The Cinema Monster: Update
Hey all, let’s pretend that you noticed my absence last week and move forward willingly, shall we? If you head on over to The Cinema Monster, you’ll notice a few changes. You know, the layout, header, fonts, widgets, etc… Also, I’ve finally gotten around to updating the blogroll. I’ve added a lot of new faces so be sure to check out my fellow bloggers and give them a follow. If you notice that your blog isn’t on there, please inform me and I’ll act accordingly.
So yeah, apart from the new appearance and such, there isn’t much going on superficially. That being said, I’d like to discuss a few things if you don’t mind.
1). I’ve found it difficult to write up reviews for films lately, the past couple of weeks roughly. My heart hasn’t really been in it, if I’m to be honest. It’s getting better as of late, and I somewhat understand where this newly found lack of motivation is stemming. I’m putting it aside as best I can and you should expect new reviews late this week or early next week.
2). This kind of coincides with point number 1. I feel that this is my blog, yet I haven’t put much of myself in it, like it’s too professional and serious. I figure that’s why I haven’t been scribing, simply because it stopped being fun. So, I plan on having a lot more fun and excitement around here, and more importantly, more of me and what I love.
3) I’m thinking of starting a new segment. It’ll be entitled “Mystery Review” and it’ll consist of me picking a review or article and posting it under a side widget. So, what’ll happen is that a reader will see it, click it, and be directed to an article from one of my fellow bloggers or readers. I think it’ll be a good way for cinephiles to interact, meet new people. and find new blogs. Let me know what you think. Oh and you may also submit one to me and I plan on changing them weekly.
4). If you haven’t voted in the new poll, please do so soon! Click here to be redirected.
5). I think I’m going to start posting about television series as well. I do watch a lot of TV and would love to share my thoughts and here yours.
That should just about do it. This post is only temporary, plan on keeping it for 24 hours and deleting. It’s just an update for those who care. I promise I’ll pick up and be chipper, you know, right as rain soon. Thank you all for your continued support throughout my first blogging year!
Posted on January 27, 2014, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 59 Comments.
12 Years a Slave
All is Lost
American Hustle
Drinking Buddies
Gravity
Her
Inside Llewyn Davis
Mud
The Hunt
The Wolf of Wall Street
Big Bad Wolves
Joe
The Green Inferno
Under the Skin
I have noticed your absence and I don’t approve but I don’t want to bother you with “Where the fuck have you been” comments. Never let anything become a fucking chore. When things become a chore they become WORK and work usually sucks. It’s not called “work” because it’s fun – if it was fun it would be called “fun” and not “work”. Have fun, let loose. Scratch your balls in public. Fart in the elevator and issue an “ooops”. : )
And yes – I like the new layout.
LOL, you always make this fun! I will never let this become a chore and pull a Tyson or Chris ;). I will always keep doing it, just needed a break is all.
Thanks for the support and kind words bud :).
Good to have you back my friend and I think I can speak for all of us when I say it was worth the wait!
Thanks so much, bud :).
I speak the truth
Hope everything works out and you start finding the fun again, Joseph. I’m sure you will. Looking forward to the new content. I love the new tweaks to the site’s appearance. Mystery Review sounds great!
Fantastic! Thanks as always Fernando for everything :).
You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure.
I must agree with what Isaacs said before me! Your site is one of my favorite places to visit and I can so relate to what you’ve been going through. Some days it feels like a real chore (and I am not saying that this is your same dilemma) just to get a sentence out when writing. I, too, can get a bit unenthusiastic about my blog and when I need a break, I fortunately have some back up when needed.
I am personally glad you are changing things up and getting your groove back. I’ve always liked your reviews and I always appreciate the feedback on my own page when you take the time to visit. I dig the new layout and I am really looking forward to what you have coming up. Especially the “Mystery Review.” That sounds epic. Not sure if I was already in the blogroll but if you added me, then thanks a ton, man!
Why thank you so much, Vic! Going through roughly the same thing, but it’s coming to an end thankfully. Sorry I haven’t stopped by as much as I should have, but I’ll definitely pick up the pace. Of course you’re in the blogroll!
“I feel that this is my blog, yet I haven’t put much of myself in it” This is something that all bloggers can identify with. I think at times we place upon ourselves so many restrictions and expectations that slowly we forget the fun aspects that got us blogging in the first place. I was starting to feel that way myself, still do sometimes, but I found that opening my blog up to other writers really helped to bring back my own creative spark. Obviously that is not the path that works for everyone but you get the point. Glad to hear you are not giving up writing but merely taking time to get back into a comfortable groove. Also, I like the idea of the mystery reviews.
Terrific insight, friend :). I try to get some guest posts as often as I can, hence the Mystery Review. Hopefully everything will be back to business as usual in no time :).
I’m interested in your upcoming TV sections. There are so many great series today I find it hard to follow so many of the shows.
Awesome! I’ll do my best to keep you posted :).
Yeah, I definitely do prefer those blogs that have more of a personal touch to them, you know. And just as more fun as such blogs are to write, that level of fun and enthusiasm does come through in the writing and makes for a much more enjoyable read as well.
Completely agree! I hit the first wall, but I’m pushing through :).
I certainly hope you’re able to get into the spirit again, buddy, because I love what you do and I hate to hear you’re not having fun. But I think the mystery review idea and branching out into TV sounds AWESOME! Look at you and all your cool ideas! Keep it up!
LOL, the end of your comment sounds like your throwing me a pity party, trying to stop me from my suicidal tendencies. Just kidding! Thanks for your continued support. I’d never abandon the cinematic blogging crew or my site :). Will be posting in no time!
Psh! Pity party?! We don’t do that nonsense. Now get to work ya lazy bum!
Shame Joseph, that sounds rough. Your blog is great, but bring more of yourself into it if you want to, it can only be a good thing! I can’t wait to see what you add to the mix now
I love all the ideas you have, they sound awesome!
Everyone makes it sound like I’m dying lol. I know, I know, you all mean well and I cherish you for it :). Hopefully my ideals make you proud ;).
No, not dying, but when people get to that place they stop writing, and I LOVE your blog, I would be most sad to see you throw in the towel cause it is work now and not fun!
I am sure they will, looking forward to seeing all the new changes
I will never throw in the towel!
YAAAAAAAAY!
LOL, god dammit! Stop making me feel like a Debby Downer!! Seriously, it’s making me laugh like crazy :).
I was beginning to think your posts weren’t showing up on my reader.
Nice layout bud! I think the mystery review sounds cool and I’d be interested to read your thoughts on TV series too, along with movies and whatever else you have planned. 
Happy to hear you’ll stick around and put up with my creative tinkering lol. I’ll be sure to keep you posted :).
Maybe you should try reviewing some laughably shit films. I often find them the most enjoyable ones to write about. I like your other suggestions too. Especially on TV. I am always looking around for shows that people are really into that I can get addicted to.
Watch shit films? Who am I? Eric over at theipc?! I joke :). I known what you mean, I’ll give it a shot! Debating right now which show to kick off the TV series!
Always good to reassess mate. I recently changed my blog look as well. I hope you are newly inspired!
Thanks bud, heading over now to check it out :).
Cheers man. Hope you like. Let me know if there is anything that you think I could make better
Good to have you back man. The blog’s gotta be fun for you more than anything else so just run with it how you see fit. I was thinking mine was a little on the serious side too to be honest, feel it might be getting a little stale.
Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got coming up mate.
Thanks so much, friend :). Stale, that’s the word I was looking for! Love your blog, man, so whatever helps keep it going!
Yay TV shows, bring that on
Will do, Tim!
Give me a small sample of the shows you watch. Better not see Glee
Right now Shameless, True Detective, American Horror Story, and Community. Also love Sherlock, Walking Dead, Mad Men, SNL, and the cartoon stuff. You know, South Park, Simpsons, American Dad, Family Guy, and Futurama. You?
Good list. Mine would be too long. But of some of the ones you didn’t include: Arrow, Justified, Archer, Rick and Morty, and more but I’d need to see my recorder
Getting into Arrow, so far so good!
Its a series that uniquely gets better and better
Looking forward to it :).
Oh man, having your heart in it is key. I know exactly what you mean. So glad to hear you’re sticking with it and not folding up your tent. I really enjoy your material and can’t wait to read what you have in store for us. As for the mystery review idea, sounds very cool.
Thank you Keith, means a lot :). Love your site too, bud! Was one of the first I ever got in to when I just started out.
Loving the new look and all the ideas!
Awesome! Thanks Abbi! Just realized I forgot to put you in the blogroll. Adding asap!
Aww thanks!
Completely understand, my friend. Good to have you back in whatever form or function works for you.
It’s ways good stuff around here Joseph. And it sounds like there’s plenty more to come. Good on ye, man.
Thanks so much for linking me in your blogroll! Mystery Review sounds like a very nice thing to do for fellow bloggers, I love that idea!
No problem! Believe I just followed you on twitter as well :).
Hope you’re okay and back into your groove soon mate. It’s always nice to see personal touches on a blog, but I happen to think you’re quite a personable chap anyway. Adding TV would be a great idea too (I likes TV), and I like your idea for blog post/review promotion for other writers.
^^^ Look at all of that support. Use that as a motivator! I’d kill for comments like that!
I know, they’re all amazing!! Everyone here loves the CK!
Well convince them to come over and leave these kinds of comments! lol
LOL, will do! Almost done my pick 6 if you’re still interested!
Hey buddy, I totally understand how you’ve been feeling. I havent done much lately, I havent actually watched any films this year!
I find it best to just relax and write when you feel like it. You have one of my favourite sites so I hope you get your mojo back soon!
Thank you so much! I know what you mean, can’t rush this sort of thing :).