Junk Drawer Milestone
Fun, Stuff I don't hate April 26th, 2008
There are two numbers I’m obsessed with: One, my weight, which never makes me happy. And, two, the amount of readers who’ve subscribed to my blog’s feed. Smiles all around. I’ve finally cracked the 100 mark!
Actually, I have three separate feed counts that total almost 150, but I don’t count the older feeds because I’m not sure there are active readers behind those numbers. I’m only eying the current feed, which sits nicely at 103.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who subscribes to the Junk Drawer, or who comes in from a bookmark. Thanks also go to those who added me to their blogrolls. I appreciate the links that lead people here.
I’ve said on more than one occasion that it’s really my readers who make my blog what it is today. Yes, I write this thing, but something amazing happens when I click the Publish button. A party breaks out in the comments section.
People have asked me how I achieve such a high number of comments each post. Honestly, I don’t know the formula, but I know dumb luck is a big part of it. Somehow I’ve attracted the right mix of people who leave the funniest comments after every visit.
During a birthday party last weekend, my family was sitting around talking about things that go on in The Drawer. We remembered some funny stuff left in the comments and someone said “Huh? What are you talking about?” and another said “Oh my God! You’re not reading the comments? You have to read the comments! It’s a goldmine in there!”
Bottom line, if you’re reading The Junk Drawer, hugs and kisses. If you’re not reading the comments, you must change your ways because you’re missing out on a key element of the blog. You might chuckle at something I’ve written, but you’re going to snort something out your nose if you dig further and read what people dropped in the drawer.
Thanks again, everyone! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Blogging has been some of the most fun I’ve had in my life, and you’re responsible for that. Toast yourselves and have a great weekend!
If you got a kick out of this post, subscribe to The Junk Drawer feed!
April 26th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Congratulations!!!
I’ve been keeping an eye on your feed stats as it got closer and closer to the magic number. I’m sure it will keep climbing, but this is a notable milestone.
What a wonderful way to pay tribute to reaching 100. Not all bloggers have such a great relationship with their readers/commenters, and you have such a way of encouraging and including readers with your posts. It’s great writing that brings the readers, and a great person behind the writing that keeps them coming back.
KUDOS!
I’m proud to be a loyal supporter, subscriber, commenter, and reader of THE JUNK DRAWER!
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I Bought a Door so you don’t have to
April 26th, 2008 at 9:26 am
What JD said… me too! You’re blog is such a fun place to hang out and have a laugh. I find myself returning several times a post to see who’s said what next in the comments. Although if you must know, this place is cutting into my personal time - so maybe you can do me a favor and quit being so damned funny!
Jeff’s last blog post..It’s a bit drafty in here
April 26th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Kathy, From what I’ve seen, you throw the best shindigs around! Congrats on cracking 100. Any tips you’d like to share?
Kat
Poetikat’s last blog post..Take this award and pass it on!
April 26th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Kathy congratulations in your big 1-0-0! May there be many hundreds more!
Cheers,
Andrew
Andrew’s last blog post..1978: April 29-May 5
April 26th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Congratulations!
You’re blog is fantastic and I’m sure there are hundreds more to come.
StephanieC’s last blog post..go see this movie (spoiler free)
April 26th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I just subscribed. I didn’t know i could! lol So soon it should say 104 (if it doesn’t already)
April 26th, 2008 at 10:02 am
It’s not dumb luck. It’s the Heroin content that keeps people bringing them back.
The comments are my favourite place too ! The crowd is just awesome and there are many great bloggers out here.
After I leave my comment, I must return because you have replied.
Congratulations on the 100
Jaffer’s last blog post..Of split personality and irresponsibility
April 26th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Congrats on hitting one hudred - and now it should just snowball. Your posts always bring a smile to my face, so I feel compelled to comment. If there is such a thing as comment envy then I think I’ve got it.
Neena (NeenMachine)’s last blog post..Parenting Tips: Extracurricular Activities
April 26th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Oh so it’s the heroin that does it. I was wondering. Every time I come here there is a party going on, and once I’ve left I keep feeling the urge to come back. Heroin, now it all makes sense.
Theresa’s last blog post..There is Always a Way Out
April 26th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I always read every comment, and come back to read your replies also. I shall continue to, but with tissues in hand next time ;O)
100! I would appreciate just one! Actually I do have just one, who reads, and comments on every post. How sad is that?
babs (beetle)’s last blog post..Just another day.
April 26th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Now I have my other hat on.
I seem to have more of a foothold with this blog. Still not confident enough to put a feed count on though. I would die if it showed zero :O)
You have a great blog and I am not surprised that you have gone over 100.
Babs - simplycats’s last blog post..Lilly Lu’s Gotcha Day
April 26th, 2008 at 11:52 am
1) Here I was feeling pretty good about my 7 subscribers.
2) Content is king. You gotz good content.
3) Recognizing each of your reader’s comments is great form.
4) Jaffer should be your bouncer.
5) You can never have too many “Babs” in the comment section.
Babs - (BigNerd)’s last blog post..Deal - Or No Deal?
April 26th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
JD at I Do Things — And I’m glad to have you! You’ve probably been with me since I had just a half dozen subscribers. It’s been a blast ever since. And to think we met because of that haiku! I still have my prizes, you know.
Jeff — Thanks so much. I’m intensely grateful that people keep coming back. Especially those who, like you, have families and better things to do than read and remark about my latest insanity. I get such a kick out of that.
Poetikat — It’s the readers who make that happen. I have no advice except to keep writing great stuff and people will come. My increase in subscribers comes somewhat from Humor-Blogs.com, so if anyone runs a humor blog, that is the place to list yourself. The rest is luck.
Andrew — Thanks! Hard to think one day I might see 200. I never thought I’d see one hundred. I’ll keep plugging away.
StephanieC — I appreciate that and the same to you. Your posts about your writing class still stick with me. It reminds me that I still want to join a writer’s group. If I could just get over my fear.
sarah — Ooo! One more. I’ll take it! It’ll be updated by tomorrow. I try to make every subscriber happy that they signed up. Keeps me on my toes.
Jaffer — You found me out! I agree. Some of the most interesting and funny people comment here. I’ve found some great blogs to read as a result. I feel like a clearinghouse for the best stuff. Again, I’m really lucky.
Neena (NeenMachine) — I’m glad you feel compelled to comment. It means I’m doing something right. Some bloggers who monetize their blogs aren’t driven by their comments, but I am. They’re my bread and butter, so to speak. So thank you for always leaving something in the drawer.
Theresa — It just occurred to me that “junk” is another name for heroin. Hmmm, it all makes sense now. Thank you for always coming back!
babs (beetle) — You do well on your blog. It’s full of such fascinating stories and memories. I love your writing! Despite this post, it’s not really about the numbers. It’s about the people you engage, and you’ve got some great people over your way. (simplycats) — You cannot go wrong with a kitty blog. I’m sorry. You just can’t!
Babs (BigNerd) — I know! Everyone needs more Babs!! Jaffer can be my bouncer if you’ll be my PR rep. I could so totally go places with you guys behind me. Will you travel with me when I go on my book tour?
April 26th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Yayyy! Congratulationz! Party time! I don’t subscribe, but you are on MyYahoo and bookmarks.
Keep going until you reach 200!
April 26th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Subscribe? Why would I want to do that? I visit here at least 3 times a day. The comments are what i love to read. I look at your posts as the springboard into the collective junk in the drawer. Not that all your commenters are junk. Just most of them. It takes a special person to be classified as junk in the Junk Drawer. I aspire to that great calling someday in the future.
Rattln Along’s last blog post..Team sponsorships to avoid
April 26th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Looks like I have unintentionally been promoting a Schedule 1 substance. The DEA must be on my heels.
Wait, babs (beetle) and Babs-simplycats are the same person ? Whoa ! This must be how Otto Mann feels all the time !
Me a bouncer for your book tour ? May I have the very first autographed copy then ?
Babs - (Jaffer)’s last blog post..Of split personality and irresponsibility
April 26th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Okay Let’s party..bring on the Jack Daniels this calls for a drink or two…:)))
robert bourne’s last blog post..Change Of Pace
April 26th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Regan — And I know you’ll be there when I hit 200. You were there from day one as my sole reader. You go in the Junk Drawer Hall of Fame.
Rattln Along — Junk: The New Awesome. “That’s junk, man!”
Babs (Jaffer) — See, this is what I mean. The Babs craze is taking off and cracking me up. Yeah, and I can’t wait who finds me from googling heroin. You can have more than an autographed copy. I’ll stick you in the acknowledgments. I reward loyalty in big ways.
robert bourne — There are now officially too many JD’s in this blog. Jack is welcome, too!
April 26th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Thanks for all your comments. I just need to overcome a lifetime of shyness - and my typically English reserve ;O)
Babs - beetle’s last blog post..Just another day.
April 26th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
On that note, I’m going to make myself a drink or two and when I come back, this will be the Drunk Blog. LOL. Congrats on the 103, your blog is “popping” (I feel so hip when I get to use that word).
Yeah the comments are the best part of most blogs, I enjoy reading them. Keep up the good blogging, 200 is next!
Natural’s last blog post..Everything Must Change
April 26th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Natural: The only thing that is hip popping with me is the popping hip when I walk.
100 members are quite the accomplishment for any blogger. I must say that it really is the entertaining way that you present life. Too many bloggers get bogged down and never maintain the consistent level that you have achieved. Keep up the hard work.
Rattln Along’s last blog post..Death and Dying
April 26th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Kathy:
Today is my anniversary, and what am I doing? Commenting on Kathy’s blog! The Queen is at her dressing table right now - Honey…are you ever going to get off that thingamajig, and get ready to go? Yes dear - be right in. Who is that you’re writing to anyways? Nobody dear - just some dumb guy. You know, some blogger guy. Well shut it down, so we can go Yes dear. Bye Kath - I gotta go.
Swubird’s last blog post..DEAD MAN’S BLUFF
April 26th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Kathy, the style of this blog is nothing new….. randomness and thoughts! But the way you do them and your imagination is what brings people back again and again. I have been blogging for around a year now and only have 33 subscribers on my main blog! I was happy with that.
I never get high numbers of comments on my posts and think it is something to do with the nature of my posts.
My new animal blog will hopefully crack that. I am really enjoying having a specific but very open subject to work with. I’ll leave the crazy random rant posts to you as you are much better than me!
Still I enjoy my blogs and like you am aiming for 100 on TheRandomForest.com and BlogAboutAnimals.com
Oh also, I have just tagged you for a meme on TheRandomForest, if you are in the mood?
http://www.therandomforest.com/2008/04/26/its-time-for-a-meme-7-easy-questions/
Forest Parks’s last blog post..Penguin swaps tuxedo for wet suit
April 26th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Congrats Kathy! And make it 105 now. I figure if I come here every night in hopes of getting a laugh (and it works every time!), I should add to your count! I am very cranky when I don’t have a chance to check it out or when I come and there is nothing new! You make my night and you are awesom!
April 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I am so glad I found your blog!!!! You are extremely funny…I totally get your sense of humor. I always look forward to your next post. Congrats…keep the good stuff coming
April 26th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
That’s great Kathy! I come here (bookmark) almost daily to read what you have to say. I can usually relate in a personal way. You’re so down to earth. I love that about your blog. Keep up the good work!
Now… about your strategy for attracting so many readers….., tell me more!
darla’s last blog post..More Painting and Moving…. And Moving…. And Moving
April 26th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Kathy that’s fantastic! Congratulations. I’m stuck between 70 and 80 and I can’t get out.
windyridge’s last blog post..Phoebe Nests
April 26th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
getting a lot of comments/readers is always exciting (i’m your newest reader!) lol. but more than writing to get comments, i like the fact that people write to get stuff out of their systems, share their experiences, give an exciting point of view to their lives.
noelia ~’s last blog post..Guilt and Dread
April 27th, 2008 at 5:56 am
Babs (beetle) — Shyness? No one grew up more shy than me. I wish I had been more outgoing then. No matter. I’m not shy now, obviously. It pays to break out of your shell.
Natural — Cool! My junk is poppin’! Hmm, somehow that doesn’t sound right. (And I agree with Rattln, it’s usually my body).
Rattln Along — Thanks. I’ve read that most bloggers give up after only 3 months. When I passed that mile marker, I was encouraged. Being consistent with (hopefully entertaining) posts and replies can be a challenge sometimes, but it’s so worth it to keep up. I get so much in return for doing this.
Swubird — You kill me! And happy anniversary to you both!
Forest Parks — Thank you. You’re so kind. I hung under 50 subscribers for more than half the time I’ve blogged. I got lucky and started making the Top 20 at Humor-Blogs.com and that’s when things started to improve. Luck and exposure from the right people really helped. I’ll be over to your blogs and will likely take you up on the meme.
Donna — Thanks. My goal has always been to give people something to chuckle about for a minute or two. I hope I never disappoint.
KFJ — I’m glad to have you on-board. Stick around. Something stupid happens to me every other day.
darla — Glad to have you as a regular reader. I don’t know how those people who have 500 subscribers do it, but I’ve had luck by being listed in other great humor writers’ blogs and Humor-Blogs.com. And every now and then some other much bigger blog will highlight something I’ve written and things can take off. Getting Stumbled doesn’t hurt either. But you’re not supposed to submit your own posts to Stumble, so I’m always grateful when someone does it for me. BloggingZoom.com has also helped a bit. You’re encouraged to submit your own posts there.
windyridge — Been there, believe me. For weeks and weeks on end. Humor-Blogs.com really gave me the shove I needed when I cracked close to the Top 10 for a while.
noelia — I would be nowhere without my readers and commenters. Like I said, it’s always a hoot reading through what they drop in the drawer.
April 27th, 2008 at 7:17 am
You’re saying we should all get toasted? (See how hip I am using the young-un’s slang?)
Mizmell’s last blog post..The Sky Is Crying
April 27th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Congrats, Kathy!
I’m so glad I crashed this party!
April 27th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Hi Kathy,
Where is this comment section of which you speak?
And why haven’t I been invited to any of your parties?
Oh, and congratulations on reaching 103 in your RSS feed. My lofty goal of four was almost reached the other day when I falsely advertised a free Mercedes Benz with each new RSS subsciption. What I did not state was that they were Matchbox cars I was giving away, and that upon closer inspection, they weren’t actually Mercedes but made to look like them, and that my nine year old son still remembers some pretty lethal moves from the approximtely eight Karate classes he took last year before losing interest. The lesson here is to always be honest with your readers, do not use your real name on your blog if you are planning to scam them (the government does not like phony car giveaways), and to ASK your kids POLITELY for their toys before you take them or you’ll get a Karate chop on the nose. I have to go as I am dripping blood on my keyboard. Congratulations once again on your success Kathy. -Mike.
Mr. Grudge’s last blog post..But for the Grace of an Old, Army Jeep
April 27th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Did you start submitting to blog directories? Or did other people do it for you?
I need to start finding some decent directories to submit to.
Forest Parks’s last blog post..Bloggers Pets - Jane saved Jericho and Jericho saved Boo
April 27th, 2008 at 9:28 am
What’s happened? You now only show 101 readers! Who did you offend? ha ha!
Babs - beetle’s last blog post..Portrait of a little girl
April 27th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I keep three “mirror” blogs; that is, the same posts on three different blogging hosts. I can post the exact same entry at all three places, but the comment level and quality with vary widely. On one site, I may get no comments or at the most one or two, but at another I’ll get thirty comments on the same entry. I’ve long scratched my head and wondered why this was so.
Some blog hosting sites are set up to encourage interactivity: you get comment alerts, people can suscribe to your blog, and the the hosting site’s home page list who has blogged recently, and so on. And I’ve found the type of readers very from site to site as well.
Unfortunately, my blog that gets the most comments, EFX2, is also a highly unstable host, and there are frequent, and sometimes extended, downtimes. My Blogger blog, which is never down, gets few comments, as it’s not set up to facilitate interactivity. People find me by accident and with so many blogs there, one can get lost in the sauce.
I found you through Blog Catalog, but so far, I’ve only had mediocre results with it.
Libertine’s last blog post..Time For A Change
April 27th, 2008 at 11:24 am
hey kathy,
thanks…now i have comment envy.
rock on,
aitch
Harris Bloom’s last blog post..One Word Sums It Up
April 27th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Congrats, Sh_______nk!!!
This place is like hanging out with your best bud…
XOXO!
April 27th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Your welcome. I know how much it means to you that I am here. *batting my long luxurious eyelashes at you*
Lori’s last blog post..Just a quick bitch
April 27th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I’m up to 91 subscribers. Maybe I should sign up for a few more email addresses so I can break the 3-digit mark.
April 27th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Mizmell — By all means, get toasted! Anyone bring champagne?
FerdC — Me too! And I’m hoping you’ll stick with me for the next hundred. Imagine that party!
Mr. Grudge — I think you’re missing your calling as a humor writer. Care to start a second blog? I’ll be your first subscriber. Thanks for the laughs!
Forest Parks — Gosh, I barely remember what I did in the beginning as far as directories go. There are some other humor directories in existence, but Humor-Blogs.com is the best of the bunch. I used to be involved with MyBlogLog.com, which is decent. I like BlogCatalog because it’s not all junked up with crap blogs for the most part. Search for directories in your niche, but poke around a while first to get a sense of who belongs there. And make sure you use good tracking software to see where you’re getting good traffic from (I use Clicky).
Babs (beetle) — Feedburner statistics will fluctuate day to day. I was at 103 for the first time yesterday, but it may go up or down from there a little in the next week.
Libertine — That’s so interesting about your comments varying from place to place. You’re right about having to make it easy for people to follow comments. Every little bit helps. I like BC for finding new blogs in my niche. The traffic isn’t what I’ve hoped, but it does lead me to others in my topic and by visiting those blogs, I’ve been able to gain new readers. Commenting on others’ blogs is a necessity.
Harris Bloom — Offer free tickets to your stand-up shows for being random commenter number whatever. I plan to see your show if you’re in my area. I still can’t believe you were in Lancaster and didn’t swing by to see me on the way back to NYC. What’s wrong with you?
BabaBooey — That’s my goal! I want everyone to feel like Norm on Cheers when they drop into the drawer. BabaBooey!
Lori — I don’t know how I blogged so long without you. I knew there was something I was missing!
Memarie Lane — Congratulations for nearing 100. Only a matter of time. Hey, have a party when you get there and be sure to invite us all!
April 27th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Damn the pressure!!! I got nothin’.
Momo Fali’s last blog post..We Were Going To Call Him Stumpy
April 27th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
i am not even sure how to track that stuff on my blog…not that i have many readers anyway.
Rattln Along’s last blog post..Death and Dying
April 28th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Congrats on the milestone. I’m ecstatic when I get more than 10 comments on a post. And here you consistently get 30. I bow to the master.
Seriously, you do a great job and it’s no wonder you have such a loyal following. When you do your book tour I get to come along as official photography, don’t I?
April 28th, 2008 at 7:21 am
We are afunny lot — but “snort something out your nose”
on that one I bow to you, the master of quips.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Congratulations, Kathy !!! You do have a way with words, and I’m glad it’s a funny way. Brightens up my day. I don’t subscribe either. I’d rather pop in to see if you’ve got anything new written and then be pleasantly surprised when I find a new story. And kudos to all your commenters - they’re the icing on this cake. (mmmm cake)
April 28th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I don’t read the comments….I MAKE the comments, which is much better than just reading them……and a subscription by me is worth at least 2 normal subscriptions….that is how good I am. Seriously. You are soooo damn lucky.
Bruce’s last blog post..The Dip-Shit - Lesson #12
April 28th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Momo Fali — Hey, I meant to send my congratulations for making it on AllTop.com. Way to go!
Rattln Along — Google Analytics is perhaps all you need.
Lee — You know I want you as my personal photographer. Now all I need is a personal chef. Anyone?
Carol — A few people have admonished me for making them blow something out their noses. It’s the highest honor I could achieve as a writer.
Marlene — Oh, that’s so nice! Thank you! Thank you! “Mmmm…cake” is right. Great. Now I want cake.
Bruce — I’m thinking of changing the blog’s name to The Junk Drawer with a Side of Bruce. What da ya think?
April 28th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Very cool…but I didn’t know I could tell how many people are subscribed. How can I tell that? And yes, it is like a party here! lol
DrowseyMonkey’s last blog post..Ready for a Bedtime Story?
April 28th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
DrowseyMonkey — If you have a feed, go to Feedburner.com and click on your feed. It’ll show you how many people are subscribed and how it is they get your feed. If you don’t have a feed, set one up there and you can follow it. Poke around the site. You’ll get all the help you need there. It’s easy.
April 28th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Thanks Kathy! I’m all feeded up now, lol.
DrowseyMonkey’s last blog post..Ready for a Bedtime Story?
April 29th, 2008 at 5:01 am
DroseyMonkey — Now watch it grow! (Although you already have a large audience, it’ll be nice to see the numbers).
April 29th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
The Junk Drawer is always my first stop after checking my emails. I love reading everyone’s comments. There is always gut-busting material.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
ann of the shampoo bag — When I post at night, then go off to bed, I’m greeted with a screenful of hilarious comments in the morning. I cannot think of a better way to start my day than in my own blog.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
congrats