I have to assume most of you who still check in here are likely from SparkPeeps. I was reading through old saved blogs I pulled when I got the notice they were shutting down. I spent weeks making sure I copied them as they were basically the journal into our initial 150/200 lb weight losses. I wanted to remember those thoughts, feelings, triumphs, etc as well as the people.
It was bittersweet seeing so many old user names that I miss seeing on a regular basis. I don't know if commenting on blogs isn't a thing anymore or if mine just isn't interesting enough. I see so many other blogs I occasionally check in on with plenty of comments so I (*sniffs armpits* ) assume it's me. It's sad even looking back like 5 years ago and seeing how many people kind of went poof. I get it. Blogs are dying, I guess. I certainly don't check in on the people I did 5 years ago but a lot has happened in those 5 years. I lost the two most important women in my life and honestly, I haven't had any success worth noting other than mostly maintenance until Mom passed and I got scope creep across my ass. (And everywhere else)
All these years later, I still don't have or really want to figure out SEO, get sponsorships because it would mean changing the way I write and I literally make enough money through those of you kind enough to click through links to break even. (So sorry about the Google ads, I hate them too.) I prefer it being a small community but I have no idea if that community is 5 people, 50 people or 500? The thought of going viral is a nightmare that would probably make me turn this into a private blog. I'd like to think I'm putting something useful out there but I don't know anymore. I don't know what/if I offer anything to you anymore. I don't really want to quit especially as we're getting our mojo back to some degree as we try a new to us approach but I guess I just need to know:
If you're still reading...why?
(That's an honest to God question not a pathetic attempt at ego stroke. I want to know the things you like so I can keep doing them. What do you miss that maybe I used to do but have stopped? I feel pretty rudderless out here so I'm trying to get a direction and give the people, whether 5 or 500 what they want.)
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I still read because it is the only real community feeling I get lately. I would love to see more comments from people though because it would be nice to hear from long time friends especially from the spark people days. So comment please ya'll!
ReplyDeleteI know, I miss the feedback and the peeps too. Our actual community IRL (same state) is a community of two basically so I miss knowing if people are out there in the void.
DeleteI’ve been reading for years and very rarely comment. I’m the same way on Facebook. I like to read what others have to say but don’t feel the need to share my thoughts & opinions.
ReplyDeleteI continue reading your blog for the same reason I started - you’re REAL. You share the good as well as the bad and don’t try to make everything shiny & happy.
Something you used to do that I miss is sharing recipes. I still use your roast turkey & gravy instructions every time I cook a turkey! I also love your product reviews. I work from home and every day I use the mouse mover that the Mr. recommended. One of the best Amazon purchases I’ve ever made.
Aww, that's so awesome you use the turkey/gravy recipe! I'll have to make sure I get the camera in the kitchen. Glad you like the mouse mover! Sometimes you need to tend to something and don't need the screen locking up!
DeleteI disagree that you don't have anything to offer because you do. It doesn't have to be all success stories to make it a worthwhile read. The ups and downs of life are something every single person can relate to, even if the details differ. I've always enjoyed your vacation summaries and adventures you and the Mr go on, the product reviews, recipes, and poll questions. The weekend recaps are great to read, and that doesn't mean they have to be filled with jam-packed activity to make them interesting. Just real, every day life sharing, whether it be a big vacation, or noodling around the house to get the regular chores done. That's what makes it relatable. If every blog post was grand and every weekend was super eventful, it wouldn't be realistic. You talk about what genuinely goes on in your days, and that's what makes it interesting. I think you have many more readers than commenters, so don't let the lack of comments deter you. I only read one other blog and it's about women's discipleship and I don't comment often, but I read all the posts. So I think there are more eyes on your blog than you realize.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate it and always appreciate you commenting. I go back to other blogs from time to time and feel like I'm just falling drastically behind. You throw grief on top of that and it's hard to have any motivation to polish a turd. LOL
DeleteI don't ever comment on blogs because I prefer to keep a minimal online presence, but I do like reading them! I actually found your blog years ago when I was planning my first trip to Hawaii and was worried about whether or not my weight would be a hindrance. I have always struggled with weight so although I came for the aloha, I stayed because I really relate to a lot of your posts. I like hearing about people's regular day to day lives. I also love recipe posts and vacation recaps, but wouldn't have stayed a long time reader without the everyday stuff. Especially the health stuff that I NEVER see anyone else ever talk about - I've learned a lot from your experiences. Thank you for everything. Wishing you well from Canada!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a great time in Hawaii and I'm so glad you decided to stay!! Unfortunately I talk about all of the health things but it's because I never see anything real unless it's in a forum. I figure if nothing else, you know I'll tell it like it is! :-)
DeleteHi, I started reading your blog quite some time ago, reading tips on losing weight and foods that you were eating, I keep on reading because over time I've found we have a lot in common and think very much alike!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy reading what you are reading on Fridays.
Thanks so much Kat! I need to get back to doing recipes for sure!
DeleteHi! I started reading your blog years ago and used to get it by email! I like you (and the Mr) because I like the tips on weight loss, exercise, recipes, your renos and your travel adventures. You seemed real unlike other spaces where it's more about saying what people want to hear and not the realities of life. Reading about someone who has struggled with weight, family dynamics, health etc helps, and this place makes me feel like there are others out there like me. And I would miss this blog terribly if you stopped writing, so please keep on writing!
ReplyDeleteI have gone back and read several years of this blog. I do enjoy it and think IRL we could hang out. (Sorry not a crazy stalker really) The one thing I would ask is do you have receipe page? I also miss Sparkpeople
ReplyDeleteYour handle sounds familiar! I'm flattered! You know what, I thought I did have a recipe page but I guess I don't officially. I do think I labeled them under a recipe category though so you could do a search and enter 'recipe' and I think they'll pop up. I'll have to go back and maybe get those in one spot on a page! Great to see you!
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