I use to make almost daily posts for a few years because I always had something to post and now days I don't craft as often so I always feel I don't need to post anything but I have noticed I usually get more comments on my commentary posts than I do my crafting posts. It is discouraging at times but then I realize I get a lot of comments on Facebook when my links post to my Facebook page and to the Old Cricut community group. There are a few other groups I will post the link to my crafting posts and I get likes and comments on those as well. I was touched by the comments and emails I received from some of my readers after I first posted a few days ago after not writing for a few months.
I wonder why people always have something to say about my commentary since I usually find it as drivel that goes through my head and I realize that typing out that drivel can be therapeutic. I looked back at some of my stats and I was a little shocked to see where my readers come from! I have readers in of course the US but also Canada, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, Ukraine, France, China, Brazil, Ireland and a few more that I can't remember off hand or recognize on the map that was in my stats. I guess I forget how vast the world wide web is and don't think about people out other countries really being interested in what is on this blog.
Here are some fun stats..
Post with the highest number of views - For The Love of Minions
Second highest number of views - Cuttlebug A2 Folder Storage
Highest referring URL - Google
Second highest referring URL - Obsessed With Scrapbooking
Highest referring site - Google
Second highest referring site - Networked Blogs
Highest Keyword Search - okieladybug
Second highest Keyword Search - okieladybug blog
Highest Viewed Page - Make The Cut/SVG Files
Second Highest Views Page - Card Cut Files
I guess what this means is that I will keep on bloggin after all and hopefully even if I don't have crafty posts I will at least post something even if it is the silly thoughts that come out of my head. After being at this thing for a little over 8 years *okie gasps a little realizing it's been that long* I guess there is no reason to stop now!
I know I need to blog more and not go so long in between posts and recently I thought about not making my files for projects I make available for download because I get very few comments of even "thank you" and I thought about different ways I could allow someone to download so they have to at least acknowledge the fact they are using a file but all the ways I could think of require extra work and let's face it...I'm lazy. With that said for now I will continue posting links where files can be downloaded and learn to live with the discouragement.
I know I need to blog more and not go so long in between posts and recently I thought about not making my files for projects I make available for download because I get very few comments of even "thank you" and I thought about different ways I could allow someone to download so they have to at least acknowledge the fact they are using a file but all the ways I could think of require extra work and let's face it...I'm lazy. With that said for now I will continue posting links where files can be downloaded and learn to live with the discouragement.
Shirley, I may not always post a comment on your blog, or facebook, but I do want you to know that I read every single one of your posts. I really do appreciate you sharing your talent, your funny family stories and your sense of humor. Thank you for you being you. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteYou are the best. Believe it.
ReplyDeleteI'm much more likely to read your blog posts when you link them to FB because I'm usually on my phone. I love the files and the funny posts but don't download them onto my phone. Keep it up, but don't feel you have to do more than you want to do. Thanks, Okie! See, I can be nice. ;)
ReplyDeleteI find that I spend way too much time on Facebook than anywhere else! But I do enjoy reading your post no matter where they are.
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed reading your posts whether it was to share a project or tell us a story. You are a fabulous crafter and an awesome person to so freely share your files. I don't alway download them but when I do and use them I always mention where I got them. I think the one I used was the cuttlebug folder one. Thanks for always putting on smile on my face when I read your blog.
ReplyDeleteYou make me laugh. I love reading you blog! :) -- Kathy Wyatt
ReplyDeleteShirley, I don't like the thought of you feel discouraged. Please count me among the many that appreciate seeing your crafts and reading your random thoughts. You are always willing to share your files, which makes you a rare gem these days. When I see your BLOG AND FB posts, I always like and/or comment if I feel I can contribute something of value or even add a thought on the topic. I do this because I consider you a friend, I care about your thoughts and appreciate that you take the time to share a little about you ... and I love that you share your work so freely ... you are a very giving person. I know I am just one among the many many that feel exactly the same. So please don't feel discouraged ... whether people are commenting our not, you are VERY APPRECIATED!
ReplyDeleteCarol you are one of the few that I can always count on finding a comment on most every blog post I write! :)
DeleteI'm glad you are going to continue to Blog. I don't do the Facebook thing but always look forward to seeing your posts, whatever they are ! I've always enjoyed hearing from you since the old Cricut days. Your posts have always been so fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Anna N.
I have decided to stop putting all my craft projects on Facebook because they are hard to find once they have been posted. At least with them on here I can usually find things more easily with the tags and categories I use.
DeleteLove your country kitchen look. I like your svg files and have downloaded several and used a few since I got my cricut explore. Keep em comin
ReplyDeleteI believe I recently "re-found" your blog. I am organizing my cut files I ran across a cut file from you. In this post you have a link for svgs...I will admit that I just snagged about 5 of them...THANK YOU for sharing these. If it were not for people like you, so many of us would be very limited in our creativity. Thanks again and I hope you continue to blog and share.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I see that I have one of your posts in my mailbox, I get a little excited because I know that I will get a little chuckle from reading it. I love when you put your comments of 'okie says'. Your sense of humor and stories you write about are pure joy. And your craft projects are very informative and the country kitchen wall is really cool. You do fantastic work and it is a true joy to read your post- always makes me smile! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your "drivel" because it is just like sitting down for a cup of coffee to discuss whatever is going on in our lives. I have just retired and want to thank you for that because I have not had time to have a real live conversation for many years. You have often reminded me that we are all alike. Your lovely files are the frosting on the cake! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your posts and I am appreciative when you share!i might not download or use the ones you share here but I certainly am grateful and use the one that you did at my request! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your blog, enjoy your humor, enjoy your insight, love your projects and appreciate your free downloads. I don't have a blog. Why? I don't feel I have the time to be creative like you and many others are. I have no clue what I would write about and feel it would be of no interest to anyone. I have respect for people who can maintain a blog and continue on with life, you have it together! I enjoy your files and I've probably been guilty of being one who forgets to say thank you. For that I apologize! I guess what I'm trying to say is, you have to do what makes you happy and feels right to you. Don't worry about us. Your followers will still follow. If someone chooses not to follow you because you no longer offer free files then in my opinion, you probably didn't need that follower.
ReplyDeleteThank you for making me smile with your posts and your humor! Thank you for sharing your projects! Thank you for all you do! Have a great day!
I love your posts because they are so real. Sometimes funny or sad or informative or a combination. I am always uplifted b cause you ALWAYS come out on top.
ReplyDeleteThat said. I rarely post anymore because I just don't have time to post to every blog I follow. I don't know if you have stats that show which blogs notices are opened or not but when my time is really short I delete many notifications. I ALWAYS read yours. Keep going, you are greatly appreciated.
I always love your blog posts whatever they are. I love your writing style and I love "hearing" what is going on in your head. You lift my spirits and after losing my 52 year old husband to cancer last Oct, I needed my spirits lifted. But I also enjoy your craft posts, you can take nothing and make it look fabulous! I can't do that, just not that talented. But I live through others that can. I also don't always comment just because I can get lazy myself. I try to comment on my favorite blogs, but even that can be overwhelming to do it everyday. I for one would like everyone to slow don't on their posting. lol Because I can't keep up! There are only so many hours in a day and I spend way to many of them on the computer commenting. So that is why you might not see a comment from me each time. Other times, it is just life. Summer life is busy where as winter I just snuggle down and stay on the computer. With my blog, I just post for myself...a place where I can keep a log of my creations and if I get comments, I'm a happy camper. If I don't I'm ok with that because I'm not that talented. lol I also like to look at how many people have visited my blog in a days time. Some days it is a lot and other days very few. But just know that people are looking makes me happy. So don't be discourage because I know many people are looking at your blog, they have to be. I found you on the Cricut MB's and you had me hook, line and sinker then and you still do. I just may not always post a comment. Keep on blogging Shirley, you are a natural at it!!!! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteYou're a really great writer, Shirley, and I find your commentary posts entertaining and hilarious. I don't use the files, because I don't think I have the equipment and I KNOW I don't have the know-how! XD But I try to read every post I see.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I always miss seeing you on facebook but I do know you are a very busy lady, Hugs
ReplyDeleteI've been following you around, facebook and your blog since you were on the old cricut board!! I love reading all your posts and I'm sure I've downloaded lots of gypsy and the old design studio files! I always enjoy the great commentary posts as much as your crafting posts! Especially loved when you came back to the world of cricut and joined the "explore" enthusiasts! Of which I'm one! I know people really got burned by the old "Cricut" but doesn't even compare to the new "cricut". So glad to see you back!! Please keep posting and brightening my days!!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved your sense of humor that comes through in your writing. I especially enjoy reading the stories of your groups that you work with in your job. I don't know the whole scope of your job, but I kind of get the "jist" of it and what a compassionate person you are. I loved reading stories about your adventures whether its getting a newer vehicle, or life growing up or the sweet lady who was your friend that had to move to assisted living just not long ago. I remember you from the old cricut boards and the talk about the gypsy and your reviews of the new Cricut Explore (I had to turn around and look at mine to get the name because I haven't used it in so long - lol) Also loved it when you got fired up about something and you just "let her rip" right here on the blog!!! You have always been helpful to many with whatever issues they have whether its crafting or personal. I am glad you have posted more and I have enjoyed catching up since your hiatus from "How to make your own pop dots" Life does get in the way sometimes and I know I totally understand. Thanks for continuing to post and making us laugh and encouraging us to create. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn C.