Like anyone, I’m pleased when my blog gets many hits and mildly disappointed when I get few. I recognize the emotion for what it is; pride… or perhaps narcissism… not necessarily a good thing. Knowing I shouldn’t care doesn’t mean I don’t; but I try. It’s best to mentally keep hit counts on a short leash.
My hit counts have trended bit lower the last year or so anyway. I caused it. I’ve deliberately tried to steer around the low hanging fruit of politics which is the popularity generator du jour. (Being a guy that uses phrases like du jour probably cuts down on popularity too.) It was the right thing to do. It felt like the whole world lost it’s goddamn mind on November 8th, 2016 and I’ll be damned if I was going to contribute to it. I wonder if nobody thought votes really mattered and the fact that they do shocked both sides of the aisle. People allowed make their own choices may think differently than instructed and for some folks that’s a problem. They’ll need time to digest it. They can do it without me.
Forgoing politics (even if I occasionally fall off the wagon) isn’t an easy choice. I love satire and currently the whole universe is deliciously satirical. The time of Cheeto Jesus and freaks in the streets protesting for what made Venezuelans eat zoo animals is an enticing target. Bravely, I try to stick with squirrels. (When the bullshit of today is forgotten there will still be squirrels.) Satirical squirrels and antique saws isn’t going to land a million views and I know that.
Why am I mentioning this? I recently got more hits than average. Out of curiosity I noodled through WordPress’ metrics. Was it from one source or a diffuse thing? Then it struck me; this was the first time I’d investigated my blog metrics in months. I’ve been blogging for eight years. I slowly evolved from checking my stats every day to forgetting they’re recorded. Progress! How cool is that?
One more thing. My dog, who is still my editor, had grave reservations about my last set of posts. I concurred. Letting a personal thing like that into the world is risky. Is not the internet is awash in trolls who’ll hit you when you’re down? Wouldn’t people dogpile me (no pun intended) for fretting over my little issues when there are greater tragedies afoot? Apparently not. I’d like to thank everyone who commented (publicly and privately) for their supportive and caring response. It would be easy for someone to say “you and your dog got sick and it made you sad… suck it up buttercup I was hit by a bus” and tear me down. It didn’t happen. Folks are generally nice. What a great thing to find out!
There may be a bit of lag time in posts over the next several weeks. I’m sure y’all understand. Thanks.
A.C.
P.S. For the squirrels fans… I have not forgotten you. There is a plot. Currently it’s stashed in my pointy head and I think we all agree that’s not a good place to store it. But I’ve been stymied getting it to print. Eventually I’ll have time and peace and the words will flow. They must! I have phrases like “murder trout” that can’t be wasted. Also the Gatling gun with the laser sight needs to be fired at an Audi or I can’t die happy. Yes, it’s taking forever and I apologize. I tried writing in the midst of chaos and it just didn’t happen. I’m aware of and appreciate your patience. Thanks.