The next step: A major project & potential second blog

As I imagine the case is with many beginning bloggers, I frankly didn’t have a clear path and vision for Practical Hacks when I began blogging.  My initial thought was to focus on lifehacks-oriented topics and perhaps marketing issues.  For the first 8-10 months the blog in fact was geared to posts focused on shortcuts, software and techniques for saving time or maximizing efficiency.  In addition, an occasional post about interviewing, career development or marketing topics would sneak in.

Over the last several months however, PH has shifted to a focus on traveling light – and to travel gear reviews.  These posts and gear reviews have generally generated the most comments from readers, which I take as an important indication of where your interests lie.

All of this has me thinking about the future direction of the blog and where we need to go.  At the same time, I’ve begun thinking about creating a “How To”  eBook focused on traveling light, saving money and staying sane on the road.  As I envision it, this would be a comprehensive book – I’m thinking 40-50 pages at a minimum – and I’d likely embrace Chris Guillebeau’s “free lifetime updates” approach to those who purchase and download the book.  I have a working title, have mapped out the contents, and have begun work on this book.

At the same time, I struggle with the idea of a blog called “Practical Hacks” which is increasingly travel and travel gear oriented.  It simply doesn’t make sense in terms of positioning and clarity.

As a result,  I’m thinking of bringing this blog back to its lifehacks orientation and starting another blog which would focus exclusively on travel strategies, techniques and gear.  I’ve already registered one new domain which would be appropriate for this sort of focus.  If I can do so without fouling myself up with Google, I’ll likely take some of the best travel-oriented posts from this blog and recreate them at the new blog….  along with plenty of new material.

Finally,  all of this is a long winded way of saying:  I’ve begun working on the book described above, and my posting frequency will be impacted.   I’ll aim for 1-2 posts per week on this site, if all goes well.  As for the potential new site, stay tuned.

As this blog is for you, I’d appreciate it if you’d comment and help me shape the direction of Practical Hacks and my potential new endeavor.  Thanks for being here and reading this.

Kevin