blogs that are copycats, don't post there own information and pictures, and advertise alot; and yet they have tons of followers. That is a puzzle to me.
I am glad you are here and I learn so much from you, plus love your photography.
Posted by: Marilyn | 02 February 2013 at 22:12
wowsers! what an accomplishment...congrats and smooches
Posted by: Leau | 02 February 2013 at 18:11
Bravo, Tara! I love your blog declaration just as much as I enjoy your blog, which provides me with beauty, illumination, joy, and more often than not, food for thought. It is the authentic online representation of yourself and really, isn't that what it's all about?
Congratulations -- seven years, and so many posts! May there be many more!
Posted by: jeanie | 02 February 2013 at 17:12
Congratulations on your 7 years of blogging.........
I enjoy every post.
Blessings my friend
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 01 February 2013 at 17:52
i remember reading your blog when i was 23. i am now 26 and it's been a happy thought of still finding new updates on your blog. :) congratulations Tara!
Posted by: Gracey | 01 February 2013 at 11:16
Bravo, Tara. Well said. Here's to Rebels; they keep the blood flowing and pulses racing, long may they pursue incredible feats and tell marvelous tales. By the way, brilliant photography!
Posted by: Maria from San Francisco | 01 February 2013 at 03:22
Congrats on seven wonderful years, Tara.
Posted by: Janine | 01 February 2013 at 02:59
So happy to have found your blog a few years back,love your photography as well as your writing,
Don't stop and congratulations!
Posted by: Linda Sullivan | 31 January 2013 at 22:55
Tara-Thanks for being original, that's why I keep coming back.
Posted by: Kim | 31 January 2013 at 22:00
Congrats Tara, so happy I discovered you. Here's to another seven years, and seven more after that, and so on. I always look forward your point of view as you're one of the rare ones who speaks with honesty.
Posted by: Carina | 31 January 2013 at 20:48
Many congratulations on 7 years of blogging, that is a long time. Here's to the next 7.
Posted by: carol | 31 January 2013 at 19:28
Happy Blog Birthday Tara. Keep up the good work. I totally agree about sponsored posts. I am asked on a daily basis to do this but won't risk the integrity of my blog. xx
Posted by: Di Overton | 31 January 2013 at 19:10