If you’ve been following my blog since I started blogging in February 2014, you’ll have witnessed an array of topics being discussed. But what have been the most popular topics?
I have explored many subjects—some widely popular, others that met an impasse and faded into obscurity, and a few that still leave me pondering why I decided to publish such content.
2024 marks the occasion I have decided to announce to all members of my blogging community and newcomers the highlighted content that will grace my blog over the next 12 months.
Of course, you are not compelled to remain present for the exciting developments unfolding on Hugh’s Views and News in 2024. However, by disclosing these details, you will gain insight into the ambitious plans I have in store for the future.
Blogging Tips
How could I possibly overlook sharing blogging tips? I’ve carved out a niche for myself by crafting insightful posts about blogging aimed at assisting and guiding others.
These posts consistently capture readers’ interest, sparking lively conversations and abundant comments. Engaging with readers in meaningful discussions is something I truly cherish.
I will continue to thoroughly analyze the WordPress platform and share my findings. With numerous changes occurring on WordPress, staying updated can be pretty challenging, so I’m here to help.
Many of my blogging tips posts will be ‘How To’ posts and will contain screenshots. I receive numerous expressions of gratitude for including screenshots, and I often ponder why other bloggers neglect to do so when they share information.
If there’s a blogging topic close to your heart that you’d love me to delve into, don’t hesitate to share the details in the comments section. When I draft a post about a blogging subject you’ve requested, I’ll link back to your blog as a token of appreciation.
Go ahead, don’t hesitate to share a comment with me about the aspects of blogging that puzzle you or what would assist you in becoming a more adept blogger.
Wordless Wednesday
Although I don’t host Wordless Wednesday, I always encourage other folks to drop a link to their Wordless Wednesday post in the comments on my post. This way, everyone can promote their posts and blogs and check out what others share for Wordless Wednesday.
If you’re not sure what Wordless Wednesday is, my post ‘How To Participate In The Wordless Wednesday Photography Challenge And Gain New Followers‘ gives my version of the challenge.
Of course, feel free to ignore the rules I’ve set for Wordless Wednesday. There are so many different versions of Wordless Wednesday, so just do whatever you think fits the idea of the Wordless Wednesday challenge.
If you have any questions about Wordless Wednesday, leave them in the comments section.
Flash Fiction
My passion for flash fiction ignited when I stumbled upon the ‘Carrot Ranch‘ blog and its captivating weekly 99-word flash fiction challenge.
Charli Mills, the ingenious host of this weekly rendezvous, presents a thought-provoking prompt, daring us to craft tales precisely 99 words long. The challenge is exhilarating, pushing the boundaries of creativity within a constrained space and fostering a community bound by brevity and boundless imagination.
The skilful art of storytelling in just 99 words has become a source of unbridled passion and inspiration for me.
Participants engage in a weekly round-up of submitted stories, fostering a sense of community and creativity. There is no obligation to participate every week, yet the experience is delightful, with consistently entertaining stories. Join this supportive blogging community to receive and offer encouragement for your creative writing endeavours.
True Life Stories
Something I did not publish last year was any posts that contained snippets of my life as a gay man.
Given that the most popular post on my blog to date is ‘True Stories: Gay Memories – The Day My Life Changed,’ I feel a deep urge to open my heart and share more of the profound memories I hold as a gay man. Spanning from my tender mid-teens to the present day of a man in his 60s, these memories are not just tales – they are gems that I hope will move you to laughter, stir you to shock, and enlighten you with insights you may have never pondered.
If anything, my stories will provide hope for those still in the closet, showing them that they are not alone.
An announcement about comments on Hugh’s Views And News
While I’m cool with all comments except spam and those sneaky link-droppers, if you’ve been around my blog for a few months, you know I love diving into discussions about my posts.
When somebody leaves a ‘dead-end discussion’ comment, where all I can say is ‘thank you,’ I will acknowledge those comments with a ‘like’ rather than just keep saying ‘thank you.’
Engagement is the lifeblood of the blogosphere! As a blogger, there’s nothing more thrilling than diving into a lively discussion in the comments section. A handful of quality people to talk with is worth far more than a comments section full of dead-end comments.
Let’s break free from the shackles of ‘dead-end comments’ and ignite a fire of interaction. Share your thoughts with me, and let’s unravel the magic of my posts together. Or perhaps, tell me what captivated you in that stunning photo I shared for Wordless Wednesday. Your voice matters, and I’m eager to hear your story and thoughts!
Don’t hesitate to initiate conversations with other readers who have left comments that resonate with you. It’s an excellent way to interact with like-minded bloggers and cultivate friendships.
Of course, no one has to feel like they must leave a comment on my posts. Drop a comment if there’s something you want to say, but don’t feel like you have to comment just to show you’ve stopped by.
Anything else for 2024?
Things change, so you might find posts covering new topics. Who knows? All I can say is, ‘Watch this space.’ However, something I will be doing is changing my blog’s theme to one of the new Full-Site-Editing themes.
I’ve also refreshed the list of blogs I follow, so I’m excited to discover new blogs to engage with. My ‘Meet Hugh‘ page gives a list of topics I’m interested in. So if you blog about any of those topics, introduce yourself and your blog and tell me why I should follow your blog.
Alternatively, if you want to catch my attention and possibly earn a new follower, engage with my blog by leaving thoughtful and engaging comments; that’s how to do it.
What do you have planned for your blog in the next year? Let me know by leaving me a comment.
Did you miss any of my blog posts in December? Check out my blog post, ‘Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – December 2023.’
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Hugh's Views & News 
Hi Hugh, your blogging tips are the best and I often dip in and out when I’m stuck! You manage to explain them in a way dummies like me can understand. I’ve been away from blogging for a while because I’ve been trying to get to grips with the intricacies of turning my blog into a book — and I thought blogging was hard! I’m looking forward to your new posts in 2024 and am happy you will share more of your life. I love reading other bloggers’ personal stories.
Thank you.
I’m not sure who you are as your comment is appearing as ‘anonymous’ but I hope turning your blog into a book has been a success.
You have me intrigued and would love to see what you have in store for your blog and us in 2024.
Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 292. See you again next week!
I’ve already kicked off the plans for my blog for 2024, Esme. But I’m sure other stuff will find its way in at some point.
I love your 2024 blogging plans Hugh. Yes, I consider you the WP guru :). And I’m still emailing back and forth with WP support because of some blogs that just won’t let me comment. A big mystery. I may not remember, but have you done a blog tip post about themes and how to change them and what’s involved in choosing and using the best theme? Also, I love your term ‘dead-end comments’. 🙂
Does the comments box on those blogs appear, Debby? Is it ghosted out?
I did a post about themes last year. Here’s the link –
I’ve not written about transferring to a Full-Site-Theme because I’m still using one of the Classic themes that is still supported by WordPress. I know I said in this post that I intend changing to a Full-Site-Editing theme, but I’m still 50/50 as to whether to do it. I probably will, and I will write a post about it when (and if) it happens. At least everyone can now preview how their blog will look before switching themes, but anybody still using a retired theme won’t be able to switch back once they’ve changed themes if they do not like their new theme. I have heard that’s it’s easier to switch to a full-site-editing theme now, but it’s an area I’ve yet to explore.
Thanks so much Hugh for reminding and sharing the theme link. I think like you I may wait for a full site editing theme before I change. As for the comment box you asked about, yes, the comment box is always there. The blogs I have trouble commenting on tell me I’m not logged in when clearly right above the comment box it tells me I’m logged in. Thanks for your info and the link. 🙂
I have heard of other bloggers with that same problem. When it happens to me (and that is not very often), I found logging out of WordPress on all devices seemed to help the problem. It was as if WordPress was confused whether I was logged in or not. But once I logged out everywhere and logged back in again, it seemed to work. May not work for everyone, though.
Yes, that is the only solution I’ve found for most of those blogs that no longer recognize me. But what a pain to have to log in and out to comment on a blog. That’s a glitch WP hasn’t fixed. Thanks Hugh.
You picked the best of the best!
Did I? I hope so. Tell me why you thought so.
I love your Wordless Wednesday photos, and your flash fiction. Your blogging tips are the sort of thing I save mentally, knowing I can go back to your post if I’m stumped. Make sense? I was happy to see what you decided.
Yes, absolutely, Jennie. Thanks for the great feedback. I appreciate, it.
My pleasure!
This is all very exciting, dear Hugh! I wait with anticipation as to what you will write about next! For my blog in 2024, I am currently working on some ideas for a series but I not exactly sure how that will look just yet. I’m also going to try and finally give my blog a proper scrub and cleaning!
Thank you for the utter joy, thought-provoking, educational, humorous, and incredible writing you provide to your readers, dear Hugh. I am honored to be one of those lucky people. Happy New Year! Cher xoxoxo
Thank you, Cher. It’s excellent to hear that you have some new ideas for your blog. I look forward to seeing them.
Blog housekeeping may seem dull and perhaps boring, but it’s vital in keeping a blog looking modern and enticing to readers.
Thank you also for the beautiful feedback about me and my blog.
Happy New Year. I wish you lots of blogging success over the rest of 2024.
Hi Hugh! I agree about the blogging housekeeping. It is something I am going to make a priority for 2024.
You always inspire me, Hugh! Thank you so much, and right back at you!
Cher xoxoxo
Like so many, I really enjoy and appreciate your blogging tips and tricks. I have sent many a newbie blogger your way so they can learn more about the nuts and bolts of putting together a blog.
As far as my plans go for 2024, I hope (once again) to be a little more regular about posting. I won’t ever put myself on a schedule, but a few Wordless Wednesdays and more Sunday Stills posts will help me get my post count up without sitting down and staring at a blank screen waiting for inspiration. I also hope to write more short stories, some of which I’ll share on my blog.
Best wishes to you for a bloggy and beautiful 2024!
Thank you for sending traffic my way, Janis. I always appreciate it when that happens, as well as when somebody shares one of my posts on social media or by linking to it.
I don’t put myself on a schedule of how often I will publish posts either. I publish when I have something to say, although my Wordless Wednesday posts buck the trend, but that’s an easy photography challenge given no words are needed. I see too many bloggers declaring how often they are going to publish posts and on what days, but many of them fail after a few months. Life has a habit of getting in the way with schedules, so I’m happier publishing as and when I have something to say which I hope readers will enjoy.
I look forward to seeing your photography and reading your short stories.
Happy New Year. I wish you much success with your blogging.
I always enjoy your blogging tips. Some I find useful, some I don’t. Whatever floats your boat right? I have come to a point now that my posts are down to one per week. My full time time just sucks the energy out of me and all my blogging ambition is out the window when I get home.
Although I do still pop in here to see the Wordless Wednesday posts but like you, don’t like the “nice pic” comments so I don’t bother. And you and I are on the same page when it comes to comments as we’ve disgusted in the past.
Wish that 2024 brings more blogging tips and wonderful pics for WW’s.
I think too many bloggers get hangups about how many posts they publish a week. For me, it’s always been about the quality of posts than the quantity of posts. One good quality post per week or month is worth far more than lots of posts that contain low quality content.
I’m trying to discourage readers from leaving non-engaging comments. I have responded to some of those who always leave those types of comments, asking them what it was that was good, great or excellent. Some of them have now stopped leaving comments, but I’m happy with that. It’s conversations I want, not a comments section that sucks the life out of conversation and discussion.
Good luck with your blogging for 2024.
Your energy and enthusiasm always shine through here, Hugh. I love your posts – I don’t always comment and, I must admit, some screenshots and Word Press advice befuddle my brain ( but that’s just me – technologly – like numbers – goes completely over my head. Give me plain old research and writing anyday) Over the last few months an ongoing family issue means I’m not around social media as much as I was, but I do save some posts, like yours, to read at leisure. Sometimes this means I’m way too late to comment and sometimes far too late to share in some cases. So, just to say thanks for all your posts, and to say I’ve loved being a friend in real life, as much (or more!!) as here.
Just want to add one thing though (being the pendantic I am) … “something you wanna say, but don’t feel like you gotta comment” !!! ??? 🤯🤯🤯. From such an erudite writer! ?LOL.
Hi Judith, allow me to start by saying that it’s never too late for you (or anybody else) to leave a comment on any blog posts. If the comments section is open, that means the bloggers want people to comment, so never feel you’re too late to leave comments. Likewise, never think it’s too late to share a post. Features like ‘Throwback Thursday’ and ‘Flashback Friday’ encourage bloggers to share older blog posts, especially if they are still relevant and contain evergreen information. So keep on sharing, regardless of how old a post is, because the majority of bloggers will appreciate that share.
I think you’re referring to this sentence – ‘Of course, no one has to feel like they must leave a comment on my posts. Drop a comment if there’s something you wanna say, but don’t feel like you gotta comment just to show you’ve stopped by.’ What I’m getting at with this sentence is that nobody should ever feel obliged to leave a comment just to prove they have visited. I’m referring to comments like ‘Great post’, ‘I enjoyed this’ or those dead-end, non-engaging comments bloggers leave because they feel they must say something to prove they visited. Too much of this goes on in the blogging world, and usually results in people feeling guilty or stressed for not adding a comment. Nobody should ever feel obliged to leave comments.
I’m sorry to hear about the family issues you’ve been experiencing. I hope things are or have settled down. The main thing is to look after yourself and not worry about your blog or social media at times like this. Take good care of yourself, Judith.
Oh, thank you, Hugh, you’re very kind.Sometimes I feel like I’m running on behind everybody and not catching up – so your answer reassures. I’m sure things here will sort themselves out in time. It’s not being able to help, watching things happen to loved ones, and feeling there is nothing one can do, I suppose.
And I’m sorry, I was making a joke at the end ( guess it wasn’t that funny… it was the words “wanna” and “gotta”, that stopped me in my tracks after such a brilliantly written post – they didn’t sound like you, and I chuckled) Guess my funny bone is off-kilter… sorry. 🤔😊.
Nobody is ever behind, Judith. Just do what you can do. I don’t read every post of all the blogs I follow. And I don’t always leave a comment on the ones I do read. Unless I have anything of value to add, I’l click the like button and move on.
Thanks for the feedback about those words. You’re right, and I’ve changed those two words. I need to stop always agreeing with what Grammarly recommends.