Do You Need An Answer For Every Question You Ask?

As a less active (yet still famous) blogger at a top-notch (but faltering) grown-up site, I'll often be walking the streets of Montreal when someone will excitedly rush up and — after the autographs — ask me the inevitable...

"Paul, I have lots of questions, but few answers. Is that normal?"

I'm usually in a rush somewhere, so I give the short answer. "Yes."

They're usually in a rush somewhere as well and walk away smiling. But to have been more thorough, I should have asked what their questions were. If it was directions, then with the help of my GPS, I'm sure we could have figured things out. On the other hand, if their queries were about the meaning of life, I'd be at a loss. What if their question had been a simple one, like...

"If no one reads your blog, isn't that a monologue?"

Now, THAT's a good question and one I've been considering for quite a while. 

Over at that adult site I mentioned, it's a closed-loop environment with a fixed audience of (supposedly) over three million pairs of eyes. However, unless one has a paid membership or is a woman — the chances of your blog getting noticed are slim. Even with thousands of forged followers, viewership is dependent on the inclusion of naked pictures (for male bloggers) and the whim of whoever is pressing the buttons in the "Trending" department. But, one can occasionally get those views... and the love you seek.

And yes, there will also be friends who pop in, comment, and mingle — that's always nice.

These "Blogger" pages, on the other hand, offer the challenges of "free-range" blogging. No one on our planet will find you unless you've sent up a flare. To successfully get your blog read by more than yourself, one should; 

• Develop a niche.
• Write quality content.
• Tell all your friends, family, acquaintances, and any clubs or associations you're a member of about your NEW project.
• Network with other successful content providers.
• Seek opportunities to guest-blog on another's site.
• Link your blog to ALL the social networks, including Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
• Solicite an SEO expert to place your blog front and center in the eye of Google search engines. 

Now, let me ask you...

"Who has the fucking time for all of that?"

Or perhaps the question should be: "How bad do you want it?"

I've come to the conclusion that my blog page here will remain a monologue. A calm and peaceful place of contemplation, rumination, and gentle exercise. At the very least, no matter how angry or frustrated I might get with myself, I'll always be my own best and everlasting follower.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

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