My Second Honeymoon with the Bloggernacle

Some of you may remember me writing a post called 'My Bloggernacle Honeymoon is Over' about two months ago. At the time the initial excitement about finding the Bloggernacle was finished and I was questioning the value of the entire experience up to that point. I was sincerely at the verge of ending the experience and doing something else with my small amount of free time. I was expressing two areas of value at that time - the value I was getting from the Bloggernacle and the value I was contributing to the Bloggernacle.

Well, it has been two months, a very long time in Blog years, and I am still as 'active' as ever, maybe more so. What has helped me decide to stick around? Actually, several things.

I received quite a bit more response than I ever imagined. Some from very unexpected sources. It made me aware that even though comments were low, I was not as ignored as I thought. Since then I installed a site meter. This allows me to see how many people visit the site. When I don't post for a few days visits go down to single digits, when I post something visits may go up to between 50-100. So it appears to be a legitimate thing. Don't tell me if it is not.

I received lots of good advice. One piece was from Stapely who said to write for yourself. Since then I have looked at this site as a type of open journal. I have never kept much of a journal, even on my mission. Perhaps this will be part of the record I leave behind. Perhaps my kids will one day find this of value to them.

When I first found the MA, I tried to read everything from everybody. Yes, I am serious. Since then I have become much more discriminating about what I read. There are a handful of sites that I read pretty much everything they put out. A few sites that I read stuff that catches my eye. And a few sites I may never read again, depending on the guest blogger. This has perhaps lowered the total value I get because of good stuff that I miss, but has greatly increased the value per hour.

Then I was asked to guest blog at Blogger of Jared and to become a permanent part of their group. This was unbelievably flattering to me. I confess to sometimes feeling a lack of acceptance in this Blog world. Much of that comes from issues within me. But this invitation came from out of the blue. I am not a real-life friend or relative of either Wade or Ryan. It appears they felt I had something of value to contribute. What an honor for me.

I admit that I was a little worried about the 'orthodox' label that BofJ was going through at the time. And that perhaps that label was a dirty word on the Bloggernacle. Perhaps any negative perception of that label would reflect on me. I have decided not to worry about it and just be myself and see what happens. Besides, I am a fairly conservative dude who is very supportive of the church and its leaders anyway.

I have been pleased with my experience at the BofJ and here. I have decided to do both. I am very excited about the whole thing and look forward to the experience.

So, I think going on a second honeymoon with the Bloggernacle is a good idea. Where would you like to go?