A couple of things before you go

by Blair Warren

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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For more information visit www.BlairWarren.com