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
Emma wrote on November 12, 2013
I so agree! I love “meeting” people through blogging and it’s nice to know people are reading (via the numbers) but comments are completely different.
I’ve been reading rawmazing for a long time and hope it continues for many years to come!
Susan wrote on November 12, 2013
Thank you so much, Carmen, Carolyn and Chris. Such lovely words….so appreciated!
Susan wrote on November 12, 2013
Thank you Lois and Stephanie!
Susan wrote on November 12, 2013
Sparky…I couldn’t agree more! I will have to make some travel plans!
Chris Olmoguez wrote on November 12, 2013
I did not enter your contest but I use your Rawmazing Cookbooks all the time. You are great! Congratulations on such a successful contest. I am so impressed by your visitors from around the world! You should be very proud of yourself for your hard work but mainly for your sincere devotion and dedication to Rawmazing! I think we all love you!!!
Carolyn wrote on November 12, 2013
P.S. I’m buying several of your cookbooks. One for myself and the others as gifts. How’s THAT for showing appreciation for you, your time and talent?! 🙂
Carolyn wrote on November 12, 2013
Sending a hug your way, Susan! I also want to tell you I look forward to your blogs. Seriously. I told you once before, but I’ll say it again: not only are the recipes interesting, different, fabulous, and amazing – but the photos are just as wonderful. BRAVO! I have started my own recipe books (binders) with recipes I have printed off, and numerous favorites are yours. 🙂 So consider yourself hugged and appreciated!
Carmen Links wrote on November 12, 2013
Thank you Susan for your beautiful and inspiring recipes and posts. And congratulations on your success, you deserve it. Have a great and healthy evening!
Sparky wrote on November 12, 2013
That would make for a great travel/food series, raw food from around the world!