Tuesday, June 15, 2010

100 Followers!


With a Little Help From my Friends..


I never thought when I started my blog last year that I'd reach 100 followers.  At the time I was happy when I received one or two comments; it meant that someone was reading. Yet here we are. I've done a little work to find out more about who is reading me, after all this post is mainly about you guys.  Here's what I've discovered.

You come from almost every part of the world; North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. 92% of you are female, close to three quarters in your twenties. 100% of you are amazing.  You've given me some of the most memorable moments of the past year, and I thank you all for your kind words and encouragement.  I love the friendships we've developed, don't ever doubt it means a lot to me.

This site has gone through substantial changes over the past year and a bit. It evolved from featuring daily quotations to eventually showcasing some of my own writing.  From there as I grew at ease I began to share my more personal poetry and stories, as well as who I am beneath the surface. It hasn't always been comfortable, in fact at times it's been a little unnerving.  But it's those moments that are most rewarding, because they've been well received.

The intent here was never to make this blog strictly about me.  In the past I've featured work from others; this will continue.  Until recently I tended to steer away from more intense subjects, for fear of either alienating some readers or setting too heavy a mood.  But in a recent conversation one of you reminded me that people who accept me for who I am will be there no matter what I post.  That's stayed with me.

 My self-harm post was pivotal in showing me that there is a place for topics that may make some uncomfortable, because they need to be talked about.  For this reason I plan to explore more subjects of interest that deal with life from all angles; emotional, intellectual, spiritual, sexual, philosophical, social, physical.  This blog is about being open-minded and speaking freely (not just myself but my readers as well).  If I happen to raise a few eyebrows along the way I'll know I'm on the right track.

So I want to thank all of you for following along as I turn my insides out and share my heart and mind. For my part I'll do my best to keep things interesting. Most of all though I want to say how much I appreciate your friendship.

We're only getting started.                                               

17 comments:

  1. I would agree that some topics may be uncomfortable but they need to be discussed. A blog from the heart is the best kind to read. Congrats on 100 followers!

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  2. congrats on 100 followers! i'm glad i can be one of them :) your blog is an inspiration!
    xoxo, jamie

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  3. Well done!!! Your honesty and authenticity is inpiring and refreshing. The fact that you now have 100 followers is a testament to the quality of your blog. Stay on your path, keep following your heart and continue writing what is right for you cos its awesome
    Connie x

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  4. What an achievement!! Congrats ... and I know in no time you will be adding another zero at the end of the 100 -

    Have a great day of celebration! HHL

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  5. Congrats, that is just awesome! who wouldn't wanna read you?

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  6. way to go barry! your voice is great and am happy that i get to hear what you have to say. keep it going, i'm listening for sure!

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  7. barry, i am so happy you found this success, but it is not a coincidence- you have to know that. it takes passion, a listening ear for others, and sincereity to reach out to people like you do and have them follow your blog, taking from their time because they know they will be reading quality posts, even it is only a very personal post.
    i love ur writings, bc they simply capture my heart :)
    keep the good work and warm spirit

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  8. Congrats! I bet you will have many more soon :D Thanks for being a great blogger and friend! Keep the posts comin' :D. I think that more women than men blog, so I always like to see a male perspective.

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  9. Congrats Barry! You are a brilliant person and writer, I am very happy that I found your blog! :)

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  10. congrats honey. you totally deserve it. and I'm so proud to be your wife. I couldn't ask for a better husband.
    Love you!

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  11. new to your blog & lovin it! i'm going to go ahead and tip that scale to 101 followers. does this mean i can claim myself special?!

    so excited to have found your blog!

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  12. Congrats Barry.

    I see you have 101 followers now!!!! Sorry for the late comment. Happy anniversary for Monday too and tell Sandy I say Happy anniversary too, please. :)

    I was a bit sick on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday was a public holiday in South Africa. I wasn't on the net. To tell you the truth I don't think I want to blog anymore. I think you know where I'm coming from. But I'm glad that I've made a friend like you through blogging though. I will keep in touch via email, okay?

    You should enjoy your day.

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  13. barry congrats!! i am so happy for you. your writing deserves to be read by thousands. xoxo

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  14. Congrats Barry!! I love your blog & will always come back & see what you've written about next! Thank you for writing!

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  15. Congratulations on such a successful blog!!

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  16. Congrats Barry!:))
    Your writings are always an inspiration..always thought provoking!!
    Thanks for sharing it all with us!

    Have yourself a fantastic day!

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