Just minding my own business when, “bam”
So here I was in Madagascar with my borrowed inert, ponderous, slothful, stagnant (yes, I am looking for as many synonyms for the-slowest-thing-you’ve-ever-come-across) Internet connection, just minding my business on an ordinary Thursday afternoon, when I was alerted to a rapidly-filling Inbox. ‘A new comment on the post “Cars as Canvas” is waiting for your approval,’ I was told many times over.
I had previously been featured in the amazing Hilary’s Posts of the Week, which had brought several visitors to my site, but this seemed different right off the bat. Firstly, there were many more visitors than normal and, secondly, I didn’t recognise any of their names. Then one of the commenters congratulated me on being “Freshly Pressed” or squeezed, or something along those lines.
“Huh?” I thought. I know my recent illness has been hemming me in a bit, but “huh?” Well, after a bit of research I discovered that “Freshly Pressed” was WordPress’s way of acknowledging and highlighting some of the top blog posts of the day. I was dumb-struck that one of mine had appeared there, because I’ve never seen myself as more than just an occassional, nondescript blogger, blogging for friends and family.
But there it was right in front of me in black and white (once I’d picked myself off the floor) – my stats had skyrocketed from around 100 a day to (as it stands at present) 1062 for the day. No, hold on, that’s 1197. No, wait, 1400…
Surprise cannot begin to describe my current state; terror cannot begin to describe the thought of opening my Inbox in the morning. But to all my faithful readers: today’s thousands will be gone tomorrow – thank you for continuing to come back; for your comments and for following the ramblings of this cantankerous old mule day in and day out… I’ll try to keep it an interesting read…
The WordPress front page: 2 June 2011
9 Comments on “Just minding my own business when, “bam””
I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment.
They called me weed
I have been blogging here since around April 2011 - my little place on the blogosphere to express myself creatively. As a teenager I used to write a diary - in fact, as a 17-year-old living in Belgium, I wrote religiously every day. Fortunately the Internet didn't exist back then because my ramblings as a teenager were ever-so-slightly dark, cynical and depressing. You won't find much of that here. Also, mostly, I try not to get too deep or philosophical in this forum - I'd like my photography to uplift and inspire, and, where I can, I try to bring a bit of humour into my writing too. I've been fortunate enough to travel extensively and have made many friends across the globe. This is my spot to keep in touch with them.
Can I like get an autograph?
1198… lol Congrats! I know I’m new to your blog but I can tell why your posting would be chosen, you have a fantastic way with words and your photos and and posts are awesome… for lack of a better word at 1am after writing a paper.
Wow! That’s wonderful! We think EVERYONE worldwide should know and read your blog!
Thank you for posting so regularly …. we love checking your blog every day and its fast become a family favourite. We’ll be around for a lonnnnnng time
I’m with the 1st commenter…autograph please? Or….maybe you could start offering tours? I’d much rather hold a snake in Madagascar;)
I knew you before you were famous!!! How long you in Mad?
How exciting! Congratulations!
Congratulations. I can relate to how you feel — I had the very same experience a few months ago. I had no idea what Freshly Pressed was then, but I learned fast. Anyway, your blog is great and I’m looking forward to following along.
Wonderful story, congrats!
Very cool, Robin. All these new folks can now learn what we already knew.. what a wonderful blogger you are. Thank you for the shoutout and linkage.. you’re too sweet.