This is not going to be the normal end-of-the-year wrap up post.
2012 was not a normal year so that would pretty much be impossible. Besides…who wants normal?
When 2012 dawned almost a year ago, I was still over at Blogger. I liked it there but wanted to take my blog to the next level. I wanted more organization, more options, etc. I was still working full time at my old job and trying to make a go of my Etsy shop. I didn’t get moved to WordPress until early summer.
I loved my new design, but the move didn’t go so well. On the surface everything looked fine…but I lost my email feed for over a month. Along with the feed I lost my spot in Google readers and blog rolls.
To start over seemed like a hill too high to climb.
But climb it I did and eventually things got sorted out. One thing that didn’t get sorted out were my blog stats. With my switch to WordPress I needed to install Google Analytics to track page views, traffic sources, etc. Huge oversight…especially since I didn’t figure that out until August.
So…to make up for lost time not only did I install Analytics once, I installed it twice. (Just kidding about the making up for lost time part.)
I didn’t realize it of course…but the fact remains that for weeks all my stats were being doubled. What a disappointment when I finally figured this out. Not a red-letter day for On Sutton Place.
You’re probably wondering where all this is taking us…the answer is no where.
I don’t know what post got the most comments.
No idea which post had the most page views.
Clueless as to who my top referrer is.
The feeling I had upon finding this out was sort of like wanting to cry over spilled milk. Helpless frustration.
Once again I had to square my shoulders, keep my chin up…and start over.
One of my favorite quotes is this: “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”
My blogging seas in 2012 have not been smooth…but I’d like to end on a positive note. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve had to work harder and longer to find my lost followers. Sadly, many are gone forever.
The ones I found, or who found me, are still hanging in there.
Encouraging me.
Sharing my failures and successes.
I treasure each and every one of you.
I know bloggers have been talking about a word (or words) of the year. After the year I’ve had, the only word I could think of is “perseverance.” I just need to keep on keeping on.
Linking to:
From what I saw on your blog, you got a lot accomplished in 2012!
I’m glad I didn’t lose you, or rather you didn’t lose me?! You are my inspiration, of someone who can, and has, made it! I wish you even more success in 2013! You go, girl!
2012 might have started with a glitch but you pulled through it with flying colors Ann!! I’m so glad we’re blogging buddies and I wish you all the best in the New Year!!
It all looked great on this end, Ann!!! I don’t think most of us noticed any setbacks. Wishing you a blessed New Year!! xoxo
Ann,
To me, you are a pro! Seriously, I sometimes feel like “what am I doing?” There is so much to learn – but I am slowly learning! Thanks for openly sharing. You are such an encouragement to me!
Wishing you the best in 2013!
Yep-I stuck with you and now YOU are stuck with ME! You have done a remarkable job. It would scare me to death to try to switch over- you are much braver than I am! xo Diana
I’m still here, just don’t comment much. Yours was one of the first blogs where I felt like I actually knew you. Hang in there, Friend.
Ann, I have been thinking of switching my blog over to .com or wordpress but the change makes me nervous. I wish you a very Happy New Year. xx, Sherry
Guess that means things can only get better! I love your smooth seas quote, it’s a keeper. I have always believed that we learn (and remember!) better when things go wrong and need to be fixed or reworked. Life is all about learning, exploring and becoming and that is a perfect place to blog from!
I hope 2013 brings you every success!
xox
Great post, and lots of info blogger need. Glad I still have you in my reader:) Have enjoyed spending 2012 with you and looking forward to putting our heads together in 2013!
I found my way to your blog in 2012. Looking forward to more in 2013!
I managed to find you on wordpress. Did you know that networked blogs works with blogger and wordpress, so you could add that and it makes it so easy for anyone to just click and follow. Hope you have a super New Year. Hugs, Marty
I love your blog – and look forward to your 2013 posts! I still have a lot to learn about blogging. There are so many things I am sure I should be doing – which I just don’t! But it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey…or whatever that quote is! Happy New Year to you!
Cheers! – Shelley
Yeah, I know. When I switched, I lost a lot of subscribers. Poof! People wrote me about it, and I didn’t know how to fix it. There’s been a lot of little glitches like that. But I’m still glad I moved.
Brenda
Ann, you have been an inspiration to all you readers. Cheers to the grand 2012 On Sutton Place! Eager for the “yet to be seen, 2013″ On Sutton Place. I admire you, the fine workmanship of your items in your Etsy Shop, the beautiful home you have shared, and your fine comradeship with those who have blogs, and those of us who only read and enjoy blogs.
Ann I think you have really come a long way since you first entered blog land. You are computer saavy , etsy shop, what’s next. I think there is no stopping YOU!! It has been fun to follow along with you on your journey! I say keep doing what you are doing!! You are doing quite well, xo Kathysue
So glad you are hanging in there…cause I really enjoy your blog. ;)
To us on the outside, all seemed seamless and fine! I’m here cheering you on and see big, big things for you in 2013 — let’s make those doubled stats a reality this year!
:) Linda
Ann,
I know you’ve been frustrated at times this year, but your blog is beautiful! Many of your posts crack me up & I love that you are always willing to share what you’ve learned. Happy New Year!
I love your blog and your Etsy shop. The “O Holy Night” pillow has been my favorite Christmas decoration this year!
Thanks for sharing!
Angela
I feel your pain Ann! I switched from blogger in April and I had to start over pretty much too. the almost 300 GFC followers I have pretty much just disappeared. I did have some friends who came with me and I will be forever greatful to them! I had a stat counter on my blogger blog that I brought over so I still had all of that but I didn’t realize that I needed to install and set up the jetpack that came with my wordpress blog. I did that about August maybe? And I love it! It works a lot like google analytics but is through wordpress and came with my blog set-up. Not for sure if it was included from Bluehost or if it came with Genesis but I love it! Have a Happy New Year!
I have to say Ann, you have really accomplished a lot in 2012. The change over from blogger to WordPress sounds like you had a lot to deal with. I would love to get on WordPress, but I am scared to do it. I am not that good at figuring out some of the stuff. Have to say blogger made it pretty easy. I wish you a wonderful 2013, and promise I will continue to follow you where ever you go :)
Hi Ann, Glad you were able to navigate through this past year! I know you’ve had a lot going on with your etsy shop & your blog, but I’ve certainly enjoyed seeing you grow. You’ve accomplished so much and have much to be proud of. Here’s hoping the best for you & your family for 2013!
Ann, I think 2012 was a year to grow! Here’s to a fantastic 2013!
I’m here..and so are LOTS of others who love what you do and are thrilled to have found you! Your work is beautiful and you’ve accomplished SO MUCH this year that I still don’t know how you do it! I continue to be inspired by you! Here’s to a wonderful 2013! xo, Kimberly
Ann, I have checked in on you since the inception of my blogging. You helped me so much at the beginning of my time even though you were working fulltime and building your blog. I appreciate you so much. I’ve been so out of the loop and out of touch for the past 6 months that I have no clue about anything, except that I have continued to check in on your blog and hope that you will get things ironed out soon. No one knows things are not perfect but you. Keep your chin up and move forward girl! Hugs, :D
Glad to still be a follower. :)
Fondly,
Glenda
Love reading your blog…..I would follow you to the moon and back!!!…Happy New Year Ann!
Blogging can be so satisfying & yet so frustrating at the same time. I’m glad I didn’t lose you for too long when you moved to WP. Looking forward to your blog in the new year!
Ann, I think your blog is a great success. You are admired for all your hard work and kindness to all.
Happy New Year, Ann!
Sweetie, you know I am a fan of your sweet blog and happy to be a bloggy friend. I had no idea about what troubles you had behind the scenes. Guess what…me too! That’s right. I found out that Katherines Corner was not showing up in readers, that the google analytics was installed incorrectly ( I did it wrong) and that followers were not getting up dates. I also found out that all of the time I was taking creating meta tags for each post was a waste of time because google did not use tags anymore..I found all of this our late in the year. I think I’ve got it all fixed now but only 2013 will tell. Smooches and hugs!! P.S. I have a blog post scheduled that says virtually the same thing I just wrote here, giggle :-)
Wow, Ann what a journey you’ve had! Change always has a learning and an adjustment curve we all never can predict. You have done such a great job. I enjoy your posts and your willingness to share so openly about the good and the bad. Your story is an inspiration to me and very motivating! Thanks so much for sharing this part of blogging! Sue
Ann, I started out with WP using GFC, thanks to my son, who knew much more about blogging than I ever will know. Coincidently, I added your blog to my blog roll last night. I seem to recall that we started blogging about the same time and met on Debbie-Doo’s party. And even though my GFC went away, it seems Google still knows me as long as I sign in with my gmail address, including the logo, that I used for GFC. Oddly, some blogs automatically have me on their Google and others know my blog name and I have to enter the pass word. I’m also on Linky Followers.
Happy New Year,
Helen
hey, by this time next year, you won’t even think about all that mess! I am trying to finally get it through my head that it’s a waste of energy to sweat the stuff that doesn’t really matter…look what you did accomplish this year! Wow! Keep calm and carry on! One of your new followers,
Jenna
What a frustrating time you’ve had. Well, I’m here with you and plan to be. I want to move forward on my blog, but this sounds scary!!
I am glad I found you:)
I hope 2013 goes smoother for you, I am sure it will, I think you got most of the bugs worked out!
I always enjoy slipping over here to see what your up to! :)
Jodi
Here’s to a smooth sailing 2013! :-D