It’s time for my annual blogoversary post, as it’s now three whole years since Ten Penny Dreams was born!
This year seems to have gone by especially quickly; last year’s anniversary seems like it was only a few months ago. In that post, I ran my first reader survey and talked about my plans for the blog.
Over the last year nothing has really changed in this small corner of the internet.
The main thing that came out of the survey was that you’d be happy to read more travel content and that’s been the biggest adjustment this year, mostly because I’ve been travelling more and making the effort to take trips locally too. That has meant more photographs to share and more places I want to talk about, as much for my own memories as anything.
But I still have that feeling that I’d like to keep improving this blog; I don’t want to just keep repeating myself over and over. Doing that naturally, in a way that reflects my personality and my life is the biggest challenge and I’m still trying to figure it all out.
The last year has seen big changes in many of the blogs I read, with some closing down altogether or moving to new platforms.
There seems to be a lot of uncertainty in general in blogging right now, as people figure out new ways to grow their readerships and make a living online. Instagram is now a huge money spinner for some, and many more are creating YouTube and Periscope channels, or accounts on the latest networking apps.
It’s hard to keep up with it all and I worry about trying to evolve, making time for more blogging and more work, while some people are successfully slowing down, reducing their posting schedules and focusing more on real life.
Whatever the answer is, I’ve gained so much from this blog and from getting to know the readers who comment and share and ask for my advice. Blogging is so much like life, in a way. Our blogs change and grow as we do, reflecting our passions and interests, ebbing and waning alongside our emotions and the phases of our lives.
Three years ago I couldn’t imagine that I’d be here now. That I’d have won a writing award, been invited to events, asked for interviews, or contacted by some fantastic writers. I couldn’t have imagined that I would get to know so many interesting and creative people, who are actually interested in my ramblings.
Who knows where another three years will take this blog, or me.
But I’m excited to find out.
Kristin | My Life as a Teacup says
Congrats on another year!! 🙂
Amy Lord says
Thanks Kristin! 🙂
Sara Strauss says
Happy blogiversary! I’ve been worried about the change in blogging too over the past year. Actual blogging seems to be taking a bit of a backseat to Youtube and Periscope and Instagram. I don’t mind watching other people, but I’m horrible at speaking on camera, so I won’t be trying my hand at Youtube.
~Sara
Amy Lord says
I’m the same! Can’t think of anything worse than seeing myself on camera blabbering about something! Far too scary 🙂
Gemma says
Here’s to the next exciting chapter!! : D
Amy Lord says
Thanks Gemma – hope it is exciting! 😉
Sammi says
Happy anniversary! Still going strong! x
Amy Lord says
Trying to anyway 🙂
Joséphine Simone says
Congrats on three years, Amy!
I was one of those who indicated in the survey that I’d like to read more travel posts. I’m glad to continued with them and even posted more because I love seeing the world through the lens of others when their personal voices are attached to them 🙂
Amy Lord says
Thanks Josephine! I’m glad you’re still reading and enjoying the travel posts, I do love sharing some of my travel photos and having the posts to look back on 🙂