Millionaire

During this morning a single page view took the North Downs and Beyond 'page view' stat counter over the million mark. It's taken ten years, and 2006 posts to get here. I have no doubt that many of these page views have come courtesy of various bots, directing false traffic towards the site. However, for those that are genuine, thank you very much for taking the time to visit, and a few of you for going the extra mile and leaving a comment.

ND&B did exist for an 18-month spell between 2008-2010, but in a fit of pique I deleted it. My loyalty to the current version has been tested on a few occasions, but my resolve is to leave this blog alive even if I do decide to stop producing it.

This year has seen a big increase in visits, particularly after lockdown when the ND&B version of the #BWKM0 garden challenge was being 'curated'. During this spell between 1200 -1500 hits a day was the norm, and since then this has rarely dropped below the 1000 mark. Visitor numbers are just that - a statistic that really don't say that much - but they are visits that are pleasing to receive. I have forged many virtual friendships through this blog, and have even met up with a few in 'real life'. There have been chance meetings in the field, the introduction being along the lines of 'I read your blog'. It is humbling and heartening when that happens.

Another million? If that is to be achieved, it may be some time in the late 2020s. Will I still be blogging? Will I still even be here? That is up the the Gods of fate.

Comments

Steve Chastell said…
Congratulations Steve, and many thanks for providing such interest and inspiration over the years
30 July 2020 at 19:03
Steve Gale said…
Thanks Steve, glad that some of the ramblings have served a use!
30 July 2020 at 21:46
Gavin Haig said…
Congrats Steve! The original ND&B was one of the first blogs I 'discovered', just a few weeks or months before starting NQS mk1. Your consistency has been an inspiration! 😄 👍
30 July 2020 at 21:55
Gibster said…
Legendary mate. Now we need your top million highlights since you started blogging ;)
30 July 2020 at 22:06
Dylan Wrathall said…
Congratulations Steve - well deserved and testament to the originality and consistent quality of the posts you make. Two million? Sooner than you think!
30 July 2020 at 22:48
Stewart said…
Well done Steve, your blog is the best. I'm not too far behind, if I keep up my output after a few years where it was flagging, I'll get there...
31 July 2020 at 10:03
Steve Gale said…
Thank you all for those kind words, and all from fellow bloggers who have been there throughout!
31 July 2020 at 15:27
Stephen Root said…
Congratulations indeed - well done. Proves how well written and interesting your Blog always is. Two million here you come...
31 July 2020 at 20:01
Steve Gale said…
Thank you Stephen, appreciated from a fellow Sutton Manor/Grammar student
31 July 2020 at 22:06
Paul James said…
You have a rare talent Steve. Your blog is always a delight to read. Keep up the great work - it's appreciated.
1 August 2020 at 19:32
Chris Janman said…
Congratulations Steve, well deserved, keep up the interesting and insightful writing.
1 August 2020 at 20:30
Steve Gale said…
And a big thank you to my two Sussex friends!
1 August 2020 at 21:35
North downs and beyound said…
Thank You Steve for your wonderful Inspiring blog and congratulations on reaching your awesome millionth hit. Bridget
3 August 2020 at 09:41
North downs and beyound said…
Thank You Steve for your wonderful Inspiring blog and congratulations on reaching your awesome millionth hit. Bridget
3 August 2020 at 09:41
Steve Gale said…
Thank you Bridget!
3 August 2020 at 18:53
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