On March 31, 2010, I wrote my first blog post, questioning the value of blogs. My premise was that no one wants to read anyone else’s innermost thoughts—and blogging seemed to be the place where innermost feelings become outermost feelings. But I went ahead and started Word Nymph anyway.
My one-year anniversary post isn’t going to be anything spectacular, so if you’re reading this blog for the first time today, please dig deeper into the archives before you form a first impression.
If you’re among the small but potent community of regular readers and commenters, thank you. Thank you for your faithfulness, even on days when your basket is brimming with reading matter. Thank you also to the four or five people who advised me in the beginning of this undertaking. And thank you to my husband, who kisses me good night as I sit in the late hours staring at a blank screen and panicking about what I will write about the next day. Three hundred nine times, so far.
Over the course of the year, I’ve heard from people that they want more personal stories of my childhood or of the careless foibles of my adulthood. Others believe I should stick to my knitting; one reader said he was going to unsubscribe because I wasn’t doing enough on language and grammar. At times I’ve wondered how I might satisfy everyone in this regard. But, as Ricky Nelson once sang, “You can’t please everyone, so you’ve got to please yourself.”
Some readers tell me they can’t keep up with my six-days-a-week schedule, that they get behind and struggle to catch up. I don’t want people feeling like they’re drinking from a fire hose, so maybe I should slow down, pace myself so I don’t run out of ideas, or worse, generate forced content for the sake of adhering to a self-imposed schedule. On the other hand, some readers call me when I’ve posted late or missed a day, wondering where their Word Nymph is.
As I struggled with these questions, a friend and supporter sent me a link to another blogger’s ideas. These very usefully address my very conundrums. If you’re contemplating starting a blog yourself, or if you’d like to join me in contemplating Word Nymph’s future, you’ll find these thought-provoking—and a good read all around.
I know one thing for certain. Your comments–good or bad, serious or funny–are what make it worth the effort.
That’s it for today. Still thinking about the future. I welcome your ideas.
Thanks again for reading. Must find cake.
Word Nymph 
I think you need to treat yourself. One year marks a significant accomplishment. Maybe you need a slice of good cheesecake.
Well, it just so happens I’ll be at Morton’s tonight for a meeting. Theirs is pretty darn good.
Ricky Nelson??!!! I haven’t thought about him in years. Interesting how I jumped on that. Mostly, Congrats on an excellent job.
Thanks! I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I had Garden Party on 45.
His last big hit!
good work. blogging is a very interesting process for sure!
And to you! I recall that we started about the same time.
How about writing a blog on the use of couch, sofa, divan?
Great idea. I’ve also heard Chesterfield. Thanks.
Monica, I love Word Nymph. I have to admit I don’t read it EVERY day, but I do often and it’s always a wonderful respite in what is often a pretty gnarly day. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone – or anyone for that matter. You do this for you, don’t you? We’re all just lucky to be along for the ride! Congratulations on this wonderful milestone.
Thanks, Lisa!
Congratulations and Happy Birthday to your blog, that may call for two pieces of cake! I’ve enjoyed the year of Word Nymph and learned many things, those related to grammar are worth a review! One suggestion in your topic category would be to put that topic in so we can refer to the rules again in moments of panic! Thank you for funny, informative and lively blogs that are not too long and not too short, just rightt! No oxford commas were harmed during the writing of this comment.
Thanks, Emily and that’s a good suggestion. Even on matters outside the language realm, I feel a pressing need to index the individual topics. Sometimes I have to Google myself to remember whether or not I’ve covered a topic before. I can say that, currently, posts related to language and grammar are filed under the Category, “All Things Wordish,” but not by individual topic under there. Until I get this figured out, don’t hesitate to ask in panic.
Happy Blogging Birthday! One thing that I keep hearing about blogs is that most people burn out within a year of starting. You are not one of them! YAY!
Wow. That was a lot of exclamation points.
Happy first birthday! All of your fans in the Pittsboro-Raleigh, NC area love your blog. It is frequently a topic in our conversations as are you, Marty and Joe. We love everything about it and feel like it keeps us in touch with what is going on in your lives. Sorry that none of us have reciprocated, but please don’t let that stop you! Much love from your NC fans;-)
First, congratulations on an excellent and entertaining endeavor. We have all benefitted this past year from your advice and humor.
I have noticed that, over time, I tend not to comment as much because I feel satisfied and fulfilled by your blog, and the comments of others. That is a credit to your success.
Being retired, my vote is to keep the same schedule, Monday through Saturday; when I don’t get an email, I know it’s Sunday.
Congratulations! Making it through the first year is a major accomplishment, especially as so few blogs make it past the first post. I read every day–even if I comment infrequently–and trust, no DEMAND that you keep up the good work!
Happy wordish anniversary! I don’t have time to read daily, but it is a great treat to catch up on the weekends, so my vote is to keep them coming. I use your posts many ways: to teach from, as a catalyst to reminisce, and to discover more about you — all enjoyed.
Congratulations, Monica! One year is quite a long time for a blog. I wish you to have brilliant ideas exactly six days a week and to be able to write your posts freely and fast, without having to spend too much time at the computer. I enjoy your blog! 🙂
Thank you, Olga. Yes, freely and fast is how I’d like to do it. It is not always the way it has been, but is definitely something to wish for.