One year ago today, I launched SouthernGospelBlog.com with this post:
Other bloggers have considered that their position as a commentator gives them the platform to post harsh criticism or unsubstatiated malicious rumors. I disagree. This blog is to inform Southern Gospel artists and fans about current happenings, and perhaps to encourage you, too!
This blog’s mission is to look beyond the headlines to provide analysis and commentary on current Southern Gospel happenings. I plan to comment on Southern Gospel news, review CDs and live concerts, and perhaps conduct interviews industry professionals. That’s what I have in mind as things I’d like to see.
I won’t say I’ve done a perfect job. I’ve slipped up once in a while and mentioned a topic I should have avoided or said something that has misinterpreted. But for the most part, I’ve been able to keep it positive, and fans and artists alike seem to like that.
By the way, I am giving this blog a birthday present. I was talking with Billy Hodges at NQC and he suggested reserving the domain name sogospelblog.com. I decided that was a good idea, and while I was at it, I also reserved sogospelblog.org, sogospelblog.net, southerngospelblog.org, and southerngospelblog.net. So a little later this morning–once configuration is complete–you should be able to type in any of those variants and still reach this blog!
During the first year, this blog was visited 295,641 unique times (413,921 page views). It had 4,442 unique visits in its first month. As of the last full month–August–this blog was visited 30,609 unique times. I think at least part of the reason you keep coming back is that I put something new up six days per week. I’m the only Southern Gospel blogger crazy enough to try to find something new to say each day. It’s a massive amount of work, but if you enjoy it, then it has paid off!
As I recall, having a few things to say about NQC 2006 was the final straw that led to me starting this blog. Last year, I was sitting in a room by myself at my house listening to the live feed. One year later, I was there in person with a media pass, and to my utter astonishment a couple dozen people–fans and performers alike–recognized me. Needless to say, it’s been quite a ride. Thank you for coming along!
