A couple of things before you go
I’d like to say a couple of things before you go.
What’s that? You’re not going anywhere? Don’t be so sure.
About a year ago I decided to start worrying less about what others might think about my writing and more about what I wanted to get out of my writing.
As a result, two things happened.
First, I rediscovered my passion for writing. And second, my readership plummeted. Okay, plummeted is an overstatement as it implies I had a large readership to begin with - which I did not - but I it sure feels like it plummeted.
Anyway, here’s a screenshot from Alexa showing my overall traffic for the last 3 years:
And I’m not only losing visitors, but mailing list subscribers as well. Here’s a screenshot from FeedBlitz for the last 7 days:
Notice I’ve lost 7 subscribers and only gained 1 (maybe 2 if that yellow guy ever confirms his opt in request). Again, these numbers are only from the last 7 days but they’re typical of how things have been going lately.
So don’t be so sure about your sticking around here. Maybe they know something you don’t. Or maybe, something else is going on.
My judgment is probably impaired from all the Diet Pepsi Max I’ve been drinking lately, but I’m excited about this. Really.
Though the trend numbers don’t look good at this point, judging from some of the feedback I’ve been getting both on and off this blog something very interesting is happening.
Whereas my readers used to stop by and give me nice little pats on the head - no cash, mind you, just pats - now they’re actually doing something as a result of what I’ve written.
Granted, many of them are leaving and some are even kicking me on their way out. But many of you that are sticking around are also taking action by sending me some of the most encouraging - and sometimes even embarrassing - feedback I’ve ever received.
Mark Twain said he could live a week off of a good compliment. If that’s true, I’m good for a couple of more years at least. And for that, I cannot thank you enough.
Still, if the love affair fades and the trend continues as is, that’s fine, too. As I said, I’ve rediscovered my passion for writing and that’s something I was afraid I might never get back.
Either way, I plan to keep blogging here until every reader has been served. Or until the Diet Pepsi Max wears off. Whichever comes first.
Oh, I was going to tell you one more thing. See that little button below that says “Behind the Blog”? Click it.
Posted on Friday, March 14, 2008 at 05:56 PM
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(9) Reader Comments about A couple of things before you go
Jan says...
Informative and entertaining as ever. And so well written!
No chance of losing me as a reader any day soon, Blair.
What’s more, I sometimes even re-read old posts I pasted in a Word-document, as well as studying The Forbidden Keys!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and expertise, as it often gets this lazy guy thinking.
Jan, The Netherlands
Posted on 03/14/2008 at 07:50 PM
Michael D. Walker says...
Hi Blair,
Love the behind the blog feature! Now I want one…
As for readership, well, hate to break the news to you this way but you’re stuck with me as a reader even after the Diet Pepsi Max wears off.
Thanks for keeping it honest~
Michael
Posted on 03/14/2008 at 08:17 PM
John Thomas says...
Blair,
To tell you the truth, I left the building a long time ago. I’m just a pigment of your imagination. Specifically, a burnt orange.
(You knew I had to make some smart-butt comment, didn’t you?)
So, when was that next book coming out again?
- John
Posted on 03/14/2008 at 09:00 PM
Scott Jones says...
Blair, I love the mind massages, so keep ‘em comin’. A little lower, to the right… yeesss, right there!
Posted on 03/14/2008 at 09:23 PM
ellen says...
I really hate giving compliments, I always worry that I’m sucking up to an authority figure and that is a red flag to me.
But the stuff that you put out and encourage people to think about and comment on is really important in a world where hype and spin is so prevalent.
It takes far more effort to consider these issues than to go along with the current consensus.
Thinking for yourself is arduous and painful and has always been a minority sport (and probably the most extreme and dangerous sport of all) which might account for your dwindling readership. Most of us would rather throw away our own lives than be out of step with the majority view.
So keep writing for yourself and the few who are awake enough to appreciate it.
I’ll read it because it is unusual and refreshing and vital and reminds me, in the face of the daily onslaught of cr*p that attempts to persuade us otherwise, how important it is to question everything.Posted on 03/15/2008 at 02:18 AM
Jurgen Wolff says...
Blair, For at least as long as I match every one of your Diet Pepsi Max with a Red Bull, I’ll be hanging in.
Posted on 03/15/2008 at 02:56 AM
Jane says...
Hi Blair,
Unfortunately for you, or maybe it`s unfortunate for me but you can`t lose me because I respect honesty.
As I see it, seeking pats on the head means you want other peoples approval and that means other people have control over you and your life. Its like being on a wheel which you can`t get off because the inner sense of emptiness which comes from seeking approval ensures that you have to keep doing it in order that your sense of self survives. It is so sad because we lose our authentic self and any genuine contribution we might have to offer to the world.
I am very gald for you that you have rediscovered your love of writing - I think I can understand how it must feel, because for me it would be like living my life on purpose
Jane from London
Posted on 03/15/2008 at 02:58 AM
Greg says...
Blair, keep swinging. I admire your dedication. I also admire that you determined you have a passion for writing and went after it. To be a photographer, take photos. To be a guitarist, play the guitar. To be a writer, write. Write, my friend, write. I’m a reader, so I’ll read.
Posted on 03/15/2008 at 06:56 AM
Blair Warren says...
Thank you all for your encouragement and compliments. To borrow and bend a phrase from my all-time favorite film, The Jerk:
I don’t want to say how much your support means to me, but let’s just say it’s a lot!
Posted on 03/16/2008 at 08:31 AM
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