In the last couple of months the statistics on my blog began to change dramatically. My readership dropped significantly. What happened, I wondered. I reviewed some of my previous posts concerned that perhaps I had said something so offensive that people stopped reading, though I could not imagine anything I might have said that would reach that level of repudiation.
At last I turned to Google to ask why WordPress would change their algorithm. This was what I found:
“Because WordPress powers a massive portion of the web and makes publishing very easy, many site owners used it to churcn out automated or low-effort blog posts. When Google updates its ranking rules, thousands of WordPress-based blogs often see sharp traffic drops.”
That explanation seems to suggest my blogs fell in the category of “automated or low-effort blog posts.” Perhaps because I often quote extensively from others this catapulted me into this WordPress abyss. I am dismayed by this turn of events. I have enjoyed the parade of countries that show up in my statistics and thinking about the different cultures represented, wondering how the sentiments I expressed might have squared with their experience.
I think back to why I started this effort. The pandemic was underway. If I was going to do a blog, that period of time seemed ideal. I felt challenged by such a venture. I believed that discipline of writing weekly would be good. The blog has provided a helpful structure for me. But I discovered other benefits. I paid more attention to a variety of sources, looking for items that piqued my interest and might engage others. In seeking to encourage others, I found I experienced hope.
My first response to this WordPress action was fury. On reflection, I see I can take this as an opportunity to step back, consider where I want to direct my energies. At this point I am not shutting this down. I will explore other platforms and also other ventures. But for now, I just express my gratitude to those who have faithfully read my offerings and sometimes given me feedback and also to those who have dropped in from time to time. Please continue the work of being “bearers of hope.” Blessings on your journeys.
May we bearers of hope, the “wait staff” at Hope’s Café, for each other and all those we encounter. Shalom, Kate
