Ok, it’s actually a little over 500 posts but I forgot and missed it. I’ve been blogging for about 8 months now and have done quite well.
My Technorati, Power 150 and Alexa ranks are far above where I ever imagined they would be. I’m actually making a tidy income on the blog as well – far from John Chow status, but enough to keep me in my no-fat-no-whip-grande-mocha-starbucks habit.
How did I do it? Hard work. (Click the link: Ever time I watch Loren, I want to go to a Yankees game, eat some dogs, and throw beer at some Red Sox fans!)
Since Loren asked, I am regularly up at 3AM (sometimes all night) blogging. I live in Indianapolis so I don’t have the opportunity to go out with my Silicon Valley brothers – but I’ve been surprised at how well I’ve stayed in touch and on top of trends by splitting my time between research, testing, sharing, connecting, being a catalyst, and remaining passionate.
Example: Last night and today it was discovering Geo Microformats and implementing them on Address Fix for a new friend Andy from the United Kingdom.
I should be celebrating but I’m going to miss this party tonight. Perhaps I’ll try and fit something in for blog post 1,000… I’m not sure. I do know that large changes are on the horizon in my life thanks to my newly found ability to connect people and technologies through my blog. I’ve always been good at discovering and sharing information. The blog has just provided the perfect medium to effectively reach the most people. I’ve reached over 100,000 of you…5,500 people on my best day. That’s breathtaking to me. I couldn’t imagine speaking to 5,500 people in a single day but I did it.
Truth is, blogging is more fulfilling than any job that I’ve ever had. The readers that I share information with are gracious, polite, respectful, appreciative and honest. I’ve helped hundreds of bloggers personally to improve their blogs – and I could never have done that without the assistance of those bloggers before me who shared so selflessly. I thank them for their untiring enthusiasm and relentless search for the answers we’re all seeking. As well, I thank my close circle of friends who continue to encourage me and tell me that they know there is more to come my way.
So… Happy 500th to all of you. Thanks for reading. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for inspiring me to work harder than I ever have. Blogging has never been a chore, it’s been my passion. I can’t get enough of books, articles, blogs, comments, nor technology. I’m now actively consulting companies on their blogging strategy – something I wouldn’t have ever guessed I’d be doing 8 months ago.
As Loren puts it (so directly), I am an A-List blogger. I need not be on any physical list. Because you return and share in the discussion with me daily, you’ve made me number 1. I’m there! I don’t care what any list or rank shows. I owe you all much more because of the attention you’ve given me.
I look forward to seeing where the next 500 posts take us.
Glad I’m not the first to comment. If I were first I’d worry that you might think I was merely commenting so that I’d get traffic at my blog. You taught me that, my brutha. Keep on going. Your generosity has already made you rich with friends…I hope your bank account swells too!
Friendship is worth more than any bank account, Pat. I did edit the post (before you commented) and actually threw a link to your blog over “friend” so you were going to get that link anyways. You continue to encourage me and make me hungry for more. You have first dibs on any “friend” link over here.
For those of you who don’t know Pat, we often chat on the phone on our drives to work and talk about how we are changing the world (or trying to). Pat’s got a fantastic blog – his writing skills are far better than mine and his ability to connect scripture to life is something I aspire to.
Pat’s started several successful companies and knows better than anyone what friend, customer, and marketing means. Heck, he even took the Colts to the Superbowl! That guy Peyton helped a little.
Thanks, Pat!
A hearty congrats to you!! Awesome just awesome.
Thanks Loren! You’re one of the many who inspires!
Congrats, Doug. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to 500 more. There is a rumor going ’round that bloggers can collect pension after the 1000th post – so I guess you’re at a mid-blog-life crisis right about now. 🙂
Congrats Doug! You’ve come a long way in a very short amount of time.
Like you said, one day and post at a time…
If it wasn’t for blogging, we wouldn’t have become friends… so like you, I am thankful for blogging and the connections I’ve made over the years…
It’s interesting how this all works… I’ve been blogging for over 9 years and met a lot of great people, learned a lot of new technologies and just keep on truckin’ as they say…
Last, in an exciting move, I’m in a way starting over to some degree with my new URL… it will be neat to see where it’s at in a years time… I hope you’ll be along for the ride.
Thanks, Sean. You’ve thrown me some great SEO and CSS tips over this period and I really appreciate all the help! You’re also my IE6 (yuck!) watchdog.
Looking forward to some more tips… like finding out why my Pagerank always seems to be zero! Give me some help Google-Boy!
Your friend,
Doug
Congratulations Doug from another 3AM blogger. Make that next Starbucks a Extra Large whatever 🙂
Fellow Indy blogger saying Hi 🙂
Congrats! It is inspiring to see all hard work you’ve put into it over the last year and how quickly it’s grown. I’m looking to post #1000 as well.
Thanks, Ade!
Good Job, Mr. Karr!
Thanks Matt!