I suppose I am like many bloggers--I am curious to know who reads my blog. When I first began writing it, I intended to record observations, musing, even mumblings on various subjects. I expected that my family might be the readers--although there is no requirement that they read it. I also began reading other blogs, and commented on some. These people were kind enough to return the favor, and so began the creation of a small corner in the cyber community.
I deeply appreciate all those who read my blog, and even comment from time to time. I find blogging has forced me to hone my writing skills, which is an all together good thing when you teach English!
Perhaps in a stroke of vanity, or just plain curiosity, after a bit of time blogging, I added a site meter. I check it from time to time, mostly out of curiosity. But lately I have been noticing something totally strange. I first caught on to my observation when I clicked on the "world map" feature. I thought it would be fun to see where those who read my blog live. What I found really surprised me. I had readers in U.S. and Canada--no surprise there. I have one faithful reader in England. And then I noticed--I have a reader in Indonesia, in Singapore, in Taiwan, in China, in India, in Iran, in Ukraine, in Germany, in Italy. What on the earth is going on?
Since I just can't imagine that I have attracted readers in all these countries, I next clicked on "views by entry pages." And, while that gave me more information, it deepened the mystery. Out of the last 100 people to visit my blog, almost 50 have looked at one page: The Mouth of the Lion.
Well, I can't figure it out. Why on the earth would people around the world be looking at that entry. They are looking at the images there. So I scratch my head and try to figure it out. Are people consumed with curiosity over what a lion's mouth might look like? Do they all want to see dandelions (dent de lion, French for tooth of the lion)? Or is it some weird code for who knows what?
As I said, 'tis a puzzlement.
15 comments:
Analyzing your stats is a good way to go nuts. It is so funny and never makes much sense. My post on my fear of bridges is far and away the most popular one out there. Nearly 10 visitors a day. No comments though. Weird. Clearly NOT what they were looking for though.
I find site meter stats both puzzling and funny. Have you ever looked at the google searches that bring people to your blog?
Most of my hits are obscure searches. The strangest set of words that landed someone at my blog was "Why does nursing home poop smell like cabbage?" I didn't write about such a topic!! One day I had 10X my normal hits and most for the search words "Independence Day". Turns out it was the eve of Independence Day in India. You may never know the significance of The Mouth of a Lion. Have you checked the search words used?
People certainly do use rather strange search terms. I've never checked the site meter, since I don't place much value on what it means.
Yes, I agree that it's probably some sort of search that is bringing in the masses. Whatever it takes though. I read one blogger who seldom gets a comment but gets lots of hits because of her topics and titles bringing searchers in.
I take great comfort from your various comments. From them, I learn--
1) I am not alone in looking at my stats and trying to analyze them;
2) I am not alone in having strange hits on my posts;
3) I am not alone in having most peculiar search terms.
Hurray--I am not alone!
You're definitely not alone in looking at your stats. I don't have the full membership for the Site Meter, so I don't get tempted to just spend hours looking at the google search lead-ins, etc. Otherwise, I'd never get anything done!
I decided a long time ago to not do the "stats" thing. It really is a mystery who views and my interest really is only in those who have the courtesy to comment, like you.
Donna, I agree. It's fascinating. I had a site meter for a while but I haven't bothered to add it again after I customized my blog. I'd view the last 100 visitors and found the same. They viewed some unusual posts, obviously after a Google search for a word or phrase. Very weird.
Hmm.
Definitely a puzzlement.
I find the the posts I fuss over most, generally get surprisingly less attention than those I whip out of my sleeve.
Maybe the unusual wording gets picked up on google searches?
I'm sure there are a bunch of great words out there, just waiting!!
It's fun to see who reads one's blog, esp. if they came from a mutual "friend".
When I was in University I remember studying "sociograms". I am surprised no one has developed "blogiograms". I am more interested in the linkages between and among circle of bloggers that I am of mysterious stats.
Very bizarre, indeed. I haven't figured out how to use sitemeter, maybe it's just as well???
Oh yes, the sitemeter! I check mine maybe once a week to see who is peeking in. I'm amazed at how many folks read my blog and have many visits clocked in but have never left a comment. I will admit that there are a few blogs that I frequent and never leave a comment either so I can't complain. Still, I'm curious.
Hi Donna,
A puzzlement for sure! I put the Sitemeter on my blog too and almost never look at it. I know from what other people tell me that they have friends who read my blog (and enjoy it) but have never left a comment. I also occasionally get e-mails from out of the blue from someone who's read my blog. One note was from a woman who got a hit on "gopher" in Google and wrote to me to share her story of adopting an orphaned 13-lined ground squirrel.
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