READERS: the drug of choice

Yesterday someone left a trace on my blog: he or she read ALL of Pride’s Children posted to date, and a huge number of my other posts.

I am on top of the world. Squee!

Even though my mystery guest left no comments.

How I know

We can tell, we WordPress bloggers, because the statistics page shows how many pages were viewed on any given day, and lists which pages and how many views each one had.

Kind of like footprints in the mud.

Every blogger who pays attention sees patterns. When the stats show a larger-than-average number of hits, we can usually look to a particularly well-received post – or a controversial one – depending on the comments.

It’s fun and provides the feedback a writer lives on before sales. How did I do with that last blog post? There’s the answer: twice as many views, and a few extra comments. Huh. Must have hit a nerve.

Yesterday? Every page of Pride’s Children – and many more pages than usual – had a hit.

Doing to others

I do the same to other blogs when I find someone whose writing sings to me: I want to read as much as I can. Since I’m a writer, it seems natural to leave a few words. But pure readers, the non-writer kind, are often shy, and don’t comment.

That is perfectly fine – comments are much appreciated, but not required at all. I have a collection of online friends I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t blog – reason enough for doing it.

And I know from experience that even the Like button sometimes doesn’t work for me (browser issues?) on sites where I would love to click it, so don’t mind at all when someone comes, reads, and vanishes.

Consequences

But if you’re dropping by, and you’re reading, you must know: it makes me happy.

My long-time readers, who read each scene when it comes out, make me VERY happy.

Be careful, though – it also encourages me – which means more of the same to come. Or, it is fervently hoped, better.

Have a wonderful day – you made mine.

Whether you leave a comment or not.

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