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According to Annalisa, my blog is popular. (When did that happen?) She wanted to know how it became so popular. While I’m still not exactly sure, I think I can sum it up in one word - friendships.
In two and a half years of blogging, I’ve made a lot of friends. With close to1600 followers, I can’t keep up with everyone. But I’ve tried to cultivate and maintain as many friendships as possible.
I follow a lot of blogs and comment on my regulars often. (Not to scare anyone, but I visit over a hundred blogs a day.) With those I’ve made a connection, I’ve gotten to know them better. I know what they write, what movies they like, what music they enjoy, and what they like to do in the real world. I get to know their families, the events in their lives, and how they feel about life. None of that would be possible if I didn’t visit them on a regular basis.
I also try to celebrate with my blogger buddies when they achieve success. The Ninja News has become a regular feature on my blog and there is always so much good news to announce, such as book deals, awards, and new novels. I enjoy having guests on my blog several times a month so they can share their excitement with the rest of my Ninja Army.
A couple times a year I host blogfests and I’m a co-host of the A to Z Challenge. Those events really spur a sense of community. Probably the greatest thing that’s happened came from the launch of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group last September. We post the first Wednesday of every month and hundreds have signed up to participate. Reading those posts and encouraging comments has been a total blessing. And I’ve received many comments and emails of appreciation for starting the group.
It’s not the followers or hits that make a blog - it’s the friendships. Genuine friendship is something that can’t be faked, either. It’s maintaining relationships, supporting others, and making sure one’s blog is a safe and fun place to visit. That’s all I’ve ever tried to do.
I know mine isn’t the normal author’s blog, but I’m blessed and honored to have so many online friends!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
http://alexjcavanaugh.
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of Amazon Best Sellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
100 blogs a day! Holy hell! I thought I did well at doing around 30 a day!
ReplyDeleteAlex is amazing, and such a huge support to other bloggers!
Annalisa, thank you! Glad you came by my blog to comment last year - and that you snagged first comment once. You rock!
ReplyDeleteAlex is a great friend to everyone online...good point about it being about the friendships, not the stats.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Alex! It's the friendships that count - even if we never meet!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I strive to visit as many blogs as I can every day but I don't know how you visit 100. Good grief! I am always thankful for visitors though and appreciate your visits. I'm a strong believer in building a sense of community and friendship through regular visits.
ReplyDeleteIt is the friendships that count. I'm working on getting better at being a better blog friend.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Annalisa! Happy Friday and have a terrific weekend.
Thanks Melissa, have a great weekend too!
DeleteSo true about the friendships. I think you're a master at developing them. I'm amazed at how many blogs you're able to follow in a day.
ReplyDeleteYou do very well at making connections and establishing bonds. I used to visit over 100 blogs per day, but I haven't been able to keep up the pace...and I still don't get the other things done that I need to do! I still don't know how you do it either. You've told me, but I think you must have clones.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
It's definitely all about the connection you make with other bloggers... that's the bottom line. The support is amazing! Thanks once again, Alex!
ReplyDeleteHeather, Ninja skills.
ReplyDeleteLee, that's what all the computers on my desk are for - multi-tasking!
Everyone, thanks so much!
I don't know how you manage, Alex. You must be a Ninja!
ReplyDeleteYou've been a wonderful blogger friend, and I'm so appreciative of all you've done for me, and for all your author friends.
I have difficulty keeping up with the few blogs I follow, although I did better in the A-Z month.How you do it I can't imagine, but surely you can't get anything else done? Friendships? I think Talkback has been better for me in that respect,although I do have a (very)few faithful followers on my blog.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa and Alex, great interview. it's nice to have both of you as friends in the blogging world.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle - and ditto to you! (I got 'ditto' from Ghost :-))
DeleteGreat interview! Yes, Alex's blog rocks! He visits 100 blogs a day? Wow! That's amazing.
ReplyDeleteNinja skills, movie trivia (which I never know the answers to but love to read anyway), and a selfless, genuine person who is truly out to support and encourage other writers....does it get better than that?
ReplyDeleteI think it's so awesome that you visit 100 blogs a day. Your blog and you rock!
ReplyDeleteWise words! It's like whatever Alex says should be in the book titled, "How to Rock the Blogging World" I live my blogging career off that ;)
ReplyDelete100 blogs a day? Your job allows you that much time? You have been a good friend to me, Alex. And that fact is the root of why your blog succeeds. You are a good friend to all you meet. Only success in the future.
ReplyDeleteLizy, I do manage to write, play guitar, watch movies, and spend time with my wife as well!
ReplyDeleteCassie, thanks for that!
And thank you everyone. Whoa...
I agree about the friendships. And I still don't know how you can visit so many blogs every day. Super Ninja :)
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, Annalisa.
Thanks for the follow Carol, I'll pop over to visit you soon!
Deletelovely synopsis of super ninja alex! yeah!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I always enjoy Alex's blog and the author news is a fun way to celebrate other authors. I agree with him that blogging is about the friendships and the connections we make with other people. I try to make it to as many blogs as I can each day- but 100. Wow! I am impressed!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Alex is a smooth stone hopping our blog ponds.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Alex. I love seeing your friendly face all over the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roland. Yeah, we get a lot of down time around here...
ReplyDeleteCarol, super Ninja skills.
Andrew, that made me laugh!
I visit about 30 blogs a day, I think, sometimes a few more.
ReplyDeleteYou're more than just popular, Alex, you are well-loved. I feel blessed to be a "regular" and to have your support, both as a friend and as a writer. And I can't wait to see your name & review on my book come September! That is all kinds of awesomeness, just like you!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Annalisa!
ReplyDeleteAnd that's why you're the ultimate ninja, Alex! Thanks for sharing your awesomeness. :)
Hi Jamie :-)
DeleteHi, Annalisa! And Hi, Alex!
ReplyDeleteThe blogosphere is an amazing community, and I feel honored to be a part of it. Do you know, when I have news to share -- writing news, family news, job news -- I usually email friends I've made through blogging before I tell friends I see in person?
Nancy, thanks! I'll just be honored if they use my blurb.
ReplyDeleteDianne, I can believe that!
The man is a blogging machine! There's nothing that goes on in the blogosphere that he doesn't know about! :)
ReplyDeleteAlex, you are one of a kind. Thanks, Annalisa, for hosting one of my favorite bloggers and true blogging community friend. Loved reading this post.
ReplyDeleteps
Long live Rush.
Thanks for sharing this great post, Annalisa. Alex is an inspiration! Loved this post, Alex.
ReplyDeleteDL, I try to keep up!
ReplyDeleteSuze, Rush rocks!!
Thank you, Julie.
Yes, Alex is a blogging friend to all. That's his "secret"! But of course we know he has about 10 clones helping him make all these visits. Or, he time travels and every time he goes back (10 times per day), he visits 10 different blogs. Yes - that has to be it:) Thanks Alex and Annalisa!
ReplyDeleteI'm in favour of your time-travel theory myself :-)
DeleteSo true, Alex. Glad you found me when I was an unejucated nuubee. lol
ReplyDeleteGlad I connected with you, too, Annalisa.
You too, Mary! Or I might never have gotten into this space opera thingumy! lol
DeleteWow - I can't believe how many comments in one day! I think it's safe to say Alex has been a huge influence/presence in our blogging lives. I'd like to thank everyone for visiting to tell him how great he is... and yet, he doesn't think he does anything special!!
ReplyDeleteFriendship is definitely part of blogging--it surprised me how interconnected bloggers were when I first started out, but it's awesome.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the same names all over the place surprised me too - at first I wondered what I'd got myself into!
DeleteGwen, I WISH I could time travel!
ReplyDeleteMary, I think we were both fairly new when we met, so I learned just as much from you.
Annalisa, I don't!
Golden, I had no idea either and was surprised.
Alex, I wonder if you ever sleep. I would have to stay up all night to check out 100 blogs and comment.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful to be part of your ninja army. Thanks for all the support you give us all. :)
I agree that its the friendships that make for a good blog. You're an inspiration to us all to get out there and visit and comment on more blogs!
ReplyDeleteKathy, if I couldn't do it from work, it would never happen!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stephen.
You are an amazing blogging ninja, Alex! It's not that you can get around to so many blogs, it's the genuine person you are that has made your army grow so big. I'm happy to be one of those in your great army.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like you visit more than 100 every day. No matter where I go, you've been there first. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree it's the friendships that matter. It's the friendships that have made a difference.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Christine, thank you!
ReplyDeleteTonja, some days it is over a hundred.
Lynda, yes it is!
Alex is a master at blogging, commenting, and hosting challenges. He's also very supportive, so he's the real deal.
ReplyDeleteI heart Alex. Thanks for insisting he guest for you, Annalisa, because I like his style when he guest posts. They are different than his blog posts but just as enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteHi Annalisa and hi there, Alex,
ReplyDeleteYes, once again, this much loved and adored internet dog, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, is doing the rounds.
Now then, Alex embraces the sharing, caring ethos that is conducive to a positive and encouraging blogging community and he comes and visits my site and the human I allow to write on it. I know how exhausting it can be interacting with such a total as Alex. Exhausting in a rewarding way.
Okay humans, I'm outta' here. Arf! Arf!
I love Alex. He visits many blogs and I freaked when he visited mine. Not just because he's so popular but because sometimes I comment on his blog days later because I have limited internet access. So I really appreciate that he still stops by. Also I love his ninja thing. Some people try bringing up ninjas and sound corny. He does it and sounds cool. I love that.
ReplyDeleteWow so that's the secret! I'm always surprised to see Alex on my blog because he's a celebrity blogger and I wonder how he finds the time. I guess you can always make time for what matters. I'll start doing that now.
ReplyDeleteGreat guest post. I also always see Alex's name everywhere, how does he do it?
ReplyDeleteKaren, I figure I can't be snarky and flaky on someone else's blog. That would just be wrong!
ReplyDeleteExhausting but worth it, Penny.
Sheena, Ninjas ARE cool!!! And always happy to visit you.
Avantika, I'm just a geeky author with a blog, that's all.
Gwen, Ninja skills...
Alex is so supportive of all of his regulars. It's amazing what he's accomplished over the past few years. 100 blogs a day? Most ninjas can't even do that! Thanks, Annalisa & Alex!
ReplyDeleteJust another big thanks for everyone who's visited and commented. It seems wherever Alex goes a big entourage follows... not that I'm complaining, but I have no idea how he keeps on top of all those comments on his blog, having experienced a very small part of it!
ReplyDeleteMichael, space Ninjas have extra powers!
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa, thanks again. Some days I don't keep as well as I should, but I always try.
Great post Alex!
ReplyDeleteI also follow a lot of blogs. But I do not follow each blog every day. Soit may sometime take some time until I leave a comment.
Everyone wants to know the secret of Mr. Ninja, personally I think he has managed to clone himself :) Nice post and blog. New follower.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow! I love the idea of cloning myself, but I have a horrible feeling I'd just end up arguing :-)
DeleteWhat a lovely, humble post. Good advice, too. I find it hard keeping up with all the blogs I want to and am definitely slowed down by commenting but I want a writer to know I've read and enjoyed (when I have, which is often ;) )
ReplyDeleteI agree, Alex! Friendships are the key - genuine ones where you can tell people care. You are a shining example of that. Good post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow Karen!
DeleteJudging from the number of nominations for my contest, I'd have to say Alex is doing it right.
ReplyDeleteAlex is definitely a Ninja at a 100 blogs a day. I first met him when I noticed CassaStar. After that, I followed him and have enjoyed every minute of watching him grow as a writer and blogger. He's great at helping others and he's always gracious. Blogging is a better world with him in it.
ReplyDeleteExcellent points about focusing on friendships rather than stats - that's what it's all about in the long-run. Annalisa, way to ask him the right question so we could get all this advise. :)
ReplyDeleteSo this is where you are today, Alex! Great to see you on Annalisa's blog. I'm still very suspicious of your humanity. I believe you're a highly intelligent life form from another planet masquerading as a blogger/author. :D
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Great post, great ideas and information. 100 a day? Wow! Thanks Alex and Annalisa!
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Edi, but you always do, and I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteSiv, no cloning! And wouldn't that be ironic if you argued with yourself?
Thanks, Jaxbee.
Aw, thanks Ciara!
Nutschell, well I do write science fiction...
Annalisa, thanks!
Like you Annalisa, Alex is a name I see regularly but he seems so big in the blogging world I daren't take up his time by commenting on his blog! I might just stop that and pop over :)
ReplyDeleteI felt the same before I made my first comment :-) Go and visit - Alex has a great blog.
DeleteSo, we've had suggestions of clone, time-traveller, smooth stone and alien... which one is it Alex, or does a ninja never share his secrets? :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic interview! I'm so glad I found your blog!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kelley. Thanks for the follow :-)
DeleteRebecca, come visit! I'm not big - just a geek author with a blog.
ReplyDeleteNinjas must keep their secrets!
Thanks for hosting Alex Annalisa! It is amazing how much Alex is able to accomplish in a single day! Thank goodness he uses his powers for good! Julie
ReplyDeleteFriendship is definitely what it's all about!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I would never use my powers for bad.
ReplyDeleteNicole, it is!