On June 14, 2012, I published my first post on this blog. (It was called My quest to learn more about my family history.) When I started the blog, I had no idea what would become of it and I didn’t spend much time trying to visualize what it might turn into. But I’m really proud of what it has become. In eight years, I’ve published 588 posts, had 360,000 unique visitors and 725,000 views. And I’m still going strong. Amazing.
I tend to look at these numbers about once a year (on my blogiversary). But pretty much every day I think about how much I love my readers. You all are so wonderfully interactive and I love reading your comments. Your desire to help me and other readers, along with your kind, encouraging words about my contributions, has made this blog a joy. Thank you.
Last year in my blogiversary post, I listed six ways this blog has enhanced my life. Today seems like a good day to repeat them.
How this blog has enhanced my life:
- I’ve learned so much from my readers! I’ve been fortunate to have such engaged readers who provide lots of great advice and input in the comments. And everyone is so kind. Thank you!
- Some readers have become in-person friends. I’ve done some meet ups at genealogy conferences, which always adds to the conference enjoyment. I’ve even been recognized at conferences by people I hadn’t prearranged to meet!
- I research more often. I’m confident that without this blog I would not research as much. My 30 x 30 challenges, in particular, really keep focused on the research.
- I’m a better researcher. Because I’m researching more often, attending conferences, and benefiting from the wisdom of my readers, I’m most assuredly a better researcher than I was eight years ago and probably a better one than I would be today without the blog.
- I’ve become acquainted with some well-known genealogists, which is always a treat. Through my How They Do It series, as well as Family Tree University webinars and just attending conferences, I’ve gotten to know some folks I admire
- I’ve even made some money! I sell my Orderly Roots Guides and The Paperless Genealogy Guide (with Brooks Duncan) and I’ve earned some money through speaking, writing and consulting. I feel so fortunate for that!
I want to thank you, my readers, for coming along on this ride and for being such a big part of it. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
You’ve come a long way in 8 years Janine. Congratulations and here’s to seeing you be just as successful over the next 8 years
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your support.
Congratulations on your milestone. Glad I found your blog. Your 30 day challenges has helped me in keeping up on my research and maintaining a simple research log.
I’m glad you found my blog, too, Jerry! I enjoy your comments.
Congratulations Janine!
Thanks very much, Roberta!
Congratulations on your blogiversary! I always enjoy reading your blog and have learned from you along the way.
Thank you!! I appreciate your commenting.
Congratulations for a job well done. I have enjoyed your blog for some time now. And I love your 30 day challenges. Because of them I am starting to make some headway. keep up the good work and good luck with your research also.
Thank you so much, Trisha! It makes me happy to know that the challenges have helped you!
Congratulations on your blogiversary! I have loved your posts, interviews, and sharing tips that you have learned while we are on this genealogy journey! Our meet ups at conferences and the library have been a wonderful benefit in finding this blog. Everyone needs a genealogy buddy.
Thanks so much for your support all these years, Vickie! I love having you as my genealogy buddy and I look forward to another trip together to the county library when that’s possible again.
Happy Blogiversary, Janine. Here’s to many more!!
Thank you, Cathy!
Congratulations!
Thanks!!
Congratulations, Janine, on your 8th blogiversary. I love your blog – and your 30 x 30 challenges. I’m glad we had a chance to meet in person at RootsTech a few years ago.
I am so glad to have met you too, Linda! It’s so nice to put a face with a name. Thanks so much for your comment.
Happy blogiversary and thank you for sharing great genealogy information! I’ve learned lots from reading your blog and use many of your suggestions.
What a nice comment. Thanks so much, Zenda!
Congratulations, Janine. I always look forward to reading your post. I hope you will come to IF for the THE conference late summer.
Thanks for your support, Christy! I don’t know if I’ll be making it to KC for the FGS conference in Kansas City…it all depends on what’s going on with COVID. But I sure would like to meet you. I’m confident we’ll make that happen at some point.
That sounds great!
Congratulations, Janine! I hope you will come to IF for the FGS conference later this summer.
KC, not IF. Stupid auto-correct.
Happy Blogiversary! Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Wishing you a belated happy anniversary. This has been a wonderful place to learn and be challenged.
Thank you so much, Mary!