God Save The Points Will Return After The Break, Unless…

If you’re reading this, you are a core friend and reader of GSTP. Thanks for that, by the way.

In case you haven’t noticed, things have been rather quiet here, but don’t fear. The ship is simply docked at port, refuelling for a long and gruelling year ahead. GSTP plans to make an aggressive stand in 2020 and between that, exhaustion from the #WheresGilbert upgrades and a few exciting and slightly terrifying personal developments, I just need a bit of time diverted to other areas.

All will reveal itself in short order, and no I’m not selling to the scum that is TPG or their billion dollar parent company.

Whenever I’m lucky enough to talk to readers out in the wild, or via chat, it’s the transparency and openness I strive for that many people seem to appreciate, so I wanted to share a bit of that with you on the things that are going on, which I feel comfortable sharing.

In short: running a blog in a boutique and honest way, which we and lots of other great blogs choose to do, (where you don’t have hundreds of staff) creates a bit of a catch 22. The more you travel, the more great stuff you have to write, reflect and share. But the more you travel, the less time you have to actually get things done. And really, when I land in an incredible place, I want to explore it, I don’t want to sit in my room and write.

I’m very lucky that 2019 took me to so many wonderful places, but this last 5 weeks has just crashed me out. Between that and some pressing personal matters – all positive fortunately – I am just in need of a little keeping the laptop shut time.

I have so many article ideas, so many pictures to edit and about 30 outstanding reviews – I mean outstanding in the uncompleted, not exceptional way – by the way. I’ll be here to cover anything I think you absolutely need to know in the minute, but don’t expect the onslaught of 8-10 articles a day to resume until January.

There are great blogs you can read in the meantime like One Mile At A Time, Head For Points, View From The Wing,Thrifty Traveler and Frequent Miler amongst many others.

On a different tangent, I’ve said before that GSTP is my baby and for now that’s quite literally true. I birthed it and it’s grown into a happy blossoming adult. But I’m going to be honest, I’ve hit an impasse of sorts. Doing this all – the admin, the meetings, the social media, responding to people – and oh yeah, writing – I’ve reached my limit pretty much, but I don’t think GSTP has. Kinda like a parent who knows when it’s time for their child to get a professional coach in their desired sport, I am kinda there.

If you’re still reading, perhaps you may fit in to that. I believe so strongly in having not necessarily one voice, but one consistent and educated view, that I would really struggle to open up the floodgates and have lots of unchecked contributors, as some would choose. At the same time, that doesn’t mean I’m above seeking help from someone who values what’s happening over here and wants to try and help it grow in any way. In fact, I’m all ears, super grateful for any ideas – even if they’re crap – and am at your disposal.

I just don’t see how you can have one review say something is amazing, and another review on the same resource, by a different person, say something is terrible. But short of that, or on matters which don’t need so much viewpoint, I’m in.

If you have any ideas to help GSTP grow in 2020, whether it’s your knowledge of targeted advertising, your ability to write and review, your social media chops, or your insane deal hunting skills you’d love to share, please feel free to get in touch. My email is gilbert @ hopefully you know the rest. I am here to listen and learn if you’re kind enough to share, and of course that can also mean getting paid too.

Let’s keep travel blogging about great opportunities, amazing places to see, things you should do and how to make the most of the world – not just an advertorials for credit card companies, hotels and airlines.