It doesn’t matter what we are doing, consciously or not, we all seem to set ourselves arbitrary milestones. Some decide on them in advance, creating a deliberate goal that is as firmly fixed as a guiding star, others simply recognise them in passing, but whether it is a chosen goal or a surprise, we will nod in its direction, acknowledging its presence as we pass.
Blogging is no different. Some are professional in their approach and goals; they start with a definite purpose and the numbers matter because they generate revenue through advertising or paid services. Others are writers building the obligatory platform from their garret and who find, in the discipline of blogging, a tool with which to hone their craft. Yet others blog for the love of it… for pleasure or to share a passion or viewpoint, to highlight a cause or just because they can. For all who blog there is also the chance to connect with people from almost every nation; people we would not otherwise have met, even in the virtual world.
Whatever the reasons for creating a blog and no matter how much they change and evolve over time, there is always a first… in fact, a series of ‘firsts’ that are, inevitably, milestones. Some are the result of our own efforts, others are dependant upon other people and are out of our control. We can only ever hope that they will happen, but unless we put fingers to keyboard and keep on typing, we can be sure that they never will.
Blogging, like any form of writing, is all about people. It is the reader who gives life and vibrancy to the written word and it is they who hold the power to imagine the magic into whatever they read. It is the reader who ultimately holds the key to a writer’s excitement. It is here that the ubiquitous OMG effect comes into play, regardless of the actual words or expletives chosen. As I personally do not speak in acronyms, mine tend towards the more colourful. However, it always begins, especially to the technologically challenged, in the same way…
“OMG, I actually managed to set up A Blog!” These words are generally spoken in uppercase. Well, they were by me…
Then you have the inevitable next step… that first foot in the public world of blogging. It may not be a very good step… I know mine wasn’t… but it is another milestone.
“OMG, I managed to publish A Post!” This one may be followed after an indeterminate delay by, “OMG, someone liked it!” It may actually knock you off your feet if you can follow up rapidly with, “…someone I don’t even know!”
Encouraged by being noticed by at least one total stranger, you may publish a second, perhaps more considered post. You now have a voice that can be heard…in theory at least. In my case, it was heard by a whole six people in my first year! I didn’t write much… I had no purpose to begin with. I wrote a bit more the second year, but it wasn’t until the third year of blogging, with the books and the birth of the Silent Eye, that I found a direction.
Then there were the other firsts. The innocent, “OMG someone is following me!” Experience will teach you that, of the followers you acquire while blogging, only a handful actually do… especially if, by this time, you have begun to explore the alternate universe of Twitter. But the ones who come back, time after time, leaving the calling card of a ‘like’ or eliciting an “OMG, I got a comment!”, they are the ones who may become real friends.
If you are lucky, you may one day be able to bounce up and down to the tune of, “OMG, I got reblogged!” or even, “OMG, someone wants to interview me!” Maybe I am just weird, but I found all those ‘firsts’ incredibly exciting. After a few more years of blogging, I still do. Which is just as well, because I would hate to get blasé and lose the sense of excitement.
In the early days the stats may hold an endless fascination and you may watch every number. I can remember quite clearly the gobsmacking awe with which I reached two-figure ‘likes’ and eventually “OMG a hundred followers!” You don’t pay quite as much attention later on… it is more important that there are real people, not just numbers, who find something of value in what you write and share. Even so, “OMG, five thousand WordPress followers!” drew more than an ‘OMG’ today… even better, some of you have been with me since the earliest days of the blog. And that is exciting.
“For all who blog there is also the chance to connect with people from almost every nation; people we would not otherwise have met, even in the virtual world.”
This is the greatest privilege of all!
It makes blogging precious beyond words. You find soul mates across the word.
How amazing is that?
LikeLiked by 6 people
For me that is truly the greatest guft blogging has brought, Cindy, and there are many.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember each of those steps. I remember the first time I got TEN VIEWS! I remember when I was first reblogged, when I was ‘Freshly Pressed,’ when I broke 100,000 views. But really what I most remember is when I realized I had made an impact on someone’s life. That was a big deal, but it was also sobering. Because if I was actually affecting lives, then I had to be careful, responsible, thoughtful. That was also when blogging stopped being ONLY fun, when it became a bit more like a job. With very flexible hours and an understanding boss. Blogging was no longer something I could throw together without a thought for possible consequences.
In a world where irresponsible talk seems to have become normal and acceptable, I have become increasingly cautious. I know what we say matters. Everything we put out there changes the world, even if only minutely. Maybe we matter more than we will ever know and influence more people than we imagine.
You have changed me. I know I have changed other people. It’s a chain and we are all links.
And I’m so very very glad for all the friends I’ve made and all the things I’ve learned from this great chain of people with whom i communicate all over this world. It means more than I ever thought possible.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, Marilyn, I agree. We do frget sometimes that every word we write does change the world, just by being there, let alone by the otential it has to be read and perhaps cretae a space for change for others. The changing is, as you say, a chain reaction… and the more you read of other people’s thoughts, the mor fuelyou have for your own fire of inner change and illumination. Any writer has a responsibility to themselves and to their readers to think about their words and how they may impact the reader, as well as how they might be read and interpreted. I don’t think that means we have to change what we write, but we become responsible for amking sure we wite what we mean with clarity. But even that boils down to one thing…it is all about people.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations Sue! Your blogs are always fantastic offerings. You have beautifully summed up what the blogging experience is like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fun 🙂 or it should be 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It should always be fun Sue. I never imagined actually getting a blog of my own and even having someone read the offerings. Exciting stuff! 🙂
LikeLike
It is…and I love it. 🙂 Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
This whole piece is so true!
No doubt there are many of us who have shared your OMG! moments!!!!
Congrats on your 5000!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Ritu. I was gobsmacked by reaching 12000 over Christmas, but the WP followers hold a different ‘feel’ somehow. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I totally understand what you mean Sue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hoped you might…it is hard to put your finger on it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Almost like they are ‘real’followers. WP bloggers who know what it’s like!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that sort of sums it up 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was going to unfollow you to refollow as your 5000th but someone beat me to it. No prize for Richard 😢
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, but you’ve been there a long time…and that matters more 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Aww, shucks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
as one of your followers, i love and identify with each and every word of this post. even when i don’t comment, you know that i’m out here reading and taking in your beautiful work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you… you’ve been there since the very eary days and that continuity is beautiful 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, Sue. And Tink says the same to Ani.
xx,
mgh
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 xx
LikeLike
Love this post Sue thanks – it’s true those firsts were amazing! And the 2nds and 3rds .. and the internet contacts and friends made. And of course blogging is a way to hone one’s own writing –
LikeLiked by 1 person
So amny good things come from blogging 🙂
LikeLike
Many congratulations Sue, though I am a newer blogger, set up as an author platform I immediately saw the more personal value of making connections and the great support and friendship that is out there. 5000 followers is a great achievement, always love your posts!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Wendy.it really is all about the people.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lynette.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
As usual, Sue sums it up perfectly – in this case – about blogging.
Blogging, like any form of writing, is all about people.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for reblogging Chris xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Pleasure Sue – your post sums it all up so well 😀 XXX
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went back to read your first post, and it was wonderful. There is a reason you have reached those milestones, Sue. Many congrats to you. Keep doing what you do. We love it. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Van 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you x
LikeLiked by 1 person
In the beginning, I became a blogger because you are duty bound if you are a writer. But it has developed into something far more valuable. Most days I actually prefer it to writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It still is writing…but more immediate and personal perhaps.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Sun in Gemini.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Steve x
LikeLike
A well-deserved milestone. Congratulations! (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Henrietta
LikeLike
Many many congrats on persistence, and continued interest, pleasure, passion, and the joy of connecting, engaging and sharing. Certainly stats are stats, but nonetheless – well done. And most importantly, may you continue to find the joy and pleasure and grace us with your words, wherever your journeys and travels take you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
If it didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t be doing it 🙂 thank you
LikeLiked by 2 people
Welldone
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great blog, Sue! A wonderful encouragement to the novice to keep going.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all have to start somewhere 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Sue! Very well done! Getting to 5,000 is a big deal. Last I checked, I was I was much nearer to 100 than 5,000 myself, and even that modest total near killed me, so I can imagine how much work it must have taken to get up to 5,000. By the way, I still have occasional OMG moments myself, but most of them are when I discover the automatic spelling on my iPad has changed my carefully written comment into utter gibberish! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s near 13000 in total…but these are the WP bloggers… community 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s great too, Sue. Having almost 13,000 followers in totally is something you can justifiably be proud of. It know it takes a great deal of work to get so many.
I think my original comment was a little carelessly written because I actually knew from the counter at the top of your page that you had nearly 13,000 followers. I instinctively looked there when I read about your WordPress total. I should really have specified more clearly that I was only referring to your WordPress followers. Both totals are very impressive, though.
I’m sure you’ll pass the 13,000 total very soon too. I’ve read a number of people say that collecting followers is something like a snowball rolling downhill, and the more you have the more you can collect. (Sadly, I seem to have melted, but that’s okay.) 😀
LikeLike
There seem to be a large number of very strange sites following after a while… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! I am so glad you blog. I hope I always find you in my reader. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you..I can’t see me going far 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sue, As usual everything you wrote resonated with me. Congratulations. You deserve your success.
LikeLike
For me, it’s all about community. On the other hand, I cannot think how wonderful it must be for those bloggers who are not well or cannot leave the house. They have a community at their fingertips. What can beat that? ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, being miles from friends, it is wonderful to have people around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent insight. For many of my chronic pain followers and readers it has become a lifeline!
xx,
mgh
LikeLike
Often it is so for me too. Z
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here – MANY days! 🙂 “Z” lol
xx, mgh
LikeLike
Wonderful post, Sue. I’ve had some of thos OMG moments! Best of all, though, are the connections and sense of community.
I’m thinking of starting another blog because as my Goldfish one is about dad’s dementia I don’t feel I can re-blog other bloggers posts – like this one for instance – on it. It would be quite nice to have a separate one for that and for my own mutterings and meanderings.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’d quite like to see you with one where we can natter. There is a respect that goes with the Goldfish x
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think I need to keep it focussed on dementia. I’ll see what I can do.
LikeLike
WOW! Just came back from your website, Mary, and I am floored by all you have accomplished. — and how brave you were to remain in Afghanistan with an under-5 son in tow! Still haven’t made it to your blog – on my list.
xx,
mgh
LikeLike
Ditto here, Mary!
Executive Functioning and Mental Health advocacy, info & support is my primary focus, and reblogs are not ADD/EFD-friendly. As the ADD Poster Girl myself, however, I shudder when I consider all the to-dos of setting up and maintaining one more “presence” to have to manage. (I can barely keep up with one!)
Instead, I link related content (a lot!), quote frequently, and comment hours each day — tho’ blogs must take turns even then, so it may not seem so to them.
I have also started letting my Shih Tzu TinkerToy at the keyboard once in a while, so that allows me to widen my scope a bit more.
Good luck, if you decide to do it – and I’ll be over to check out Goldfish ere long.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMore dot com)
– ADD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder –
“It takes a village to educate a world!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a marvelous post that really strikes at all our hearts and minds. It’s no wonder you are so successful you just have this great way of reaching out to people and making them feel valued.
Love n hugs Paul
LikeLike
Thank you, Paul. I appreciate that.
LikeLike
Great post Sue. Agreed on all counts. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right … OMGOMGOMGOMG!!! Bravo! 😀
LikeLike
Thanks 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Julaina Kleist-Corwin and commented:
Have you experienced the OMG’s?
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLike
I picked up on your blog because Julaina Kleist-Corwin reblogged it. Julaina is my writing teacher. She thought your post here would be inspiring to her students… she teaches both a writing class and a social media class. Well, it is inspiring and I’m glad I found your blog. I have a blog for my “other” job of fixing computers and making sure computer security is up to snuff. But I think I may have been inspired to start the blog for my real job of writing. Thank you for sharing so many of you OMG moments.
LikeLike
I would absolutely recommend blogging, Gary. You might like this one also, on the benefts of blogging: https://scvincent.com/2015/09/03/is-blogging-worth-it-10-things-to-consider/
Thanks for coming over 🙂
LikeLike
I’m just so glad you set up your blog and I found it!
LikeLike
So am I, Noelle, on both counts 🙂
LikeLike
Fantastic milestone, Sue. Well done!
LikeLike
Thanks, Graeme! Not one I ever exected to see when I started 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Sue. Blogging is full of wonderful ‘firsts’ and like you, I still get excited by each and every one! 🙂
LikeLike
I would hate to lose that excitement 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So well put, Sue. You’ve described many of all our earlier days in the world of blogging and those that continue to happen. I can remember that first reblog, getting that first award nomination, getting that first comment, and that first like and how ‘on top of the world’ they all made me. They may be little seeds in the earlier days, but they grow into whole big communities if we allow them to.
Congratulations on the numbers
xx
LikeLike
The community matters far more than the numbers, as you know, Hugh…but I allowed myself a momentary gobsmacking 😉
LikeLike
I remember all those OMG moments, Sue. So funny how similar the stat journey is for most of us. 5,000 followers is amazing!! Congrats. You have a great blog, so the number is unsurprising and well-deserved 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
I never expected to reach such dizzy heights when I started, Diana…and still find it hard to accept…yet the people who come and talk are real. And that is truly amazing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Owl Lady.
LikeLiked by 1 person