You know, for the first time since this blog launched, I’ve been giving serious thought to whether or not it has a future.
I’ve written over 1300 posts, one every other day for 6+ years (on top of the 900-odd that Haron contributed before she moved on to pastures new). I’m still bubbling with ideas: I’ve got enough entries drafted to see me to the end of July. The site stats show 40,000-odd hits per month (plus those who subscribe by RSS – whilst my stories site and Tumblr each attract higher traffic). That’s about 20% down on last year, but against a backdrop of only half the frequency of posts now I’m writing alone. I’ve made a few very lovely new friends in the past year or so, as a result of email discussions that followed from their feedback on the site.
And yet, I feel to an extent like I’m publishing into a vacuum. I’m really proud of my writing here at the moment: I think some of my recent entries have been as good as any I’ve written in a long while. Yet the number of comments from readers on recent posts tells a story: 0, 3, 1, 0, 2, 0 (excluding my own replies). And that includes an account of a wonderful school roleplaying scene with Emma Jane, and what I thought was a hot long historical fantasy, neither of which attracted any feedback whatsoever. (If you’re wondering, the comparable data for the same period of posts four years back was 3, 9, 5, 3, 7, 12. Spot a pattern?).
It gets worse when I think about the folks who used to be the life and soul of the blog – my personal friends. It’s relatively rare for anyone I know in real-life to post a comment here on the site; I can’t remember the last time one of them commented in conversation on anything I’ve written here.
Maybe it”s part of the inevitable decline of the blog as a medium – a continuation, perhaps, of a trend (largely towards Twitter) that I’ve discussed here previously. Maybe people are just bored of what I’m writing, or finding it repetitive: “Is Abel still wittering on about spanking, after all these years?” Maybe new readers feel less confident commenting on a blog run by a male author, rather than by a couple.
For all I enjoy writing for writing’s sake – and I’ve always written primarily for my own pleasure – I’m starting to feel disheartened. Posting to a resounding wall of near-silence? The end isn’t nigh, but it is starting to feel a little like the beginning of the end.
i only just stumbled upon ur blog tonight and admittedly have only fully read this one post, but i have you bookmarked to come back to read when i am not falling alseep on the couch…
but i just wanted to say, there are not enough male voices in this scene… please don’t go…!
Hello, lurker here. I really enjoy your writing. I’m always reading but don’t often comment. I think there are a lot of others that do the same. Obviously so, if you are getting 40,000 views a month. That’s a lot! I get maybe 100-200 views on each new post I write but maybe 5 or 6 comments out of that.
If I knew what made people comment on some things but not on others, I would share. I’m quite baffled by it myself. I find that often the things that I’ve put some deeper thought into or find more personal don’t garner much response. But then something that is humorous and I threw together fairly quickly gets 30 comments. *shrugs*
I think you are on to something with the popularity of things like Twitter and Tumbler though. People want things fast and seem more likely to just hit the “like” button or “retweet” than to put effort into reading something longer and commenting. As lovely as long stories can be. That’s my observation anyway.
I’m not much of a commenter, but I do enjoy your blog. Do you enjoy writing it? If you do, then it doesn’t matter how many people read. 40000 hits per month seems like a lot to me.
Would be *so* sad if you stopped writing, especially the stories.
No excuses, Sir. The lessons are all still as entertaining – think you know only too effectively how to deal with the lax and lazy.
Abel: We’ve touched on this phenomena before and I think the days of online journals may be drawing to an end. There is a certain mystique to an online journal but maybe once people know the lay of the land, and we have both been writing in our respective blogs for several years, then perhaps it *does* get a bit tired. The answer might lie in simply writing and publishing at whatever rate appeals to you. People are fickle about comments. I read here and rarely comment and I think it is vice versa, no? So, maybe we are all rushing about and only when something really catches our eye do we bother to write a reply. I’d say that earns me a few smacks and maybe a few smacks for you too, dear Abel…
I read SW blog most days. The variety of equipment enabling access has grown, Blackberry, iPad, iPhone, laptops etc. but whilst it is good for reading articles, some is useless for authoring and posting comments. Twitter maintains a more connected link with friendship groups and also is used as a medium by some for comments. It is nice to see blogs mentioned on twitter, with links to articles. I doubt Twitter will replace blogs but interactive conversations arising from blog posts fine their way onto Twitter so I think need to be taken into account as well.
I too get nowhere near 40,000 views a month, but many of my posts get upwards of 10-15 comments each. As Lea said, they are often the posts that are thrown together hastily, and I might add, they are usually primarily pictures, not words.
On the other hand, I recall a time when this blog was alive with comments. In particular, I remember one man’s comment that her had never had so much fun on a blog. There was a lively back and forth conversation following each post, and Abel, your witty replies had me in stitches more than once. That interaction faded away long ago.
Things change, people change, and you must do what works for you. I still return often to read of your adventures.
Hugs,
Hermione
Well, I for one will confess to reading your posts via a secondary medium – that is, directly through my google reader – and I doubt that I am the only one who does so. As my computer time becomes more precious, having a space such as Google Reader where I can see all the unread posts from my favourite blogs, gives me a few more important minutes to spend reading them, rather than typing urls and having to get through authentication pages. Of course, if there is a post you write that particularly captures my mind, I’ll follow it through to the website and have a look at the comments, and thoughts. I highly doubt I am the only one around here to access SW through a secondary host – so there in itself, your number of 40,000/month will have increased significantly.
Regarding the issue of comments being lesser and fewer these days: personally, I do not comment anywhere these days. I have my reasons (as you know), but I’m not averse to using posts as stimuli for personal discussions and exchanges. That is, just because comments aren’t being made so much in public, that definitely does not mean that your posts are any less stimulating than they ever have been – but simply that for a myriad of reasons, the discussions are happening elsewhere.
I support Mr. Allen’s comments about Twitter: indeed, it *is* nice to see blogs and posts mentioned there – and again, this is evidence that stimulation is occurring, but the comments are simply arising elsewhere instead, that’s all. And you know, I really value the Twits I exchange with on a (usually) daily basis – I think should you ever be worried about becoming ‘boring’ or ‘repetitive’, just head on over there and have a look at all the wonderful friends you’ve made by virtue of SW.
I’ll close by saying that I actually wanted to send this message via closed, personal email. However, the irony would not be completely lost on me, so here it is. Me, publicly commenting. Who’d have thought it.
PS, Don’t give up on SW, please. It has taken so much hard work to create and maintain, and is an inadvertent record of your life over the past few years. That’s a beautiful thing to have, and just think of the supportive value it might bring to you one day to look back at the post made on 30th May 2012 and think: I’m glad I didn’t give up. Also, if you gave up, there’d be a serious dint in my play fodder. (Sorry! 😉 )
Lack of comment is one reason why I rarely post any new school stories, my own particular bete-noire. Up to say 2005 I was quite prolific, but comment-wise pretty much all I’ve ever had is “Yeah, great. Can’t wait for the next one”. When what I want and need are constructive ideas for scenarios and rituals that enhance the eroticism of the basic scene. I am also struck by how few people can actually write decent english
Oh dear, now I am feeling guilty, being one of the 40,000 odd who greatly enjoy your stories and blogs, but rarely comment. I think that a lot of people are, like me, a little shy of commenting publically on line, although I am not at all shy in real life, being rather a ‘life and soul’ sort of person. I like particularly your sense of humour and honesty. – I did like also the book of your and others stories that I purchased for my kindle. Your story and Emma Jane’s particularly (the latter based on real life?). It seems that you are giving and we are taking. Not very fair. Sorry.
I was very tempted to comment on your blog about the lady who wrote for advice to the newspaper, being in much the same position, and asking for advice, but then again, you are not an agony aunt, just someone who shares.
Sorry again for being reticent. I will try to do better.
The Spanking Writers is one my favorite blogs of all times. It’s intelligent, enlightening, and thoroughly enjoyable to read. I guess because the length is not to long, I usually like to read in the morning before work (which means there is little time to write up a comment). It’s a great way to brighten up the day, and it’s all because of you.
With regards to the transformation of the blog from a couple’s blog to a blog run by a male author, if possible, I think I love reading it even more. Personally, I have always enjoyed your writing more than that of Haron (even though she is amazing as well).
Perhaps there will come a day when blogs will be replaced by Twitter or other micro-blogging media, as long as The Spanking Writers remains, the tradition will live on within all of us. 😀
Like many of the above I am guilty of reading every article that you write and rarely commenting. I admire your work tremendously and derive great pleasure from your articles on every subject. You have a great sense of humour and allow us just enough insight into your private life for us to enjoy your stories without feeling like a voyeur.
Please keep up the good work especially the “Perverting reality” items which are not only addictive but almost infectious in that I now find my imagination strays, frequently, along the same lines when I’m out and about.
I shall try to comment more frequently in future although the pessimist in me feels that future may well be in Twitter which I heartily dislike!
PeterD
Considering I didn’t really know you until twitter, and was never a regular blog reader (and if we’re being honest…I’m still not), I’d be sad to see your blog go.
Before I was 18, and early on in being able to engage in spanking play legally, I read a lot of blogs – and spanking stories. Wrote them. Kept my own blog, etc. I’m among, what’s a minority in the spanking community, the spankos who has no interest in school themed spankings for the most part. I’ve read a few of your stories, and they’re well written but I don’t really read any stories on blogs anymore. When I come here to read, it’s posts like this, about you. Your real life play, posts that give a hint into who you are outside of stories. When I read other peoples blogs this is also the case too – I skip the fiction (I much prefer my archive of SamPast stories to anything being written today in general) and want to read about the person. Since my primary spanking fantasies and interests don’t run along those you often write about, I rarely have a reason to visit – unless you’re talking about real life play…I love reading about that!
That being said, I think blogs are important. I think hand writing journals are important. I think if one or two people stop, more and more will stop. I think your blog is important for all the people it reaches, whether they’re commenting or not. They’re here, they’re reading, and it’s important. There isn’t this quality of writing on blogs much anymore. So stay. Write. People are here. Maybe they’ll realize the important of a dialogue and commenting, now.
I also know I’m one person, and there are 39,999 out there who come here more often and stay longer and enjoy more.
Wow! Thank you everyone for the replies, which mean a great deal to me. I can’t possibly begin to respond to each of them in detail, but do know that you’ve provided me with huge encouragement. Thank you, thank you, thank you…
Agree with lots of other comments here. I used to blog and write fiction, and I think people have a LOT less patience for it than they did even 5 years ago. Anything over 140 characters is TL;DR.
As a practical solution, what if you posted stories or intros to stories on Tumblr? (Tumblr is where I put my creative energy now and how I found this site.) You could leave the blog up but sort of promote your longer-form fiction through there. Lots of people will breeze past it for more immediate satisfaction, but lots will stop and read, too. “Likes” and reblogs don’t always start a conversation, but they do provide some affirmation. Twitter would also work.
I hope that good writing is not a dying art. The standalone blog, though, might be a dying medium. It might be the mailed zine of the 00’s. I don’t say that to be negative, but hopefully to help you get the conversation going again.
I have very limited time for the spanking community at the moment (as evidenced by my girlfriend Kaelah doing most of the stuff on our blog, not me), so I don’t look ar blogs as much as I used to and I comment very rarely. But I still lurk here occasionally. And when I have more time again (something I’ve been hoping and planning for forever now…), I’ll definitely comment more regularly again, because yours is still one of the best spanking blogs around.
I’m not sure that we are really seeing a decline of the blogging culture as such. But there are definitely changes. I think what we are seeing is a split. People who are mostly interested in simply staying in touch with spanko friends, saying “Hi!” and having chats are now on Twitter and similar services. People who are interested in reading or writing longer, in-depth posts, and in having elaborate discussions (the kind that is difficult to have with the character limit on Twitter), are still on the blogging networks. I think we are seeing a split of the original blogging community along these preferences.
…Abel, i suppose you might get the same feeling i get when i’ve logged on here just a tad too soon, there’s no new post, i’m too impatient..maybe you look to the comments with disappointment, its natural to feel that way…and maybe we’re an unappreciative lot..we’re obviously logging on..but laziness is a curse…we should all say a little something every now and again….we’re quick enough to take advantage of your scribbling,but its nice to tell you sometimes.
Wow, look at all the people who beat me to it. I love your site, Abel. I only stumbled upon this wonderful place a few months ago, but I have returned almost every day since, to sit with my morning coffee and catch up on your musings for the day. I don’t comment half as often as I should (I know, fifty spanks to me), but I want you to know I do enjoy your scenarios. I love your descriptive writing style and your ability to look at mundane things no one else would glance at twice and see the kinky promise within it. I could not agree more with some of the other comments you’ve received: Yours IS the best spanking site in existence on the World Wide Web. It is one of only four that I visit. In fact, this one and your tumbler page make up two of them. So there, see? You take up half my spanking day! Whatever would I do without you?
Hi Abel,
I want to “pile on” my voice of encouragement to you. I hardly ever get comments either. My readership is probably about 400 times less than yours, but still it can be discouraging, particularly when I so enjoy the discussion
I would hate to see the blog go, but I would also encourage you to do what you need to do for you. Ultimately it is your voice and your means of expression and you need to be true to it.
Best Regards,
Quai
I am reading this blog for about six months on a regular basis, but I am delurking here for the first time to tell you that I do indeed like your writing. I am not blogging myself but I think I can imagine that it is discouraging if you take your time to write an elaborate post and get very few or no comments at all.
More often than not, I feel the need to write at least a short “Nice post, thank you” sort of comment to give a positive feedback to the author. Unfortunately, my laziness wins in many of the cases.
So, I hope you will continue as your blog is something quite unique in the spanking blogosphere. Thank you for all your work.
For God’s sake, don’t you dare stop blogging 😉
Temptrass is right: too few male voices in the spanking scene!
I just hate twitter and I think beautifully written English is getting more and more hard to find!
BTW none of the reasons you imagine in your last paragraph but one holds water!
I just started reading your site with some regularity. I hope it doesn’t end soon. I don’t always comment, but I’ll try harder.
Abel, your blog (viewed on my phone) gets me through many a tedious moment at work – please don’t stop writing it or where will I be able to go to get properly distracted at such times of need?!
I do see where you’re coming from though – no one likes to feel like they’re having a conversation with a blank wall. I hope the many comments on this post have reassured you that you and your blog are valued x.
I think your posts are epic. I don’t get to read them all, but always love what I read. I don’t post comments nearly enough, but I guess with all I do and trying to keep up with many blog writers means I would be hard pressed to comment much more than I do. Know we love your writing though!
Another regular lurker here. I doubt if I’ve ever commented before, and due to limited online time I’m unlikely to become a regular commenter, but I enjoy your posts and stories of all – heh – stripes.
I’m genuinely touched by all of your comments, and am so grateful. Thank you, one and all. Motivation for blogging duly regained, I think!!
Abel, I like your spanking blog. And when I find a topic that you have written that interests me I try to answer it, as best I can.
I’m guilty, I’m one of your readers who doesn’t comment. You have to do what’s best for you. I do enjoy stopping by and I hope you continue. We would miss you if you went.
Love,
Ronnie
xx
I’m going to add my voice to the others who say “Don’t Stop!” I lookforward to my dose of SW every other day, more than i probably should ;p
But I’m going to echo what Mr Allen said about access. I normally read SW on my phone (Quite often in work too) but when it comes to adding comments, using my phone on this website is an absolute pig. Twitter on the phone is easier, and I’m not often in front of a computer which makes comments easy to add.
But please don’t stop yet. At the risk of gushing, your blog has made me very happy indeed, and i’d hate to be without it, and all the good things its led to.
Hugs
Lily
Hi Abel:
I believe that these comments have made it abundantly clear that you are not “writing into a vacuum”! I have commented, but only when I have had similar experiences, and we have even exchanged emails, something I have done with only one other blogger, who has been silent since November.
My problem with comments is that I have exactly zero experience in the spanking scene, but it still interests me. I marvel at the stories or thumbnail sketches that you write, sometimes wondering how these can be true, but not seriously doubting, especially when EJ or someone else independently verifies them. Yours is the only blog that I turn to nearly every day.
It also gives me interesting insight into happenings on the East side of the Pond, Which seem to be somewhat different than the happenings on the West (our) side of the pond. I have visited England, but the last time was in 1986, when I spent a week in London visiting museums prior to a week stalking stags in Scotland. ( I got 3). I probably won’t be back as I am in the early part of my 9th decade and travel doesn’t appeal to me any more. In fact, I hate the idea.
But back to your blog and comments; if you shut it down, I would miss it, but, let’s face it, my life would not be seriously altered. That said, I hope you continue it, especially if writing it gives you pleasure. Reading it gives me pleasure! I do promise that in the future (note U.S. English usage) I will make an effort to find something that I can comment on from time to time. I shall try not to be a full time lurker.
As to Twitter, I believe that it is an abomination, and the method of writing and spelling used will inevitably lead to the downfall of the written English language.
I must admit that I have tries to England. Our first English ancestor came to England with William the Conqueror in 1066 and were associated with the crown afterward, if Churchill is to be believed. I have also visited and toured the Ancestral castle in Kent County, near Maidstone. At least it was the ancestral home until Mary Tudor. Visiting would be nice, if not for age and health problems. We got to this side of the pond in the first half of the 17th century.
In short, please don’t shut down your blog! If it gives you any joy at all to write it, be assured that it gives many people joy to read it. Of the comments, I agree mostly with what Marie wrote
George
Next to last paragraph: ties, not tries. Sorry
George
First – pleeeeeeze don’t stop posting. Your blog is the only kink stuff i ever read these days.
No real excuse for not posting more – except busy real life, a noticeable reduction in my kinky libido, but I think my main reason for not posting more is that the blog format doesn’t really lend itself to discussion. Not sure what, if anything you could do about that, but for me, that would make a difference if it were more forum-like.
I just want to join in the chorus of praise for this blog. Please know that what you do here means a lot to so many people. Even if we rarely take the time to let you know it. For me, in the rush of life and with so many things demanding my attention, it’s hard to concentrate and come up with a response more imaginative than “that was hot!” or “thanks for that.” Which seems kind of lame, so I don’t bother responding at all. It’s probably like that for many. But rest assured you are not publishing into a vacuum. There are real beating hearts out here, who look forward to the little escape your writing offers us. -jackie
from time to time I have a look here …
english ist not my first language but I like too watch we says: “Über den Tellerand” means looks what other done. I like your blog!
But now the world wide web change to a other generation, away from blogs and boards to social networks with games and silly “What are you just doing”
But I am sure, still blogs and boards comes back!