Don't Be Shy!

I, like many of my Bloggy Brethren, have a stat counter, which spews data at me every week. Since I'm not much of an expert, I really don't know what to make of all the referrals, entry clicks and exit clicks, but I do know page views. And I average, in any given week, about 96 page views a day; close to 700 in any given week.

Whew! To hear the experts tell it, that's a lot of traffic! But one thing I don't really understand...why would someone visit a site like mine, digest its content, then slink away without commenting?

If my stat counter is to be believed, oodles of people visit Eat Your Veggies! So, I have a pretty basic question: Why all the "lurkers" out there?

As you probably know, a lurker is one who hangs out at a blog, but doesn't comment. I'm not sure how the "professional" blogging world views lurking, but I guess I just don't understand the need for anonymity.

OK, I understand if my posts are tedious; if they're silly; if they're just plain uninteresting. But I'd like to think I create posts that are at least mildy bright, if not downright sparkling.

But the comments? They're just not coming. A recent snapshot proves my point. Monday: 9 comments; Tuesday: 9 comments; Wednesday (A "theme" day, with Angie's Wordful Wednesday): 19 comments; Thursday: 8 comments.

During that same time period, I had visitors from Oregon, Indiana, California, Arkansas, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Nevada, Virginia and Florida, to name a few. And don't forget the international traffic: Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Mexico, Germany and, of course, Unknown. But I guess we don't know if Unknown is an international or a domestic visitor, do we?

My questions to you are these: Am I doing something wrong, or are bloggers basically shy people at heart? Is there something else I should be doing that I'm not? Why are all these visitors lurking in the shadows of cyberspace?

Hey, I'm a friendly gal. And I'm still pretty new at this Blogging Business. So, please ~ suggest, offer, push and insist with me. I won't take offense. If there's one thing I've learned in my life, I'm really good at responding to constructive criticism.

My Nana taught me that it's impolite not to have a "welcoming" atmosphere in one's home. Well, my red (cyber) carpet is out. I'd love for you to leave a comment. Pretty please?

Share the Comment Love-We'll Share the Pop'rs!

Lots of folks are staying close to home this summer, because of the price of gas and all. I know my family's taking shorter trips to save on gas and money! The photo above--which looks like a Florida Vacation Postcard to me--was snapped the other day by Aunt Julie, practically in her backyard. Who knew that pelicans flew anywhere near Northeastern Wisconsin, even in the summertime?

To lighten your mood a little, Uncle Lynn, the Pop'r King, thinks we need Another Giveaway. Here's the deal.

Let me know, in a comment on this post, where you like to vacation with your family. Whether it's the back porch at home or the back lot at Universal Studios, location doesn't matter. We'll collect all the comments and pick two Grand Prize Winners by random drawing.

What will you win? Why, a complete box of Pop'rs, of course! That's eight flavors--Cinnamon, Color Burst, Chocolate, Strawberry, Raspberry, Butter, Taco and Buffalo--that you can sprinkle on everything from applesauce to broccoli to green beans to yogurt. And remember--not only are Pop'rs fun to eat, but they enhance your taste sensation and are infused with healthy vitamins--a great way to get you and your family to Eat Your Veggies!

We're picking Two Grand Prize Winners, folks, so please share that Good Ol' Comment Love--and perhaps a link back to our blog from your blog--and You. Could. Be. A. Winner! The Giveaway starts today and runs until 6 p.m. EST, next Monday, July 14. What a great way to spend a summer afternoon!