The week of Christmas, my blog stats shot up. And they didn’t stop. Readership increased 78 percent, and I finished December with the biggest month in two years. It’s hard not to think about writing skills, choice of topics. I’ve had this happen before, so I kept my head from swelling too much.
But the trend continued. In the next week, the numbers went up again. A lot. And then, today. Sigh. Monday was the least-read day. Ever. I have no idea what happened to the readers, or what caused the wave to crest and then crash.
Chinese seal with ancient script. Translation to right.
I do know that many people weed out their reading list in the new year. I can make up lots of stuff, the opposite of what I could have made up when the readers boosted the numbers.
The truth of writing, whether it’s a blog or as a freelancer, or writing workbooks, is that there are good times and there are bad times, and often you don’t know why. Can’t predict the dip or the swell. Just ride it out, good or bad.
What to do? Keep the value up. Don’t worry about the quantity, worry about the quality. Fans, audiences, followers will come and go. Keep making art. Keep writing. Keep singing, dancing and making meaning. Your audience may take a break, but your work continues. “Do not become complacent with victory, do not become frustrated with defeat. “–Chinese proverb.
––Quinn McDonald is riding the wave. Down. Because it will come back up again.
QuinnCreative 
Addendum: I really like the proverb, and I will post it to my Quotes board on Pinterest, where throngs of people will see it and may subsequently visit your blog. I think little things like that might make a huge difference.
Quinn, let me encourage you to keep your eyes on the prize. I like to say that my favorite Bible verse is, “And it came to pass”. Because if life is good, enjoy it because the good times will pass. And if life is dreadful, hang on, because it too will pass.
I just know that I look forward to reading your blog each day as there are so many things in them that apply to my own life….
Welcome to the crowded world of creative imagination!
Ride the waves! I certainly look forward to Quinn’s words of wisdom
Riding the waves can be like surfing or like getting pushed to the bottom by the undertow. Still, I like to keep trying.
Ah yes, the elusive statistics! I never really understand it either. I do see some difference between weekends and weekdays and certain posts will attract certain people more than others, but other than that?
I have two pictures up on flickr of a collage sampler that so far have attracted almost 15000 views (my regular view count on a flickr picture ranges from a couple of dozen to a couple of hundred, so this is a lot). I still don’t know why and how this happened. It must have been linked to somewhere, but I can’t for the live of me find out where and I’m just so curious! I won’t change my blog or flickr or anything based on the view counts, but I am fascinated by how this works and sometimes you just don’t know. 😉
I’ve had that happen on Flickr, too, with no way of knowing how or why. But I agree with you, I won’t change anything, but it’s interesting to think about.
I do like that proverb. Equanimity at all times. I imagine your wisdom helps you ride the tides. Keep on writing! 😉
It’s one of my favorite sayings. Keeps me steady.
Keep up the wonderful work you do-reading your blog is a great way to start the day.
Don’t forget your coffee or tea!
The numbers are curious, but you certainly do have a loyal following and though I don’t comment often, I look forward to you blog every day. Bless you and all your efforts!
I have a lot of fun doing this–it started as writing practice and sort of grew after that.
Fan, audience, follower . . . that caught me and made me wonder which am I? Somewhere between audience and friend perhaps as we talk so much, you with your column, my comments, your responses . . . and sometimes back and forth again.
I’m not subscribed to your blog . . . I just pop in for a visit first thing each morning. I just open a new tab and type Q and there you are with your wise and witty ways.
We are twins separated at birth, if I remember correctly!
How could I forget!
Always look forward to your thoughts and the wonderful way you paint with words. Who knows about the numbers and why. I guess just keeping the journey going, stopping along the way to translate what we see plus sharing those thoughts because we find some meaning is all that is important. This is what you do so well. You stay and numbers come and go.
That’s pretty much how I look at it. I used to worry about numbers, but since I don’t get paid by viewers, I can calm down.
As you know, Quinn, I read your blog every day! I only have two blogs that open up with the rest of my tabs, when I get on the internet, and yours is one of them. It is curious, the differences from week-to-week. I’ll be interested to hear what you find out, if anything.
A lot of it is chance. And occasionally, some key word that kicks up some dust.
I read your posts EVERY DAY in my email as a subscribed follower. So I and other subscribers may not show up in your stats? Visiting your page is reserved for rare moments like this, to comment. Or thank, or share, or remind. So just to remind you – you make a large ripple with your diverse and always interesting posts. We, your readers are alternatively soothed by these ripples or lifted out of fear, and complacence by their arrival..
Interesting. I wonder how WordPress counts the readers. And thank you so much for the warm comments. It’s good for the heart!
Quinn, you are so not alone in this wondering. I’ve been wondering for a long time what makes those numbers fly around. “Was it something I said?” Your blog is great – one of very few that I take precious time to read because it is always worth it. Up, down, or whatever, we just keep on keepin on.
Thanks, I do love my readers. Smart, funny and supportive–it doesn’t get better than that.
Do you count your numbers by comments? I read your blog every day but only comment occasionally.
Thanks for reading. No, I count views and page views
It’s not you, it’s the time of the year. People draw inward, regrouping and waiting for the light and the warmth, at least here in New England.
I’m from New England, so I understand the gloom of post-holiday winter.
I’m one of your new people, and I’m enjoying your insight and thoughtfulness. Thank you!
Welcome to my writing parctice, Sandra.
Do not despair! You have a sincerity that will bring them back. I look forward to your email everyday!!
Thanks, Judy. I do wonder what makes the numbers climb and fall. It’s a mystery.