When readers take time to leave a comment and/or click through to a link I include in a post, it means they trust me, are engaged, and find what they’re reading valuable–want to extend it. This year, I had many more comments than in 2016–about 5900. This compared to over 27,874 over the life of my blog. Why? I’m not sure. I will say I enjoy my readers. The perspective I get and the vast range of experience is like nothing else in life. I live in a bubble and you-all invite me out of it.
The articles that inspire this kind of activity from readers are special to me. I learn a lot by noticing what contributed to the WordDreams community. Here they are–the ten most commented articles I shared in 2017:
Top 10 commented-on articles
- 19 Self-editing Tips
- How to Use Canva in Your Writing
- Image Copyright Do’s and Don’ts
- 16 Reasons I’m NOT Doing NaNoWriMo (Again)
- 10 Bits of Wisdom I Learned From a Computer
- Writing a Novel: How I’m Doing on Born in a Treacherous Time I
- #IWSG–When do you know your story is ready?
- How Google Docs Improves Writing
- A to Z Challenge Reveal Day: I’m in!
- 12 Surprises I Found Marketing My Debut Novel, To Hunt a Sub
What were these on your blog? Do they reflect the goal set for your writing or were you surprised?
One more request: What would you like to see next year on WordDreams?
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
Hi Jacqui – great you’ll be writing about where you get your stats – I’m sure Blogger has similar (somewhere probably not too difficult to find) … so I’ll be a-coming to that post fairly soon – cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure where they are in blogger but definitely they’re there. WordPress does it via a plugin that is automatically added.
LikeLike
I remember most of these articles, Jacqui, and I bookmarked several of them. You have such a devoted and active readership here, something you’ve worked hard to build over the years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shari! I always love reading your reactions to the articles. You are very thoughtful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your site is so helpful and inspiring, Jacqui! I’m new to blogging but already I’m amazed at how friendly this community is, thanks in large part to writers like you. Please keep going!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so enjoy my community. I learn a lot by visiting their blogs, hearing their advice. Thanks for joining in.
LikeLike
I did the questionnaire, Jacqui. I do enjoy most of your posts so do keep on doing things the way you have been.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I must say, I’m surprised by the answers. I have to put some thought to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve paid little attention to stats in the past. I now think I must mend my ways, because so many bloggers have recently shared their top posts ~ yours being the clincher, Jacqui 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved yours, Tina. Chris has such an eclectic blog–a worthy top post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jacqui. You inspired me ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t even get any stats report this year. Guess I haven’t been posting enough. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
WordPress doesn’t send these out. They’re available on the backend of the WordPress blog (the one you access with wp-admin–I’ll include that in my explainer video/how-to).
LikeLike
Ah, gotcha. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like all these “top” lists. It’s a nice way to browse what I missed. Great posts, Jacqui. You’re a wealth of information. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Diane. I always take my time putting these together because I discover a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blog friends are coolest! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah they are!
LikeLike
Comments not only reveal our interest in the topic but also our personality and generosity…they also establish a connect across the oceans, an everlasting friendship that we could cherish! So count me in for all times if your topic is engaging 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
After several years of blogging, I’ve come to the truth in your words, Balroop. I think I could reach out for help from quite a few of my blog friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup! Comments are valuable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I truly have a wonderful community.
LikeLike
all of my comments are presented free of charge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know since I’ve quoted you on several occasions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great stuff, Jacqui. Maybe you should do an article on where to find these stats.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oooh, that’s a great idea. In the poll, readers said they’d like more how-tos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacqui, like you it’s the comments, the connection with others and the friendships here that makes blogging special and rewarding! 😀😀 Great stats…where are you finding these?? I’ve looked and only get the very basic ones but not a breakdown of everything.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jill made a great suggestion so I’m going to post next week on where I find these in my WordPress blog. That’s all I use. I could go fancier but don’t see the need.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No need for fancy…I’d love to look at Mine so look forward to your article! Well suggested by Jill! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to say, receiving or getting comments from other bloggers, and sometimes forging connections with them is one of the great and deepest pleasures I get from blogging. I am not sure when you started but I began blogging in May 2011 and, sadly, many of the bloggers I connected with in the early days have long since ceased to post. On a cheerier note, some bloggers have gone on to become genuine friends who I connect with on other platforms and even meet, a real treat for me I can tell you 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel that way too, Peter, like I could reach out to visit them twere I in the neighborhood. I love that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poll is done. If people don’t trust you, it’s their loss, Jacqui. After reading 2 of your books alone I can see what a professional you are! I think it’s great that you’re willing to share your expertise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
See, GP, you’re one of those people I love chatting with about history. I just finished The Operator (by Robert O’Neill) and you’re the first one I wanted to talk to about it. Of course, that probably has something to do with me living in California.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read it, but have heard about it and frankly I was surprised he talked about any of it. Usually the members of those teams feel too much is classified to write a book about it. According to some, the bullets flew so quickly at Osama bin Laden that they weren’t quite certain who fired the fatal shot (perhaps I am behind in my news on that).
Personally I feel those teams are rather over-worked, every brain has a breaking point and we shouldn’t push them too far into extremes just because it cost so much to train them. (yes, believe it or not, I’ve heard THAT as an argument for sending them out so much!)
Now that I’ve rambled on – did you have a specific question? should I read the book and maybe have an idea of what I’m talking about? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. He is quite open with it and must have gotten clearance. His Twitter feed is quite a kick. There’s no backup in that guy! No specific question. Just aren’t a lot of Californians I can gush with over his work ethic, patriotism, and humility.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean!
LikeLiked by 1 person