Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Sharing the Love x 200


Over the weekend, Knucklehead! notched its 200th follower.  To say that I am humbled by this would be understating it by a wide margin.  I just wanted to take a quick second to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read, laugh at (I hope), and comment on my writing.

When I started blogging a little over a year ago, I had no idea what I was getting into.  To be honest, I'd only vaguely heard the term "blog" and had no idea what they were or how to create one.  Then I discovered that an old friend from high school, Peter, had a blog called Plastic Bubble World (you should visit, he's a good guy . . . a little quirky, but a good guy nonetheless) and I thought to myself, "Hey, that looks fun."  I'd always enjoyed writing, and this seemed like a great outlet.

Little did I know.

For about a month, I had two followers.  Peter, and another friend of mine.  I kept writing, even though I knew that hardly anyone was actually reading my stuff.  One comment here (thanks, Pete), no comments there, I was hearing cyber-crickets in my head and pondering the old "tree falls in the forest" analogy.

Well, one day I was writing a piece called "Mary Ann or Ginger".  It sucked, which is why I didn't bring it over here from my original blog.  But while writing that piece, I Googled "Mary Ann or Ginger" to make sure I wasn't just rehashing someone else's work (I kind of was, but I'd added enough original ideas to not feel too guilty about it, and besides, no one was reading it anyway).  One item that came up on Google was another blog.

It was called Suldog.

I visited that site, and was captivated.  Not only did I see that his bit about Mary Ann and Ginger was considerably better than mine, I enjoyed reading his other work as well.  And I noticed that Suldog had about a bazillion followers and was getting a boat load of comments on every post.  "Hmm," I thought, "this guy seems to have it figured out."

I sent Sully an email, and he gave me some advice on how to build a readership.  He also told me he's a Red Sox fan, which called into question his overall character, but advice is advice, so I listened anyway.  It worked, and before too long I was visiting other blogs, leaving comments, and little by little my readership grew.  So thank you, Jim, I'm grateful.

And now we're two hundred strong and growing, which begs the question:

What the hell is wrong with you people?

Nah, just kidding.

I never imagined that so many folks from around the world (I've gotten several hits from Africa, which is just absurd) would be even marginally interested in anything I have to say.  Like I said, I'm humbled, and I appreciate all of you more than I can ever express.

I hope you'll keep reading, commenting, and e-mailing for a long time to come.  I'll do my best to keep you entertained.

Once again,  thank you.


d

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31 comments:

Mariann Simms said...

No, Chris...thank YOU. :)

While I have not read every single one of your blogs...hell, I don't think I've read every single one of MINE (I write a lot after I take my Ambien...trust me...it's like reading another person's stuff when I wake up) - I've always thought you were a great writer. You've had me and my kids laughing with real tears coming out...on more than one occasion.

I hope to buy something of yours at the bookstore one day. Keep it up - I have total faith that you can do it. :)

Grumpy, M.D. said...

Ya do good work, Chris. Keep it up. I'm glad to have met you in this internet sort of way.

MikeWJ at Too Many Mornings said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MikeWJ at Too Many Mornings said...

You're welcome, Chris -- I mean, Knucklehead. You deserve 200 followers, and you actually have more than that because I've been one for quite a while now even though I'm not an official follower. I love your writing, which is original (except perhaps for that bit about Mary Ann and Ginger). Perhaps I should become a follower so you'll know it.

Mr. Condescending said...

I kind of fell into it the same way. Congratulations on your 200th, I would put you right in my top ten favorite blogs.

I always see those strange countries that read my blog too, its like who the f*ck is the idiot reading our blogs from maldives or azerbaijan.

Candice said...

Congrats on the following, Chris!!

Ivan Toblog said...

There's followers, lurkers and then there are stalkers. Sometime you can't be sure who's who. But I'll tell ya up front. I'm a stalker. Ask Suldog.

Kathy said...

You are one of my favorite writers. You deserve 10x that following and you WILL GET IT. Just takes time. Congratulations, buddy. Looking forward to reading more.

Mike said...

Seems like we all have a similar tale to tell about our blogger beginnings. You would be well over 300 if not for your little bullshit problem! Congrats on the followers.

Candy's daily Dandy said...

THANK YOU....You are by far one of the finest bloggers..

and one of my faves.
Congrats!

Moooooog35 said...

What you aren't aware of is that three of your followers are waving at you right now.

That's me in the robe outside your kitchen window.

'sup.

Expat From Hell said...

Congratulations, and here's to many more boundaries broken for you in the future. You remain one of the signposts and standards for all of us. Unlike the Red Sox. EFH

Julie Dunlap said...

Congratulations from one of your faithful suckers - er - fans!!
Any chance you would share the tips on growing readership???

Jenn of Many Cabbages said...

Hey, it's a pleasure. You do great work, you keep your audience in mind, you share in a smart, readable way...

That's just good blogging! Cheers to the mighty 200-- and onward.

Suldog said...

You bastard! I've been blogging for FIVE YEARS and I'm still short of 200. Then a talentless hack like you comes along and ONE YEAR passes and you have 200 sheep following your pitiful scrawlings! Why, I oughta come over there and...

Oh, wait. You said nice things about me and actually directed people over to my place. In that case, congratulations.

Saz said...

hi, l'm over from Jim's to see what all the fuss is about.....and check out whats on offer...(well you did offer)....sos will spend some time reading up...

saz

FunnyGirl said...

Congrats, Knuckelhead! You desere every follower you have.

Unknown said...

how special... :)
congrats.

Maggie said...

Thanks for the laughs- those of us in education need 'em! Keep it up, please!

Unknown said...

I'vw loved reading what you have to say; there have been many laughs involved. Thanks for keeping us entertained.

Surfie said...

Your writing deserves all those followers. Great stuff! I especially love the "Whatever Happened to..." pieces. :)

Viv said...

I've gotten 7 hits in the last 2 days from Romania. Confirmation that the only people who visit my blog are those who can't read it. ;) Congrats! 200 is a big number, and reason to celebrate.

Anonymous said...

It'll keep growing, that's blogging for you!

Secretia

Funnyrunner said...

congratulations, friend. You've hit the big time. ;)

brookeamanda said...

I just started reading your blog and I love it! I discovered you from reading "Life According To Candice" and think your whole "Blog-Off" is an awesome idea.

~j said...

very glad that i stumbled upon your blog....it has brightened many mornings.

screwdestiny said...

Hey, you should pat yourself on the back. So many people wouldn't follow you if your blog was not worthwhile. So thanks for giving us something funny and interesting to read. :)

Linda said...

I've enjoyed being one of your 200- wait, 207 now?- even though I rarely comment.

Unknown said...

Yours is one of my favourite non-photography blogs, I am always happy to see a new post from you in my reader. Congrats on 200 followers, you deserve us! hehe

Bobby Allan said...

No, thank YOU for making us want to come back. You're a great writer! Congratulations on number....yay!...208!

CSD Faux Finishing said...

I remember that the very reason I started reading you in the first place was due to a super witty comment you left over at Jim's place. Been enjoying the humor ever since, keep it up & any day you'll be x 500!

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