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1/22/2009

Traveling Thursday

Tonight, #1 Son and I take off on a trip that will ultimately take us to Trinidad. I'm packed. In fact, I'm so packed that what started out as a carry on and camera bag has become, thanks to SWMBO, a large checked bag, a carry on and a camera bag. Oh, and #1 Son has a carry on, as well. Mainly, because SWMBO hasn't deigned to look into what he has packed for himself. Just me.

I'm a bit puzzled by something I've noticed. Whenever I publish a story or a part of a story, my traffic goes down. Page views and comments dip by 25 to 30%. I don't understand that. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop, by the way. But, if you've been lurking, or reading in a reader, click in and let me know what you think, 'K?

Tomorrow, Miss Ash of Into The Rabbit Hole is going to guest post for me. POHA, as she is also known, is a regular read for me. No pressure, POHA.

I don't know about blogging from there. We'll see.

Ndinombethe.

27 comments:

Unknown said...

Guilty as charged, sir. I sometimes wait and take in several installments of one of your stories.

Safe travels!

Jientje said...

Enjoy your trip, but let us know at least something when you're there huh? You're not going to leave us like that for the rest of the week, are you?
Travel safe.

Unknown said...

Aww, Lou! Will miss you like crazy! I've missed your last 14 posts due to my own insanity so I can't help you there with that question. Maybe people just like shorter pieces? Dunno. But who cares anyway?? You're blogging for you, Mr. ;)

Anyway! Have a blast, can't wait to hear all about it.

Shadow said...

here's wising you a super and safe holiday. looking forward to hearing alllll about it when you get back.

stories... mmmm, my guess is that some people on some days are pressed for time and if the post is too long, they skip it.....

Ndinombethe said...

You can go online and post on my laptop Lou, if you want to be. or you can spend an entire week computer free. Play it by ear.

Anonymous said...

Have a safe trip :) Don't worry about us over here, we'll be here when you get back!

MissyBoo said...

I'm guilty too!!! I often read in my reader at work and plan to come and comment but... Okay there are no excuses!

Have a fabulous trip!

moneythoughts said...

Lou, there are several inverse relationships in life. The first one I learned was the inverse relationship between yield and price for bonds. But, this inverse relationship thing extends to many other things like ties and even reading material. People like short pieces. Fewer people like to dig into a long piece, except if it is food. That is why sound bites are so popular. Remember the comment Secretary of State Rice made to a national security adviser before 9/11? She told him, "the President doesn't like to read long reports." People don't just like fast food, they like fast learning with little effort.

Hope you and #1 son have a great time!

Sage Ravenwood said...

I have no idea why they don't read the stories dear one. I myself find them endearing. I have found on my own journal if I have a go to link, or ask for participation of any kind. The numbers go down considerably. Sometimes I think people are comfortable knowing you from a distance. And when something comes up that gives them more insight, it makes you more real...

In any case that's my theory when my own numbers go down. Perhaps they are looking to read the real from you, and the stories are just an extension to them.

Seriously, I have no idea...All I know is I'm going to continue reading without fail. (Hugs)Indigo

hockeychic said...

Arrggh, blogger ate my comment.

Safe travels to you and #1 Son. Can't wait to hear about your adventures in Trinidad.

I am not much help on the long post issues as I love long posts and am always eager to read them.

witchypoo said...

You be sure to give Nan a big ole hug from me, wontcha?

Anonymous said...

Ooh, so excited for you! I hope you guys have tons of fun.

The story question is hard to answer, but I'm probably one of those not as likely to comment. It's not that you can't write the hell out of some fiction because seriously, you can, more than pretty much anyone I can think of, and if it makes you feel better, I comment more on your fiction than on anyone's fiction. Sometimes I think I'll wait to read the whole story at once, and then sometimes it just doesn't happen. Other times I do read, but then I'm not always sure what to say. Clearly you have talent, and I do hope you will keep writing your stories. Not much of an explanation, but that's my $0.02.

Joyce-Anne said...

Hey, blogger ate my comment...

You know that I love your stories. I'm glad to hear you plan on continuing to write them. Meanwhile, safe travels to you and #1 Son.

Julie said...

Have a great trip! Blog, don't blog, we will be here when you get back.

But take notes, so you remember what you thought to blog about while you were there!

Tara R. said...

I hope you and #1 Son have a fun and rejuvenating time. Enjoy your trip and bring back lots of photos. I have loved your stories and hope you one day have them published in book form.

Anonymous said...

Stay safe and have fun! And no stress about blogging :)

Haven't read the last story yet due to my fantastic Internet and hanging behind in my schedule in everything :(
But I will :)

Hugs & have fun!

Expat No. 3699 said...

I'm guilty of not always commenting on the blogs I read, mainly because I just don't have time.

Anyhoo, I hope you and your son have a fantastic time in Trinidad. Don't feel like you have to post while you're there. Just enjoy yourself and share when you get back. It'll give us all something to look forward to.

Holly said...

Have a safe and fun trip!

Momisodes said...

Wishing you safe and happy travels!!! You know I will miss you.

Patsy said...

Travel well --

That was an interesting stat that you've noticed. I know on those days that you *publish* I don't always make comment because I read so late in the day that anything I might say has already been said. And right now time just isn't what it was before going back to work. I'm starting to miss those days off.
I'm glad you aren't going to change you habits.

Myst_72 said...

I like to sit and read your stories properly, without interruption, so that I can comment properly and do the story justice - but lately around here lack of interruption is a rare thing :)

G
xx

Anonymous said...

Maybe we're so awestruck by your writing, we're speechless?

Unknown said...

I can't wait to hear about Trinidad!

Here's what happens on my end when you write a story: as soon as I see it's a story, I KNOW I have to wait until the kids are sleeping before I open/read the post. I know I can't be getting up 17 times to find out why somebody is crying or bleeding--otherwise the story will be wasted on my brain. SO--I wait until the house has gone quiet. Sometimes that's another day!

Anonymous said...

I just stop in whenever I can and leave a comment. I'm too busy to worry anymore about leaving as many comments everywhere as I can in hops of gaining one or two- though I enjoy giving and receiving them as much as the next person... I have homework.

Eve Grey said...

Have an AWESOME time. I'm a teeny bit jealous. (;

Eric S. said...

Lou, I hope your having fun. I have missed most your posts this week, so I'm playing catch up. Been working out of town, no laptop so, well you know.

Enjoy the vacation.

Theresa said...

*guilty look*

It's just that your stories, although beautifully written, are not ''urgent'' reading, like real life. I sometimes come back when I have more time and catch up.