Every once in a while someone “counsels” me on how to do a better job marketing this blog:

• If you want more “hits” you should use more photographs;
• If you’re a writer then you shouldn’t use photographs;
• If you want to expand your “reach” you should write shorter posts;
• If you want more people to read then you need to be more controversial;
• If you’re looking to keep subscribers you should avoid ruffling feathers;
• You need a more clearly defined niche;
• You should widen your focus;
• Try using less scripture;
• Try using more scripture….

I, the Teacher, when king over Israel in Jerusalem, applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with. I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind… (Ecclesiastes 1:12-14)

I’ve even fielded mail saying, “Did you know that you can improve your social media presence by buying likes and shares?” So now I can buy me Love? Did they never listen to The Beatles?

It’s all very interesting; but I have to confess that I don’t write in order to get “hits” “shares” “likes” “follows” “stumble-upons” and “re-tweets.” I write in response to the blessings that fall on my life like a refreshing rain, and because God is shaking up my soul.

THE BIRDS & THE BEES: One concept that does interest me is “Cross-Pollination.” Essentially, it’s about linking recommended content from site to site. My writing, for example, is one of the reasons AllProDad.com is visited so heavily. If I could persuade them to link my articles back to this blog, I’d likely see traffic skyrocket.

One site that does cooperate in this regard is Wake Forest Today. I write a weekly column there and typically link to it every Thursday. WFToday is a new publication, so generating visits, “shares,” and “hits” is critically important if they want to sell advertising and stay in business. So I’m asking everyone to click the link. You’ll not only love this week’s article (my latest Grandaddy Letter), but you’ll be helping a growing news outlet that generates great content.

Here’s how this week’s article (“Belief is mostly three-quarters of everything that counts”) sets up:

“Later this month, my daughter’s daughter – Rebekah Mae – turns one. Her brother, David Henry, is a little over two-and-a-half. Between them they combine for the most amazing set of grandchildren imaginable.
Three years ago, while we were gearing up for this Grandparenting adventure, I wrote a letter to my as yet unborn grandson. The letter launched a series of columns I dubbed “The Granddaddy Letters.”
The point has been to establish the beginnings of what will become – I hope – a life-long correspondence with both David and Beks. (read more…)

I’m grateful that you’re here for this read. When you add 1,274 subscribers (as of 10:00 EST) to the casual visitors who stop by today, that adds up to a boatload of good folk. So please “share.” But don’t “share” for the sake of numbers, “share” because there’s something here that moves your spirit.

Grace, peace, and blessings – DEREK