Sunday, January 12, 2020

CELEBRATING MY 10th BLOGIVERSARY ~ WOW!! 10 years of blogging–and still enjoying every minute–where have I been and where am I going?


Who would have thought that I’d still be blogging after 10 years?  Not me, that’s for sure.  But, I am still enjoying finding and telling stories about my ancestors.  I absolutely love the feedback and connections I’ve made.

Blogger keeps track of comments, but once you have over a thousand, they quit counting.  I am happy to say I went over a thousand a few years ago.  THANK YOU!  Not only do I read every comment, I also reply to every single one.  You all make me smile with your questions and your input.  Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.

Let’s look back at some highlights from the last decade.
 
Two of my blog posts have stayed at the top of the count for most read.  They are:
I’ve been contacted by cousins I never knew existed because they found my blog from doing a search on Google or seeing a link on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
 
Speaking of those traffic sources – which one stands at the top? 
  • That would be Facebook – where I connect with many of my readers
  • Followed by Google, Cyndi’s List and Pinterest
In 10 years I’ve written 582 blog posts.  Considering I didn’t get serious about writing until the fall of 2013 (only 22 posts for the three years 2010, 2011 and 2012). I’ll divide 582 by 7 which means I’m averaging about 83 posts a year.

Want to see my first post from January 12, 2010?  Here’s the link to Blogging about family research - Day 1 It’s fun to look back at those first posts and see how far I’ve come.
  • I’ve redesigned my blog several times over the years, creating new headers and new tabs.
  • I’ve learned a LOT by reading other blogs, which I still do regularly.
  • Attending conferences and seminars has allowed me to meet other bloggers, many of whom I greatly admire. 
  • I’ve helped other genealogists start their own blogs.
  • I’ve taught classes about the importance of getting your stories out there with blogging being one way to do that.
(Click on this image to enlarge it)
Left to right - my previous blog header, my genie office where it all takes place and my very first published blog book

So, it’s been a great 10 years.  Enough of looking back, let’s look ahead.

We can’t know what the future holds for any of us.  I plan to keep telling my ancestor’s stories and bringing them to life.  By sharing their names and something about their lives, we honor and remember them.
 
There’s a lot more to find out there.  After 17 years of researching I still have brick walls.
 
DNA has added a new tool for us and learning about it has been my focus for some time now.

I applied to the Mayflower Society this year and am writing about my journey to become a member.

My hope is that I will continue to write stories of interest.  That I will connect with more cousins.  And that my readers will keep coming back for more.
 
Words cannot express my appreciation for every one of you.

So here’s to another 10 years!  Cheers!

Happy hunting,
Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

16 comments:

  1. Happy 10th Blogiversary! I know what you meant by "Enough of looking back, let’s look ahead." but you'll still continue looking back into the lives of your ancestors. Here's to 10 more years!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy - Your 10 years of support for my writing has meant a lot to me. I thank you. Here's to another wonderful decade for all of us bloggers.

      Delete
  2. A very Happy 10th Blogiversary to you Diane! You have such a great blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jana - I owe portions of my success to your Friday Finds. This allowed new readers to know about my blog. I can't thank you enough for your support.

      Delete
  3. Diane, Let me be the 1st to congratulate you! That is a wonderful achievement! As a fellow blogger, I know what it takes to get each post researched, written, published and marketed. It is no small feat to be doing that for 10 years. Here's to another successful decade!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right about that. I suppose I could whip out a blog post in an hour.....but, have yet to be able to do so. They are all labors of work and love and usually take me several hours (course, that could be because I go off and research more on the person or subject as I'm writing...LOL!)
      Thank you for your support.

      Delete
  4. Diane, Congratulations on a decade of blogging. That is a true milestone. I'm glad Randy introduced us a few years ago at Jamboree, although I had already been one of your readers and enjoy your posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda - Thanks. I hope we can see one another again soon. Will you be at Rootstech this year? I will be.

      Delete
  5. Happy Blogiversary, Diane. I hope 2020 is a great year for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dara - Thanks. I hope 2020 is a wonderful year for all of us. We have so many new tools and lots more coming online. Hooray for us.

      Delete
  6. GREAT job Diane!! WOW! What you have accomplished in 10 years is amazing. Can't wait to see what you do in the next 10.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debby, my buddy, my friend, my fellow blogger - Don't we just have the best time together? Looking forward to the next decade with you and I finding more adventures (and maybe some mischief to get into). Oh, and more blogging for both of us. :)

      Delete
  7. Happy 10th Blogiversary. I hope to see more post in the years to come.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lacie - I see you have just begun your blog. I wish you years of writing and many family finds. Thank you for your comment and good wishes.

      Delete

I look forward to reading your comments. If you have any connection to the people mentioned in this blog, please let me know. I write about mine and my husband's ancestors and would welcome new information or meeting a new cousin or two. Thanks for visiting and come back soon.