Blogging Four Years: Playing With Words
I’ve been blogging four years, playing with words on the Cooke Cape May blog site. It will be fun, they said. Just do it, they said. Exactly four years ago I launched this blog, appropriately titled with my last name and the town I live in and love.
Blogging four years has introduced me to many people who have helped me to hone my craft, from the people who encouraged me to those who continue to copy-edit for me. Reading more than I write was the best advice.
Frequent readers know most of my posts center around Cape May and many others around Joy my golden retriever, who incidentally turns eight this Sunday. Expect more of Joy over the weekend.
News, human interest stories, and personal anecdotes are what make up the bulk of the most interesting posts. Occasionally blogging gets political, but largely it’s upbeat and positive news about tourism or promotional posts.
Over 16,000 of you have read or looked at 101 things-to-do in Cape May, a tall number considering we have about 2500 regular subscribers. 6000 have searched or read about new restaurants in Cape May, like Exit 0’s Cookhouse.
Still another 3000 found the blog post about the Wilsey Realty gang winning the lottery. Statistics are not as important to me as content. Considering one recent day in January where the blog had a record number of visitors on a day without fresh content, the Russians or the Chinese could have been hacking.
Content may be what led to freelance assignments with the Cape May Star and Wave. Blog photography led to my first photo exhibit in May at the Mad Batter Restaurant. All of the experience certainly contributed to me becoming a person to watch in 2017 in South Jersey.
One close adviser said recently the blog seems to be getting traction as evidenced by messages complaining about writing about one event over another. As she put it: “When people are pissed because they didn’t make the cut, you have arrived.”
Maybe it’s time to hire an assistant?
HA! Fabulous read as always. What’s this about “messages complaining about writing about one event over another?” Seriously!?!? Can you help it if you love and live in a super happening place! Cape May DOES have “one event after another!!” – and ALL YEAR LONG at that!!! Get over it mean person…. they must be unable to get to Cape May so are totally jealous! LOL! You keep on keeping’ on, my friend!! Yes, You HAVE Arrived! 😉
Happy EIGHTH Birthday, Joy (Cape May Dog)!
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Hello Jackie, thanks for the good words and the encouragement. I didnt mean to imply the messages were off center. They simply were expressing their desire to be included on the blog. Had I known ahead of time I certainly would have included them. Not everyone gets into Exit 0 either.
Ah! I did misread, sorry, my bad!! Initially I read it as if a reader was complaining about so many events being blogged about, which I couldn’t imagine! Misinterpreted your “over another” as my mind was thinking “AFTER another” (as in multiples) also assuming general reader comment not event sponsor. We all want to know and love reading from “the source” (You!) the latest and greatest things to do in Cape May. Hey, it was a great read in spite of my misinterpretation! 😉
Have a fun Sunday with Joy for her 8th Birthday. Be sure to take an annual family portrait!
Hi, I always enjoy your stories, news, political views, and conversations, and your photos of our beautiful Cape May. I may always see and read all your blogs, I do enjoy your stories, and the feedback of all who love Cape May! So, keep on blogging! Oh, I must not forget about Joy. Happy Birthday!
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Thats so nice to hear Rosie. It’s fun to know who were reaching. No worries I will keep posting and Joy says hi too.
Good job boss. Happy bloggiversary!
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Thank you Rachel. It’s great to have you on the team.
Congrats, John, for all your superb writing over the years. Happy birthday to Joy who sometimes greets guests if she hears their keys jingle jangle.
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Thanks Jeff and Michele for the kind words. Joy says woof too.
Congratulations!
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Thanks for getting up so bloody early to post a comment. Kinda weird in a benign sort of way.
Four years? That’s hard to believe John. You’re doing something right though if you’ve made it through the “honeymoon period “(lol). All I can say is that your stories are well thought out, your facts are right on the money and they are always an interesting read. Unfortunately I don’t always comment but I look forward to reading the articles.
Congratulations on “finally” making it and keep up the good work.
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Thanks Mr. Murray (officer) I always know your’re lurking there somewhere.
Happy Anniversary John and Happy 8th Birthday to Joy too!