I did this once last year, and it remains one of my all-time favorite posts. Not because I was especially profound in my verbiage {unlikely} or because I used the most scenic photos. Rather, it was my favorite post because I got to know a little bit about you guys; the ones who read this blog; the ones who listen to me yammer on and on; the loyal readers who have been with me for years.
Because that’s how blog world all began, right? People took to the World Wide Web with their fingers on the keyboard, telling stories and documenting who-knows-what for the unknown internet masses. Some of those blogs are still with us today {hello! almost 11 years at this point!} but many more have disappeared to the darkest corners of the blogosphere, right along with MySpace and AOL chatrooms.
And as blog world continues to change {a topic I have oh-so-many thoughts on}, we all change with it. One of the biggest trends I’ve seen over the past 1-2 years is the lack of comments. Circa 2009-2010, comments were the jam. I comment on your blog, you comment on mine. Oh, that blog must be popular because they have 300 comments! Want to grow your blog? Comment on Hungry Runner Girl or Skinny Runner and you’ll get so many followers when her readers see your name!
Truthfully, I’m glad those types of comments are gone because it was all so silly. But on the flipside, I don’t get to know any of my readers through the comments anymore. No one really comments these days {unless I strike a nerve, a la last week’s post}, and I get it. Personally, I rarely do myself. I’m busy; you’re busy; we’re all busy. I love reading blogs, but I don’t frequently take the time to leave any thoughts in the comments. Click on the X and on to the next story.
Once per year, I aim to change that. It worked out really well last year and I loved reading notes from readers all over the country and the world. It gave me snippets of info to tie to your name when you commented later in 2015. I really mean it when I say that I value my readers and enjoy learning bits about your life.
So, it’s time to come out of hiding for 2016!
Who are you? Where do you live? Why do you like reading my blog? {Or maybe I’m a hate read for you? That’ll sting…..but okay} I would love to hear from my readers just this once, before you go back into internet hiding….
…..for another year.
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