West and Clear, Fort Worth’s flagship blog, is stopping publication. I can’t help but be in shock about this — after all, they appeared to be doing well, with strong readership and regular advertisements from folks like Fort Worth Opera and the Amon Carter Museum, patrons that any local blogger would feel proud to serve. After their long series on the downsizing at the Star-Telegram, could it be that Westand Clear were  not immune to some of the downward pressure in journalism? And what are the factors that drove their decision?

The only real clue they have left is the following statement from their closing post: “Unfortunately, our real-life demands have have left us with too little time to maintain this site in the style to which we hoped you would become accustomed. As a result, this post is West and Clear’s farewell … ”

I understand. Blogging is a (relatively) thankless job with (relatively) poor renumeration. But I have become an advocate, at this point in my writing career, of setting aside some time for somewhat altruistic writing projects like Fort Worth Renaissance.  I also think it’s too soon to tell when the readership, and advertising, for blogs like this one and others could increase. If my experience of the web holds true, we don’t really know what the future holds. Blogging for money is truly in its infancy. The equity and page ranking that West and Clear is giving up could actually be valuable in the end.

Then again, I suppose regional blogging could be a dry well.

All right, finally, I am just really disappointed. That’s the truth.  But, Panther City Media’s throwing in the towel will not effect Renaissance or it’s business plan. We remain committed to covering lifestyle in Fort Worth to the same degree we have been, indefinitely.