Happy New Year Everyone,
It’s that time of year again. WordPress provides an annual report for all the blogs. Below you will see mine. It is amazing to me. Last year I got about 75,000 hits, but this year the numbers increased to around 260,000. People in 169 countries have visited the blog. Isn’t that incredible. I don’t know the total number of countries in the world, but I think it is around 195.
When I started the blog, I had no idea that it would grow like it has. I am so thankful for the blog followers. I believe the blog has grown thanks to the followers spreading the word. You folks are the best! I want to send a special thanks to Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker. Her blog, The Art of Karen Bonaker, referred many folks to my blog. As a matter of fact, of all the referrers, she ranks in second place. Thank you so much Karen.
Take a look at the report. The map is a little hard to read; the countries that are darkest blue generated the most hits. Lighter blue indicates fewer. There has been only one visitor for 10 or so countries and another 10 have two hits. Those will be almost white. Regardless of the color, the blog has had visitors from 169 countries. I know I said that in the first paragraph. Guess what? I’m going to say it again. Folks in 169 countries visited Skip Allen Paints. I’m sorry, but that just blows my mind.
Thanks everyone for making my 2012 a fabulous year. And thanks WordPress for preparing the year-end report.
Happy New Year,
Skip
“Hold on mister! Are you going to mention me and tell everyone that I wish them a Happy New Year, too.? I didn’t get a chance to wish anyone a Merry Christmas, nor did I get any presents from you. I think that is just tacky!”
Those who are new to the blog may not have met Kevin, the resident “good” computer virus. According to Kevin, a good virus is sort of like the good witch in the Wizard of Oz. I’m not so sure.
“Hello Kevin, I was wondering when you were going to show up. I don’t have much time today, so get it out of your system. Wish everyone a Happy New Year.”
With a snort, he said, “No need now…you blurted it out already!” And with that he turned and vanished.
I think I really hurt his feelings this time. I’ll make up later.
Enjoy,
Skip
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
About 55,000 tourists visit Liechtenstein every year. This blog was viewed about 260,000 times in 2012. If it were Liechtenstein, it would take about 5 years for that many people to see it. Your blog had more visits than a small country in Europe!
Skip Allen Paints 
Skip, it is no surprise that people would come to you for assistance, information and just for fun. Often, people represent themselves in one way on the internet & are entirely different in the real world .. and, it doesn’t take the average Joe (or Jill) to figure that out. In todays world, it often feels that kindness, gentleness and sharing died in the civil war .. along with General Principles!!! .. those qualities exist within you Skip … here .. AND in the real world. I truly don’t think that you should be thanking us for making this year so successful for you Skip … it is all of us who should be thanking you for all you do for the digital art community .. and for all of us, period. I certainly hope you understand how much you sharing all your knowledge & talent with all of us is really appreciated. Thank YOU Skip!!!… & congratulations on creating & maintaining such a successful blog!!!! Hugs….Charlie
Oh Charlie,
What a sweet comment. You have truly made my day, but my eyes are a bit watery now.
Thank you bunches and big hugs,
Skip
Charlie said it all. It’s a big ditto how much I admire you and your generosity. I am looking forward to all of your wonderful creativity in the coming year,
Happy New Year dear Skip!
((♥)) Eva
Hi Eva,
I have to say that I am turning red faced. I don’t think everyone realizes how much I enjoying sharing stuff. It is a plus if folks actually like it…LOL. Seriously, I appreciate that you and others have been so kind. It means more than you know.
Hugs,
Skip
PS: I hope folks look at your website. I love your abstracts. http://evamacie.com/
Great Blog!!
All the kudo’s are deserved
Thanks Skip
Thank you Bob…
I hope you have a wonderful New Year.
skip
Thank you Skip for all the great gifts you give us and all the work you do to help.
You are a gem indeed and very much appreciated!
Have a Very Happy Healthy New Year.
Alice
Hey Alice,
Thank you very much. I have to tell you I smile with joy when I see your moniker…Painterlady. It is so cool.
Have the Happiest ever,
Skip
The report was fascinating! It is mind blowing to think about the interconnectivity of the world today- people in Laos are watching the same things that we are watching. The small number in China surprised me- is that due to internet censoring?
Great job, my friend Skip!
Candace
I was surprised about China, too. I don’t know why the numbers are low. It could be translation problems. I get notifications when folks use Google translate for the blog. Chinese may be tough. Google works pretty well, but is weak in Korean, Arabic, Persian, and I suspect Chinese, but I haven’t tried that one.
I agree about the inter-connectivity of the world today. WordPress started reporting the hits from countries in February of 2012. As I saw the numbers rise, I was shocked. Other countries that I have not visited the blog are, North Korea, Cuba, and Iran to name a few. Maybe some day in the future someone from there will visit.
Thanks again Candace,
Skip
Fantastic! It doesn’t surprise me at all. I truly think your blog is one of the very best if not the best. You are such a warm person and make everyone feel a part immediately. Your instruction is top notch and the content on your blog has helped so many people. Thank you for all that you do and share with everyone and most of all for being you.
Many blessings and much happiness, peace and success in 2013.
Thanks Kathi,
I really appreciate the comment. I’m not sure I’m all that…LOL…but I love hearing it.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year,
Skip
Gday mate.
All i can do is echo everyone elses comments and congrats on the blog i have really enjoyed reading all you posts/Vids and it has helped me get up to speed and flatten out the learning curve since i started painter12 last march.
I,m sure in 2013 the blog will continue to grow and us aussies thank for all the wonderful lessons and look forward to more in 2013.
Cheers.
Ian
Hi Ian,
Thank you so much. I am so glad that the videos helped with the learning curve; it can be daunting.
I have a number of Aussie friends and I have to tell you, I think your country is gorgeous. No, I haven’t been there, but have seen tons of pics and I know it is a place I would love.
You are well into your New Year I suspect. I hope it is a good one.
Skip
Dear Skip,
Hearty Congratulations!
It’s easy to understand the reason for your success- great skills and sharing them selflessly.
Happy New Year and Greater Things Ahead,
Ashok
Thank you Askok,
I appreciate the congrats. It is still a bit overwhelming to me, but that’s OK; it is still loads of fun.
I hope your New Year is fantastic,
skip
Happy new year Skip, and thanks for all. Hugs
Thank you Mary and I hope you have the Happiest New Year ever.
Big Hugs,
Skip
Happy new year to you all, from David and family
Thanks David,
I wish you and your family have a fabulous 2013 filled with happiness, wellness, and peace.
Skip
Congratulations Skipper! Another amazing year for you. It is all about the value of the blog content and of course that friendly little virus that greets everyone. I think your desire to hide Kevin is definitely not the way to go. Have a great 2013 and thank you for keeping us current in the painting community. Big Hug, Winifred
Thanks Winifred,
I’m looking forward to 2013. I’m sure you will have a great one!!!
Big Hugs,
Skip