I'm losing hope this blog is ever going to attract a decent-sized audience. My latest post has only 16 page views in a month. Other articles show a similarly abysmal level of traffic in the last 30-day period.
Lowering my spirits even further is the fact that I've been writing this blog for over 18 years now, and Covina Past still has only 1 follower. On the whole internet, just one person is interested enough in my content here to subscribe to it?
I feel ignored by the Historical Society, as well. When Glenn Reed was their historian, he actively supported and promoted my work, but that came to an end with his death. I'm the only person left now who is doing scholarly research and writing on Covina history, but those who profess to care most about the subject give me little tangible help with source material or gaining readership here.
All this is disheartening to say the least.
And then there's the matter of time. I just turned 70 a couple of months ago, so this could very well be my last decade of life, and I really have to ask myself: is this blog a productive use of my remaining days on this earth? Would someone of any age think it's worthwhile to write for such a tiny and apparently indifferent audience? I think the objectively obvious answer is no, it is not.
Consequently, as much as I love Covina and its history, I've decided it's probably for the best that I wrap things up here. I'll continue to do research on my own, and there are a couple more topics in my queue that I've been working on that I feel I owe it to myself to publish on this blog, but after that, I think the time has come for me to move on.
I’m so sad to see this post. I really wish you’d keep up the great work and continue to post. I really love all the content you’ve published!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your efforts, Scott. I, too, grew up in Covina and was about five years behind you. The blog really resonated with me.
ReplyDeleteAs for following? Didn't know I could do that (or maybe I did).
Worry to see it end as it was truly a great trip
I agree with the previous comments. I have been looking on the page, but do not know how to follow either. I would definitely like to add myself as a follower.
ReplyDeleteAppears it might be moot, RDT.
DeleteYou are probably right, but I wanted Scott to see that he does have supporters out there.
DeleteI'm sad you're discontinuing this blogspot. I grew up in West Covina and enjoy all the history and old photos of where I grew up. I'm class of 1966 South Hills High School (first graduating class and "opened" the school in 1964) and lived in West Covina from 1955 to 1972. I live in Monrovia now and have often driven by some of the locations you've identified. Many of my classmates lived proximal to Covina Hills Road - not too far from where you grew up. Also, I played at WC American Little Leage from 1959-61. Sorry to see you go; but, I understand.
ReplyDeleteI’ve deeply enjoyed reading this blog, Scott. I’m a current resident of West Covina, and it’s brought me great pleasure to learn more about the city I call home.
ReplyDeleteFor what it’s worth, I believe what you’ve compiled here is incredibly valuable. I’m too young to have experienced any of this (31!) but it’s fascinating to take a trip to the past.