Friday
Oct132006
just saying thanks
Friday, October 13, 2006 at 12:06AM
I read somewhere, probably on a blog, which means probably on Shaun Groves' blog since it's one of the few I actually read, that an average of 1% of the people who visit a blog daily are likely to comment. That means for every 100 of you, one of you will reply to this post down there where it says "comments".
I try very hard to not be a stats dweller. I try not to be too minutely aware of exactly how many people do this at this hour and all that stuff. I'm a big picture guy. People come to my site and spend time and a lot of them do it every day.
That, to me, is beyond wonderful.
That 1% statistic makes sense based on the big picture that I know of regarding this site. And what that means, to me, is that there a small number of you that want to get involved in that way, and since you're not the exact same 15 every day, there's maybe 50 of you. And you're awesome.
And that means there's a lot of folks who come by to see what's going on, maybe you meander through those other folks' comments, maybe you're daily bummed that Derek's not back in Caedmon's, who knows. But you swing by regularly, and I assume it's because you enjoy and care about what is going on in my little corner of the world. And you're awesome.
I've said it a number of times before, but back in The Normals (RIP) we longed desperately for a bit of community around our music, and there was a little, but we just could never get it fully off the ground. I feel inordinately blessed by you posters, and you linkers, and you people that come by daily, weekly, monthly, whatever. You allow me and my friends to do what we've been created to do, and I don't mean that in an American Idol "I couldn't do it without my fans" sort of way.
I really couldn't do this without you.
You.
Sitting there reading this right now.
The time you're taking to read my thoughts is time I'm grateful for.
I've been playing music for (what some would call) a living for nine years now. That's incredible. Thanks for supporting me and letting me do this.
I hope you, yeah you, the person still reading this, have a great day today, and I hope you get to do something that makes you happy in an "I can't believe I'm getting to do this" way.
And I'd love for you 1% to let me know what made you happy in that way, if it happens for you today.
Cause you guys are awesome.
I try very hard to not be a stats dweller. I try not to be too minutely aware of exactly how many people do this at this hour and all that stuff. I'm a big picture guy. People come to my site and spend time and a lot of them do it every day.
That, to me, is beyond wonderful.
That 1% statistic makes sense based on the big picture that I know of regarding this site. And what that means, to me, is that there a small number of you that want to get involved in that way, and since you're not the exact same 15 every day, there's maybe 50 of you. And you're awesome.
And that means there's a lot of folks who come by to see what's going on, maybe you meander through those other folks' comments, maybe you're daily bummed that Derek's not back in Caedmon's, who knows. But you swing by regularly, and I assume it's because you enjoy and care about what is going on in my little corner of the world. And you're awesome.
I've said it a number of times before, but back in The Normals (RIP) we longed desperately for a bit of community around our music, and there was a little, but we just could never get it fully off the ground. I feel inordinately blessed by you posters, and you linkers, and you people that come by daily, weekly, monthly, whatever. You allow me and my friends to do what we've been created to do, and I don't mean that in an American Idol "I couldn't do it without my fans" sort of way.
I really couldn't do this without you.
You.
Sitting there reading this right now.
The time you're taking to read my thoughts is time I'm grateful for.
I've been playing music for (what some would call) a living for nine years now. That's incredible. Thanks for supporting me and letting me do this.
I hope you, yeah you, the person still reading this, have a great day today, and I hope you get to do something that makes you happy in an "I can't believe I'm getting to do this" way.
And I'd love for you 1% to let me know what made you happy in that way, if it happens for you today.
Cause you guys are awesome.
Reader Comments (35)
I've always wanted to be a first-reply person and now I finally am... on the love-fest-for-fans post by Andrew Osenga none the less. So, simply put and trying to avoid all cheeseballishness (yes, its a word), thanks for being honest about whats going on in your little corner of the world. Its a good time reading the blog (the only blog I read come to think of it) and some of the stuff you write makes me want to be a good writer. Not all of it is blow your socks off amazing but its all real, and some of it is. Thanks for making good music too... loving it, hoping to see you sometime when you make it to Ohio. Sorry I couldnt swing the gig at the coffee shop I work at... I tried. Keep rockin, keep writing, and keep loving Jesus honestly.
I'm someone who likes feedback (good or bad) about what I write, so on occasion I get discouraged when maybe one or two people comment on my blog (if that). But knowing that there may be more people reading it, that encourages me more than I could express. Thanks for sharing.
I'm one of those rare responders, but yours is one of the few blogs I read every day. I really look forward to reading what you have to say. Thanks for taking the time to make your blogs so interesting and inviting us to share your life.
To answer today's question, I live a simple life, but almost daily I have one of those, "I get to do this everyday" experiences, just in being a wife and mom. Watching my kids when they sleep, helping at their schools, having them run across a room just to give me a hug, and taking long walks with my terrific husband. Thanks for causeing me to pause and appreciate it.
I visit here often and always enjoy reading your thoughts and what's happening with you and your family. I'm always pleased when I come and there is a new post. I appreciate that you update it so regularly. I enjoy how observant you are and your willingness to share your take on life and stuff. So thanks back to you.
I am a daily reader of da blog. Da--blog. I used to check in once every week or week and a half, but now I'm here at least once, sometimes two or three times each day. Since I spend most of my work day behind a computer, it's very easy to stay in touch. I really appreciate your candor and transparency. It's a little bit like a serial TV show, but it's real. I love it--the creativity, the contests, the sharing of music, the pondering, the lists, the family stuff, everything. Mostly, I like it that right or wrong, good or bad, happy or sad, you check in. As busy as you must be, that's quite a commitment.
For what it's worth, my marketing instincts tell me that your almost daily posting create goodwill and loyalty. If you don't mind investing the time, I think it will help build your following. I don't meant to imply that that's why you do it, but obviously a big part of why you do this is so that people will hear your music and I think the blog will help make that happen, long term.
In radio (my first career), the 1% to 2% figure has been passed around for years. I'm sure it's true that only 1% to 2% of listeners ever call in the express an opinion or to request a song. It makes sense that website posting would have a similar response.
Let me be candid. Today's post was one of the most compelling and impactful posts I've read here. Your sincerity, compassion, and graciousness came through in a big way. Thanks.
I'm looking forward to watching my Nebraska Cornhuskers play Kansas St. this weekend. That makes me happy. Since I don't have digital cable, which is required to subscribe to the pay-per-view feature, I'll need to find a sports bar to catch the game.
I'm here every day, or at least every time my feed reader tells me that there's a new post or comment. I agree with Curt - your regular blogging does create goodwill and loyalty. All I hear from most other artists is a press release when their new album comes out. Your blog, though, gives us a daily window into your life, and as a consequence when your music comes out, it's all the more meaningful for us, because we've seen at least some of the process.
I'm the sixth commenter, which means that 600 other people have probably read this post and not commented. Losers. :-) Keep reading this thing folks. You'll get hooked. Then you'll become a cheeseball fan like the rest of us. You might even start doing wacky road trips. It's worth every second. :-)
I'm relatively new to your music (at least your solo stuff) but have really enjoyed getting familiar with it. "Photographs" has not left my car stereo in over a week now!
This is my first time posting a comment here, but I frequently drop by the site to read your blogs. There aren't many artists that write as often as you do and I really appreciate what you share - especially in the midst of a long work day!
I can't speak for the rest of us "AndyLanders" (as you put it) but I know that I'm awesome.
Finally! A celebration of ME! You are welcome.
yeah man, I read every day...I'll generally comment when i feel like i have something relevant to bring to the table
I read your blog pretty much every day too. Actually your blog is the only blog that I frequent very often. I like to know whats going on in your and Caedmon's life. Besides, you make it interesting to read.
Tomorrow I'm riding my bike 100 miles for the first time, riding my bike makes me happy. Next summer I'm riding it across the country. Hopefully I go through a town that your playing in and I can stop by and see your show. Thanks for the great music!
Hey Andy,
I echo all the sentiments above. I check in every morning. It's part of my routine when I get to work - log in to the work email, check it, check your blog, check my son's blog, check my personal email, and get to work. I really enjoy your music and the insights into who you are as a person, and often your posts get me to re-examine some aspects of my own life.
Things I'm doing this week that make me happy: my son's home from Belmont this weekend, we get to hang out and make music together on Sunday.
Again, thanks for sharing and for appreciating our appreciation.
Andy! Andy! What an honest post. Those percentage numbers really are compelling to think about. I agree with those who have said that your almost daily posts build goodwill and I think expands the readership and participation. There is nothing so boring than to go to someone's web site and see that they haven't updated it in 8 months. After checking back every few days, then it becomes every few weeks, then months, then dropped from the "favorites" list. Andy, I post very occasionally. But I am really blessed by your posts and I check in once per day. I have followed your music since the first Normals CD (yes, I actually liked it. At least the first 5 songs anyway). Here's to getting more non-posters to post.
I too frequently read your blog, but hardly ever comment. I enjoy reading daily, and your post usually brighten my boring day. Thanks for the openness.
This is so true Andy! I check your blog everyday and I think I've posted on here maybe once! I am with you about the community, and for that, here's to ME posting more. Thank you for such an awesome blogsite!
Today I'm happy that I will shortly have a real job...
That 1% statistic is interesting. If you use Sitemason or Statcounter to monitor your site traffic you could actually verify it. It's probably about right, though.
Nothing against Derek, but Caedmon's with you is rockin' man!!
Love reading the blog, love your honest heart behind it.
Peace,
You're welcome, nine-toed wonder of Nashville.
Hola, Andy. I check in semi-frequently and definitely appreciate what you write.
As for things that make me happy: good music (which certainly includes yours!) and running. Since the running's not happening now due to recurrent mysterious injuries, the music carries the day on its own (or rather, God carries the day on his own, as he always does - with music and his word, minus the running).
Music and running are the two main things that God seems to use in my life to draw me nearer to him. The music that is dearest to me is that which breathes the truth of the gospel (even if not outright) and honesty about the journey... and yours does, among others. If I'd had a way to tell you that back when the Normals were kickin', I would've... cause this applies to then too. :-)
Keep on doing what you do!
and by (even if not outright), i meant that it is spoken in a way that speaks the truth by story and life, not necessarily exact words. perhaps that didn't need clarifying, but i did it anyway.
Andy. I try to be faithful to read and comment. If I don't comment, I read. I know how encouraging it is to get comments. And I second what you said about just knowing people come and look at your blog, if only for a few seconds, is still encouraging. Keep up the faithfulness to post!
You are the man.
This may sound cheesy since you're a musician, but I would post this on an accountant's blog if they asked what made me that kind of happy today.
I was listening to Rich Mullins on the demos cd of the Jesus Record and talking to a friend of mine about how I'm always amazed at the awe of God that Rich's songwriting is saturated with. The happy in a "I can't believe I'm getting to do this" part was having a friend who I could talk to about what "Heaven In His Eyes" ws making me think about. Music is great (especially Rich Mullins's), but friends are greater.
I think that's what your blog accomplishes for us, your fans. Though you don't really know most of us, we feel like we know you to some degree because you are consistantly candid and, as kitschy as it sounds, vulnerable. We feel like you are our friend, in a way, so we are loyal to you.
Thanks, Andy. Keep up the blogging, and keep up the rocking.
I'm also a regular reader (every weekday at lunch hour), but I've never commented before. I saw you last fall in Whitestown, Indiana (touring with Andrew Peterson). You were explaining how Ella had just started to laugh - my younger daughter laughed back at you, and you said "I love that!" - and she still remembers that. :-)
I keep listening to "Share the Well" and wondering "Is that Osenga playing guitar there?" I also appreciate your songwriting and your blogwriting. Some of your songs and musings hit me right where I am (even though I'm 11 years older than you are - I must be a fogie by now).
I enjoying singing and playing guitar in church, and listening to some of your live stuff inspires me because it reminds me just how much variety of sound can come out of one guy with a guitar. I played at a church about 3 weeks ago, and I went out on a limb and tried some guitar stuff - and it worked. That was my happy "I can't believe I'm getting to do this" thing. Oh - that and the everyday part about being a husband and a father of two girls. :-)
And, although I must be quoting someone else, I'll say it anyway. Santa Barbara rocks my face off.
Thanks for sharing and for giving me something *real* to read.
Your blog inspired my blog some 18ish months ago. I enjoy having my own little soap box. I haven't lost a toe, recorded an awesome CD (or been in a praise band) ;) since then, but I enjoy writing when I can.
I, like Sir Hubbs, come around every time Google Reader tells me you've said something new. The blog is important for a guy like you - whose main interface with the community around the music is the internet. Some of us see you in concert regularly. For others, it's a rare treat. The updates on the blog help ease the paid for those people who rarely catch a show.
*ease the pain.
...stupid fat fingers.