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Thanks a Thousand!

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Okay, so it’s not quite as exciting as Thanks a Million! at Country Universe, but you have to start somewhere.

Country California reaches something of a minor landmark today: 1,000 hits in its first month (36 days) of regular activity. Trivia buffs know that this blog actually started in late April, then lay mostly dormant for two months, with almost no new posts and only 27 hits. If we keep up the new pace, we’ll hit 1 million by late 2091. If you stick with me until then, I’ll buy you a pony or a Toby Keith hat that looks like it went through a meat grinder or something.

Seriously, we’re off to a great start. Big thanks are owed to:

  • The 9513, which helped build initial momentum with a June 27 plug just as I was starting the blog back up and then expedited my arrival at 1,000 with another plug yesterday. Their support means a lot, as their example was one of the main things that inspired me to try my hand at this blogging thing in the first place.
  • Leeann at Country Universe, who has been a prolific commenter and champion of this blog ever since she discovered it. I also have to thank her for finally getting me to check out Country Universe and the excellent work that she and Kevin do over there.
  • Squinty Dan, an early supporter whose astonishingly good writing and keen wit frankly make me a little nervous. Why would anyone bother reading me when they could be reading him?
  • Carolyn at Melodic Sunburst, officially the earliest known supporter of this blog (first comment, first shout-out). She also writes wonderfully and keeps folks informed about what’s going on in the indie world over at her very stylish-looking blog.
  • Chris N., who is so country he brushes his teeth with mashed taters.
  • Everyone who has read, commented, subscribed, shouted-out, or even just accidentally clicked on a link to this site and then left as quickly as possible. It all helps.

This is (obviously, I’m sure) a no-budget, one-man operation. I’ve never really written about country music or maintained a blog, so I’m trying to hone those skills as I go. If you don’t think the site is very good now, come back in a week or two and hopefully it will suck a little less. Improvement is the main, ongoing goal.

Speaking of which, this might be a good opportunity to invite your feedback. What’s working? What’s not working? Where should I be focusing my efforts? If you have anything to say, I want to hear it!

Also, be sure to check out Country Music Day at Photocrap.

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Comments

  1. Congratulations! Your blog is great. Keep it up.

    Believe it or not, there *are* blogs that I do not frequent, though it may seem otherwise.:) I’ve really been enjoying visiting yours though.

  2. “Why would anyone bother reading me when they could be reading him?”

    Because you listen to Bradley Walker, and I don’t.

    …Yet.

    But seriously, the nervousness is mutual. I’ve said before that I think this blog is one of the sharpest ones out there and I really mean that. I’m also terribly envious of your knowledge base; I don’t think I’ve listened to nearly enough music to write a piece like that one on Keith Whitley’s legacy. The only piece of feedback I’d give you is to continue occasionally doing humorous pieces like the one on Sugarland’s album, because they’re always a riot and really give the site a nice balance.

    Anyway, I really appreciate the shout-out, and I’ll be sure to return the favor if my site ever reaches a point where everyone who visits it doesn’t already seem to visit yours, too! Ah, the joys of fledgling blogging…

  5. Everyone:
    Thanks for the congratulations and kind words. This lovefest is so much fun that I might just start inventing new landmarks to celebrate once or twice a week.

    Dan:
    I don’t think a shout-out from me will do much for anyone at this point, so it’s mostly just a vote of support. Also, good suggestion about the humor; I’m looking to include more pieces like the one you mentioned or the Nashville Star one as often as I can come up with them. I love that sort of stuff.

  6. Big congrats, and good luck for the future! Can’t wait to see what youve got in store for us.

  8. The writing on your site is sharp as a tack. It’s great to see that you’re doing well!

  9. John, mahalo. (Just got back from Hawaii.) I love reading your insightful and informative blog. You, Kevin and Leeann at Country Universe, Dan M (Squinty Dan’s), and the 9513 staff really set a high standard of excellence. And you all make it look effortless.

    Congratulations on reaching a thousand hits – I know it will soon be many, many more.

  10. Mmm, taters.

    My suggestion would be to just keep knocking it out day after day, and the rest will take care of itself.