My blog isnāt dead. Itās just ā¦ lost a step.
Itās Brett Favre with the Vikings. Or the Jets. Itās Elvis, sweating on a Vegas stage.\ Itās E.T., all white and powdery away from home. Not in his extraterrestrial glory. Unlike Brett Favre and Elvis, E.T. can find a way back his alien homeboys and to the heart light.
This blog can, too.
Even with my faithful core of commenters, you can hear me crunch my graham crackers up in here. Itās gotten quiet. Cue the crickets, easy on the wow.
I know Iām lucky.
I feel Lou Gehrig, not Nancy Harding. Iām a happily humble, not vengeful victim. Iāve watched the numbers plummet. Downhill isnāt wretched. Itās just ā¦ a lull. And Iām okay with that. Itās my blog. And itās me, my voice, my observations. I can be only me.
How should a dude respond when his readership reaches 1,500 subscribers ā and clicks on post day struggle to reach 100? When his February numbers this year might not even match those from last year?
When in seven of eight of the past weeks, visits have dropped, by as much as 40%?
If this were a restaurant ā¦
I wouldnāt bring the McRib back. Iād simplify. Iād key onĀ Big Macs and Happy Meals with cookies in them. Iād scrap the flashy menu screens that induce vertigo as you try to order. Iād resurrect the concept of a sandwich, a side dish, and a drink. Beautiful simplicity.
If this were my kidās grades ā¦
Iād shake up the process. Iād put English ahead of Instagram. Iād examine the study environment and habits. Iād learn what my kidās class is learning. Much to her dismay, Iād save NPR podcasts on subjects sheās studying. Iād clear a spot at the dinner table for her to work alongside me.
If this were a sports team ā¦
Iād check concession stands for adequate cheese portions on the nachos. Iād redesign our helmets or get a sweet alternate batting practice jersey. Maybe sign a dude with a gnarly name. Iād definitely watch the film and figure out how weāre getting our butts kicked. Did I mention the nacho cheese check?
This isnāt flipping cheeseburgers, though. It isnāt lifting that math grade or making the playoffs, either.
Itās my blog. In my voice. The only voice I know.
I read comments on past posts and say, āwonder what happened to her.ā Bloggers stuff the world with stellar words. Bloggers must earn readership by peddling their wares in the blogosphere flea market. āHey, lady ā¦ check this out!ā
If youāve got the goods, maybe sheāll come back.
I knew this day would come, after the BlogHer Voice of the Year traffic steamrolled in. It blew in and out like a Mardi Gras hurricane with a bowl game attached. And guacamole. I realized when the crest reached its highest, itās a long way down to reality.
Life isnāt just what happens to you. Itās how you react. Hereās my plan:
I’ll …
Relax.
Read. Thereās a folder in my taskbar labeled READ! I will, as I always have, visit every blog that leaves a comment on mine.
I save the links in this folder. I aim to read three or four a day. After VOTY and 6 Words posts, this folder gets slammed full. Itās thinning out. Itās time to read and catch up.
Comment. If I havenāt been to your blog in a while, Iāll be by soon. Iāll check on whatās up where you live. While my shop window is quiet, Iāll step away and sample.
Connect. Or Reconnect. Iām just a dude who writes a blog, and who appreciates the written word. Iāll discover blogs Iāve never read, and visit familiar friends.
Keep on keeping on. Which to toss overboard? The Monday post? The Wednesday guest spot with monthly 6 words? The Go Ask Daddy on Friday? I couldnāt pick a favorite daughter, and I canāt just scrap a chunk of the blog, you know?
Coach Daddy isnāt a rookie anymore. Life changes. Iāve changed. Thereāve been pills and pain, love and lasting friendships since I started. Thereās a time you know your fastball just doesnāt have the zip it once did. You paint the corners of the plate instead.
You pick your spots and lean on wisdom more, on zeal less.
Iāve spun my wheels a bit, admittedly. Iāve been unwilling to delve into the heart as I had before. No more. Youāll see.
What Iāll do is write.
Iāll sweep up a little, chat with you at the lunch counter. Visit you.
Tweet your posts.
Pin them, even.
There are so many words. Let me read.
Letās talk.
Letās come together for 6 words and guest posts. Let me story-tell, not stat-watch. Bring Magic, not metrics. And never forget the power of just.one.click.
My blog isnāt dead. Itās just ā¦ lost a step.
And the very wow? Thereās plenty of it, everywhere.
Even here.
*I lifted the quote below from Nothing Was Said, a must-read blog I just discovered.
Just a dad ... 
I’ve noticed it too. But then, I haven’t been posting much (okay, not at all) since Christmas/New Year. I think it’s something in the air…or the water. People are weary–not of our blogs, but just weary. Sometimes though, Eli, I haven’t received notification of your posts and only know you’ve posted when you Tweet on Twitter š
Maybe it’s all over the world, Lyn. I was glad to see you back at it after the holidays. Life makes us weary, doesn’t it?
Every job should give employees a lunch break, and also 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon for blogs.
I’m not sure what’s up with the notifications. Maybe I should kick that machine, too.
Aw, Eli. I totally adore both you and your blog. So, I am totally still here and just so happy to be š
Feelings are mutual, Janine. This is why you and Tamara get first dibs at the graham crackers. Well, second.
And you know how much I love graham crackers!!! š
It’s the midnight snack of champions (along with quesadillas and frosted flakes.)
“What I’ll do is write.” Hell yeah! So good to reassess, take stock, keep on keeping on.
I’m a fairly new follower of your blog Eli and I love it. Not going anywhere. Keep calm and stay writing.
Writers write, right? Glad you agree, Nicki. How can we not? I’m glad you happened by here, and that I found your blog, too.
Well, put the coffee pot on, and make sure you have cream in the fridge, please. Don’t despair, we’re here!
I’m one who always reads your posts, but I don’t always have something to say.
Coffee’s brewing, and you don’t even have to share with me. It’s good to be among friends. Comments not required … just glad to have you come by, Yvonne!
I’m still here sweetie too!! Great blog post! We all get in a slump sometimes! Sending Monday smiles your way! Hugz Lisa and Bear
Thanks Lisa! Glad you liked this. Another Yogi Berra-ism: “I ain’t in a slump. I just ain’t hittin’.”
Dear Eli,
As usual, your writing (and timing!) is impeccable! I was just thinking about you yesterday.
I don’t think your blog is dying – I still adore you! BUT- you would never know that would you? I, too have a “to read” folder that fills up by the dozens everyday and then remains untouched because of external forces. I think of you (and many others) and hope that no one thinks I’ve abandoned them – I send happy thoughts and prayers – and then answer the alarm clock at 3:45 and start another soul sucking week that involves everything but writing and connecting with my bloggy friends.
No, my friend, you are not Brett Farve on his last hurrah. You are Eli-Coach Daddy! We will always come back and read!! Xo
That’s awesome Michelle, because my timing is usually such that I get to the pizza buffet just after someone takes the last slice of meat lovers.
The adoration is mutual. I think you’re right – those READ! folders get packed and then there’s things like soccer trips and homework and play rehearsal and eating and work.
I want to invent a touchpad you can read blogs on in the shower. And the toilet, if you’re so inclined.
Why can’t we just agree to take Thursdays off to read and write?
My beard looks like Favre’s, but lucky for me, being Coach Daddy doesn’t involve training camp or blitzing linebackers.
Usually.
A beard!!! I’m trying to picture it. I think a photo may be in order!!
Oh it ain’t pretty.
I guess most bloggers go through this? I mean, I do. I often do. But to quote what you said, I just continue to write and tell a story and try not to worry about stats. We also have to admit that this blogging thing needs time and sometimes we just don’t have that luxury. I’m sure you’ll regain that step back. š
We do, Rea. And we don’t get back to places we love. I didn’t know you had a new blog, for example. That means it’s been too long!
I’d rather visit a handful of blogs each day and try to learn something and leave something, than to breeze through with a string of “love this!” drive-bys.
At my age, you find yourself faced with a choice to rally or retreat a few times. It’s good to still have the fire to rally.
Eli – I have just been trying to keep my head afloat and that means fewer reads and even less writing for me…starting in December I haven’t written more than three posts in a month and I’ve read even less. I have been up to my eyeballs in life, sometimes even more. So I understand where you are coming from – I like the idea of just writing. If you write it, they will come. Hang in there…. there is a season for everything under the sun.
It’s tough to find the time, isn’t it Clay? Life gets in the way. I’ve wondered some nights as I fall asleep finishing a post why we do this. But I think we have to, right? It’s just part of who we are.
I’ve enjoyed some incredible seasons, mate. I’m grateful for them all.
@Messy_Money tweeted about your post, and I was drawn in by the title. Glad to be here : ) I’ve never been at that high, so I haven’t experienced the ride down either. I haven’t been able to get my stats app up-and-running since December, and perhaps that’s a good thing. In any case, I think you’ve shown wisdom in your game plan: “What I’ll do is write.” All the best – and enjoy the ride – whatever part of the roller coaster you happen to be on : )
So glad she tweeted this – and that you came by. I look forward to checking out more of your blog – it’s on a topic that really hits close to home!
WordPress is great at giving up-to-the-minute stats – which is great and not so great. But I do want to be in touch with what works and doesn’t – not to be bound by it, but to consider it when I write. Thanks for the kind words and for the visit!
To be honest, I haven’t seen your post notifications recently. What is up with that?
I’m not sure what’s going on with that – maybe they’re going to spam? Also, I remember I had a reading favor to do for you that I dropped the ball on.
If it’s still there, can you resend it? I’m so sorry I forgot.
Great post, Eli! It resonates with me, as I imagine it would with any blogger. Just Write is the best antidote to this particular illness, I think you nailed it š Have fun in your Read folder!
Thank you. I think we all know the ups and downs. I can’t change who I am, but I can be more conscious that there’s a lot of words out here to read, you know? There’s good stuff in my read folder – your blog included!
i’m still here, eli and you can’t shake me,like an overzealous face-painted fan, always in stands, even in the rain. it seems that blog stats go up and down, just as the rest of life does, it’s a kind of natural rhythm and if you write and interact, it is bound to return once more.
That’s the way, beth, even if you’re wearing red (although blue would be better, for your lions). Thank you. The engagement and interaction is way more valuable than any metrics.
I’ve felt the same way. I would guess all bloggers do, from time to time. “Read. Comment. Connect, Keep on keeping on!” We all need a little kick in the ass once in a while…just keep on keeping on, as you said. Your blog is awesome.
Thanks, Tania. Not many of us are destined for dynasties, but that seems like a lot of work, doesn’t it?
Thanks for the kind words Tania … I love your blog too and will get back soon.
I think blogging, just like life, has its ebbs and flows.
One of the things I started doing when I’d been blogging for quite a while is go back and link to a post (if there was one) from five years ago. When I read the comments on that post, I’m amazed by the people who were frequent commenters back then who have fallen off the radar screen.
You’re right, Kathy. I also link to old posts, and sometimes pull one out of the cellar to share, and do notice the players back then.
Sometimes it seems like we work so hard and get next to nothing in return… Then there are the days we sit there and watch things roll on in… Very little rhyme or reason to a lot of life.
I guess that’s why we need poets WMD bloggers, right? š
To adapt my favorite quote: “Just keep writing.” That fish may not remember anything, but she sure is wise. Hang in there, Eli.
That’s why keywords and SEO seem to mean nothing to me here. I think headlines and sharing potential are key, but I’ve found that if you write something share-worthy (not everything we do, is), it’ll get shared.
This post, for instance. What irony – I’m getting pretty decent sharing and traffic from it. But it’s not something I’ll visit again. I’ll just keep telling the story from here and see what happens.
Dori rocks. I’d read her blog.
Although I don’t always comment I follow and read your blog with pleasure every time. I love your 6 words post but, I haven’t received any more e-mails from you with that post.
I think every blogger goes through times like this even the big ones š Keep on writing Eli!
Thanks Cristina, and I love your blog, too. I’m about to send you the prompt for 6 words. I wonder what it’s like for the mega stars who say, “I had only 7,000 hits today. What’s up with that?”
I have fewer than 300 followers. My average “views” is under 20! I understand the doubt and questions. You are wise to reevaluate the why and the what gave me passion before. You will find a new path that is stronger and sweeter, just as your voice grows stronger and sweeter. In the words of RedGreen, “Remember, we’re all in this together”! š
It’s all relative, isn’t it? We are all in this together, aren’t we? And you’ve been with me from the start.
I’m here and you know I just love you and your words. I admit I have been skimming and skipping a bit because I know we’ll catch up elsewhere. Life’s been…moving along. I’m trying to find a balance and keeping up with reading and visiting and commenting is an area I am still trying to tame.
You told me before to just keep on going, try some new things, read some new stuff, and it will all fall into place again. You were right. So do the thing you said to do.
Thanks Lisa – and I feel the same way about you and your words. Life runs at the same time as the blog, and sometimes they get along beautifully – other times, not so much.
The balance is the hard part. When I went to three times a week, I lost out on reading time.
I’m glad that helped you a little, the advice. I’ll take some of it for myself!
First of all, you have a lot of great comments here, so I’d say it is safe to say you are still quite relevant!
It takes a lot of time to write and promote…I think your litmus test should be you. If you are writing and happy, that is a winning statistic!!
The tribe here is top-notch for post-post engagement! Happy should be the measuring stick, shouldn’t it? This should never feel like a job. It’s a hobby!
And the ultimate winning stat. You’re right about that.
It happens. It’s the ebb and flow of #BlogLife. I’ve noticed similar things ’round my parts as well. I’m behind on my visits, and a few of my favorites have somehow dropped off my list, but I’ll be back around. Right now, I’m really hungry though for some reason. Kinda craving nachos…and guac!
It does, Rabia. And often, there’s no rhyme or reason. Maybe I should learn speed reading. I’m definitely behind on my visits to your place.
I knew the guac would come in handy. Pull up a chair, Rabia.
Hi, Eli. I saw this on Lisa – Meaning of Me share on Facebook. I’m not new to blogging, but I am very new to the social media promotion stuff. I enjoyed your guest post on Lisa’s blog awhile back and this post has some good info. I love the way you write and give examples – Elvis, Brett Favre, ET. You have your voice and in a way, I’m still looking for mine. I’m like a kid in a candy store when I read other blogs. I could write about this or that or I can do this or that. And so I do a little of everything.
Hi Val! Glad Lisa shared this and you found it. It’s tough to promote through social media, because there’s so much going on.
I’m grateful when I see someone’s taken the time to share, though. And I always want to share stuff I’ve read and loved.
Thanks for the kind words – you can see the influences of being a 70s baby/80s child/sportswriter has on my stuff!
Our voices are always evolving, and your search for yours is a great place to be. Words are better than candy.
You just don’t know where to start or stop. Thanks for stopping by.
I hear you, Eli. You and I chatted about this briefly, but I’m glad to see you wrote a post about it, because I think most bloggers can relate. I rarely look at my numbers anymore. It wouldn’t change what I do, or how I write, and I wouldn’t want it to.
I’d miss you if you weren’t here, and if I’m not here every time you post, I’ll be back.
Thanks, Dana. We all have lulls, don’t we? The good thing is, if you write something you’re proud of, and the clicks aren’t there the day you post, well, the words don’t go anywhere.
I love finding a blog and binging on it. If someone binges, your good dish will still be there. And it never goes bad.
We can’t really change how we do this, or we cease to be us. I’m glad you’re you. You’re one of my originals, and I’ll always find my way back to your blog.
Eli – Trust that what you write resonates…with someone somewhere. Its not always easy for anyone to click the “like” button, or leave a comment, unless they are already bloggers, or took the time to create a login for the purpose of commenting. Keep writing. The world may or may not like what you write or have time to let you know. That should never be a reason to stop. You only need your own acceptance and approval. š
You have stories to tell and I am quite sure from the ones I have read..someone (or lots of someones) is enjoying them! š
that’s the hope, isn’t it Carrie? I have to appreciate the reader I don’t know, too. I can’t *not* do this, this writing.
Thankful to have you around, Carrie.
Getting too hung up on the stats isn’t a great idea as it can make you miserable. I say keep doing what you do and enjoy it.
I agree, Nikki. That’s exactly what I’m going to do – just write and read and have fun.
Fear not, Eli. To paraphrase one of the best baseball movies of all time: If you write it, they will come.
Sort of. You know what I mean. Keep on writing, I know you’ve got a lot to say and even if I don’t comment all the time, I’m still reading.
I’m not afraid, Teri! Isn’t it ironic this post has the most traffic of a regular blog in quite a while?
I think we all just identify with it. Thanks for sticking with me, TB. I’ll be to your place soon.
I had to scroll through a heck of a lot of comments to ge to the “say what you need to say” so I’m hoping you’ve touched a nerve here! Me? Golly, I haven’t looked at my stats since … well I don’t know when. Keep writing, Bud!
It’s a good sign, right Kelly? I think we can all identify! I won’t stop looking at the stats, but even before this post, I was determined they wouldn’t drive this blog either way.
I’ll keep on keepin on, for sure.
I have been on a blog break for the most part since the last week of February. That’s reading and writing, with a few exceptions here and there (and here) . I started to feel bad about not giving time to the posts that required intelligent, thoughtful comments vs “Awesome!” Technically, I am off my self-imposed hiatus in one more week. I had hoped to have found a better way to organize everything in the meantime…but nope.
So, I will be back, and I will still complete the daily A to Z challenge in April; after that it’s going to be wait and see. I feel my time may be better spent reading y’all’s words than attempting to write myself, but that’s a decision I can make later.
I wondered where you’d been. I remember taking a week off of my blog, and I missed it a ton. It did me good. I don’t think I need that again. I just need to move away from middle-of-the-road topics and aim for the very wow. The stuff that matters to me most.
Your words, here there or anywhere, have been a big part of what I do. Thanks for sticking with me.
Being a dedicated blogger is hard work. I’ve only been an active blogger for a few months, and even I’ve experienced a lack of excitement in logging on to WordPress recently. Blogging has really turned into a routine for me and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. I love it here, but I still want to make sure I’m blogging for the right reasons and not because I feel like I have to. I must admit, not logging on to WordPress every five seconds was really nice while I was away over spring break. I think it’s absolutely fine to not be so active for a while. We miss you here in the blogosphere, but we also recognize that sometimes life outside of the blogosphere takes hold and is more important.
It’s a labor of love, isn’t it? I can’t say even as numbers dipped that I lost enthusiasm for it. Routine is important, but it should never feel like a chore.
I’m happy to say it hasn’t.
I like that you have that stipulation in how you blog, that you want to do it for the right reasons.
The words to me matter most, mine, yours, those in comments. As a sports guy, I can’t help but look at stats.
As a Rockies fan, I can’t help but *ignore* stats. Can you imagine? If I got hung up on Colorado being 12 games out of first place by June, baseball would be misery!
I love that Anais Nin quotation- so great! I don’t check my blog stats, perhaps that’s the key to not worrying? I know I have trouble keeping up with the wonderful blogs I want to read (heck, I even have trouble keeping up with writing posts for my blog on some months, haha!). I set aside two times a week to read all the blogs I love (yours included) but life invariably gets in the way (darn life!). But your core fan base will always be there, don’t worry, Eli!
I love that quote too – when I saw it on Tessa’s blog, I had to gank it. I don’t worry about stats as much as I notice them. I’ve stayed up late to finish a post, and thought, “maybe I should have just read a post or two and gone to sleep!”
I’m honored that my blog is in your loved category – I’ve loved yours for a while, too. Long as I have fingers, I’ll write. (If I don’t, a pencil in the mouth would suffice, too.)
Gank it- you’ve taught me a new phrase there!
I went to a rough high school, Letizia!
I’ve noticed a drop in daily visits but not really comments and really for me it is all about the sense of community so I don’t get too stressed.
I’m with you Kim – the community is what counts most. The sports fan in me can’t ignore stats, that’s all. And the analysis.
I’ll be doing this to the end.
That said, there’s an all-around slump. I’m seeing it everywhere and I’m glad people are talking about it. My Wednesday post is about it. I think everyone is exhausted for some reason. I love to blame winter, but not everyone here has winter, so I don’t really know. Maybe they’re exhausted about us talking about it? There are illnesses and spring breaks and vacation. Back to back. And that’s just the external stuff.
I imagine we all have our own internal exhaustions. I’m having one, actually.
You and me both, T.
So it’s everywhere? I can be a thing to talk about. Maybe it’s an inadvertent 1000 voices of ghost town.
Maybe it’s an abundance of good reads and a deficit of enough time to read them. It’s probably a natural progression that has played out in nature.
There could be smashed fingers and broken laptops. New loves and old hurts. All of it plays a role in the clicks and comments and visits.
Is it good or bad that we can write through internal exhaustion? Because I know internal exhaustion and it’s okay. I don’t like the thought of internal exhaustion without writing.
Hey, I’m a new reader, and I’ve just showed up. I mean, I’m just one, but there’s that.
I’m glad you’re here, Amy. And I consider that better than any metric.
It’s okay that times are slower, I really wish life itself would slow down. I have weeks were I don’t sign in to read blogs much less write on my own because I am so busy with life overall and while I have a million thoughts running through my head that I want to share, when the time comes to actually put them to paper, I am drawing nothing but blanks.
I love your blog and I may read a weeks worth of your posts all in one day, I love your blog!!!
Life ought to have time built in for reading, shouldn’t it? Do you keep a notes file for post ideas and vignettes?
Who found who? Either way, I’m glad we were found. Not only for the words you write, but the comments, too, and participation in the 6 words posts.
If you count my notes app on my phone – then yes I do. I should create a post based off that alone. That may make for some light, humor for one to read.
See that? That would be cool. I always consider comments I leave on other blogs, too. Is there a post in there somewhere? Often, there is – and I can link back to that post when I write it.
Perfect timing to join the AtoZ blogging challenge. Every Mon-Sat in April we blog about a different letter of the alphabet A on the April 1, b on April 2 etc. It’s fun, challenging, gets you writing shorter, quicker posts and generally attracts new followers. Here’s the link: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-to-z-challenge-sign-uplist-2015.html This will be my 4th time. There are over 1000 bloggers already. If I met you there, sorry for the repeat.
I admire those who take that challenge on! In fact, I just signed up. Not only did I just sign up, I also mapped out the entire month! B is for Breakfast and R is for Rum, for instance.
Thanks for the tip, Rhonda. Anyone want to join us?
Thinking about it – sounds like a fun challenge!
I got it all mapped out y todo.
Mate! The doldrums have set in, just ride it out. You’ll be back in the raging brine, storms and tempests of the good ship Coach Daddy before you know it. Now that the nautical rant is over I hear your pain. So many followers, so little interaction has always intrigued me. I used to visit everyone on my blog list every week, not for reciprocal visits but to be friendly. After a period of time though you realise that not everyone pops in. I have a core group who always comment and or like. My numbers are way down because I now only post once a week, The pressure of keeping contact dragged me down. When I first started blogging I used to get excited when I got spam. Oh the joy.
Cheers
Laurie.
I don’t feel any different, mate, there’s just more open tables, that’s all. And that’s not a bad thing. I’m getting a chance to get out and explore a little.
Pressure shouldn’t be in the equation, right mate? Fellowship ought to be.
That’s good Mate. Sometimes we can get so caught up in this whole blogging thing, to the point where it controls our lives. You’re right, there shouldn’t be any pressure at all. Communicating, meeting new folk getting to see how others live, that’s what it’s all about.
It’s how I found you, after all. So how bad could it be?
You have a valid point there Mate. The world works in mysterious ways.
I think blogging – and the inspiration to do – ebbs and flows, but sorry to feel you’ve hit a bit of a bleh moment in the life of your space online. I’ve always enjoyed reading your blog and your approach to life generally, so I hope you find your groove again.
I laughed a bit when you commented on the 100 views a day marker – we blog in different worlds, those are great days for me and I usually am happy well under that stat with a bit of commentary back and forth to feel I’ve been heard and read and am, well, not alone in whatever it is I’m feeling on a particular day. You (very clearly) aren’t either – hope the visions of Vegas Elvis in any sort of comparative light are short-lived.
I noticed numbers first, then had to look at what I was writing – and I was avoiding some of the heart matters I used to take on. Not consciously.
it’s all relative, right, for numbers? I’ll tell you this: One night, in an hour, I got more than 200 visits – just because a popular blogger posted a guest blog of mine. Just the curiosity alone looked better than my above-average days!
Keep the ball rolling, Coach! Hugz Źā¢Ģį“„ā¢ĢŹć£
Will do Pat – thanks for stopping in!
I think it happens to all of us. Well not so much me, I like my little stats but heck I’m short anyway š I think if you stick with your voice, the stats will continue to grow. I would rather think you lost a lot of SPAM rather than muscle š
I’m reminded with every comment like yours of whose blogs I have missed. The stats are the structural part of this, the art is in the writing and interaction.
I like the idea of losing spam! There have been sites who follow me, and when I try to follow back, they don’t exist.
I think the second we stop writing for ourselves and begin writing for stats WE die a little. I speak from experience on this one. Never want to be there again. Never.
With blessings,Eli,
Dan
Absolutely. I’ll never sell out to stats, or selling out, for that matter. I will look, though. It’s a guy’s nature to look.
Oh boy, I needed to read this. When I first started blogging a little more than a year ago, my blog was really fast to grow, but for last few months, my numbers have more or less plateaued. I still like to write, and I’m keeping to my regular posting schedule, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a thrill to watch my blog numbers grow in the beginning.
Glad you stopped by, V. I know there are level-out periods, and I’ve had those, but the past couple of months have seen distinct dips.
The optimist in me says if numbers keep sagging, it’ll set a new low bar that I can hopefully someday crush.
Keep calm and carry on š
It’s late, and I can’t write a straight sentence. Just wanted to say HI.
Love you and your blog!
Will do, TG! I write my straightest sentences when it’s late. Or maybe I just think they’re straight at this hour.
Much love right back to you.
Right now I’m struggling with finding the words that I used to find. I’m still in my first year of blogging so I’m learning a lot. Thanks for the inspiring words.
I definitely have some ideas that have worked for me when writing was the issue. That first year is crucial, I think.
I’ll check out your blog, and if you want to, feel free to use the email on my comment if you want to know some of those ideas! Great to meet you here, Melissa.
Eli,
I wish I had time to read all the blogs I love and leave thoughtful comments every time, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But please know this: I am still here and I am still a huge fan! And I would wager to bet there are a couple hundred people out there just like me who feel exactly the same way about CD who you’ll never see or hear a peep from. Faith brother.
You’re right – just not enough hours, and I can’t possibly get to all the posts I want to and still hold a job! Or eat. Or sleep.
I will always keep the faith. I need to write quicker and read more. That’s the part that’s been out of balance.
And I appreciate your faith more than you know!
well, I’ve enjoyed a bit of a break myself. sometimes it’s necessary; some times it’s just wise.
I’ve never really got in the habit of checking my stats/numbers: ebb and flow is just a part of life and I rather enjoying the sound of waves coming and going.
I may be gone for awhile; but I’ll never be able to quit you. š
I can’t imagine another break! Especially because I just signed up for the A-Z challenge in April. The stats are there, and I look in the morning, because, sports fan.
But they do no dictate what I do. Plus, if you never quit me, Rore, why would I ever change?
I definitely don’t want another forced break due to loved ones in the hospitals! if everyone I love can just stop having medical emergencies, that would be swell.
The A-Z challenge!!? you are brave.. I couldn’t handle that right now.
I hope, Rore, that the exercise will make me more efficient in writing.
Thanks to time hop, I read one of my posts the other night from three years ago that made me sit straight up in my bed, like wow – I wrote that? I think we change with the seasons but we donāt necessarily get back what we had when the seasons change and roll back in again. I think I try to hard to be who I was and maybe Iām just in different place. I guess consistency keeps the readers but I definitely donāt have that. So I might get a new subscriber when Iāve written something funny and lose one when Iāve written something inspirational. What we have to do like you said is WRITE and donāt worry about stats and metrics.
Right now I have 124 unread blogs in my reader. I may get to a handful. I clicked on you today through the literacy blog hop. I liked your title, and the little worried monkey. Didnāt even know it was you until I got here. š
Hi, great post. I also wanted to let you know you were the most clicked on Literacy Musing Mondays this week. Thanks for linking up with us and hope you keep coming back.
Thanks Mary, and welcome. Great news – that’s awesome! I’d love to come back again – there were some awesome posts linked up. Thanks again!