
About once a month I take some time and go over my blog statistics. To be honest, it only takes a couple of minutes to look over a handful of Google Analytics Pages (The process would take longer if I had a better grasp of the more powerful reporting features). When I compare a date range from this year to the same date range last year, a smile spreads across my face. I think to myself ‘I’m kicking ass against last years stats!’
On the surface everything looks great. Unfortunately, when I take a closer look, I come to a shocking realization that my visits are sporadic. I think this is the case for two reasons. First is that my once anal habit of posting on a set day and time have disappeared. Second is that I have become a hermit blogger.
Before I got more involved in the hobby of guns, I was very much into creative writing. I spent my free time bouncing around from blog to blog reading short stories and flash fiction, I even did a fair bit or writing myself. After reading a piece of writing, I made a point to leave a comment.
These comments brought people back to my blog, some of whom read my material and commented. My stats were low but I was thrilled with the regular activity. When my daughter stopped sleeping the bulk of the day away, I spent less time writing and my creative writing muscles turned to flab. I got discouraged when I tried to write during those odd moments when I had some free time. My writing wasn’t what it used to be and the connection I made with other bloggers began to fade.
My focus has since shifted to Firearms. While I miss writing, I’ve found that I’m more passionate about guns and shooting. I try to make time each day to read a couple of blogs posts. During my short commute to work, I listen to a handful of podcasts on the subject.
Even though I’m digesting a lot of information, I’m lacking the connection with other bloggers I’ve had in the past. I think this has a lot to do with my personality type and that I tend to not comment unless I have something to add (I don’t like commenting for the sake of commenting). I’ve decided that I need to make an adjustment to the frequency in which I leave comments.
I’m setting a small goal for myself. Throughout the month of March I want to comment on at least 5 blog posts and respond to at least one forum thread per week. It may not sound like much, but it is a tremendous increase over what I do currently.
While an increase in activity would be an awesome byproduct, this isn’t about increasing my stats. It is about getting back out there and making connections among the blogging community.
7 thoughts on “I Have Become A Hermit Blogger”
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Right. It’s not a conversation if I let it stop there, but it is an easy trap to fall into. Good luck re-connecting.
Jennifer,
Google Reader is incredibly convenient but you are right, it is very easy to read something and not click trough to leave a comment. I have a bad habit of starring items to comment on later, then forgetting about them.
Thanks for the comment. Keep up the great work on your blog (another one that I read often and rare comment on)
Having the time to engage other readers is tough when you’re busy. You’re a good writer and create solid original content. Keep up the good work man!
Mike,
It has been a while, how have you been? You were looking at picking up a Springfield XDM a while back, how did that work out for you?
Thanks for the comment and the kind words.
I did get an XDM 3.8 9mm (Love it!) I also just ordered a Ruger 22/.45, fun to plink with. I run the website for a local gun shop and we’re actually launching our own podcast soon (audio only).
If I had more time to spend at the range, I’d own a bigger arsenal š
Thats great. A Ruger .22 (MK III) is one of the guns on my ever growing list of “Guns I want but can’t afford right now”.
I’ve seen the Facebook updates about the Gun Shop. I’ll definitely check out the podcast when it launches. Shoot me a note to remind me.
I only started reading through some things last nite. I will also make it a point to throw you a comment. I struggle with leaving comments as well unless I truly have something to add. Remind me to show you some writngs from a former co-worker. I always said he missed his calling and should have been an author and not an engineer! There were times I got an email and read it 10 times as his style was captivating. Sadly, he is no longer with us so I treasure his work even more.