Contest Winner and a Huge Thank You!
Last Thursday, I decided to run a little contest to thank you for visiting and reading the Rawmazing blog. I wanted to give some love back so I decided to give out five cookbooks, wrote the post and hit publish. I was not prepared for what happened next.
The comments (entries) started pouring in. And you were not only answering my question, you were taking the time to thank me for this blog and letting me know what it means to you. As I read each and every comment (2,406 by the close of the contest), tears started to form in my eyes. I was overwhelmed. And honored. And so grateful for you all.
You see, when you write a food blog, the only connection you have with your readers is through comments. And commenting is getting less and less popular these days. We are just so busy it’s hard to take the time. I do it myself. I browse other blogs, love what I see but I am in such a rush, I don’t bother to stop and say thanks for what you are doing.
The funny thing is that I see the Rawmazing numbers almost every day. This is not just my passion, it is my livelihood. So I keep track. I know that my little blog, started almost 5 years has grown. I look at the numbers. I study the analytics. I know that we get over 500,000 page hits a month (holy cow…that is over half a million). I know that almost 200,000 unique visitors come to the site every month. And I know that people are visiting from all over the world.
But that is where it stops. I am looking at numbers, not people. I see statistics, not connection. And honestly, somedays, it is a little overwhelming. Because without that human connection, you send your work out to the universe and mostly silence greets you in return. It is a lonely path to pursue. Did I mention I am very grateful to those of you who do take the time to comment? I am. Very grateful.
So, when the comments started coming in, and the love was being returned from all over the world, I broke down. Knowing that my work is reaching so many is humbling. Knowing that I am making a difference? Well that is my life’s goal. I love all the answers because a name and location means so much more than a number. And for all of you that took the time to let me know how much you love the blog, that was priceless.
I set out to send out some love and it was returned 100 fold. So, once again, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The winners are:
Susan from Campbell, CA
Jennifer from Hartford Connecticut
Donna from Anderson, CA
Terry Lee from Gilbert, AZ
Karen from Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
All winners were selected by a random number generator.
Just for fun, these are some of the places that we heard from:
Argentina
Austria
Australia
Bangladesh
Belgium
Bosina
Bolivia
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chilie
Croatia
Czech Republic
Cyprus
Curacao
Denmark
Dubai
England
Estonia
Finland
Fiji Islands
France
Ghana
Germany
Greece
Guam
Hawaii
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Israel
Jamaica
Jordan
South Korea
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rica
Qatar
Romania
Scotland
Serbia
Singapore
Slovenia
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
Wales
USA
Stephanie wrote on November 12, 2013
Wow!! This list is incredible. Many blessings to you!
lois Doporcyk wrote on November 12, 2013
So happy your so happy Susan – you do so much.
I did not enter as I have the books already and did not want to get greedy : ) Congrats to the winners
enjoy!
Susan wrote on November 12, 2013
Thank you, Miki, Jackie and Johanna! It really is so fun.
Johanna Woodbury wrote on November 12, 2013
That’s really wonderful. Thanks for all of your talents.
jackie wrote on November 12, 2013
I am rejoicing with you!!!! Keep up the good work.
Miki wrote on November 12, 2013
Awesome! And congratulations to the winners!
Dana Reeves wrote on November 12, 2013
SUCH an impressive list! I always look forward to your new posts. 🙂
Susan wrote on November 12, 2013
Thanks so much, Dana! I am so thrilled!
Amanda wrote on November 12, 2013
Yay!! Just bought your book! I love that there are sooooo many photos! I love cook books with photos.
Susan wrote on November 12, 2013
Glad you like it, Amanda!
Lyne wrote on November 12, 2013
Wow, to see the list of countries is really impressive!
I didn’t leave a message last time but I am one of the 200 000 people who read your blog. I’m from Québec, Canada, and I love your blog because everytime I read it, it motivates me to keep trying to eat healthier and gives me ideas to fulfill my meat-lover daughter!
Keep doing what you do!
Lyne
Susan wrote on November 12, 2013
Thank you so much, Lyne!