Mark's Veg Plot has been running for 3 years now - 16th August is my official Blog Anniversary - and during this time I have published a blogpost almost every day. My important news today is that from now on I plan to post whenever I feel like it - probably once or twice a week.
The reasons behind this are complex. Just recently I have realised that a daily blogpost is a big committment, and something which is hard to sustain when you go away on holidays or work, or if a relative is ill and needs extra care. I have also begun to feel that some of what I write is a bit "samey", and therefore perhaps only of interest to new readers, not the loyal Followers.
Cutting down on the frequency of my posts will of course give me more time to spend on gardening and cooking, so hopefully in the future I will be able to give you more quality even though you'll get less quantity. (How many times have I stated this as my philosophy??)
I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You to all the many readers who have visited my blog during the last 3 years, especially those with whom I interact via Comments. Have you seen the "Flag Counter" widget in my sidebar? It currently shows 194 flags. This means that at least someone from most of the countries in the world has visited my blog at some stage. This makes me happy!
By the way, some of you may be unaware that I publish lots more photos on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and UK Veg Gardeners. Links to all of these are in my sidebar, so if you want to follow me on any of these media just click the relevant button!
Best Wishes
Mark.
As a relatively new blogger it surprises me that most of the posts people read are the old ones, and it does not seem to be necessary to post too often. I myself now try to post every five days. You have shown some stamina to do so many posts in such a short space of time. Best of luck with your new policy, you will probably find your followers are avidly waiting for the next one!
ReplyDeleteI think that is a good decision Mark - you don't want blogging to become a chore. I just post when I want, which sometimes means every day if I have lots to share and at other times maybe only once a week. I often write a few posts and have them hanging around as draughts and if they are not topical just post them when I have nothing else to say.
ReplyDeleteAs one of your newer followers, I don't find your posts "samey" at all, but I certainly understand why you are cutting back on blogging! I find it takes a lot of time that could probably be better spent out in the garden or, in my case, cleaning house! I have often thought of backing out of the Harvest Monday posts, instead posting my harvests as they happen. The HM posts are really very time consuming and awfully picture heavy. Even though you will be posting less frequently, please just keep blogging....I just found you, I don't want to lose you :-)
ReplyDeleteLove your posts and I understand cutting down the number of posts per week.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Happy Blog anniversary Mark! Blogging has to fit in with your lifestyle so sounds like you're making the right choice :) Quality over quantity!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary Mark, when & what you post will I'm sure be as informative as ever. I know I have picked up quite a bit of knowledge from you in the past. Take care, Jo xx.
ReplyDeleteyour commitment to blogging is inspiring! you're nearly at 400,000 page views on your flag counter, the hard work definitely pays off. I look forward to your next post as much as the last, happy blog birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! I used to post more frequently, but now I just post willy nilly. Well I always have Harvest Monday up. Personally I wish someone else would be the host since I'd rather not be forced to post on any one day, but for some reason I just keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Anniversary, Mark. I, too, have just gradually cut down on posts for all the same reasons you stated. When I first started, I was posting a painting a day on one of my blogs, and that became like a job or something, not the fun way I want to paint. I want more quality than quantity. The same goes for blogging. Not to worry, we will be loyal followers when you post and will not count the days in between!
ReplyDeleteI can understand your decision Mark - it is one I made some time ago - we certainly don't want blogging to become a chore. I find it hard to respond and comment every day to my favourite blogs so once or twice a week is good for me.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Anniversary all the way from Malaysia!
ReplyDeleteChecking you blog has become a daily ritual for me! I agree with all the comments above and will still check daily, waiting eagerly for your next post. I find them so valuable, particularly the photographs- not only the subject matter of the photo but also what is happening in the background of the image! Please keep informing us of what varieties you grow and your progress reports of your crops, they are so helpful. When people ask me for advice I often start by saying .... "Well Mark says you should be doing this.... and that!"
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark
PS- love the Fennel photo
ReplyDeleteFirstly Happy Bligaversary. I love your blog. Secondly I think that's a great decision. It is a huge commitment to blog daily and even though you've done it beautifully every time I'm sure, with this decision you will now find not only will you improve your blogging but you will enjoy it more too. I know it's a hard decision to make as you feel like you're letting your loyal fans down but we'll still be here waiting with more anticipation!!
ReplyDeleteHappy blog Anniversary Mark. I understand your decision and look forward to the future... Best wishes...
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Anniversary, Mark! I always going through your posts and photos. maybe this will give you the time to cook and post more food pictures...?
ReplyDeleteWhew! I thought you were announcing your retirement from blogging! Relieved that's not so as I enjoy both your posts and your comments on other people's blog (including mine, thank you! :) ) So, happy blog anniversary, 3 big candles on the blog cake - and many more to come!! Caro xx
ReplyDeleteI do commend you on managing to post almost every day for three years: I've long been amazed by your commitment!! Glad that you are continuing to blog, if less frequently, and I hope you find it more relaxing to post as-and-when rather than feeling duty-bound.
ReplyDeleteSara
Happy blog anniversary. I have been posting less recently so can completely understand your decision to step back from daily posting. I will continue to look forward to reading what you write whenever you find the time and inclination to write it.
ReplyDeleteWriting a blog is already an obligation and not to mentioned to write a post a day. The important thing is that you are here; it doesn't matter if there will be no posts every day.
ReplyDeletePhew...for a minute I thought you were going to say you were giving up blogging. Thankfully I was wrong :D
ReplyDeleteHappy 3rd Blogaversary Mark. I'm always amazed just how you manage to post so often...hence I'm always behind when I comment.
Thank you for your time, effort and advice...I'm surely needing it, so please don't go anywhere...Oh other than holidays obviously.
I'm looking forward to reading your Cornwall post but that will have to be after I've cleared up the leylandii debris I've left outside. (I've only nipped in for a much needed cuppa) The 15ft hedge is now 12 ft! ;D