Now I'm testing what Squidooing is like without playing the Squidoo Plus game features for points, levels or trophies (while leaving the features on for feedback), without signing onto Giant-Squidhood (which I resigned from rather than re-signup to -- too many hoops, I decided), without caring about meriting lens-of-the-day or a purple star or any honors -- and (perhaps the most important) without working for free (like I did Squid-Angeling, though I did have fun with that for months). I'm beginning another experiment because many of my lenses still pay a small amount every month (adding up to between $5 and $20), though well over a year has passed since I lapsed (on purpose) into expending next-to-no effort, while contemplating deleting my account.
Also, Squidoo's payment set-up makes donating lens payments to my non-profit mission, a key New Year's Resolution, simple and easy. Besides, informal, individualistic writing is welcome there, almost a must -- a relaxing plus I much appreciate.
Yes, my frustrations still discourage: Many favorite Squidoo modules and lens types have ceased functioning or been officially discontinued and that is likely to keep happening, I've accepted; the name, design and color scheme has always seemed childish to me, almost embarrassing to be associated with (yet I -- kind of -- like it anyway, off and on); the dos and don'ts continue to change rapidly as Squidoo responds to online trends, yet to my knowledge there is no single updating TOS to guide lensmasters (and I find poring over and pondering the interlinked lenses -- some outdated -- that aim to serve this purpose takes extra energy and time I would rather not spend); and I will remember more ongoing troubles for this gripe list, I'm certain (...oh yes, the frequent glitches).
The Squid-U forum can be a helpful resource, but I found reading the posts deflating more often than encouraging -- and I'll admit, probably that's mainly just me.
Still, the account is open today for me to play with, so here I go again...WOW!
So far, I am surveying and republishing all -- I'm about halfway done: removing defunct modules; adding Google News modules (which I deem most likely to stay functioning longest) if there isn't one and/or too few modules remain; and removing or fixing any broken links and incorrect content I notice.
The next stage: New lenses built with an updated strategy (that doesn't exist yet -- but soon).
Then, if I am still Squidooing: Lens polishing and expanding.
