Yesterday, I reached another blogging milestone. As I celebrate seven years since starting this blog, I look back on blog highlights from year seven along with thoughts on what’s next for Boomer Eco Crusader.
It’s all about community
Last year, in my 6th anniversary post, I discussed how I was struggling to maintain my motivation thanks to a drop in engagement on my blog. The comments regular readers left on that post were so encouraging.
The discussion reminded me that we all write for different reasons. Many write to help them reflect and make sense of the world. Others write to be a force for good in an increasingly negative world. Above all, though, the comments reinforced the wisdom and support of our blogging community.
I love the very real connections of our blogging community. A definite highlight of the past year was meeting my blogging pal Vicki Atkinson in person for the first time as I was passing through the Chicago area in May. The couple of hours Vicki and I spent chatting over breakfast confirmed we are kindred spirits and the connections and community we have here on WordPress are very real.
As I look back on my blog highlights of year seven, I’m not feeling the same motivational challenges as last year. I have seen an increase in views, likes, and comments over the last year. More importantly, I’m satisfied with the content I’ve written.
As I wrap up another year, let’s look at some of my favourite posts of the last year.
Favourite posts of the last year
In year seven of Boomer Eco Crusader, I posted 141 times. None of those posts made my top 10 list in terms of views.
Stats aside, here are seven of my favourite posts from year seven.
- The benefits of walkable neighbourhoods lamented my neighbourhood’s poor walkability score, and why I wish it was higher.
- True creativity is to be cherished, not automated discussed my concerns with the proliferation of AI-generated entertainment content.
- You are unique – No-one else can tell your story highlighted the importance of life writing and passing on our legacy through storytelling.
- This year, I reprised the Clutter Tales series as we uncovered new lost treasures. Old bridesmaid dresses take me back in time documented memories of 1980s weddings.
- The moon felt a little closer this week discussed how inspiring the Artemis II mission was for me. I followed that up a few weeks later with thoughts on my disappointment with the Artemis III direction in Would you want to live on the moon?
- Finally, Helpful tips for decluttering sentimental items shared learnings from my recent decluttering efforts.
Let’s keep in touch! Join my mailing list and I’ll email you when I add a new post.
What to expect in year 8
As I look ahead to year 8, I don’t anticipate any major changes to the content I’m creating. I would like to refresh my blog’s theme at some point. I don’t hate my current theme, but I’ve been using it for seven years so maybe it’s time.
As far as promotion is concerned, It’s time to part ways with Instagram for good and focus my attention on Pinterest and LinkedIn. Many bloggers seem to be moving to Substack, but I’m still figuring out where that platform fits into the overall picture.
Above all, I will continue to write real content using my authentic voice. You won’t find any AI content on this site.
Thanks to you, dear reader, for continuing to support Boomer Eco Crusader by reading, liking and commenting on my posts. You make it all worthwhile!
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Congratulations on seven years of blogging, Michelle. Don’t forget that even though none of your posts in the last year made your top 10, many views may not be genuine: people may have arrived by mistake; some may not have even read the post, and spambots can now inflate view counts. I’d measure success by the number of engaging comments rather than by views. But more importantly, if you are happy with the quality of your posts, that’s the most important part of any success.
Thanks Hugh. Yes, the spambots are annoying and make it hard to trust any stats. I agree that we should focus on engagement and whether we still enjoy blogging rather than chasing stats.
Congratulations, Michelle. Your post is always a joy to read.
Thank you Rachel! It’s good to see you here.
Congratulations, Michelle. Seven years of blogging is a great accomplishment! I looked at Substack, but I’m unconvinced of its value unless you want to monetize your writing. With so many people holding accounts there, who is going to pay $5 a month to read everybody’s writing? It’s very hard to do. Your retirement advice could probably find a niche there, and you could create a newsletter and monetize it, but I’m sure it’s going to take a lot of work. I love Susan Cain, but I’m not paying $10 a month to read her posts. I’d rather buy her books.
I feel that way about Substack too, Edward. I refuse to pay subscription fees. They would quickly add up to a lot.
It would be nice if they allowed users to set their own prices, perhaps $1 a month or just donations. I think $5 a month is the minimum, and like you said, that adds up quickly if you follow several people.
Woohoo, congrats, Michelle! Here’s to the next year, and many more!
Thanks so much Erin! 🤗
Congrats on your blogging anniversary, Michelle. We’ve been on WP roughly the same time. My 7 years is on Dec 1. I’m glad you’re continuing the journey and all the best in your upcoming year!
Thanks Ab. I’m grateful that we connected here on WordPress!
congrats and awesome!!
Thank you!
Congrats Michelle! I look forward to what’s ahead on the blog 🙂
Thanks, Deb. I always appreciate your engagement on my posts!
Happy blogiversary, Michelle! Making it to 8 years is quite the accomplishment.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I always appreciate your engagement with my posts.
Michelle…your sweet post made me a little teary just now…in the best way. Real connections…oh my goodness, yes. It’s hard to explain, the kindred threads and friendships, built through blogging and sharing. It’s one of those IYKYK things! And then spending time with you in person? Oof! So good! Cheers to you, your blogging anniversary and all the goodness you bring. Xo, my friend! 😉❤️😉
Thank you so much Vicki. I think people who don’t blog just don’t get it. My daughter Laura says the same thing about the streaming community on Twitch. She has made many friends there, including that Australian boyfriend of hers.
I appreciate you my friend! 🤗💚🤗
Xo!!! 😘