Hubba Bubba – Homesteadbound’s First Six Months on HubPages
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Bitten by the Writing Bug
On August 6th, 2011, my life changed forever. It was on this day, six months ago, that I signed up on HubPages. I had often thought about writing but found myself totally overwhelmed with the aspect of writing a book – I mean …. a whole book!?! It just seemed more than I felt I would be able to accomplish. So I guess I took the easy route. As silly as it sounds to me now, it seemed easier to not try than it would have been to fail.
But after reading about HubPages, the allure was more than I could resist and I started my writing career. I smile when I say that. It seems strange to totally change careers at the age of 52, but that is exactly what I did. My grandmother lived to be 93 so I still have lots of time to share all the words that are churning around in my head.
During this time period, I have worked harder on HubPages (and all that goes with it) than I have done on anything else in my life, sometimes spending 18 hours a day working, reading and learning. With the exception of just a few days, I have worked on this every day over the last six months. It has been worth it though, because I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah!
The Ride of My Life
During the last six months, I have been on the ride of my life. I have written 171 hubs (including this one), completed two 30 hubs in 30 days challenges, had four hubs chosen as hub of the day, had a hub go viral on reddit, was contacted to do and write a product review, and was named 2011’s New Hubber of the year. Need I say more? Wow!
Before going any further let me say something. I am not writing this hub to say, "Hey, look at me!" I am writing it to give others hope. If this poor country girl can accomplish it, so can you. I also am documenting my progress for me to know where I have been, and to have a written description of what has worked, what hasn't worked, and what I have learned so I can look back and make logical decisions about where I want to go.
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1st 30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge
On August 18th, after being on HubPages for twelve whole days, I began my first 30 in 30 challenge, 1st 30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge: Self Discovery. This challenge was amazing; and it was my first test of whether I really had what it took to be a writer.
Some great things happened during that challenge:
- I shared that challenge with Cloverleaf. She is a wonderful cheerleader and friend.
- I found out how helpful everyone on HubPages is.
- I moved through the HubPages learning curve much quicker than I would have if I had not decided to take the 30/30 challenge.
- And so many more things that are documented in the hub link provided above! After all, it was titled, Self Discovery!
First 50 Hubs
Aside from completing the 30 in 30 challenge, the first goal I set out to accomplish was 50 hubs. The 30 in 30 challenge certainly helped this goal along. I completed 50 hubs on September 21st, 2011 just shy of seven weeks on HubPages - Hubba Bubba – Hub #50 documents that journey.
During this time, I also became much more comfortable with writing and felt that I was finding my voice.
During this time I discovered that I had not been annotating my photos properly.This meant that every picture I had used in my hubs had to be located again (on Flickr or Wikimedia) and annotated properly, or I had to find another picture that I liked as well. One of my hubs, Beautiful Nudibranchs: Colorful Sea Slugs, had 45 photos in it that I had spent hours locating just the perfect images I wanted to use. I did not want to substitute any of the images, so it took me longer to track them down the second time. I think I spent almost 50 hours redoing all images correctly in all my hubs. It is a lesson I will not soon forget.
Having to do this and seeing others struggling with the same issue lead me later to create the hub, Using Flickr for Photos and Images and to Generate Traffic to Your Hub.
To view and compare stats for the different time periods, see table below.
Next 50 Hubs ~ 100 Hubs Total
On November 2nd, I reached 100 hubs and I was still going strong when I published Hubba Bubba - Just Hubbin' Along to #100. It felt good to have published 100 hubs and I started having more confidence in myself as a writer.
During this time period, I was nominated for a hubnugget for the very first hub I had written. I did not win (and I do not think that it should have), and the time period expired for me to even qualify for the award in the future. I guess I will die being a hubnugget wannabe!
During this time period, two of my hubs were selected as Hubs of the Day, and one of those was also selected as the hub highlighted in the weekly HubPages newsletter.
On September 30, right after publishing my 64th hub, Boxing Painting or Action Painting - Seeing and Hearing the SPLAT!, was chosen as Hub of the Day and featured in the weekly newsletter that same week. And then in October, Blind Woman Quilter, Diane Rose in Waco, Texas, a story about a truly remarkable woman was also chosen as Hub of the Day.
On October 31st, I received an email from HubPages telling me my hubs had been viewed 10,000 times! Yeah!
As I stated in the Just Hubbin' Along to #100, Emma Harvey wrote a hub, Why is Writing Online Different?, that really had a profound impact on me. I learned that although I have not always been a writer, the things I learned in my life have enabled me to be a better writer. I shared, "I went from being a victim of what life dealt out to a conqueror. I have found a treasure that I didn't know I had." And that truly was a great place to be.
During this time I wrote my one and only poem to this date, Bittersweet Visitation. I am hoping that there will be more wanting out in the future, but time will tell.
During this time I also started the Hub Luv Hubs. These hubs have been fun to create, and I am now working on #14. They are ever evolving and changing, but I hope they continue to be filled with well written hub selections and information that helps us all to be better hubbers. As long as I can accomplish this, I feel I will continue publishing them.
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2nd 30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge & 150 Hubs
Some people may call me crazy for attempting another 30 in 30 challenge, and I very well might be. But I attempted and succeeded in this challenge twice in 6 months time. I don't think I will be doing it again any time very soon, but you never know. I do hear it whispering to me again. I must be a glutton for punishment. I have always been competitive, and this is a way to do it, albeit I am competing with myself.
Sometime in mid November, I decided to do another 30 in 30 to get my writing back on track. It is so easy to get distracted. Looking ahead, I knew that it would get very easy to become distracted from HubPages between Christmas and Thanksgiving, so I decided to do a challenge during that time period and invited others to join in on the fun.
Prior to the beginning of the challenge, I also decided to complete 150 hubs by the end of the year. This second challenge would require more than one hub a day, but the 30 in 30 already had me primed and ready to go.
I did complete the 30 in 30 with a few days to spare. I completed this challenge on December 15th rather than the 24th. There were several times that I was very concerned that I would not finish this challenge. It was much more difficult than the first one because I was so much more concerned with quality. So now I found myself worried about quality and quantity. But I survived to create the hub, 2nd 30 Hubs in 30 Days Hub Challenge ~ Perseverance.
Next 50 Hubs ~ 150 Hubs Total
I completed the second part of my personal challenge - 150 hubs - on December 18th!
Let's look at a couple other significant events that happened during this time period.
On October 18th, davenmidtown and I teamed up (I must admit here, it was his idea!) to write a series of articles about making meals for under $1.00 per serving. The very first hub I wrote for this series was Meals Under $1: Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It was just a lowly grilled cheese sandwich, albeit, I do tend to add other ingredients to my grilled cheese sandwich. I felt like it was the lowliest of my hubs.
IT WENT VIRAL!
But an amazing thing happened to that lowly hub. Another hubber submitted it to reddit. I had heard lots of bad things about reddit, and I had been avoiding it. But on November 15th and November 16th, this lowly Grilled Cheese Sandwich hub went viral on reddit and received almost 2200 views. We are talking about a grilled cheese sandwich here. Obviously if an article about a grilled cheese sandwich can go viral, anything can! (There is hope for all of us!) That was such a wonderful and fun experience as I watched it unfold.
On November 2, I published, Hubba Bubba - Just Hubbin' Along to #100, and on that very same day, my 50th hub, Hubba Bubba- Hub #50, was published as being one of the hottest hubs of the day.
On November 4th, my hub, Cats and Water - Some Like It! Some Don't!, was chosen as hub of the day. Unfortunately the video that was a key component to this hub was modified to depict a URL which is against HubPages policy.
As you can tell, it has been a very eventful journey.
Request of a product review!
After writing the hub, Perimenopause, Hot Flashes and Night Sweats; At Least I Hope It’s Sweat!, which documented my first intense encounter with the dreaded night sweats, I was contacted by Dry Babe to try out their product and write a product review. I was more than happy to do so! After all, it meant a free night gown! I'm no dummy!
After wearing the gown for almost 2 weeks, I was frustrated to say the least. I was not sweating! Now I ask you - How could I write a review on their product if I did not sweat? I would think that would be impossible, or would it? Read the review for yourself, Dry Babe® Sleepwear ~ An Innovative Night Sweat Treatment, and see how I accidentally discovered and solved my problem.
6 Months
Since December 18th, I have slowed down as promised. I have only published 20 more hubs in those 6 weeks. I have been working more on cleaning up things and promoting the hubs I have written - part of the Hub Scrub Project. If you haven't looked at the Hub Scrub Project, you must hurry on over. Millionaire Tips has a wonderful idea that she put into words. Me, I just had plans of doing it. She put it into words.
This 20 hubs brings me to a total of 170 as of February 2nd. This hub takes me to 171. Not bad for 6 months worth of hard work!
Statistics
Below are some statistics that might interest you. Even if they don't, I have them here for me in the future when I need a little help to keep going, because it has been amazing up until now. It cannot keep going like this, although .... that would be nice.
The six month totals listed in the column below are as of February 1st, although February 6th is my 6 month's anniversary. I needed some time to write and compile everything.
Milestone
| 50 Hubs
| 100 Hubs
| 6 months (170 hubs)
|
|---|---|---|---|
Hubber Score
| 92
| 92
| 88
|
Followers
| 77
| 239
| 469
|
Hub Views
| 3504
| 10,600
| 35,308
|
Comments
| 420
| 1794
| 4,421
|
Useful
| 69
| 294
| 713
|
Funny
| 11
| 62
| 168
|
Awesome
| 39
| 190
| 503
|
Beautiful
| 23
| 98
| 291
|
Interesting
| 92
| 294
| 697
|
Looking at the Stats
- Hubber Score - my hubber score has dropped significantly (it vacillates between 88-94 making wide swings) but I believe that I have addressed the issues and how to solve the problem - more linking (hub karma), more hub hopping, etc.
- Followers - From 50 hubs to 100 hubs, my followers more than tripled. Between 100 hubs to 6 months time (171 hubs with this one), they only doubled. Reasons this percentage may have dropped: I have decided that just because someone is following me, I do not have to follow them back. I will consider following them if they leave a comment on one of my hubs.There is only so much time in the day. My Google traffic is continuing to grow, and that is more important for income. I do not want to diminish the value of HubPage traffic, especially to someone new to Hubpages. It is a lifesaver. In fact, Website Examiner has started a thread in the forums to address this very issue.
- Hub views - Between 50 hubs to 100 hubs, and 100 hubs to 6 months, the numbers have come close to tripling. I only hope the numbers continue in that direction as I write less and promote more. If not, I will change my strategy.
- The rest of the numbers are what they are and I feel that I have very little control over them. I must admit that I would like to be more funny. But I am what I am! (Sounds like Popeye!) I thank all of you for taking the time to vote on what you did, funny or otherwise.
What Did I Learn During This Time Period? A WHOLE LOT!
I learned several things during this time period that would benefit many people to know in advance. Fortunately I did not personally experience all of these for myself.
- Following too many people too quickly - Fortunately, I did not fall into this trap, but do know some that have. It will cause your hubber score to drop and it is very hard to recover from.
- Spamming in forums - This sounds bad, I know. But I believe that I have been guilty of this. While doing the last 30 in 30 challenge that I was involved in, I responded to every hubber's entry that joined me in the challenge. But, and this is a very big but, I responded with very short comments in the hub challenge forum, like, "Great Hub!" or "Way to go!" or "Keep up the good work!" During this time, my hub score continued to drop from 96 to 86. It was disheartening. As I browsed the forums and asked questions, I found that this could have been viewed as spamming by the HubPages algorithm. So the harder I tried, the further I fell.
- Promotional URL's in comments is a big no-no. Do not put a link to one of your hubs or websites just to create backlinks for yourself or to pull someone to your site. It is caddy, and it is against the rules. Again, fortunately I did not fall into this category, but there are people on HubPages who have a hubber score of "1" because of this. Do not do this!
- I have watched my hubber score continue to drop, although I know my writing has improved. I also know that I am getting more organic views from Google. So I continue to think about what I might be doing differently. I can think of two things that I will try to do that I was doing when I first started on HubPages. The first is, link to more hubs to raise my hub karma. I had gotten away from this because it is a pain when someone leaves HubPages and you are left with a bunch of broken links. But I intend to go back and do more of this to see if it helps. (I'm trying not to worry about it too much though!) The second thing, I need to do more hub hopping. I did a lot more of that when I started, and I know many of the people whose scores are higher, hub hop.
- One of the major things I learned is that there are only so many hours in the day, and as much as I hate to admit it, I have to sleep sometime.
Traffic Sources:
- The percentage of Google to HubPages views is growing. Organic traffic generated through Google is growing.
- Google.com plus all other Googles worldwide continues to increase.
- After the viral burst of the Grilled Cheese sandwich, reddit traffic is minimal but consistent.
- FaceBook continues to grow as I use it to promote my hubs.
- Although I only started using Pinterest 1-1/2 weeks ago, I have been able to use it to amass 127 views.
- Using facebook for approximately 2 weeks has garnered me 48 views
- Digg over approximately 2 weeks has yielded 44 views
It is interesting to see where some of the views are coming from.
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Learning to Promote My Work
I have learned so much in the last 6 months. Oh my goodness! On top of figuring out how to write, and how to use HubPages, I had so much more to learn about all this stuff called social networking. And I still have so much more to learn and do.
- HubPages - getting followers and following is an art in and of itself. As I stated earlier, it is not wise to follow too many people too quickly. It can adversely affect your hubber score. HubPages is a great social network. Your profile page is very important on HubPages. It is often the first real impression that someone has of you.
- FaceBook - I have started re-introducing myself to FaceBook after a 1-1/2 year hiatus. I am learning how to use it to create backlinks. I absolutely love the new cover that I have created to use on my facebook page.
- Google + - If you are trying to rate high on Google, this is a very important place to start your promotion campaign. I began using Google + approximately 6-8 weeks ago but it has taken me to now to figure most of it out. I do not believe that any of the earlier posting I did went to anyone but myself. LOL
- Reddit - reddit is not known to be one of the most friendly environments. Care must be taken when entering and posting. I use reddit sparing, and started doing so approximately 6-8 weeks ago.
- Digg - I started using Digg about 1-1/2 weeks ago. Time will tell whether this will prove to be a good source of traffic.
- Pinterest - I was introduced to pinterest last week and I have really liked it. Entering URL's is easy and setting them up in a format that is easy to navigate was fairly straight forward.
- Twitter - I started using twitter yesterday so I can't express an opinion one way or the other on its usefulness. I know many people who feel it is very useful and generates lots of traffic for them. But I believe for Twitter to work, I need to develop a following.
- Other sites - I have other sites that I will be checking out. Because of the learning curve required for all this new stuff, I have less time to write. But I felt that once I had 150 hubs (my goal for the end of the year), I would have enough product to market. So I really did not do much marketing before that. Now I have a checklist that I am working through with each new hub, and also gradually working through with all my older hubs.
In order for any of these social networks to work and be beneficial for backlinks and generating traffic, work and effort must be done to generate a following to make social networking work for you.
As time goes on, I will able to see the results and judge where my efforts are making the most difference. I think different people will have different results on different social networks. Some of the difference will be dictated by the social network already established (followers), and just plain luck. I believe there a factor of luck in almost everything.
Last but not least ...
On New Year's Eve I received an email from Millionaire Tips congratulating me for being new hubber of the year. At first I didn't have any idea what she was talking about and thought she might have had a bit too much champagne. But then it dawned on me ... I think I sent her a one word emai: "What????????"
You see, I had submitted my votes for the new hubber of the year, and there were some really fantastic writers that I had come across that had started at HubPages within the last year. Any one of them was worthy of the honor; but then I forgot about it. I knew it wasn't going to be me. But when I received that email, my heart began to race and I hunted down the forum post I had submitted my votes to which lead me to the hub that announced the winners. As I scrolled down the page, my heart raced even faster, but then there it was .... 1. homesteadbound. That's me!! Immediately my feet no longer touched the floor. I could not believe it. There were many writers better than me who deserved the honor. I still get short of breath writing about it a month after the fact. Once again, Thanks to all who voted for me! This honor meant more to me than you can ever imagine. And as many people say, I am doing the happy dance.
So what now? What does the future hold? I don't know. But I bet it is going to be fun!
Thanks for reading!
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2012 Cindy Murdoch (homesteadbound)
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Comments: Hubba Bubba – Homesteadbound’s First Six Months on HubPages"Loading...
Thanks for this detailed description of your ride on HubPages. I especially like all the statistical information and tables. Voting this Up and Awesome.
You have accomplished quite a feat. I enjoyed reading your reflections, this is very inspiring.
Cheers
Great roundup review of your first six months and many congratulations on all your achievements and milestones. My prayer and wish for you is to exceed your first six months one hundredfold in 2012:)
Yippeee- looks like I get the the first or one of the first to congratulate you on your 6 months milestone! I LOVE your hubs - they are always so fun to read. I haven't been able to work myself up the 30 in 30 challenge.... maybe someday:)
Looking forward to your next 6 months of hubs!
I am proud to leave the first comment on this Hub! It is fitting. I am on the other end of the hubber spectrum from you. My most viewed hub so far was "Please, Don't Call Me a Hubber". It isn't there anymore out of respect for those who can't separate fantasy for reality (long story). What I like is the multi-media interactive magazine format (Mimf).
The international community is a big plus with the positive interaction between folks in different countries and cultures. The educational aspect is invaluable. Until now, I have avoided the net, and have come up to speed rather quickly thanks to those who share. I am not trying to be a great hubber, I am trying to further my career, and this has been an excellent place to start. I am learning how to set up my web presence. As time goes on, I will have less time for "hubbing", but the hubs will still be here, and so will I. I have always enjoyed reading articles and essays. Here, you can even interact with the author. Hey! Its free.
On a personal note. No one can make a grilled cheese sandwich like a Texan. I haven't read enough of your hubs, but you are everywhere with your comments and posts. You remind me of the sweet ladies in Texas from my boyhood. Your writing is smooth and fun to read. I will make sure to get my fill in the future.
mljdgulley354 - I wish everyone including yourself all the success in the world on hubpages. I believe with alot of diligent effort that many people will find success here. I still have a long way to go, but I am working on it.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
alocsin - I'm glad you liked having the charts. I debated for several days about whether to include them or not. But I feel that information is power and the more I am able to share, the more I can help others - through my successes as well as my failures. And I have had plenty of both.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Vinaya Ghimire - Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing in this accomplishment. I see by looking at your profile that you are not far behind me and will soon be celebrating your 6 months anniversary as well. Good luck to you!
You have accomplished a lot in just six months. And I want to thank you for the tips and advise on how to promote your work.
Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful information, congratulations on all of your success in your time here at HP.
Your work is great and I have enjoyed a lot of your hubs so thank you for that and a final big congratulations on being named New hubber of the year; Impressive, hope 2012 is even more successful.
DonnaCosmato - You are so sweet! Thanks so much. I accept your blessing and claim it as my own - 100 fold it is! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this anniversary with me!
Kris Heeter - I am pleased to hear that you enjoy reading my hubs. I enjoy writing them as well. Being a teacher at heart (not by profession), I always enjoy sharing information. I look forward to the next 6 months of hubs as well, although not another 170. I am scrubbing and promoting more. I imagine I will do another 30/30, but I want to catch my breath for a while. Thanks so much!
I really admire you! You have accomplished so much in such a short time. I've certainly learned a lot, mostly by trial and error! One of my pet peeves here on HP are the Hubbers who have high author score, but don't attribute their photos, and I go to great lenths to do mine! Oh well, sour grapes on my part, maybe. Goodnight.
You have really been busy and your effort is inspiring. Voted up and interesting.
Cindy, congratulations on your first six months, and all of the achievements that you mentioned. You are doing a fantastic job here and I am glad that I came across your hubs early in my hubbing career. I haven't reached the heights you have, but I am happy to follow you advice and steps and take advantage of the drag. (is that what it is called - in a race when you follow someone?)
Thanks for mentioning me and my hub too!
Homestead - You are so impressive:) You have managed to write a lot in a short time! Wow! I love this hub and you made it so interesting for us! I think this is great information as well as entertaining. I am not surprised a hub about a grilled cheese sandwich went viral at all - what a smart idea!
I am so glad to watch how you work...you are someone to learn from! Thank you so much. I am amazed at your progress and you are certainly someone to be admired. I think it is really cool.
Hello, WD!
As you can now see, there were a few who beat you to the punch and there are several more behind you that will have to wait until much later. This is the last I am going to be able to answer until after the Super Bowl is finished. Going next door for a party - not that interested in the game though!
I wish that I had read your hub, "Please, Don't Call Me a Hubber" and it sounds like I missed a bit in the comments as well. Darn!
Within hubpages, I too thoroughly enjoy interacting with people from different parts of the world. The first time someone from India read and commented on one of my Alzheimer hubs, I realized that my writing could actually impact someone on the other side of the world. That was heady and humbling all at the same time.
I have started pursuing a couple venues outside of hubpages as well, and it does mean having to divide up time segments differently. But now I feel I have an adequate base to do so. I wanted to have enough hubs out there to feel like there was something to market.
Thanks about Texans and Grilled cheese sandwiches. Mind you, I am not complaining, but I have had so many other hubs that I would have thought to have gone viral before my grilled cheese one. I guess it truly goes to show that with the internet and all the people you are able to interact with, anything is possible.
I am pleased that you find my reading to be enjoyable. It is getting easier. I used to struggle with getting enough words, but now it is becoming much easier. I am sure this comment can very well attest to that fact. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I have so enjoyed them!
Hi Cindy, I am so proud of you and I am definitely going to try pinterest. Looking forward to the next six months? I hope so!
flashmakeit - Thanks for the congrats! I only shared what I know. I am getting ready to write a hub about Twitter (I think) and some tips I have about it. Thanks so much for stoppping by!
dipless - I am pleased to hear that you have enjoyed the hubs you have read. I know that I have enjoyed writing them. I look forward to 2012 being good as well. Good luck to you also. thanks so much!
You have acomplished a great deal in your first 6 months. A lot of hard work has gone into your hubs and you have helped so many others along the way.
You certainly have achieved something to be proud of
P.S Voting 'FUNNY'just to help that score along haha
When I came here over two years ago I was nominated (but didn't win) a hubnugget too and I know just how that feels and I cannot even venture a guess at how many 30 in 30 I did but I would think a year maybe or there abouts. It was great all of a sudden having a voice so I can go along with all you say. I at one point probably had about 500 hubs, could it be more? I would have to ask the bosses, lol. I didn't write with ads unless they were required, I just loved being here and realizing I could write. I just want to say though you are really real and deserve all you have been granted. You are one of the ones I do think highly of and wish all the best.
mary615 - Hello! So glad to see you here and share this special time with you. Oh how I have learned by trial and error - so much error. But at least we both continue trying, right? So many people do not try for fear of failure. People are often amazed at all that I have been able to accomplish in my life, but I feel it is mostly because I have tried. I think that we can do so much more than we believe, if we only try.
Attributing photos- that one bit me big time, but unless you read the right hubs, it is hard to know hat to do. I have done some inquiries, and although it is sad, many people will never receive a hub of the day for this very reason. They could have the best written hub but can never be chosen for hub of the day if their photos are not attributed correctly. This is sad. Thanks so much for stopping by!
WD - you came back! Thank you so much. It takes me a while to get through all the comments. They are being made quicker than I can respond to them. Thanks so much for letting me know you are there!
Millionaire Tips - Oh my gosh! If only I had accomplished as much as you have after 3 months! You are amazing. You have written so many quality hubs! I am glad that I am following you and have the privilege of reading your hubs. I wish I had more time to make it to all of your hubs and so many others that have been so faithful in following me. That is one of the regrets of having so many people to interact with. I wish I had more time to spend with everyone. It truly is a regret. I think that I occasionally get behind you and follow along in your drag as well. I have enjoyed the journey with you. May we jopurney together for a very long time.
Thanks so much for so much!
I'm pretty sure the first hub of yours that I saw was the boxing painting one when it was hub of the day. In all the time that I have followed you I have truly sat back and watched you in awe, and exhaustion! I am always wondering, "how on earth does Cindy keep this up?" Your drive and talents are readily apparent! I enjoyed reading your 6 month journey at HubPages. You've reached some fantastic milestones!
RealHousewife - Wow! I wish I lived up to all the things you said. You are so sweet and kind. I don't know what to say. I am who I am and I can't be anyone else. I have worked so hard to get here, and it feels like so much longer than 6 months. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Congratulations on your Half-Anniversary!
Hi Homesteadbound it's been nice knowing you here on HP via the forums and hubs and I'll never forget that you were the 100th Follower I had :)
Cheers to another 6 months with increased traffic and better results. I'm beginning to see a rise in traffic myself and I'm really looking forward to it
Very impressive! I joined Hubpages about a week after you and that's about where the comparison stops. You've published 130 more hubs than me and I'm hoping to see 10,000 page views maybe by next week if I'm lucky. What an inspiration you are to the rest of us. Thanks, and happy hubiversary!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I bet you will enjoy pinterest. It is a great place just to organize stuff into groups and see how hubs go together and where things are kind of slim and you may want to add more.
Yes there will be another 6 and many many more after that I am hoping!
You have achieved so much in a short time;I now look forward to the next six months in which you will publish many more of your amazing hubs.
Up up and away my friend.
Eddy.
homesteadbound - Cindy, you have done an amazing job. You are a clear example of persistence and drive. How you have managed to accumulate that many hubs in 5 months escapes me. Not only are they interesting they are truly diverse and informative. If I had to pick a fav it would be the story of the blind woman that quilts and your decorating series.
I have enjoyed following you and I look forward to continuing our online writing relationship for years to come. I started HP one full month after you and I was lucky to find you early on. I want to especially thank you for the Hub Luv series because it has introduced me to several fabulous writers. I also want to thank you for featuring me as many times as you did. I'm nothing less than honored. You are right - we are nothing without our followers.
I'm glad to share the various social networks with you and I can't wait to see how your portfolio of hubs continues to evolve.
Cheers! My sincerest best wishes on all your endeavors here and beyond. Marisa/MissOlive
Rosemay50 - I has been an honor to share the journey with you. I am so glad you decided to stick around here at the hub with us. Thanks for the funny vote... I so would like to be able to write more funny hubs. And thanks so much for stopping by!.
Pollyannalana - That was so sweet for you to have said. Wow! 500 in two years! Now that is working it! I keep thinking I am going to run out of things to say, but the ideas just keep coming. I really do appreciate your kind words. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Good for you! I have been following you since the beginning, and I am glad to hear that the goal you set out to accomplish is coming to fruition. One of your latest (at this time) about the Blue Holes is ample demonstration of why you are finding success here, IMHO. Thanks for the inspiration!
Congratulations! Your hard working is really paying off and I can see by this hub you really have been putting in the time at the computer! Good for you!
ktrapp - Sometimes I watch in exhaustion as well, but since I still have not found a job, I have twice the reason to work so hard on this. One is I have the time and two is I need the money to start coming in. I did just receive my first payout in January so that was nice. And I am on track to receive another in March! Yeah. I am happy to be sharing this journey with you and look forward to reading many more of your wonderful and informative hubs! Thanks so much for stopping by!.
FloraBreenRobison - Thanks for the congrats and thanks so much for stopping by to comment!
The internet is weird. I left that comment as soon as the hub hit. No matter.
This site is not what I expected. I just wanted to write, not socialize. Now I think it is one of the best places to start. I hear what you are saying about marketing your stuff. I am learning skills, too. At my age, it is nice to feel new.
I didn't realize you were looking for work. Once I started working part time in October my work here slowed down, but the paycheck is needed :) It seems like we are on the same HubPages earning path/pace here. Best wishes for you next 6 months.
lobobrandon - Yes, I have enjoyed meeting you in the forums and through your hubs as well.
Cheers to you as well, and may we both see our traffic increase dramatically as well. Thanks so much!
DeborahNeyens - We are on different paths is all. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your hubs. We are all able to work at our own pace and that is one of the things I like about hubpages. It has been such a wonderful and supportive place to grow and learn. Thanks so much for dropping by, and sharing your thoughts. Just be yourself!
Congratulations Cindy on 6 months with hubpages, you have achieved so much in such a short time, you are an inspiration to us all!
Best wishes, Lesley
Eddy - Thanks so much. I am looking forward to the next 6 months as well. Good to see you here.
Marisa/MissOlive - It's funny that you should think that. There are times when I think that I should have accomplished so much more. I feel that it takes me too long to create a hub, and that I should be faster. I would like to say that in the next 6 months I will have completed as many hubs, but now that I have begun promoting, I do not see that happening necessarily, although I will not rule it out.
I thoroughly enjoy your hubs and have learned so much from you. I too look forward to our online writing relationship for years to come. It is good to know that someone as skilled and knowledgeable as yourself enjoys my work. I am pleased that you have enjoyed the hub luv series, and as far as featuring you, well, I often want to feature something that you have created every time, but have to get a hold of myself and ... well give others some of the spotlight!
Here's to the next 6 months for both us and so many more after that. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. They are much appreciated. Best wishes to you as well.
MosLadder - Thanks so much for your sentiments. It is nice to know that you have been following me all along. It is so good to have faithful followers and friends. I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the blue holes hub. I have some others along that same line planned, but there is only so much time in the day. That is my one wish - more time! Thank you so much for stopping by. It is always good to see you.ration!
Danette Watt - yes, I have been sitting at this computer and pounding away on the keys. I want so much to make this work and I know that is what it is going to take. This is one of those things that I have felt that I just needed to take the bull by the horns.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
WD Curry- Yes, sometimes it is hard to predict what the internet will do. Although your comment was not the first, I do so appreciate it. When I ran across hubpages, I really did not know what to expect. I shared in one of my earlier hubs how I had decided that if it were a scam the only thing that it was going to cost me was my time.
A couple months back I was complaining to my husband about how it seemed to take more time and effort to learn things than it used to. He told me that that was what happens when you get older, it does take more time and effort. But there is too much to learn for that to be true, so I just keep at it until it gets done. But I do so love to learn new things, especially if it involves a computer. I love my computer. Thanks so much for stopping back by. I always enjoy hearing from you.
ktrapp - Yes I have been looking. Although we do have our own business, the economy has not been kind to it. Therefore I have been looking, but because of health issues I am somewhat limited on what I am able to do.
In fact, I found HubPages in the ads when looking for a job. And as they say, the rest is history. But yes, if the right thing came along, I would jump on it. Thanks so much for stopping back by!
Movie Master - Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this special time with me.
Hi Cindy, it's been a very busy six months for you hasn't it? I remember the day you started your first 30/30 challenge - it was also my birthday! I have really enjoyed reading about your fabulous journey of success so far. You continue to motivate and inspire me. I appreciate your sharing the techniques you use to promote your work, this hub is an incredibly valuable resource to us all! To your success!
Cloverleaf - I think it has been a very busy 6 months for both of us. I spent a good deal of this time period chasing you, and then your work went crazy! I look forward to continuing this journey with you. It was during that 30/30 that we became acquainted and I have valued our friendship. To your success also, Cloverleaf!
Hello homesteadbound,
What an achievement in a span of 6 months...wow!
Congratulations!
I like how you monitored your progress and I am happy that you took the challenge of 30 hubs in 30 days...AWESOME!
I still have to challenge myself...phew!
wishing you best of luck in your future endeavors, my friend! Cheers!
Ruchira - It is always good to see your smiling face. Thank you so much. The 30/30 challenge is a whole 'nuther critter indeed. I feel that I will be doing another one, just not sure when. Maybe you can join me. I wish you the best of luck as well. Thanks so much for joining in my Anniversary celebration, even if it is only 6 months. I look forward to the next 6.
You really have had an incredible journey, it is inspiring for those still climbing that Hubpages ladder. I love my time on this site too, but unfortunately don't have as much time as I would like.
SHARING this to inspire a few others and congratulations on such an achievement.
Homesteabound..you haves shared here your experience in Hubpages the way you grown and the way you lost your hubbers ore and how you recovered, everything will surely give lessons to the visitor of this page..Great writing.. Thanks for SHARING:)
Brett Tesol - I am pleased that you find my little documentary to be inspiring. That was one of the reasons I published it was so that other people would if if I could do it then they could as well. Thanks so much!
Congratulations and cheers! What a run you've made at something you really wanted to do -- and achieved success. Not only do I enjoy your Hubs but greatly admire your "want to" and have gained so much insight from following you over these past months. Continued success, my dear -- it's well deserved! Best,Sis
I don't have much time on my hands because I work full time nights and am a single mom of a phenomenal adopted 5 y.o. I'm not very techy, and was very proud to have developed a website on my own. The host renewal came up and I figured out how to change hosts, but then had to learn a whole new program in order to rebuild my website. While doing this, I was introduced to HubPages. It took me two weeks to get my first hub published and now I have published four hubs.
I AM AMAZED at your voracity for writing so many hubs, making them so entertaining, and really having so much to say. I don't understand how your hubs can be listed with links without breaking the rules -- could you PLEASE WRITE A HUB on this???
I really enjoyed reading about your adventure to date! Oh, and Twitter is kind of fun. You're limited to 140 characters but can tweet about anything.
Congrats on your accomplishments, Thank you for a great hub. I found it to be very inspiring indeed.
Happy Tuesday!
Gail
homesteadbound...
I believe the term used on the street is, "Boom-snap." You have rocked the last six months and and I, for many, look forward to what you bring us the next six-months!
Thanks,
Thomas
Trsmd - That is one of the reasons for sharing as much as I did, to help someone else so maybe they do not have to make some of the same mistakes that I did. Good luck in your writing and thanks for stopping by!
Angela Blair - Howdy to you, Sis! Thanks so much for your wishes and for stopping by to share the good times. I appreciate it so much!
Cindy...
You have, quite literally, grabbed the last six-months...added gasoline...and set this shit on fire. You are awesome!
Thomas
BakingBread-101 - Congratulations on your hubs and welcome to HubPages.
As far as the links go, you can add as many hubpage hub links as you want, but it is best for them to be related to what you are writing about. They do not even have to be your own hubs. Other URL's can also be linked. There is a new linking tool that makes it even easier. To do this, all you have to do is highlight the text you want to link (I used the titles in this hub), then click on the little chain or link icon. This will bring up a box that will allow you to type in the hub URL you want to use, or select from a list of your hubs that you can just click on, or select one of the Amazon products, or even provides a listing of other hubs that are not necessarily your own. The only limits are that you cannot link to the same URL outside of hubpages more than twice because this would be considered to be overly promotional.
I hope this adequately answers your question.
I am glad you enjoyed reading about my 6 month journey on hubpages. Thanks so much for stopping by!
nice work, Cindy. congrats. For the record, you signed up on my birthday. You're welcome :-)
Gail - Thanks so much for stopping by and celebrating with me. -Cindy
Hello ThoughtSandwiches/Thomas - I feel like I could be responding to two people on this one. You left two different comments. But I get it. I really get it! Thanks my friend! Again, you made me smile. You can always make me smile.
I too am looking forward to the next six months.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Cindy,
Wow! I admire your dedication and passion.
Voted up and away.
PDXKaraokeGuy - I guess i can say I am glad you had a birthday so i could sign up on it. Thanks so much. I have a reason to celebrate your birthday.
I know this is a bit late, but congratulations on being hubber of the year for last year, I missed that!...
It's always interesting to see how people become successful at something and it's always the same answer - hard work and dedication.
It was comforting to read on how you are trying to promote your work, I signed up with google+ last year and still can't make head nor tail of it & I recently joined reddit and digg, I do enjoy digg, but reddit I find is not a friendly site at all. I felt like the only one who didn't know a thing about these sites.
Your attitude towards following is spot-on too, what is the point in following someone you can't support? Quality is better than quantity.
Another good hub, thank you homesteadbound.
This is a great hub, full of useful information. I have been impressed for a long time with your amazing output. Clearly you have been working at it really hard to achieve so much in such a short time. Congratulations on it all!
Wow - YOu have had some amazing milestones since you have joined HP... Now I wish I would have actually kept track of all of mine to see where I am. I know I did get a Hubnugget when I first joined... and not intentionally, I did complete the 30 in 30 days... 3 times in a row! But that was because of a series I was doing. Great hub and great tips!
Professionally done! Wow...you have talent girl! Nice hub. Well placed and thought out!! Voted up and useful. : )
Sueswan - thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this milestone with me.
debbie roberts - Hi Debbie! Thanks for the congrats on NEW hubber of the year. I was announced around midnight on New years eve. If I hadn't received an email, I would have missed it to. I had forgotten all about the contest. What a huge surprise that was!
I think this social networking stuff and promotion is one of the harder things to figure out and not necessarily the most fun, but I believe it to be necessary. I don't know how many things I posted on Google + that no one but me received - all but a few. Oh well, just another thing to add to my list.
Thanks so much for your continuing support. Still waiting for the Christmas Decoration hub!!
I knew I shouldn't have checked my emails as I pottered off to bed!! I don't have the will power not to reply!!.....
Wow!I'm impressed that you remembered the Christmas decoration hub, I've not forgotten, it was after Christmas when we took it apart, so I thought it made more sense to wait until later in the year to do it and I'll make sure I link it to yours.
I also find that on Google+ and end up going around in circles too, I've no idea how to get 'friends' either!! I enjoy HubPages much more, but as you say it has to be done if we wish to do some sort of promoting.
Anyway if I don't move now I'll end up staying on HubPages for too long.....So goodnight and keep up the good work....
Melovy - I am pleased that you found this hub to be useful. I do like to help others. Thanks for the congrats and for stopping by!
Maybe we'll take on another 30/30 sometime?
barbergirl28 - Congratulations on the hubnugget! How fun.
30 in 30 3 times in a row - I am impressed! Oh my! That is dedication and determination - series or no series. I know. I would not want to be under that kind of pressure for that long. You have my admiration!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
girltalksshop - Thanks so much for you wonderfully kind words. I appreciate it so much!
debbie roberts - Yes I did remember about Christmas decoration. Letting it simmer on google for a while being published is a good idea. My hub continues to get google hits even now so late after Christmas.
Cloverleaf - I do hear that challenge whispering my name, but I am trying to ignore it. LOL
Wow, has it been 6 months already! Your hard work and efforts have shown through your writing! Your statistics are phenomenal and I love your honesty here! Homesteadbound, I have watched you "grow" since you first began your journey on HubPages and I believe you just may be the next HubPages Success Story! Keep up the great work and never stop! You are one in a million!
JSMatthew~
HSB, you are an inspiration. I love that you have shared your experience because it gives me hope - just as you intended. I, too, have learned so much. I wish you continued success and look forward to reading more. I see all you do and appreciate every bit of it!! :-) Voted across and shared!!
J.S.Matthew - Yes it has been six months. it has gone both fast and slow for me. There has been so much to learn and so little time. I have slowed down for a few weeks, but anticipate picking up the pace again very soon. I will gladly claim what you have stated...It would be great to be a HubPages Success Story!Thanks so much fro stopping by and sharing your sentiments. They have warmed my heart.
Hi Cindy,
You are proof that hard work and persistence pays. I have enjoyed reading many of your hubs and will continue to do so long into the future. This hub of yours is encouragement for new writers as well as those of us who have been around for a while. Voted up and useful and SHARED with my followers.
You take your breaks as you need them homesteadbound! I know when you get started you won't quit until you're finished! Take a breath then jump back in! Always pace yourself. I do hope to hear that you are the next Hubpages Success story as I think you could fit those shoes comfortably! I know you have it in you. Here's to the future...
JSMatthew~
You know when I met you I thought you were going to be trouble... in the good sense of the word. I said to myself... here is the ONE that will break the mold... and truly Cindy... you have. I am very proud of what you have accomplished and I am happy for all of your successes... may you continue that trend up until 93 years of age... but knowing you... 103.
This hub can serve as a splendid guide for new hubbers because it lays bare some of the elements of being successful at hubbing and blogging in general. Here's a toast to a stunning 'first 6 months' and wishing that you are indeed featured on the HubPages Success Story page.
Princesswithapen
dear its really a wonderful journey of writing and a light for the other hubbers.May God bless u Amen. and thanks for sharing your success story on hub pages.
Homesteadbound, I was breathless just reading of your achievements during your first 6 months!!! How you fitted all that into such a short period of time I cannot even begin to fathom, but you did and you deserve every little bit of your success. You are a MEGGA Hubba Bubba!!! I can't even imagine keeping up that pace but at the same time you are very inspiring and I will take on board the important lessons you speak of here. You always take time to comment on your own and hubs of others and you have my full respect. Next six months? - Just shoot for the stars HSB!!
Well done an immense effort to put in. I think you will find that as your hubs mature you will see a marked increase in traffic- I have found that some of my earliest hubs did not "take off" till 18 months plus. A word of caution- although I appreciate and admire your honesty in saying which of your hubs has attained over 500 views- you are in reality putting a sign on them to spammers and copiers- saying "take me i'm yours". I am afraid that I would significantly edit that part or our next meeting may be at a forum post- how to send a DCMA. Sorry to be negative on what is a rather wonderful achievement and will only grow and grow. Well done!
Wonderful job Cindy. Great hub!
sholland10 - Thank you for your kind words. I am honored to find myself surrounded by so many talented writers that I am able to learn so much from, and you too are one of them. Thanks so much for everything!
I hope I become as successful as you, homesteadbound. This hub is very inspiring.
Awesome, awesome hub! You're an inspiration to me!! I work full time as a teacher, but I'm tinkering my fingers as much as I can do comment, write and be a good little Hubber. ;) Voted up and SHARING - this is a great hub for ALL to see! PS - I haven't downloaded M.Samurai, yet, but I have your link saved. I'm waiting until I have some time and a bit more dollars. I really want that to work, so I want to make sure I give it some time to invest in. :)
Congratulations on a phenomenal first six months! You hit Hub Pages like a brilliant comet shooting across the sky and haven't stopped glowing since then. I've been blessed to be one of your early followers and look forward to reading more of your quality hubs in the future. Voted up across the board and thank you for sharing your insights about your hubbing experience and tips you've learned along the way.
Peggy W - Thanks so much for your kind words and for sharing this special anniversary with me. I cannot imagine there will ever be another 6 months like this one. Thanks so much for stopping by, for sharing and for the votes. I appreciate it so much!
J.S. - Thanks, I was feeling a little weary. But I am beginning to feel ready for the next push forward. I am looking for the shoe fitting room as we speak! LOL
Here's to the future for both of us. Glad to see you have recovered from your fall! Thanks! -Cindy
Congrats on 6 months on Hubpages! You have achieved so much in such a short period of time. By the way, you might want to try answering questions and see if that helps your Hub Score. No one is exactly sure how that Hub Score is calculated, but it seems to help mine.
Fun hub and voted up!
Hey, Davenmidtown! Trouble might be my middle name. You have a way of making me smile with your comments. I always look forward to them. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! 103, huh!?!
Princesswithapen - Thanks so much for your wishes. I wish you the same! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing the celebration.
asmaiftikhar - I am glad that you enjoyed the journey. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
Fennelseed - I loved reading your comment. It meant very much to me. As soon as I finished this comment I am going to have to hope over to your profile and see what you have been up to. Sometimes I get so busy I don't make it by to see everyone. Great to see you. Thanks for stopping by and sharing such kind words. Let's shoot for the stars together.
CASE1WORKER- I hope that I do see that increase in traffic that you speak of. I have gradually seen increase in google traffic and I am loving that.
I truly appreciate your word of caution and immediately removed the capsules containing that information. Thank you so much, I really had not thought about that. You were not being negative - I thought it was most helpful. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom!
Sunnie Day - Thanks so much for stopping by!
Word Pools - Thanks for the compliment, but I hope that we both find much more success - there is so much more to be had. Thanks for stopping by!
cclitgirl - Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. There is no rush on the M. Samurai, do it when it is best for you. It is best to take it out for a test drive. Thanks again.
Happyboomernurse - I always so love your well thought out comments. Your sweetness shines through and warms my heart and makes me smile every single time. Thanks for the votes and for all your wonderful words.
Jeanieinabottle - thanks for the tip on answering questions. I have answered a couple today, we will see if that helps. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing the celebration of 6 months on HubPages!
Hubba Bubba for the cheese sandwich hub!! Very cool--you have done so much here on HP!
AudreyHowitt - Hubba Bubba for the whole six months! Thanks so much for stopping by and helping me celebrate my birthday!
Congratulations for a great deal of accomplishments here in HubPages just for the last 6 months. Cheers to more hubs and more milestones in your hubbing career.
Chin chin - thanks so much for your well wishes. I appreciate them.
mljdgulley354 Level 7 Commenter 3 months ago
You have a lot to be proud of. You have worked hard and shared a lot of good information and encouragement to the rest of us hubbers. Thank you for sharing.