My 500th Post

This is a picture I got with my Nokia 820 at Hopkins Beach, Belize on December 13, 2013.

With a simple click of the mouse button I have published my 500^th post on Word Press. The topics of my posts have varied greatly. Unlike some of you who decided to create topic specific blogs, I have chosen to write about whatever interest me under one heading. When I started in October of 2012 I had no idea if I would post just a handful of times or if this would become a regular thing.

My original choice for a blog name is the same I carry now. You know many times when you start on a new site on the web you do so with a measure of doubt, wanting to vet the site before you get too involved, so the name was kind of bland, but now I feel like it is too well known to chance changing. It is all part of my campaign to create my brand.

Also a part of that of course is the form of writing I showcase on Joe’s Musings. Mainly I post fiction as I respond to a variety of prompts from others around the Word Press site and develop friendships as we critique each other’s offerings. But there is also a fair mix of non-fiction posts where I share my faith or something about my life and the teen children I work with my wife to raise in this crazy world.

There are so many good bloggers to discover and about every day I do find a new one. Finding new friends in countries across the globe is something that would be nearly impossible in person, yet the blog allows you to see photos and hear stories about anywhere you choose. There is some beautiful places I have picked up some knowledge of by reading and visiting friends who share through their blog.

One of the things I most enjoy is the interaction. On several of the regular fiction blog prompts there is a considerable amount of communication about our posts and you get a chance to connect with another blogger. You can also see different styles and get ideas for potential ways to improve your own work.

There is also some great work being done by bloggers that I have discovered online in the way of charitable or cause based efforts. One friend and her husband buy bicycles for children who cannot afford them. Another coordinates work to support servicemen serving overseas. Others perform acts of kindness relating to fighting specific diseases.

I say all this to say my life is richer since I began my blogging journey. Based on the feedback and interaction I receive concerning my blog and the posts I make I feel like I have the same effect on my faithful readers. For someone who writes the knowledge your creation is considered worthy of your reader’s time is important. Otherwise you are just occupying space. We all know there is plenty of that going on without us being part of the problem.

So 500 posts down, who knows how many more to go. I certainly am not the most prolific poster. I saw some of the recent year end reports by Word press and some of those I follow had over 500 posts this past year. I try not to post for the sake of posting. When I create a post I want it to say something worth reading. Those kind enough to return frequently to my blog deserve at least that much.