Tuesday, December 31, 2019

My Top 10 Posts of 2019! (Plus Some Personal Favorites)

I'm trying something new for my last post of 2019: a year's best-of recap! I've never done one of these before - probably because I never look at my blog stats - so let's take a meander through Epbot's back end (heyooooo) and see what you guys liked most this year.

I know it sounds incredible that I've never checked this before - who DOESN'T know what their most popular posts are? - but to be honest I just post what I like and move on. So today's recap will be educational for all of us.

Also I'm sure there's probably a reason I shouldn't disclose my readership stats, but... eh. ::shrug::

So here come the fun numbers!

An average post here - things like convention photos, art roundups, random life updates, etc - gets 6-8 thousands readers. That's all you super loyal readers out there, so, hi! Love you!

After a quick count I see nearly 20 of last year's posts snagged over 10K readers. Nice!

Now here's where the insanity of the internet comes in: of those top posts, 4 snowballed, and ranged from 44K all the way up to 82K - over 10 times my average readership.

Can you guess which one that was?

(This is only counting 2019, btw, so it's not my Everything You Need To Know About Bras post - which is still my top post EVER and has been read nearly 3 million times?? Sweet sugary Stay Puft!)

Right, enough intro, let's count 'em down! And since I'm bad at suspense, let's start with #1!





 Considering this post took me over 3 years to write, and was one of my most soul-baring, excruciating, and yet amazingly healing interactions with this community, I'm delighted to see it top the list for 2019.

I should note the follow-up post, My Self-Hate Battle Plan, went back to my average readership around 9K. I find that a little sad, only because No Pictures talks about the problem, where my Battle Plan offers what I hope are a few solutions. But hey, it's still out there for anyone to find and read in the future, so that's what matters.



I'm always saying to write about your personal passions, not what you think other people want to read - and wow does this prove the point. I never would have thought this would get such a response, but once again, a little honest fangirling brings us all together!

 
Awww, you guys, a Foe & Tell made it big! THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY. I love sharing some of your posts from Fans of Epbot, and this proves I should do that more often. These roundups are a lot of logistical work, since John & I have to work together to hunt down permissions & pictures, but it's definitely worth it.




Another sleeper hit I never could have predicted, and almost didn't post because it's so ridiculous! Clearly I need to stop overthinking my shorter posts, and just let the ridiculousness flow. 




Thank goodness a craft is in here, gang, or I'd be having a minor crisis. Thank you for validating my crafting obsession.



This one almost feels like cheating, since our friend Anna made all the intricately themed dishes and decor, not us. Still, WOW was it fun - even though who don't watch the show! I knew you guys would appreciate it so much more than we could, and I'm so glad I could show it all off.

7) It's Finally Time  (14K)

The fact that my emotional breakthroughs (and sometimes breakdowns) get such a positive response  shows what an awesome community this is. So many of you tell me you don't craft, you don't cosplay - you're really just here because we're friends, you like me and John, and you want to see what we're up to! Talk about humbling. I'm grateful every day that I can share the things that help me, in the hopes that they can help some of you, too.


[Trigger warning for the post intro. Scroll down to the first photo to skip the panicky bits]


 Once in a blue moon John and I make something we think will genuinely help people, like our professional painting video or the kitty recovery onesie, which both still get thank-yous every now and then. This DIY tops the list. John still uses it when he's struggling to sleep with his CPAP, and the amount of peace of mind it gives us - well, me - is incredible. I've heard from a few people who made their own and now have that same peace of mind, and knowing we helped provide it is worth more to me than all the views in the world.

9) This ninth slot HAS to be a fluke, because for some reason The Noisy Cricut  - a post where I literally just announce we bought a Cricut using a Men In Black pun - got 12K readers. Um. What? I guess I need to make more Cricut crafts? And/or make more punny titles? (Nooo, twist my arm, why don't you. :D)

Since that Cricut post doesn't really count, and since there's a 4-way tie for #10, I'll pick my favorite 2 of the 4 to end with:



Again, thank goodness part of our Labyrinth Christmas party made it, or I'd be having a crisis, lol. This was soooo much work, but dang, what a fantastic ride. I need another big project, STAT.




I'd forgotten about this one, probably because I was sick and had John write most of it, so reading it again just now made my afternoon. It's a hilarious roundup of people who intentionally wrecked one of my Epbot tutorials. The "floating candles" are where I truly lost it. LOLZ AHEAD.


So that's my top 10 according to the numbers, but here come a few more of my personal favorites that didn't make as big of a splash this year. Not flops by any means, just not the big stars:

- Building our Swedish Chef puppet:

(We WILL figure out a cosplay with this guy someday, dangit)


- My genius (if I do say so myself) remote-wrangling hack:

 We use this every single day, are forever commenting on how handy it is - and it's so stinkin' easy I feel like more people should be talking about it. :p


- Our Ghostbusters Halloween with our life-sized Stay Puft head:

 We are SO all-in on Halloween now. Look out, 2020.

- And finally, I've really enjoyed all my more casual TWIP posts that I don't call TWIPs anymore. (TWIP = "This Week In Pictures") It's taken me YEARS to get comfortable with casual update posts, where I can ramble and share fun little life things with you guys. I always worry there's not enough SUBSTANCE, so I have to remind myself that life happens in the in-betweens, and it's OK to be a little more spontaneous with what I share between the Big Stuff.

I wrote 125 posts in 2019, or just over 2 per week. I started Epbot in 2010 (wow, really?), and since then I've averaged around 130 posts a year... except for 2012, when I posted a walloping 232 posts. Pretty sure that's the year that made me burn out so badly, and I did a lot of aggregating (ie posting things I found vs things I created), but man, it was fun while it lasted. Do you guys like super short posts that share just one thing? I worry they're not "enough," but it might be neat to bring those back.


I gotta say, this review has been eye-opening. It turns out the posts I stress over the most, like convention photos, aren't the heavy-hitters. Which doesn't mean I'll stop making them - I post what I love and will always post what I love  - but it does tell me I can relax and maybe not stress so hard over them, or even devote a little less time to cons and more to crafts? Hmm, that might be fun to try for a year...

Feel free to tell me what you like to see in the comments, but know that I will always post what I'm passionate about, not chase after page views. It just helps when I'm equally passionate about things to know if you like one more than the other, ha. I also love a challenge, so if you have a project you'd like to see me and John tackle in 2020, let me know!

Thanks for sticking with me another year, gang. I love you, and I can't wait to see what 2020 has in store. Now, go rest up. We've got a big year ahead of us.

******

I think some of you might like my favorite latest Amazon purchase:



I finally bought some sleep headphones! I go to sleep most nights listening to Critical Role or Still Untitled, and these are a HUGE upgrade over my old wired headphones. They're so comfy I forget they're there, so I can finally sleep well on my side - plus there are no wires to yank my phone off the nightstand every time I roll over! WOOT. Well worth the $20, highly recommend.


41 comments:

  1. What a fun re-cap. I like that Epbot is a mass-up blog: crafts, cons, geekery, girlie stuff, clothes, art, emotion, pain, fun, food, cats, who-knows-what-will-be-next.
    It is the "not knowing what Jen is up to" of it that keeps me coming back. I love the big posts. I love the little posts. It is about you and John being interesting, creative people that are REAL people instead of "influencers" who share your lives with like-minded weirdos like us.
    I don't care how big or small or long or substantial a post might be; i care that you have decided to share. And i will keep coming back because it feels fun and safe here.

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    1. This, right here. I'll forever read whatever you post. <3

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    2. Yes, that is the reason I keep coming back to EPBOT. I never know what will be here, but I know that I'll love reading it because I love you guys.

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  2. Even though I do very little home improvement, I love your home improvement videos. They're so calming.

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  3. I don't do crafts. I don't do cosplay. I don't know what you are talking about with many game/tv show posts. But I love reading your posts -- your excitement and you being real comes through. And I like the short casual posts too -- they are like catching up with a friend or a family member -- sharing the little stuff is part of the relationship.

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  4. Oh man, has it been that long? I've been reading since fall 2010 when I found this blog procrastinating during my freshman year of college. The variety of your posts do make it seem like you're catching up with a long-distance friend, I love it all. Not gonna lie though, I love the craft posts best.

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  5. I don't craft or cosplay, but my big ol' geeky heart loves the stuff you do. Yours is one of the few blog I follow that I read every word of every post. It really is like having friends, only thousands of miles away.

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  6. I LOVE seeing, reading and fan girling over your page! You and john make such awesome stuff that my crafty side gets excited and then goes nope let's just enjoy their awesomeness!! I hope you both have a fabulous new years and I cant wait to see what 2020 brings you!

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  7. Please, keep sharing your passions! It's not just about the specific passion, but it's the fact that you ARE passionate. Your passion inspires passions in others...or at least one other, ME. Your blog is often the inspiration (ok, kick in the pants) I need to get on with my own projects. And think outside the box. And remember we're all in this together. Thanks. Happy New Year.

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  8. I just love all your posts, but especially your "I'm a real person" posts (I am so not photogenic but you inspired me to hide a little less from photos) and your over the top crafts. Your Labyrinth party was just amazing. Thank you for sharing!

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  9. I love all the different things you post. I like the cosplay pictures- it’s been fun to see how far you’ve come in your photography over the years. I like when you share your struggles- I have some of the same- it makes me feel not alone. I guess what I’m getting at is to say- keep doing you and I’ll keep reading.

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  10. I don't craft or cosplay, but I still love all of your posts. Your con round-ups are my faves. I get so much joy in seeing how dedicated cosplayers are to their fandoms. And I love the joy with which you photograph and share them.

    Keep up the great work. I <3 Epbot!

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  11. Short posts are great too! As much as I love the longer posts with more substance (so to speak) I don’t always feel up to reading them. And sometimes forget to come back and read it until later. I am always amazed by your photos of cosplayers. I also really appreciate your tutorials and videos. You make it sound like we’re in it together.

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  12. I want all the crafts and home decors. ALL OF THEM. I don't do any myself (well, we build furniture, but it's not really "decor"), and I live vicariously through you.
    Regarding cons, I really do enjoy all your lovely photos, but mainly I like to just hear about your experience (and as an aside I never watch the videos, I much prefer words and pictures :)

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  13. I wonder, if the stats include readers who use things like Feedly. That's how I read, but the longer ones, or ones I want to read again or more in depth, I click over to your actual site. I love all your DIY step by step builds, and I love when you are excited about something, and I love honestly when epbot pops up in my feedly reader.
    I enjoy what you do, and it sure looks like you enjoy what you do too! Keep it up. :D

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  14. Thanks for featuring a decade of popular Epbot posts. I hope you don't abandon cosplay photos altogether - they remain some of my favorites. That said, each time I thought about what I wanted to see more of, I recalled all the other posts I've enjoyed. I loved watching the DIY videos. While I might not plan on installing a toilet, now I feel like I know more about it. I've enjoyed your reviews, from a post on the "Toothsome Chocolate Emporium" (complete with playlist, to the review of Moana that made it on of the very few select movies I've viewed in the last decade. I love that you balance the recognition that it's OK to not be OK with the recognition that beauty and joy build bridges as well as relieve stress. I'm happy with whatever you write about or take photographs of and care to share with us.

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  15. 2010? Egad. I remember the beginning of Epbot. As a big CW reader who is also quite nosey, I remember the CW post about the "new blog" & started reading right away. (And honestly, these days I'm much more devoted here than CW). Over so very many changes this decade, though, Epbot (and John and Jen!) has been one of the few constants. Stats or no stats - you guys keep doing you :)

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  16. I don't think The Noisy Cricut is a fluke, or even much of a mystery - I'm pretty sure people are responding to your gorgeous custom Harry Potter covers! Seriously, I think you should add the templates to your Etsy store.

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  17. I think we should build a counter around me, a perch on back for you, and BOOM, SWEDISH CHEFMOBILE. /profit?

    Also, I and a billion others love you two and love and'll continue coming here to ogle, learn, sympathize/empathize, laugh, so YOU DO YOU IN WHATEVER WAY YOU WANNA BOO. (I personally come and pretend we're hanging out irl, especially if we haven't gotten to chat much lately and since we don't get too neeeeeeeeearly enough. ;) )

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  18. Oh Jen, don't you realize it's YOU (and John) that we love? I believe you could write about your latest hangnail and how you dealt with it/overcame it/turned it into a beautiful accessory, and we would read it and love it. You are so amazing and funny and beautiful and HUMAN! I think everyone here would love to by your real world friend. You are so honest, and make us feel that it's ok to be afraid, depressed, sad, angry, whatever, and knowing that there is someone else out there who feels the same and is doing their best to just deal with it helps. Since I lost my husband last year, I have had many bad days, and your posts never fail to make me feel at least a little better, whether they're crafting or cosplay or parties or decorations or just what it's like for you to live your (amazeballs!!) life. So post whatever your lovely heart desires, I will keep reading regardless of the subject. That said, I do love the crafty ones, and the glimpses of the more 'real' side of your life (how you deal with anxiety, depression, etc.). Keep on being you, because you're the best you there is!

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    1. So sorry you lost your husband, Kiraboodog. But all of your post is how I feel about Jen and John too. Two amazing people doing some amazing things. Keep on keeping on! [And more cat pics too.]

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  19. OMG. Sleep Headphones. I had no idea until just now that such a thing existed. My poor ear-canals thank you because when these babies arrive, I won't fall asleep with earbuds jammed in them anymore!

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  20. I can't remember when I first started reading your blog but I don't believe I've seen a post from you that I didn't appreciate. Your creativity is inspiring, your enthusiasm for your thrift store finds is so fun, your party planning is a delight to share in, your excitement over amazing costume design is infectious, and your honesty about your personal challenges is refreshing. Thank you for letting us share in a little bit of your life and I too am looking forward to seeing what the new year will bring! Oh and I am super jazzed about the sleep head phones -- must go order those now! :)

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  21. I'm into all the things, cosplay, crafting, art, and insights. I enjoy the long and short posts. Mostly, it's nice to hear from you on a regular basis. When more than a week passes, I wonder if you guys are ok and I miss hearing from you. There is no right or wrong in length or content. It's just fun to share in your enthusiasm, be inspired by your creativity and talents; and occasionally to know that you are real humans with trials and struggles but that you are continually seeking help and finding new options to move forward. Please continue to share in all things, it's warms my geeky heart.

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  22. I really think that the Labyrinth party post from December 18th (with the fantastic photos and hilarious videos of the party, including that incredible escape room) must have gotten lost in the holiday shuffle for a lot of people. I just can't imagine why it still only has 9 comments! It was my favorite post this year. I am worried that, if you do a party next year, you won't do a big recap post. So, people, go read that post so that she does one next year! I need this!

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  23. Also, you are an AMAZING writer. Which is why we'll read just about anything you post. I adore your voice and your vision and your passion. Keep sharing all of that with the world--we need it.

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  24. I love all posts! But I tend to favor the ones about Disney(because I don't think I'll ever be able to afford to go there) and cons I can't get to(because there are enough near me that I forget to attend.)

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  25. It's great looking back! I love all the crafts, though I'm not terribly crafty myself and just skim through the tutorial part. I LOVE party pics and con costumes, though! But the thing that keeps me coming back is how it feels like we're just BFFs talking, how you share your ups and downs and random life stuff.

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  26. I look forward to each of your posts! and will just add that I enjoy the con photos just as much as the crafting, so please don't cut back! But, do what you love.

    PS - I'm moving back to my home state of Florida in a few months and will be living in Melbourne. Definitely thinking of seeing if I can get to one of your meet-ups someday soon because you and John are 2 of my favorite friends I haven't met yet. Not in a stalkery way at all, I promise :)

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  27. I love all the posts, long or short. Some post is better than no post. Your blog is a bit of escapism for me. I wish you had time to post daily, even if it's just a quick video of one of your kitties walking across a room. Thanks for all the fun!

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  28. I enjoy all your posts. I think your writing is funny, poignant and fan-girly (yes, that's definitely a word.) It's great to have a place where you can celebrate what brings you joy and your joy and passion comes through in all the things you post.

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  29. I love everything about your blog! I am not super crafty, but I love seeing what you and John are up to and how you are channeling all of your creative energy. I love how vulnerable and willing to share you are, because it makes me feel not alone with my neuroses. I love the fun and quirky things you find online and then share with us. Your photography is amazing and I always look forward to how you captured the light/colors/angles of whatever event/place you are visiting. Hmm, is there anything I don't like about Epbot....NOPE! :) And I am with Cowgirl68 - I am always up for a kitty video too!

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  30. I love to ooh and aaah over the con posts, but I also enjoy the quick, short posts about crafts and life and stuff. The only thing I'd like more of, I suppose, would be MORE PUNS -- because who can get enough of those?! Good stuff all around. Thanks for sharing!

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  31. Don't change a hair (or a post, or subject matter) for me, not if you care for me. ;) Keep doing what you love. Thank you!

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  32. I got a different style of BT sleep headphones, and I love them to death. My insomnia cure is old radio shows (mostly Gunsmoke). I'll even wear them when I'm not listening to something, because they're so comfortable.

    I have to say I don't really care for all the costuming photos - I don't find them inspiring, I find them intimidating because I know I will never measure up. I like the punny ones, though.

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  33. I love all the posts. Some of the video game stuff goes right over my head, and I only like cats from afar (I'm afraid of them IRL because I've been bitten/clawed/etc too many times) but I read through them to see what's what and it's a nice little "ooh - that's cool" type of thing. Or a "glad to see they're doing well" as you often post once you've come through something and have that positive perspective on it.

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  34. Fascinating roundup! I particularly love your craft/themed-party posts because it resonates with what my hubby and I do in our spare time (https://www.imariandturquoise.com/events/events.html if you're curious :-) ) - but yes - please do carry on posting everything and anything that you enjoy!

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  35. I love them all and read them all! Keep doing what you're doing and don't change a thing. :)

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  36. I love all your posts! But the one that will always hold a special place in my heart is one where you described your panic atacks. I suddenly realised that what does strange sensations I've had all my life were, when I get dizzy, nautios, and just need to ge out of there. It lead me down a rabbit hole of research and on to the path of recovery. I can not thank you enough for sharing your ups and downs, and I will be eternaly greatful. So for the new decade I vote more cosplay, more crafts, more art, and more you!

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