Which is more important – blogging or life?
I used to post at least twice a week, sometimes more if those burning ideas came to me. At that time, I had a good 9-to-5 job with enough down time that I could jot ideas onto sticky notes, or (if the boss was away) maybe even upload a post.
But apparently God is against me these days. The closet desk at my new job is open to view by anyone walking by and has a gigantic computer monitor, so no way would I attempt accessing WordPress at work. Even if I had any down time. Which I don’t. I’m lucky just to get a lunch hour.
Consequently, I’m limited to weekend posting.
Hence the subject of today’s post —
My stats have dropped dramatically. Some days I don’t even get double-digit views. (Yet, my follower number continues to climb – that discrepancy is something I haven’t been able to figure out.)
Anyway.
I know readers have busy lives of their own, and I know that the minute the published-post frequency declines, WordPress stops highlighting a blogger in the Reader. Very new, baby bloggers are highlighted, presumably as a way to push them out into the blogosphere – and extremely well-established and prolific bloggers are highlighted, presumably as a way to suck up (well, except for really huge bloggers like Opinionated Man– his readership is so big that the WordPress deities are afraid of him).
But those of us in the middle? Just like being middle income in the good old USA, we are the forgotten class.
At least, that’s my opinion, and I’m sticking with it.
So, where is anyone? Don’t you all love me any more? Aren’t you all sitting eagerly by your computers just waiting for my Saturday or Sunday post? Why am I here, if not to entertain you?
(Oh, lordy – Not CM, get out of my head and off my computer!)
Anyway.
Part of my recent publication dirth is caused by my inability to go out and take photos to go with posts, and I must have photos with my posts. Before-work photography is not an option, lunch time is spent running home to let Puppy Cody out and cram some cheese and deli turkey into my mouth, and after work, there are just too many other duties. Never mind, that it’s starting to get dark earlier now.
Weekend photography is all that’s left. Some weekends. however, are filled with unexpected events that preclude photo shoots.
But no more excuses. I intend to start making every effort to somehow come up with ideas and photos (even if I have to go back to borrowing pictures from other photographers).
I will get my readers back.
COMING HOME
Now, I just need some ideas. Anyone got some they can send my way? What would you like me to write about?
Anyone want to guest post for me? Just send me an email. I love my guest posters.
(and now I’m all worn out again – this blogging thing is soooo hard!)
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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post, comment on my Facebook or Twitter pages, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
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Images by Cordelia’s Mom
Cordelia's Mom, Still 
This reader is still here. 😊
I’d guest post. Have any subject matter in mind?
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I’d love to have you guest post – you have a dog and a teddy bear! 🙂 Pretty much any subject is ok, except for pornography or poetry (I know, that’s an odd combination). Whenever you get a draft post ready, just send it to me (in Word format) at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com . Include photos if you can, but if the photos aren’t your own work, be sure they are Creative Commons or non-copyrighted, and included links to the original photo site. I’m looking forward to getting your draft, I know it’s going to be excellent!
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No ideas for more posts, but I actually have more time to read bloggers on the weekend, since I don’t get paid if I’m not producing. No boss to pay me while I whittle away my days on the web. So, I may actually read more posts in a more timely manner, since the ones that come in during the week that I put aside to “read later” often get lost.
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Thanks! But in your case, I somehow don’t think it makes much difference whether I post during the week or on weekends – you always seem to find me, and you know how much I appreciate that. Give Mehitabel a hug from Cody.
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it’s kind of a slow month. I figure it all goes in cycles.
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It has been a slow month, and I think it was probably slow round this time last year, too. I just get nervous when those views start dropping, especially when my posts have become sporadic. So afraid of losing readership! Good to know you’re still here, Jim. Thanks!
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I have been able to gather a lot of photos while walking our dog. Maybe Puppy Cody can help you find some interesting sights. In any case, I still get your email notifications and I’m not going anywhere.
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Thanks, Dan. I never had any doubt about your loyalty – here or on Flickr.com! I think now that the fall colors are coming in (and it’s not so hot!), I’ll make more of an effort to get out there and take some pictures.
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I think the heat had a big effect. It’s still hot here but heading into a week of 70s
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I still love you. I think the time period around the end of Summer and when it isnt Christmas is a
low-point in productivity and communications. In Seattle, to completely rip-off and misquote the Narnia Chronicles, this time of year it is always Yucky Fall; but never Delightfully Cold Christmas. So, this may apply only to be. I think vssomethingspeaks just told me the other day that she was bored and looking for something else to add to her list. Perhaps there is something she can find to do with her red squirrel-imposter pal. And, she has a friend, who impersonates a darling girl animal on social media. The friend lives in North America; in a a state that starts with a “V”. She does interesting stuff professionally; it kind of conflicts. She is loads of fun and makes beautiful tomato tarts this time of year. Perhaps vv might ask her for a picture and the recipe. Or better yet, she might share an old Fezbook post. Off to Whirl.
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Thanks, Candy. I know Vicky still reads this blog, as well as my FB page, so I’m sure she’ll be weighing in, too. I love the way my loyal readers are taking time to reassure me. You’re the best!
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And here I am!
Still loving your blog (And Not CM as well)
Am happy to do a guest blog – not that I have much of a following 🙂
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Please – send me a guest post! On anything you wish, Vicky. I know it will be wonderful.
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I’ll email you something soon 🙂
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I’m here, I’m here!
Worry not and get settled into the job.
I’d love to hear all the scandal from there!!
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Thanks, Jean. I’m sure there will be lots of good stories coming out of that office the longer I’m there.
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I’ve no doubt there will!
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As a new follower I can’t pat myself on the back for being loyal to you. I will say that some of my favorite bloggers are those who post infrequently. I prefer quality over quantity. I hate reading big long posts full of poorly-thought-out fill material, day after day. Just post when the inspiration hits you, even if it’s only once a month. Maybe you’ll be surprised with how quickly the View stats shoot up on those rare post days.
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Or I can just use a post title like “My Balls Are Bigger Than Yours” and gets tons of views – only to amuse the readers when all they see is a photo of some basketballs next to some tennis balls. 🙂 People are so silly!
PS: I was very pleased to note that you had begun following me. You’re excused from the loyalty requirement since you’re so new, but I’m sure you’ll become loyal in time. (pats own self on back)
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I owe NCM a post but between computer problems and hospitals I’m behind. Apologies.
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Please, Paul, take care of your health first! Not CM can wait, as can everyone else on here. Should you need some encouragement along the way, you know my email address. Hugs, my friend.
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I can give you MY take on it. Most people, including me, only visit when we get some kind of notification that there’s a new post. So if you used to post 7 times a week and now, only once, even if every follower visits you each time you post, you will only have 1/7 the number of views you had before.
When I post 1 or 2 posts rather than my typical three (two photo, one more or less writing), the numbers drop by about 1/3. No matter what anyone says, the number of views is directly linked to the number of posts, unless you are one of the famous people who have millions of followers. The rest of us, even with the most loyal fans, will only have traffic if we publish something. Otherwise, well, I’m so overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I’m committed to doing and don’t have the time to do, it will take me a few weeks to notice that I haven’t been getting notifications. I’ve been posting less … and getting fewer views as a result. I’ve decided I don’t care. Much. Also, I’ve been recruiting other people to write regularly because I really can’t keep up this pace on my own. Even with help, I think I can’t keep it up. I’m surprised anyone who works full time manages to blog at all.
But it isn’t that we don’t love you. We love you. A lot!
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Thanks for putting it all in perspective, Marilyn. You are right, of course. My views on days a post publishes haven’t changed, just the overall weekly and monthly views. And my follower count has been climbing quite quickly the last few weeks – who knows why, but I’m pleased. I remember when 2 views in one day were exciting! As for you, you know I read every post you publish, no matter how far between, and the people who have been taking up the slack for you are excellent, too. No real fear of your readership dropping!
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I miss your more frequent posts but if it helps, I will click on your blog every day to help keep your numbers up.
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Sure, as if you don’t have anything better to do – um, like raising kids and treating patients. If I get desperate, I can go on my tablet or my husband’s laptop, or my kids’ computers (maybe even the work computer, if no one’s looking), and drive up those views. I might even be able to then convince myself that those stats are accurate.
You’re so sweet, Victo. I love how you jumped right in with a solution. If you ever need me to, I’ll return the favor – but somehow I suspect that your readership is never going to drop, even for a day.
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Oh, it does drop. I was averaging 220 likes for post there about 6 months ago ish
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Dang. Hit reply too early. Now I am getting 160-180. So many friends have stopped blogging. It makes me sad.
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Well, gee, that really doesn’t help. I have never, ever gotten that many likes on any one post. (reaches for nearest wine bottle …)
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I know. It seems silly to complain, doesn’t it? But rest assured that no matter how many readers you have, you will never outgrow those feelings of vulnerability.
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I hear you. But I got a new follower just two minutes ago, so I’m feeling good right now. I may catch up to you yet.
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I hope you do! 🙂
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On a normal day when I publish a few posts, it’s between 250 and 350, but sometimes for no apparent reason it spikes or drops. I have learned to not worry about it an neither should you. The overall “view” count is less important that how engaged your followers are. Do they comment? Do they really read what you write or just click “like” and move on? I sometimes just click “like” if I’m pressed for time or really just don’t have anything to say, but I try to comment. But sometimes, I just don’t have time. Some weeks are busier than others … and I’m NOT working, so I don’t know how you do it.
It’s hard to break yourself of trying to understand what the stats mean. Eventually you will realize they don’t mean very much. And aren’t very accurate, either.
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Actually, Marilyn, my readers are pretty engaged. The percentage of comments I get when compared to the total readership is relatively high. But damn, it’s so hard to NOT pay attention to the stats – I do the same think with my Flickr account, and then I get upset when the views on my Flickr photos is way higher than my views on WordPress. Guess I do have that competitive gene that I always thought wasn’t part of me!
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These days, the only time I look is when it’s unusually up or down. If it’s anything close to normal, I ignore it and I don’t check. It’ll make you crazy. One day I got 1000 hits and it turn out that 800 of them were my son’s friends looking at HIS pictures which I had published THREE YEARS AGO. It really WILL make you crazy.
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My stats have been all over the place lately but I’m still here and you still come up in my reader! Keep at it, Cody pictures welcome!
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Ah, yes, Cody pictures. Those always drive the views up! Now if I can just get her to do something especially cute …
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Whatever works for you — don’t sweat it!
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Thanks, Elyse. Apparently what works for me is whining – I’ve had a dramatic increase in views today, and a lot of people aren’t even online yet. Who woulda known?
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Change sucks!
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Lots of my favorite bloggers have quit, not sure why. It might be this time of year ? Any way, I’m so happy with the conversations generated in the comments…that’s gold to me. So much more valuable than stats, which I never really trusted anyway. Hang in there, CM, we’re still here. ☺
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A lot of us just get tired and stale. Sometimes we take a break and come back. Some people just drift away. But it’s usually just loss of interest or energy.
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Some leave because of illness. I know one blogger who disappeared and then her son came online and said that she had died. I felt really bad about that.
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I’ve been watching too much MidSomer Murder. I’m expecting everyone to wind up a headline.
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Some of the bloggers I especially admired when I first started have left, as well as some whom I considered to be my new online friends. Just the nature of the beast, I guess. I’m not going anywhere, I just felt a need to gripe. And I’ll repeat what I said just a few weeks ago – my readers are awesome! Thanks for the continuing support, Van.
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I don’t follow or understand stats very well. They don’t seem true. Or somethin, I dunno, cause numbers and whatnot.
You write, I’ll read. I write anyway. Blogging is half my sanity, I swear.
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Blogging helps keep me sane, too, Joey. I wish blogging had existed when my kids were little. It would have been nice to know that moms in other parts of the country, even in other parts of the world, were going through the same highs and lows I did as a young mother.
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I could not agree more.
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I love ya.
Stats are weird. I once had over 25 pages viewed from places all over the world – and one visit. SO stats aren’t always on the spot.
Don’t worry, your faithful are still here. I have some people occasionally follow blog I discontinued two years ago.
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I love ya, too, Al. I know stats are weird. I mean, how is it that I got more new followers today than I had views. How the heck did they find me if they didn’t even see the blog? Sure, they could have seen one of my comments on someone else’s blog, but wouldn’t they have to click through to follow my blog? Very confusing.
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I think WordPress hamsters pick up stats and throw them in the air. I have just over 2½ thousand readers of my blog according to the stats, and yet I have less than 100 like each post with the exception of the About Me.
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Ha! I like the way the stats change depending on which WP page you use to look at them, the new stats page or the old WP Admin page. Drives me nuts!
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Don’t LOOK!
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Yes, ma’am.
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Hey I’m reading and listening. The reader count goes up because people randomnly hit follow in hopes that you’ll follow them back. But you know, life is pretty crazy, you just roll with it.
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Thank you, Trent. I remember when I “met” you over on Art’s site. I’m glad you followed me then and are still following me now, and I’m glad you didn’t follow just to boost your own readership (not that you would ever need to).
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Meh… I have a very small readership, but I love the people I interact with. It’s not about the numbers for me, I get some awesome feedback from some people out there on the drivel I write, and I hope I give back some in return. Keep at it, all right? I’ll be reading.
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And I’ll be reading you – and writing. Not ready to give it up just yet.
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I read directly from the Reader with some reluctance to go further than that (time is money, and money is time), and I wonder if the Reader even computes into the view count. That, and RSS feeds, reading from mail but not visiting— considering the time it takes to load the page or data costs over mobile. There are a number of possible reasons. If the number of Likes for a post ever exceeds views, you’ll know that the WP view count is unreliable. (It probably isn’t.)
Recently, I found just how few people show when a post fails to show up in the reader. It was due to a glitch in Publishing between dates (the post “slug” was put on the previous day). So I rescheduled, and the numbers totaled out like normal.
Anyway. I’m glad I followed your lovely blog; pictures or not, I’m always curious what you posted. 🙂
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I’m pretty sure that people viewing a post through the Reader don’t count in the stats unless they actually click through to the post itself. For all I know, there could be a million people reading my stuff (I wish) but WP just isn’t counting them. I’m glad you followed me, too – people who take the time to comment are especially appreciated.
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Hi CM, don’t get ecSTATic over the stats. I still love you and your blog. So, hang in there and keep blogging!(♡ ὅ ◡ ὅ )ʃ♡
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Thanks, NBC
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My stats are super weird lately too. I tend to care about them WAY more than I should. I am still here though, no worries. I would be happy to Guest Post for you if you are interested. Let me know what you want me to write about 🙂
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Absolutely, I would love you to guest post. Any subject is pretty much ok. Just email a draft whenever you want, in Word format, to cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com and if you want pictures send those, too. If they’re not your own pictures, be sure to include links to the original source. I’ll look forward to it.
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Don’t get discouraged. Stats are unreliable and nutty right now – who knows what is going on -( not to mention the people who read “private” and leave no tracks). And so many have stopped blogging – only to be replaced by businesses and people with products/services to peddle just traveling around “liking” and subscribing to build their viewership.
When I post, stats are pretty normal, if I take a break, they go down and it’s a bit to go back up as you let people know you are blogging again. Reading and commenting on other blogs will build stats, but it’s time consuming and honestly, I like to read and comment because the post is intriguing, not just leave a one word comment to ask for a pity return visit HA HA
I’ve just given up on the stats thing. Just going with the fun chatting with bloggers I enjoy
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I’m with you all the way. I only comment on posts that have given me a reason to comment, and if I click “like” it’s because I enjoyed the post but maybe don’t have a comment because everyone else already said what I’d say. I never “like” a post for the sake of getting return views, nor do I automatically go look at the blogs of everyone who has “liked” one of my posts. I wish I could totally ignore the stats – blogging for the fun of it should be enough! – but I’m afraid it’s a wee flaw in my personality. Ah well.
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We’re all secret stat addicts….
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Sometimes, I really don’t HAVE anything to say. I just don’t. Except “nice picture” or “good post” and somehow, that seems … you know. Lame.
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Not lame. I’m quite content with receiving those types of comments, especially from those readers I know are being sincere. I do that, too. Sometimes, I want to leave a comment but can’t think of a long one, and I don’t want to simply click “like” so I just say something like “Awesome post!” Sometimes on more serious posts, I might comment “Amen.” Anything, just to let the other blogger know I’ve read and appreciated the post.
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I get email notifications and come by to read as soon as I am able… I’ll take whatever you can manage dear…
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I’ve never doubted your loyalty. Hope all is well up there in that foreign country. 🙂
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