Traffic here has been somewhat down …
… and I wonder why. It had been stable for years and years, but has dropped off about twenty or twenty-five percent.
Maybe people on the right are taking a breather, now that Trump has been elected.
Maybe it’s just the usual summer downturn, although it started before the summer and just a couple of months after his election.
Maybe I’ve become boring.
Maybe blogs are passé, even among the more – ahem, mature readership in which I seem to specialize.
I also worry that – for the same reason of an older readership – some unknown number of readers have died or are ill. So folks, please take good care of yourselves and stay healthy! And I say that not just for selfish reasons.
Let’s hope it’s just decreased bot/DDoS activity — you’re still one of my daily check-ins.
Maybe it’s just a case of summer activities as you said. Occam’s Razor. More time outdoors and less indoors. You’re certainly as interesting as ever but you may be on to something about the extreme energy exerted in the run-up to the election and the whirlwind of Trump activities since he assumed command. Sometimes people just need a breather and a chance to savor some of the long-awaited victories. I think it’s a combination of all of the above and will change when cooler weather sets in or something dramatic happens.
Substack.
I rarely miss a day reading Neo but had cut back on posting without realizing it. Still not sure why but just don’t feel like it most of the time.
An amazing number of my cohort, I am mid 80’s, have died. It has reached the point that when I think of a name I often check for obituaries, and often find one.
I think humans will be facing situations that they have never contemplated as AI matures and humanoid robots become affordable. The Democrat Party is destroying itself, the number who identify as Independents is growing rapidly. The stage is set for a period like the 1850’s with an entirely new party forming to handle the challenges posed by the explosion of technology. I think it will involve some sort of UBI. I think small nuclear will emerge as the power source, with tens of thousands operating.
neo, you have *not* “become boring” at all.
I’ve mentioned it before and it bears repeating: I (and so many of us) thoroughly appreciate the time and effort you devote to these blog posts. Thank you very much, and we pray you’ll not let up [until/unless personal circumstances may so dictate, in which case, we’ve got your back].
I don’t have a high traffic blog to being with, and lately there have been so many spiders (I assume scraping for AI material) visiting it that my actual traffic is buried as nothing but noise on the signal.
The lovely Neo, you have not become boring. I am sure that I’m part of that 20-25% figure. For me, I keep up with things, thanks to you and others, but instead of daily tracking I might only check-in 3-4 times a week. For me it feels like a psychic overload after all these years to pay so much attention to culture and politics. I find myself out in nature more, paying more attention to things of the spirit and relationships. I still read your posts, and comments, just not daily. Probably just an age thing.
Blogs are definitely passé. To what degree the um older crowd is affected by that I don’t know, but some effect would not be surprising. And MollyG is right that Substack is the current cool thing, which could be a factor.
Neo, your blog is one of the ones I read most consistently: Both you and Ann Althouse have the incredible talent to identify and highlight topics that are of real interest to me — even if I don’t realize it until I start reading. And your comment section is equally high-quality.
I have no insight about the drop in traffic.
For what it’s worth, I’m mid-sixties, from Canada. I have no idea where that falls in your average reader profile.
Anyway, looking forward to what comes next. Thanks for all the interesting writing.
Not boring! I read everything you write. It stimulates me
I do read you by pulling blog, as with all my daily reads. I don’t know if that does or does not impact your stats, but I will drop by your site daily in case it does.
Neo,
Your “home” is the one place where I feel there’s still sanity in the world. Moving to Florida also helped after 40 years in nutty New England. How you stand to be there shows your strength.
We will stay with you.
I love your blog and read it every day. Keep going!
Speaking for myself, my engagement online is down overall. This is on purpose on my part and not a reflection of my opinion of you and the other sites I visit.
Neo, I think it is people taking a breather, and some sighs of relief that things that could have happened in the past 10 months didn’t come to pass.
You’re one of my daily “go to” sites, and I enjoy your work tremendously.
My demographics: male, married, 71 years of age, recently retired from a “STEM” job.
Your blog is a daily must read. I shall be here as long as it exists.
I visit everyday, often more than once, to keep up with new posts and comments. You are one of my important Blogs.
I’m in my mid-60’s and have been reading your blog close to daily since you started. I appreciate the work you put into it and the intelligence of your commenter.
Whatever happened to “Artfldgr”?
This blog is great.
I notice less comments on other blogs. Wonder if they are experiencing less traffic.
Neo- your blog is not boring and I access daily. I don’t comment unless I have something to add to the discussion.
I have a core group of sites that I visit regularly but only comment here and on PJMedia. My reading is up since I have a medical issue and have limited my activities.
I lost my voice so commenting on sites keeps my brain active.
I’m a regular reader, but very rarely comment. Does that make a difference?
Yours is a daily stop, and don’t have that many dailies. Just don’t always post something unless it hits a nerve sometimes.
This blog is definitely not boring. I read this one every day and it is among the first I check.
Cliff,
My traffic is way down also.
Mike
You are among the “must read” blogs on my daily perambulation through the world of internet opinion generation. That is because you are among the most rational and perceptive bloggers I have encountered. Well, except for your love of ballet. But I forgive you for that. Chacun a son gout and all. Please do not be discouraged and do keep up your posting. You would be greatly missed.
Neo, let me assure you that you have not become boring. I am a long time reader and it’s been a long time since I wrote, I check your writing everyday. The last time I wrote was when Trump ran for president in 2016. I suggested that Trump had a lot in common with pj oroarke as to why he was conservative. To paraphrase, I am a conservative in my politics so that I may free in my lifestyle. I suggested that Trump would surprise to you to the upside. I am pleased that it turned out such. Keep fighting the good fight with words that a few such as you can find
Neo, you are wonderful blogger and I check you posts daily. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for your selected topics and insights. I don’t often comment but I want to reassure you that I really price your blog.
The drop-off maybe due to the fact that this is not an Election Year. After last year’s intense Election, I took a break from the internet. But I value your work!
Still reading, probably posting more than I used to.
You are not boring. I have read your blog almost every day since 2007. I’m probably on the lower age range of your regular viewers at 55. I was in my late 30s when I started reading you !
Probably since Trump got elected some people on our side of the spectrum are more relaxed about politics and not checking in as much.
And probably some people dying .
It seems to me there are a lot of older people making comments on the Fox News Website.
I wish more of them would find you. Fox is not as deep thinking on their articles as you are generally.
Fewer and fewer young people read, I imagine that’s the primary driver; the blog-reading population ages and things out.
I started reading Instapundit in 2003, that was the first blog I regularly read. I was in my mid-twenties then. Few blogs from before 2010 are still around–easy to check by clicking links on neo’s blogroll. Definitely the appeal of blogs is getting to be more selective.
Elderly daily reader here. All you do, and also those who comment, much appreciated.
I read almost every posting every day. I also read a lot of the comments. I rarely comment myselt. I also read the Wall Street Journal, mostly the editorials every day. I don’t read anything else regularly. I also contribute $$ to Neo regularly. I want to encourage her to keep writing her important insights on the very important issues. I also like her posting on the arts.
We all owe you a debt of gratitude for your selected topics and insights.
Yes, what Bobby said.
Neo, I read you every day, just don’t comment.
You are most definitely not boring. Clear eyed and fun. Cannnot beat that.
Gun sales are way down – Coincidence
We are relaxing when we should be vigilant.
Neo, I’m a daily reader and will continue. And actually I rather enjoy your posts on ballet as I know zilch about the art and how things are done. I now have greater respect for the art. Your comments on the athleticism of the performers has been very enlightening.
Can you comment on the book project?
I check several times a day, most every day and read most all your posts and the majority of the comments. There are only 3 other blogs I read with any regularity and I rarely read comments on those sites.
In other words, you, neo, are the cat’s pajamas. As are your readers. Interesting that several others with blogs said their readership is also down. ?
Perhaps a trend unrelated to you, or your content?
I appreciate the community here. You are a talented writer with intelligent observations.
Keep up the good work neo!
Traffic was way up here in Monterey.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RvYcIWkEyRU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW5nW-ND3U4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK63U8gO1lc
Too many dweebs with cameras, and millions to throw around. I’m leaving town next year.
I’m mid 70s, check for items of interest at least once daily.
Is it possible that the perma-post about the book is discouraging some possible readers who see the same thing every time and just quit visiting (despite the plea to scroll down)?
It doesn’t stop me, but I’m a stubborn old cuss.
I read this blog daily but comment not at all. Keep it up
I didn’t write this post in order to elicit compliments – but I do indeed appreciate them. Thanks!
Sad: My post about 15 minutes ago disappeared.
I got busy reading all the others, and did not notice.
Let’s see if i can repeat it:
I’m 64, and love your writings! And many commenters!
Sadly, I can usually only drop by at night, so my comments often don’t matter.
Also: as at least one other reader, I’ve wanted to donate but do not trust PayPal.
And on moving to Substack: most writers that I’ve looked at request or require too much money to subscribe.
I still truly value your posts and commenters, immensely! Just wish I could send an occasional check, to be a better supporter.
Roll-aid:
I paused work on the poetry book when my ex-husband got so sick, which then took up a lot of my free time. I was already about 3/4 finished with the book, but I need to get back to it soon.
West TX Intermediate Crude:
That’s a good idea. Orders for the essay book have dwindled down to a trickle, so I should remove that post from the top of the blog and see if it affects anything.
Neo, thanks for encouraging us to stay healthy, even if partly for selfish reasons. 🙂 And the same to you!
I come here every day, usually several times. I admit that I don’t read some of your posts which don’t interest me.
James Fitch, what do you mean by “pulling blog”?
Not boring at all Neo. I still read yours daily, however I have noticed that I am reading fewer blogs these days. Yours and Powerline are now the only two that I read daily, and this is the only blog where I tend to read all of the comments.
Thank you, Neo, for this blog. Been here since the beginning and will be reading until my last breath.
Read every day, but my wife requires a lot of my attention now that she’s losing her memory. I have less time to comment. 🙁
You and so many of the commenters here are well educated, witty, insightful, and informative. I’ve learned a lot. For that I am very grateful.
My impression is that the average reader here is 70ish, and not getting younger, and while (I hope) not dying off, at a stage in life where “stuff happens.” And blogs are not attracting the next generation to replace the current one. In my case, I’ve been dealing with family matters–nothing dire, just time-consuming–while still working at a demanding job. So while I still check in to the three blogs I follow, it’s definitely more sporadic and much less commenting, and certainly not specific to this blog, which is just as interesting as ever.
Marlene,
Your comments matter. I see them but don’t often comment on comments left overnight. AesopFan is another late night commenter whose comments I often see the next day.
Your blog is by far one my favorite places to read your posts, the comments, and to post. It’s a blessed relief to visit here, considering how so many other Internet sites and blogs and forums and so forth have degenerated into nonsense and pools of rage for the sake of rage (and that’s increasingly true on both sides of the political aisle. The Breitbart comments sections are often not much more coherent or rational than Salon, these days.)
I don’t post as often as I otherwise would, just because of time constraints in my own life. But make no mistake, NewNew is not boring! It’s an oasis of sanity.
It’s a rare day when I don’t check in. You and the commenters are a worthwhile read. Much appreciated.
The results are in! Neo don’t stop!
I come to the site every day – usually late in the day and also, on HST.
Neo, you and your commenters are the best.
If I could only take one blog to a desert island it would be yours.
Uh, Wait!
Neo: you are the best, and no day is complete without a visit to your blog. Your thoughts are clear; you care about the right stuff; you explain things well; your tone is measured but never dull. And you share (here’s hoping your ex regains his health).
PS: the blog is a watering hole of intellect and knowledge and wit, with terrific commenters. Let’s keep this party going.
I love your blog but come intermittently. Thank you for having it
I’m 55 and have been reading for 20 years. I’m happy to say you still have the ability to surprise me, which is why I keep reading.
Would it help if I cut out the wisecracks?
Rufus, thank you!
And back at you, muchly. … 😎
Ditto Owen’s comment at 5:09, too.
You are one of my regular stops in my inter-tube travels. Thank You and please keep up the good work.
I still mourn the loss of many bloggers that helped shape my thoughts or shared valuable news. I’m still looking for voices to replace them, some are irreplaceable.
I’m in my early 70’s and we don’t have a television in this house, if that makes any difference to the demographers
The site has been slow to load the past few days, so I surf on a separate tab while waiting…
I try to check in just about every week or two. There seems to be a lot to follow on X & substack. Believe me it’s not you, you’re site is fine, but there’s a lot of info out there. Keep pluggin’!
Been reading since neoneocon days, almost daily. Me nolo commentum save for this. DON’T QUIT!
I guess I’m young around here at 48! I discovered Instapundit shortly after 9/11 and immersed myself in blogs. Can’t recall exactly when I found yours (maybe 2005ish?) but eventually my consumption of blogs and politics faded and more of my time was spent on work related research (I do investment management for corporate pension plans, always something new in markets). I’d still check in on Instapundit now and then and always read Richard Fernandez at the Belmont Club, but that was it. Then Oct 7th happened and it brought me back here as a daily reader. I guess last few weeks I’ve been checking in only once a day instead of multiple now that I think about it, but I don’t know why that is.
Paul S.:
You younguns have busy lives 🙂 .
Blogs are sometimes divided into “linkers” and “thinkers”. The former would be Instapundit, Lucianne, Rantburg. Neo’s place is a “thinker”. And my favorite.
Given various issues under discussion, I figure I’m only a few years older than our hostess. Doc says I’m in good shape for eighty, which is good news but not a compliment. I have friends and acquaintances not doing as well. So it’s possible some are gone.
I love this blog. I will recommend it to certain thoughtful friends.
I’m 69 but my doctor says I’m healthy so, I expect I’ll be reading your posts 1st first everyday (right before my 2nd favorite: Powerline) for as long as you’re still posting.
Thank you so much for all that you’ve already posted. You are not just a blogger. You are a top notch journalist.
I suspect many other longtime traditional bloggers are feeling the effect of Substack’s continuing fast growth along with the expansion in podcasts and other offerings. We are overwhelmed with an embarrassment of riches. Given all this development it is difficult for one to maintain the level of allegiance one has had with some favorite blog sites for so long.
@neo: Maybe people on the right are taking a breather, now that Trump has been elected.
That would be my guess. Emotions on both sides drive much online participation. I notice we haven’t seen many of our old trolls around either.
So folks, please take good care of yourselves and stay healthy!
That’s the plan!
Very occasional commenter, frequent reader; NOT BORING! Also like the comments here more than any other site….
It was the perma post for me, have been visiting and enjoying the blog for a number of years, but I do think having that long, never changing post up for so long discouraged me from scrolling manually.
I agree with Andy on the permapost. I have you on my daily tab pile, so the page opens automatically, but having the same post on top for so long that’s big enough to fill the whole first screen makes it look like the site’s archived or stopped. It’s important to keep Gerard’s book available, but there might be a different way to do that.
Re Gerard’s book – put a link below your header next to “bio” or on the side. Keep his name active in your blog.
It is sad. I’ve been taking cruises for several years. Over the past 3-4 years I’ve noticed that the inventory of pre-owned Rolex watches has exploded in ship’s stores and jewelry stores in the islands. I can only think that Baby Boomers are dying off and the watches are being sold instead of kept by the children.
I’m still here which, considering the changes in my health, says something.
Not boring, no. Yet… substack. Their mail list feature have created a platform that so many other good voices are writing at.
Most of the great work you did 10-5-2 years ago, I wasn’t finding in MSM nor twitter, nor PJ media/townhall/ instapundit. Now there’s a huge amount of substack posts which are often like your posts, honest analysis of true facts, with opinions about the future.
And I’m ready for a wider range of subjects. I used to read ALL the posts and most comments, but as I reduced my comment reading & commenting, I’m reading here less. Also summer vacation & grandkids & wife & kids & games.
In absolute terms, you’re stayed great, but lots of others have hugely improved.
The site’s been buggy lately. Often has difficulty loading.
At times — many times — MicroSoft Windows seems like my enemy. After some kind of internet update my main browser went wacko on Aug 12th. Using a less-liked browser since then — absent my usual bookmarks — I tried to keep up with my usual habit of reading NewNeo — but I was less consistent given the lack of bookmark. Yesterday, August 30, my main browser updated successfully — so now I am playing catch-up on my NewNeo reading. Thank goodness! I wonder if MicroSoft Windows temporality sabotaged anyone else’s automatic reading habits. This blog IS a must-read.