The past three months have been busy outside the world of blogging, so much so that I didn’t get the chance to write and publish monthly round-up posts for September or October.
Did I feel bad? Did I apologise? No. Sometimes life gets in the way of schedules, and my blogging routine was thrown off course, but it happens to everyone, and nobody needs to apologise. From what I saw, my posts from September, October and November continued to receive engagement, and for me, it’s all about interacting with other bloggers, writers, and readers.
Better late than never. Without further ado, here is the monthly round-up for the past three months on Hugh’s Views and News.
WordPress has introduced a new blog recommendation feature that displays recommended blogs on your Gravatar profile, improving visibility. My post details how to add the blogs you love the most.
Here’s a fresh writing challenge that everyone is encouraged to try. Can you write a story using only 101 words (no more, no less) based on a featured image?
How easy do you make it for visitors to share your blog posts and boost the visibility of your blog? Take action: These nine options are easy to find and activate.
This post outlines various scams affecting bloggers, including voicemail scams and email phishing claims that appear to come from WordPress. Don’t become a victim of a scam or fined for downloading copyrighted material.
Something strange happened this month. For the first time since I’ve been blogging, one of my blog posts received more engagement on social media (Mastodon) than on the actual post. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but could it be that claims of real engagement in the world of blogging are on the decline?
However, August turned out to be a bumper month for me. Although I only published three blog posts, four if you include this one, my stats soared. August 2025 was the highest month for views of any August since I started blogging in 2014. And to top it all off, engagement remained high.
How was your August blogging-wise?
Here’s your opportunity to catch up on my three blog posts from August 2025.
Did you know that keeping old, outdated blog posts can damage your blog? What do you do with your old blog posts? Join the discussion.
I’ve always believed that the summer months are quieter in the blogging world because many of us are off doing better things and making the most of the weather, provided it’s not too hot and humid. Yet, I have been proved wrong this summer, with my stats for June being significantly higher compared to June 2024, and they remained much the same for July. But how are your stats doing for the year so far?
Including this post, I’ve published 31 posts so far this year, which is significantly fewer than I’ve ever done, except for 2014, my first year of blogging. My blogging tips posts remain popular, although I’m pleased that both my flash fiction posts received much more engagement than previous flash fiction posts.
When was the last time you backed up your blog? Don’t need to back it up? Think again. I’d recommend reading the last post on the following list.
Here’s your opportunity to catch up on my four blog posts from July 2025.
Bill faces a crucial decision at a crossroads, ultimately choosing a hidden path that leads to complicated consequences for him and his wife.
Would you know what to do if your blog vanished without explanation? My post describes how you can prevent the nightmare of losing all your blog’s content.
We’ve reached the halfway point of the blogging year. How are your stats for 2025? Are you happy with them?
Including this post, I’ve published 26 posts so far this year. It appears likely that my viewing stats are running at the same level as those of 2024, although this time last year, I had published 62 posts! Although there has been no increase in viewings, I’m pleased with how my blogging year is going so far.
This month, I bucked the trend and published more posts than previuos months this year. I ventured back into ‘Wordless Wednesday’ and published five posts.
I also wrote and published a piece of flash fiction. Even though my flash fiction posts do not get as much viewing or engagement as my blogging tips posts, it was great to be back with my flash fiction hat on.
Here’s your opportunity to catch up on my five blog posts from June 2025.
Blogging can connect you with thousands of people worldwide. However, oversharing personal details poses significant privacy risks, negatively impacts professional reputation, harms relationships, and may lead to legal issues. Are you taking enough precautions to keep yourself and your identity safe online?
Monitoring blog followers is crucial; spam-bots dilute engagement, pose security risks, harm SEO, and diminish your blog’s credibility. Do you know who is following your blog and how to remove unwanted subscribers? Read my post for further details.
How is your blogging year going so far? It’s hard to believe that by this time next month, we will be upon entering the second half of 2025. It appears that my blog is on track to receive around the same number of views as it did last year, despite publishing significantly less content. I’m pleased that engagement remains high.
In May 2025, I published three posts, the same as I did in April. However, this post increases that figure by one.
My last post this month resulted in quite a shock, as the number of bloggers who either did not know what Alt-Text was or who don’t use it was pretty high. Read the post to find out more, as given all the engagement, I’m not convinced that the blogging community is as inclusive a place as it should be.
In the meantime, here’s your opportunity to catch up on my three blog posts from May 2025.
Are you eager to reduce spam on your blog and connect with like-minded bloggers and writers? Are you excited about the possibility of updating your blog’s theme and curious about how to navigate any challenges that come with using an unsupported or retired WordPress theme? Read on for more details.
In April 2025, I published three posts. I seem to be settling into a schedule of three posts per month, much less than what I was doing this time last year. However, engagement and views remain high, which I’m delighted about, given that I was concerned a drop-off in posts would mean fewer views and engagement. But that’s not true.
My last post, in April, was about commenting, which received the most comments. It’s a hot topic among bloggers, so I wasn’t surprised by the results. If you’ve not read the post and comments yet, check it out and join the discussion.
In the meantime, here’s your opportunity to catch up on my three blog posts from April 2025.
We all make mistakes while blogging. But what are these mistakes, and how can we resolve them?
Are you having any issues with your current WordPress theme? Are you using a Classic or Full Site Editing theme? Would you let AI help you change your blog theme? Join the discussion.
I’ve always believed that engaging with comments is at the core of what makes blogging so vibrant and interactive.
While I won’t reiterate what has been said about bloggers who choose not to respond to comments, I was taken aback to learn that some bloggers are opting to turn off comments entirely. Some claim that it’s the future of blogging, where people no longer want to engage, mainly because they don’t have the time.
Wait a minute. A silent blog? No comments? No space for discussion or interaction with fellow bloggers and readers? Will these blogs be relegated to ‘library’ status – a place for reading but not engaging?
Is it possible that some of those who neglect to respond to comments are also the ones shutting down comments altogether?
What drives the decision to turn off comments?
The leading reason appears to be time constraints. Many bloggers argue that responding to comments diverts precious time away from creating new content. This perspective honestly frustrates me.
If your content generates a lot of comments, managing responses can indeed feel overwhelming. While it’s true that time spent responding might seem more effectively allocated to writing new posts, with proper time management, it doesn’t have to be a significant issue.
Is there a limit to how many comments are too many?
In my 11 years of blogging, I’ve managed and replied to over 25,000 comments. Whether that’s excessive is debatable, but as a blogger, I continuously seek more engagement. I always feel sad for those blogs that generate little to no comments from readers. What are they doing wrong?
At times, responding to comments might take up an entire morning, time I could dedicate to crafting additional blog posts or short stories. Nevertheless, I’ve always believed that if someone takes the time to read my work and leave a comment, it’s only courteous to return the favour with a response.
“Treat every visitor to your blog, just as you would a guest in your home.”
This advice stuck with me early in my blogging journey, given by a blogger with an awe-inspiring follower count. She made it a point to respond to each comment (except comments from spammers or trolls), a lesson that remains ingrained in my approach.
A priority every morning when I log into my blog is to respond to comments. Not only does this affirm that my writing is resonating with readers, but it also establishes a friendly atmosphere, showing visitors and commenters that their contributions are valued.
Are all comments created equal?
Absolutely not. Comments vary widely. Some reflect that the commenter has read the entire post, generating fresh ideas for future content. Others, however, leave you wondering if they merely clicked the ‘like’ button without engaging deeply with your work. Some find it difficult not to leave a comment, regardless of what it is. Perish the thought that they may upset a blogger by not leaving a comment every time.
I acknowledge these lighter comments by liking them. At the very least, it signifies that I’ve read their input. However, I’ve grown tired of the short, non-engaging comments from the same bloggers all the time, especially those who obviously have not read the posts and who see my blog as a quick way to get some free marketing for their own blog.
Do I have a meaningful quote about comments?
Indeed, I do! This quote has resonated with many over the years:
“Not addressing comments left on your blog is akin to inviting someone over for coffee and ignoring their presence.”
The broader impact of comments.
Comments can spark rich debates among readers. It’s always enlightening to see two or more bloggers engage in discussions about the subject I’ve tackled in my post. I regard this as a ‘healthy debate.’ A blogger once told me that encouraging dialogue through comments showcases your engagement with the audience, even if not every comment is directly addressed to you.
But let’s revisit the question posed in the title: Why should bloggers eliminate comments from their blogs? I understand why some might temporarily disable comments (e.g. when they’re taking a blogging break), but turning them off completely seems contrary to the essence of blogging.
After all, don’t comments facilitate communication between the reader and the author? Isn’t that what most bloggers aspire to do—to connect with their audience?
Are you thinking about turning off comments on your blog? Are you somebody who can’t resist leaving a comment on every single post you check out, or do you just never bother to comment at all? Jump into the chat!
The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. Spelling and grammar mistakes were checked with the help of AI.
I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Any non-engaging comments, such as ‘Nice post’, are marked as spam.
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Have you ever found yourself lost in the rabbit hole of themes while setting up your WordPress blog? Are you an existing blogger who needs to change an outdated, unsupported theme? Many bloggers embark on this journey—one filled with excitement, anxiety, and the quest for the perfect layout.
As I look back on my blogging evolution, I can’t help but recall the days of choosing that first simple theme, a decision that would shape my entire online presence. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of an adventure that would change with every new theme and update!
How did it all begin?
The first theme I chose was straightforward. It featured a space to add a profile picture and little else. It targeted first-time bloggers who sought a simple layout and a quick start. It got me off to a great start.
As the years progressed, I became more confident in changing the theme of my blog. I wanted a side widget bar to add information, such as a follow button, links to my social media accounts, and a box with links to previous posts.
That first theme change took me a whole weekend to complete. It wasn’t particularly complicated, but it required much work to ensure everything was as I wanted. After all, my followers had increased, and more people were visiting my blog, and I didn’t want anyone to think I was stuck in 2014 or going backwards in the blogging world.
Other theme changes occurred; each time, I found it easier and took less time to change themes. Then it came to a grinding halt.
Full-Site editing themes
Fast-forward a few years, and I considered changing my blog’s theme from the Classic theme I had been using to a new Full-Site-Editing (Block) theme. However, it seemed too complicated, and I was reading posts from other bloggers detailing the difficult transition they had gone through and a list of problems they faced. It reminded me of stories I’d read when some bloggers switched from WordPress.com to self-hosting their blogs.
Today, I’m still using a supported WordPress Classic theme (Toujours), and even though I have thought long and hard about switching to a Block theme, I haven’t jumped ship.
Future themes are here, but there’s a catch!
Last week, WordPress announced that anyone using WordPress could build a blog theme using AI for free. All you have to do is give AI some information about the type of layout you are looking for, and it’ll build the theme and do all the work for you.
Not only was I excited by this news, but it got me thinking about all those bloggers experiencing problems with their blogs because the theme they use is outdated and no longer supported by WordPress. These bloggers could let AI build a theme for their blog and eliminate all the problems they’re experiencing once and for all.
But what about those who won’t use AI? Would they rather continue using outdated, unsupported themes than allow AI to help them?
Using an outdated, unsupported theme can lead to several issues. Here are a few.
1. Security vulnerabilities: Without updates, the theme may become prone to security risks that could compromise your blog. 2. Compatibility issues: As plugins and WordPress itself update, an outdated theme may not function correctly with newer versions, causing layout glitches, functional problems such as not being able to leave comments and issues with WordPress believing you are not logged in. 3. Lack of support: You won’t have access to official support for troubleshooting any issues or queries that arise with the theme. WordPress will advise you to change to a supported theme. 4. Performance issues: Unsupported themes may not be optimised for speed and performance, leading to slower load times. 5. Missed features: Regular updates often include new features and improvements; sticking with an unsupported theme means missing out on these enhancements, which could benefit your blog’s features and user experience.
We’re not quite there yet!
Unfortunately, after a few messages exchanged between a member of WordPress staff and me, I discovered that this new service of AI creating a theme for your blog is only available to those who want to start afresh with a brand new blog. The AI software can not change themes for an existing blog. However, WordPress is working on this, and it will become available sometime in the future.
Would you allow AI to help you change the theme of your blog?
Given that I’m not confident about changing my blog’s theme from my current theme to a full-site-editing theme, I’m looking forward to AI doing the work for me. I just hope it’s something I’ll be able to do sooner rather than later.
Recommended reading about AI in blogging from other bloggers.
This post from Debbie at Deb’s World, “Reinventing Blogging: A Look into the Future,” dives into the controversial realm of AI in blogging, and trust me, it’s a must-read that has ignited plenty of debate. Are you ready to jump into the fray and add your voice to the discussion?
Would you use and trust AI to help change your blog’s theme? Are you still using an outdated, unsupported theme and experiencing problems? Are you someone who will never use AI, even if it means the problems you’re experiencing with your blog will continue? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s chat!
I only published four posts (including this one) this month, compared to eleven in March 2024. Yet, compared to March 2024, my blog only got around 100 fewer views.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) continues to play a big part in bringing new visitors to my blog, so don’t allow those who say that SEO doesn’t matter to tell you otherwise. SEO is important if you want more visitors and potentially new followers to your blog.
If you have any questions about SEO, leave them in the comments section.
Here is your opportunity to catch up on my three blog posts published in March 2025.
Bluesky is an engaging social media platform for bloggers and creators. It fosters community despite challenges from bots and scammers. My ultimate guide to Bluesky includes details on engaging with other users and dealing with bots and scammers.
Engaging blog post titles are crucial for attracting visitors; they significantly influence click-through rates and post engagement. My post details how to create the best titles for your blog posts.
AI enhances blogging by improving efficiency, creativity, and SEO, but it also presents risks, such as a reduced personal touch and potential dependency. This post explores the benefits and drawbacks of using AI in blogging. Do you support using AI for blogging, or do you oppose it? Share your thoughts by joining the discussion.
In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a progressively popular tool across various domains, including blogging.
WordPress integrated AI into its platform a few years ago, joining numerous other sites that now offer AI as an option.
I have witnessed many bloggers who are afraid of what AI can do, but I have also seen many bloggers embrace AI and utilise it for the benefits it can offer.
However, like any tool, there are pros and cons to consider.
What are your thoughts about using AI to blog?
This post examines the advantages and disadvantages of integrating AI into your blogging process.
Pros of Using AI in Blogging
1. Improved Efficiency
AI tools can streamline the writing process. From generating topic ideas to creating content drafts, AI can save bloggers considerable time, allowing them to focus on refining their unique voice and style.
This may prove beneficial to bloggers who publish daily, but those bloggers who publish less often may not see any benefit.
2. Enhanced Creativity
AI can assist in brainstorming and generating creative content ideas. With access to vast databases and algorithms that identify trends, AI can offer fresh perspectives and innovative suggestions.
However, some consider this to be plagiarism, a term that specifically refers to taking another person’s work—words, ideas, and so forth—and presenting it as one’s own without proper attribution.
Did you know that WordPress users can choose to stop their blog’s content from being shared with a WordPress-licensed network of content and research partners, including those that train AI models? To achieve this, navigate to your blog’s dashboard, select Settings—Reading, and tick the box next to ‘Prevent third-party sharing...’.
Tick this box to stop AI from using your blog content.
3. SEO Optimization
Numerous AI-based tools can analyse keywords and optimise content for search engines. They offer insights into the types of content that rank well, assisting bloggers in enhancing their visibility and reach.
I utilise AI to generate titles for blog posts when I struggle to think of a captivating title that will entice readers to read and engage further. Consequently, I have observed a significant increase in engagement and visitors to my blog.
4. Data-Driven Decisions
AI can analyse reader behaviour and feedback to inform content strategy. By understanding what resonates with the audience, bloggers can create more targeted and engaging content.
However, your WordPress statistics can also provide this information by analysing the stats of posts that receive higher engagement. Typically, you’ll observe a correlation between those posts that engage readers more and those that attract less engagement.
5. Consistency
AI can assist in maintaining a consistent posting schedule by automating aspects of the content creation process. This guarantees that the blog stays active and engaging for readers.
It is widely known that blogs which publish on a schedule tend to retain readers; however, it is unwise to publish content merely for the sake of it. There is nothing wrong with occasionally missing the publication of a blog post or taking a break from blogging. Nevertheless, if you choose to take the latter route, ensure that you inform your readers.
Cons of Using AI in Blogging
1. Lack of Personal Touch
AI-generated content often lacks the emotional depth and personal touch that human writers naturally provide. Readers tend to connect more readily with personal stories and unique experiences that AI is unable to replicate.
If you let AI compose all your posts, you’ll soon notice a decline in visitors and engagement.
2. Quality Control
While AI can generate content rapidly, the quality does not always meet high standards. Bloggers must review and edit AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with their voice and is factually accurate. Remember, it is your blog, not that of AI. Your voice matters.
3. Dependence on Technology
Over-reliance on AI can hinder writing skills. Bloggers may grow overly dependent on tools, stifling creative development and originality. This is particularly evident in the fiction world, where I have observed AI produce stories that lack emotion or feeling, thus making them dull and unappealing.
My advice is that if you use AI, mix it with your written content.
4. Ethical Concerns
The use of AI raises ethical questions, such as plagiarism (which I discussed earlier) and authenticity. Bloggers must ensure that their use of AI does not compromise their integrity or mislead their audience. Always check (and check again) what AI produces.
5. Costs
Although some AI tools are free, many come with a cost. For bloggers on a tight budget, investing in AI technology might not be practical. However, this won’t affect those who choose not to use AI.
Do I use AI in blogging?
Yes, I utilise AI to assist with spelling and grammar corrections. I have also used AI to verify if I have omitted anything essential from a post, as well as for generating titles for blog posts.
The featured images I use in my blog posts (including this one) are primarily created using the WordPress AI image tool. However, I have found that the tool is not always particularly effective at generating images, especially when more than a few words are included. More work is needed to improve it.
Conclusion
Utilising AI in blogging offers both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. While it can enhance efficiency, creativity, and data-driven decisions, it is crucial to maintain a balance and preserve the unique voice that attracts readers. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, bloggers can make informed choices about incorporating AI into their writing process.
If you wish to utilise AI, do so with your own writing rather than generating posts entirely composed by AI.
Finally, we must never forget that we all have a choice regarding AI. We can either use it or leave it be. What we must never do is persuade other users to use it or not. It’s a personal decision. Never criticise those who choose to use AI if you are against any use of AI in writing. Likewise, don’t criticise anyone who refuses to use AI if you use it.
Recommended reading about AI in blogging from other bloggers.
This post from Debbie at Deb’s World, “Reinventing Blogging: A Look into the Future,” dives into the controversial realm of AI in blogging, and trust me, it’s a must-read that has ignited plenty of debate. Are you ready to jump into the fray and add your voice to the discussion?
Are you hopping on the AI train in your blogging adventure? If so, what tools are you using, and what benefits has AI brought you and your blog? Does the use of AI in the blogging world concern you? Are you against using AI in Blogging? If so, what are your reasons? We want to hear your thoughts if you’re for or against AI. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s chat!
I’m getting tough with non-engaging comments. Any non-engaging comments such as ‘Nice post’ are marked as spam.
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