Buck up, Al. Why all this identity crisis about blogging? Surely you do it as a means of self-expression rather than as a popularity contest? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the stats are reassuring, but when you got into the whole thing wasn't it as a vehicle to express your brilliant thoughts rather than to see how many cyber-wingnuts you could provoke into verbal reaction? I am happy to look at anything you post but I won't jump off a bridge if you miss a day or 2 or 3. There are several blogs I don't bother looking at anymore and only a few I still check in on routinely. Why? I guess I feel enough of a connection whether its because of the content or the style of writing or the other lurkers/commenters or a combination of these elements. This is sort of an answer to Ian's question. People still follow a few blogs that for a variety of reasons still interest and stop following the ones that they have become bored with. Similarly, I subscribe to the Globe & Mail but let my subscription to MacLeans slip years ago. Bloggers are still talking because they still want to express themselves. Some days more than others. But for gawd's sake, I hop you and other bloggers are not blogging to satisfy the blog-reading public. We are a too-jaded and fickle bunch to try and satisfy.

Honestly, Al, it's none of my business what you do here except in so far as you write what you want me to read. I probably shouldn't admit that what little I know about politics I learned here.

I stopped checking my stats about two months ago. I've never been happier with blogging in the 3ish years I've been at it. Not giving a rat's ass about traffic makes it a lot more fun.

Actually, I do not have an identity crisis. I am just doing good customer service. Remember, this is a false veneer of Al. I need to know exactly how you want me to stand in the light, that's all. In that sense, I am making it your business. Otherwise, its going to be all vintage lawnmowers from England all the time, folks.

I mainly mention stats to put it out there that everyone has left the blogs to stare at YouTube. I heard last night that 60% of all streaming video on the internet is from that one site now. Blogs are so 2003 but I am hoping to start the Vintage Bloggers Society of Canada soon and that will have better t-shirts than anything going around now.

Hey, maybe you can re-jig the graphics on your blog to give it a retro-look!!! You know just like it was way back in 2003... that early millenium feel...

<i>all vintage lawnmowers from England all the time, folks</i>

But what about Brendan? And cricket? And boats? And flags? And Friday chat? Good lord, man, don't take away our Friday chat.

MTV is visiting Syracuse this Saturday, I thought being this is a Syracuse blog maybe someone here might be interested.

I find that blogging about whatever I think is interesting and fun is what it is all about, you are right about stats -- FORGET them or you will lose heart in your blog.

BTW, all of the details on the Real World MTV show visit can be viewed at my blog -- here is the link. Good luck to anyone that tries out!!

http://www.syracusefriends.com/index.php?option=com_joomblog&joomblog_task=blog_view&joomblog_contentid=26&joomblog_blogger=64

<i>being this is a Syracuse blog</i>? Did you guys move again?

WOOT! Yeah, Mister Gen x at 40, you do spend a lot of time down here sightseeing and shopping. Tell ya what, you can be an honorary Syracusian for the duration.

Back to our man Ian. Good writer, good blog, let the man take a break. I am a big you tube fan, for music videos,as my readers know. But, any blogger will tell you that it is always about feeding the beast. maybe Ian should stop blogging and come visit us here in greater Kingsyra-Bufa-ronto. The drinks are on us, Ian.

Hey Cary! My eastern Ontario includes central New York. I am actually in Kingston Ontario but broadcast omni-directionally including down I-81

My mistake Alan, I think I originally found your site when I was searching around various local Syracuse sites. One of our local sites has a mention of you on it. Of course I have now completely forgotten where I originally found it. Great blog anyhoo :)

Live webcam from your office
Live webcam from the Queens campus vollyball court
More info on Cricket
Cafe Press shirts that say "I (symbol of a spade) my Prime Minister)

Dunno Alan. How many hits a day do you want? I happy with a hundred.

<i>Not giving a rat's ass about traffic makes it a lot more fun.</i>

That's easy for you to say Andrew, your daily traffic must be in the thousands!

JOin a party? Why? It's worked pretty good so far.

Well, if the bidget can handle travelling with the addition of the home, keep doing it. I'm waiting for you to go down to the bbq joint in the American south that was talked about here some time ago. Maybe me and JoA could meet you there. Expose: what do American militarists look like when they eat bbq? Al has the answers(and the photos).

Requests? Will pro-hockey in Russia survive? Seeing as how all the real talent defects to the NHL or the other European leagues.

Temujin,

"That's easy for you to say Andrew, your daily traffic must be in the thousands!"

My peak traffic when I was a Blogging Tory was about 500-600 a day depending on how many times I posted. The only time I've ever been in the thousands was during the Guite blog explosion.

Listen: I really want more details about your personal life - either real or invented. Sex it up a bit, please.

And perhaps you could trash your work colleagues on an occassional basis.

Thanks in advance.