"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Pen & Prosper Celebrates Its Sweet Sixteen!


 Welcome, welcome!

I appreciate your visit and your time today. Who knew that in 2009, when I launched Pen & Prosper, it would reach thousands of readers across the globe for more than a decade? That it would garner numerous awards, and cultivate long-term friendships.

Yet here we are. 

This month marks 16 years of being in the blogosphere. Yay! If this blog were a person, she'd be in the junior year of high school. Imagine that. And not to toot my own horn; with the exception of periodic summer/winter holiday breaks, I've posted every month, every year. Consistently. Thank you for your support, continued readership and comments. It definitely helps to stay the course.

As many of you who are fellow-bloggers can attest, blogging is hard work. True? It's a labor of love. Sometimes that seems to be unrequited love, even. :-) 

It's a tall order. Coming up with ideas; research; editing; posting; tweeting; conducting interviews; answering comments; finding images to accompany posts; etc.

Kudos to those of you (who like me) are still pushing forward amid the obstacles, challenges, and time constraints. Consider me a sideline cheerleader.

BLOGS CATEGORICALLY HAVE A HIGH ABANDONMENT RATE...

According to statistics provided by Researchscape.com, Perseus Development Corp. randomly surveyed 3,634 blogs on eight leading blog-hosting services to develop a model of blog populations. Based on this research, Perseus estimates that 4.12 million blogs have been created on these services: Blog-City, BlogSpot, Diaryland, LiveJournal, Pitas, TypePad, Weblogger and Xanga.

Abandoned Blogs

The most revealing finding was that 66.0% of surveyed blogs had not been updated in two months, representing 2.72 million blogs that have been either permanently or temporarily abandoned. For more statistical data on why bloggers quit, and how to prevent your favorite blogs from joining the ranks, check out an interesting post here: https://magnet4blogging.net/why-bloggers-quit/

For informational purposes, here's another piece I wrote here, on how to stay motivated with your blogging efforts, that I hope you'll find useful:

https://penandprosper.blogspot.com/2017/01/8-tips-to-maintain-your-blogging.html

FOR THOSE OF YOU INTERESTED, HERE ARE SOME PEN & PROSPER CURRENT STATS AND FUN FACTS:

BLOG INITIATED IN JUNE, 2009

  • ALL TIME BLOG VIEWS ARE 954,355
  • LAST MONTH VIEW COUNTS TOTAL 17,741 
  • 935 POSTS TO DATE
  • 8702 COMMENTS (INCLUDES SPAM) (NOT THE MEAT)
  • APPROX 9,000 FOLLOWERS (ACCORDING TO FEEDSPOT.COM AND OTHER READER AGGREGATES)
  • P&P HAS COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS AND THEMES RELATED TO THE WRITING LIFE--time management, money management, work/life balance, motivation, how-to tips, humor, poetry, etc.
As I close out today's post, I'd like to thank you for your thoughts across the miles, comments, re-tweets, business support, and readership along the way.

Please feel free to leave a comment to share your experience here @ Pen & Prosper, whether you are a new follower or a long-time friend. 
I also welcome your suggestions and readers' questions.
I look forward to hearing from you!

Jen

Comments? Thoughts here?




Image credits: Pixabay.com

 


 

8 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Jen! This is a huge milestone. You've stayed the course and inspired us all. You are a true gem, and such a blessing.

    The insight, info, and encouragement you've sent my way has been such a gift. Thanks so much! May your future here and elsewhere be blessed abundantly. Sending love and hugs your way. :)

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    1. Karen, You are sweeter than cotton candy! Words can not adequately convey my appreciation for your readership, thoughtful comments, and friendship. Sending smiles across the miles!

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  3. This just in from Nicole P. "Congrats on hitting sweet 16!!! So glad to hear you are still blogging."

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  4. Congrats! Happy that you're still going strong.

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    1. Much appreciation for stopping by and weighing in, Jo!

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  5. Congratulations, Jennifer!

    I stumbled upon your blog as one might discover a hidden gem while wandering, and I must confess—I was moved by the extraordinary mark you’ve left on the blogging world. The many years you’ve poured into this craft shine as a living testament to your passion, discipline, and unwavering dedication.

    As an aspiring ghostwriter, I eagerly gather wisdom at every turn, and finding your work feels like crossing paths with a guiding light. I often wish for a seasoned hand like yours to walk me through the valleys of learning—teaching me not only how to grow better in skill, but also how to find meaningful opportunities to serve through words.

    Your journey inspires, and I’m truly grateful our paths crossed, even if only through your words.

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  6. Tolu, Wow!
    Thank you so kindly for your beautiful, thoughtful comment. It's readers like you (who take the time to provide comments) that keep me inspired, and I certainly hope to hear more from you in the future. :-) You have made my Thursday. Much success to you in your writing career.

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