For the last couple of months, I have been running a poll. The question was “Where do you get the most interesting information about sailing?”. The results were sort of interesting.
As there were only 48 votes, it’s not exactly quantitative. It’s more of a focus group of people who visit this blog. Voters came mostly from the US but there were several from Europe, Canada and Australia.
There are lots of conclusions that can be drawn from this. Firstly, people who read blogs like content generated by the sailing community (blogs, Scuttlebutt, forums) better than the stuff that traditional media like sailing magazines put out.
Secondly, people who read blogs (well, blogs like mine) enjoy blogs more than other sites. Again, this is not statistically sound so take this with a large grain of salt. Given that most of traffic is coming from Google and not links from other blogs, I personally think there is more to it than this but it would be unscientific to conclude otherwise.
The thing that surprised me most is how poorly Sailing Magazine (e.g. Cruising World) web sites fare. Ouch! As people spend more time online, I would be worried, if I was running one of these magazines. Watch out! Scuttlebutt, Tillerman, Horse’s Mouth, Capn JP, EVK4, The Peconic Puffin and NeverSeaLand are going to getcha!
I ranted about this last year. Don’t get me wrong. I love sailing magazines and subscribe to more than I can read but their sites suck. OK, some of them have started so-called blogs, but IMHO they pale imitations of a real blog.
Sailing Bloggers Of The World Blog On! Scuttlebutt keep it coming! Sailing Anarchy keep stirring it up! We are doing something right.
I completely agree with you about the sailing magazine web sites. I have been blogging since May about my boat and the stuff going on with her. I am amazed at the number of people coming to read my drivel.
I have been to your site a number of times and recently subscribed, thank you.
I think you’re right about what the common person is looking for on the web. While I’m just barely getting my toes wet in blog land I see the need for more.
Keep up the good work!