Michael Jacobs gave me cause this weekend to revisit a post from 2011. What I saw was a snapshot into a different version of ActiveRain than exists for me now. Much more social, more conversation in the comment threads, and a post I'd written just for fun, not for business.
My purpose for being here has evolved over the years, much more business generating posts and far fewer just for fun type posts similar to that one.
What I also noticed is there were a lot of faces in the comment thread that have been absent for many, many moons from this community.
What I also noticed is there were a lot of faces that are STILL here almost 9 years later.
I've seen people leave this community for many reasons over the years, some logical, some emotional.
Some determined blogging just wasn't for them. Too much work, too long to get results. Facebook gave them the immediate rush they needed.
Some got miffed at management and away they go.
Some didn't like the ownership changes. Blog on a site owned by Zillow (at the time)??!! NOPE!!
Some get in a tangle with other folks here and decide enough.
Some need their time back. Family needs come first.
Some moved on to their own blogging site and put their effort there.
Some moved on because ActiveRain didn't get them page 1 as easily as it used to.
Some the Grim Reaper visited.
But others stay, year after year. They have a reason (or a handful of 'em) for staying here. They may not be here daily, but they're here more often than not.
The social interaction in a relatively safe environment free of the things that plague Facebook.
The ease of blogging. The platform is here and it's not too hard to figure out how to write and post.
The cost is reasonable, and for the majority of us: FREE.
The learning from others is really appealing. Most often if something is new AND worth doing, someone here will be talking about it.
Blogging still works. Maybe the SEO isn't as strong because there is a LOT more competition out there. But niche blogging still has some Google ooomph if you've got the right niche.
Points. It's an addiction for some, so as long as there's a Leaderboard to move up, they'll be here.
So, do you know why you're here?
Until next Tuesday, just Ask An Ambassador if you need help,
Bill & Liz aka BLiz
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