Since it was requested that I show what would be involved if you volunteered, I made another video (too large to post as one so split into thirds). If there’s enough interest, I’d be happy to restart the site. If you want to volunteer, send me an email or comment in this post. ~ Jenny
To my fellow TV fans…
I’ve been dreading making this post, but unfortunately, the time has come. I began TV Is My Pacifier in VERY early 2007, just over 18 years ago. I have loved almost every bit of those 18 years. But I simply can’t do it anymore. As more and more shows and specials come to air (especially due to all the streaming services), it’s become so time consuming that I’ve begun dreading weekends because I know my entire Saturday will be filled with the schedule.
I recently asked for help, and I had a few volunteers, but between life/work changes and I think being overwhelmed and finding it harder/more time consuming than they thought, it wasn’t enough. And since this is not the first time I’ve asked for volunteers and it’s not worked out well, I don’t see that changing.
So I have made the heartbreaking decision to shut down the site. I would just say I’m taking a break, but honestly, I don’t think that would be truthful. When I made this decision earlier this week, it felt like a bit of a relief. I’m overwhelmingly sad about it because it’s been my baby for so long and I love being able to give the information out like I have been, but knowing that I will have time to spend with my husband, time to read what I want outside of my job as a book editor, time to catch up on my own TV watching (you should see my backlog!)… It just made me feel like I could breathe a little easier, if that makes sense.
I’m incredibly grateful for those of you who love the site as much as I do. Thank you to everyone who ever commented, participated in giveaways, emailed to tell me thank you, donated, spread the word, or were simply there to use and enjoy the site. Your support has meant the world.
Here are a few sites that can help you find information about what’s on TV.
The Futon Critic: http://thefutoncritic.com/listings/
It isn’t the greatest. They don’t always update in a timely manner, so it’s hard to take their word as gospel for what’s on. BUT. They are also the only place I’ve found that includes both network AND streaming.
TV Guide: https://www.tvguide.com/
I didn’t use it because I preferred Zap2It, but they just shut down the other day and merged with some other site. I know TVGuide is a good alternative, though like Zap2It, it’s only network TV, not streaming, on their guide.
On TV Tonight: https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/
Again, I haven’t used this, but I know it’s pretty popular. But like TV Guide, I believe it’s just network TV.
TVLine: https://tvline.com/
I read TVLine a lot for TV news, and they’re a decent source for streaming too, I think.
Once again, I so appreciate each and every one of you, and though this was a tough decision, I hope you understand it was a needed one.
Have fun with your favorite shows, and feel free to hit me up on Facebook or Twitter/X and talk about TV!
Jenny
I’m sorry, guys. I came down with the flu this past Tuesday, and I still feel awful. I just can’t shake it. I truly was going to try to do the “no-schedule schedule” for you, but I just feel sucky, so this is all I felt up for. Now I’m going to bed. Hopefully I can kick it in the next couple of days, because this SUCKS. Hubs is a few days behind me and is in the thick of it now too, so yeah… Gross around our house right now! Hope y’all are doing okay! <3 ~ Jenny
First off, let me just say that I am incredibly grateful for everyone who takes the time to visit this site, even if you never comment or interact. There wouldn’t be a site if I didn’t have viewers.
But I am TIRED, y’all. I started this site in 2007. And while it’s great that the site has evolved, when coupled with the growth of streaming and network shows, it means a lot more work. And aside from some great help some of the time, I’ve done the schedule primarily alone. I personally prefer the daily schedules, but I’ve had to cut them out simply because just doing the weekly is enough work. I literally spend ALL of my Saturday every week on the schedule. Sometimes I work on it off and on Friday and STILL have to spend the majority of my Saturday on it. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a labor of love. But that is one of only two days that I should be able to spend with my family, going grocery shopping, playing board games, catching up on shows we like to watch together. But I simply can’t. And while I love my work as a fiction book editor, sometimes I get so busy that it’s tough because I have to virtually do no work at all on the weekends because I do the schedule on Saturday and spend Sunday with my family. I know I sound like I’m complaining, and I am, but I don’t mean it as COMPLAINTS. I’m just literally stating facts.
So what does that mean? I need help. I have Taylor’s wonderful help doing Saturday. But if I don’t want to find myself in tears on Saturday afternoons or dreading the weekends, I need another person or two who can help take like…Tuesday and Friday (the least busiest days, generally, aside from Saturday) off my plate. If I can’t find help soon, I may just have to shut the site down to save my sanity. I HATE that thought. It’s been 18 years. EIGHTEEN YEARS. That is INSANE. To shut it down would be absolutely heartbreaking, because I literally feel like it’s my second child. But for a while, it’s felt like more of a burden than a gift, and I hate that.
So if you’re at all interested and have some time on Fridays or Saturday mornings to help with Tuesday or Friday, please, please send me an email.
I had every intention of doing the schedule today since the last of my family left about 7 a.m…but i got sick after lunch and have been sleeping all day. So hopefully tomorrow!
Hope everyone had a great week!
