The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.
~e.e. cummings
This is my seventh week of blogging, and….
Yeah, yeah Writer Dad. Six weeks, a thousand comments. High five, blue medal, good job, you’re a role model; can we move on?
I have a point. I’ll get to it quickly.
You better.
In seven weeks, I’ve learned that blog is a verb, rather than a noun. Understanding that simple truth has led me to adapt my approach. Which is good, because if you do anything new for seven weeks with zero adaptation, I can’t imagine you’re doing it very well.
I quickly found I wanted no niche, and by the third week, I knew I wanted Friday’s to be special; a day to drop a ditty, a bit more darling.
I’ve loved the community. So comments, on both sides of the interstate, have been paramount.
I’m still trying to figure out precisely what I want from Writer Dad, but last week, I rolled another solid on the Rubik’s Cube.
I was bouncing around my reader, as I do, when I’m right in the middle of A and B and I’m sure no one’s looking. I opened a site I’d opened once before. I’d subscribed because the post had made me laugh. Remembering this, I smiled when I saw the header (you’ll see).
I read the post, then I read it again.
This bears repeating.
I read a LOT of text in a day. I don’t know how much, but Rita dared me to read the bible cover to cover and if I slid my macbook under the mattress for a day, and skimmed, just a little, I could probably swallow half.
I read the post, then I read it again.
Her name’s Jenny, or the Bloggess. I know I’m probably late to the party, and everyone’s already drawn on my face with marker, but I just found her a week ago.
Her posts are so hilarious, I laugh out loud the whole way through.
The only way you could not like her blog is if you don’t like things that start out great, end awesome, and are really rad right inside their rosy middle. Well, actually, if you don’t care for potty talk, you probably won’t like her very much at all.
But other than that, she’s all aces.
Just so you know I’m not exaggerating, here are her last five posts, in order.
I didn’t go back in time and warn her or anything.
When I said potty mouth, I meant POTTY MOUTH. So delicate = do not click.
This one made me snort. This one almost made me pee. This one actually made me pee, a little. This one made me mop. This one made me shart.
I know, right?
In the last week, every time I’ve checked my reader, I’ve looked for the Bloggess first. For the first few days, nothing. The second I saw a new post, I opened it.
It was thirty-eight minutes after it went live.
And there were already fifty-one comments.
I’ve broken that number twice, and on the second time, I had to talk about poo.
I closed the window with a clearer idea of what I wanted.
I want to be the guy who gets fifty comments in the first hour, not because of the traffic he might generate, but because his writing’s worth the time.
I love the comments on Writer Dad, because I know they’re not for traffic, though I’m sure there’s been a few. But the site’s new, and there’s not a whole lot of traffic to wrangle.
I want an audience who looks forward to my posts, and misses them if not there. I want to make people laugh, and think; maybe sometimes at the same time.
We all have enough to deal with. Sometimes we just want someone who says things a little different, or perhaps even a little better.
I know I do.
Two weeks ago, whenever I saw ProBlogger light my reader, I’d stop whatever I was doing, open Darren’s post, read it, comment, then close.
It made sense; I’m new, I need traffic.
But there’s only so much time in the day, and if I have to cut, I’ve gotta make time for the things that’ll stick to my soul. I can’t imagine Darren responding to my comment; I can’t imagine not responding to one of mine.
We serve different functions and I’m comfortable with that. Blogs are as individual as people.
I’ll still comment, of course, but only with purpose. If you see me at ProBlogger, with nothing enlightening to say, you’re welcome to wander over here and punch my teeth in the comments.
I promise I’ll respond.
Writer Dad
If you enjoyed my words, please subscribe by RSS or email. I’ll be back again tomorrow. If you’re a Stumbler, please consider stumbling. Thanks.
Epilogue: I sent the Bloggess an email. I think I might have even referred to her writing as “sheer joy.” If not, it was equally dorky. Anyway, she emailed me back and said, “You’re Writer Dad? You rock!” Then she called me a wordsmith. It was neat.
About Sean Platt
Hi WD,
I never heard about the Bloggess before, so thanks for pointing her out. I suppose the popularity thing is also closely tied to the topic of the blog. Some niches just attract more upfront interest than others, regardless of how great your writing is.
As for Stephs, Dave’s and Rita’s comment, I agree. I also think you already have what it takes to be on your way to become the male bloggod because of your writing.
This post made me laugh out loud and it’s only 6AM. Thanks for the great start to my day. :-)
Monika Mundells last blog post..The World Is Still Turning!
Hi WD,
I never heard about the Bloggess before, so thanks for pointing her out. I suppose the popularity thing is also closely tied to the topic of the blog. Some niches just attract more upfront interest than others, regardless of how great your writing is.
As for Stephs, Dave’s and Rita’s comment, I agree. I also think you already have what it takes to be on your way to become the male bloggod because of your writing.
This post made me laugh out loud and it’s only 6AM. Thanks for the great start to my day. :-)
Monika Mundells last blog post..The World Is Still Turning!
Sorry for disappearing!! I’m having to set my priorities, and (GASP!) blogging isn’t one of them at the moment, as sexy and wonderful as this particular blog is. And no, that wasn’t sarcasm.
I second everyone agreeing with me! :)
I’m not saying you were going to do it or that you were doing it, I just wanted to, I don’t know, give you a heads up or something. It was an embarrassing time for me. You just don’t want to go there. Scathing or disappointed emails from friends suck the big one.
I am a very easily influenced person (shh!) so people’s ultra-cool writing style got to me. I like witty, clever, funny, sharp. But you have to admit, there’s definitely a fad going around, a certain type of blogging and language that’s very cool and popular right now. If that’s how you normally talk, great. But if it’s not your thing to naturally write stuff like “because I’m ____ like that” and so on, just don’t. What brings people to you is your extraordinary way of perfectly combining perfect words. You don’t need attitude. And you’re already hilarious. In a good way. :)
stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
Sorry for disappearing!! I’m having to set my priorities, and (GASP!) blogging isn’t one of them at the moment, as sexy and wonderful as this particular blog is. And no, that wasn’t sarcasm.
I second everyone agreeing with me! :)
I’m not saying you were going to do it or that you were doing it, I just wanted to, I don’t know, give you a heads up or something. It was an embarrassing time for me. You just don’t want to go there. Scathing or disappointed emails from friends suck the big one.
I am a very easily influenced person (shh!) so people’s ultra-cool writing style got to me. I like witty, clever, funny, sharp. But you have to admit, there’s definitely a fad going around, a certain type of blogging and language that’s very cool and popular right now. If that’s how you normally talk, great. But if it’s not your thing to naturally write stuff like “because I’m ____ like that” and so on, just don’t. What brings people to you is your extraordinary way of perfectly combining perfect words. You don’t need attitude. And you’re already hilarious. In a good way. :)
stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
Thanks for the advice. I think each post should be its own little self-contained story, as well as part of a larger point that the blog is making.
And Steph is right about not trying too hard to follow the “in” crowd.
Everyone needs Affirmation Girl.
Beths last blog post..MonHaibun: Walking from One Chocolatier to Another
Thanks for the advice. I think each post should be its own little self-contained story, as well as part of a larger point that the blog is making.
And Steph is right about not trying too hard to follow the “in” crowd.
Everyone needs Affirmation Girl.
Beths last blog post..MonHaibun: Walking from One Chocolatier to Another
Writer Dad,
thebloggess.com? Haven’t check it out yet; sounds interesting; on my way over there — she might be hot. :)
Kidding.
I’m glad you’re getting close to knowing what you really want out of your blog — I know the feeling, it’s great. I think you’ve been doing one heck of a job here.
I really never read anything like what you write before, but I love it. This is my favorite blog, and the only blog I actually enjoy reading.
I have a case of too-much-make-money-online-blogs syndrome, so coming here’s like a breath of fresh air.
Anyways, thanks for sharing and letting us know about the bloggess.
I’m bracing myself for a good laugh, so if it sucks or I get bored, I’m coming back to punch your teeth out for that as well — ;)
Luis Grosss last blog post..Should You Display Your FeedBurner Reader Count?
Writer Dad,
thebloggess.com? Haven’t check it out yet; sounds interesting; on my way over there — she might be hot. :)
Kidding.
I’m glad you’re getting close to knowing what you really want out of your blog — I know the feeling, it’s great. I think you’ve been doing one heck of a job here.
I really never read anything like what you write before, but I love it. This is my favorite blog, and the only blog I actually enjoy reading.
I have a case of too-much-make-money-online-blogs syndrome, so coming here’s like a breath of fresh air.
Anyways, thanks for sharing and letting us know about the bloggess.
I’m bracing myself for a good laugh, so if it sucks or I get bored, I’m coming back to punch your teeth out for that as well — ;)
Luis Grosss last blog post..Should You Display Your FeedBurner Reader Count?
Gees, you weren’t kidding.
First post I read made me fall in love — seriously, read the comment I left.
And I meant it too. :)
Luis Grosss last blog post..Should You Display Your FeedBurner Reader Count?
Gees, you weren’t kidding.
First post I read made me fall in love — seriously, read the comment I left.
And I meant it too. :)
Luis Grosss last blog post..Should You Display Your FeedBurner Reader Count?
Ellen Wilson: I love not having a niche. I mentally roll around in it. Your site is special, and I always look forward to your posts.
Dave Fowler: The posts are mine, the comments are ours. Feel free to spout off down below any time.
Monika: Just be careful. She’s salty. Thanks for your faith. I’m glad I could make you laugh so early in the morning. I’m usually trying to pry my lids apart.
Steph: If you’re skipping commenting on this blog for a second time, then I’m quite sure your priorities are in the right place.
Luis: I’m really glad you liked it. She’s very funny. The post hadn’t registered yet, but I’ll check over there later.
Ellen Wilson: I love not having a niche. I mentally roll around in it. Your site is special, and I always look forward to your posts.
Dave Fowler: The posts are mine, the comments are ours. Feel free to spout off down below any time.
Monika: Just be careful. She’s salty. Thanks for your faith. I’m glad I could make you laugh so early in the morning. I’m usually trying to pry my lids apart.
Steph: If you’re skipping commenting on this blog for a second time, then I’m quite sure your priorities are in the right place.
Luis: I’m really glad you liked it. She’s very funny. The post hadn’t registered yet, but I’ll check over there later.
WD: Now, now. That’s not how to think of your site!
stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
WD: Now, now. That’s not how to think of your site!
stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
PS. what’s that now, 3 or 4 comments today? :)
stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
PS. what’s that now, 3 or 4 comments today? :)
stephs last blog post..Making a List and Checking it Twice
Writer Dad,
I certianly understand Blog envy, I’ve been guilty of feeling that way about yours my friend. Six weeks and look what you have done! I think…gee what am I doing wrong….but…you know what? I need to be authentic to LLI and you to your voice and the Bloggess to hers . Wouldn’t it be sad if all blogs sounded the same? ( of course, it would save me a LOT of time!)
You ARE funny, and poinent, and honest , heartfelt, original and someone at the end of the day we can all relate to. That is some powerful stuff Writer Dad…for all that you are looking out YOUR window to see what you can learn to improve, just know that there are a lot of folks looking INTO yours.
Thanks for the recomendation…checking her out now.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..The Power of Your Secret Weapon
Writer Dad,
I certianly understand Blog envy, I’ve been guilty of feeling that way about yours my friend. Six weeks and look what you have done! I think…gee what am I doing wrong….but…you know what? I need to be authentic to LLI and you to your voice and the Bloggess to hers . Wouldn’t it be sad if all blogs sounded the same? ( of course, it would save me a LOT of time!)
You ARE funny, and poinent, and honest , heartfelt, original and someone at the end of the day we can all relate to. That is some powerful stuff Writer Dad…for all that you are looking out YOUR window to see what you can learn to improve, just know that there are a lot of folks looking INTO yours.
Thanks for the recomendation…checking her out now.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..The Power of Your Secret Weapon
Steph: I retract my earlier statement.
Wendi Kelly: I hope she’s not too salty. I loved your comment so much, I copied it and sent it to Daisy. (Yes, we live together, but I was super lazy).
Steph: I retract my earlier statement.
Wendi Kelly: I hope she’s not too salty. I loved your comment so much, I copied it and sent it to Daisy. (Yes, we live together, but I was super lazy).
Writer Dad,
She was so salty I got hungry for pretzels. So I went and ate a handful. Then I subscribed. I may not talk like that, but gosh, one of my all time favorite bloggers is Naomi from IttyBiz. She’s got nothing on her.
Thank you for the compliment…it was the truth…you are great.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..The Power of Your Secret Weapon
Writer Dad,
She was so salty I got hungry for pretzels. So I went and ate a handful. Then I subscribed. I may not talk like that, but gosh, one of my all time favorite bloggers is Naomi from IttyBiz. She’s got nothing on her.
Thank you for the compliment…it was the truth…you are great.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..The Power of Your Secret Weapon
Wendi Kelly:
Thanks so much for all the compliments. You have been very kind to me. I really like your line about the pretzels and then subscribing. It was very funny. I’m going to check out Naomi from IttyBiz (I am unfamiliar) and I’ll let you know what I think.
Wendi Kelly:
Thanks so much for all the compliments. You have been very kind to me. I really like your line about the pretzels and then subscribing. It was very funny. I’m going to check out Naomi from IttyBiz (I am unfamiliar) and I’ll let you know what I think.
Thanks for introducing me to Bloggess, I’ve never heard of her but I will definitely be going back for regular visits! I love a good laugh and am certainly not above potty humor. And I think your blog is very unique in that you write such beautiful prose and can paint a picture with your words, yet your humor shines through to appeal to audiences across the board. Great job!
Thanks for introducing me to Bloggess, I’ve never heard of her but I will definitely be going back for regular visits! I love a good laugh and am certainly not above potty humor. And I think your blog is very unique in that you write such beautiful prose and can paint a picture with your words, yet your humor shines through to appeal to audiences across the board. Great job!
Busymma: Thanks. That’s very kind. I don’t want to compete with her funny. It’s like she has a sword and I have a gun, but she’s my current favorite read.
Busymma: Thanks. That’s very kind. I don’t want to compete with her funny. It’s like she has a sword and I have a gun, but she’s my current favorite read.
I have heard of this amazing blogger for a while and guess what else?
I just looked over at my reader- saw you had a new post and clicked immediately! Congrats- people will keep coming back Writer Dad!
I have heard of this amazing blogger for a while and guess what else?
I just looked over at my reader- saw you had a new post and clicked immediately! Congrats- people will keep coming back Writer Dad!
Your niche is you.
That gives you pretty much free reign to dip into any sliver of the spectrum of life as you see fit. That’s the advantage of a life blog over a theme blog. Good move.
Life has a certain level of edutainment value, but the cream you add on top is the way you dish it out.
I like the way you learn and adapt as you continue to flex your mind and find your voice and share your Hallmark moments … or just stuff that happens.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..SourcesOfInsight.com is One Month Old
Your niche is you.
That gives you pretty much free reign to dip into any sliver of the spectrum of life as you see fit. That’s the advantage of a life blog over a theme blog. Good move.
Life has a certain level of edutainment value, but the cream you add on top is the way you dish it out.
I like the way you learn and adapt as you continue to flex your mind and find your voice and share your Hallmark moments … or just stuff that happens.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..SourcesOfInsight.com is One Month Old
I’m the 42nd commenter on this post. I’ll comment eight more times if I have to. Damn you deserve it.
I’m the 42nd commenter on this post. I’ll comment eight more times if I have to. Damn you deserve it.
*SHART* :D
If you like Blogess, try out Amalah.com and dooce.com, too. they regularly make me shart. ;)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Pick the Brain of Harrison McLeod of Men With Pens
*SHART* :D
If you like Blogess, try out Amalah.com and dooce.com, too. they regularly make me shart. ;)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Pick the Brain of Harrison McLeod of Men With Pens