Expiration Date
February 15th, 2010 · 22 Comments
I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve been lazy about writing posts these days. I have, like, a dozen or so drafts but no focus nor determination to finish even just one. I think I’ve done everything there is to do with this blog. I’ve become great friends with some really good people. I’ve gained so many eating buddies. I’ve met so many cool people. I’ve had the best meals these past two months. Should I throw in the towel or take a break? Perhaps I just need a new approach…
This expires in 4 days. Any takers? 
www.ChowDownAtlanta.com
~C.
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22 responses so far ↓
1 BBQgeek // Feb 15, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Totally normal. Happens to me every single winter. After 3 years I’ve come to theorize that it is some variant of light sensitivity disorder. Every year I write one of this apology posts and then the temps warm up, the birds return and I get the urge to write. Don’t shut it down. Just let it go dormant until you are ready again. Shit. It worked for Salinger.
2 Sean // Feb 15, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Like I’ve been telling you for the past week.
Do or do not and this is a do not quit situation. Don’t you dare pull the plug or I’ll…I’ll start drinking diet Pepsi and Sprite!!!!!!
3 Chloe // Feb 15, 2010 at 8:11 pm
BBQgeek: LOL.
Sean: you and Jimmy can sit at the same table while you guys drink S. I can’t even get my self to write it.
Here’s the deal. I just want to eat. Not eat + write!!! I want someone else to write about what I ate
4 k // Feb 15, 2010 at 10:58 pm
I’ve been following this blog for a few months now and this, sadly, is the first time I’ve left a comment. I’d hate to see it go away, but would understand if you wanted to pull the plug.
However, consider that their very well may be scores of people out here like me, faithfully tuning in to enjoy your culinary expeditions.
5 aaron // Feb 15, 2010 at 11:02 pm
I rely on you to keep me updated on good places to eat around this town. Take a break if you want, but don’t completely shut it down.
6 MVineyards // Feb 16, 2010 at 1:35 am
It would be a horrible shame to stop. All this blogging, Twittering, FB-ing is exhausting. Reminds me of when my kids were younger and instead of enjoying them I was always behind a video camera. The idea of enjoying a meal without feeling compelled to photograph and take notes must seem liberating. From my perspective those of us who cannot enjoy all the places you go and write about appreciate the experience vicariously. We hope you will pick up a camera and keyboard.
7 helen // Feb 16, 2010 at 2:21 am
I think maybe you need a guest writer or two for a while! I can’t take good pictures, but I can write and I’ll bet you have other folks who are willing also!
8 Food Near Snellville // Feb 16, 2010 at 10:46 am
How long have you been doing this? And how many times have you taken a couple week break and come back? In my memory, at least once. Didn’t hurt you then, wouldn’t hurt you now.
FnS.
9 Reuben // Feb 16, 2010 at 11:03 am
This blog has really been a service to me since moving to ATL in the fall. Has inspired quite a few food ventures and all… But if you’re serious about quitting, I think you should consider turning it into a group thing where several authors help the cause. You’ve outlined a lovely format for posting that participants could adhere to, and I suspect that I am not alone in loving the idea of contributing.
10 Amy @ Atlanta With Kid // Feb 16, 2010 at 11:20 am
Please don’t!!!! I have been a big fan of your blog for a long time but don’t normally leave a comment (shame on me!).
If you need a break, I think your faithful readers will completely understand. But please please don’t pull the plug. Where else I can find a great resource for Korean eat in Atlanta.
11 Sean M // Feb 16, 2010 at 12:06 pm
just post pictures of the food, the location, description of a dish, and thumbs up or thumbs down. that’s all we really need.
12 Carrie // Feb 16, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I really hope you don’t stop! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and I’ve been checking it before I make dinner reservations at new restaurants to see if I should try them or not!
Ps, The 57th Restaurant on Clarmont is open under new management….you should come try the braised short-ribs. yum!
13 Dee // Feb 16, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I love your blog… i have been following you since i have been in ATL since 07.. its b.c of you i have actually visited a couple of these places you recommended.. but i understand. its alot of work. I will miss yA!!!
14 Troy Cono // Feb 16, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Having just become one of your “eating buddies” and follower of your extremely important blog, I would just like to say, definitely, please, do NOT quit altogether.
I think a break would do you wonders, and I also think Helen’s suggestion of allowing guest writers for a short time would get us all through this tough drought without having to see the site turned over to someone who may or may not have what it takes to keep it going with its current appeal.
That being said, I’d like to offer my services as a guest writer, at least temporarily, until you find your inner food-blogger again.
Perhaps a few nights out without having to worry about taking pictures or how to phrase exactly what you want to say about each course whilst eating them will serve you well.
Drop me a line and let me know what you think about that whenever you get a chance.
15 Andrew P. // Feb 16, 2010 at 3:14 pm
I greatly appreciate your reviews, the pics, and the time you put into CDA.
If you enjoy CDA it should not become a chore. Perhaps take a break, or blog about something else you are passionate about. Whatever you choose, your fans will support you.
16 Martin // Feb 16, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I think it boils down to how passionate you feel about food blogging…..and that is something only you can answer, but I must say that I may not have ever discovered the Swiss Alpine Bakery if I had not read a review about them on your blog. Sinking my teeth on one of their almond croissants is heaven! As previously mentioned maybe all you need a brief hiatus with guests bloggers filling in during your absence. You may also want to consider using a pared down review version if and when you do decide to return i.e.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommendation:
Website:
etc.
Happy Eating!
17 pointedview // Feb 16, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Chloe, you have always been my favorite food blogger in Atlanta. Our tastes are very similar, and you’ve never steered me wrong. Even so, I do understand that to everything there is a season, and I know that I personally prefer to leave things on a high note rather than trying to keep going on until all the joy of the doing has been bled out of them. Whether this is Chow Down Atlanta’s season or not is a decision only you can make, but I support you wholeheartedly whatever you choose to do.
I hope to continue to see you on Twitter, and to collect on that suggestion of lunch sometime.
I wish you much success in school, and in what are sure to be terrific future pursuits!
18 Eli Z // Feb 17, 2010 at 2:42 am
Break time, sure why not… quitting time, perhaps yes, when pigs fly and Blais acts like a boy scout.
19 Benjamin Myers // Feb 17, 2010 at 11:56 am
Maybe you can allow yourself to stop. See how that feels. Sometimes there is a driving inner feeling that wants to stop, that just needs some acknowledgement. So stop for a moment.
I have loved getting into your recommendations! We ate at Royal China this weekend. Yum-yum pork bun!
You do great work!
20 Tina // Feb 17, 2010 at 10:20 pm
But..but…I don’t want you to leave!
You deserve a break. Take some time away from blogging regularly if you need to. Personally, I think the time away will refresh you. I think just being able to dine out with friends and family without the added pressure of “Oh, I’ve got to get these blog posts done” will do wonders for you. I think you’ll find yourself wanting to blog again and share your new dining experiences with us!
As a long time fan of this blog, I would hate to see CDA shut down for good, but ultimately you have to do what’s best for Chloe. We’ll support whatever you decide.
21 Tanline // Feb 17, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Please don’t throw in the towel! I love your blog especially about new Korean Places!
22 Chloe // Feb 18, 2010 at 3:31 am
THANK YOU to all of you. You guys all make sense. I am so overwhelmed with all the support. And so happy to be surrounded by people like you. THANK YOU.
~Chloe.
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