Monday, July 16, 2012

6th Year Blogiversary!


Interestingly enough, I have some friends and family that are literally just finding out about my blog (more friends, than family); therefore, I have been saying "6 years this summer" for quite some time now.  This actual day of celebration feels a little late to the party!  :)  

I don't have any new plans for the upcoming year.  I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.  It seems that I'm one of the few book bloggers that doesn't include personal blog posts or connect through Facebook or Twitter, but I'm okay with that.  I enjoy reading fellow bloggers' miscellaneous posts, but it's just not for me.  My purpose for blogging remains the same as when I started 6 years ago -- post about the books I read.  It's unfortunate to have lost readers (and comments), but I'm still content.  It takes all kinds to make the blogosphere a special place, and I think there's room for all of us.  :)

Thanks for the years of recommendations, comments and encouragement.  It's been an absolute pleasure.

41 comments:

  1. Congrats on six years, Joy!!

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  2. Anonymous7:57 AM

    A great pleasure for us too, Joy! Happy, happy blogversary! Can't believe it has actually been 6 years for you. In any case, I'll continue reading no matter what you choose to share with us. Gotta look for that 4.5 and 5.0 ratings from you!! They are priceless. ;-)

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    1. Kay ~ Thanks, Kay! Tee hee on looking for the high ratings. They really have been far and few between this year. :( I do; however, have a decent amount in the 4 and 4.25 range. :)

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  3. Happy Anniversary!
    Don't feel the need to change Joy, I like you blog just the way it is. I like the type of books you read, and love your short, succinct reviews.

    Not everyone is into total social media immersion (me included) - a few of us can be happy with the way we've done it, and not feel the need to expand.

    Did you see who is back on Big Brother? yay!

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    1. Raidergirl3 ~ Thank you for the encouragement! I really appreciate it, especially when almost once a week I read about somebody broadening their book blog into more than just book reviews. AND, the comments regarding that change are gushing with glee.

      We do have similar tastes in books, and I always look forward to seeing what you're reading.

      I'm really enjoying the twists so far in BB. That nerdy guy is quite a character!

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  4. Wow, six years is quite an accomplishment! Happy Blogiversary!

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    1. Rhapsodyinbooks ~ Thanks so much! In one sense, it feels like I just started blogging and another like I've been doing it forever.

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  5. Anonymous2:09 PM

    Happy six years Joy! Love reading your reviews - I've gotten a lot of book recommendations from your blog.

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    1. Lynne ~ Thank you! You have one of those blogs that I feel like I know your family, and I love it! :)

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  6. Happy 6 years of blogging!! I love your book thoughts and wouldn't dream of ever stopping by and reading them!!

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    1. Staci ~ Thanks! And I'm so glad you do because without you sometimes I would be alone in this big ole blogosphere! Thank you for being so kind and generous with your comments. They mean the blogosphere to me! *insert goofy grin here*

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  7. Happy 6 Years of blogging.

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    1. Nise' ~ Thank you! I appreciate it!

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  8. Anonymous2:53 PM

    You have so been the complete opposite of me!!! I love that you have stayed the same...it keeps me grounded ;)

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    1. Danielle ~ I had a huge smile while reading this comment, and then a little chuckle snuck out, too! It is so true! I don't even know who or where you are right now!! :) :) :) Thanks for popping in!

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  9. I can't believe you've 'lost readers and comments' - from not being on FB, or having 'personal' postings??! I think FB and twitter are so opposite the whole notion of thoughtful blogging. Not to mention the clutter on FB pages. It seems to me that many book bloggers do write (at least mostly) about books. Mine was never set up to be centered on anything in particular, and I've heard my kind of blog doesn't get many readers because it isn't 'specialized' so go figure.
    I like blogs that are true to themselves, period. Yours is, and is always a pleasure to visit!
    And yeah, it's funny how families and friends will connect on social networks but not read blogs.
    So congrats, and keep being who you are!!

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    1. Nan ~ My analysis of the drop in my readers/comments was not derived from an exit interview/survey, but mainly from observations and emails, so it lacks empirical data. :) However, my observations and communication with other bloggers and publicists agree that Twitter has played a huge role in recommending books and communicating with authors. I think that source is a lot easier than reading about the books on blogs.

      As for losing readers due to the lack of personal posts, I believe that 100%. And, I understand it, but it's not going to change me. I didn't begin blogging for readers/comments; however, once they became a part of the experience, I loved it. It's sad to see some go, but like I said in my post, I'm content.

      My friends and family prefer I just tell them about a book or better yet, put it in their hands and say, "Read it!" Read my blog . . . HA!

      Thanks for the encouragement! :)

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  10. Happy 6th! Sometimes it seems like ages since we started our blogs and other time it feels like yesterday.

    No reason to change if you like what you're doing. Your blog should be what you like it to be.

    Hope to be talking books with you for many years to come!

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    1. SuziQoregon ~ Thanks!

      I was thinking about the total of books read in the 6 years of blogging and how many were from fellow book bloggers. The blogosphere has been a great place for recommendations and for meeting other booklovers!

      Cheers to many more years!

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  11. Twitter may be quicker (sort of a rhyme) but it will never take the place of blogs for thoughtful postings, even if short ones.

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    1. Nan ~ I think you are right, Twitter won't take the place of blog posts. It is another avenue, though.

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  12. Anonymous4:09 PM

    Yay for 6 years!! There's plenty of room for everyone. I think your blog is great and know I can always count on you to not gush about a book you didn't love! Thanks for that.

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    1. Stacybuckeye ~ Thanks! And, LOL. You are right, I do not gush for less than stellar books (to me)! You're welcome. :)

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  13. Congratulations! You are one up on me! You are one of the very first book blogs I started to read!! I'm with you on the personal posts. I've tried and it just isn't me. Every once in a blue moon, but I'm pretty much just books too. I like knowing when there is a post from you it's going to be a review, and a potential add to my tbr at that!

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    1. Nicola ~ Thank you! In the thriller department, we have very similar tastes, so I always look forward to your reviews.

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  14. Forgive my late comment--just got back into town yesterday. Congratulations on six years Joy. You already know that you were one of the first bloggers I met and have looked up to you and learned so much from you over the years. I am a little sad sometimes to not know you more personally but I do feel like I know you still through the things you are reading and little tidbits you've let slip over the years. I completely understand and know that I'm a bit extreme in my sharing and even that makes people uncomfortable. In the end we all find what works for us, right?

    I'm so glad to know you Joy.

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    1. Trish ~ Thanks for the congrats! I enjoy chatting with other bloggers, I just don't like to publicly post personal tidbits. I actually have said quite a bit throughout the 6 years -- much more than I ever thought I would, but people in the blogosphere do become friends. :)

      I love reading your blog as do many, many others. And, yes, we do find our own place in this world, whether it's in our tangible lives or online.

      I think you're an absolute doll and love watching you and your family grow. :) Thanks for sharing with me on my Blogiversary. (I look forward to reading about your Hawaii trip!)

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  15. Congrats on 6 years! That is such an amazing accomplishment. I love your honesty with reviews and always add to my TBR list while I am here :)

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    1. Samantha.1020 ~ Thank you! I can't be anything, but honest. It's just who I am. I'm pleased to learn that you add to your TBR list while visiting! :)

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  16. Congratulations on six years, Joy! I don't comment as often, but I do follow your blog still. You are one of my go to bloggers for mystery and thriller recommendations. :-)

    I think your blog is perfect the way it is!

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    1. Literary Feline ~ Thank you! You are too kind with your words. I'm so glad you continue to read and comment when you can. It's appreciated. :)

      Yay for mysteries and thrillers!!! I enjoy your blog for those recommendations as well.

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  17. Kay said, "I'll continue reading no matter what you choose to share with us. Gotta look for that 4.5 and 5.0 ratings from you!! They are priceless."

    I couldn't agree more! Most of my Top Ten reads were because of you and couldn't be happier. Thank you for six years of great reviews. Yes, we have both lost readers (and comments) over the years, but like you, I'm content to keep doing what I do. It's the friendships I treasure, not the stats.

    And I'm sorry for my late comment. Unlike Trish, I haven't been out of town. Can I blame it on the 100+ degree weather and the fact that I've had to water my flower beds and pots by hand EVERY SINGLE DAY? ;) I may not read your posts as quickly as I'd like, but I never miss one and always enjoy catching up when I do.

    Here's to many more years of five-star reads and friendship.

    Cheers!

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    1. Les ~ No apology necessary! I'm happy whenever you decide to pop in. :) I haven't been out walking or biking very much in the last couple weeks due to the extreme heat. It makes me miserable!

      We really do have similar tastes in books, and I love that. It's so exciting when I see a high rating on your blog, because then I feel the anticipation build in myself knowing that I'll probably love it, too. It's not an exact science, but it's fairly accurate. :)

      I need more five-star reads. I'm actually desperate! LOL I have certainly read and listened to some terrific books this year, but just not good enough that I can actually say, "Excellent" or "Absolutely Outstanding" with conviction.

      Thanks for your friendship. It's a treasured one!

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  18. BTW, I'm listening to Ready Player One, too!!

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    1. Les ~ HA! GMTA :) I finished it on Monday as I inventoried my library, which took me the majority of the day!

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  19. Congrats on 6 years Joy! As you know, I "knew" you before blogging and you were an inspiration when I started my own blog. I applaud you for sticking to what works for you and not going with the "mainstream" whatever that is anymore! You have a unique style with your short, succinct and honest reviews. I respect your rating style and know that your reviews will always be upfront and honest. I have not been blogging much this year for many reasons and have lost my "voice" and style so to speak in some ways. I hope to get back to blogging and find a way to make it work for my life. That's the key, in my opinion, finding what works for you.

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    1. Bonnie ~ Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts on my "style" and hope that you work out your own for where you are in your life now. I'm so happy that you have decided to keep plugging away because you have much to offer your readers. I hope the fun of blogging comes back to you with a flourish! :)

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    2. Thanks Joy! Your support and kind words make me want to keep plugging away:) I've lost some followers from my blogging breaks and I deleted my facebook page for the blog to keep my privacy. I guess that I could have a separate account for it but it didn't seem to be making a difference anyways.I think it's finding what works for you and makes you happy is what matters:)

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Happy Reading!