While I was composing my blog for this week, I was having trouble coming up with a clever, cute, catchy title. I don’t know why because usually the title is the least of my blogging woes. But, for some reason I just could not decide on a title. So, I decided to scroll back through my previous posts and see if I could see a pattern or find an old post that I could resurrect or change the title a bit. And that’s when I found something I just couldn’t believe!
On October 31, 2011, I posted my very first ever blog post. That’s right – I’ve been blogging for 8 years now! Wow! That’s insane. No wonder I’m having a hard time keeping things fresh. That’s a lot of ideas and that’s a lot of clever, cute, catchy titles. While I was still unable to come up with a good title for the post I was working on, I did come to the conclusion that this recent discovery really needed its very own post and so I saved my untitled post for next week and went to work on this post.
I know, the title of this one isn’t all that remarkable either, but it’s the first thing that came to my mind when I realized that it’s been almost exactly – to the day – 8 years since I started blogging. A lot has changed over that period of time. I’ve lost some followers and I’ve gained some followers. That’s to be expected. While I try to post entertaining and interesting material, it’s not always of interest to everyone. That’s just how it goes.
Over these past 8 years I’ve learned a lot about blogging. How to use categories and tags more efficiently. How to post videos and gifs. I know that seems like first grade stuff but hey, I’m an old dog and these were new tricks. I’m quite proud of myself actually. I’ve learned a little bit about what my analytics mean. (That’s scary math stuff, but I delve into that world on occasion.) I’ve also learned that I have people who visit my blog from all over the world. That’s kind of neat.
What I found even more amazing during my scroll session is that my very first blog post had 44 comments. 44! That’s huge for me. That’s the most comments I think I’ve ever had on a post. Of course, I was taking an on-line class about blogging and I think almost everyone in the class came over to see what I had created in a showing of solidarity, but what fun to scroll back through time and see that.
Which brings me to today’s question: How long have you been blogging? If you don’t currently blog, did you ever? Have you ever considered blogging? Why would you start now? Why did you stop? Inquiring minds want to know.
Word of the Day: Knickerbocker
Fun fact about me: I really need to start using my words of the day. The whole reason I post them is to increase my vocabulary but what good is that if I never use the words?
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, October 2019. Images by Google Images and giphy.com.
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jansenschmidt 
I have been posing as a writer for quite a while now. Ten years of passing off drivel as acceptable verse on my blog and have yet to be shut down, although I did garner awards as “Worst Blog” three years running. They retired the trophy since no one else could even make a contest out of it.
Undaunted, I continue to turn out literary refuse at every turn. Take heart, though, the worst is yet to come!
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Sounds sorta like me!
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I always enjoyed your blogs, David. But, I know what you mean about being lazy. It takes a lot of dedication to stick with it.
Patricia
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Oh Al, I love your blogs. I don’t visit your site as often as I should (mostly because if I don’t get that reminder email that a new post is live I forget – sorry) but I love it each and every time I am there. Your poetry and humor always bring a smile to my face. You are such an interesting guy. I hope you keep it up.
Thanks for your support. It truly means a lot to me.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
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I first started blogging in 2006, but that one only lasted for a couple of years. I took it up again in May 2011, then wound up in the same class as you. Congrats on your 8th blogoversary!
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Now that you reminded me, yes, I think that is where we first met. Kristin Lamb’s on-line class. It was eye-opening for me.
Thanks for your continued support over the years. It means a lot.
And, I am so excited about your new house and new adventures in Tennessee. I’m looking forward to more posts and pictures. And, I can’t believe how big Isis is now. Seems like she was just a pup when you last posted a picture of her.
Patricia
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First of all, I used to wear knickerbockers when I was a kid – my mother’s idea, not mine!
I think it was around 2011 or 12 when I started blogging. I blogged for some years, but I quit about 2 or 3 years ago when it got to where I was excited to get 1 or 2 comments. I don’t think I even decided to quit. I think it just sorta happened and didn’t do anything to revive it.
I haven’t written a new book in several years either. Not sure whether I’m brain-dead or just lazy. I realize there are successful authors who continue to write when they’re older than I am, but at my age it’s hard to get excited about it when the average book sells about 7 copies.
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David, I know how hard it is to write when you’re not motivated. Especially if you feel unheard and unappreciated. I’m often discouraged when I l only see 1 or 2 comments on my posts as well, but I’m learning what is of interest to people and what isn’t. My only hope is that I can continue to provide content that is of interest.
Anyway, I’m glad we established a friendship through our mutual blogging experiences. I always appreciate hearing from you and seeing your smiling face each week. Thank you.
Patricia
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Congrats on sticking with the blog for 8 years! That’s a ton of writing there, girl. I kept up with my blog once upon a time and used to write for a couple different collaborative book/author blogs. Back then, it felt like authors were REQUIRED to have a blog to be successful, so I went along with it even though I pretty much felt as if it was a chore and a necessary evil. They day I quit blogging was a huge relief for me and opened up that much more precious time to focus on my books. So, no regrets, but I salute you for 8 years of blogging success!
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I’m not sure why my reply to your comment ended up as it’s own comment, but my response is below (or maybe above – I never know any more with technology).
Patricia
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Yeah, the so-called “experts” are still saying that having a blog is pretty much necessary, but I’m beginning to think that’s not true. I certainly haven’t noticed a difference in book sales because of my blog. In fact, most of my posts about my writing or my books get the fewest comments, so that tells me my followers are not really interested in that part of my life anyway. And that’s the whole reason I started blogging, was to get a “following.”
Anyway, I appreciate my loyal “regulars,” who usually let me know they were here by at the very least liking the post. It’s hard to fly around cyberspace and comment on everybodys’ blogs.
Thanks for being you. Have a great week.
Patricia
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I admire the dedication you have to your blog and even though I seldom comment, I lurk. I promise! Eleven years into this business of writing, continues to affirm that our most precious commodity is time. I’m afraid I seldom blog now (as you know) and would give it up altogether but apparently I receive enough “clicks” when I do post (in spite of few comments) that I’m advised to keep going. So as you consider whether blogging is worth the time, I think occasional posting is worth considering. Having said that, you are a master at writing clever, creative content and I’m in awe of that. 🙂
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Aww, thanks Patricia. I appreciate it. I know I’m getting more “clicks” than comments as well and people have told me that they appreciate the posts every week so that does make it worth while. But it is a time suck and sometimes a creativity suck. But, in the long run, it might be worth it.
I always appreciate seeing your beautiful face and hearing what you have to say. And I LOVE your newsletters. When my writing career gets a little more rooted, I’m going to go on your trip to France.
Thanks for your support.
Patricia
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