Happy 3rd Up’North!

As you’ve undoubtedly heard time and time again over the course of three years on this site, time moves slowly in my neck of the woods. But that’s not to say that it drags. This week makes three years since Up’North officially grew it’s wings, and I count this website among the aspects of my life that have flown by. Come to think of it, “time moves slowly” seems awfully inaccurate. Time is constant; it’s what you do, where you live, and who you spend that time with that really determines the quality and pace at which you move through life. If Maine won any superlatives in a yearbook, it would probably nab most laid back. I’d like to think my life, and this site, live up to that superlative. If not, I’ve got some serious work to do.

I started writing the standard “I’d like to thank everyone…” post to commemorate Up’North’s third year, but half way through, a lethal combination of sinus medication and boredom locked me up in a deep slumber and threw away the key. Simply put, you know who you are. If you’ve ever done anything to support Up’North in any way at all, I am sincerely thankful for your contributions. If not, I take cash or credit, literature or gear.

I’ve learned a lot about the bloggin’ business in three years, and not all of it brings a smile to my face. One thing I know for certain is that at some point, posting on a daily basis simply started to suck. I wasn’t excited about waking up early to sit at my laptop anymore, go figure. The pressure became unnecessary, and Up’North became more taxing than fun. I had to make a change. Year three for Maine Fly Castings was a year full of changes, eventually leading to the simple looking blog I present to you today. My goal was to capture the bare essentials of fly fishing in northern Maine. The sights and the sounds through photography and creative writing. The world through my eyes. I feel like I’ve accomplished that goal, and readership has shown I’m headed in the right direction. People ask me often if I believe my blog is successful, and I’m honestly never sure what they want to hear in my answer. Up’North will never make me rich, but I let that dream go early on. What I believe makes Up’North successful stems from the relationships it has helped me form, and the opportunities it has generated for me in the world of fly fishing. I’ve met some amazing people simply because I love fly fishing, and not all are directly involved in the industry. Some are fish bums just like me, others are photographers, and many others are talented writers, poets, or just plain interesting individuals. Some I have had the pleasure of meeting, some I no doubt will meet sooner than later. So do I believe Up’North is successful after 3 years? Definitely. Anything that further enhances my love for fly fishing is a smashing success in my book. Below you will find a number of things I’ve learned in my years at the helm of Up’North Maine Fly Castings. Some good, some not so good. This isn’t meant to be a guide by any stretch, just some simple observations that I feel have helped me stay sane since this all began on a cold February night in 09′.

1. It is beneficial to write ONLY what you know, and think about the audience you wish to reach. Everyone wants thousands of views a day, but have you ever stopped to think about who those people actually are? I hope to reach those who truly love fly fishing, regardless of where they live. These people typically enjoy nature in general, so they usually stick around when I veer off to write about hunting, or simply focus on photography for a few weeks. If I have nothing in common with the people viewing my materials, what good does it do me? By writing what you know and finding your niche, your audience may be small, but I guarantee they will be more engaged. I don’t want people to read my posts in passing, I want them to sit and think about the content and experience my experiences for themselves. If I can do that, I’ve accomplished my goal.
2. With that said, I’ve learned it’s important to listen to my readers. Answer emails, entertain phone calls, and be respectful of their opinions. That’s not to say I write or post something simply because someone asks for it, but I have been known to answer requests from time to time. Chances are, my readers favorite posts are also my favorite posts to write. This type of personal attention can open many doors, and I cringe to think at the opportunities that may have slipped by had I not opened a certain email or replied to a comment.
3. Dictate your own direction. You wouldn’t believe the suggestions and offers I get from people and organizations on nearly a daily basis. Promises of higher web traffic, increased income from advertising, and free products or discounts in exchange for a post about camping or their snazzy new trolling motor. Don’t sell out and stray from delivering on the image YOU wish to portray. Can you really use a 10% discount at crazyboatingdeals.com? Follow your own path, and I promise you a better deal will come along. The most successful blogs are usually the most personal ones. People may read recycled garbage that you pulled from other sites, but they won’t remember you for it.
4. Just because it’s free, doesn’t mean you have to enjoy it. Fly fishermen are creatures of habit, a fact that is reflected by our gear and the locations we frequent in search of fish. In three years I’ve had the opportunity to fish dozens of fly rods from many reputable brands. I am extremely grateful that these companies continue to allow me the chance to test their products, but that doesn’t mean they all get a sparkling review. Admittedly, a fly rod has to really make a first impression if I’m going to take it out more than a handful of times. The rod I purchased before Up’North was even a thought is still a frequent companion of mine on even my most demanding trips, an honor than only two high-end rods have earned in a span of three years. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the advantages of new technologies, I just enjoy casting something that feels familiar. If it doesn’t offer a significant advantage to me on the water, I probably won’t give it a second look.
5. It’s perfectly acceptable to leave the camera home. Some days on the water I prefer to keep just for me, and that’s alright. I no longer stress about taking photos, or documenting the days events as soon as I get home. I do this because I love fly fishing, but I refuse to let a constant need to “capture the moment” ruin my experience. Personally, it’s the moments that I can’t explain through words or photos that allow me to love what I do. No amount of promotional products or free gear will ever dictate what you see on Up’North. It’s all about being on the water, documenting what you feel is worth documenting, and simply enjoying life at your own pace.
6. Just because it’s been done, doesn’t mean you can’t do it again. True, people have written about their experiences on the water or photographed their dog on the hunt, but sometimes a different perspective can be refreshing. Outings in Montana are different from outings in Maine, and the Summer sunset in Aroostook Country casts a far different shadow than the one in Bozeman. It’s not always about finding something new, sometimes it’s about looking at something familiar in a not so familiar way. Change angles, change perspectives, and people will genuinely appreciate your creativity.
7. Take a break. You can’t force creativity, sometimes you just need to sit back and let it come to you. Some of the best authors in the world spend many years on a single novel, and some of the best photographers take thousands of pictures to capture that one perfect shot. If you aren’t happy with your work, how can you expect that from others? A half-hearted piece of writing is like a half painted house. You get a glimpse of what it could be, but in the end it’s still an unfinished product.
8. Read more, write more. Read anything and everything you can get your hands on. Read about fly fishing, read about hunting, read about time travel, read about law. Whatever your interests, reading is a great way to strengthen your vocabulary and develop your own style. Writing is a progressive art that will only improve with effort and persistence. I’m no Hemingway, but I do feel I’ve come a long way with my writing simply through reading and learning to appreciate the styles of other authors. Write often; notes, letters, stories, and poems. Create a word document and save any and every idea, phrase, or quote you think up or come across. Keep a notepad by the bed, in the car, and most importantly in your river gear. You are bound to remember the details of your day that stand out, but sometimes the underlying details are the ones that make the best stories. You will never truly appreciate this advice until you put it to practice, trust me.
9. Don’t be selfish, pay it forward. Share your experiences and ability with fellow bloggers and outdoorsmen (or women). I was lost when I started Up’North, and if more experienced bloggers wouldn’t have come to my aid answering emails or phone calls for help, maineflycastings.com would be dead in the water. Share your thoughts often, offer constructive criticism, and take criticism from others willingly and with appreciation. I am forever in debt to those who weren’t afraid to hurt my feelings when suggesting changes or improvements to Up’North. In fact, many of those changes are what make my site so successful today.
10. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Blogging about fly fishing is a lot like fly fishing in itself. Above all, the experience is supposed to be fun and rewarding. If it stops being fun, take a break and give yourself time to recover. Shit happens, and no one expects you to blog through the most testing  trials and tribulations of every day life. I didn’t get into fly fishing because of blogging, I got into blogging because of fly fishing. I’m no professional, just a well-versed country boy who enjoys chasing fins and telling tall tales. I have no interest in living up to the expectations of others when it comes to fly fishing, and this blog is no different. Up’North gives me the freedom to express myself and share my views on fly fishing and all things related with the world. No work, all play. I enjoy what I do, and feel privileged that so many others seem to enjoy it too.

At the end of the day, Up’North is toast without its readers. Nothing makes me happier than meeting complete strangers on the river or in the street who happen to visit my blog regularly. Interactions like those are what keep me going, and I feed off the inspiration I gain from other anglers and bloggers. I’m not sure where Up’North will be a year from now, but I look forward to what it can potentially become. Thank you for coming along for the ride, it’s been a true blessing since day one. Look forward to big, big things in 2012. Settled down and focused on the task at hand (with summers off), I should have no problem logging 150+ solid days on the water this season.

The fly boxes are being filled and April is right around the corner; this will be my fly fishing comeback.

Here’s to another 3 years! Tight lines,

-Ben