Blogger's introspection

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LAST UPDATE: OK, I surrender! Any idea of hanging up my spurs is now shelved! You lurkers have me convinced! I apologize for thinking all of you were just after the Boobage. But that remembers me, I haven't published anything to Boobage in a while, have to remedy that little FUBAR.....

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UPDATE: 042308 2149 PDT: OK, I turned off Captcha....we'll see how much spam I get in comments. BTW, I'm IMPRESSED with the response so far...

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OK, soul-searching time.

I am asking myself who I am writing this blog for, and the answer comes back, myself. That's how it should be, since a journal is about recording what is happening around the journalist.

I get 700-800 reads on most days, but the vast majority of them are looking for the tit and ass in my "Boobs" section. I probably get 50-100 reads from people looking for my opinions and the facts I present along with them.

Even that's OK, because I get some feedback along with those reads.

Make that, USED TO get some feedback. I must have been asleep when a law was passed prohibiting commenting on Rivrdog posts, but the effect is there, my comments have fallen off to near zip.

I guess you could say that without the feedback of the comments, I have no way of knowing if I'm just whistling in the wind or how my opinions are received, and yes, I care how they are received.

So, I have decided to put myself and my blogging on probation for 30 days. If my writing brings an appropriate level of feedback, I'll continue, but if not, I'll announce a closing date, far enough in advance so that interested folks may peruse the blog and copy such items as they see fit, but at the end of THAT period, I will close my doors, ending this four-year experiment.

I have a typical writer's depression at having too little feedback. I had to give up on my novel because of legal (criminal) liability involved with the project as I was writing it (and I refuse to water it down with hyperbole so it wouldn't land me in jail as a terrorist), so I don't have that outlet for myself. I kept on with the blog, hoping to stimulate a few minds out there, but those minds are either gone or as stunted as mine.

If I close up shop, you haven't gotten rid of me. I will simply revert to reading blogs and commenting on them (which I find myself doing anyway, I'll just do more of it if my blog goes away). I might open a Facebook page also, but I'm going to take the money I save and treat myself to 40 extra miles of driving per month. See the country. Bucket list. All that.

Comments

[That Guy]

I must confess that I am one of your many lurkers. I find many of your obeservations, epecially those related to firearms, to be very enlightening. (I must confess to only recently have begun firearm training)

Also, while I dont always agree with your political views, the energy and passion you display is appreciated in a world where so many are content to be sheep.

[Aaron Neal]

Hey Rivrdog, also keep in mind - this time of year people get busy away from the 'puter.

I make sure to read every day, but usually don't have time to compose an orderly reply. One of the downsides to writing things people have to think about, they have to go away and THINK about it, or leave a comment that's not thought-through well.

My apologies, often I spend time thinking about something you wrote while I'm mowing, or working in the garden, then forget to come reply.

Hell, I'm still working my way through thoughts re: American Revolution vs. French Revolution!

[Brick Oven Bill]

'Stunted' is a good word. For whatever its worth, I enjoy your work and hope it continues.

[Chris Byrne]

I think mostly it was your long term absence. You got dropped off a bunch of blogrolls, and people got out of the habit of commenting.

Plus a lot of what you write doesn't invite much comment (I'm in the same boat there).

[Chris Byrne]

Oh and the two stage commenting process with a captcha doesnt help. I've had a fair number of times when I tried to leave a comment and your captcha was misbehaving, so I just gave it up as a bad job.

[t]

dawg. missed ya when ya wuz gon. be 4 real dude!

[Jim]

What, me lurk?

Naaaahhhhhhh..........

Jim
Sloop New Dawn
Galveston, TX

[Chas]

I did not realize you had a "Boobage" section until this post. I have to start paying more attention to the sidebars.

Excellent bolg, by the way. You are one of my daily reads.

[stu clark]

I too enjoy your work, especially your site inthe event of SHTF... But overall I do like your site, even if I don't comment...

[Jeff]

I can't remember how I found you now, but I usually stop by every day or so to see what you've come up with.

I too like the paratus stuff. Not taking advantage of it, but at least I know where to find it.

If'n you don't mind smart-ass remarks, I'll start commenting more often. I'm usually good at least amusing myself with my comments.

And yes, bring back the boobage. :)

[Jeff]

"This test is used to prevent automated robots from posting comments."

Are there manual robots?

[donna]

rivrdog, we read you every day. Dont think you should stop blogging as I believe it is a good outlet for you plus the Mrs. knows where to find you and it keeps you out of trouble. Beam really likes the blogs concerning guns & ammo. Keep pecking on those keys.
Donna

[Lurker#233893]

I am a more or less daily lurker who finds the site a interesting read (specifically because I disagree with justa bout everything you say). Keep doing what you're doing.

[Jack]

Lurker,, yes. Always. But a daily read. If I posted something on every blog I read, I'd never get anything done. Just be content that we enjoy your writing. Keep it going.

[Homer]

I'd hate to see you stop blogging. I'll admit to having reduced my visits in response to the dearth of new posts; if there's nothing new to read, why visit three times a day. The SHTF stuff is particularly interesting.

[Grumpy Old Ham]

You're a daily read here, too, RD. Seems kinda pointless to throw in a "Me, too!" comment to every post...but I'll do that if it keeps the posts here rolling...

[Inbred Redneck]

As have some others here, I've had problems getting comments to post the couple of times I've tried. May very well have something to do with my limited 'puter skills.
I do enjoy your blog and hit it 4-5 times a week, and hope you keep at it.
Would like to take this opportunity thank you and any of your readers who've served in the military. My daughter has put in 8 years in USNavy.

Rob J 11Bravo AlphaCo, 4th/47th, 9thInfDiv, USArmy RVN 1968

[Will]

Your blog is on a short list of daily reads for me. I don't always comment, but find it thought-provoking. The Paratus also.(anything new there?) I appreciate your direct, to the point, commentary on the world. Too many never take much of a stand.

[farmist]

I check in 2 or 3 times a week to see if anything is up. I seldom comment if I don't have anything to add to the discussion, but I DO value your observations and opinions.

[Charley]

I scan the the big 3 news outlets daily and yours for my look at the world. Without your view things would be lopsided. Most of the time I have nothing to offer, just trying to learn a bit more about the world.

[og]

De-lurking to say I still read. You might not catch it all the time because I do so from various computers, or from mobile devices. But I still read all the time.

[Stephen]

Like many others I'm here everyday, read each word and am pleased with all your thoughts/comments.
I'd hate to see you leave.

[Geoff]

Don't close up shop. Your insights are very informative and intriguing. You have been a daily read for me for a few years now.

And that's nothing to say of Paratus... Excellent stuff. I've sent a few people that I trust to know my true thoughts that way.

I feel you and I are of like mind in many areas. I'd love to have a beer or 2 with you if you ever make it out to Colorado.

Geoff

[Justthisguy]

Please, please keep on keeping on!

Though you live at the opposite corner of the continent from me, it seems like you're yelling at me from across the fence, reminding me to straighten up and fly right.

Don't you dare quit, Sir!

[Merle]

Most of the time I don't feel qualified to comment on your posts, considering the level of your experience.

Merle