Today I celebrate yet another blogaversary. What began as a simple passion project has blossomed into a journey of growth and connection, thanks to the amazing community of readers who have supported me every step of the way.
It’s been nine years of sharing stories, insights, and inspiration through my blog that began with I Don’t Understand The Question. Over the years, my blogaversary posts have typically served as a look back on the accomplishments and/or changes that have occurred since the previous one. For this one, I’m going to take a slightly different approach.
I did some research to blogs and blogging to find some statistics but came up short on the specifics I was looking for. What I did find out is that blogging is nearly as old as the internet itself. The first recognized blog dates back to 1994 and is often credited to Justin Hall, a college student who began writing about his life and experiences on a website called Links.net. Though not initially called a blog, it served as a personal journal on the web.
By the early 2000s, blogging steadily gained popularity as more platforms and tools became available, allowing people with little technical expertise to share their thoughts and stories online. However, my awareness of blogs was rather limited before starting my own. The first blog I ever knew about was a fictional one written by a character on the soap opera One Life To Live. In context, it sounded like a self-published diary and I didn’t quite understand its purpose. Some twenty years later, the popularity of blogs continues to grow even as the landscape changes and evolves.
Through their ability to connect people, provide valuable information, and offer a platform for personal expression and growth. Unfortunately, though, many blogs tend to only last between 2 to 3 years as the initial period of enthusiasm and effort wanes. Blogs with a specific niche and clear target audience often last longer because they can build a loyal readership and establish authority in that area.
Changes in blogging platforms, search engine algorithms, or social media policies can also impact a blog’s lifespan by affecting traffic and visibility. Common sense tells us that regularly updated blogs are more likely to sustain interest and traffic, which can contribute to a longer lifespan. This is especially true for blogs that monetize where the financial incentive is a powerful motivating force.
Like with other vocations, it’s not uncommon for bloggers to experience burnout. This can be especially true if they try to maintain an aggressive posting schedule or don’t see the expected returns in terms of engagement or income.
Despite those obstacles and the naysayers might claim, the future of blogging remains promising. It is evident that readers appreciate the personal and authentic voice of blogs. The unique perspectives and experiences of bloggers make for connections that are often more relatable and engaging than more traditional media.
But nothing stays the same as several trends and changes are shaping how content creators approach blogging. They are increasingly incorporating multimedia elements like videos, podcasts, and interactive graphics. With more users accessing content via smartphones and tablets, ensuring blogs are mobile-friendly and optimized for various devices will be essential for retaining and growing readership.
There will likely be a growing focus on creating ethical and sustainable content, with transparency and authenticity becoming increasingly valued by audiences. Tools powered by artificial intelligence will likely assist bloggers in generating content ideas, optimizing posts for SEO, and even automating certain writing processes. However, authentic and personal storytelling will remain crucial.
The popularity of blogs stems from their ability to connect people, provide valuable information, and offer a platform for personal expression and growth. As technology and consumer preferences continue to evolve, blogs remain a versatile and powerful medium for communication and engagement.
When I first started this blog, I had no idea how long I could or would keep it going. I had no idea of the challenges in life I would need to overcome. I had no idea that I would get the chance to vote not once but twice for a woman for president.
In fact, my ensemble for today’s post is based on that presumptive nominee’s sartorial inspiration. Her fondness for Converse sneakers and pearl necklaces led me to make those same choices for this look. A choice that is freely mine to make, no matter anyone else’s opinion. All items have been in my wardrobe for at least a year with the oldest being my necklace (bought in 2016) and the newest being my dress (bought in 2023). While the other items were purchased new, my denim jacket was a secondhand find I wear quite frequently.
I’m grateful for my readers so thank you for engaging and supporting my blog. Like in many of my previous blogaversary reflections, I see today as an opportunity to look forward. We can lament about the “good ol’ days” or embrace the future. Let’s not stay in the past when so many wonderful opportunities await us. What’s your vote?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Photo credit: MMPerez
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Contributed by Iris over at La Moumous, featured from last week’s link-up is her post LIFE UPDATE: EMBRACING CHANGE AND GROWTH. Not only has Iris recently had a milestone birthday, soon her blog will be marking its 5th blogaversary as well. Congratulations are in order on both accounts.
11 Comments
Happy Blogaversary, Rena! I have to tell you yours was one of the first I found. I lurked for years before becoming brave enough to comment! I just passed my third year blogaversary and was a little surprised. I wasn’t sure I’d make it an entire year. But, I’m loving it and will continue as long as I still feel that way. I am currently looking to add some Converse sneakers to my wardrobe. I already have some pearls. Thanks for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Happy Blogaversary Rena and I have to say it’s reminded me that it’s also mine this week. Mine is 12 years and I’m continually surprised by it all! I didn’t know what a blog was, I was just learning how to build a website and still feel the same, don’t really consider myself a Blogger. I very much admire you and the many other friends and colleagues I’ve made in the Internet world, who bring us regular interesting and entertaining content. I’ve been dragged into the age of technology one step at a time but managing to cope enough to keep going. It’s what’s life is about, I hope I never give up on wanting to learn something new!
Have a great week
Pamela
Happy Blog Anniversary! I haven’t really celebrated mine in a while so I need to find out what the day is. Love this classic look!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Happy blogaversary! I still remember being on a trip and thinking, I could write a blog and writing pen to paper several blog posts and coming up with a list of subjects to write about. I have gone through phases where I am uninspired, but lately I have found that ideas come quickly! I still really enjoy sharing my travel posts a lot, but those come and go as we don’t travel more than a few times a year.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Happy Blogaversary! Its been 10 years on my end, and we keep on truckin’! Its been interesting – the ups and downs, but we are still here. I love your outfit inspiration, and those converse are so cool! I love the style.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Congratulations on a long lived blog. Thank you for the fascinating history of blogging, I have been wondering about these things. I am now on my 10th year of blogging, and it’s hard to believe I have written about three presidential elections (and about the same person in each of them!). I never imagined blogging would change so much, most of which I have not kept up with, like the video part. Thanks for hosting a link-up, it truly is a boon for bloggers to have this forum for posting.
Love your outfit and those are some great sneakers! Thanks for the short history of blogging. I did not know the tidbit about the first documented blog post. Interesting! I have been blogging for nine years and branched out from participating in a Flickr sight that posted outfits of the day. Enjoy your week and thanks for the link up!
Congrats! Yay for keeping the flame burning AND continuing the Linkup.
I started my first blog, a drawing blog, in 2008.
I did a big summery (with links) of the previous nine I have on my first Substack post. Substack is my newest platform and I’m enjoying it.
Happy Blogaversary, Rena! And thank you for hosting. It’s still peach season, so I brought my peach pie with lattice crust at #38. Happy Summer!
Congratulations on your blogaversary! 🎉 It’s impressive and inspiring to see how far you’ve come over the past nine years. Your reflection on the evolution of blogging and its impact highlights both the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic field.
Happy Blogaversary. Congrats. Thanks for all the knowledge on blogs. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.