Review of Blog Stats for 2012

I find it interesting to review my blog stats and see what posts resonated with my visitors. Below are the top 3 posts viewed from 2012. If you missed them the first time around, here is an opportunity to catch up.

• Musings on a Munday Advocating Genealogy

• Genealogy Gems Premium Podcasts and the iPad

• Putting Our Ancestors into Historical Context for Fun

Audience demographics is another very, very interesting blog statistic that continues to befuddle me. My page views by country are:

1. United States
2. Russia

Why Russia? I have no idea. I have no Russian heritage, although I would love to find out differently. I have mentioned Moscow in 1 post out of 571 posts. To my knowledge that is the only reference to anything remotely related to Russia on my blog. I'm not complaining, I'm just very curious about this. So if you are reading this post from Russia, Hello! I'm glad you stopped by.

Memorial Day 2012 Remembering Those Who Served

I visited Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery on Memorial Day 2011. When I turned the first corner after entering the gate, I was immediately awestruck. Seeing row upon row of white stones is a humbling experience. I encourage everyone to visit a National Cemetery if they have the chance.

2011 Goal is Reviewed and Plans for 2012 Underway

No that is not a typo, I had one goal (singular) for 2011 as posted here, about the search for my Great Grandmother Mary, I followed up on the search in these subsequent posts:

1. Mary, Mary Makes Me Contrary
2. Mary AND Her Daughter Make Me Contrary
3. Resources and Timelines in the Hunt for Martha/Mary
4. Amherst, Nebraska 1907 Via Google Earth
5. October is Family History Month

First of all, let me say that knowing myself I am very impressed that I wrote a total of six blog posts around a single topic. That's just not the way I work. :) 

Did I accomplish and finish my goal? Technically no, BUT I'm am thissssssssssss close! The documents I've accumulated in researching Mary this year have the elements I need. I am now at the point of needing to formally construct a research plan (yes Kathleen I WILL do that) in order to prove the relationship. I am doing that a little backwards and after-the-fact, and we all know the "genealogy police" would scold me severely for doing so but c'est la vie it is what it is.

In thinking about my 2012 genealogy research goals, I obviously had to include the completion of my search for Mary/Martha. I did however decide to include two more goals related to genealogy. I think lists of three look developed without being overwhelming.

1. Create a research plan and prove my relationship to Mary Smith Evingham
2. Attend one local genealogy society or event each quarter in 2012
3. Post more comments to other bloggers on their blog itself not on Twitter, Facebook or Google+

I feel comfortable with these goals as well as excited. Being able to complete the story of Mary and move onto another family line will be welcome. As for item number two, my county does not have a genealogy society, they do have a historical society and while I'm a member I don't attend their meetings (it would take another series of 6 blog posts to cover the reasons). Also, two neighboring counties have very active societies and I am looking forward to attending their events.

Finally, I plan to make a concerted effort (I actually started this yesterday) to post my comments on the blog comment section of the post. I have been terribly lazy in only making a short comment here and there when I see the blog post on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. Somewhat in my defense I'm usually reading the blog posts on my phone and it is easier to forward, like and plus something with a quick note. I find it difficult to comment from my phone on many blogs that have word verification requirements. Still, those are excuses not reasons and I hope to increase my comments on the actual blog by 50% in 2012.

The year 2011 has been exciting for genealogy! So many new record sets are now online and we have techo gadgets galore. Blogging continues to be something I have a love-hate relationship with. I do not consider myself a writer but I do love this world-wide communication method. Without Desperately Seeking Surnames, my cousin Betty in North Carolina would never have found me! Hi Betty!! :) Without Desperately Seeking Surnames I would not have all the great genealogy friends I have now, nor would I appreciate what bloggers have to provide to the world of genealogy.

Wishing all my readers a happy and healthy 2012! Cheers!

Jenna