On February 12th 2026, I passed a blogging milestone. WordPress informed me that I’d been blogging for 12 years! But that notification made me ask myself questions as I looked back on those 12 years.
I know bloggers who have been blogging longer than I and who continue to write and publish posts full of interesting, high-quality content. Not only do they care deeply about what they write, but also about what they publish. That makes all the difference.
I’ve seen thousands of bloggers come and go in those 12 years. Some disappeared without a trace, while others hung up their blogging gloves and announced their departure. The ones I felt the sorriest for were those who stopped blogging because they couldn’t get the engagement, hits, or followers they craved. Many went about it the wrong way.
Some came here solely to make money, while others came more for collecting numbers than for engagement. They don’t last long and end up cluttering the World Wide Web with abandoned blogs in the blog graveyard. It’s a sad sight. I hope you never end up there.
From the beginning
I can count on one hand the number of bloggers who have been with me since that first year. I often ask myself why they’re still reading my posts and leaving comments, but I won’t dwell on that lack of confidence here. All I will say is that I must be doing something right.
Unfollowing blogs
Unfollowing blogs is something I see many shy away from discussing. It’s as if it’s a ‘hush-hush’ subject. Something that gets swept under the carpet. But not me, no. I’ve written about it and had great discussions about it in the comments section of posts, but hardly ever on other blogs. Perhaps I’m looking in the wrong places?
I’ll be honest: I’ve unfollowed many blogs over the years. Why do some bloggers not like talking about unfollowing blogs?
Why do I unfollow blogs?
For many reasons, but mainly when I lose interest in the content.
One of the biggest mysteries is why I stop hearing from many of the bloggers I unfollow. I probably stopped following them because I was no longer interested in their content. But why do they go silent? Surely not for the same reason? Or was it a coincidence that we simultaneously lost interest in each other’s content?
The different faces of bloggers
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some bloggers face-to-face. For me, that’s been one of the highs of blogging. However, I know that some bloggers like to remain anonymous. And they’ve every right to remain anonymous. Being behind a screen can feel safe, but it isn’t always. I won’t talk about the trolls here because trolls like being talked about.
Ups and downs
I’ve had my ups and I had my downs with blogging. It’s like being on a rollercoaster that some bloggers can’t get off. I’ve alighted from the blogging rollercoaster a few times during blogging breaks.
Some of those breaks lasted months, while others lasted a few weeks. But they all had something in common. They helped me step back, take a look at what I was doing and how I was doing it, and, most importantly, change the way I blogged. I always came back refreshed, and, despite what some say, readers do not stop following you when you take a break.
Like everything else in life, blogging changes. It would be a very dull place if it didn’t change. Can you imagine what life would be like if it never changed?
Changes
Since I first started blogging, things have changed massively. I’m talking about the WordPress platform here. I was never a fan of change, but I’m confident that the changes I’ve seen here on WordPress have made blogging much more fun. Blogging has moved into the 21st century.
Those changes helped propel my blog to an even wider audience. Unfortunately, some bloggers got left behind, but I never wanted to be one of them. There’s too much at stake when remaining stagnant.
At first, the changes looked like they would cause problems, but rather than complain about what I believed were problems, I adjusted to them and saw vast improvements for me, other bloggers, and readers. It’s like climbing a ladder. The higher you get, the more you see and learn, and the more you can make a difference.
Change can make some problems frustrating, but you become stale by taking no action or hoping others will tackle your issues. Don’t allow your sparkle to dim by not adapting to change. I’ve seen too many blogs fade away because they refused to change. I miss many of those blogs.
The two biggest blogging traps to look out for
Most of the people I have encountered in the blogging world are friendly. However, not all help themselves. By this, I mean that some bloggers seem to believe they have to be everywhere at all times. It’s one of the biggest blogging traps bloggers fall into, one that can turn their blogging world upside down and inside out, and leave them feeling stressed or guilty. It’s a horrible place, yet it is easy to escape – if you allow it.
Spreading yourself too thin doesn’t make you more popular. It only makes you less interesting.
Some bloggers apologise for dealing with life outside of the blogging world. Some apologise for not visiting your blog. I recently witnessed a blogger apologising for being late in leaving a comment. The post had only been published the day before she left the comment. I don’t know why they believe they need to apologise. Nobody needs to apologise for dealing with life outside of blogging or for not visiting a blog. And if the comments section of a post is open, you are not too late in commenting.
That’s my quick look at the last 12 years. But, before I end this post, I want to thank everyone who visits my blog, reads my posts, and, most of all, engages with me in a way that sparks discussion.
How long have you been blogging? Is blogging all that you want it to be? Let me know in the comments section.
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Congrats on 12 years, Hugh!
Thank you, Suzie. Good to see you. I thought you’d left WordPress, but I see you are still here. Did I get that wrong|?
Nope, still here! 😂 I posted sporadically for a long time but this year I’ve been back on it… I’m enjoying getting back into it again
Excellent. So many bloggers left after WordPress introduced the Block Editor, so it’s good to see you’re still here.
well done! I wish I had said half of this when I pondered on my twentieth. I am glad as always you continue to drop my mine. so long as it is you and I we will keep blogging going.
Thank you. I enjoy reading your posts and shall certainly keep on visiting, even if I decide to stop writing a blog.
Congratulations for 12 wonderful years, Hugh. My friend, you know what a blessing you are in my life because we’ve talked a lot on and off the blog. I’ve been blogging since 2012, and am writing or revising my third book about blogging – once Story Chat Digest is done. I say that to say that I always learn something helpful when I read your posts. Or I find something to comment about. People have come and gone from the blogging world. Many still keep in touch by social media, particularly Facebook. I’ve been surprised at how many of my first friends read my newsletter. So blogging somehow provides a cement for friendships that last and last. It is great when you get to meet your friends. It’s like you’ve known them all along. There’s no lag time EVER! Anyway, thanks for being a dear friend and congratulations again on sticking with blogging for 12 years.
Thanks so much, Marsha. To think that our paths would never have crossed had it not been for blogging.
I’m delighted that my blogging tips posts help so many people. It gives me encouragement to continue writing them.
And what a great success Story Chat has been. I’m so pleased all those stories and poems have had centrestage attention. Long may it continue.
Tonight, I’m hoping I will get the ARC into your hands.
Congratulations Hugh on this milestone. I’m so glad to have found you — I’ve learned so much from your tips on WordPress and insights on blogging. Please keep going!
Seeing your post made me realise I’ve just had my 14th blogging anniversary. I can’t believe I’m still going after all this time.
No plans on stopping, not just yet, anyway. I’m delighted that my blogging and WordPress tips posts prove so helpful.
Many congratulations on your 14 years of blogging.
Congratulations on 12 years, Hugh. I can’t remember how long I’ve been blogging.
Earlier this year I decided to stop panicking about getting blog posts out on the same day of the week. If I have nothing to say on a Tuesday (my usual day) I don’t push it, but post another day. No one has complained!
Thank you for confirming that nobody complaines when you do not post on your usual day. I hope those that believe they think they are committing an almighty sin if they don’t publish a post on a given day read your comment and allow all the guilt to drain away.
So do I. I still manage most Tuesdays, but don’t agonise if I post on Wednesday or Thursday, or even miss the odd week. I’m much more relaxed now.
Congratulations on 12 years, Hugh. I enjoyed reading your blogging journey and thoughts. I’m at 14 years, and I love it. I don’t have a schedule, because I write from the heart, and about what happens in my classroom. I always answer what I call “my thank you notes” (comments), and I read my fellow bloggers blogs, commenting when appropriate. It’s interesting to see new bloggers finding their way, which is not always appropriate. Follow my blog! I try to help. Sigh! Your posts on the mechanics of WP should deem you a Happiness Engineer!
Thank you, Jennie. Congratulations on your 14 years of blogging.
The art of blogging isn’t as straightforward as many would believe. Even after 12 years of blogging, I am still learning lots about it, but learning and adapting is part of the fun blogging brings. If it never changed, it would soon become outdated and less interesting.
As for those new bloggers, the best piece of advice I give them is to read other blogs and leave genuine, engaging comments every once in a while. It works much better than begging people to follow you without showing any interest in who you are asking.
Thanks, Hugh. I’m not one who welcomes change. Sigh! If WP got rid of the classic editor I’d be in trouble. You are right about the advice for new bloggers.
Even if the current Classic editor was removed, there is a Classic editor block which is almost identical, Jennie. I know many bloggers who use it and who say they don’t know why they didn’t start using it earlier. You don’t need to use any of the other blocks when you use it. So, it’s there if you wake up one day and find what you use now gone.
Whew, and thank you!
BTW, I was wrong. WP notified me today it is my 12 year anniversary (not 14), like you!
It’s 12 years for me, too. We must have both started blogging in February 2014.
Yes!! 😀
Congratulations on your 12th blog anniversary, Hugh. You’ve been around the block! :)
I know I’ve been following you for some years, but I have no idea for how long. As for myself, I’ve been blogging since 2007. I guess that’s almost two decades. The first eight years (while sailing), I used the Blogger platform with a different website, which is still active but stagnant. I keep it up for the stories and information about those years on the water.
From 2015, since starting my Roaming About site, I’ve been with WordPress, a much better, easier, more intuitive, and more attractive blogging platform.
Your comment about the trolls that like being talked about reminds me of a certain “world leader” whose name I never mention, especially not in conjunction with his official title, because I know he’s one of those people who also likes to be talked about.
By the way, I have no issue talking about unfollowing blogs. As a matter of fact, I have no taboos talking about whatever really. :)
That’s many years of blogging behind you, Liesbet. Many congratulations on all those years of blogging.
I’ve visited blogs on Blogger a few times but I find almost impossible to leave comments there. It got me very frustrated, so I stopped visiting. You are right in what you say in that it is a ‘stagnant’ blogging platform. It looks very outdated.
I’m glad you have no problem in talking about and discussing unfollowing blogs, as I have found that many bloggers shy away from the subject for fear they are going to upset people and lose followers. I also have a lot to say about those who leave short, unengaging comments everywhere just to prove they visited a blog. I’ve had a few who tried leaving their spammy comments here. One said ‘Amazing’ while the other just said ‘Nice.’ I marked them both as spam, because that it what they were. I probably talk about them too much, but many of those people are great examples of those who feel guilt for fear of upsetting people if they don’t visit and comment on their blogs. Anyway, that’s a subject for another day.
Where to start … congratulations on your blogging anniversary. 12 years is an amazing, awe-inspiring feat, Hugh. Congratulations! Ill be 4 years in the summer on Curiosities, but had started a little earlier with a different blog, but it didn’t really take shape the way Curiosities has.
I also wanted to say a big thank you. Your posts, and your insights helped me enormously. I’ve learned about some of the mechanics of operating within WP, but you gave me the confidence to relax, not feel like others were expecting visits, immediate comments/responses etc and that i don’t need to apologise for being busy. Having ended up taking a long break, I can agree, you dont lose followers because you go quiet. We are all juggling life while blogging, and it can get intense. Its far better to take time out to look after yourself than forcing yourself into burnout. Lastly, Hugh, you’ve made me think I maybe need to schedule (for my own purposes) blogging holidays so I can recharge.
Here’s to the next 12 Hugh 🥂
I’m delighted my posts have helped, Brenda. It’s always much appreciated when I get feedback like that, and it gives me the inspiration to carry on writing those posts.
It’s very strange that many of us feel guilt or stress when we don’t have the time to blog. That guilt and stress can grow when we start apologising for not blogging or for not reading and commenting on posts. In my 12 years of blogging, I’ve only encountered one blogger who got upset with me because I was not reading and leaving comments on all her posts. I took action with my feet by unfollowing her blog and distancing myself from the negativity.
Nobody minds if you can’t read and comment on their posts. And if they do, then you know what to do. As you rightly said, looking after yourself is much more important than trying to juggle life with blogging. Sadly, some feel obligated to read and comment on posts in fear that they’ll upset others if they don’t, and they often go on to abandon their blogs because it all becomes too overwhelming.
I highly recommend blogging breaks. I took one last September and came back feeling much better, both mentally and physically, for it.
Hugh, congratulations on your 12 years of blogging. And, thank you for sharing your valuable blogging tips, and knowledge through the years. I must compliment you on your eloquently written posts, and a well-structured blog. I can see from your photo of where you blog from, you are well-organized, and pay attention to detail. Btw, that is a beautiful picture above your desk.
When I retired, I needed to fill the void, and started blogging in 2016. Not only can I be creative, but I learn a lot by reading blogs. Plus, using WordPress is an education in itself, and the community is wonderful. I unfollow blogs when there is not like interests, or the blog is poorly structured, and difficult to navigate.
My blog has been endured many changes such as being self-hosted for a couple of years, and back to WordPress, various niches, and multiple theme changes. Some of my posts, I have reworked and brought back, while others I deleted. Oh, and good news, WordPress got rid of my spambots, and my stats are back to normal!
I’m glad you liked the picture above my desk, Eugi. It is one I bought when I left London, after living and working there for 26 years. The scene was a short walk from the last house we lived in before leaving.
I believe that, like people, all blogs have to change while on their journey. Those blogs that do not change can lose their appeal and become too predictable. They also lose their sense of engagement and community and become places where people are seen but rarely say much to each other, thus losing the excitement of visiting. I’m pleased your blog has changed over the last 10 years.
And what great news about the spambots. Did it happen recently, as I recall my stats also settling down only just a few days ago?
Thank you, Hugh. WP resolved my spambot issues on Feb. 12. I released a post on the same day so others would be aware. 😊
I’ll take a look at your post. Thanks, Eugi.
Thank you for sharing your blogging journey, Hugh. Certainly, you could never be accused of posting unengaging content. Your blog is like a beacon and has been so immensely useful to me on my blogging journey!
I do wonder whether there is a like for a like attitude in the blogging community. I often see multiple posts liked on my blog – all at the same time! So the person can’t possibly have read the posts. Unfollowing on a tit for tat basis is so utterly childish! Although, of course, there is always the possibility of a simultaneous losing of interest… :-)
What lovely feedback, thank you, Jacqueline. For me, blogging is all about the engagement. It is what keeps me going, knowing I have an audience who are reading what I publish.
I have ‘serial likers,’ too. It’s their way of trying to get noticed, but it doesn’t work. What would work is if they took some time to leave me a thoughtful and genuine comment once a while.
I was struck by how many bloggers stopped leaving me comments a few weeks after I unfollowed their blogs. They’d always have something to say, yet stopped commenting once they realised I’d probably unfollowed their blogs. Surly they could not have lost interest almost the same time as I did? If I’m interested in the content of a blog, I would still read and comment on posts, even if they’d unfollowed my blog.
Likewise – if the content is interesting and appeals, I read it. It doesn’t worry me whether people follow me or not. If I followed everyone who liked or commented on my blog, I would have no time to do anything, never mind blog. I struggle to keep all my plates spinning as it is! And I understand that others are in the same position.
So much to read, so little time :-)
Thanks Hugh for sharing your wisdom of 12 years of blogging!
No need to thank me. I enjoy sharing my thoughts with you all.
yeah… please keep sharing 😊
I resonate with what you have written. To be honest, I have written around eight to ten years ago. But I stopped writing and deleted the account. I have come again to start writing and never stop. That is the goal.
I hope you achieve that goal. Ensure the fun and enjoyment in blogging stays with you because that is what blogging is all about, unless you want to make money from it.
Happy blogging.
Congratulations on 12 years, that is true commitment.
Almost 8 years here. Philo learned it is about growth and genuine connection.
Immensely benefitted from your regular advice shared here, and always enjoy the photos too.
Namaste. 🙏
Thank you, Namaste. Feedback like yours goes a long way in keeping me motivated to continue blogging.
Congratulations on your 8 years of blogging.
Thank you, Hugh. 🙏
I enjoy blogging and have been at it for 14 years now, though I started slow and found my rhythm over time. I really am not worried about stats anymore, just enjoy expressing myself and the give and take of the reader/poster connections. like you, I’ve met some in person as well as online and it’s always been an interesting and positive experience. when will I stop blogging? when I don’t enjoy it anymore –
Great answers, Beth. It should always be about the enjoyment, unless somebody blogs to make a living.
Congratulations on 14 years of blogging.
6+ years for me. I’ve witnessed all of the things you’ve discussed. Why anyone feels the need to apologize for being absent or not visiting someone’s blog more regularly seems odd, but people do it all the time. This is supposed to be fun, not a chore like going to work or cleaning the bathroom. People should understand that sometimes life gets in the way of what I consider a hobby.
I’d love to understand why people apologise for not visiting blogs, being absent or believing they are leaving a comment too late when comments are still open, Pete. There must be reasons but, as yet, nobody has revealed their answers. Whenever I see an apology for any of those reasons, I always see it more as an excuse because they feel guilty which, in turn, often leads to it all becoming a chore (as you rightly said).
I’ve been blogging for 14 years now. Gosh is it that long? my blog has changed a lot. But I’m happy with how it is now. I like the way I’ve gone with it. Xoxo
The majority of blogs undergo a change, Carol Anne. Those that never change lose their appeal and become too predictive. They also gradually lose the art of conversation and community as they become stagnant.
Well done and congratulations on 14 years of blogging.
I guess we started blogging at about the same time, Hugh… although you have been much, much more consistent than I have.
Several long-time bloggers that I follow have written their “good-bye” posts over the last few months (in fact, I just read another one a few days ago). Each had their own reasons but I really appreciated that they took the time to let their readers know that they were backing away.
I wonder sometimes about the future of blogging. Are younger people embracing it or are they turning to faster, shorter, and more visual platforms? I imagine the average age of bloggers – and blog followers – is up there.
I admire those bloggers who write and publish a post giving their reasons as to why they are no longer going to blog, Janis. Yes, I agree, it is sad when that happens, but at least we know their reasons rather than know nothing at all as to why they stopped, which is much more concerning.
I believe that younger people are much more into social media where everything is done much more quickly. It’s more of a face-paced world that you sometimes see in the blogging world where readers claim they don’t have the time to leave engaging comments. Those short, non-engaging comments that only prove somebody visited are much more at home on social media platforms, where they belong.
Congrats on 12 years blogging, Hugh! I started before yours but didn’t get serious until 2014, about when I met you and Colleen, and maybe Judy. I enjoy learning new things and ideas about blogging, but also the interesting stories, amazing photography and the IRL and online relationships I’ve built over the years.
Blogging fed a new habit and hobby i didn’t know existed, photography. I continue to learn through the photo challenges and fondly remember the WP weekly photo challenge that basically built my blog and created focus, to use a bad pun. I host two challenges now, and I have felt the pinch of wondering why I still blog. Using Social media to share photos has never worked. Trust me its very clique-ish. The blogging community is very supportive and giving to bloggers who share their various talents.
But, we all need breaks. Just yesterday I decided to ask two bloggers to take all my Sunday Stills dates in March so I can take our roadtrip that spans a few weeks. Im still doing flower hour because its easy and not a lot of storytelling in those posts. A week ago, feeling some stress I wrestled with why I’m still blogging. So here I am, still at it, needing my peeps to chat with and read their fabulous posts.
Some day we all will quit. You’ve found an excellent niche for your blog and so many of us truly appreciate your how-to posts. I hope you have a wonderful week, as we get hints of spring.
I enjoy the learning mode about blogging too, Terri. It’s fun, and when WordPress make changes, I’ve learned to adjust and try those changes out, rather than sit back, complain and do nothing else about it. The world of blogging is an amazing place. I have learned so much from it as well as enjoyed many of the posts I have read. Who knew about writing and photography challenges before we came to the world of blogging? Blogging give users many choices, chances and oppertunities, but only if we are willing to accept them.
I’m delighted that blogging introduced you to the world of photography. And look how far you have come by hosting photography challenges that bring many together. You’ve have passed the enjoyment you get onto many others.
We all have our ups and downs with blogging, so it’s always good to take breaks or ask for help. The majority of bloggers are supportive and I always tell myself that I would help if asked, so why wouldn’t I ask for help if I was struggling.
All good things come to an end, but providing the fun and enjoyment remains, let us carry on blogging. It’s sad to hear when people announce their decision to leave, but it’s all part of the blogging process.