It occurred to me as I was nosing around and checking out other bloggers stats (hee!) that Media Strut is now 6 months old. Almost a year ago, Necole of NecoleBitchie told me that a year mark is the true test of a blog. Most people quit after 3-6 months. This explains why 99% of blogs I click on have a post that says “Sorry I haven’t blogged in a while…”

Anyway, Necole told me that a year is about the time that a couple things become clear:

1. Whether you will continue to produce high quality content.

2. Whether you actually are serious about blogging (and you certainly don’t have to be).

Given how successful Necole managed to make her blog within a year and half or two, I appreciated her passing that little gem along to me. It’s quite possible without her telling me that I would have quit by now.

A blog has growing pains–provided you care whether or not it’s successful.  You have to find your individual voice. You have to find purpose and direction. But most of all, you have to find some damn readers. I mean unless your intention isn’t to speak to anyone in particular, but just to insert your voice into the stratosphere.

Well my goal wasn’t to yell into an empty hallway. And due to the fact that I am a confirmed quitter, I’m happy that Media Strut has a steady readership of about 5K unique visitors per month. Most of you return more than once during the month. I like to think we are growing together, and I’m excited to see where this blog will be once it hits the year mark in August.

My readers are never too shy to tweet, formspring, or email me with suggestions, criticism etc. . Readers suggested that I make a dedicated space on the blog for writers which I’ve done but am still ironing out. I was also asked to build somewhat of a blogger community here, which I also plan to do. This blog has become a group effort, and it’s actually kind of fun.

This brings me to my next point about technology.

I hate technology and despite my prolific tweeting, blogging and BBMing, if I had to totally reverse my life back to 2000 before I had access to internet (yes I didn’t get internet until I was 18 and in college) I think I’d be just fine.

But since I’m on this lovely world wide web and trying to make something out of myself, I figured I’d better learn to use technology to streamline my efforts. This week I did two MAJOR THINGS.

I set up google reader which has been a life saver. I can’t tell you how much time I was spending trying to remember where I’d seen things or what blogs and sites I genuinely enjoy reading. One of the things I like LEAST about blogging is pulling links. Google reader has increased my efficiency on both accounts.

It also allows me to discover and keep up with more of you as well. I know lots of my readers have blogs. I mean, who doesn’t these days right?

Finally, I set up one Gmail account that allow me to email from several different email addresses and receive mail from several different addresses. I felt like a moron because I’m just learning that this was even possible. Can you believe I’ve been signing in and out of google accounts and signing in to email from Pow Web my host?

I also saved contacts in Gmail with full information — title, email, phone numbers, notes about our interactions and why they’re important to have in my address book. In just a few days, I’ve already found some peace not having to worry about pouring through the mountain of email I receive looking for old correspondence or email addresses of people I need to contact.

Hopefully, I will begin more quickly responding to those of you who email me.

When you have ADD these sorts of things make a big difference. I’ve resolved myself to continue to learn how to use the technology that is at my hands and to be a little less ignorant about the resources available to me in the future.

Oh and one last thought on google reader…I randomly saw a blog post from someone who had written up a list of their favorite sites that they’ve added to google reader and why those sites are worth a look. I plan to do a similar post (with my own spin, of course) next week both here and on my football blog.

If you have any thoughts on Media Strut or any technological tips you want to share with me or each other, I consider this an open thread. It’s yours.