REVved - Blog-o-versary III

In mid April of 2005, I found Hugh Hewitt’s book, Blog, in a bookstore, and couldn’t put it down. I bought it, thought about it, and decided to dive into the world of “blogging.”  It’s been three years.  So, I’m celebrating my “Blog-o-versary!”  (A dear reader informed me that my first post was on April 14, 2005, so technically, the blog-o-versary is past!  Somehow in my mind, I placed it at "late" April and didn't do the research...so, I stand corrected by one of my best editorial assistants - AT!)

I wondered whether I would be able to sustain the discipline of writing on a regular basis, and it appears that I have.  Not that I write every day, and not that I’m writing at an elevated intellectual level, but I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

Like so many, I started by allowing comments to come in un-moderated.  You should have read some of those early vitriolic and condemning comments.  I was shocked by the harshness.  Some people were verbally abusive. (Yes, they are Christians!)  I made the decision to moderate comments, and have done so ever since.  I see the comment first.  The commenter has to give me an email address, as well.  I think it cuts down on the number of comments (I’ve had around 2,000 in three years) but I’m fine with that.  Who needs to publicize criticisms of one’s self…and pay for it?

Speaking of paying, there was early controversy that I was having the church pay for the blog.  Not true. I pay for it personally.  I’ve never mentioned my blog publicly(in church), as I don’t want to be perceived as “self-promoting” <– another early critique.  Every so often people from the church find the blog and write to let me know.  It’s not unusual to read, “I didn’t know you had a blog.”  I like that.  Kind of fun to see how people end up joining my blog family.  According to Typepad – my blog provider – I’ve had over 144,000 hits since I started.

I’ve posted over 1,200 times in the past three years.  I’ve used the “Rev” theme to create some categories – like “REVrant,” and “REVved,” and “REViewed”…and several others.  My mainstay seems to be the “REVrants.”  No big deal.  It’s just something that came to me when I was designing the blog in the early days.

I want to thank those of you are regulars at Mile High Rev.  In recent weeks, I’ve averaged over 200 hits per day.  It’s fun to see how many people show up on a daily basis.  Weekends are lower than weekdays, predictably.  My writing output tends to lag on weekends.  Other priorities.  I’m way behind in updating my reading and listening lists.  On most days, I’m relieved if I’m able to get up a post or two.

Blogging is in my blood now, so I think I’m going to try keep this up for a while longer.  I hope you’ll stick with me.  Feel free to comment when you’re moved.  I don’t usually engage in the commenting threads as I have so many other demands on my time, but I love reading them.  And if you have any suggestions (that don’t require huge time commitments from me), feel free to pass them along.

Comments

[Anna Thorne]

yay, happy blogoversary!! blogiversary? blogaversary? whatever.

3 years......wow. Seems like so long ago and yet not long at all. So happy that you've been able to stick with it, and hopefully it will work out for the next 3 years and beyond!

[Anna Thorne]

Okay so just for fun, I went back and REVisted some of your first blog posts...haha of course I don't know if I can say that since I'm not the Rev. ;) I noticed that your first post was on April 14, so now I'm curious--is there any particular reason that the celebration of the blogoversary is coming so late in the month? Or did you decide to celebrate the entire month of April instead of just one day?

[Steve-O]

Congrats! I've been checking your blog first thing every morning for so long now that I don't even remember how I found out about it! With my crazy schedule, I'm not always able to make it to church on Sunday mornings so I rely on the Podcasts and your blog to keep me connected! Keep it up!

[Lisa Shettler]

MHR...

Yes indeed - HAPPY III BLOG-O-VERSARY!! : )

I am missing your blog more often than not these days (although I do catch up!) as I'm not working right now, so don't get online every day. I absolutely MISS reading your comments on a regular basis! I'm encouraged to see you plan to continue, and am always amazed and grateful that you find the time.

BLOG ON!!!

[Donna Lee]

Happy anniversary. It's nice to read something on a regular basis that seems to be an extension of myself, only stated with much more diplomacy. I like the insight you provide to the person behind the preacher. So many times we tend to think that our pastor doesn't have a life beyond that of preparing and delivering sermons and keeping ordered and germ-free. (I really believe
that OCD is the norm and everyone else is just weird.) Thanks for sharing your quirks, passions, and ire with us. I look forward to many more Revved bloggings.

[Sandy]

MHR,
I have enjoyed your blog immensely over the past three years...I visit it at least once a day, sometimes several times a day, unless, of course I have no access to a computer. You inspire, challenge, encourage, and sharpen me through your blogs...I know how busy your schedule is, so I appreciate that much more your commitment to keep on blogging. HAPPY BLOG-O-VERSARY III AND MANY MORE!! :-)

[Stacey Peterson]

Happy belated blogoversary! I love reading your blog, and was thrilled when I discovered it a few years ago. We recently moved from Littleton up to Winter Park, and even though we miss your Sunday sermons, we can still get our regular dose of Pastor Bill's wisdom =)

[Paul S.]

MHR,

I have enjoyed your words, wit, wisdom, whimsy, wonder and wandering over the last three years. It has been a unique insight into an intelligent and gifted man that loves God and seeks his will.

Preach on Reverend!!!