That’s my first header. Why? Well, that came with the theme and I didn’t know I could change it – let alone how!
I can’t remember the answer to this question: Did I start blogging on Blogger or The Sporting News (TSN)? Blogger was my multi-year journey about three friends who rated hamburgers throughout the city. The Cincinnati Burger Guys (past post here) had success in and out of blogging, but various aspects of life caused the team to fade away.
I played various fantasy sports games at The Sporting News (TSN) for multiple years. The games were free and fun. In order to build a community, TSN provided a blogging opportunity for its members. Most of those I list/link as Pioneers in the sidebar are from my TSN days. Unfortunately, TSN stopped their fantasy games and blog hosting – so participants dispersed.
In 2008, Tim (a frequent commenter here) and I would meet for breakfast or lunch. Most of the conversations focused on investments, sports, and politics. Keep in mind, 2008 was an election year in the US (Obama-McCain). I was itching to write again, plus Tim always appreciated by thoughts – even occasionally agreeing. Research took me to WordPress – and in a few months I forged ahead. A Frank Angle was formed – a way of using my name and promoting what I wanted to do – an honest opinion.
The burger blog was for a local audience, and the TSN blog was for a limited community. Beyond posting and hoping for readers, I didn’t know what to expect on WordPress. It didn’t take long to learn that the blogging experience is much more than I anticipated.
My first post was short as I introduced myself and a small bit of blogging philosophy. Although I didn’t mention it, but sports and politics was my primary focus. Not knowing much about building a blogging community, I got followers, visitors, and commenters the old fashion way – hard work. I replied to every comment, visited all visitors (even commenting on their site), and visiting links on other blogrolls.
Reconnecting with some TSN people helped in the early days. Cheers to Tim (Beeze), Mo, Chris, Lester the Legend, and Dave. Even to this day, they surprise me with a pop-in visit. Special thanks to Dave who told me that if someone takes the time to comment, they deserve a thought reply from me. Give them more than a mere thanks for visiting or commenting. That is not only true, but priceless advice.
Slowly (but surely) my blogging community developed. By Dec 2008, I was still interested in sports and politics, but I wanted to post more often to keep my readers engaged and keep building. Branching into other topics widened my readership. Looking at the wide range of topics listed in the Categories, that was a great decision for me.
PS: This is a milestone post: #2300.
Interesting beginning, Frank. I would say branching out was a good idea for sure.
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John,
Absolutely agree and then some. I remember some of the “huh?” type comments on one of my early branching out posts that was about growing up in a small town on the river – which was outside of sports and politics … and then away I went!
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Most would have jumped back into reader comfort zone. Good for you.
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I started something on Blogger and then one day everything switched to a foreign language and since I didn’t understand the language I had no idea how to switch it back. I don’t even remember anymore what my blog there was about.
At some point I started on WordPress … and it has remained in English!!!
I appreciate the spectrum of topics you hit on. Your blog is a reflection of you, all of you and your many interests.
You will be missed around here.
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Mark,
I didn’t know that about Blogger. Fortunately, I got out of Dodge in time! Sure glad I found WordPress because it has been a great experience – although those pesky WP gnomes have a way of popping in out of nowhere. I anticipate they will want to deliver a final goodbye. Meanwhile, when I first started drafting the final series, going back to the beginning felt natural – and yes – glad I branched out into many topics!
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It’s fascinating to look back at the hows and whys we got into blogging Frank – reading your journey is so interesting. It seems, like in real life, one thing simply leads to another, someone says something and, something happens and suddenly there we are with a blog that involves a whole pile of friends we’ve never met and a whole new community. I’d now have no clue what my first header was or whether I knew it could be changed. The learning curve was huge, that’s all I remember.
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Pauline,
Oh yes – the twist and turns of blogging parallel the twist and turns in life. Definitely a learning curve here – and still much to learn. True that I didn’t know how to change the first header. Probably didn’t know I even had a choice. 🙂 Remember it was easy, after all, I have a past header page! Meanwhile, looking back at the beginning is something that a reflection has to do.
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Cincy Burger Boys… you could have formed a band with name. Meanwhile, we are having dessert… blueberry filled king cake. OMG x 2.
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Ray,
LOL … thanks for the laugh this morning. To be honest, I needed one. Now about the blueberry-filled king cake … Also good for breakfast?
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I think we all do, for various reasons, but knowing your writing we are probably in the same boat.
During Mardi Gras parade season it goes like this. King Cake for breakfast, a po’ boy for lunch and Popeyes chicken for dinner.
When I’m chasing around photographing, that seems to be my daily meals.
I also bought an old French-styled king cake which means it’s flat and not circular. It is made with Satsumas (a kind of Tangerine) and cinnamon. Oh God. 🙂
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Oh my … many King Cake variations? That would be tough to resist. Maybe its good that I’m a northerner. Thanks for the tasty scoop!
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There are far more than those. Tomorrow, I go way out East to Dong Phong, a Vietnamese bakery who makes a king cake so good that they won a James Beard Award. It is so popular that I ordered it almost three weeks ago.
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Cincy,
From there to here, and what a ride it has been to #2,300. I remember Blogger, and the memories are not so kind. Its where we started before something really screwy happened that chased us over to WordPress. Best thing that ever happened.
You, good sir, have been a delight to read, no matter the topic. And your musical finishes, including this one, always provide a brilliant sunset to the conversation we’re been invited into.
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Marc,
Fortunately my experience on Blogger was short. Based on what Mark stated, seems I got ahead of the tough times.
I not only can’t thank you enough for these kind words, but more importantly, what you have meant to me here at this place. Based on the way you write, your praise is extra special.
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Yeah, Blogger wasn’t memorable.
You’ve meant a lot to me, Frank. You’ve made me a better blogger and your influence can be felt in so many corners of this blogosphere. It has been a much better place because of people like you.
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Like you, I had no clue about this thing called WordPress and learned it through trial and error (still am in fact). But with approximately 76.5 million WordPress.com blogs, there’s a little something for everyone. I recently read that WordPress.com reaches 181 million monthly unique views – and is the 4th most viewed platform in the US after Google, Facebook, and Yahoo. Clearly you did something right along the way judging by your engaged community who have been rewarded with great posts as well as thoughtful respect. Kudos for that, Frank.
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Monika,
Oh wow .. .thanks for the WordPress stats! Very interesting!!!! I know the WP platform offers a lot – and I’m confident that I didn’t tap into its potential. Nonetheless, sure glad we connected through Marc. Thanks for your kindness and sense of humor.
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It’s a great platform, easy to use (once you drill down and figure stuff out). I still refuse to use the new block editor, preferring the old classic editor, but only because it’s quicker and easier for me. I don’t have the inclination to spend hours fussing with the new one…preparing content is time consuming enough. 😇
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I must admit that I didn’t try the block editor …oh well … maybe I should have.
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I advise against it. I’m holding out till they make me!
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Interesting!
I’m glad you found your way here to WP, Frank. I haven’t been here for all 11 years, but I’ve enjoyed the years I have. It’s late, and I’ll check in tomorrow!
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Resa,
As we know, WordPress isn’t the only blogging option … but now I wonder, are they the biggest? Not sure. Nonetheless, oh yes – Am I ever happy with my choice of hosts. Do you remember how we connected?
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Please, remind me!!
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Congrats on # 2300!
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Resa,
Thank you. 2300 was a coincidence, but hey – why not promote it. For anyone readings this, I invite you to see the Resa’s link above.
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I think it’s very rare for people to know exactly how to begin… we all start with a plan in our minds which most of the times transforms in the process. On the rare occasions that the host is an honest writer and open to their audience, you get a successful blog with an audience of friends, a beautiful community, your community, Frank and your blog! 🙂 Needless to mention, I love your musical choice of ELP. Yamas!
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Marina,
You are one of my dearest friends – one that I will always cherish. Oh yes – we all start with a plan – and plans are subject to change … and change worked well for me. In terms of my choice of ELP, I kept changing this music for this post, but when this one hit me, it was the one! As always, thanks for your kindness. Yamas! 🙂
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Likewise, my dear Frank… but you know that already! Yamas, my dear friend!!!!!!! 🍷🤗🙏😃
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I suspect most of us don’t know what we’re doing when we first begin a blog. Congratulations on reaching post #2300, and for your successful run! (I’ll only raise my cup of coffee to cheers right now since it’s 6:30 AM.) 🙂
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Merril,
Thank you .. and you can also raise a glass of wine in the evening! Clink! 🙂 As far as the beginning, I can’t imagining reflecting without look back … natural for me. Well, at least for my story.
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It’s interesting to read about your beginnings, Frank. I think building an audience the old fashioned way is the best way of all. Cheers! 🙂
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Robin,
Not only do we go way back, I know your blogging years are longer than mine! I remember we hooked up at the Bogs … but I can’t recall how I got there! Cheers to the old-fashion way!
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I can’t remember how, either, Frank. You’re right about the Bogs. I’m not sure if we had someone in common or maybe it was when one of us was Freshly Pressed. Whatever the case, I’m glad it brought us together. 🙂
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OK … now we know neither of us remember – but I have always remembered our southern Ohio connection. 🙂
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A good history lesson, Frank, and quite a journey for you. I started in 2010 as a French-only toy blog, then moved to WP in ’11, expanded my goals, and have gone forward happily and successfully since, with a few surprising twists and turns along the way!
Where will we go next?
What routes beckon?
I love WP for the connections made between other blogs, discoveries, joys and woes and the spirit of becoming a better human, the lasting friendships to be made in such a diverse community. I applaud your hard way approach to networking, tough work indeed, but the most satisfying way to grow I think.
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Vintage,
Thank you for the kind words. I’m honored. I could reflect without looking at the start. For me, it is an important point of my journey. The connections is probably the most surprising thing of my journey, and that will be parts of the upcoming posts in this final series. In terms of my future, I’ll address that in the finale. People are wondering, but mum is the word! Also, thanks for sharing aspects of your journey!
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Looking back on those first years I am relieved they are over …. oh the hard work of building an audience! This must be so difficult for you, Frank, saying goodbye, knowing how hard you worked here over the years. There is one woman who continues to plod on at WP who will miss you. In the small amount of time I have gotten to know you and your blog, I have so enjoyed coming here.
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AmyRose,
Building that initial audience was hard – very time consuming. Then toss in the aspect that most bloggers have a short life span. Due to my longevity, I’ve seen a lot of people come and go – and I know I don’t have the desire to rebuild this place. It’s been a great experience, and I don’t want to reach the point where I’m writing for a handful of readers. As far as writing the closing series, it was easier than I thought. Well, I actually drafted them in late summer/early fall. Because of the ease in drafting, I knew the time was right. Drafting the finale was an important test for me. Our time together has been short, but, I can say it has been valuable. Thank you!
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Blogging isn’t what it used to be, Frank, I do admit. My audience used to be much larger and I do not have the time nor the motivation to push to get more people at my blog. I’ve been tossing around for a while to walk away from blogging. There are other things in life that are more pressing and to me more important. I’ll see.
The ease in drafting is your confirmation that your time truly has come to walk a different direction. I wish you all the very best of what life has to offer you. xo
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Although our time together has been short, I know that you have been blogging for some time – so thanks for sharing your experiences – especially since they are similar to mine. You’ll know when the time is right to walk away – and I hope you use an exit plan – a closure for yourself and for your readers.
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I’ll keep your words in mind, Frank. I’m not the kind of person to disappear without saying anything. I’ve devoted many years to this blog. Yet …. things change. xo
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Good … so keep that thought. I obviously believe advance warning is good, too as it softens the element of surprise of suddenly it’s over.
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Thank you, Frank.
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I think many of us still blog the old-fashioned way. Makes it more enjoyable I think.
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Colline,
Absolutely. Whenever WordPress would change the Admin page, I would return to the Classic. After all, people like comfort.
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Meeting interesting minds on blogs still seems like magic to me, and of course you know that your blog has been on my reading table for quite some time now, always a pleasure. When I went to college, engineering was the only choice I had, but in an alternate universe I would have chosen a different path, one filled with a variety of thought and knowledge. Access to such through the internet, blogs, wikipedia, news, and all the rest still seems too good to be true. I can’t help but think, Frank, that you won’t be able to leave the interactive blogging scene cold turkey. Your marvelous Intellectual curiosity must find an outlet! What will it be?
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Jim,
I just don’t think that non-bloggers understand the learning aspect nor the draw of interactivity. Oh well, that’s there loss. Interesting that you asked what I will do as my creative outlet – and get this – my wife asked me the same question! In terms of answering that question and quitting cold turkey, well – let just saw that the final post will address that … well, at least somewhat!
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Hey Frank, thanks for the shoutout and for following up on comments. I found that it was the best interaction amongst readers and followers. I think there’s a lot to be learned from blogging, and your objectiveness as well as courtesy to others always stood out. For me, blogging has sharpened my writing skills enough that its allowed me to transition into freelance magazine writing. Not only for the enjoyment of it, but if we gain a learning experience from it, that’s the most valuable thing. I always think back to the early years when we both started at about the same time and see how the internet as well as social media has changed the game on it, too. You bet a heck of a following on here and I’m glad to have followed the journey, too. I’ll be looking out for your final posts.
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David,
Always love when one of my Pioneers stops by. When you told me that bit of advice, I grabbed it because it was right in my wheelhouse and philosophy. I’ve tried to do that as much as possible, even at the other end. But, unfortunately, it’s something that everyone doesn’t believe or practice. I know you have a lot of blogging experience on different platforms, so thanks for sharing … and I’m glad you made it to WordPress.
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I’m honored and humbled that you mentioned my tiny part in the creation of your blog. Your journey in blogging is amazing and I thank you for providing the history. WordPress also appears to be amazing. It combined with your creative mind, hard work, and talent for reaching out to people, to bring good into the world. Truly you have made a difference!
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Tim,
When I drafted this post, our conversations (particularly at the Original Pancake House) quickly came to my mind. I also recall it took you a while before you actually commented on the blog because you would comment to me by email. Glad you trusted WordPress. .. and thanks for helping me all along this wonderful journey.
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No lack of affection and respect over here!
I’ll check in again tomorrow. It’s music and drawing tonight!
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🙂 … enjoy the evening … don’t forget a glass of wine.
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I won’t. Maybe 2 glasses, after all there’s live music and I’m drawing. I hear the musicians warming up, so it’s time to go set up my art supplies.
It’s Boogapony Holly tonight!
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Two glasses … clink clink!
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Cheers! clink clink!
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This was such an informative blog post, Frank. I didn’t know you’d had such a blogging presence long before I met you. Fascinating. I think it’s absolutely wonderful to know that you’ve been a part of so many different lives via your interests, and sharing about them. You have many interests, and we’re going to miss you. But I’ve been saying that each and every time I reply. 🙂
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Debra,
Glad you appreciate this story. As a person who loves history, I know you will appreciate what I am about to say – everything has a history. 🙂 While reflecting I went back to the beginning, which only seemed logical to me. I would imagine these tidbits are at various places in this place, but at least this post being them all together as one.
Meanwhile, we go so far back, and we have discovered many commonalities – peas in the same pod. And believe me, I will miss you and the many other kind people here.
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Kinda late to the party for this one, Frank. But I’m positive you don’t mind because you are an understanding, kind and real. And that’s why you have had such a great run with a super following.
I, too, started at Blogger and went back there not too long ago as I was blogging about blogging 😉 I didn’t encounter any nefarious deeds but just didn’t like the way it rolled. I can’t even tell you how I ended up on WordPress or what circles I travelled in that brought me here. All’s I can say is I am beyond pleased I did. We’ve known each other a mere six years (give or take) but that time feels both long because I feel I’ve known you forever and short because it just flew by.
Your musical choice was, of course, perfection.
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Dale,
Wow … another ex-Blogger blogger .. and blogging about blogging. (That was a crazy sentence). Looking back, I can’t recall how I picked Blogger for the burger journey. WordPress is definitely the place – and I would recommend it to anyone.
As for the song, who knows how many times I changed it – but once this song came to me, I knew it was the one. Thanks for sharing your experience … and I knew you would be here!
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Yep… many of us went there (some are still there!) I think we chose Blogger because it’s affiliated with Gmail and Google.
You chose well.. I would. Eventually, 😉
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I think, as long as you’re writing, it could be on a wall, and it would be fine. Truly. Plus you put it all to music. It’s so clever not to mention, entertaining.
Every writer who’s ever asked for tips, from Hemingway, to Pat Conroy, to Wendy Wasserstein, all say the same thing, these 3 now penners in the ether. They collectively all say…JUST WRITE.
You’re the muse making me muse, so to speak. A thin girl’s 2 cents.
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Susannah,
I appreciate the two cents. Thanks. In terms of reasons to step away, a lack of ideas has never been on the list. So agree with those you listed – yep – just write!
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Yeah, heard it said, when all else fails, follow instructions.
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🙂
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Interesting to learn about your first steps into blogging. I was attracted to your posts about science and religion and how they often are complementary in the big picture! Thanks for often making me think and laugh and learn.
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Patti,
Reflection is a good thing. I remember use connecting (but can’t recall who found who). You weren’t retired yet – then – poof – you vanished for a long time – possibly more than a year before returning – and then we reconnected. 🙂
The interchange between science and religion was great topic for me. I greatly enjoy it! Off the top of my head, I thinking 60 posts. Believe it or not, I still have more to say there!
Now about making you “Think and laugh and learn” …. To me, that’s great praise because that it what I’ve tried to do here. Thanks for being part of it!
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Frank, you have posted so much! It shows a dedication and a flow of knowledge and learning that I aspire to. You never write about meaningless things. Also, I do remember a post about the burger posts! I wish you all the very best, my friend.
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Lenora,
Wow to you for remembering the burger post here. My little corner of the world has been a long journey, so I thought a look back at the beginning was appropriate. After all, most of the people here now weren’t here in the earliest years.
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I too think it is vastly appropriate. I hope you keep all your posts up even after you fully retire.
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