This is a time of transitions. Originally this site was to be a vehicle for the publisher’s writing about history. While still a goal, time forced the publisher to make a management decision: was he goingto be a writer or a publisher. As a writer, postings could be done only occasionally. As a publisher, a lot of great history that he wanted to make available to the public could be put on the site. The site became the place for the greatest events by the greatest writers: participants, contemporary observers, historians, or the great authors of literature.
The publisher began teaching history in person to people at local learning centers. These lectures have been well received. Two lecture series have been developed and four more and in the process. As part of the presentations of the courses, their syllabuses have been put on this site for the students to access. Further integration with material on this site is planned.
The two courses currently being taught during the spring quarter are Big History and The Seven Biggest Decades of Change – 1875-1945. Big History is being taught in two formats: 16 sessions and 8 sessions. Seven Biggest Decades is being taught in 7 or 8 hour sessions.
The next step is to take these courses online. Udemy is a great vehicle for doing this. The online courses will follow the larger of the two formats. The nice thing about online is that they can be expanded and updated little by little over time.
Also in the planning is videos supporting the material in the site.
Promotional activities have taken a hit. Social media channels have been fallen into disuse. Newsletter updates to subscribers have also taken a hit. Over the last year content creation has taken the priority over these activities. As a result, content has greatly expanded while traffic has suffered. As of today, this site had 2,800 posts and (based on an average of 1,000 words per post) over 2 and a half million words total. All eras and kinds of history are covered. This year began with a series on future history!
Landing pages were introduced last year. They serve as both a promotional purpose and another set of access points for users of this site.
We’ve reached a threshold point. The site needs a sponsor. Without financial help, progress will continue to be made while important functions do not get done. (Note the lack of 20th. Century coverage.) Please spread the word to anyone who can help.
by Jack Le Moine
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